December 2012 BRONX/RIVERDALE FREE Family Where Every Child Matters Holiday bliss mellow 21 solutions Families after the hurricane Visiting the grandparents
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1 ACADEMY 24 32 Hostos College for Kids � IMPROVE ACADEMICS! PLAY THE PIANO OR THE 2013 TEST PREP ACADEMY GUITAR! DANCE! SWIM! LEARN A FOREIGN Features columns LANGUAGE AND SO MUCH MORE! The College for FOR ELAAND MATH EXAMS Kids Saturday Academy is designed to fit your 6 The holiday trap 12 The Book Worm Don’t despair! Tips to keep on smiling By Terri Schlichenmeyer child's personal needs and style. With over 45 amidst the stress of the seasonal rush Make the Best of Spring Break! College for Kids classes ranging from reading, By Christina Katz 16 Mommy 101 Prepare Elementary & Intermediate school students, writing and math to the arts, and etiquette to By Angelica Seradova 3rd-8th grade, that are scheduled to take the ELA exam nutrition, your child will be amazed at how 8 Holidays after the hurricane As displaced families rebuild their lives 18 Dear Teacher on April 16 and April 18, 2013 and the Mathematics much fun school can be! Sign up for any 4 exam on April 24 and April 26, 2013. after Sandy, ways New Yorkers can help by Peggy Gisler and classes and save over $100. Classes run from By Marie Hueston Marge Eberts Test Prep Academy for Elementary/Intermediate Students 9am to 4pm. Don't forget to take advantage of 22 Ask an Attorney This class is designed to teach children important test-taking the High School Tutorials designed to prepare 10 Stranded at the airport Tips for surviving a canceled flight with By Alison Arden Besunder, Esq. techniques. Teachers will provide test-taking tips and strategies your teen for Regents Exams. 26 along with advice on note-taking and studying. These methods your family 28 Growing Up Online are then applied on daily practice tests. Test results will be By Heather Van Deest by Carolyn Jabs reviewed with students, providing them with important feedback. 14 Keep your baby safe at 36 Good Sense Eating Saturday Academy runs from Grandma’s house by Christine M. Palumbo, RD March 25 - March 29, 2013 Don’t forget, a new location can mean 9am to 3pm 30 hrs. February 23 - May 4, 2013 new dangers 38 New & Noteworthy By Lisa J. Curtis $349 9am-4pm By Kiki Bochi 20 Longing to be lean What to do if you suspect your teen has calendar Option I 5% discount with two class registrations an eating disorder 3 DISCOUNT OPTIONS AVAILABLE: Option II 10% discount with three class registrations By Risa C. Doherty 32 December Events � Option III 15% discount with four class registrations 24 When a child is sick for the (Option III cost at 15% discount: $595 swimming not included, $635 swimming included) holidays special sections Adapting your family celebrations in times of illness 17 Education Directory College for Kids Summer Academy By Lara Krupicka 37 Party Planners Early Bird Registration 26 The joy of getting 37 The Marketplace Learning why receiving is important for Call to Register 718-518-6656 giving By Meagan J. Meehan Tel 718-518-6656 Fax 718-518-6744 cedu hostos.cuny.edu 30 The busy season @ How to prepare your special-needs child 560 Exterior Street, Bronx, New York 10451 www.hostos.cuny.edu/contedu for the holidays 14 By Rebecca McKee
December 2012 • BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY 3 Letter from the publisher After hurricane, community his is certainly of our citizens will rise As a larger community we will and pleasure of printing throughout not the column to the occasion to lend need to relocate, house, nurture, our city. We happily have a parent T I had in mind a hand, a heart, and and be gentle with adults and chil- guide in every borough, going to for this issue just a few their energy. dren who have lost a great deal and every neighborhood, in every com- weeks ago, but that From lower Manhat- who have survived through tremen- munity. We will continue to support was before Sandy blew tan to Red Hook, from dous upheaval and stress. We are our neighbors in every way we can into town and uplifted Sheepshead Bay to capable of this and we have shown and New York Parenting Media will our surrounding wa- Howard Beach, from in the past that we can and will do be there to bring continued infor- ters. That was before City Island to the Rock- this. We have taken hits before, all mation about our families and our the coastal bliss turned aways, our shoreline kinds of hits and we always find a children. We will continue to love into the home-wrecked and shores have taken way to move forward through the each other. nightmare and before the lights a hard hit, and the people who trauma, through the darkness and I thank our wonderful staff, for went out in so many parts of New inhabit them, the residences, and into the light of a new day. their hard work and creativity, and York. the businesses will not instantly be We must remember at this holi- I wish all of them and all of you a Many communities inside our reestablished. There will be contin- day time, this ending of the year Happy New Year! larger New York community are ued suffering and loss. The beaches that we are all vulnerable and that Thanks again for reading! devastated; so many families have of Staten Island and the Boardwalk our neighbors need us and will be lost their homes and their memo- of Coney Island have become rub- needing us for months to come. We ries; some things just cannot be ble and the families who lived there must also be thankful for the plenty replaced. Still, in spite of the horror will not live there anymore for now we have and for the ability we have and the punch of this storm and it’s until we sort this out, rebuild per- as a community to bounce back aftermath, we have learned that our haps, and reexamine what we need and to survive the difficult times, Susan Weiss-Voskidis, neighbors will not be abandoned; to do down the road to avoid such together and with union. Publisher/Excutive Editor we have learned that thousands catastrophe. These magazines have the honor [email protected]
STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION
PUBLISHER / EXECUTIVE EDITOR: ADVERTISING: WEB OR PRINT ADDRESS Susan Weiss (718) 260-4554 New York Parenting Media/CNG PUBLISHER / BUSINESS MANAGER: [email protected] or 1 Metrotech Center North Clifford Luster [email protected] 10th Floor SALES MANAGER / ADVERTISING: Brooklyn, NY 11201 Sharon Noble CIRCULATION (718) 260-8336 www.NYParenting.com OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE: [email protected] Tina Felicetti SALES REPS: Lori Falco, Sharon Leverett EDITORIAL ART DIRECTOR: Leah Mitch (718) 260-4554 [email protected] PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: On Man Tse LAYOUT MANAGER: Yvonne Farley WEB DESIGNER: Sylvan Migdal The acceptance of advertising by New York Join the conversation on Facebook. Parenting Media does not constitute an endorse- New York Parenting Media has been recognized GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Arthur Arutyunov, ment of the products, services or information for editorial and design excellence by PPA. Charlotte Carter, Mauro Deluca, Earl Ferrer being advertised. We do not knowingly present any products or services that are fraudu lent or New York Parenting Media is published monthly misleading in nature. by New York Parenting Media/CNG. Subscription MANAGING EDITOR: Vince DiMiceli rate is $35 annually. Reproduction of New York Editorial inquiries, calendar information, adver- Parenting Media in whole or part without writ- ASSISTANT EDITOR: Courtney Donahue tising rates and schedules and subscription re- ten permission from the publisher is prohibited. COPY EDITOR: Lisa J. Curtis quests may be addressed to New York Parenting All rights reserved. Copyright©2012 Readership: th Media, One Metrotech Center North, 10 Floor, 220,000. 2012 circulation audits by CAC & CVC. CALENDAR EDITORS: Joanna Del Buono, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. Danielle Sullivan New York Parenting Media can also be reached CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: by calling (718) 250-4554, emailing family@ Risa Doherty, Allison Plitt, Candi Sparks, cnglocal.com or by visiting our website, Laura Varoscak, Mary Carroll Wininger NYParenting.com. 4 BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY • December 2012 EDUCATION
sant High School as an out- LETTERS growth of this. Defend family time Kohn tells parents that their role is “to support their child’s HOMEWORK emotional, intellectual, social and moral development, not to be the school’s enforcer.” One A conversation with parents & experts Brooklyn mom echoed that sentiment, telling me of her dis- BY RISA C. DOHERTY me, although she won’t condone members her homework as “drudg- taste over acting “as the home- What is its “busywork.” ery,” views her first grader’s home- work police,” noting the stress a rent s t hroughout t he five bor- Lyss, a Manhattan mom, agrees work as “appropriate, inventive, and that even appropriate paren- oughs are debating the value of that it is important that her children creative.” tal supervision can cause in a Letter from the publisher value, and household, and aware that con- P homework and whether their do their homework and also believes Without hesitation, Bennett in- children should have more or less of in its value. dicates that she would support a stant conflict over homework, how much is it. Many parents think their children Last year, Diane Butler’s third homework ban. Her colleague Kohn coupled with some teachers’ are burdened by excessive take-home grader had almost two hours of agrees, especially with respect to fear tactics, can result in chil- assignments, while others believe the homework per night at her charter elementary school. At a minimum, dren hating school. too much? homework reinforces important con- school in the Bronx. Her daughter he tells me he would advocate for “a Hiller notes that families with cepts and flags comprehension issues sometimes gets frustrated and is no homework default policy,” where two working parents often lose for the teacher. fearful that she will get detention if it the norm would be homework-free their after-work family time to “The consciousness around is not completed. evenings with families deciding how homework and miss the natu- From our readers homework has definitely changed. Tracy from Staten Island says, “If to spend the time, and where a rare ral interaction they should be Once you start to name a problem, the teachers are doing a good job, assignment is only permitted if it having regularly with their chil- people think about it differently,” they shouldn’t be giving [the kids] a is absolutely necessary and fosters dren. One working mom from Sara Bennett, Brooklyn co-author ton of work.” students’ interest in learning. Forest Hills told me she makes of “The Case Against Homework,” Tamara, a Manhattan mom, notes Vicki Abeles, director of the all of their homework, no questions ily and need to be brave enough to the benefit of the assignment is lost. the effort to go over all the recently shared with me. a disconnect between a parent and groundbreaking film “A Race to No- asked, schools today expect more do it,” she advises. Parents admitted to me that they homework the daughter completed in Both Bennett’s work and Alfie teacher, or between a teacher and where” would favor a ban, as well, parental supervision and are looking Suzanne noted that the problem do more than just assist with the her after school program, no matter Kohn’s book, “The Homework Myth,” child, when the homework is over- telling me, “We haven’t sounded the for more open communication with is not just in her school, but is sys- assignment, either because they be- how exhausted she is from her day. Dear editor: ment is needed. The individual cite statistics indicating that there is whelming and the issue is not being alarm loud enough when it comes to parents. Several schools’ homework temic and fear-based, telling me, “if lieve that the younger children do Still, Hiller says, “There is a place in no correlation between increased addressed. She is one of many par- the long-term health consequences guidelines even encourage parents we can’t meet the [New York State not possess the fine motor skills for the world for homework and learning homework and academic achieve- ents who understand that the solu- of the ‘busy-trap’ lives of our chil- to write a note if their children are core educational] standards without elaborate projects or because they how to organize things,” but recom- ment. Bennett tells me that convinc- tion can only come from a partner- dren” and that “we are depriving unable to complete an assignment so much homework, then we need to “want to get it out of the way.” mends it be coupled with family-im- I am so glad that your magazine teacher’s homework assignment ing parents of this can be difficult, ship with the teacher. them of the growth that comes from within a reasonable time and speak change the standards.” When my third grader’s groupings posed structure, in the form of chores since many have believed otherwise having a job, making dinner with with the teacher if it becomes a per- She says she would support a of taped pennies on plain cardboard and dinner together, as well as in- for so long. Ban homework? their families, reading for pleasure, sistent problem. Some of the parents change to do away with homework was presented alongside another formal outings and leisure activities, Kohn also claims that there is a Author Bennett indicates that and pursuing their own interests.” I spoke with did just that. before second or third grade, intro- student’s ski slope diorama perfectly which can prompt learning, as well. connection between excessive home- good teachers should be able to Both the National Education As- One parent went even further and ducing it in a reasonable amount, at engineered out of 100 toothpicks, I She is aware of the statistics Kohn and has raised the issue of the amount may be reasonable. But place that work and a loss of interest in learning, reinforce important material dur- sociation and the National Parent persuaded the teacher that certain an age when the children can work thought I was the only parent who Bennett rely upon, but believes that and that nothing more than “folk wis- ing the school day, conceding that Teacher Association recommend up regularly assigned homework was more independently. was not doing my child’s project for homework has served to provide her After hurricane, community not necessary for her child, and as a Moreover, this mom, so aggra- him. One Queens mother excused own children with good study habits. dom” supports the belief that home- homework may occasionally provide to 10 minutes of homework from work teaches self-discipline, good a bit of reinforcement, despite the Kindergarten to second grade, and result, he was no longer required to vated that the homework required parents’ over-participation, saying “Homework is not like the weather, study habits, or responsibility. statistics disassociating it from di- the National PTA recommends an ad- do it. Still, Kohn would prefer that all her attention deficit hyperactivity the child still needs to understand something to which we just have to of homework children receive. The homework in the context of the families be given the ability to “opt disorder-diagnosed child to take the concepts to present the project reconcile ourselves,” says Kohn. He rect academic success. ditional 10 minutes more per grade Reports from the In her book, Bennett stresses, thereafter. These guidelines seem to in” to receive homework, as opposed twice the suggested time, success- in class. A Brooklyn mom explains challenges parents to go beyond the homework front “Teachers receive little training in de- be echoed on many of the school’s to opting out. fully advocated for the inclusion of a the overreaching as an attempt to logistical questions related to an as- Chevion Weeks, whose children vising truly educational and meaning- individual websites, which often in- “We’re asking them to go back modification clause for children with avoid an evening of conflict and signment and inquire as to the value his is certainly of our citizens will rise As a larger community we will and pleasure of printing throughout article in your November 2012 issue six to eight subjects students take, attend a lottery school in Queens, ful assignments,” focusing attention clude nightly reading. Unfortunately, to work at the end of the work- Individualized Education Programs guarantee an A grade. of the assignment itself. He would tells me that she likes her children not just on the excessiveness of as- most of the parents I contacted were day, and I fundamentally disagree as part of her school’s guidelines. Many parents fear that their chil- even encourage parents to band to- to be challenged, as “homework will signments, but on their substance. unaware of their school’s guidelines. with that,” Suzanne, a Manhattan Hopefully, other schools will follow dren will be penalized for incom- gether to convince educators that the give them a better future.” She is “I never saw a decent, worthwhile In the meantime, absent a ban, mom remarks. She not only resents suit, allowing for down time and fam- plete or incorrect homework, so they value of homework is truly a myth. not the column to the occasion to lend need to relocate, house, nurture, our city. We happily have a parent “so pro-homework” because she be- homework assignment, and I don’t Kohn, Bennett and Abeles have the need to reserve weeknights for ily time after a long day. make sure it is handed in corrected. Ultimately, we all want the same (“Homework: A conversation with lieves that homework helped her do know if there is better homework homework, effectively eliminating Unfortunately, the teacher can’t then thing: our children to succeed. In and add in the physical education helped to draft a petition for Healthy well academically and is “a necessary [than what is now being assigned],” Homework Guidelines they hope the after school community building Who’s really tell if the child has mastered the order for that to happen, parents evil which will help children compete she says. National PTA will adopt. For more and family socialization, but also the completing the material or the parent has taught and teachers need to adopt Ben- globally.” Weeks also believes that Parents are frustrated, too, when information, go to www.change.org/ need to squeeze enrichment activi- assignments? the child that he must come home nett’s approach and recognize that I had in mind a hand, a heart, and and be gentle with adults and chil- guide in every borough, going to parents and experts”), was very or after school sports requirement, the teachers need to give homework, teachers only spot-check homework healthyhomework. ties into weekends, thereby curtail- Lori Hiller, a school social worker with top grades, no matter the cost. we are “all in this thing together.” so they can get through the new core or fail to provide feedback after a ing traditional family outings. from Brooklyn, recognizes that This mentality can have serious re- Risa C. Doherty is an award-winning curriculum and that kids will natu- long night’s struggle to complete an Parents speak up “Parents need to speak up if the sleep-deprived, anxious kids burn percussions later, as Bennett refer- freelance writer, attorney and mother of T rally “veg out” without it. assignment. Unlike years ago, when parents workload is excessive, and they need out as the evening wears on. If par- ences the recent cheating scandals two, who survived years of homework for this issue just a few their energy. dren who have lost a great deal and every neighborhood, in every com- well balanced. and the situation becomes unten- “Practice makes perfect,” she tells Still, moms like Tamara, who re- pressured their children to finish a vision for what they want as a fam- ents then complete the homework, at Harvard University and Stuyve- hassles. weeks ago, but that From lower Manhat- who have survived through tremen- munity. We will continue to support THERE IS MUCH TOO MUCH able and unhealthy. It is spirit- was before Sandy blew tan to Red Hook, from dous upheaval and stress. We are our neighbors in every way we can HOMEWORK! This issue is like the breaking. Children who once loved mother. I know children need rein- homework assignment would be to into town and uplifted Sheepshead Bay to capable of this and we have shown and New York Parenting Media will weather: everyone talks about it, school became disheartened, frus- forcement of subjects. However, ad- read a biography of Jonas Salk or our surrounding wa- Howard Beach, from in the past that we can and will do be there to bring continued infor- but no one does anything about trated, and exhausted by the work- ministrators should craft a cross- articles about homelessness. Chil- ters. That was before City Island to the Rock- this. We have taken hits before, all mation about our families and our it. Children work hard all day at load. I advocate a longer school disciplinary approach to home- dren and families need to rest after the coastal bliss turned aways, our shoreline kinds of hits and we always find a children. We will continue to love school. Then, they are expected day, or more specialized assistance work. Can’t the science teacher talk a long week and a long day. into the home-wrecked and shores have taken way to move forward through the each other. to get exercise, eat a healthy din- after school. to the language arts teacher who Every child and every family nightmare and before the lights a hard hit, and the people who trauma, through the darkness and I thank our wonderful staff, for ner, and go to bed early after every The requirement to do more talks to the sports coach? Couldn’t I know states there is too much went out in so many parts of New inhabit them, the residences, and into the light of a new day. their hard work and creativity, and school day. Those most basic (and work at home leads to sad situa- they devise a reasonable schedule homework. York. the businesses will not instantly be We must remember at this holi- I wish all of them and all of you a most important tasks) cannot be tions, like those discussed in your based on the curriculum and the Academics are very important, Many communities inside our reestablished. There will be contin- day time, this ending of the year Happy New Year! completed given the staggering article. Parents complete the work. school schedule? I advocate for but a well-rounded student needs larger New York community are ued suffering and loss. The beaches that we are all vulnerable and that Thanks again for reading! amount of homework children are Tutors are hired. Dinner is rushed. more reading, which was the para- time to de-stress, exercise, eat devastated; so many families have of Staten Island and the Boardwalk our neighbors need us and will be given. No wonder there is an obe- Bedtime is surpassed. The exces- mount emphasis in lower school. right, get rest, and not battle with lost their homes and their memo- of Coney Island have become rub- needing us for months to come. We sity crisis! Most of the afternoon sive homework requirement leads Reading is still important (and yes, family over homework! ries; some things just cannot be ble and the families who lived there must also be thankful for the plenty and evening must be spent in the to fights and discord between over- they must read textbooks). Thank you again for your consid- replaced. Still, in spite of the horror will not live there anymore for now we have and for the ability we have sedentary task of homework and worked and fatigued parent and How about more creative, man- eration of this topic. and the punch of this storm and it’s until we sort this out, rebuild per- as a community to bounce back study. child. ageable, even relaxing homework? Sincerely, aftermath, we have learned that our haps, and reexamine what we need and to survive the difficult times, Susan Weiss-Voskidis, Certainly, academic reinforce- I am a tutor, a teacher, and a For instance, a good weekend Carla Warne-Marino, Manhattan neighbors will not be abandoned; to do down the road to avoid such together and with union. Publisher/Excutive Editor we have learned that thousands catastrophe. These magazines have the honor [email protected]
STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION
