July 2016 FREE Family Where Every Child Matters

Have an NYC staycation Living in peace after a divorce

75 strategies for better parenting

Linking family stability to a child’s success

Find us online at www.NYParenting.com

Brooklyn Family July 2016 Features columns 6 Freedom & parenting 10 Healthy Living Parallels between how we raise our by Danielle Sullivan children and govern our country By Carolyn Waterbury-Tieman 18 Behavior & Beyond By Dr. Marcie Beigel 8 Her hope is contagious An 8-year-old from California creates a 30 Daddy Diaries book to inspire Syrian refugees By Dimitri Ehrlich By Tammy Scileppi 32 Family Health 12 Our guns By Dr. Pramod Narula, MD A closer look at NY State’s gun laws 34 Tips for Feeding Kids By Alison Arden Besunder By Joanna DeVita 14 Team family 36 FabuLYSS Finds After a divorce, working together when 42 by Lyss Stern you live apart By Gayla Grace 38 Just Write Mom 16 Shaky ground by Danielle Sullivan Tracing the links between a family’s 39 Dear Teacher stability and a child’s success by Peggy Gisler and By Myrna Beth Haskell Marge Eberts 20 Have a 40 The Book Worm staycation By Terri Schlichenmeyer There’s plenty to experience this summer without ever leaving the five boroughs 50 New & Noteworthy By Lisa J. Curtis By Shnieka L. Johnson 20 22 Become a great parent New book offers training for a very calendar important job 42 July Events By Allison Plitt 24 Day care 101 special sections Choosing a place that works for your child and you 26 Pre-School/Nursery By Judy M. Miller Directory 41 It’s dino-myte fun! 48 Party Planners ‘Dino Babies’ is funny and educational 49 The Marketplace By KIDS FIRST! Film CriticS

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July 2016 • brooklyn Family 3 letter from the publisher

Cherishing peace and freedom

was reading an ar- cuss with me the hor- very serious topics in, I trust, an on about immigrants and immi- ticle the other day ror story of the mo- intelligent way. We have an article gration. Personally, I am the prod- I that I found very ment. When I tried to by Tammy Scileppi about a young uct of four grandparents from four interesting, if not up- escape, he accused me 8-year-old writer who has written different countries who all found setting. How to dis- of hiding from the re- a book about child refugees from freedom in this nation. I also mar- cuss the news with alities of the world. I Syria. We have a passionate but ried a foreign national and I have your children, rather, believed I was protect- intelligent essay from our resident lived in other places and visit other how and when to talk ing my sanity. attorney, Alison Arden Besunder, countries often. In my opinion, we to them about the With our children about GUNS and their legal and must protect our own freedom by violence happening it is recommended constitutional right in New York cherishing it for all and offering it around the world. I’m that we let them be State. Carolyn Waterbury-Tieman to all comers. sure there was a time when one innocent as long as possible. It talks about parallels between child Have a Happy Fourth! Be safe. could perhaps escape from the bar- is highly recommended that the rearing and governing. All interest- Courage. barisms if one was lucky enough to local news not be our dinner table ing and important conversations. live in a peaceful place, but these background music. It is also recom- The Fourth of July is Indepen- days, with the barrage of media mended that we don’t bring up the dence Day, as we all know. It is also blitz, it’s almost impossible not to massacres and tragedies until we a time to celebrate the freedoms be caught up in it. absolutely have to because they we have and the relative peace we I used to be employed by a man are old enough to be aware of it enjoy here in our nation. So much Susan Weiss-Voskidis, who read the tabloids every day themselves. of the planet remains in turmoil. Publisher/Excutive Editor and was constantly trying to dis- In this issue we touch on some The conversation will go on and [email protected]

Community News Group Contact information ceo: Les Goodstein advertising: Web or Print address President & Publisher: Jennifer Goodstein (718) 260-4554 New York Parenting Media/CNG [email protected] 1 Metrotech Center North 10th Floor New York parenting circulation Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 260-8336 Publisher / executive editor: [email protected] Susan Weiss Publisher / business Manager: editorial www.NYParenting.com Clifford Luster (718) 260-4554 [email protected] oPerations associate: Tina Felicetti calendar sales rePs: Alexis Benson, Erin Brof, (718) 260-2523 Jay Pelc, Stephanie Stellacio, Shanika Stewart art director: Leah Mitch Web designer: Sylvan Migdal The acceptance of advertising by New York Parent- New York Parenting has been recognized for ing does not constitute an endorsement of the editorial and design excellence by PMA. graPhic designers: Arthur Arutyunov, products, services or information being advertised. New York Parenting is published monthly by New Daria Avvento, Gardy Charles, Yvonne Farley, We do not knowingly present any products or ser- York Parenting Media/CNG. Subscription rate is Earl Ferrer, John Napoli vices that are fraudu lent or misleading in nature. $35 annually. Reproduction of New York Parent- Editorial inquiries, calendar information, advertising ing Media in whole or part without written per- rates and schedules and subscription requests may be mission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights Managing editor: Vince DiMiceli addressed to New York Parenting, One Metro tech reserved. Copyright©2016 Readership: 185,000. Center North, 10th Floor, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. 2015 circulation audits by CVC. assistant editor: Courtney Donahue New York Parenting can also be reached by calling coPy editors: Lisa J. Curtis, (718) 260-4554, emailing [email protected] or Shavana Abruzzo by visiting our website, NYParenting.com. calendar editor: Joanna Del Buono Join the conversation on Facebook.