PUBLISHER / EXECUTIVE EDITOR: ADVERTISING: WEB OR PRINT ADDRESS Susan Weiss (718) 260-4554 New York Parenting Media/CNG 620 Isham Street New York, NY 10034 212.567.5800 www.gsschoolnyc.org PUBLISHER / BUSINESS MANAGER: [email protected] or 1 Metrotech Center North Clifford Luster [email protected] 10th Floor SALES MANAGER / ADVERTISING: Brooklyn, NY 11201 Our Early Childhood Education Program (3 & 4 year olds) is conducted in a modern and nurturing setting Sharon Noble CIRCULATION (718) 260-8336 www.NYParenting.com by experienced professionals dedicated to guiding your child to success. We welcome children of all faiths. OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE: [email protected] Tina Felicetti Early Drop-off program allows parents to drop-off students at 7:00am. and our After-School Program extends the day until 6:30pm. SALES REPS: Lori Falco, Sharon Leverett EDITORIAL ART DIRECTOR: Leah Mitch (718) 260-4554 [email protected] CALL TODAY! PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: On Man Tse MENTION THIS AD AND LAYOUT MANAGER: Yvonne Farley RECEIVE A FREE GIFT WEB DESIGNER: Sylvan Migdal The acceptance of advertising by New York Join the conversation on Facebook. Parenting Media does not constitute an endorse- New York Parenting Media has been recognized Competitive and selective GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Arthur Arutyunov, ment of the products, services or information for editorial and design excellence by PPA. Charlotte Carter, Mauro Deluca, Earl Ferrer being advertised. We do not knowingly present Early Childhood Education any products or services that are fraudu lent or New York Parenting Media is published monthly misleading in nature. by New York Parenting Media/CNG. Subscription program overseen by Dr. MANAGING EDITOR: Vince DiMiceli rate is $35 annually. Reproduction of New York Patricia Vardin, Professor of Editorial inquiries, calendar information, adver- Parenting Media in whole or part without writ- ASSISTANT EDITOR: Courtney Donahue tising rates and schedules and subscription re- ten permission from the publisher is prohibited. Early Childhood Education at COPY EDITOR: Lisa J. Curtis quests may be addressed to New York Parenting All rights reserved. Copyright©2012 Readership: th Manhattanville College. Media, One Metrotech Center North, 10 Floor, 220,000. 2012 circulation audits by CAC & CVC. CALENDAR EDITORS: Joanna Del Buono, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. Danielle Sullivan New York Parenting Media can also be reached Conveniently located near highways (Henry Hudson Parkway & Major Deegan Expressway) CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: by calling (718) 250-4554, emailing family@ and multiple subway (A & No. 1) and bus routes (BX 7, BX 12, BX 20, BxM 1 & M100) Risa Doherty, Allison Plitt, Candi Sparks, cnglocal.com or by visiting our website, Laura Varoscak, Mary Carroll Wininger NYParenting.com. December 2012 • BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY 5 HOLIDAYS The holiday trap BY CHRISTINA KATZ loved ones often. Every time you feel Don’t despair! stressed, hug or get hugged. Your re you excited about the holi- Holiday films holiday stress will melt away. Tips to keep days, but dreading the end- s 3 T A Y HEALTHY Put holiday- A of-year rush? Enjoy these fun family movies scented soaps by every sink and If so, you are not alone. Most par- with your kids this year: encourage plenty of hand washing. on smiling ents approach the season with equal “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Install a bottle of hand sanitizer next parts excitement and trepidation, “Home Alone” to every box of tissues. Chase every which can lead to difficulties with “How The Grinch Stole Christ- “Ah-choo!” away. (But stock up on amidst the decision making from moment to mas” cold medicines, just in case, to avoid moment. That’s why I’ve created this “A Christmas Story” midnight trips to the market.) stress of the list of 21 reminders to help you pre- “The Polar Express” s , I G H T E N UP Twinkling lights serve your family’s good cheer all “The Year Without A Santa create a comforting mood. Don’t the way through the most wonderful Claus” limit shimmery lights to the tree seasonal rush time of the year. and outdoor eves. If it sounds s ' O FOR GOOD ENOUGH If you have And don’t miss these movies you fun, bring some sparkle into an idea in your mind of the “perfect” can snuggle by: “A Christmas Carol” the kid’s bedrooms, as well holiday, you may be disappointed “Love, Actually” “The Nightmare Before Christ- as yours. when your imperfect brood can’t “Home For the Holidays” mas” s 4A K E A DEEP BREATH uphold your image. Aim for “good “It’s a Wonderful Life” “When Harry Met Sally” Bring some uplifting scents enough” instead. You’ll smile more into your cleaning routine. if you can let unimportant things Check out the Mrs. Meyers — like slightly burnt cookies, lights cleaning service in mid December senses, and the warmth will spread brand of earth-friendly clean- that won’t blink in unison, and late and in mid January to bookend the through your belly and soothe your ing supplies. Your home and holiday cards — slide. holidays, even if you don’t use one frazzled cheer. laundry will smell winter won- s * U S T HIT DELETE If you think your the rest of the year? Consider it a s ' E T BAZAAR Take the whole fam- derful. holiday schedule is grossly over- holiday present to yourself. ily to a local holiday craft bazaar. s %NJOY SPREADING CHEER loaded, call a family meeting and s (UM YOUR FAVORITE TUNES Haul Look for gifts for teachers and other Save the annual holiday letter vote on what to scratch off of your out your seasonal music early before folks who enrich your family life. composing and Christmas card joint to-do list. Decide what you you tire of the omnipresent Muzak Give each child a spending limit and address labeling for when you can don’t want to do first. Then, decide that is sure to come. Load up your enjoy interacting with the vendors. carve out time to relax and enjoy what matters most to each family smartphone or iPod and carry head- Plan to spend a couple of hours the process. And don’t try to do it member. A one-gift-per-family-mem- phones in your purse to jolly things browsing, so you can soak up all the all yourself. Break the job down into ber tradition might be a sanity-sav- up when you are ticking chores and creative energy. steps and enlist the whole family. Re- ing plan that sticks. errands off of your to-do list. If your s 4A K E Line up winter reads member: taking everything on with- s # A L L IN FRESH RECRUITS Even if old faves are getting overplayed, jazz from the library or download them out helpers is naughty, not nice. you don’t normally hire a house- up your playlist with some fresh onto your e-reader. Encourage the s 1UESTION TRADITION Traditions cleaner, you probably could use downloads or albums. (See sidebar.) whole family to take 30 minutes a are wonderful, but let’s face it — s $ECK THE some help now. Why not call in a s 3 H O P THE PLAN First, the plan: day to relax and read. Collections sometimes even the fondest can be- BATHROOM Hang write down the names of everyone of short stories or essays are good come tired. So, if you don’t feel like up some scented you truly want to give to and what choices for moms with very young tromping around all afternoon hunt- pomanders. Bring in Holiday tunes you think they would like. Then, or multiple children. This is a great ing for the most splendiferous ever- donate time to help lots of little candles (be- shop: keep the list in your wallet way for everyone to decompress green on the tree farm or frying the the less fortunate dur- yond the reach of little hands, Tired of those holiday songs you to jog your memory when hunting after a busy day. most perfect potato latkes, buy a pre- ing holiday time. Give time of course). Look for winter-scented hear over and over? This season, down a gift for each person you cher- s "RING -OTHER .ATURE INSIDE cut tree at your local grocery store or later during a less hectic time of year. bath indulges in juniper, cedar, or check out these refreshingly differ- ish. For store shopping, pay cash, Pine cones, holly, evergreen boughs, pick up latkes at the deli instead. Use There are people in need throughout tage of it and put the kids to bed an musk. Sink into a bubble bath won- ent tunes and albums: so you won’t overspend. For online twigs, and poinsettias all remind us saved time to enjoy tree trimming or every season, after all. hour earlier than normal. There’s the derland. Forget your name for 10 “Cool Yule” by Bette Midler shopping, search for coupons before that there is life hibernating under- dreidel playing instead. s 3 O C K IT TO EM Don’t wait until extra hour you need to keep some minutes. “A Christmas Cornucopia” by ordering and act early for cheaper neath that blanket of snow or wicked s # R E A T E CLASSIC MEMORIES Play the temperature hits zero to stock hustle in your holiday muscle, or at You’ll feel more holly jolly if you Annie Lenox shipping. frost. Gather reminders of the sea- hooky from holiday prep for the day up on slippers and socks. You’ll keep least wrap some presents without can get calm and stay centered all “O, Holy Night” by Jackie Ev- “A Swinging Christmas, Featur- s 3 I P YOUR WAY TO HEAVEN When son from your backyard or local and go ice-skating or frolic in the your heating bills down and your kids interruption. holiday season long. Happy holy ancho ing The Count Basie Band” by you are having a hectic day, take a garden shop and decorate the front snow with your kids. Drink hot choco- smiling if everyone in your brood s 0 O P PLENTY OF CORN Line up holi- days! “And Winter Came” by Enya Tony Bennett time-out. Warm up or buy an extra- hall, mantle, and stairway. Remem- late. Take lots of family photos. Build has warm tootsies as the mercury day movie classics in your mail-order Christina Katz is a freelance writer “James Taylor at Christmas” by “A Lovely Way To Spend Christ- hot cup of chai tea with a spritz of ber: simple is as merry as ornate. a fire. Goof off. Enjoy the grins. plunges. DVD queue. Watch some with the kids who adores the holidays. Her latest book James Taylor mas” by Kristin Chenoweth whipped cream on top. The spices s (UGGY HOLIDAYS Use “Happy s 3 A V E IT FOR A HEAT WAVE If you s ( I T THE HAY HARDER There’s less and some with your honey in the wee is “The Writer’s Workout” from Writer’s will put you back in touch with your holidays!” as an excuse to hug your are really feeling a time crunch, don’t light during the winter. Take advan- hours. See sidebar for movie ideas. Digest Books.
6 BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY • December 2012 HOLIDAYS The holiday trap BY CHRISTINA KATZ loved ones often. Every time you feel Don’t despair! stressed, hug or get hugged. Your re you excited about the holi- Holiday films holiday stress will melt away. Tips to keep days, but dreading the end- s 3 T A Y HEALTHY Put holiday- A of-year rush? Enjoy these fun family movies scented soaps by every sink and If so, you are not alone. Most par- with your kids this year: encourage plenty of hand washing. on smiling ents approach the season with equal “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Install a bottle of hand sanitizer next parts excitement and trepidation, “Home Alone” to every box of tissues. Chase every which can lead to difficulties with “How The Grinch Stole Christ- “Ah-choo!” away. (But stock up on amidst the decision making from moment to mas” cold medicines, just in case, to avoid moment. That’s why I’ve created this “A Christmas Story” midnight trips to the market.) stress of the list of 21 reminders to help you pre- “The Polar Express” s , I G H T E N UP Twinkling lights serve your family’s good cheer all “The Year Without A Santa create a comforting mood. Don’t the way through the most wonderful Claus” limit shimmery lights to the tree seasonal rush time of the year. and outdoor eves. If it sounds s ' O FOR GOOD ENOUGH If you have And don’t miss these movies you fun, bring some sparkle into an idea in your mind of the “perfect” can snuggle by: “A Christmas Carol” the kid’s bedrooms, as well holiday, you may be disappointed “Love, Actually” “The Nightmare Before Christ- as yours. when your imperfect brood can’t “Home For the Holidays” mas” s 4A K E A DEEP BREATH uphold your image. Aim for “good “It’s a Wonderful Life” “When Harry Met Sally” Bring some uplifting scents enough” instead. You’ll smile more into your cleaning routine. if you can let unimportant things Check out the Mrs. Meyers — like slightly burnt cookies, lights cleaning service in mid December senses, and the warmth will spread brand of earth-friendly clean- that won’t blink in unison, and late and in mid January to bookend the through your belly and soothe your ing supplies. Your home and holiday cards — slide. holidays, even if you don’t use one frazzled cheer. laundry will smell winter won- s * U S T HIT DELETE If you think your the rest of the year? Consider it a s ' E T BAZAAR Take the whole fam- derful. holiday schedule is grossly over- holiday present to yourself. ily to a local holiday craft bazaar. s %NJOY SPREADING CHEER loaded, call a family meeting and s (UM YOUR FAVORITE TUNES Haul Look for gifts for teachers and other Save the annual holiday letter vote on what to scratch off of your out your seasonal music early before folks who enrich your family life. composing and Christmas card joint to-do list. Decide what you you tire of the omnipresent Muzak Give each child a spending limit and address labeling for when you can don’t want to do first. Then, decide that is sure to come. Load up your enjoy interacting with the vendors. carve out time to relax and enjoy what matters most to each family smartphone or iPod and carry head- Plan to spend a couple of hours the process. And don’t try to do it member. A one-gift-per-family-mem- phones in your purse to jolly things browsing, so you can soak up all the all yourself. Break the job down into ber tradition might be a sanity-sav- up when you are ticking chores and creative energy. steps and enlist the whole family. Re- ing plan that sticks. errands off of your to-do list. If your s 4A K E Line up winter reads member: taking everything on with- s # A L L IN FRESH RECRUITS Even if old faves are getting overplayed, jazz from the library or download them out helpers is naughty, not nice. you don’t normally hire a house- up your playlist with some fresh onto your e-reader. Encourage the s 1UESTION TRADITION Traditions cleaner, you probably could use downloads or albums. (See sidebar.) whole family to take 30 minutes a are wonderful, but let’s face it — s $ECK THE some help now. Why not call in a s 3 H O P THE PLAN First, the plan: day to relax and read. Collections sometimes even the fondest can be- BATHROOM Hang write down the names of everyone of short stories or essays are good come tired. So, if you don’t feel like up some scented you truly want to give to and what choices for moms with very young tromping around all afternoon hunt- pomanders. Bring in Holiday tunes you think they would like. Then, or multiple children. This is a great ing for the most splendiferous ever- donate time to help lots of little candles (be- shop: keep the list in your wallet way for everyone to decompress green on the tree farm or frying the the less fortunate dur- yond the reach of little hands, Tired of those holiday songs you to jog your memory when hunting after a busy day. most perfect potato latkes, buy a pre- ing holiday time. Give time of course). Look for winter-scented hear over and over? This season, down a gift for each person you cher- s "RING -OTHER .ATURE INSIDE cut tree at your local grocery store or later during a less hectic time of year. bath indulges in juniper, cedar, or check out these refreshingly differ- ish. For store shopping, pay cash, Pine cones, holly, evergreen boughs, pick up latkes at the deli instead. Use There are people in need throughout tage of it and put the kids to bed an musk. Sink into a bubble bath won- ent tunes and albums: so you won’t overspend. For online twigs, and poinsettias all remind us saved time to enjoy tree trimming or every season, after all. hour earlier than normal. There’s the derland. Forget your name for 10 “Cool Yule” by Bette Midler shopping, search for coupons before that there is life hibernating under- dreidel playing instead. s 3 O C K IT TO EM Don’t wait until extra hour you need to keep some minutes. “A Christmas Cornucopia” by ordering and act early for cheaper neath that blanket of snow or wicked s # R E A T E CLASSIC MEMORIES Play the temperature hits zero to stock hustle in your holiday muscle, or at You’ll feel more holly jolly if you Annie Lenox shipping. frost. Gather reminders of the sea- hooky from holiday prep for the day up on slippers and socks. You’ll keep least wrap some presents without can get calm and stay centered all “O, Holy Night” by Jackie Ev- “A Swinging Christmas, Featur- s 3 I P YOUR WAY TO HEAVEN When son from your backyard or local and go ice-skating or frolic in the your heating bills down and your kids interruption. holiday season long. Happy holy ancho ing The Count Basie Band” by you are having a hectic day, take a garden shop and decorate the front snow with your kids. Drink hot choco- smiling if everyone in your brood s 0 O P PLENTY OF CORN Line up holi- days! “And Winter Came” by Enya Tony Bennett time-out. Warm up or buy an extra- hall, mantle, and stairway. Remem- late. Take lots of family photos. Build has warm tootsies as the mercury day movie classics in your mail-order Christina Katz is a freelance writer “James Taylor at Christmas” by “A Lovely Way To Spend Christ- hot cup of chai tea with a spritz of ber: simple is as merry as ornate. a fire. Goof off. Enjoy the grins. plunges. DVD queue. Watch some with the kids who adores the holidays. Her latest book James Taylor mas” by Kristin Chenoweth whipped cream on top. The spices s (UGGY HOLIDAYS Use “Happy s 3 A V E IT FOR A HEAT WAVE If you s ( I T THE HAY HARDER There’s less and some with your honey in the wee is “The Writer’s Workout” from Writer’s will put you back in touch with your holidays!” as an excuse to hug your are really feeling a time crunch, don’t light during the winter. Take advan- hours. See sidebar for movie ideas. Digest Books.
December 2012 • BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY 7 LOCAL
Houses on Staten Island after Hurricane Sandy hit the borough.
recalls, “but at times like that it’s hard to put on a brave face.” With the day-to-day logistics of fixing her house foremost on her mind, Borgognone is currently staying in Holidays after her brother-in-law’s basement has had little time to wonder what her holidays will look like this year or where she and her family might go to celebrate them. “I’m trying not to think about it,” she says. It’s a sentiment shared by Red the hurricane Hook, Brooklyn, resident Jolene Festa, whose family was also dis- BY MARIE HUESTON all the more challenging by the ap- placed by Hurricane Sandy. As displaced proaching holiday season. This is “I haven’t made any decisions he expression “home for the especially difficult for households about the holidays yet,” says Festa. families rebuild holidays” conjures nostalgic with young children. “Our floors, walls, doors, every- T images of family and friends Imagine yourself in Cathy Borgo- thing was destroyed. We won’t be their lives after gathered around a bountiful table. gnone’s shoes. When the mother of back in before Christmas.” On the But what if your home — and all two stood surveying her severely night of the storm, Festa and her Sandy, ways that was in it — had been badly water-damaged home in Staten husband frantically pushed tow- damaged or destroyed by Hurri- Island’s New Dorp Beach neigh- els and rolled-up carpets against cane Sandy? This is the reality for borhood, her 5-year-old son Fran- their front and back doors, trying New Yorkers thousands of New Yorkers whose cesco looked at her earnestly and to keep out the rising tide, only to homes were in the direct path of asked, “Will Santa still come to this watch in horror as water began to can help the October super storm. As they house?” seep up through the floorboards continue the arduous work of re- Borgognone’s heart sank. from their flooded basement. pairing their homes and rebuilding “Of course I told him that Santa Now living in a friend’s apart- their lives, their situation is made would find him and his sister,” she ment, Festa is doing her best to 8 BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY • December 2012
LOCAL Kids helping kids BRONX HOUSE School for Performing Arts All across the city, children musa, a fourth grader at PS have been watching their par- 58 in Carroll Gardens, Brook-
ents and other adults in the lyn, and a founding member HEILBRUNN MUSIC SCHOOL community helping people af- of the school’s charity bake Private and Group Classes for Ages 4 and Up fected by Hurricane Sandy. sale club, Cookie Kids. On a PianoGuitarVoiceViolinCelloDrums In turn, many kids are lend- single, sunny Saturday last and other Instruments ing a hand themselves. High month, the Cookie Kids raised Youth ChorusMusical Theater Workshop School sports teams have a whopping $1,300 to support Pre-School Group Music ages 18 months+ gone door-to-door offering to their peers at nearby PS 15, in help clean up debris, Brownie hard-hit Red Hook. DANCE SCHOOL troops have organized book Of her club’s contribution, Creative MovementPre-Ballet with Tap collections for schools whose Fumusa reflects, “It goes to Ballet BasicsTapJazzHip Hop libraries were wiped out, and show that kids really can do FlamencoLatin for KidsBellydance countless boys and girls have something to make the world Instruction for all Ages parted with beloved play- a better place.” Professional Faculty NOW REGISTERING things and chosen new ones In the midst of a tragedy, Music & Dance Recitals WINTER SESSION to donate to toy drives. these children are learning State-of-the-Art Facilities “It feels good to do some- the true meaning of the holi- GROUP MUSIC & DANCE thing nice for someone else,” days — that the deepest joy Free Loaner Instruments CLASSES says 9-year-old Georgia Fu- comes from giving to others. Year Round Programming Competitive Pricing & ONGOING REGISTRATION FOR Financial Assistance PRIVATE MUSIC INSTRUCTION
remain positive for her 8-year- ing people who want to help with old son, River, but admits that people who need help since the WINTER OPEN HOUSE her emotions can catch her off day after the storm. Their experi- SATURDAY, JANUARY 5th guard. ence has been nothing short of 11am—2pm “There are times when I re- miraculous. member what isn’t downstairs “I can’t count how many times 990 Pelham Parkway South Bronx, NY 10461 anymore, like my son’s baby we talk with one person who 718-792-1800 ext. 235 www.bronxhouse.org Houses on Staten Island after Hurricane clothes or our bins of Christmas needs something and then a min- Sandy hit the borough. ornaments that held so many ute later someone calls offering memories.” As for River, he has just the kind of supplies that are been buoyed by the generosity needed. There’s a bigger thing of friends, who have reached happening here.” Edgehill out not only with invitations for As the holidays get closer — recalls, “but at times like that it’s meals and play dates, but also and with them the hectic pace that Montessori School hard to put on a brave face.” With with thoughtful gifts to replace generally ensues — it’s important MULTI – AGE, DIVERSE FAMILIES the day-to-day logistics of fixing what is gone. “One parent gave for those of us who were only •GROUP Year round FAMIL – SeptemberY DAY throughCARE June FAMILY DAY CARE her house foremost on her mind, River a new Christmas ornament minimally affected by the storm to 5-days, 3-days a week. Borgognone is currently staying in and a gift certificate to Barnes keep our neighbors in our hearts Full day, half day & extended day session Holidays after her brother-in-law’s basement has & Noble since most of his books and to continue helping in any way • Summer program – July to mid August had little time to wonder what her were ruined. Moments like that we can. Whether you can donate a • Licensed & qualifi ed staff F�� 1-5 Y�� holidays will look like this year or fill him, and us, with a huge sense warm meal, coat, school supplies, • Located in a private home, with a backyard surrounded by trees UPK Equivalent where she and her family might go of gratitude.” gift certificates, toys, or an hour • Arts, craft s, music, movement, outside ti me Discount Available to celebrate them. “I’m trying not to Indeed, the kindness of friends of your time, there is truly no end • Supporti ve environment Monday – Friday think about it,” she says. and strangers alike has made an to the opportunities that make a 8am – 6pm It’s a sentiment shared by Red incredible impact on the lives of difference. Call Mrs. Matalon For the hurricane Hook, Brooklyn, resident Jolene storm victims throughout the five “Americans are always incred- An Appointment 718.601.1056 Festa, whose family was also dis- boroughs. ibly generous when there is a www.edgehillmontessoridaycare.com BY MARIE HUESTON all the more challenging by the ap- placed by Hurricane Sandy. “People need to understand disaster anywhere in the world,” As displaced proaching holiday season. This is “I haven’t made any decisions that many of the hardest-hit Borgognone points out. “It’s im- Edgehill Montessori he expression “home for the especially difficult for households about the holidays yet,” says Festa. areas were multi-generational portant for everyone to remem- families rebuild holidays” conjures nostalgic with young children. “Our floors, walls, doors, every- neighborhoods,” says volunteer ber that this time it’s in our own School T images of family and friends Imagine yourself in Cathy Borgo- thing was destroyed. We won’t be Kim Shamoun. “If you lived there, backyard.” A their lives after gathered around a bountiful table. gnone’s shoes. When the mother of back in before Christmas.” On the then your brother probably lived To find out how you can get in- M But what if your home — and all two stood surveying her severely night of the storm, Festa and her down the street and your grand- volved, visit facebook.com/Giving- S Sandy, ways that was in it — had been badly water-damaged home in Staten husband frantically pushed tow- mother lived around the corner. BackToThoseAffectedBySandy, nyc- damaged or destroyed by Hurri- Island’s New Dorp Beach neigh- els and rolled-up carpets against So now if your house is gone, service.org, redcross.org, fema.gov/ cane Sandy? This is the reality for borhood, her 5-year-old son Fran- their front and back doors, trying your whole support system is sandy or call religious institutions or New Yorkers thousands of New Yorkers whose cesco looked at her earnestly and to keep out the rising tide, only to gone, too.” municipal offices in neighborhoods homes were in the direct path of asked, “Will Santa still come to this watch in horror as water began to Together with nine close affected by the storm. can help the October super storm. As they house?” seep up through the floorboards friends, Shamoun mans a Face- Marie Hueston is a freelance continue the arduous work of re- Borgognone’s heart sank. from their flooded basement. book page, facebook.com/Giving- writer and a native of Staten Island, pairing their homes and rebuilding “Of course I told him that Santa Now living in a friend’s apart- BackToThoseAffectedBySandy, who now lives in Brooklyn with her Edgehill Ave. Between W. 227 St. & W. 230 St., Riverdale their lives, their situation is made would find him and his sister,” she ment, Festa is doing her best to that has been tirelessly connect- family. December 2012 • BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY 9 TRAVEL Stranded at the AIRPORT BY HEATHER VAN DEEST out, and how to prevent a head- Some airlines also provide free Tips for ache or two in the process. diapers and baby food to stranded lying long distances with s 2ESCHEDULE YOUR FLIGHT AS SOON passengers. Be sure to save all re- young kids, whether cross- as possible. Don’t assume the air- ceipts for any expenses you incur. surviving F country or abroad, is no easy line will automatically rebook your s )F YOU REQUIRE OVERNIGHT AC feat. Between security checkpoints, ticket. Head to the nearest ticket commodation, ask an airline agent the umpteenth diaper change, and counter, and while waiting in line, for details. Does the airline pro- a canceled keeping your kids occupied and try to reschedule your flight using vide hotel vouchers or do you have fed for hours on end, traveling with your Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone or to pay upfront and submit a receipt flight with young kids could qualify as an tablet. LATER )F SO WHAT IS THE AIRLINES Olympic sport for many parents. s )F YOURE TRAVELING ALONE WITH maximum reimbursement amount? And that’s before you see those the kids, ask an airline agent about Although airlines are not required your family dreaded words flashing on the expedited assistance for families to cover hotel costs for events nearest airport departure board: with small children. Be polite and such as inclement weather or traf- “flight canceled.” ASSERTIVE )T NEVER HURTS TO ASK fic control issues, confirm this According to the U.S. Depart- s 4HINK AHEAD ABOUT YOUR FAM with an agent. You never know, ment of Transportation, more than ily’s needs. How many meals will you might get a hotel voucher just 100,000 flights were cancelled in your family require until your for asking politely. 2011, affecting 7.5 million passen- rescheduled flight? What about s 2EVIEW YOUR UPDATED FLIGHT IN gers. And the demand for air travel snacks and extra diapers? Dis- formation. Before you leave the is only increasing. Read on for a cuss your needs with the ticketing ticket counter, check your board- step-by-step guide to getting you agent, who should be able to pro- ing passes and itinerary. Are you and your family on the next plane vide meal vouchers for the airport. booked on the correct flight? Does What to consider when your flight is canceled Your family’s needs Your rescheduled flight s (OW MANY MEALS WILL YOUR FAM s !RE YOU BOOKED ON THE COR ily need before your rescheduled rect flight? flight? s $OES EACH FAMILY MEMBER s $O YOU HAVE PLENTY OF SNACKS have a seat? Are the seats located baby food, and diapers? next to each other or in different s $OES THE AIRLINE PROVIDE OVER rows? NIGHT ACCOMMODATION )F SO DOES it offer a hotel voucher or do you After the flight have to pay and submit the receipt s $ID YOU SUBMIT ALL EXPENSE RE to get reimbursed? ceipts via the airline website? s 7HAT IS THE AIRLINES MAXIMUM s7ILL YOU PROVIDE FEEDBACK reimbursement amount for a hotel to the airline about your experi- stay? ence? s 7HICH AFFORDABLE HOTEL OPTIONS s $ID THE AIRLINE RESPOND WITH are closest to the airport? Does the any offers of compensation for hotel offer airport shuttle service? your inconvenience?