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July 2016 • brooklyn Family 5 Freedom & parenting Parallels between how we raise our children and govern our country

By Carolyn WaterBury- Democracy is a system of gov- tieman ernment by the whole population through elected representatives. A he wide stretch of beach is democratic government depends empty except for a small col- on the active, cooperative par- T ony of seagulls. My 2-year- ticipation of its people and their old son takes off after them as fast ability to fully realize this respon- as his toddler legs will carry him. sibility. Searching online for the With dimpled, sun-kissed arms out- essential conditions of a success- stretched and damp, salty curls ful democracy repeatedly gleaned bouncing, he runs with total aban- these elements: an educated popu- don, determined to catch one. lace, vigilant protection of free- The embodiment of complete dom, local self-government, civic- freedom. Is there such a thing? mindedness, tolerance, freedom of Complete freedom implies the speech, a written constitution, and absence of constraints or conse- the absence of gross inequalities. quences, an impossibility for any Since we are raising our children form of life on Earth. The apparent in a democracy, what are the impli- freedom reflected in the picture cations of these conditions for our of my son running on the beach is parenting? merely an illusion. This simple act is actually gov- Learning to think erned by multiple constraints. The Whereas monarchies and dicta- law of gravity keeps his feet on the torships thrive with a readily con- ground, laws of nature allow the trolled, uneducated populace, de- seagulls to escape, physical limits mocracies depend on people think- allow him to run for only so long, ing for themselves. local ordinances require him to Our children are living in an age stay on a public beach, and paren- of unprecedented access to infor- tal restrictions prevent him from mation. As their first teachers, our getting too close to the water. Yet, role in guiding their informal edu- he expresses utter delight in his cation and overseeing their formal quest. education is vital. In addition to Our country’s founders, having nurturing their curiosity, we must been subject to oppression by a teach them to distinguish between centuries-old monarchy, were anx- opinion and fact, and considering ious to establish freedom. So much the credibility of sources. The abil- so, they focused almost exclusively ity to process information to formu- on outlining their rights. Yet, free- late their own opinion is essential. dom without consequences does not exist. Perhaps they would have Protect and respect avoided confusion if they had writ- As a cornerstone of democracy, ten “The Bill of Rights and Re- freedom must be vigilantly pro- sponsibilities.” The two go hand tected. An effective method for in hand. protecting freedom is recognizing The democracy they formed ne- where my rights end and yours cessitates that both be accepted and begin. protected, or freedom will be lost. I have the right to drive, but I do

6 brooklyn Family • July 2016 Democracies depend on people thinking for themselves. In addition to nurturing our children’s curiosity, we must teach them to distinguish between opinion and fact, and Freedom considering the credibility of sources.

not have the right to jeopardize Free, not inflammatory, & parenting your safety. speech If in the desire to protect my Expressing one’s ideas, beliefs, freedom, I neglect yours, free- or complaints is possible without dom’s future is compromised. De- resorting to derogatory, malign- Parallels between how we raise our nial of freedom based on mem- ing, character assassinations of bership in a particular group, others. children and govern our country rather than behavior and actions, When we are confident of our increases freedom’s vulnerability. position, we can accept the rights Who knows when the group in of others to hold different posi- By Carolyn WaterBury- Democracy is a system of gov- question may be mine? tions without feeling threatened tieman ernment by the whole population or compelled to agree with, ap- through elected representatives. A Self-discipline prove of, or adopt theirs. he wide stretch of beach is democratic government depends Before participating in the Being able to respectfully dis- empty except for a small col- on the active, cooperative par- government of an entire popula- agree shows strength of charac- T ony of seagulls. My 2-year- ticipation of its people and their tion, one should first be capable ter. old son takes off after them as fast ability to fully realize this respon- of self-government. The way to as his toddler legs will carry him. sibility. Searching online for the avoid external constraints is to Written agreements With dimpled, sun-kissed arms out- essential conditions of a success- practice internal restraints. By creating and adopting a stretched and damp, salty curls ful democracy repeatedly gleaned By providing clearly stated, family constitution, we demon- bouncing, he runs with total aban- these elements: an educated popu- age-appropriate rules and expec- strate to our children the value don, determined to catch one. lace, vigilant protection of free- tations with reasonable conse- of establishing expectations for The embodiment of complete dom, local self-government, civic- quences for failure to comply, par- individual members that contrib- freedom. Is there such a thing? mindedness, tolerance, freedom of ents assist children in acquiring ute to the well-being of the entire Complete freedom implies the speech, a written constitution, and self-discipline. family. absence of constraints or conse- the absence of gross inequalities. When participation in a rule quences, an impossibility for any Since we are raising our children or consequence setting and de- Avoiding inequality form of life on Earth. The apparent in a democracy, what are the impli- cision-making is increasingly al- While there is clearly inequal- freedom reflected in the picture cations of these conditions for our lowed depending on age and ma- ity between parents and children of my son running on the beach is parenting? turity, children learn the skills in terms of age, maturity, respon- merely an illusion. necessary for taking on greater sibility, and knowledge, they are This simple act is actually gov- Learning to think responsibility. equal in their fundamental value erned by multiple constraints. The Whereas monarchies and dicta- The inherent relationship be- as human beings. Whenever ac- law of gravity keeps his feet on the torships thrive with a readily con- tween rights and responsibilities cess to rights or privileges is de- ground, laws of nature allow the trolled, uneducated populace, de- becomes apparent. nied due to some arbitrary char- seagulls to escape, physical limits mocracies depend on people think- acteristic, the inevitable resent- allow him to run for only so long, ing for themselves. Social conscience ment threatens the viability of the local ordinances require him to Our children are living in an age Empathy, the ability to imagine whole group. stay on a public beach, and paren- of unprecedented access to infor- what life is like for others, is es- As a microcosm of society, the tal restrictions prevent him from mation. As their first teachers, our sential to developing civic-mind- family provides an ideal place getting too close to the water. Yet, role in guiding their informal edu- edness. Living by rules when ex- to learn the democratic process. Dfcac7cXY.%*%$(-˜9ld]fYg.*#'$#%+ he expresses utter delight in his cation and overseeing their formal pecting others to do so and con- Our children learn from us what quest. education is vital. In addition to sidering the impact of personal it means to be conscientious citi- Our country’s founders, having nurturing their curiosity, we must decisions on others are practices zens in a democracy. been subject to oppression by a teach them to distinguish between that readily translate from an ef- Like a child chasing seagulls centuries-old monarchy, were anx- opinion and fact, and considering fective family to an effective so- on the beach, the pursuit of hap- ious to establish freedom. So much the credibility of sources. The abil- ciety. piness involves the freedom to so, they focused almost exclusively ity to process information to formu- make choices — hopefully re- on outlining their rights. Yet, free- late their own opinion is essential. Tolerant spirit sponsible ones. dom without consequences does Openly sharing ideas and par- Carolyn Waterbury-Tieman is a resi- not exist. Perhaps they would have Protect and respect ticipating in productive debate dent of Lexington, Ky, has been mar- avoided confusion if they had writ- As a cornerstone of democracy, and discussion provides children ried for 29 years, and has two sons. ten “The Bill of Rights and Re- freedom must be vigilantly pro- the opportunity to practice ex- She spent 15 years in various agen- sponsibilities.” The two go hand tected. An effective method for pressing their thoughts while ex- cies and clinics as a family therapist in hand. protecting freedom is recognizing periencing differences of opinion. and parent educator and has written The democracy they formed ne- where my rights end and yours Learning to maintain their integ- extensively on the topic of parenting. cessitates that both be accepted and begin. rity while accepting diversity is To contact her, e-mail parent4life@ protected, or freedom will be lost. I have the right to drive, but I do an invaluable accomplishment. yahoo.com.

July 2016 • brooklyn Family 7 any other country. About half are children dealing with unimaginable turmoil and fear in their young lives. Trisha feels their pain, and de- cided to give them a special story.