10 BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY • December 2012 TRAVEL Stranded at the AIRPORT BY HEATHER VAN DEEST out, and how to prevent a head- Some airlines also provide free Tips for ache or two in the process. diapers and baby food to stranded lying long distances with s 2ESCHEDULE YOUR FLIGHT AS SOON passengers. Be sure to save all re- young kids, whether cross- as possible. Don’t assume the air- ceipts for any expenses you incur. surviving F country or abroad, is no easy line will automatically rebook your s )F YOU REQUIRE OVERNIGHT AC feat. Between security checkpoints, ticket. Head to the nearest ticket commodation, ask an airline agent the umpteenth diaper change, and counter, and while waiting in line, for details. Does the airline pro- a canceled keeping your kids occupied and try to reschedule your flight using vide hotel vouchers or do you have fed for hours on end, traveling with your Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone or to pay upfront and submit a receipt flight with young kids could qualify as an tablet. LATER )F SO WHAT IS THE AIRLINES Olympic sport for many parents. s )F YOURE TRAVELING ALONE WITH maximum reimbursement amount? And that’s before you see those the kids, ask an airline agent about Although airlines are not required your family dreaded words flashing on the expedited assistance for families to cover hotel costs for events nearest airport departure board: with small children. Be polite and such as inclement weather or traf- “flight canceled.” ASSERTIVE )T NEVER HURTS TO ASK fic control issues, confirm this According to the U.S. Depart- s 4HINK AHEAD ABOUT YOUR FAM with an agent. You never know, ment of Transportation, more than ily’s needs. How many meals will you might get a hotel voucher just 100,000 flights were cancelled in your family require until your for asking politely. 2011, affecting 7.5 million passen- rescheduled flight? What about s 2EVIEW YOUR UPDATED FLIGHT IN gers. And the demand for air travel snacks and extra diapers? Dis- formation. Before you leave the is only increasing. Read on for a cuss your needs with the ticketing ticket counter, check your board- step-by-step guide to getting you agent, who should be able to pro- ing passes and itinerary. Are you and your family on the next plane vide meal vouchers for the airport. booked on the correct flight? Does
everyone in your family have a agent earlier quoted you. Or, pay perience. Offer details about staff &LYING LONG DISTANCES WITH YOUR What to consider when your flight is canceled seat? Reviewing the details will THE DIFFERENCE IF YOU DONT MIND members who were particularly little ones is challenging, to say the save you a headache down the footing some of the bill. kind or helpful. least, especially when your flight Your family’s needs Your rescheduled flight road if the agent makes a mistake s &O L L OW UP /NCE YOURE BACK Most airlines will offer some sort gets canceled. These tips will help s (OW MANY MEALS WILL YOUR FAM s !RE YOU BOOKED ON THE COR during the ticketing process. home safe and sound, visit the of compensation for your inconve- get you and your family back on ily need before your rescheduled rect flight? s "OOK YOUR FAMILYS HOTEL ROOM AIRLINES WEBSITE TO SUBMIT ELEC- nience, such as credit in a rewards track to your destination. flight? s $OES EACH FAMILY MEMBER Once you have tickets in hand and tronic copies of your receipts and program or vouchers for future Heather Van Deest is a freelance s $O YOU HAVE PLENTY OF SNACKS have a seat? Are the seats located A PLAN FOR YOUR FAMILYS MEALS AND provide feedback about your ex- travel. writer and mother of two young sons. baby food, and diapers? next to each other or in different OTHER ITEMS ITS TIME TO SECURE OVER- s $OES THE AIRLINE PROVIDE OVER rows? night accommodation, should you NIGHT ACCOMMODATION )F SO DOES require it. Unfortunately, penny- s 0A C K WISELY )N A CARRY ON it offer a hotel voucher or do you After the flight pinching airlines often recommend Before your trip... bag, bring medicines, extra di- have to pay and submit the receipt s $ID YOU SUBMIT ALL EXPENSE RE hotels located 30 minutes or more s !V O I D BOOKING FLIGHTS WITH s # O N F I R M YOUR FLIGHT 5P TO apers, your cellphone charger, to get reimbursed? ceipts via the airline website? from the airport, adding to your partnering airlines. If possible, a week in advance, contact the AND I0AD OR TABLET CHARGER A s 7HAT IS THE AIRLINES MAXIMUM s7ILL YOU PROVIDE FEEDBACK FAMILYS INCONVENIENCE 5SE YOUR try to travel with one airline car- airline to confirm your itinerary change of clothes for each fam- reimbursement amount for a hotel to the airline about your experi- smartphone or tablet to book an rier for the entire flight, includ- and other details, or visit the air- ily member, and any items that stay? ence? alternative hotel as close to the air- ing any connections. This helps line website. Seating assignments will help soothe young children s 7HICH AFFORDABLE HOTEL OPTIONS s $ID THE AIRLINE RESPOND WITH port as possible, or ask airport ser- avoid reticketing issues, should sometimes change without no- during an unexpected overnight are closest to the airport? Does the any offers of compensation for vices for hotel suggestions. Make one leg of your flight get can- tice, especially for long-distance stay, such as a favorite toy or hotel offer airport shuttle service? your inconvenience? sure the nightly rate is within the celed. flights on large aircraft. small blanket. reimbursement amount the airline
December 2012 • BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY 11 BOOKS A book that will teach and entertain all animal lovers f your child loves critters of of all things furry and feathered, all sorts — and loves learning it’s sometimes hard to find books I about them — she might enjoy that satisfy her story cravings. Fortu- reading a new book about a woman nately, “Animals Welcome” fills that who shares her home with domestic void nicely. THE BOOK and wild pets. Kehret’s words feel like snuggly In Peg Kehret’s latest, “Animals flannel sheets, resonating with rich, WORM Welcome,” Kehret and her husband, warm tones that respect both sub- TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER Carl, buy 10 wooded acres in Wash- jects and readers. Her curiosity and ington state where deer and elk a keen love of animals meld with an roam, baby fawns are born, bears obvious love for children, that makes and ‘possums steal birdseed from this book seem undeniably friendly. feeders, and peacocks wander over I particularly liked that Kehret is to snoop. And Kehret loves to watch careful to teach readers to watch them all. — not touch — wildlife, and to be She adores the many birds mindful of all animals. Kids can learn that visit her woods as much as a lot, in fact, from this passionate, her household pets. She’s always creature-minded author. shared her home with at least one Though this is a book for 7- to dog and says that all but one of her 12 year olds, don’t be surprised tail-waggers has been a rescue. if you’re tempted to read it, too. Kehret, you see, is a big supporter of Kehrets are softies for soft fur. With its loving tales (or shall we say her local animal shelters. Other feral cats and kittens that “tails?”) and gentle, flavor, “Animals She also writes about her many they bottle-raised have also visited Welcome” will be welcome on any- kitties, including Molly and Pete, the couple. A lost, elderly dachs- body’s bookshelf. who are beloved companions. There hund showed up one day, missing “Animals Welcome: A Life of Read- is also Mr. Stray — a semi-feral cat, her owner, and two ponies wandered ing, Writing, and Rescue,” by Peg Keh- who Carl honored after his death down Kehret’s driveway after escap- ret [175 pages, 2012, $16.99]. by turning the workshop into a cat ing from their corral. Terri Schlichenmeyer has been room, where the couple fosters cats “Helping animals,” says Kehret, is reading since she was 3 years old, with the hope that they’ll be adopted “a way of life.” At her house, “animals and she never goes anywhere without by loving families. will always be welcome.” a book. She lives on a hill with two Animals, it seems, know that the If your young reader is also a fan dogs and 12,000 books. This tome gets kids thinking
It’s easy to think that most dry. They become even more I especially like Dávila’s Luz: she’s a kid’s tiny voice won’t upset when they learn that their sharp and resourceful as she subtly make a difference in this local soda pop company is at fault — encourages kids to find their own so- big world. “Luz Makes a and they actually liked Top Cola! lutions to environmental issues they Splash” shows your child Then, Luz sees Mr. DeSouza with might find locally. otherwise. a big pickle barrel. He’s taking it to Even though this book has a In the book, there’s a the park to catch rainwater, although roasting-in-the-summertime theme, heat wave and Luz and there hadn’t been rain for a long I think kids ages 6 to 12 will learn her friend Anika go to time. Luz asks Mr. DeSouza how wild a lot in any season. For them, “Luz the mall every day to plants withstood drought, and when Makes a Splash” might get a few cool off. But air condi- he tells her that they survive with ideas cooking. tioning is bad for the en- groundwater, she starts to think. “Luz Makes a Splash,” by Claudia vironment, so they de- Using a fun, comic book style that Dávila [96 pages, 2012, $16.95]. cide to take a cool dip lightens the tone, author Claudia Terri Schlichenmeyer has been read- Spring Pond, but when Dávila illustrates the adventures of ing since she was 3 years old, and they get to the natural a girl who loves the environment, she never goes anywhere without a body of water, they are plenet, and her neighborhood. I like book. She lives on a hill with two dogs sad to see that it is al- this book and what it stands for, but and 12,000 books.
12 BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY • December 2012 BOOKS ST. ANSELM SCHOOL Celebrating Excellence in Education since 1908 A book that will teach and T *OZN'M@@ entertain all animal lovers 6IDQ@MN
Doris E. Stone 1165 University Avenue Bridging the Gap to Education & Success Bronx, NY 10452 Marshall England Early (718) 588-1030 Learning Center This tome gets kids thinking - Childcare (2-years to 5-years) 800 Concourse Village East Highbridge Advisory Bronx, NY 10452 - Family Day-Care CACFP (718) 742-2366/69 It’s easy to think that most dry. They become even more I especially like Dávila’s Luz: she’s Council* Day Care Center a kid’s tiny voice won’t upset when they learn that their sharp and resourceful as she subtly 1181 Nelson Avenue - Headstart Head Start Program* make a difference in this local soda pop company is at fault — encourages kids to find their own so- Bronx, NY 10452 880 River Avenue 2nd Floor big world. “Luz Makes a and they actually liked Top Cola! lutions to environmental issues they (718) 681-5216 - Pre-school Evaluations Bronx, NY 10452 Splash” shows your child Then, Luz sees Mr. DeSouza with might find locally. (718) 992-1321 otherwise. a big pickle barrel. He’s taking it to Even though this book has a Early Childhood Center I* - Universal Pre-K In the book, there’s a the park to catch rainwater, although roasting-in-the-summertime theme, 1594 Townsend Avenue Bronx, NY 10453 - Pre-school Special Education heat wave and Luz and there hadn’t been rain for a long I think kids ages 6 to 12 will learn (718) 299-3917 her friend Anika go to time. Luz asks Mr. DeSouza how wild a lot in any season. For them, “Luz the mall every day to plants withstood drought, and when Makes a Splash” might get a few Early Childhood Center III* - Family Day-Care (6-weeks to 4-years) cool off. But air condi- he tells her that they survive with ideas cooking. 1399 Ogden Avenue tioning is bad for the en- groundwater, she starts to think. “Luz Makes a Splash,” by Claudia Bronx, NY 10452 Nearly a half a century of service to the Bronx vironment, so they de- Using a fun, comic book style that Dávila [96 pages, 2012, $16.95]. (718) 293-9196 For more information contact the central offi ce located at: cide to take a cool dip lightens the tone, author Claudia Terri Schlichenmeyer has been read- Paradise Learning Center* Spring Pond, but when Dávila illustrates the adventures of ing since she was 3 years old, and 258 E. 165th Street 880 River Avenue Bronx, NY 10452 2nd Floor they get to the natural a girl who loves the environment, she never goes anywhere without a Bronx, NY 10456 Phone: (718) 992-1321 Fax: (718) 992-8539 body of water, they are plenet, and her neighborhood. I like book. She lives on a hill with two dogs (718) 590-0673 James W. Nathaniel, CEO HacFamilyServicesInc.org sad to see that it is al- this book and what it stands for, but and 12,000 books.
December 2012 • BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY 13 SAFETY Keep your baby safe at Grandma’s house Don’t forget, BY KIKI BOCHI f you are headed to Grandma’s a new location house for the holidays, it may Ifeel like you are returning to the safe haven of your youth. But don’t can mean let your guard down when it comes to protecting your little one. You may have put a lot of en- new dangers ergy into making your home baby safe, but that is not necessarily the case at the home of an older rela- tive who no longer has little ones underfoot. Watch for medications that may be accessible to inquisitive little hands, cleaning products that are not secured, sharp edges on furni- ture, and breakable items that are within your child’s reach. Keep an eye, also, on Grandma herself. She may have raised several children quite adeptly, but today’s recommendations when it comes to child safety have changed. In particular, many older adults are unaware of safety recommenda- tions when it comes to appropriate child sleep position, crib safety, and car seat and walker use, ac- cording to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics. When asked, “What is the best position for a baby to sleep in?” 33 percent of senior respondents chose “on the stomach;” 23 per- cent, “on the side;” and only 43.8 percent, “the back.” The Academy recommends that infants be placed to sleep on their backs to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. When asked about correct car seat positioning, 24.5 percent re- cent of grandparent caregivers recommendations are constantly sponded that a 22-pound, 9-month- thought these items were accept- evolving,” said study author Kath- old child should be facing forward, able. Nearly 74 percent of respon- ryn C. Hines, MD. “Many recommen- and yet the Academy recommends dents stated that a walker is a good dations are likely to have changed that children remain in a rear-fac- device to help babies learn to walk. since these grandparent caregivers ing car seat until age 2. Yet, the Academy does not recom- parented their own children.” Last year, the Academy recom- mend walker use, and in fact, urges KiKi Bochi, an award- winning journal- mended that bumpers, stuffed ani- caregivers to dispose of them be- ist, reads hundreds of reports monthly to mals, and blankets be removed cause of serious safety concerns. bring readers the latest insights on fam- from infant cribs, and yet 49 per- “Pediatric health and safety ily health and child development. 14 BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY • December 2012
Looking for a SAFETY Looking for a High Quality Preschool Program? ® High Quality Preschool Program? ® Keep your baby safe LITTLE ANGELS Pre-School for 3-4 year olds at Grandma’s house Full Day Sessions Meals Served Daily BY KIKI BOCHI Don’t forget, We welcome f you are headed to Grandma’s special needs house for the holidays, it may We welcome a new location children! Ifeel like you are returning to the special needs safe haven of your youth. But don’t children! can mean let your guard down when it comes to protecting your little one. 12 Locations Serving the Bronx & Manhattan You may have put a lot of en- new dangers ergy into making your home baby Annunication 12Cardinal Locations Spellman Serving the BronxHoly & ManhattanSpirit MSGR Boyle 917-507-1145 212-677-7766 718-731-8439 718-405-7824 safe, but that is not necessarily the Annunication Cardinal Spellman Holy Spirit MSGR Boyle case at the home of an older rela- Queen 917 of- 507Martys-1145 Scared 212- 677Heart-7766 718St.-731 Anthony-8439 718-405-7824St. Martin tive who no longer has little ones 646-796-1398 718-293-2006 718-823-7202 718-220-4750 underfoot. St.Queen Rita of Martys St. Scared Simon Heart St.Tolentine Anthony St. MartinConcord 718-585-8863 646-796-1398 718-933-9471 718-293-2006 718-718-364-7608823-7202 718-220718-292-8564-4750 Watch for medications that may be accessible to inquisitive little St. Rita www.littleangelsheadstart.info St. Simon Tolentine Concord hands, cleaning products that are 718-585-8863 718-933-9471 718-364-7608 718-292-8564 not secured, sharp edges on furni- www.littleangelsheadstart.info ture, and breakable items that are within your child’s reach. Keep an eye, also, on Grandma herself. She may have raised several children quite adeptly, but today’s recommendations when it comes to child safety have changed. In particular, many older adults are unaware of safety recommenda- tions when it comes to appropriate child sleep position, crib safety, and car seat and walker use, ac- cording to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics. When asked, “What is the best position for a baby to sleep in?” 33 percent of senior respondents chose “on the stomach;” 23 per- cent, “on the side;” and only 43.8 percent, “the back.” The Academy recommends that infants be placed to sleep on their backs to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. When asked about correct car seat positioning, 24.5 percent re- cent of grandparent caregivers recommendations are constantly sponded that a 22-pound, 9-month- thought these items were accept- evolving,” said study author Kath- old child should be facing forward, able. Nearly 74 percent of respon- ryn C. Hines, MD. “Many recommen- and yet the Academy recommends dents stated that a walker is a good dations are likely to have changed that children remain in a rear-fac- device to help babies learn to walk. since these grandparent caregivers ing car seat until age 2. Yet, the Academy does not recom- parented their own children.” Last year, the Academy recom- mend walker use, and in fact, urges KiKi Bochi, an award- winning journal- mended that bumpers, stuffed ani- caregivers to dispose of them be- ist, reads hundreds of reports monthly to mals, and blankets be removed cause of serious safety concerns. bring readers the latest insights on fam- from infant cribs, and yet 49 per- “Pediatric health and safety ily health and child development. December 2012 • BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY 15 PARENTING Oh Christmas tree! Passing my mother’s holiday spirit to my child
y mother lives for Christ- there before. My mom made Christ- mother, also a single mom. But, mas. Every year, the mas a happy time for me up until we had Olivia, we M weekend after Thanksgiv- growing up, and I want never even put up a Christ- ing, she starts her holiday tradition Olivia to have that, too. mas tree. When he mentioned of decorating the house. But unlike Luckily, I have a hus- it in the past, I would re- MOMMY 101 many moms, my mother has mostly band who loves Christ- mind him that it was too ANGELICA SERADOVA done this alone. I’m ashamed to mas as well. He grew much work and that it took admit that I haven’t always shared up with his own tra- up too much space; something her enthusiasm for the holidays ditions passed we didn’t have much of back then, (I’m more of a Thanksgiving fan on from his in our studio apartment. I definitely than Christmas), and while I’m sure sounded like a Scrooge! a big part of her did it for me, I just Last year was Olivia’s first wasn’t always so into it. But that Christmas (and our first year in our never stopped her. She carried on, new, bigger apartment), so when he filling our house with poinsettias suggested decorating the house, and garlands, candy canes and gin- I agreed. He came home with the gerbread houses, and infusing the biggest tree I’d ever seen in a home. house with the smell of apple cin- But it looked beautiful once we had namon and pine cones. it up with ornaments and lights. Part of her tradition is display- The pets loved it too, cuddling next ing one of my children’s books to each other on the tree skirt. around the house, “Twas the My husband, daughter, and I sat Night before Christmas.” on the couch staring at the beau- She reads it to me every tiful tree. I knew that that would year, as if I were still be the first of many more special a kid. A proud mama, holiday moments. I felt that warm, she even hangs up fuzzy feeling that I’m sure my mom the Christmas tree I has been experiencing all these made for her in grade years after lighting our tree for school; out of green the first time. I sat there and construction paper thought to myself: I can’t and full of glitter. believe I wasn’t going to The poor tree is do this! ripped in sev- One day, I asked my mom, eral places, but as we were decorat- she’s kept it all ing our tree, “Why do these years, you love Christmas as if it were so much?” She told a master- me that it was piece. She her mother’s loves Santa f a v o r i t e Claus, so I holiday. started a tradi- My grand- tion of buying her a mother passed new Santa for Christmas away when my mother to add to her collection — or was a young girl. I guess a Grinch. She loves the Grinch, the holidays are a way for her to too. hold onto the memory of her It wasn’t until I had my mother. Just like her, Christ- own daughter that I re- mas will always remind me alized why she loves of my mom, and now, hope- Christmas so much. It’s fully, it’ll remind Olivia of a way for her to relive me, too. her childhood and feel Angelica Sereda is a working some magic. I now feel a mother and freelance writer. She certain kind of magic around lives in Brooklyn with her daughter the holidays, too, that wasn’t Olivia and her husband.