The start Her An inquisitive student, she studied hope in a Montessori school in San Diego for the first six years of her life. “My hobbies are painting, playing badminton, playing with my friends, reading books, listening to music, and dancing,” said Trisha. And her favorite subjects include English, is contagious matter and astronomy, science, and physical geography. By Tammy Scileppi golden retriever Sunshine, became Her mother Sumana says her An 8-year-old the main character of this wonder- daughter has been painting since age o matter who they are or ful, must-read book, which is filled 2 and remarkably, has made more from California what their circumstances with her awesome paintings and il- than 300 acrylic paintings! And the N might be, children are chil- lustrations. The young author in- San Diego Museum of Art exhibited creates a book dren. It doesn’t take much to make tends to donate it to as many Syr- Trisha’s works when she was just them smile — and don’t they all love ian refugee kids as possible, while 2-and-a-half! Her paintings were also to inspire to play and learn? she shares her universal message of used to raise money for flood victims Child refugees from Syria are like peace, love, strength, and courage in Karnool, India, in 2010. our kids in many ways. For, despite with youngsters everywhere. Every- Trisha’s literary journey began last Syrian refugees their lost childhoods and the terrible body can use a good dose of hope summer. On a tranquil, day-dream- upheaval, destruction, and despair and happiness in their lives. ing kind of afternoon, the aspiring they face, they are still children first, 8-year-old poet scribbled some truly and having fun should be their num- The worst humanitarian profound prose in her notebook ber-one priority. crisis of our lifetime as she gazed out her window. She And each has a story to tell — of It’s hard to believe there are more called it “Believe in Yourself.” Her her journey, homeland, and hopes than 60 million refugees in the world mom, who was surprised and deeply and wishes. today, of which more than half are moved by what she wrote, already A compassionate, smart-beyond- innocent children. The Syrian refu- knew her daughter had a creative her-years fourth-grader has penned a gee crisis, which began in May 2011, streak and that she was wise for unique book, that is beautifully writ- is the largest displacement of people her age. ten and illustrated from the heart. of our time, and you can’t turn on “She has always been kind and The inspiring tale encourages young the news without hearing about the compassionate,” she said lovingly. readers to believe in themselves now ongoing Syrian conflict — the topic So, while her peers were enjoying and forever, no matter what. Trisha of hotly debated conversations here summer past times, Trisha’s mind Rao, now 9, wrote “Believe in Your- in the U.S. and abroad. went to matters beyond her safe, self” last year, because she felt sorry Most Syrian refugees fleeing vio- comfy California home. Shocked by for refugee children around the world. lence have found themselves in Leb- media headlines about the war- and Through the light-hearted story she anon, Jordan, and Turkey, which is terror-stricken Syrian refugees, she tells, her wish is to remind them to be now the largest host of refugees in expressed her sadness and con- brave, to laugh and dream, but most the region and also the largest host cern about their plight to family and of all to always have hope. of refugees in the world. Turkey has friends, who then helped her trans- After all, children are the ones who taken a central role in the response form that heartfelt poem into a great suffer most from wars and conflicts. to the Syria crisis, hosting close to 3 children’s book that conveyed a uni- Trisha’s best friend, her smiling million Syrian refugees — more than versal message. One which seems to reverberate across oceans, deserts, and rough Middle Eastern terrains: life stories of Syrian refugee kids Believe in yourselves! Don’t give up Syrian refugee kids in the news and turns them into short — and hope! I’m here for you! If you want to get a glimpse Khaldiya Jibawi. This creative really intense — animated videos. Describing her poems, Trisha of what life is like “over there,” teen took a workshop in making vid- http://www.npr.org/sections/goat- said, “I write from my heart about you and your kids should read eos after her family fled to a refugee sandsoda/2016/04/12/ 473007477/ things that touch my heart — I write Ali, Mustafa, and Amira’s journeys: camp. Her film about day-to-day life watch-these-3-unfairy-tales-and-see-if- about nature, my pet dog Sunshine, “School in refuge: the stories of is now making the festival rounds. they-move-you my mom, my school, my friends, ani- three Syrian children in Turkey” http://www.npr.org/sections/goat- Save the children. This orga- mals, trees, etc.” http://blog.concern.net/school-in- sandsoda/2016/06 /05/ 480611303/ nization had Syrian refugee kids The story follows Sunshine the refuge-the-stories-of-three-syrian-chil- syrian-teens-9-minute-doc-hits- draw what they were feeling. pup and Papa Dog, who travel dren-in-turkey cannes-sundance-l-a-film-fest http://www.npr.org/sections/goat- through the jungles of the world You can also read how others UNiceF. Three “Unfairy Tales” is sandsoda/2016/03 /17/470809097/ learning valuable life lessons from are using creativity to help the the The United Nations Children’s syrian-refugee-kids-were-told-to-draw- their animal friends, like standing young refugees: Fund’s new project that takes real- whatever-they-wanted up for yourself and others, loving yourself deeply, attempting to over-

8 brooklyn Family • July 2016 because they lost their homes, home lands, and families at a young age.” Trisha said most of the children were with their parents, who were trying to get adjusted to a new coun- try. They did not know the local lan- guage, so it was difficult for them to get good jobs. “We met around 30 children — most between the ages of 5 and 10 — at the Support to Life commu- nity center in Istanbul. The refugee families lived far from the center, but the children came there every day to spend their day at the center,” Trisha recalled. (Support to Life is a humanitarian agency working with disaster-stricken communities.) “The hardest part was when I learned that they did not have money to buy lunch,” the young writer said. “I felt bad that they had to walk sev- eral miles from where they were liv- ing to come to the center where they spent the whole day.” The Support to Life team met Trisha and her family during their trip and in a letter, the director later thanked them for being part of their cause in improving the life of refu- gees in Turkey. “By reading her book to the chil- dren, Trisha did not only give them support and inspiration, but also was able to touch them with her sin- cerity. Your thoughtful visit at the Is- tanbul Center Support to Life House made a great mark in the children’s lives since it was also a pathway for children to reconnect with their childhood,” the letter stated. Trisha’s ultimate wish with her book is to reach every single child on Trisha Rao’s puppy Sunshine is the main the planet with her positive vibe. For character in her book. (Left) Trisha launched every book she sells in 2016, she has her book to a group of Syrian refugee chil- pledged to donate one copy to refu- dren in Istanbul last December. gee children around the globe. And since those kids in Turkey who had gathered around her. Sadly, loved the book so much, it was trans- they had lost their homes, and some- lated into Arabic. The books that times, their families. have been donated so far — more Trisha said the children loved hear- than 110 — are in English. Once the ing the words to the story, and espe- Arabic books are printed, more can cially liked her colorful pictures. Ap- be sent to Syrian children. More than parently, they felt an instant bond to 500 copies have been sold. the long-haired American girl, despite “Believe in Yourself” has received the language barrier. What a thrill it the 2016 Gold Medal from the Indepen- come challenges, creating your own Trisha’s journey must have been to make new friends! dent Publishers Book Awards in the cat- opportunities, working hard to make to Istanbul Her experience turned out to be egory of Best Children’s eBook. It is for your wishes come true, being grate- The young author and her family the most amazing family vacation sale on Amazon and through the United ful to God (or any higher power), traveled to Istanbul, Turkey, in De- she had ever had. Trisha says she Nations Stores: https://www.amazon. being kind to others, and staying cember 2015, and you can imagine wants to encourage ALL kids to stay com/Believe-Yourself-Trisha-Rao/dp/ united with friends and loved ones. what a truly memorable, life-altering hopeful, no matter what. B01A4S1FQ0/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?ie= The story concludes with wonder- journey it was. So she could share “I turned my poem into a children’s UTF8& qid= 1465909533&sr=8- ful symbolism as Papa Dog offers her important inspirational message book to show that we all have great 1&keywords =trisha+rao unconditional love to Sunshine, who of hope with Syrian refugee chil- power within ourselves to make a Tammy Scileppi is a -based finds it comforting to know that Papa dren living there, Trisha launched difference in our own lives and in the freelance writer and journalist, parent, Dog will always be there to love and “Believe in Yourself” while visiting. lives of other people, too,” she said. “I and regular contributor to New York support him. She read it to a bevy of curious kids felt bad for the Syrian refugee children Parenting.

July 2016 • brooklyn Family 9 HEALTH

Whoophi Goldber, award-winning comedian, actress, human rights advo- cate, and host of “The View,” spoke to president of the Child Mind Institute, Dr. Harold Koplewicz, about living and suc- ceeding with dyslexia.

kid was that I felt pretty protected, I wasn’t afraid, and I had a mother who understood — after a while — that there was something different about the way I learned things,” she HEALTHY explained. “It takes people a little while to accept that something’s LIVING going on, and it’s not that you’re DANIELLE SULLIVAN being lazy. It’s not that you’re not trying.” Many people with dyslexia, like Goldberg, thrive as highly visual learners and creative thinkers who excel in the arts. She says she’s dis- covered along the way useful meth- ods to overcome her dyslexia while Child Mind Institute learning scripts. Whenever she’s re- quired to learn a new script, she en- lists someone to read the lines out loud with her, so she can memorize Triumphing them. Similarly, when she wrote her recent book, she dictated each word to an assistant and then afterward, had it read back to her for editing. over dyslexia “The advantage of dyslexia is that my brain puts information in my hen most people hear have dyslexia. head in a different way,” says Gold- the word “dyslexia,” they In preschool-aged children, berg. W immediately associate it symptoms include late talking, dif- One website working to promote with a reading problem. The dis- ficulty in learning nursery rhymes, the positive aspects of the condi- order does cause problems with and rhyming games. In school-aged tion, Dyslexia The Gift, writes, “Our reading from left to right, reversing children, a student may have dif- visual and holistic learning style letters and words, spelling words, ficulty following quick instructions, means that we learn best through reading quickly, writing words, reading at age level, comprehend- the creative process, with methods “sounding out” words in the head, ing what is said to him, and prob- that focus on mastery of the mean- pronouncing words when reading lems remembering the sequence ings of words and symbols. The aloud, and reading comprehension, of things. true gift of dyslexia is the gift of but the issue involves much more In teens, the symptoms may be mastery.” than reading. the same as in younger children, To learn more about dyslexia, The brains of people with dys- and also include difficulty summa- visit: lexia are wired differently. The Dys- rizing a story, learning a foreign lan- • International Dyslexia Associa- lexia Association explains that the guage, memorizing, and understand- tion, dyslexiaida.org two most important contributors to ing jokes and idioms. • The Dyslexia Foundation, dys- dyslexia are an underutilized left Recently, The Child Mind Insti- lexiafoundation.org hemisphere, and an out-of-whack tute hosted the 13th annual Adam • Everyone Reading, everyonere- central bridge of tissue in the brain, Katz Memorial Conversation and ading.org called the corpus callosum. Ac- featured a candid conversation be- • National Center For Learning cording to the National Institutes of tween award-winning comedian, Disabilities, ncld.org Health, up to 15 percent of the U.S. actress, and host of “The View” • Decoding Dyslexia – NY, decod- population has significant difficulty Whoopi Goldberg and Child Mind ingdyslexiany.org learning to read. Institute President Dr. Harold Ko- Danielle Sullivan, a mom of three, “People with a learning difference plewicz at the Kaye Playhouse at has worked as a writer and editor in the like dyslexia may have trouble with Hunter College. They shared an in- parenting world for more than 10 years. reading, writing, spelling, math, and depth discussion about Goldberg’s Sullivan also writes about pets and par- sometimes, music,” says the insti- struggles and victories surrounding enting for Disney’s Babble.com. Find Sul- tute. living with dyslexia. livan on her blogs, Just Write Mom and Three times as many boys as girls “What I remember about being a Some Puppy To Love.