16 BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY • December 2012 PARENTING Education Directory
Edgehill Montessori School Our Early Childhood Education program is a The Riverdale Community School is a pri- Oh Christmas tree! competitive and selective program overseen by vate nursery school serving the Riverdale, Edgehill Ave bet W227 & W230 718-601-1056 or www.gila.matalon@gmail. Dr. Patricia Vardin, Professor of Education at Kingsbridge, and Inwood neighborhoods for Passing my mother’s holiday spirit to my child com Manhattanville College. It is taught in a cutting- more than 30 years. Edgehill Montessori is a group family day care edge environment by experienced and creden- We offer programs for pre-schoolers from 18 y mother lives for Christ- there before. My mom made Christ- mother, also a single mom. But, that provides full day and half day programs tialed professionals dedicated to guiding your months to 4 years of age. The hours are 7:30 child to success. mas. Every year, the mas a happy time for me up until we had Olivia, we (8-6) for infants, toddlers and preschoolers 3 to 5:30; activities are from 9:30 to 4:00, snacks M weekend after Thanksgiv- growing up, and I want never even put up a Christ- months to 5 yrs old. We welcome children of all faiths. and free playtime after 4:00. ing, she starts her holiday tradition Olivia to have that, too. mas tree. When he mentioned The day care is run by Mrs. Gila Matalon, an Our activities and programs include music, art, of decorating the house. But unlike Luckily, I have a hus- it in the past, I would re- early childhood Montessori teacher for over 25 MOMMY 101 many moms, my mother has mostly band who loves Christ- mind him that it was too Little Angels Program outdoor play, cooking, readiness skills, writing years. ANGELICA SERADOVA done this alone. I’m ashamed to mas as well. He grew much work and that it took www.littleangelsheadstart.info and number recognition. admit that I haven’t always shared up with his own tra- up too much space; something The school, located in a private house with a Quality Education for Children 3-4 Years Old The Riverdale Community School is opened her enthusiasm for the holidays ditions passed we didn’t have much of back then, backyard surrounded by trees, has a multiage Little Angels has been a leader in pre-school from Monday through Friday and we offer (I’m more of a Thanksgiving fan on from his in our studio apartment. I definitely setting which gives the children a feeling of a education, for over 42 years. We serve families an eight week summer program in July and than Christmas), and while I’m sure sounded like a Scrooge! second home. with 12 locations in the Bronx and Manhattan August. Tuition is paid on a weekly basis, there a big part of her did it for me, I just Last year was Olivia’s first The children have an enriched curriculum of and are proud of our multicultural environment. is no contract and enrollment is open, full and wasn’t always so into it. But that Christmas (and our first year in our Montessori lessons alongside crafts, music, Early Child Education Works- Little Angels part time schedules are available. never stopped her. She carried on, new, bigger apartment), so when he movement and outside time. filling our house with poinsettias suggested decorating the house, Makes it Work Better The staff is loving and attentive, the families and garlands, candy canes and gin- I agreed. He came home with the Our philosophy: Teachers and Parents working St. Anselm School are diverse, and the atmosphere brings a sup- gerbread houses, and infusing the biggest tree I’d ever seen in a home. together = Success for children and families. 685 Tinton Avenue, Bronx 10455 portive environment to all members of Edgehill house with the smell of apple cin- But it looked beautiful once we had 718-993-9464 or www.stanselmbx.org Montessori. Individualized Plan: We recognize and encour- namon and pine cones. it up with ornaments and lights. age each child’s amazing potential to succeed St. Anselm School offers a safe, nurturing, Part of her tradition is display- The pets loved it too, cuddling next There is a year-round program from September in life. We are dedicated to promoting school values-based learning environment for students ing one of my children’s books to each other on the tree skirt. through June, and a summer program from July readiness through social and cognitive develop- in Pre-K (ages 3 and 4 years) through Grade 8 to mid-August. around the house, “Twas the My husband, daughter, and I sat ment of children. where they can achieve academic success, learn Night before Christmas.” on the couch staring at the beau- integrity and values in the Catholic tradition, She reads it to me every tiful tree. I knew that that would Quality Education: Our highly qualified staff is Good Shepherd School and belong to a community that fosters self- year, as if I were still be the first of many more special committed to providing superior early childhood confidence and school spirit. a kid. A proud mama, holiday moments. I felt that warm, 620 Isham Street education development and in a loving environ- she even hangs up fuzzy feeling that I’m sure my mom 212-567-5800 or www.gsschoolnyc.org ment. The school provides a high quality educational the Christmas tree I has been experiencing all these Founded in 1925 on the principles of faith, Children with special needs: Children with spe- program designed to prepare students to suc- made for her in grade years after lighting our tree for community, and academic achievement, Good cial needs are always welcome at Little Angels. ceed and compete in the 21st century. Shepherd School (GSS), located in the north- school; out of green the first time. I sat there and Family: We offer a sense of belonging, support Students are taught to not only develop a mas- ern Manhattan neighborhood of Inwood, is a construction paper thought to myself: I can’t services, and a chance to be involved in activi- tery of academic skills, but also enthusiastic and and full of glitter. believe I wasn’t going to co-ed, parochial Pre-K3 to 8th grade elemen- ties to help the entire family. wholesome attitudes towards learning. The poor tree is do this! tary school. The administration, faculty and staff work in ripped in sev- One day, I asked my mom, GSS offers a rigorous academic program with eral places, but as we were decorat- before and after school care programs serving Riverdale Community Nursery partnership with parents in a spirit of mutual she’s kept it all ing our tree, “Why do families who seek to provide their children with School cooperation. St. Anselm School welcomes appli- cations for admission. these years, you love Christmas an education based on strong moral values that 25 Knolls Crescent, Bronx 10463 as if it were so much?” She told would lead them toward success in family, com- 718-543-0050 or www. Please contact the school office for more infor- a master- me that it was munity, business, service, and beyond. riverdalecommunityschool.com mation. piece. She her mother’s loves Santa f a v o r i t e Claus, so I holiday. started a tradi- My grand- tion of buying her a mother passed 24'54'5%*11.*11. 57//'47//'4%#/2#/2 new Santa for Christmas away when my mother L i k e u s o n to add to her collection — or was a young girl. I guess a Grinch. She loves the Grinch, the holidays are a way for her to too. hold onto the memory of her 5,9(5'$/( It wasn’t until I had my mother. Just like her, Christ- COMMUNITY NURSERY SCHOOL own daughter that I re- mas will always remind me 1 Ê/ ÊOR *,/Ê/ alized why she loves of my mom, and now, hope- MONDAY to FRIDAY s 7:30am to 5:30pm Christmas so much. It’s fully, it’ll remind Olivia of or follow us on , -" Ê/1/" a way for her to relive me, too. her childhood and feel Angelica Sereda is a working 18 mos - 4 years s IMMEDIATE OPENINGS some magic. I now feel a mother and freelance writer. She 25 Knolls Cresent s Riverdale, NY certain kind of magic around lives in Brooklyn with her daughter ask for Ms. Stephanie the holidays, too, that wasn’t Olivia and her husband. Facebook Search: NYParenting 718-543-0050 s
Special Advertising Section December 2012 • BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY 17 EDUCATION A bored first grader Dear teacher, planations of algebraic concepts. My first grader has become bored The teacher could change in- in class during the last few weeks. I structing style if a group of students can see why. His readers are below approached him about needing more what he had in kindergarten, and explanation. If this fails, a group of his spelling words are simple three- parents could ask the teacher how letter words. their children could improve their DEAR TEACHER We have tried talking to the teacher, knowledge of the material covered PEGGY GISLER AND but she becomes aggressive, and says in the classroom. The last step is for MARGE EBERTS we are attacking her teaching. The the parents to discuss this situation principal has agreed to look into this with the principal. matter. While I am waiting, I have de- cided to homeschool him. The teacher Resolutions to boost is definitely not challenging my son your children’s skills enough. What should we do? We pay Dear parents, more than $20,000 a year for this It’s New Year’s resolution time school, and his education is not ap- again. Too often, people go overboard propriate for his abilities. in trying to change too much with Dear parents, students about future assignments their resolutions. Sometimes a simple Since you are paying, it is easy to after they have been assigned. Once, resolution or two can pay unexpected deduce that your son is attending a my son got a D for handing in an as- dividends. This year our resolution private school. You might want to con- signment one day late. suggestions center on building your sider sending him to a public school as It seems to me that this teacher children’s academic skills through many, especially charter schools, have is handling the students as if they supporting their interests. One of the programs designed for gifted children. were in high school. I am not alone biggest assets children can have is an Also, a different private school could in complaining. Other parents are overwhelming interest in something be a better fit for your child. Removing complaining about his teaching. accompanied by a desire to learn your son from this school and decid- My son is doing well in every more and more about it. ing to homeschool him could be the other class but only getting a C in Children who are mad about base- answer to his getting a challenging algebra. This is not a great grade ball can improve their math skills education. There is also the possibil- for someone going onto geometry in through learning how the all-so-im- ity of his skipping to second grade or high school. I want my son to be a re- portant statistics are figured, read taking a few subjects with the second sponsible student, but I feel that this more to learn about recent games, grade class. This is another solution to teacher is unreasonable. How should and have a great deal of informa- discuss with the principal. I handle this? tion to use in reports. They can also Keep in mind that school has only Dear parents, study the science involved in throw- been in session for a little over three By now, your son should realize ing different pitches. It’s the same months. Students enter first grade at that this teacher has high expecta- story for those who are absorbed all different levels. Some have com- tions about how students behave in hobbies from stamp collecting to pleted kindergarten and even pre-k, in the classroom and does not hold photography. while others never went to kindergar- students’ hands when it comes to Resolve to support your children’s ten. It is challenging for the teacher reminding them about future assign- interests. to get everyone up to speed, so they ments. Your son obviously knows s ' I V E THEM BOOKS MAGAZINES are working as a class. The curricu- how to behave in order to avoid and articles to read about their in- lum could become more appropriate getting demerits, and it is his re- terest. as the teacher gets better acquainted sponsibility to do so. It is also his s ( E L P THEM GET MORE INVOLVED with the students. responsibility to write down all as- in their interests by finding classes Hopefully, the principal will address signments when they are given and (music, art, photography, golf) for your concerns soon, so you can make to put long-term assignments on a them to take or going to places the best decision for your child. calendar. This is a habit that will (baseball games, museums, plays) serve him well in high school. where they can see their interests Is this teacher Teachers vary greatly in how they firsthand. unfair? present material. It is possible that s 2ESPECT THEIR INTERESTS AND SPEAK Dear teacher, this teacher is simply not realizing that glowingly about them to others. My eighth grader is very unhappy eighth graders need more explana- Parents should send questions and with his algebra teacher. The teacher tion than older students. Unless this comments to dearteacher@dearteacher. gives out demerits all the time for teacher changes, your son and his com or ask the columnists on their web- the slightest misbehavior, offers very classmates need to study their math site at www.dearteacher.com. quick and inadequate explanations of textbook very carefully. There are also ©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2012. new material, and never reminds the websites where they can find good ex- Distributed by King Features Syndicate
18 BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY • December 2012 EDUCATION NY’S SOURCE A bored first grader ON PARENTING Dear teacher, planations of algebraic concepts. My first grader has become bored The teacher could change in- Currently, New York in class during the last few weeks. I structing style if a group of students can see why. His readers are below approached him about needing more Parenting Media is seeking what he had in kindergarten, and explanation. If this fails, a group of a highly motivated full-time his spelling words are simple three- parents could ask the teacher how letter words. their children could improve their sales representative to sell DEAR TEACHER We have tried talking to the teacher, knowledge of the material covered PEGGY GISLER AND but she becomes aggressive, and says in the classroom. The last step is for advertising in our magazines MARGE EBERTS we are attacking her teaching. The the parents to discuss this situation and digital properties. Join principal has agreed to look into this with the principal. matter. While I am waiting, I have de- our dynamic team and cided to homeschool him. The teacher Resolutions to boost is definitely not challenging my son your children’s skills become a part of our family. enough. What should we do? We pay Dear parents, more than $20,000 a year for this It’s New Year’s resolution time school, and his education is not ap- again. Too often, people go overboard Requirements include: propriate for his abilities. in trying to change too much with Dear parents, students about future assignments their resolutions. Sometimes a simple • Prior sales experiences Since you are paying, it is easy to after they have been assigned. Once, resolution or two can pay unexpected deduce that your son is attending a my son got a D for handing in an as- dividends. This year our resolution (print and digital ad private school. You might want to con- signment one day late. suggestions center on building your sales a plus) sider sending him to a public school as It seems to me that this teacher children’s academic skills through many, especially charter schools, have is handling the students as if they supporting their interests. One of the • Excellent written and programs designed for gifted children. were in high school. I am not alone biggest assets children can have is an Also, a different private school could in complaining. Other parents are overwhelming interest in something verbal communication be a better fit for your child. Removing complaining about his teaching. accompanied by a desire to learn skills your son from this school and decid- My son is doing well in every more and more about it. ing to homeschool him could be the other class but only getting a C in Children who are mad about base- • The ability to develop answer to his getting a challenging algebra. This is not a great grade ball can improve their math skills education. There is also the possibil- for someone going onto geometry in through learning how the all-so-im- new business and grow ity of his skipping to second grade or high school. I want my son to be a re- portant statistics are figured, read taking a few subjects with the second sponsible student, but I feel that this more to learn about recent games, existing business grade class. This is another solution to teacher is unreasonable. How should and have a great deal of informa- • Car and valid driver’s discuss with the principal. I handle this? tion to use in reports. They can also Keep in mind that school has only Dear parents, study the science involved in throw- license required been in session for a little over three By now, your son should realize ing different pitches. It’s the same months. Students enter first grade at that this teacher has high expecta- story for those who are absorbed all different levels. Some have com- tions about how students behave in hobbies from stamp collecting to Our offi ce is located in pleted kindergarten and even pre-k, in the classroom and does not hold photography. while others never went to kindergar- students’ hands when it comes to Resolve to support your children’s downtown Brooklyn, but ten. It is challenging for the teacher reminding them about future assign- interests. to get everyone up to speed, so they ments. Your son obviously knows s ' I V E THEM BOOKS MAGAZINES knowledge of the entire city are working as a class. The curricu- how to behave in order to avoid and articles to read about their in- is essential. lum could become more appropriate getting demerits, and it is his re- terest. as the teacher gets better acquainted sponsibility to do so. It is also his s ( E L P THEM GET MORE INVOLVED with the students. responsibility to write down all as- in their interests by finding classes Please submit your resume Hopefully, the principal will address signments when they are given and (music, art, photography, golf) for your concerns soon, so you can make to put long-term assignments on a them to take or going to places to [email protected]. the best decision for your child. calendar. This is a habit that will (baseball games, museums, plays) serve him well in high school. where they can see their interests Is this teacher Teachers vary greatly in how they firsthand. unfair? present material. It is possible that s 2ESPECT THEIR INTERESTS AND SPEAK Dear teacher, this teacher is simply not realizing that glowingly about them to others. My eighth grader is very unhappy eighth graders need more explana- Parents should send questions and with his algebra teacher. The teacher tion than older students. Unless this comments to dearteacher@dearteacher. gives out demerits all the time for teacher changes, your son and his com or ask the columnists on their web- the slightest misbehavior, offers very classmates need to study their math site at www.dearteacher.com. quick and inadequate explanations of textbook very carefully. There are also ©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2012. new material, and never reminds the websites where they can find good ex- Distributed by King Features Syndicate
December 2012 • BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY 19 order sufferers die, according to grade, seemingly half of her girl- but instead talk about what she is forearmed, then you are an ostrich HEALTH Sacker. In fact, eating disorders have friends turned vegan or vegetarian, eating. with your head in the sand,” he ad- the highest mortality rate of any and parents some wondered if these vises. “Parents need to be cautious emotional disorder, he says. Impres- regimens were a gateway to an eat- Eating disorder and aware.” sionable adolescents with immortal- ing disorder. incubators Still, micromanaging every morsel ity complexes don’t recognize this, Fortunately, parents need not As girls’ bodies develop curves, can backfire. as they watch most of their idols necessarily panic if girls exhibit no their clothes tighten uncomfortably “If parents suspect an eating dis- recover. More than one patient con- other signs of a disorder. Veganism and the media bombards them with order, they should never assume fided in Sacker that she never real- or vegetarianism can be healthy size zero airbrushed images, all of they can handle it on their own by ized how sick she was before treat- diet options for teens whose diets which can make them particularly monitoring food. If they take that Longing ment. And, recovery can take years. are balanced with sufficient vita- vulnerable to eating disorders. In ad- approach, then their child will go un- mins and nutrients. But, for oth- dition, girls’ preoccupation and anxi- derground,” according to Bartell. Not just a food thing ers, it can be the start of an eat- ety about their bodies are magnified Instead, Sacker encourages par- Parents may incorrectly assume ing disorder or orthorexia, which by the technology that is now a per- ents to create an ongoing non-threat- that an eating disorder is strictly strikes healthy eaters who do not manent fixture in their lives. The 24- ening dialogue with their teens. food-related, and that monitoring a consume enough calories. Signifi- seven Internet and Facebook world “Parents need to understand to be lean child’s intake can solve the problem, cantly, Sacker has treated many pa- permeates their lives everywhere, their child’s interests, although not but that’s not the case. tients who have used veganism or and photos, videos, and tweets can necessarily be part of them,” Sacker BY RISA C. DOHERTY “It’s the catalyst, not the cause,” tells me. Moreover, he emphasizes What to do if says Scheel, who serves as director the need for parents “to give up ating disorders such as an- of Westchester’s Cedar Associates “So trust yourself. If something about the way your the guilt and the blame” in order orexia and bulimia seem to be Eating Disorder Treatment Centers. to help. you suspect “Eating disorders are complicated,” child deals with food worries you, then you have The first step in treatment would E in vogue today. Demi Lovato, Britney Spears, Nicole Richie, Mary- Bartell tells me, and there’s never just nothing to lose by talking with your child, asking a be to locate an eating disorder spe- your teen Kate Olsen, Paula Abdul, and Lady one trigger, but many, including low cialist, preferably a medical doctor, Gaga are among the many celebrities self-esteem, poor self-image, and so- doctor, checking with a specialist, or going to the to do a physical and mental evalua- who suffered from them. Their dis- cial issues. Sacker agrees, noting that tion, notes Sacker. has an eating orders are glamorized on magazine even a fear of bullying can lead to an library or bookstore to find reading material that will This decision may likely need to covers and professionals wonder eating disorder, as adolescents can be give you the information you need to be helpful for be made despite protestations from disorder what effect stars’ disclosures have critical of peers’ weight. your child, Allen points out. If the on our children. Scheel notes that both nurture everyone concerned-including yourself.” patient is not medically stable, then In Psychology Today’s October and nature contribute, and stresses inpatient treatment by a pediatri- 2011 issue, Dr. Judy Scheel distin- parents’ role in helping their child — “Dying to Be Thin” by Ira M. Sacker and Marc A. Zimmer cian, nutritionist, and a psycholo- guished between stars who disclose grow emotionally. Once this is done, gist may be required. Although a their ailments for mere publicity and a child is able “to weather the storm” parents’ first reflex might be to con- those who share their private strug- by learning to cope with disappoint- vegetarianism to help conceal their be unforgiving and relentless. sult her trusted pediatrician, Sacker gles to help fans better understand ments and negative feelings. In this extreme eating restrictions. In addition, academic hypercom- notes that pediatricians have vary- eating disorders. But no matter way, young people are no longer de- petition and overscheduling, cou- ing levels of experience diagnosing whether these celebrities are trying pendent on others to tell them how Parents’ words can pled with often unrealistic expecta- and dealing with eating disorders. to help or not, Scheel tells me that they feel. She also explains “there reinforce dangerous tions, plague teens caught in limbo He reminds parents that they have vulnerable teens believe a disorder is no eating disorder gene, but it is behavior between childhood and adulthood. to be prepared to ask their pediatri- is no big deal if it helps them lose more common amongst those kids Parents who always demand per- Some feel the only control they have cian about his background in these, weight, look like their idols, and gar- with a predisposition to anxiety and fection think they are protecting is over their bodies. if they are to rely on his advice or ner similar attention. depression.” their children against feeling vulner- And parents can be clueless, as referrals. “In our pop-culture existence, A teen lying about how much food able, but instead they are running Scheel notes, “we live in a quick- Bartell also points out “the longer teens think if they look a certain way she eats is not a breach of trust, say the risk of contributing to a possible fix culture, which fosters the white- an eating disorder patient waits for they will feel good, preferring to share weight loss diets,” writes Sacker in Still, Bartell notes that bulimics experts. Sacker explains that an eat- eating disorder. washing of underlying problems, en- treatment, the harder the recovery their idols’ symptoms and behavior, “Regaining Your Self–Understanding can hide their problem for years. Ac- ing disorder patient will not see hid- “Young people really need help couraging parents to buy things for and cure.” and focusing on someone else’s life, and Conquering The Eating Disor- cording to “Dying to Be Thin,” which ing her disorder as lying, but rather dealing with life’s disappointments, their kids instead of allowing them to If one could say there is any benefit rather than tackling their own emo- der Identity,” but change as body Sacker co-authored, “symptoms can as not being understood, and parents’ including not looking like a celeb- feel bad when they need to.” to having an eating disorder, Scheel tional issues,” Scheel explains. image and exercise become the focal develop little by little, day by day. accusations of mistrust will push her rity,” Scheel advises. “There’s beauty would say it is that treatment can be point for girls’ anxiety and ultimately And if you initially approved of the away more. Moreover, eating disorder in imperfection.” How to help instructive in helping patients and Spotting an their identity. Some common signs dieting or the exercising, then you patients truly believe they need to be Allen warns against compliment- Concerned parents should not their families begin to concentrate on eating disorder include: eating very little or extreme may find it difficult to withdraw your thin or they’re nothing, adds Scheel. ing girls on how they look when they hesitate to follow-up on reasonable the real underlying problems. Concerned parents often have dieting, having a distorted body approval, especially if your child “As an adolescent becomes more lose weight, lest they suffer from a suspicions for fear they are “invading Now that you know what to look trouble differentiating between fin- image (incorrectly believing one is seems pleased with his or her ac- and more restrictive of her food in- disorder. “You are losing weight,” their teen’s privacy” by checking if for and what to do, pay attention to icky eating and an eating disorder. fat), lying about eating, excessive complishments.” take, the brain starts to be starved can be received as a compliment their child is purging or hiding food. your kids and be aware of the signs. Eating disorders are illnesses that se- exercise, avoiding social situations Bartell once treated a patient as of needed nutrients like fat and pro- and motivation to lose more. Unfor- Bartell equates a parent’s need for Parenting can be very challenging, riously disrupt an everyday diet, most where eating is involved, withdraw- young as 9, as eating disorders often tein,” Scheel says. tunately, many girls already have surveillance with that of drug or alco- but watching out for our children is often characterized by severe distress ing from friends, excessive weight start before high school. “Being in a state of semi-starvation strong peer reinforcement for their hol issues, as these disorders too can just part of the job description. about weight, according to the Na- loss, a decline in grades, and a sud- Rebecca Allen, a 20 year old from causes changes in the metabolism behavior, as friends undoubtedly present a mortal danger. Risa C. Doherty is a parent, attor- tional Institute of Mental Health. den penchant for baggy clothing. Long Island who was treated for an and brain chemistry that reinforce tell them they look great and ask She adds, “it our responsibility as ney and award-winning freelance writer. “ Pa re nt s a re goi n g to m iss t he sig n s,” Dr. Susan Bartell, author of “Girls- eating disorder, tells me it started in the restricting behavior by creating them how they did it. Additionally, parents to keep our kids healthy and Read more at www.risadoherty.com. says Dr. Ira Sacker, former director of Only Weight Loss Guide,” tells me seventh grade when there was a “di- a natural high,” writes Sacker. This comments normally considered safe.” For more information contact the Eating Disorders at Brookdale Univer- that eating disorders are sometimes eting trend” amongst the girls. As a “dieting success” can be very satisfy- criticism, like “you look too thin,” Sacker tells me that parents National Eating Disorders Association sity Hospital, who observes that par- misdiagnosed as attention deficit dancer, she spent hours in front of a ing and self-perpetuating. continue to reinforce the behavior, should not assume they are para- [(212) 576–6200; Helpline (800) 931– ents’ busy lives make the signs almost disorder or attention deficit hyper- mirror daily, which only exacerbated says Sacker. Bartell advises parents noid merely because eating disor- 2237; www.nationaleatingdisorders.org]; impossible to spot. activity disorder, mood swings, or her situation. Cover stories? to refrain from criticizing or com- ders seem so commonplace now. Academy for Eating Disorders [(847) “Eating disorders often start as are overlooked totally. One out of every five eating dis- When my daughter entered 11th plimenting their daughter’s body, “If you are not a parent who is 498–4274; www.aedweb.org].