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July 2016 • brooklyn Family 11 Our guNs By Alison Arden Besunder rifles and shotguns need not be and only where self-defense is the A closer look licensed. proven primary reason for owner- uring the past several years, At the state level, a license may ship (usually law enforcement and at NY State’s it has seemed that every be granted to an applicant who: armed guards). A premises-only li- D day, week, and month there • I s of good moral character. cense does not permit carrying as a gun laws is another tragedy as a result of • O v e r 21 years of age. concealed weapon off-premises. guns in the hands of individuals • H a s not been convicted of a se- who use them as tools of murder rious offense. Oversight and and terrorism. • S t a te s if and when he has ever enforcement The most recent massacre at a been treated for mental illness, is New York’s gun control and cul- gay club in Orlando was one of not subject to a protective court ture widely varies from county to 43 shootings on June 12. In 2016 order. county, especially between Down- so far, there have been 6,131 gun- • To whom no good cause exists state and Upstate. related deaths, 141 mass shootings, for the denial of the license. Other than the city (three years) and 259 children under 11 killed or The age requirement does not or Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester injured (www.gunviolencearchive. apply to persons honorably dis- (five years), licenses in New York org). These events have become charged from the military. Anyone State are valid until revoked and horrifically commonplace. between 18 and 21 can use a hand- need not be renewed. In other Rather than my usual “Q&A” col- gun at an indoor or outdoor pistol words, New York State — like most umn, I thought that readers would range or at a target pistol shooting states — has no oversight of a gun like to know more about the gun competition under the auspices of owner after license. laws applicable in New York State, or approved by the National Rifle Even with a permit, it is illegal to which in and of itself has vastly Association (not exactly my first carry a weapon in schools (includ- different “gun cultures” between choice for supervisory authority). ing child care), state parks, or men- Upstate and Downstate. New York State does not perform its tal health facilities. The penalty for own background check, but rather carrying a concealed weapon with- New York gun licensing forwards fingerprints to the Federal out a permit is only a class A misde- New York has no separate consti- Bureau of Investigation for a search meanor, carrying a penalty of a fine tutional gun protection, but Article of criminal records. The failure or up to $1,000 or up to 12 months in 2, Section 4 of the New York Civil refusal of the Bureau to complete jail (or three years probation). Rights Law provides “a well-regu- the fingerprint check in six months New York is a “May-Issue” state; lated militia being necessary to the cannot be the sole basis for refus- the individual licensing official (a security of a free state, the right of ing to issue the permit. local police chief or sheriff) has the people to keep and bear arms Gun purchase in New York re- discretion to issue a handgun li- cannot be infringed.” That law has quires a license for that particular cense or concealed weapon permit not prevented the state from im- make, model, caliber, and serial and whether to impose conditions posing some of the strictest hand- number, and possession requires such as firearms training or edu- gun regulations in the nation. New a valid license for that particular cation. The various licensing and York’s 1911 Sullivan Law was one of registered gun. Licenses are not permit authorities are not unified, the first in the country requiring a issued to non-New York residents the rules vary between counties, permit to own a handgun. or part-time residents; out-of-state and the “gun laws” are therefore all New York’s gun control is es- handguns are not permitted. over the map. sentially two-tiered between state There are two types of licenses: New York City, for example, is a and local law. All handguns must carry or premises-only. New York “No Issue” jurisdiction. New York be licensed. Outside New York City, City rarely issues carry licenses City is the only county where a

12 brooklyn Family • July 2016 Our guNs By Alison Arden Besunder rifles and shotguns need not be and only where self-defense is the A closer look licensed. proven primary reason for owner- uring the past several years, At the state level, a license may ship (usually law enforcement and at NY State’s it has seemed that every be granted to an applicant who: armed guards). A premises-only li- D day, week, and month there • I s of good moral character. cense does not permit carrying as a gun laws is another tragedy as a result of • O v e r 21 years of age. concealed weapon off-premises. guns in the hands of individuals • H a s not been convicted of a se- who use them as tools of murder rious offense. Oversight and and terrorism. • S t a te s if and when he has ever enforcement The most recent massacre at a been treated for mental illness, is New York’s gun control and cul- gay club in Orlando was one of not subject to a protective court ture widely varies from county to 43 shootings on June 12. In 2016 order. county, especially between Down- so far, there have been 6,131 gun- • To whom no good cause exists state and Upstate. related deaths, 141 mass shootings, for the denial of the license. Other than the city (three years) and 259 children under 11 killed or The age requirement does not or Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester injured (www.gunviolencearchive. apply to persons honorably dis- (five years), licenses in New York org). These events have become charged from the military. Anyone State are valid until revoked and horrifically commonplace. between 18 and 21 can use a hand- need not be renewed. In other Rather than my usual “Q&A” col- gun at an indoor or outdoor pistol words, New York State — like most umn, I thought that readers would range or at a target pistol shooting states — has no oversight of a gun like to know more about the gun competition under the auspices of owner after license. pistol licensee is restricted from weapons manufactured after 1994. Rank” (in 2010 it was 24th). New mentally ill; banning the direct inter- laws applicable in New York State, or approved by the National Rifle Even with a permit, it is illegal to carrying and must have an “uninter- This means that New York State York also elevated its rating to an net sale of ammunition purchases. which in and of itself has vastly Association (not exactly my first carry a weapon in schools (includ- rupted trip” through the city with bans as a felony the high capacity, A- from a B in 2010 from the Law There should also be re-certification different “gun cultures” between choice for supervisory authority). ing child care), state parks, or men- the ammunition and gun locked quick-reload weapons such as the Center to Prevent Gun Violence for gun ownership (just like drivers’ Upstate and Downstate. New York State does not perform its tal health facilities. The penalty for separately when traveling. Delaware Sig Sauer MCX, which was report- (smartgunlaws.org/new-york-state- license renewal!) and monitoring of own background check, but rather carrying a concealed weapon with- County, on the other hand, is the edly used in the Orlando shooting. law-summary/). In 2008 New York gun owners, together with continu- New York gun licensing forwards fingerprints to the Federal out a permit is only a class A misde- only county to permit open carry- However, the expiration of the had the fifth lowest number of gun ing safety education courses for gun New York has no separate consti- Bureau of Investigation for a search meanor, carrying a penalty of a fine ing. The restrictions imposed on a federal ban undermined enforce- deaths. And in December 2012, then- owners. It is not acceptable that it is tutional gun protection, but Article of criminal records. The failure or up to $1,000 or up to 12 months in carry license travel with the licensee ment power, since the federal law mayor Bloomberg announced that harder to buy certain over-the-coun- 2, Section 4 of the New York Civil refusal of the Bureau to complete jail (or three years probation). as he or she travels from county to had required that all “large capac- the city’s murder rates were the low- ter drugs in this country than it is to Rights Law provides “a well-regu- the fingerprint check in six months New York is a “May-Issue” state; county within the state. Thus, a ity” magazine guns be stamped with est in 50 years. purchase a deadly weapon. lated militia being necessary to the cannot be the sole basis for refus- the individual licensing official (a holder of a Delaware County license the date of manufacture. That fed- More gun-related deaths occur in For more information on how to security of a free state, the right of ing to issue the permit. local police chief or sheriff) has (unrestricted carry) can take his eral requirement is no longer in ef- states with less restrictive gun laws take action, visit the Law Center to the people to keep and bear arms Gun purchase in New York re- discretion to issue a handgun li- concealed handgun into Kotobuki, fect, hindering prosecutions of pos- and a higher rate of gun ownership Prevent Gun Violence and the Brady cannot be infringed.” That law has quires a license for that particular cense or concealed weapon permit but his Suffolk County gun-licensee session of post-2004 assault weap- (smartgunlaws.org/gun-laws-mat- Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence not prevented the state from im- make, model, caliber, and serial and whether to impose conditions companion cannot. ons. Gov. Cuomo’s 2013 proposals ter-2012-understanding-the-link-be- (www.bradycampaign.org). posing some of the strictest hand- number, and possession requires such as firearms training or edu- New York State bans possession did not go as far as was originally tween-weak-laws-and-gun-violence). Alison Arden Besunder is the found- gun regulations in the nation. New a valid license for that particular cation. The various licensing and or sale of “assault weapons” or hoped in reducing permitted maga- Although New York has some of ing attorney of the law firm of Arden York’s 1911 Sullivan Law was one of registered gun. Licenses are not permit authorities are not unified, “large capacity ammunition feeding zines from 10 to seven rounds. the strictest gun laws in the country, Besunder P.C., where she assists new the first in the country requiring a issued to non-New York residents the rules vary between counties, devices” manufactured after 1994. we can still do better. The federal and not-so-new parents with their estate permit to own a handgun. or part-time residents; out-of-state and the “gun laws” are therefore all New York State law continues to New York gun numbers government and the state need to re- planning needs. Her firm assists clients New York’s gun control is es- handguns are not permitted. over the map. enforce the same provisions as the New York is sixth in the top 10 quire federal background checks of in , Brooklyn, Queens, Nas- sentially two-tiered between state There are two types of licenses: New York City, for example, is a (now expired) Federal Assault Weap- restrictive states on the purchase, all gun sales, including private ones; sau, and Suffolk Counties. Follow her and local law. All handguns must carry or premises-only. New York “No Issue” jurisdiction. New York ons Ban, which bans rifle magazines possession, or carrying of hand- the ban of high-capacity magazines; on Twitter @estatetrustplan and on her be licensed. Outside New York City, City rarely issues carry licenses City is the only county where a in excess of 10 rounds in assault guns, and 48th in the “Gun Death keeping guns from people who are website at www.besunderlaw.com. July 2016 • brooklyn Family 13 Dad’s Mom’s