20 BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY • December 2012 order sufferers die, according to grade, seemingly half of her girl- but instead talk about what she is forearmed, then you are an ostrich HEALTH Sacker. In fact, eating disorders have friends turned vegan or vegetarian, eating. with your head in the sand,” he ad- the highest mortality rate of any and parents some wondered if these vises. “Parents need to be cautious emotional disorder, he says. Impres- regimens were a gateway to an eat- Eating disorder and aware.” sionable adolescents with immortal- ing disorder. incubators Still, micromanaging every morsel ity complexes don’t recognize this, Fortunately, parents need not As girls’ bodies develop curves, can backfire. as they watch most of their idols necessarily panic if girls exhibit no their clothes tighten uncomfortably “If parents suspect an eating dis- recover. More than one patient con- other signs of a disorder. Veganism and the media bombards them with order, they should never assume fided in Sacker that she never real- or vegetarianism can be healthy size zero airbrushed images, all of they can handle it on their own by ized how sick she was before treat- diet options for teens whose diets which can make them particularly monitoring food. If they take that Longing ment. And, recovery can take years. are balanced with sufficient vita- vulnerable to eating disorders. In ad- approach, then their child will go un- mins and nutrients. But, for oth- dition, girls’ preoccupation and anxi- derground,” according to Bartell. Not just a food thing ers, it can be the start of an eat- ety about their bodies are magnified Instead, Sacker encourages par- Parents may incorrectly assume ing disorder or orthorexia, which by the technology that is now a per- ents to create an ongoing non-threat- that an eating disorder is strictly strikes healthy eaters who do not manent fixture in their lives. The 24- ening dialogue with their teens. food-related, and that monitoring a consume enough calories. Signifi- seven Internet and Facebook world “Parents need to understand to be lean child’s intake can solve the problem, cantly, Sacker has treated many pa- permeates their lives everywhere, their child’s interests, although not but that’s not the case. tients who have used veganism or and photos, videos, and tweets can necessarily be part of them,” Sacker BY RISA C. DOHERTY “It’s the catalyst, not the cause,” tells me. Moreover, he emphasizes What to do if says Scheel, who serves as director the need for parents “to give up ating disorders such as an- of Westchester’s Cedar Associates “So trust yourself. If something about the way your the guilt and the blame” in order orexia and bulimia seem to be Eating Disorder Treatment Centers. to help. you suspect “Eating disorders are complicated,” child deals with food worries you, then you have The first step in treatment would E in vogue today. Demi Lovato, Britney Spears, Nicole Richie, Mary- Bartell tells me, and there’s never just nothing to lose by talking with your child, asking a be to locate an eating disorder spe- your teen Kate Olsen, Paula Abdul, and Lady one trigger, but many, including low cialist, preferably a medical doctor, Gaga are among the many celebrities self-esteem, poor self-image, and so- doctor, checking with a specialist, or going to the to do a physical and mental evalua- who suffered from them. Their dis- cial issues. Sacker agrees, noting that tion, notes Sacker. has an eating orders are glamorized on magazine even a fear of bullying can lead to an library or bookstore to find reading material that will This decision may likely need to covers and professionals wonder eating disorder, as adolescents can be give you the information you need to be helpful for be made despite protestations from disorder what effect stars’ disclosures have critical of peers’ weight. your child, Allen points out. If the on our children. Scheel notes that both nurture everyone concerned-including yourself.” patient is not medically stable, then In Psychology Today’s October and nature contribute, and stresses inpatient treatment by a pediatri- 2011 issue, Dr. Judy Scheel distin- parents’ role in helping their child — “Dying to Be Thin” by Ira M. Sacker and Marc A. Zimmer cian, nutritionist, and a psycholo- guished between stars who disclose grow emotionally. Once this is done, gist may be required. Although a their ailments for mere publicity and a child is able “to weather the storm” parents’ first reflex might be to con- those who share their private strug- by learning to cope with disappoint- vegetarianism to help conceal their be unforgiving and relentless. sult her trusted pediatrician, Sacker gles to help fans better understand ments and negative feelings. In this extreme eating restrictions. In addition, academic hypercom- notes that pediatricians have vary- eating disorders. But no matter way, young people are no longer de- petition and overscheduling, cou- ing levels of experience diagnosing whether these celebrities are trying pendent on others to tell them how Parents’ words can pled with often unrealistic expecta- and dealing with eating disorders. to help or not, Scheel tells me that they feel. She also explains “there reinforce dangerous tions, plague teens caught in limbo He reminds parents that they have vulnerable teens believe a disorder is no eating disorder gene, but it is behavior between childhood and adulthood. to be prepared to ask their pediatri- is no big deal if it helps them lose more common amongst those kids Parents who always demand per- Some feel the only control they have cian about his background in these, weight, look like their idols, and gar- with a predisposition to anxiety and fection think they are protecting is over their bodies. if they are to rely on his advice or ner similar attention. depression.” their children against feeling vulner- And parents can be clueless, as referrals. “In our pop-culture existence, A teen lying about how much food able, but instead they are running Scheel notes, “we live in a quick- Bartell also points out “the longer teens think if they look a certain way she eats is not a breach of trust, say the risk of contributing to a possible fix culture, which fosters the white- an eating disorder patient waits for they will feel good, preferring to share weight loss diets,” writes Sacker in Still, Bartell notes that bulimics experts. Sacker explains that an eat- eating disorder. washing of underlying problems, en- treatment, the harder the recovery their idols’ symptoms and behavior, “Regaining Your Self–Understanding can hide their problem for years. Ac- ing disorder patient will not see hid- “Young people really need help couraging parents to buy things for and cure.” and focusing on someone else’s life, and Conquering The Eating Disor- cording to “Dying to Be Thin,” which ing her disorder as lying, but rather dealing with life’s disappointments, their kids instead of allowing them to If one could say there is any benefit rather than tackling their own emo- der Identity,” but change as body Sacker co-authored, “symptoms can as not being understood, and parents’ including not looking like a celeb- feel bad when they need to.” to having an eating disorder, Scheel tional issues,” Scheel explains. image and exercise become the focal develop little by little, day by day. accusations of mistrust will push her rity,” Scheel advises. “There’s beauty would say it is that treatment can be point for girls’ anxiety and ultimately And if you initially approved of the away more. Moreover, eating disorder in imperfection.” How to help instructive in helping patients and Spotting an their identity. Some common signs dieting or the exercising, then you patients truly believe they need to be Allen warns against compliment- Concerned parents should not their families begin to concentrate on eating disorder include: eating very little or extreme may find it difficult to withdraw your thin or they’re nothing, adds Scheel. ing girls on how they look when they hesitate to follow-up on reasonable the real underlying problems. Concerned parents often have dieting, having a distorted body approval, especially if your child “As an adolescent becomes more lose weight, lest they suffer from a suspicions for fear they are “invading Now that you know what to look trouble differentiating between fin- image (incorrectly believing one is seems pleased with his or her ac- and more restrictive of her food in- disorder. “You are losing weight,” their teen’s privacy” by checking if for and what to do, pay attention to icky eating and an eating disorder. fat), lying about eating, excessive complishments.” take, the brain starts to be starved can be received as a compliment their child is purging or hiding food. your kids and be aware of the signs. Eating disorders are illnesses that se- exercise, avoiding social situations Bartell once treated a patient as of needed nutrients like fat and pro- and motivation to lose more. Unfor- Bartell equates a parent’s need for Parenting can be very challenging, riously disrupt an everyday diet, most where eating is involved, withdraw- young as 9, as eating disorders often tein,” Scheel says. tunately, many girls already have surveillance with that of drug or alco- but watching out for our children is often characterized by severe distress ing from friends, excessive weight start before high school. “Being in a state of semi-starvation strong peer reinforcement for their hol issues, as these disorders too can just part of the job description. about weight, according to the Na- loss, a decline in grades, and a sud- Rebecca Allen, a 20 year old from causes changes in the metabolism behavior, as friends undoubtedly present a mortal danger. Risa C. Doherty is a parent, attor- tional Institute of Mental Health. den penchant for baggy clothing. Long Island who was treated for an and brain chemistry that reinforce tell them they look great and ask She adds, “it our responsibility as ney and award-winning freelance writer. “ Pa re nt s a re goi n g to m iss t he sig n s,” Dr. Susan Bartell, author of “Girls- eating disorder, tells me it started in the restricting behavior by creating them how they did it. Additionally, parents to keep our kids healthy and Read more at www.risadoherty.com. says Dr. Ira Sacker, former director of Only Weight Loss Guide,” tells me seventh grade when there was a “di- a natural high,” writes Sacker. This comments normally considered safe.” For more information contact the Eating Disorders at Brookdale Univer- that eating disorders are sometimes eting trend” amongst the girls. As a “dieting success” can be very satisfy- criticism, like “you look too thin,” Sacker tells me that parents National Eating Disorders Association sity Hospital, who observes that par- misdiagnosed as attention deficit dancer, she spent hours in front of a ing and self-perpetuating. continue to reinforce the behavior, should not assume they are para- [(212) 576–6200; Helpline (800) 931– ents’ busy lives make the signs almost disorder or attention deficit hyper- mirror daily, which only exacerbated says Sacker. Bartell advises parents noid merely because eating disor- 2237; www.nationaleatingdisorders.org]; impossible to spot. activity disorder, mood swings, or her situation. Cover stories? to refrain from criticizing or com- ders seem so commonplace now. Academy for Eating Disorders [(847) “Eating disorders often start as are overlooked totally. One out of every five eating dis- When my daughter entered 11th plimenting their daughter’s body, “If you are not a parent who is 498–4274; www.aedweb.org].
December 2012 • BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY 21 ADVICE Preparing yourself for disasters to come The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy disastrous with Hurricane Ka- has made me concerned about what TRINA IN 4HE ISSUE IS NOT I would do if my home were flooded just surviving the storm, but or destroyed. How can I be better being able to weather the af- ASK AN prepared to keep my family safe and termath if rescue teams can- minimize the impact of the aftermath not get to you. ATTORNEY of a natural disaster? Know your flood zone and ALISON ARDEN BESUNDER, THOSE AROUND YOU 4O SEE IF ESQ. urricane Sandy and its dev- you are in a flood zone, check astating aftermath have once WWWFREEFLOODNET 4HE SAY- H again reminded us of the ing “better safe than sorry” is need to implement a crisis plan for all too applicable. During Hur-
ourselves and our families. Having Photo by Paul Martinka ricane Sandy, a family report- a crisis plan gives us peace of mind edly remained in the evacu- that we can act calmly under pres- family communicate when local land ation zone, because its house was sure and to expect the unexpected. lines and cell towers are down. looted during Irene, only to have the Here are some quick and easy steps s ) D E N T I F Y A PLACE WHERE YOU COULD mother and son perish in the flood. you can take in your quest to be get to in the event of a flood. You can replace the stuff. You can’t prepared. s !CCOUNT FOR EVERYONES NEEDS replace a life. Be smart, be safe, be especially seniors, people with dis- prepared to leave when necessary. Create a plan abilities, and non-English speakers. Develop a written crisis plan. Sam- s % N S U R E THAT HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS Make a personal ples and guidelines are available on have a copy of your household disas- financial crisis the city’s Office of Emergency Man- ter plan and a “short form” card with management plan agement website located at www. emergency contact information to -ITIGATE THE MESS !RE YOU IN- nyc.gov/html/oem/html/get_pre- keep in their wallets and backpacks. SURED 7HERE ARE YOUR INSURANCE pared/prepared_plan.shtml. s 0A C K A hGOv BAG THAT HAS SUF- policies (homeowners, life, auto, dis- Share the plan with your fam- ficient emergency supplies for all ABILITY !RE THEY UP TO DATE !RE ALL ily. Better yet, upload the plan to a household members and pets. Make your valuables on your homeowner document share site on the “cloud” sure your bag includes cash for im- RIDER !RE YOU COVERED IN CASES OF like Dropbox or Google docs, and mediate money needs. (Like gas sta- flood or hurricane, or do you need a download it to your phone, so you TIONS !4-S DO NOT OPERATE IN POWER separate rider? and others can access it even if the outages.) Confirm that you do not need any computer goes down. Your plan s $ECIDE HOW YOU WILL HANDLE CAR- additional insurance to protect you. should cover: ing for any pets and whether you will 4AKE AN INVENTORY OF ALL YOUR HOME s 7 H E R E YOUR HOUSEHOLD AND FAM- take them with you. Have a copy of auto, disability, and life insurance ily members will reunite after a di- your veterinarian’s contact informa- policies, put it in writing, upload it to saster. Identify two places to meet: tion and any pet insurance policies the cloud and keep written copies in one right outside of your home and in your “go” bag. your “go” bags. You should also keep another outside of your neighbor- s 9O U R CHILDREN ARE NEVER TOO a detailed list of your bank accounts, hood, such as a library, community young to review the plan with you. investments, trusts, titles and deeds, center, or place of worship. Instruct them on exit routes in the mortgages and home equity loans, s ) D E N T I F Y ALL POSSIBLE EXIT ROUTES event of a fire and reinforce the credit and debit cards, and tax re- from your home and neighborhood. neighborhood meeting place. cords in a safe and secure place, s $ESIGNATE AN OUT OF STATE FRIEND together with all contact information or relative who your household Evacuate when and online passwords. members can call if separated dur- you’re told to do so ing a disaster. If New York City phone 4OO MANY PEOPLE STAYED WHERE Make a legal plan circuits are busy, long-distance calls they were during Hurricanes Irene %VERYONE SHOULD HAVE A ,AST 7ILL may be easier to make. Your out-of- and Sandy, despite clear evacuation AND 4ESTAMENT (EALTHCARE 0ROXY state contact can help you and your ORDERS 4HIS WAS ALSO WHAT WAS SO AND 0OWER OF !TTORNEY &OR THOSE
Disclaimer: This column is provided by the Law Offices of Alison Arden Besunder P.C. and New York Parenting Media as a public service to inform readers of legal issues. It is not intended to advise. Since legal issues vary with an individual’s situation and needs, one should consult with an attorney. It is impossible to cover all aspects of the law in an article. Please be advised that the laws are constantly changing. The content in this article reflects the current law. Nothing contained in this article is intended as advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the firm. Individual consultation with an attorney is required to determine the specific facts and circumstances of any particular situ- ation. A written retainer agreement between you and the firm is required before any attorney-client relationship may be created. Circular 230 Disclosure Notice: To ensure compliance with Treasury Department rules governing tax practice, we inform you that any advice contained herein (including in any attachment) (1) was not written and is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalty that may be imposed on the taxpayer, and (2) may not be used in connection with promoting, marketing or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed herein.
22 BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY • December 2012 with children, an appointment of a insured, should any of your busi- ADVICE Standby Guardian and Medical Au- ness assets be affected by a natu- thorization is also helpful to have. ral disaster, you need to be able Review the documents every few to contact your insurer immedi- years or anytime you or a close fam- ately to ensure maximum coverage WINNER! ily member experiences a signifi- under your policy. You should also cant life change such as marriage, take photographs of any and all Preparing yourself divorce, or the birth of a new family damaged assets, and save receipts member. Every review should en- for any work done in repairing or 5 TONY sure appropriate beneficiary desig- replacing business assets. Now is ® nations and titling of assets are up the time to make sure you have for disasters to come to date. Keep copies in your “go” the right insurance in the event AWARDS bags and online. your business is flooded or inac- The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy disastrous with Hurricane Ka- cessible. Look into business inter- has made me concerned about what TRINA IN 4HE ISSUE IS NOT Put it online ruption insurance, which can help I would do if my home were flooded just surviving the storm, but Many companies offer “online cover losses incurred as a result of or destroyed. How can I be better being able to weather the af- vaults” to give you secure access to natural or unanticipated disasters. “ABSURDLY ASK AN prepared to keep my family safe and termath if rescue teams can- your legal and financial documents s , O A N INFORMATION )F YOU NEED ATTORNEY minimize the impact of the aftermath not get to you. from any location with an internet a business loan following a disas- of a natural disaster? Know your flood zone and connection. Many financial service TER YOU CAN CONTACT THE 3"! /F- FUNNY!” ALISON ARDEN BESUNDER, THOSE AROUND YOU 4O SEE IF companies and financial planners fice of Disaster Assistance at (800) — ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY ESQ. urricane Sandy and its dev- you are in a flood zone, check offer this as a courtesy to their cus- 659–2955 or e-mail disastercustom- astating aftermath have once WWWFREEFLOODNET 4HE SAY- tomers and clients. Putting every- [email protected] for loans that H again reminded us of the ing “better safe than sorry” is thing in a secure online database is may be available to your business. need to implement a crisis plan for all too applicable. During Hur- a great way to back up your origi- s !DDITIONAL SUPPORT !DDITIONAL ourselves and our families. Having Photo by Paul Martinka ricane Sandy, a family report- nal and photocopy records. support for businesses can be a crisis plan gives us peace of mind edly remained in the evacu- found at the Department of Small that we can act calmly under pres- family communicate when local land ation zone, because its house was Mind your business "USINESS 3ERVICES WWWNYCGOV sure and to expect the unexpected. lines and cell towers are down. looted during Irene, only to have the If you own a business, you must HTMLSBSHTMLHOMEHOMESHTML Here are some quick and easy steps s ) D E N T I F Y A PLACE WHERE YOU COULD mother and son perish in the flood. have a business disaster plan. It and the Economic Development you can take in your quest to be get to in the event of a flood. You can replace the stuff. You can’t should include the following: #ORPORATION WWWNYCEDCCOM prepared. s !CCOUNT FOR EVERYONES NEEDS replace a life. Be smart, be safe, be s ! BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN backtobusiness). especially seniors, people with dis- prepared to leave when necessary. Make sure your business can con- s # O N T A C T INFORMATION MAINTE- Create a plan abilities, and non-English speakers. tinue to run as smoothly as possible NANCE "E SURE TO RETAIN ALL CONTACT Develop a written crisis plan. Sam- s % N S U R E THAT HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS Make a personal in the event that you or your em- information in a safe and accessible ples and guidelines are available on have a copy of your household disas- financial crisis ployees cannot get to there, or when location so that you can act quickly the city’s Office of Emergency Man- ter plan and a “short form” card with management plan the power goes out at the business and efficiently towards business agement website located at www. emergency contact information to -ITIGATE THE MESS !RE YOU IN- or your employees’ homes. recovery. This should include not nyc.gov/html/oem/html/get_pre- keep in their wallets and backpacks. SURED 7HERE ARE YOUR INSURANCE Organize your contact database, only all disaster-related recovery pared/prepared_plan.shtml. s 0A C K A hGOv BAG THAT HAS SUF- policies (homeowners, life, auto, dis- keep a regularly updated client services, but also alternative and Share the plan with your fam- ficient emergency supplies for all ABILITY !RE THEY UP TO DATE !RE ALL and customer list and open items; emergency contact information for ily. Better yet, upload the plan to a household members and pets. Make your valuables on your homeowner have a written procedure manual your employees. In our age of smart- document share site on the “cloud” sure your bag includes cash for im- RIDER !RE YOU COVERED IN CASES OF detailing the normal workflow of phones, there is no excuse for not like Dropbox or Google docs, and mediate money needs. (Like gas sta- flood or hurricane, or do you need a your business and all emergency having your contacts synched to download it to your phone, so you TIONS !4-S DO NOT OPERATE IN POWER separate rider? procedures; keep your billing and your password-protected device. and others can access it even if the outages.) Confirm that you do not need any time records up to date if appli- It is worth the investment of computer goes down. Your plan s $ECIDE HOW YOU WILL HANDLE CAR- additional insurance to protect you. cable; and execute estate planning time to prepare a reliable strategy NOW THROUGH JAN. 20 ONLY! should cover: ing for any pets and whether you will 4AKE AN INVENTORY OF ALL YOUR HOME documents for your business such that allows you to be prepared s 7 H E R E YOUR HOUSEHOLD AND FAM- take them with you. Have a copy of auto, disability, and life insurance as limited powers of attorney or when faced with economic and nat- ily members will reunite after a di- your veterinarian’s contact informa- policies, put it in writing, upload it to appointing a successor managing URAL DISASTERS "E WELL STAY SAFE Take a hilarious romp through saster. Identify two places to meet: tion and any pet insurance policies the cloud and keep written copies in member in your corporate operat- and do not get lulled into compla- one right outside of your home and in your “go” bag. your “go” bags. You should also keep ing agreement. You may want to cency that we won’t see a storm the Neverland you never knew with another outside of your neighbor- s 9O U R CHILDREN ARE NEVER TOO a detailed list of your bank accounts, consider moving your files or at like Sandy again. this swashbuckling prequel to Peter Pan. hood, such as a library, community young to review the plan with you. investments, trusts, titles and deeds, least an automated backup in the More information about how you center, or place of worship. Instruct them on exit routes in the mortgages and home equity loans, cloud, so that you can access files can be prepared and make a plan is s ) D E N T I F Y ALL POSSIBLE EXIT ROUTES event of a fire and reinforce the credit and debit cards, and tax re- remotely even if power goes out in available on the Office of Emergency from your home and neighborhood. neighborhood meeting place. cords in a safe and secure place, your office. Management website located at www. IT SINGS. IT SHINES. s $ESIGNATE AN OUT OF STATE FRIEND together with all contact information s )NSURANCE INFORMATION (UR- nyc.gov/html/oem/html/get_pre- or relative who your household Evacuate when and online passwords. ricane Sandy caused significant pared/prepared_plan.shtml. IT’S OFF THE HOOK! members can call if separated dur- you’re told to do so damage to many businesses. With- Alison Arden Besunder is the found- ing a disaster. If New York City phone 4OO MANY PEOPLE STAYED WHERE Make a legal plan out the right insurance, you might ing attorney of the Law Offices of circuits are busy, long-distance calls they were during Hurricanes Irene %VERYONE SHOULD HAVE A ,AST 7ILL not be able to recoup those losses. Alison Arden Besunder P.C., where may be easier to make. Your out-of- and Sandy, despite clear evacuation AND 4ESTAMENT (EALTHCARE 0ROXY 4HE OWNER OF POWER(OUSE "OOKS she assists new and not-so-new par- state contact can help you and your ORDERS 4HIS WAS ALSO WHAT WAS SO AND 0OWER OF !TTORNEY &OR THOSE IN $5-"/ WAS REPORTED TO HAVE ents with their estate planning needs. TICKETMASTER.COM t 877-250-2929 as much as $100,000 in inventory Her firm assists clients in Manhattan, Disclaimer: This column is provided by the Law Offices of Alison Arden Besunder P.C. and New York Parenting Media as a public service to inform readers of legal issues. It is not intended to advise. Since legal issues vary with an individual’s BROOKS ATKINSON THEATRE, 256 W. 47 ST. situation and needs, one should consult with an attorney. It is impossible to cover all aspects of the law in an article. Please be advised that the laws are constantly changing. The content in this article reflects the current law. Nothing contained losses. Without insurance to cover Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suf- in this article is intended as advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the firm. Individual consultation with an attorney is required to determine the specific facts and circumstances of any particular situ- such loss, your business might not folk Counties. You can find Besunder WWW.PETERANDTHESTARCATCHER.COM ation. A written retainer agreement between you and the firm is required before any attorney-client relationship may be created. Circular 230 Disclosure Notice: To ensure compliance with Treasury Department rules governing tax practice, we inform you that any advice contained herein (including in any attachment) (1) was not written and is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalty that may be imposed on the taxpayer, and be able to survive. on Twitter @estatetrustplan and on her (2) may not be used in connection with promoting, marketing or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed herein. If you are (hopefully) properly website at www.besunderlaw.com.
December 2012 • Ì ÊÓä£ÓÊUÊBRONX/RIVERDALEXXXXX FAMILY 23 HEALTH When a child is sick for the HOLIDAYS BY LARA KRUPICKA ate. But rather than mope around Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. How to adapt the house, Williams planned a spe- Different is an operative word t starts out with your child being cial activity: game day. Her three in this case. There’s no getting your family tired and looking a little under children each picked a favorite around the fact that your child or I the weather. game and together they played all other sick family member won’t be But it’s a holiday, so you chalk it up three. at home for the holiday. Don’t try celebrations to the extra activity and some richer “It was fun. It actually forced to ignore it. Instead, address kids’ foods than normal. Soon enough, us to do something we would not hopes for the holiday. you realize what’s really happening: have done on a normal day,” Wil- Seelenbinder urges parents to in times of your child is sick and tomorrow is liams says. be appropriately honest with their another celebration. Not every family may be able to children. illness Most families face illness during a have a game day with sick children, “We recognize it’s hard to be major holiday at some point in time. but the holiday doesn’t have to be a away from home, and these are Given the right attitude and a good complete bust. hard conversations for parents to Plan B, you can still make holiday Follow your regular traditions, have.” memories. albeit in a more subdued form, out Encourage your child that “dif- Here are a few tips on celebrating of respect for the person who is ill. ferent” doesn’t have to be bad. In through (and in spite of) varying de- Include her as much as possible, fact, with some planning on your grees of illness. while giving her space to simply part, it can be exceptionally memo- be sick. rable. Short-term illness Your Plan B could include a sec- “Think about ‘how can we trans- Sarah Williams’s family enjoyed ond celebration once the child (or late what we do at home,’ in a dif- a holiday with relatives, but they parent) has recovered. Because it’s ferent environment,” Seelinbinder still had a special event on the not the actual holiday, it won’t be says. calendar when two of her children exactly the same. So don’t try to It’s also important not to go over- came down with the stomach flu. make it that way. Find opportuni- board to compensate. It may seem “We had tickets to a play that my ties to make it uniquely special — like a good idea, but often ends aunt had given them. They were like the Williams’s game day. up backfiring during the transition going to be gone the whole day,” back home. she explains. Hospital stays and Remember to give yourself space. Instead, they stayed home to more serious illness Holidays can be crazy even without allow the sick children to recuper- No one wants to consider a hos- a sickness. Add on the challenges pital stay during a holiday. But of caring for your home while mak- sometimes it can’t be avoided, ing frequent hospital visits, and whether due to an accidental injury you’ll be primed for a meltdown. Holiday to go or chronic illness. “What we really encourage par- Create a holiday basket that takes your The best resource for coping ents to do is take a moment for tradition to the sick room, whether in your with a special date on the calen- themselves and look at their whole house or at a hospital. Include these elements dar while in the hospital is the family and how they can support to make the day special: hospital’s staff. Find out from your everyone,” says Seelinbinder. s ! TRADITIONAL SYMBOL OF YOUR FAMILYS HOLIDAY child’s doctor or the medical cen- This may mean leaving the holi- (a cornucopia at Thanksgiving, or a menorah ter’s social worker what activities day preparation to someone else. for Hanukkah) are planned for the holiday. And Your Plan B could include engaging s ! HOLIDAY STORY BOOK PARTICULARLY IF ITS ONE discuss the expectations your fam- in the activities available through you’ve enjoyed together before ily might have. the hospital and keeping the bed- s ! GIFT THAT CAN BE ENJOYED IN BED SUCH AS A NEW #$ OR MUSIC DOWN- “We work with families on an in- side celebration simple. load dividual basis to encourage them Focusing on the meaning behind s )F THE PATIENT CAN EAT INCLUDE ONE OR TWO OF HER FAVORITE HOLIDAY to continue their traditions, just the celebration and not the calen- foods that are easy to transport, like a plate of cookies. looking a little different,” says Rose dar date can also free up your fam- Seelenbinder, a child life specialist at ily to observe the holiday in a more
24 BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY • December 2012 HEALTH When a child is sick for the HOLIDAYS BY LARA KRUPICKA ate. But rather than mope around Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. How to adapt the house, Williams planned a spe- Different is an operative word t starts out with your child being cial activity: game day. Her three in this case. There’s no getting your family tired and looking a little under children each picked a favorite around the fact that your child or I the weather. game and together they played all other sick family member won’t be But it’s a holiday, so you chalk it up three. at home for the holiday. Don’t try celebrations to the extra activity and some richer “It was fun. It actually forced to ignore it. Instead, address kids’ foods than normal. Soon enough, us to do something we would not hopes for the holiday. you realize what’s really happening: have done on a normal day,” Wil- Seelenbinder urges parents to in times of your child is sick and tomorrow is liams says. be appropriately honest with their another celebration. Not every family may be able to children. illness Most families face illness during a have a game day with sick children, “We recognize it’s hard to be major holiday at some point in time. but the holiday doesn’t have to be a away from home, and these are Given the right attitude and a good complete bust. hard conversations for parents to Plan B, you can still make holiday Follow your regular traditions, have.” memories. albeit in a more subdued form, out Encourage your child that “dif- Here are a few tips on celebrating of respect for the person who is ill. ferent” doesn’t have to be bad. In through (and in spite of) varying de- Include her as much as possible, fact, with some planning on your grees of illness. while giving her space to simply part, it can be exceptionally memo- be sick. rable. Short-term illness Your Plan B could include a sec- “Think about ‘how can we trans- Sarah Williams’s family enjoyed ond celebration once the child (or late what we do at home,’ in a dif- a holiday with relatives, but they parent) has recovered. Because it’s ferent environment,” Seelinbinder still had a special event on the not the actual holiday, it won’t be says. calendar when two of her children exactly the same. So don’t try to It’s also important not to go over- came down with the stomach flu. make it that way. Find opportuni- board to compensate. It may seem “We had tickets to a play that my ties to make it uniquely special — like a good idea, but often ends aunt had given them. They were like the Williams’s game day. up backfiring during the transition going to be gone the whole day,” back home. traditional sense once the hospital out how to go forward.” through issues of separation. Holi- Follow your regular she explains. Hospital stays and Remember to give yourself space. stay ends. Schumacher suggests starting a day traditions provide a great av- Instead, they stayed home to more serious illness Holidays can be crazy even without new tradition right away. You don’t enue for sharing memories. Talking traditions, albeit in a allow the sick children to recuper- No one wants to consider a hos- a sickness. Add on the challenges Terminal illness need to scrap your old traditions, about those memories and the role more subdued form, pital stay during a holiday. But of caring for your home while mak- More than 1.6 million people use but it is important to begin the the family member has played can sometimes it can’t be avoided, ing frequent hospital visits, and hospice services each year. So it’s transition. be powerful for enabling the child out of respect for the Holiday to go whether due to an accidental injury you’ll be primed for a meltdown. not uncommon for a person to be Talk with your children about to walk toward closure as death or chronic illness. “What we really encourage par- approaching death before or dur- how life will be changing and ask nears. person who is ill. Create a holiday basket that takes your The best resource for coping ents to do is take a moment for ing a holiday. their input on what new tradition s s s tradition to the sick room, whether in your with a special date on the calen- themselves and look at their whole This doesn’t make it any easier, they would like to start. And if pos- When it comes to holiday prepa- house or at a hospital. Include these elements dar while in the hospital is the family and how they can support but there are approaches parents sible, include the ill person in creat- rations, accepting that there might to make the day special: hospital’s staff. Find out from your everyone,” says Seelinbinder. can take to help. The first is to ac- ing the plan. come a time for Plan B can be a s ! TRADITIONAL SYMBOL OF YOUR FAMILYS HOLIDAY child’s doctor or the medical cen- This may mean leaving the holi- knowledge the situation and how “Incorporate them in the dis- helpful process. Then, when you (a cornucopia at Thanksgiving, or a menorah ter’s social worker what activities day preparation to someone else. that impacts the holiday. cussion without saying they’ll be encounter a sickness in your fam- for Hanukkah) are planned for the holiday. And Your Plan B could include engaging “Don’t expect it to be the same gone,” says Schumacher. “It shows ily, you won’t have to waste energy s ! HOLIDAY STORY BOOK PARTICULARLY IF ITS ONE discuss the expectations your fam- in the activities available through as every other year,” says Dr. Don them that you’re taking on the bur- on shifting gears. you’ve enjoyed together before ily might have. the hospital and keeping the bed- Schumacher, president and CEO of den.” You’ll be ready to find your own s ! GIFT THAT CAN BE ENJOYED IN BED SUCH AS A NEW #$ OR MUSIC DOWN- “We work with families on an in- side celebration simple. the National Hospice and Palliative Make sure to include visits with Plan B for adapting your celebra- load dividual basis to encourage them Focusing on the meaning behind Care Organization. “You have to the sick family member in your tion. s )F THE PATIENT CAN EAT INCLUDE ONE OR TWO OF HER FAVORITE HOLIDAY to continue their traditions, just the celebration and not the calen- acknowledge that some change is holiday observances. Schumacher Lara Krupicka is a freelance writer foods that are easy to transport, like a plate of cookies. looking a little different,” says Rose dar date can also free up your fam- coming. With every death, a new points out how this can particu- who found new ways to enjoy a holiday Seelenbinder, a child life specialist at ily to observe the holiday in a more family is born. You have to figure larly aid children as they work during a daughter’s bout of bronchitis.
December 2012 • BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY 25 PERSONAL ESSAY The joy of getting
BY MEAGAN J. MEEHAN wrapped her present, but to me, all some children do behave ungrate- Learning why of that was purely a formality. The fully and they should be reprimanded hen I was a child, I loved real joy was the thrill of opening before their poor attitudes develop receiving is presents; getting gifts was my own gifts and getting my own into bigger problems. However, the W the focal point of my birth- things. majority of children are excited AND day and Christmas. Whenever it was I can still recall the crinkling grateful to receive gifts, and should important for a friend’s birthday, my parents came sound of the wrapping paper, the not be painted with the same brush to the toy store with me and helped anticipation of opening the box, and as those who are unappreciative. me select a gift that would suit my the elation of revealing some won- Similarly, I agree that the spirit giving friend’s personal tastes. We wrapped derful new toy that was all for me! of Christmas — goodwill — should the gift carefully and enjoyed watch- And that was only part of the fun always be conveyed to a child first ing the receiver smile as she un- — the real joy was the hours I got and foremost. However, gift giving playing with my new toys. Most of and receiving are integral parts of the presents I received were cher- the celebration process that actually ished for years. I especially got un- motivate children to be more gener- told hours of fun out of my doll- ous and giving later in life. houses, Legos, and video games, and The human mind is a complex all of those fond memories began as thing, and it largely bases its pro- soon as I tore open the wrappings. cesses upon past experiences. Thus, As a child I could not fathom that if someone recalls the joy that receiv- ridiculous adult adage: “It is better ing gifts gave them in their younger to give than to receive.” I used to years then, as adults, they are far snicker when I heard it, assuming more likely to have the desire to cre- that all adults were insane. ate the same sense of joy for younger Alas, as I got older, the appeal generations. Likewise, someone who of receiving gifts faded. I still smile has no good memories of receiving if I get a gift, but the difference is presents is less likely to partake in that as I grew up, the thrill of pres- the seasonal custom due to long- ents gradually lessened. I learned standing feelings of isolation, bitter- there was no Santa (except for the ness, and regret. goodwill of others — a concept I We learn from memory, and our actually find more touching) and personalities are molded from our then I started to lose that “I want experiences. A vast portion of our it, I want it, I want it!” drive memory relies on the recollections that most small children pos- of the emotional reactions that we sess. experienced during certain events As I got into my teens, or times. In short, if we recall pleas- I started appreciating the ant things about the holidays, then other aspects of the holidays we are more likely to enjoy them more: decorating the house, every year. touring around neighbor- Parents must realize that what hoods looking at lights, mar- seems like children being selfish is veling at store windows in the actually a normal foundation-laying city, baking, giving to charity, process for what will later become listening to the endless stream of the basis of selfless and giving be- Christmas songs on the radio — all havior. All of that starts with making the festive, yet, gift-free aspects to holidays special, both materially and the season. Now, instead of presents spiritually. being the focal point of the holiday, Meagan Meehan is a published au- they are merely a delightful extra. thor of poems, short stories, novels, Some people see children’s love of and articles in numerous publications. presents as an indication of a shal- She is also a cartoonist and an award- low, consumer-driven culture. These winning modern artist. Meehan holds a same individuals view children as Bachelors degree in English Literature bratty and ungrateful, and even go so from New York Institute of Technology far as to discourage parents from buy- and a Masters of Communication from ing their children presents. Granted, Marist College.
26 BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY • December 2012 PERSONAL ESSAY Like Us on The joy of getting BY MEAGAN J. MEEHAN wrapped her present, but to me, all some children do behave ungrate- Soccer Gear to WIN Learning why of that was purely a formality. The fully and they should be reprimanded hen I was a child, I loved real joy was the thrill of opening before their poor attitudes develop receiving is presents; getting gifts was my own gifts and getting my own into bigger problems. However, the tickets or W the focal point of my birth- things. majority of children are excited AND & day and Christmas. Whenever it was I can still recall the crinkling grateful to receive gifts, and should important for a friend’s birthday, my parents came sound of the wrapping paper, the not be painted with the same brush to the toy store with me and helped anticipation of opening the box, and as those who are unappreciative. prizes giving me select a gift that would suit my the elation of revealing some won- Similarly, I agree that the spirit Equipment friend’s personal tastes. We wrapped derful new toy that was all for me! of Christmas — goodwill — should the gift carefully and enjoyed watch- And that was only part of the fun always be conveyed to a child first ing the receiver smile as she un- — the real joy was the hours I got and foremost. However, gift giving Visit us at our playing with my new toys. Most of and receiving are integral parts of the presents I received were cher- the celebration process that actually Drive NYParenting page ished for years. I especially got un- motivate children to be more gener- told hours of fun out of my doll- ous and giving later in life. Do you have uniforms, balls, and register to win houses, Legos, and video games, and The human mind is a complex all of those fond memories began as thing, and it largely bases its pro- shin guards, shoes, etc. that your kids soon as I tore open the wrappings. cesses upon past experiences. Thus, As a child I could not fathom that if someone recalls the joy that receiv- have outgrown? ridiculous adult adage: “It is better ing gifts gave them in their younger to give than to receive.” I used to years then, as adults, they are far snicker when I heard it, assuming more likely to have the desire to cre- FREE that all adults were insane. ate the same sense of joy for younger Attention All Writers! Alas, as I got older, the appeal generations. Likewise, someone who Soccer Clinic for kids of receiving gifts faded. I still smile has no good memories of receiving We’re looking for personal essays if I get a gift, but the difference is presents is less likely to partake in that as I grew up, the thrill of pres- the seasonal custom due to long- ages 5-14 about you, your family and life ents gradually lessened. I learned standing feelings of isolation, bitter- (where you can bring donated there was no Santa (except for the ness, and regret. in your community. goodwill of others — a concept I We learn from memory, and our gear & equipment) actually find more touching) and personalities are molded from our then I started to lose that “I want experiences. A vast portion of our Partner with us and share your it, I want it, I want it!” drive memory relies on the recollections Give-A-Ball Foundation will collect that most small children pos- of the emotional reactions that we stories and your memories. sess. experienced during certain events used soccer gear and distribute it to As I got into my teens, or times. In short, if we recall pleas- Email [email protected] to I started appreciating the ant things about the holidays, then children in Haiti & Nigeria other aspects of the holidays we are more likely to enjoy them have your piece included in our more: decorating the house, every year. touring around neighbor- Parents must realize that what magazine and on our website. hoods looking at lights, mar- seems like children being selfish is veling at store windows in the actually a normal foundation-laying city, baking, giving to charity, process for what will later become listening to the endless stream of the basis of selfless and giving be- Christmas songs on the radio — all havior. All of that starts with making the festive, yet, gift-free aspects to holidays special, both materially and the season. Now, instead of presents spiritually. being the focal point of the holiday, Meagan Meehan is a published au- they are merely a delightful extra. thor of poems, short stories, novels, For more information please visit Some people see children’s love of and articles in numerous publications. presents as an indication of a shal- She is also a cartoonist and an award- www.giveaball.org low, consumer-driven culture. These winning modern artist. Meehan holds a same individuals view children as Bachelors degree in English Literature or call bratty and ungrateful, and even go so from New York Institute of Technology far as to discourage parents from buy- and a Masters of Communication from 1-888-607-0043 x 2 ing their children presents. Granted, Marist College.
December 2012 • BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY 27 TECHNOLOGY BRONX/RIVERDALE Getting the most out of gift cards
ift cards have become the card is activated and spend the bal- is to treat the cards as cash, because GROWING UP go-to present for parents ance while your present is waiting to that’s exactly what they are. Don’t G who have run out of time, be given. To avoid this problem, pur- leave them lying around. Don’t tuck ONLINE ideas or, let’s be honest, holiday chase cards that are kept behind the them into a drawer and forget about CAROLYN JABS spirit. The National Retail Federa- counter. Look for a scratch off pin them. tion estimates that each holiday, number, and be sure it is intact. For the same reason, be sure to eight out of 10 shoppers turn to gift s ,OOK FOR DISCOUNTS Legitimate spend cards received during the holi- cards for at least some of their pur- discounts on gift cards are available days. Bankrate.com estimates that chases. Maybe that’s because the from resellers such as Plasticjungle. $40 billion dollars in gift card pur- cards make especially good gifts for com, Giftcardrescue.com, and Card- chases went unused in the past de- teachers, teens, tweens, and other pool.com. Before buying, be sure cade. That’s like loaning money to the people who are hard to please. Easy the website guarantees the value of sponsoring companies without ever as they are to purchase, getting the the card. Check shipping charges, asking that it be paid back. Look for If you like the magazine most from gift cards requires a bit of too, because they can quickly offset opportunities to use cards on things savvy. Here are a few tips: discounts. Another way to find safe you or your kids really want. Take s # H O O S E THE RIGHT CARD A closed- discounts is to visit scriptsmart.com, advantage of after holiday sales both loop gift card can be used only at the a website that rates gift cards based on and offline. If there’s an expiration you’ll love the site. store or restaurant that issues it, so on their features. The site also pro- date, mark it on your calendar. be sure the recipient likes what they vides information about how laws For cards you really can’t use, have to offer. Prepaid bank gift cards governing gift cards vary from state turn to websites that will help you can be used wherever a debit card to state. convert them into something more would be accepted, but there’s a fee s 3 K I P THE PLASTIC Ten billion gift valuable. Cardhub.com has a Face- for that convenience. The Ameri- cards are produced each year. Not book application so people can swap can Express website, for example, only do they contain toxic petro- cards with friends. Swapagift.com Check us out! charges $3.95 per card, regardless chemicals, but they also create dis- pinpoints local companies that buy of the amount. posal problems. Some companies giftcards for cash, usually at a deep s $ O N T BUY OFF THE RACK When allow you to bypass plastic by send- discount. cards are easily accessible, crooks ing an e-card directly to a mobile The websites that sell discounted can collect identifying numbers, phone or even a Facebook page. Be- gift cards buy them back, too. Before using pocket scanners or old-fash- cause this is a relatively new way of shipping off a card, review the fre- ioned pencil and paper. By call- giving, be sure to alert the recipient quently asked questions to be sure ing the toll-free number, with a card or some other tangible you understand exactly what you’ll nyparenting.com they find out when the reminder that he has received a vir- receive in return (and how you’ll tual gift. complain if there’s a problem). For s ' E T A RECEIPT No matter how you example, plasticjungle.com converts buy your giftcard, get a receipt that cards into cash, credits on Amazon, includes the number on the card. If or even a donation to a favorite char- the card is lost or stolen, you can ity. Of course, the holidays are a recover its value if you have docu- terrific time to convert the odd bal- mentation. Should you have a ances on all of last year’s gift cards problem with a card, contact into donations to organizations that the company that issued it. If it will make the season bright for oth- can’t or won’t resolve the prob- ers. Now that’s a way to rekindle lem, complain to the Federal holiday spirit! Trade Commission [(877) FTC– Carolyn Jabs, MA, raised three com- HELP] about cards issued by retail- puter-savvy kids, including one with Where every family matters ers or Comptroller of the Currency special needs. She has been writing [(800) 613–6743] about cards issued Growing Up Online for 10 years and is by banks. working on a book about constructive If you become savvy about buy- responses to conflict. Visit www.grow- and where New York parents ing giftcards, you may actually want ing-up-online.com to see past columns. to use them to save money on your @ Copyright, 2012, Carolyn Jabs. All own purchases. The important thing rights reserved. find help, info and support. 28 BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY • December 2012 TECHNOLOGY BRONX/RIVERDALE Getting the most out of gift cards ift cards have become the card is activated and spend the bal- is to treat the cards as cash, because GROWING UP go-to present for parents ance while your present is waiting to that’s exactly what they are. Don’t G who have run out of time, be given. To avoid this problem, pur- leave them lying around. Don’t tuck ONLINE ideas or, let’s be honest, holiday chase cards that are kept behind the them into a drawer and forget about CAROLYN JABS spirit. The National Retail Federa- counter. Look for a scratch off pin them. tion estimates that each holiday, number, and be sure it is intact. For the same reason, be sure to eight out of 10 shoppers turn to gift s ,OOK FOR DISCOUNTS Legitimate spend cards received during the holi- cards for at least some of their pur- discounts on gift cards are available days. Bankrate.com estimates that chases. Maybe that’s because the from resellers such as Plasticjungle. $40 billion dollars in gift card pur- cards make especially good gifts for com, Giftcardrescue.com, and Card- chases went unused in the past de- teachers, teens, tweens, and other pool.com. Before buying, be sure cade. That’s like loaning money to the people who are hard to please. Easy the website guarantees the value of sponsoring companies without ever as they are to purchase, getting the the card. Check shipping charges, asking that it be paid back. Look for If you like the magazine most from gift cards requires a bit of too, because they can quickly offset opportunities to use cards on things savvy. Here are a few tips: discounts. Another way to find safe you or your kids really want. Take s # H O O S E THE RIGHT CARD A closed- discounts is to visit scriptsmart.com, advantage of after holiday sales both loop gift card can be used only at the a website that rates gift cards based on and offline. If there’s an expiration you’ll love the site. store or restaurant that issues it, so on their features. The site also pro- date, mark it on your calendar. be sure the recipient likes what they vides information about how laws For cards you really can’t use, have to offer. Prepaid bank gift cards governing gift cards vary from state turn to websites that will help you can be used wherever a debit card to state. convert them into something more would be accepted, but there’s a fee s 3 K I P THE PLASTIC Ten billion gift valuable. Cardhub.com has a Face- for that convenience. The Ameri- cards are produced each year. Not book application so people can swap can Express website, for example, only do they contain toxic petro- cards with friends. Swapagift.com Check us out! charges $3.95 per card, regardless chemicals, but they also create dis- pinpoints local companies that buy of the amount. posal problems. Some companies giftcards for cash, usually at a deep s $ O N T BUY OFF THE RACK When allow you to bypass plastic by send- discount. cards are easily accessible, crooks ing an e-card directly to a mobile The websites that sell discounted can collect identifying numbers, phone or even a Facebook page. Be- gift cards buy them back, too. Before using pocket scanners or old-fash- cause this is a relatively new way of shipping off a card, review the fre- ioned pencil and paper. By call- giving, be sure to alert the recipient quently asked questions to be sure ing the toll-free number, with a card or some other tangible you understand exactly what you’ll nyparenting.com they find out when the reminder that he has received a vir- receive in return (and how you’ll tual gift. complain if there’s a problem). For s ' E T A RECEIPT No matter how you example, plasticjungle.com converts buy your giftcard, get a receipt that cards into cash, credits on Amazon, includes the number on the card. If or even a donation to a favorite char- the card is lost or stolen, you can ity. Of course, the holidays are a recover its value if you have docu- terrific time to convert the odd bal- mentation. Should you have a ances on all of last year’s gift cards problem with a card, contact into donations to organizations that the company that issued it. If it will make the season bright for oth- can’t or won’t resolve the prob- ers. Now that’s a way to rekindle lem, complain to the Federal holiday spirit! Trade Commission [(877) FTC– Carolyn Jabs, MA, raised three com- HELP] about cards issued by retail- puter-savvy kids, including one with Where every family matters ers or Comptroller of the Currency special needs. She has been writing [(800) 613–6743] about cards issued Growing Up Online for 10 years and is by banks. working on a book about constructive If you become savvy about buy- responses to conflict. Visit www.grow- and where New York parents ing giftcards, you may actually want ing-up-online.com to see past columns. to use them to save money on your @ Copyright, 2012, Carolyn Jabs. All own purchases. The important thing rights reserved. find help, info and support. December 2012 • BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY 29 SPECIAL NEEDS The busy season How to BY REBECCA MCKEE es, it’s true, Halloween has prepare your crept up and slithered away. Y The stores will be bypassing Thanksgiving and zooming towards special-needs Christmas before we know it! For those of us who share our lives with children for someone who has autism spectrum disorder or another special need, we know the feelings of experiencing the holidays the haunts of Halloween months be- fore autumn arrives and hours spent listening to Christmas carols while we still don shorts. Aah, the anticipa- tion of it all. For many, this idea of happy holi- day happenings can quickly turn into too much too soon and lead to a downward spiral. Here are some simple strategies that may ease the overwhelming excitement and allow families to celebrate holidays in a timely, successive order. s 5SING A CALENDAR WORKS FOR MANY reasons. Some include appointments and birthdays, but they also list un- written social rules. This may mean what others generally speak about during special times of the year and what activities people partake in. For example, in October, I may write at the top of the calendar page: “People decorate their homes with pumpkins. Maybe we can visit a farm and pick apples. People talk about baking, eating pies, and pumpkin him push the cart and locate the son about the upcoming changes in bread. We can watch ‘The Wizard items in the supermarket or load the his schedule is the best bet! Informa- of Oz’ and scary movies like (fill dishwasher after the meal, which tion regarding the location of the in your child’s favorite). Everyone will alleviate that over-abundance of holiday dinner is a must. If visitors looks at Halloween costumes and liveliness. In other words, direct his are expected, please provide details. buys bags of candy.” Try to continue excitable, nervous energies towards Social scrapbooks work wonders. THIS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR s 7HEN a meaningful goal. s - A KE AVAILABLE ITEMS AND ACTIVI- each holiday ends, begin ground- s ! S EACH HOLIDAY ENDS HAVE YOUR ties to keep your family members oc- work for the next. Once Thanksgiv- family member recycle the wrapping cupied during these holiday meals. ing is over, your family member can paper, catalogs, and magazines. This ,UCKILY WE CAN AMUSE OURSELVES self-talk through writing: “Our family is a physical and definite ending. with active conversation, passive will start taking down Thanksgiving s , I M I T THE CHOICES OF MUSIC AND LISTENING AND DAYDREAMING ,ETS decorations. We will start talking movies to a seasonal selection or to be sensitive to others who struggle about (Christmas, Hanukkah, etc.). those that are relevant all year. Dis- with intrapersonal and interpersonal We will get out the ornaments.” play the television listings as a visual skills. s )NCLUDE YOUR FAMILY MEMBER IN cue. Recognizing that our relatives Follow this holiday prep guide to household chores during the holi- do not want to watch a Passover avoid bumps in the rum cake road! days as much as possible, such as movie on Thanksgiving is using nice You’ll be helping these special needs creating a grocery list pertaining manners. Manners are a learned so- individuals move through the holi- to Thanksgiving dinner or mixing cial skill. day season as we do, with a purpose. Christmas cookie dough. Having s 0ROACTIVELY PREPARING EACH PER- Cheers and be merry!
30 BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY • December 2012 SPECIAL NEEDS NEW YORK SPECIAL CHILD
Summer/Early Fall 2011 LONG ISLAND SPECIAL CHILD NEW YORK FREE SPECIAL CHILD Trusted since 2008 The busy season www.NYParenting.com 5 myths Fall/Winter 2011–2012 NEW YORK FREE BY REBECCA MCKEE Routines about How to bringSPECIAL CHILDfitness es, it’s true, Halloween has benefitswww.NYParenting.com & autism crept up and slithered away. prepare your Celebrating Y The stores will be bypassing Thanksgiving and zooming towards Five Informing & Enriching special-needs Christmas before we know it! For those of us who share our lives with Y e a r s “Special Needs” children for someone who has autism spectrum in print disorder or another special need, ! we know the feelings of experiencing Positive Families throughout the holidays the haunts of Halloween months be- fore autumn arrives and hours spent behavior listening to Christmas carols while support NYC & Long Island we still don shorts. Aah, the anticipa- Cultivating Optimistic tion of it all. winningparenting For many, this idea of happy holi- attitudes day happenings can quickly turn The power into too much too soon and lead to of music a downward spiral. Here are some simple strategies that may ease the overwhelming excitement and allow For more information about distribution or
Summer/Early Fall 2011 families to celebrate holidays in a LONG ISLAND FREE timely, successive order. how to get your free copy, please Fall/Winter 2010/2011 s 5SING A CALENDAR WORKS FOR MANY LONG SPECIALISLAND CHILDFREE reasons. Some include appointments www.webfamilyny.com e-mail us at [email protected]. and birthdays, but they also list un- SPECIAL CHILD5 myths written social rules. This may mean w w w .NYParenting Routines.com about what others generally speak about bring fitness Visit us online at during special times of the year and benefits & autism what activities people partake in. For example, in October, I may write WWW.90ARENTINGCOM at the top of the calendar page: Tips to ,IKE US ON OUR &ACEBOOK PAGE .90ARENTING “People decorate their homes with organize pumpkins. Maybe we can visit a farm your child OR FOLLOW US ON 4WITTER and pick apples. People talk about 8 baking, eating pies, and pumpkin him push the cart and locate the son about the upcoming changes in bread. We can watch ‘The Wizard items in the supermarket or load the his schedule is the best bet! Informa- Take charge of Oz’ and scary movies like (fill dishwasher after the meal, which tion regarding the location of the Creating an IEP in your child’s favorite). Everyone will alleviate that over-abundance of holiday dinner is a must. If visitors Cultivating looks at Halloween costumes and liveliness. In other words, direct his are expected, please provide details. winning buys bags of candy.” Try to continue excitable, nervous energies towards Social scrapbooks work wonders. attitudes THIS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR s 7HEN a meaningful goal. s - A KE AVAILABLE ITEMS AND ACTIVI- To advertise your business and or services each holiday ends, begin ground- s ! S EACH HOLIDAY ENDS HAVE YOUR ties to keep your family members oc- School blues work for the next. Once Thanksgiv- family member recycle the wrapping cupied during these holiday meals. Overcoming anxiety CONTACT US AT OR ing is over, your family member can paper, catalogs, and magazines. This ,UCKILY WE CAN AMUSE OURSELVES E MAIL US AT FAMILY CNGLOCALCOM self-talk through writing: “Our family is a physical and definite ending. with active conversation, passive will start taking down Thanksgiving s , I M I T THE CHOICES OF MUSIC AND LISTENING AND DAYDREAMING ,ETS decorations. We will start talking movies to a seasonal selection or to be sensitive to others who struggle about (Christmas, Hanukkah, etc.). those that are relevant all year. Dis- with intrapersonal and interpersonal We will get out the ornaments.” play the television listings as a visual skills. s )NCLUDE YOUR FAMILY MEMBER IN cue. Recognizing that our relatives Follow this holiday prep guide to household chores during the holi- do not want to watch a Passover avoid bumps in the rum cake road! Family Publications New York/CNG days as much as possible, such as movie on Thanksgiving is using nice You’ll be helping these special needs -ETRO4ECH #ENTER .ORTH TH &L s "ROOKLYN .9 creating a grocery list pertaining manners. Manners are a learned so- individuals move through the holi- to Thanksgiving dinner or mixing cial skill. day season as we do, with a purpose. s FAMILY CNGLOCALCOM Christmas cookie dough. Having s 0ROACTIVELY PREPARING EACH PER- Cheers and be merry!
December 2012 • BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY 31 CalendarDecember
op aboard and see the an- tion, Yankee Stadium, Radio City All aboard the nual Holiday Train Show Music Hall, and St. Patrick’s Ca- H at the New York Botanical thedral — among others — as Garden now through Jan. 13, 2013. the model train zips through the Holiday Train Show The enchanting setting of the scaled-down city. Enid A. Haupt Conservatory fea- The exhibit is open Tuesdays tures more than 140 scaled iconic through Sundays from 10 am until buildings and structures under 5 pm through Jan. 13, 2013. Visit thousands of twinkling lights. the website to purchase tickets to Crafted by Paul Busse’s team the annual holiday show. at Applie Imagination, the land- The Holiday Train Show at the marks are made of natural mate- New York Botanical Garden [200 rials such as bark, twigs, stems, Street and Kazimiroff Boulevard in fruits, and seeds. It’s a sight to the Bronx; (718) 817–8700; www. behold the miniature Penn Sta- nybg.org].
32 BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY • December 2012 Calendar “The Bronx Messiah”: Lehman Cen- ter for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Submit a listing Park Boulevard West; (718) 960-8833; Going Places is dedicated to www.LehmanCenter.org; 3 pm; $10-$25 bringing our readers the most ($10 any seat children under 12). comprehensive events calen- Handel’s perennial holiday staple per- dar in your area. But to do so, formed by the Bronx Opera Chorus and we need your help! the Orchestra of the Bronx. Send your listing request to Santa pajama time: Van Cortlandt bronx[email protected] — Nature Center, W. 246th St. at Broad- and we’ll take care of the rest. way; (718) 548-0912; www.nyc.gov/ Please e-mail requests more parks/rangers; 6–7:30 pm; Free. than three weeks prior to the Children 4 to 12 years old enjoy read- event to ensure we have enough ing a holiday story and a visit from St. time to get it in. And best of all, Nicholas. Children can wear their pjs. it’s FREE! Parents, please bring your own camera.
Tues, Dec. 11 Wed, Dec. 5 Movie day: Kingsbridge Library Center, Get your game on: Kingsbridge Li- 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. at Briggs Avenue; brary Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. at (718) 579-4244; www.nypl.org; 4–6 Briggs Avenue; (718) 579-4244; www. pm; Free. nypl.org; 3–4 pm; Free. Don’t miss Children see age-appropriate flicks. Teens have fun playing with Wii, Xbox 360, and Playstation 3. ‘The Bronx Messiah’ Wed, Dec. 12 Urban stages: Kingsbridge Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. at Briggs Urban stages: 4 pm. Kingsbridge Li- Avenue; (718) 579-4244; www.nypl.org; he angelic voices of the nied by members of the Orches- brary Center. See Wednesday, Dec. 5. Bronx Opera Chorus will tra of the Bronx. The moving 4 pm; Free. Get your game on: 4:30–7 pm. be raised high when they Teens explore theater, by researching, T piece sets the tone for the holi- Kingsbridge Library Center. See Wednes- writing and creating. perform Handel’s “Messiah” in day season for every age. day, Dec. 5. a performance of “The Bronx “The Bronx Messiah” on Dec. Thurs, Dec. 6 Messiah” on Dec. 9 at the Leh- 9 at 3 pm. Tickets range from $10 Thurs, Dec. 13 man Center for the Performing to $25; $10 for children 12 years Ice Skating: Van Cortlandt Park Con- Arts. old and younger, any seat. Ornament craft: Kingsbridge Library servancy, Broadway and 241st Street; The holiday staple, composed Lehman Center for the performing Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. at Briggs (718) 430-1890; vcpark.org; 6–10 pm; Avenue; (718) 579-4244; www.nypl.org; by George Frideric Handel in Arts [250 Bedford Park Blvd. West; $30 for new members and renewals ($15 4–5 pm; Free. 1741, will be performed by mem- (718) 960–8833; www.lehmancenter. children; free for members). Children 5 to 12 years old use a vari- Members come for an evening of bers of the chorus, accompa- org]. ety of materials to make a holiday craft. skating, and non-members can become a member. Sat, Dec. 15 (718) 549-3200; www.wavehill.org; 10 “A Christmas Carol”: Kingsbridge Fri, Dec. 7 am–1 pm; Free with museum admission. Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. at Reimagining the Waterfront with Briggs Avenue; (718) 579-4244; www. the Neighborhood Explorers: Mu- Holiday First Friday: Bartow-Pell Make holiday pop-up cards. nypl.org; 2 pm; Free. seum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Mansion Museum, 895 Shore Rd. (718) Family time: Kingsbridge Library Cen- Ave. at 103rd Street; (212) 534-1672; 885-1461; www.bartowpellmansionmu- Children 3 to 12 years old see a live ter, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. at Briggs Av- performance of the holiday classic pre- mcny.org; 1–3 pm; $10 admission fee for seum.org; 5:30–8:30 pm; $10 ($8 seniors enue; (718) 579-4244; www.nypl.org; 11 adults; Free children 12 and under. and students; members free.) sented by the Traveling Lantern Theater am–noon; Free. Company. Join middle school students from Enjoy the sounds of the Metropoli- Parents with children 3 to 6 years old the Neighborhood Explorers program tones, an a cappella group. Then do a Creating an Effective Individual are invited to read stories and do crafts. to hear their ideas for the waterfront little shopping and sighting. Registration Education Plan: GiGi’s Playhouse/ Pre-registration required. and share your own through hands-on requested. Down Syndrome Awareness Centers, model-making activities. Recommended 106 W. 117th St. at Lenox Avenue; (606) Navigating Early Intervention: Gi- Holiday workshop: Wave Hill, W. for ages 5–17. 249th St. and Independence Ave. (718) 801-7529; www.gigisplayhouse.org; Gi’s Playhouse/Down Syndrome Aware- 6:30 pm; Free. Holiday concert: Bartow-Pell Mansion ness Centers, 106 W. 117th St. at Lenox 549-3200; www.wavehill.org; 11 am–3 Dr. Kelley A. Lassman explores ways to Museum, 895 Shore Rd. (718) 601-7399; Avenue; (606) 801-7529; www.gigisplay- pm; $20 ($30 non-members) per project. advocate for your student through effec- www.bartowpellmansionmuseum.org; house.org; 6:30 pm; Free. Make your own gifts and holiday tive Individual Education Plan develop- 1–3 pm; $10 ($8 seniors and students; decorations inspired by the gardens and Hilda Chusid, LCSW, an Early Interven- ment. Parents are encouraged to bring a members free). galleries. tion Supervisor at Life Start (YAI), an- current or recent past copy of their stu- The Bronx Arts Ensemble performs swers questions and offers up-to-date Holiday party: The Bronx Museum dent’s plan. Childcare available. seasonal tunes. Call the Ensemble for information on the realities of navigating of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse at tickets. the Early Intervention system. Childcare available. 165th Street; (718) 681-6000 X 127; Sun, Dec. 9 Gingerbread house: Kingsbridge http://bit.ly/msetmg; 1–4 pm; Free for Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. at children 12 and under. Family Art project: 10 am–1 pm. Briggs Avenue; (718) 579-4244; www. Wave Hill. See Saturday, Dec. 8. Sat, Dec. 8 Celebrate with the museum with art- nypl.org; 2 pm; Free. Family Art project: Wave Hill, W. making, food and fun activities. Pre-reg- Holiday workshop: 11 am–3 pm. Children 4 years old up, along with 249th St. and Independence Avenue; istration requested. Wave Hill. See Saturday, Dec. 8. Continued on page 34 December 2012 • BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY 33 Calendar
Continued from page 33 caregiver or parent, are invited to build and decorate their own gingerbread houses. Pre-registration required.
Sun, Dec. 16 Family Art project: Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Avenue; (718) 549-3200; www.wavehill.org; 10 am–1 pm; Free with museum admission. Visiting artist Esperanza Cortes teaches how to make ornaments out of pine boughs and foil. Posadas Y Pastorelas: Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave. at 103rd Street; (212) 534-1672; mcny. org; Noon–5 pm; $10 admission fee for adults; Free children 12 and under. Join a posada, a singing holiday pro- cession; watch a pastorela, the tradi- tional shepherds’ play; and take part in a party with pinatas. This family celebra- tion promotes the popular traditions of the city’s Mexican community. Holiday concert: 1–3 pm. Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum. See Saturday, Dec. 15.
Mon, Dec. 17 Family Art project: 10 am–1 pm. Wave Hill. See Sunday, Dec. 16. Photo by Paul Kolnik Tues, Dec. 18 Movie day: 4–6 pm. Kingsbridge Li- brary Center. See Tuesday, Dec. 11. Plum production Wed, Dec. 19 ugar Plum Fairies like you’ve from 12- to 40-feet-tall, an on- Tickets begin at $29; check the Get your game on: 3:30–5 pm. never seen before are per- stage snowstorm and hundreds website for performance times, Kingsbridge Library Center. See Wednes- S forming now in the New York of fanciful costumes. In addition now through Dec. 30. day, Dec. 5. City Ballet’s production of “The Nut- to 90 dancers and 62 musicians, David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln cracker,” at Lincoln Center for the this production also boasts more Center for the Performing Arts [10 Urban stages: 4 pm. Kingsbridge Li- Lincoln Center Plaza, Upper West brary Center. See Wednesday, Dec. 5. Performing Arts’ through Dec. 30. than 60 performers from the The holiday favorite features a School of American Ballet, twirl- Side, (212) 875–5374; www.lincoln- one-ton Christmas tree that grows ing and leaping across the stage. center.org]. Sat, Dec. 22 Family Art project: Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Avenue; Ave. at 103rd Street; (212) 534-1672; New York. See Wednesday, Dec. 26. ($14 children, $18 seniors and students). (718) 549-3200; www.wavehill.org; 10 mcny.org; 10:30 am–3:30 pm; $10 ad- Family-friendly all-day event offers Af- am–1 pm; Free with museum admission. mission fee adults; Free for children 12 Craft day: Kingsbridge Library Center, rican dance, spoken word, live musical Participants make baskets out of un- and under. 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. at Briggs Avenue; performances, and traditional crafts. usual materials for the holidays. Children can choose one of three ac- (718) 579-4244; www.nypl.org; 4–5 pm; Family Art project: Wave Hill, W. tivities in this school vacation drop-off Free. 249th St. and Independence Avenue; Sun, Dec. 23 program, or participate in each: Winter Children 5 to 12 years old make a (718) 549-3200; www.wavehill.org; 10 Wonderland: Collages; Chet the Secret magnet. Family Art project: 10 am–1 pm. am–1 pm; Free with museum admission. Agent Architect; or Pushing Buttons: Ac- Wave Hill. See Saturday, Dec. 22. tivist New York. Fri, Dec. 28 Make your own hanging calendar. Eco crafts: Pelham Bay Ranger Station, Get your game on: 3–5 pm. Kings- Survival workshop: Van Cortlandt Pelham Bay Park, Bruckner Boulevard Holiday hands-on activities: 10:30 Nature Center, W. 246th St. at Broad- bridge Library Center. See Wednesday, am–3:30 pm. Museum of the City of and Wilkinson Avenue; (718) 885-3467; Dec. 5. way; (718) 548-0912; www.nyc.gov/ www.nyc.gov/parks/rangers; 1 pm; Free. New York. See Wednesday, Dec. 26. parks/rangers; 1 pm; Free. Children connect with nature and Urban stages: 4 pm. Kingsbridge Li- Park Rangers teach you how to be then make an eco-friendly craft. brary Center. See Wednesday, Dec. 5. Sat, Dec. 29 prepared in any situation. Suitable for children 8 years and older. Wed, Dec. 26 Thurs, Dec. 27 Kwanzaa Celebration: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park Sun, Dec. 30 Holiday hands-on activities: Mu- Holiday hands-on activities: 10:30 West at 79th Street; (212) 769–5200; seum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth am–3:30 pm. Museum of the City of www.amnh.org; 10 am–5:45 pm; $24 Family Art project: 10 am–1 pm. 34 BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY • December 2012 Calendar Wave Hill. See Saturday, Dec. 29.
Long-running Fair: Soho, 100 Varick St. (914) 295- 4794; [email protected]; www. meetup.com/varicks; Daily, 10 am–4 pm; Now – Sat, Dec. 29; $55/Space. Enjoy shopping and schmoozing in the all day market. Winged Tapestries Moths at Large: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street; (212) 769–5200; www.amnh.org; Daily, 10 am–5:45 pm; $24($14 children, $18 seniors and students). This exhibition features 34 striking and dramatic images of moths, displaying the arresting beauty and surprising diversity of moths from Ottawa-based photogra- pher Jim des Rivières. Runs through Sep- tember 2013. Creatures of Light: American Mu- seum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street; (212) 769–5200; [email protected]; www.amnh.org; Daily, 10 am–5:45 pm; Now – Sun, Jan. 6, 2013; $24, $14 children, $18 seniors and students. This interactive exhibit explores organ- isms that produce light, from the flicker- ing fireflies to alien deep-sea fishes. The Butterfly Conservatory: Amer- ican Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street; (212) 769– 5200; [email protected]; www.amnh. Photo by Rob Blackburn org; Daily, 10 am–5:45 pm; $24, $14 chil- dren, $18 seniors and students. The annual exhibition, “Tropical But- Aus-some circus terflies Alive in Winter” returns and cel- ebrates its 15th year. traight up from the land and larrikin irreverence, musicians trapeze act. down under, the Aussies double as acrobats, acrobats dou- “Circus Oz Holiday Show” at Holiday Train Show: New York Botanical Garden, 200th Street and S of Circus Oz have returned ble as jugglers, jugglers double as the New Victory Theater, Fridays, Kazimiroff Boulevard; (718) 817-8700; to the New Victory Theater for a trapeze artists, and everybody is a Saturdays, and Sundays through www.nybg.org; Tuesdays – Fridays, 10 month-long stay. comic. You can’t sit still when the Dec. 30. Tickets are $14-$36. Per- am–6 pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 Shout out “g’day” and “welcome Hammond Brothers jump across formance times are 2 and 7 pm. am–7 pm, Now – Sun, Jan. 13, 2013; $20 back” to the mob from Melbourne the stage in their juggling jubila- The New Victory Theater [209 W. ($25 holiday pricing) – $10 ($15 holiday as they present their bold, boda- tion or stifle a gasp as Shane and 42nd St. between Seventh and Eighth pricing). cious, and brassy brand of big top Mason swing atop the audience in avenues in Midtown; (646) 223–3010; The annual show is celebrating its 21st zaniness. Featuring live rock music a death-defying catch-and-release www.newvictory.org]. year of showcasing a spectacular display of iconic landmarks in miniature. New this year, the exhibit has cable cars that travel over vignettes in the conserva- dren from the School of American Bal- 5516; www.nycgovparks.org; Tuesdays Tabata: Bronx House, 990 Pelham Park- tory’s reflecting pool. Children delight as let, the official school of New York City – Saturdays, 9 am–5 pm, Wed, Dec. 5 – way South; (718) 792-1800; www.bronx- the miniature train (set to scale) travels Ballet. Sat, Dec. 15; Free. house.org; Thursdays, 4–4:45 pm, Now Latin American artists are highlighted – Thurs, Dec. 6; $100 (per 10 sessions; through the meticulous diorama of the “The Little Engine that Could”: city. Closed Christmas Day (Dec. 25). in this exhibit including, Miguel Trelles, $25 insurance fee; Free for members). New York Botanical Garden, 200th Leenda Bonilla, Rodolfo Edwards aIsmael Teens 13 years and older use the vari- George Balanchine’s “The Nut- Street and Kazimiroff Boulevard; (718) Checo, among others. ous equipment in the fitness room. cracker”: Lincoln Center for the Per- 817-8700; www.nybg.org; Tuesdays forming Arts, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza; – Sundays, check for times, Wed, Dec. Zumba: Bronx House, 990 Pelham “Thomas and Friends”: New York (212) 875-5374; www.lincolncenter.org; 5 – Thurs, Dec. 27; Check website for Pkway. S; (718) 792-1800; www. Botanical Garden, 200th Street and Kazi- Daily, 1, 2 and 8 pm; Now – Sun, Dec. pricing. bronxhouse.org; Wednesdays, 4–4:45 miroff Boulevard; (718) 817-8700; www. 30; $29 and up. Puppet show presented by master pm, Now – Wed, Dec. 5; $100 (per 10 nybg.org; Tuesdays – Sundays, check for sessions; $25 insurance fee; Free for times, Tues, Jan. 1 – Sun, Jan. 27, 2013; This acclaimed holiday tradition fea- puppeteer Ralph Lee. tures a one-ton Christmas tree that members). Check website for pricing. grows from 12 to 40 feet, an onstage “Visual Appearance”: The Poe Park Teens 13 years and older burn off Thomas the Train and all his friends snowstorm, and hundreds of elaborate Visitor Center, 2640 Grand Concourse mega calories while shaking their bon will be making an appearance and chug- costumes, as well as more than 60 chil- and E. Kingsbridge Road; (718) 365- bons. ging into the park. December 2012 • BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY 35 HEALTHY EATING Bake up memories oms are about making holi- Problem solving if taste and texture flags go up. day memories, and there’s What happens when you run out s &OR LIQUIDS CONSIDER SUBSTITUTING M no better activity for in- of an ingredient? Perhaps you can 1/4 to 1/3 cup of pumpkin, cooked stilling them than baking with your substitute another similar ingredi- sweet potato or squash, grated car- children. Revel in this sweet-smelling ent. Or you may lack the exact sized rot, apple or zucchini, or pureed activity and invite the aunties and pan the recipe recommends. Your banana. cousins over for even more fun. child will learn how to solve these s !DD DRIED FRUITS TO ALMOST ANY little problems, which is practice for thing including yeast or quick breads GOOD SENSE Benefits of baking tackling bigger ones later in life. and cookies. with children s 3PRINKLE TOASTED NUTS ON TOP OF EATING If you’re worried about your chil- Healthful ingredients pancakes or muffins, or knead into CHRISTINE M. PALUMBO, RD dren’s literacy and math skills, break included yeast breads. out the mixing bowls. Baking helps Davis says a higher nutrition pro- reinforce what they’re learning every file is one of the principal reasons Tips for getting day. It also covers a wide array of life people bake at home. Take sodium, started skills including shopping for ingredi- for example. 1. Pick out a recipe and read it ents, sequence of steps, measuring, “In general, food companies are together during story time the night and even cleaning up. trying to reduce it in soups [and] before. Reading baked goods.” She suggests using 2. Get tools that are easy to use “Your kids will actually become unsalted butter and halving the salt with young children. Look for large more literate just by reading and in most recipes with the exception of numbers, visible lines, and sturdy going thru the recipe,” explains Sha- yeast breads. SPOON HANDLES ! WHISK TWO BAK ron Davis, a family and consumer s 0ORTION CONTROL IS EASIER AT HOME ing sheet pans, three nested mixing sciences educator who teaches for Davis says, “They’ll see an option bowls, nine-by-13-inch cake pan, nine- HomeBaking.org and WheatFoods. [that is] not like what they see when inch square cake pan, 12-cup muffin org. they’re eating out. You can cut that tin, and two bread loaf pans can get Science and math skills piece of pie into the right size.” YOU STARTED ! ROLLING PIN IS HELPFUL Explain the role of baking soda s !NY RECIPE YOU MAKE YOURSELF but a one-inch by one-foot dowel rod and powder in baked goods and how can be made with whole grains. works just as well for kids. they differ from yeast. Recipes may In addition to wheat, whole grains 3. Store the tools in a low cup- involve multiplication or fractions. include oatmeal and whole-grain board or drawer and let the children Self-sufficiency cornmeal. It’s easy to substitute HELP YOU GET THEM OUT !LLOW TIME TO You can prepare your own baked whole grain for half the flour. Con- read the recipe together and assem- goods, and they can be better for sider white whole-wheat flour or the ble the ingredients and pans before you. new ultra-grain whole-wheat flours you start. 4. Teach your children the differ- ence between dry and liquid measur- Country Fruit mixture of ½ cup sugar, cornstarch ing cups. Measure liquids flat on the and cinnamon. In a separate medium counter with a liquid measuring cup. Cobbler mixing bowl, combine remaining To measure dry ingredients, fluff into ½ cup sugar, whole wheat flour, dry measure cups, then level off. PREP TIME: 30 minutes all-purpose flour, cornmeal, bak- BAKING TIME: 50 minutes 5.The website www.homebaking. ing powder, and salt. Combine and org provides over 130 “how-tos” for Makes eight servings add milk and melted butter to dry getting started baking, ingredients, INGREDIENTS mixture. Blend just until all dry ingre- dients are moistened. Pour or spoon methods and pans. 4 cups sliced fresh or frozen peaches Baking is about making memo- (about 8) batter over peach mixture. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until crust is crisp ries, which is reason enough to risk ½ cup fresh or frozen blackberries and golden brown. Serve hot with getting flour onto your kitchen floor. 1 cup sugar, divided whipped cream or ice cream. Yet it’s also about literacy and life 1 tablespoon corn starch SKILLS !ND NOTHING BEATS THE SMELL OF NUTRITION FACTS: Each 6 freshly baked goods emanating from ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ounce/174 gram serving provides 257 your kitchen — especially during ½ cup whole wheat flour calories, 4 grams protein, 48 grams this magical time of year. ¼ cup all-purpose flour carbohydrate, 3.5 grams dietary fiber, 6 grams fat (4 grams saturated), 72 Christine Palumbo is a dietitian from ¼ cup yellow cornmeal, whole grain Naperville, Ill., who plans to bake her 2 teaspoons baking powder DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350° milligram calcium, 182 milligram F. Grease or spray a 13- by nine-inch potassium, 229 milligram sodium. usual repertoire of ethnic Christmas ¼ teaspoon salt pan, baking dish or cast iron skil- cookies using real butter. Follow her on Source: Adapted from “Baking with Friends: Recipes, Facebook at Christine Palumbo Nutri- 1 cup 1 percent milk let. In a large mixing bowl, combine Tips and Fun Facts for Teaching Kids to Bake” by ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted peaches and blackberries with a Sharon Davis and Charlene Patton. tion, on Twitter @PalumboRD or Chris@ ChristinePalumbo.com.
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PREP TIME: 30 minutes all-purpose flour, cornmeal, bak- BAKING TIME: 50 minutes 5.The website www.homebaking. ing powder, and salt. Combine and org provides over 130 “how-tos” for Makes eight servings add milk and melted butter to dry getting started baking, ingredients, INGREDIENTS mixture. Blend just until all dry ingre- dients are moistened. Pour or spoon methods and pans. 4 cups sliced fresh or frozen peaches Baking is about making memo- (about 8) batter over peach mixture. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until crust is crisp ries, which is reason enough to risk ½ cup fresh or frozen blackberries To place ADVERTISE WITH US! and golden brown. Serve hot with getting flour onto your kitchen floor. 1 cup sugar, divided whipped cream or ice cream. Yet it’s also about literacy and life An ad in our BROOKLYN QUEENS BRONX STATEN ISLAND MANHATTAN 1 tablespoon corn starch SKILLS !ND NOTHING BEATS THE SMELL OF NUTRITION FACTS: Each 6 freshly baked goods emanating from ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ounce/174 gram serving provides 257 line of family Family Family Family Family Family ½ cup whole wheat flour your kitchen — especially during calories, 4 grams protein, 48 grams NYParenting.comOnlineFREE at Children’sFREE Q U E E N S FREE STATEN I this magical time of year. Dental Health SLAND A nEight n i v eYear r s a r y High Schools ¼ cup all-purpose flour carbohydrate, 3.5 grams dietary fiber, yFa m l i yFa m l i Guide to www.webfamilyny.com MANHATTAN BROOKLYN FREE BRONX/RIVERDALE FREE Christine Palumbo is a dietitian from publications, Talkin’ 6 grams fat (4 grams saturated), 72 T e e n s F a m yli ¼ cup yellow cornmeal, whole grain F a m yl i F a m yl i Where Every Child Matters Naperville, Ill., who plans to bake her Safer DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350° milligram calcium, 182 milligram Doubling up! surfing B a c k -t o - 2 teaspoons baking powder Managing the cost of multiples F o r t o d a y ’ s i T e e n s school usual repertoire of ethnic Christmas Mastering activities F. Grease or spray a 13- by nine-inch potassium, 229 milligram sodium. please call Facebook S m a r t e r s o c i a l n e t w o r k i n g Hea lt h ier ¼ teaspoon salt Perfect match food for cookies using real butter. Follow her on P i c k y o u r s u m m e r p r o g r a m n o w ! Big smiles pan, baking dish or cast iron skil- Source: Adapted from “Baking with Friends: Recipes, T h e o r t h o c h e c k l i s t city kids W h e r e t o g o i n M a r c h ? C h e c k o u t o u r Right bites! W h e r e t o g o i n O c t o b e r ? C h e c k o u t o u r Going Places Eat your way to better health Obesity, 1 cup 1 percent milk Facebook at Christine Palumbo Nutri- Going Places children and let. In a large mixing bowl, combine Tips and Fun Facts for Teaching Kids to Bake” by Check out our cholesterol 718.260.4554 G o i n g P l a c e s G o i n g P l a c e s Where to go in February? Check out our WHERE TO GO IN JULY? ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted peaches and blackberries with a Sharon Davis and Charlene Patton. tion, on Twitter @PalumboRD or Chris@ Check out our calendar, online and inside ChristinePalumbo.com.
December 2012 • BRONX/RIVERDALE FAMILY 37 New & Noteworthy BY LISA J. CURTIS Fit for a Sweet read tart a new family more patient, queen tradition this De- older child S cember with the to pop them f your little diva help of Bakerella’s “Cake on the lol- has been very Pops Holidays” cookbook. Bak- lipop sticks I good this year, erella, aka Angie Dudley, takes and help you why not give her a these balls of crumbled cake transform these holiday dress fit for a and frosting coated with candy confections into queen? Queen Eliza- melts to amazing holiday heights. the fantastic polar beth I, that is. And you can, too, with the help of bears, ornaments, The pleated bodice her clear, encouraging instructions snowmen, or dreidels depicted of Laura Ashley’s red on how to form, store, decorate, in the gorgeous photographs. taffeta dress evokes display, and wrap your pops. Even “Cake Pops Holidays” book, by none other than the small children will enjoy helping Bakerella, $14.95, www.barnesand- British Tudor queen, to roll the balls, but it will take a noble.com. fruit cake, and Christ- mas crackers. With lovely de- tails such as velvet ribbon at the waist, Merry mix hits high note your little one will be anta will be Cane Jane” and short-but- the belle of the yule- filling those sweet “Christmas Lights.” tide ball in this dress, S stockings a All are sure to win the which comes in sizes little faster this year hearts of little ones who 2T, 3T, 6, and 6X. with the help of Lau- will recognize Berkner’s Pleated bodice with rie Berkner’s new voice from her music vid- velvet ribbon toddler Christmas CD. Her eos that play on the Nick dress, by Laura Ash- renditions of 15 holi- Jr. television channel. Do ley, $52, www.laura- day classics like “Jingle you hear what I hear? ashleyusa.com. Bells,” “Little Drummer The sounds of an even Boy,” and “Rudolph merrier Christmas! the Red-Nosed Rein- “A Laurie Berkner Christmas” CD, by deer” are joined by three original Laurie Berkner. $10.79, www.amazon. Keep them forever warm tracks, such as the lively “Candy com. andmade gifts are often the best, especially when H it comes to accessories Share the joy of ‘One’ story that keep little ones warm and healthy, like the infinity scarf for arents are their child’s children knitted by Julie Giustino first storytellers, so why for her Frayd Clothing Company P not be the best you can on Etsy.com. Because the Massa- be with the “Little One Inch chusetts-based textile artist uses Story Box.” Designed by educa- a “super soft” yarn to crochet the tor-artist Steve Light, the keep- thick, chunky V-pattern stitch, sake wooden box (measuring Giustino’s scarves are both styl- 8-inches wide by 11.25-inches ish and practical. The scarves deep by 3-inches high) holds are available in pink or purple a story booklet and five hand- marble, but the designer can ac- painted, resin characters that commodate requests for your enable the storyteller to act out little fashionista’s favorite hue. the classic Japanese folktale, And don’t despair, Frayd Cloth- “Little One Inch,” about a little ing Company sells them in Mom’s boy who is short on stature but size, too, for $38. long on courage as he battles Children’s Infinity Cowl Scarf by his way out of the belly of the “oni,” or it’s done. For ages 4 and older. Frayd Clothing Company, $28, www. demon. Visit www.guidecraft.com/Ste- Little One Inch Story Box by Guide- etsy.com. veLight to watch Light show you how craft, $50, www.cricketmag.com.
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No guarantee: None of the State of New York, its agencies, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), The Vanguard Group, Inc., Upromise Investments, Inc., nor any of their applicable affiliates insures accounts or guarantees the principal deposited therein or any investment returns on any account or investment portfolio.
New York’s 529 College Savings Program currently includes two separate 529 plans. The Direct Plan is sold directly by the Program. You may also participate in the Advisor Plan, which is sold exclusively through financial advisors and has different investment options and higher fees and expenses as well as financial advisor compensation. F or more information about New York’s 529 College Savings Program Direct Sign up for NY’s 529 before December 31st. Plan, obtain a Program Brochure and Tuition Savings Agreement at www. Whatever your child dreams of doing, chances are it starts with a college education. But when ny529directplan.com you consider that tuition at 4-year public colleges jumped 15% in just two years,† it’s never too or by calling 1-800-420-8580. early to start planning. As a New York taxpayer enrolled in NY’s 529 College Savings Program This includes investment objectives, Direct Plan, you’ll earn a tax deduction every year you contribute to the plan. Up to $10,000 risks, charges, expenses, and other annually for couples filing jointly and up to $5,000 for individuals.* information. You should read and consider them carefully before investing.
©2012 State of New York.
Find out more at ny529directplan.com. Or call 1-800-420-8580. 52 QUEENS Family • December 2012