Team family After a divorce, working together when you live apart

By Gayla Grace Seven tips to help: be responsible with their belong- lthough we don’t like • D o n’ t meddle in the affairs of ings. each other, we maintain the other home. • A s a stepparent, offer grace “A a friendly demeanor for • Maintain a cooperative and and understanding to your step- the sake of our children.” flexible attitude with your ex when children. My friend’s comments confirmed discussing the kids’ schedules. • Consider the needs of your what I already knew — her kids ben- • K e e p conflict with your ex- children and stepchildren as they efitted from her efforts toward a cor- spouse away from the ears of transition. dial relationship with her ex-spouse. your children. • C o m m i t to a new tomorrow Children with a mom and dad • Encourage your children to when you fail. in different homes often experience confusion, anxiety, and turmoil. They need a stable home environ- at your child’s school, particularly more stress. ment, free of tension and chaos, to middle and high schools, you’ll no- As parents and stepparents, what develop a healthy self-image and tice the pressure and demands they can we do to promote healthy in- succeed in school. If you spend time face. Minefields at home only create teractions and positive self-esteem?

14 brooklyn Family • July 2016 bitious schedule on weeks your As parents and stepchildren are there. Allow time to help with homework, run kids stepparents, one to ball practice, or sit down for a home-cooked meal. Stepfamily of the best ways to relationships are strengthened as Musical instrument and promote success is family members spend time to- gether in a relaxed environment. singing lessons in Brooklyn! Dad’s Mom’s to commit to do your Also, consider what it feels like to a biological parent to have some- Home tuition • All instruments taught part in maintaining a one else take part in raising her Children and adults of all abilities welcome child. And be sensitive to how your Trial lessons available • Lessons to fit your schedule friendly relationship stepchildren feel toward you and whether they want you at every For more information please contact Tempo Arts on with your ex. back-to-school function or whether you should bow out and let the bio- (347) 526-4702 or www.tempo-arts.com logical parents take the lead. One of the best ways to promote As a mom and stepmom to five success is to commit to do your children, I understand the chal- part in maintaining a friendly rela- lenges that accompany kids moving tionship with your ex. between homes. My husband and I I know you’d rather run a mara- spent years negotiating schedules thon than talk about how to live and seeking to provide a safe en- in harmony with your ex or your vironment in which our kids could spouse’s ex, but it’s vital to the thrive throughout the school year. well-being of your children and My stepchildren and two of stepchildren. That doesn’t mean my children have now completed you have to be best friends with school and exited the nest, leav- your ex-husband, or your stepson’s ing my husband and I with only mom, but you do have to commit to an “ours” child left at home. Some having a cordial relationship. days I think about what I would do I will be the first to admit this differently if all of our kids were at 600 DeGraw Street (3rD & 4th aveS) hasn’t come naturally. I maintained home again. a contentious relationship with my I think I would offer a softer ex too long after our divorce. Al- side toward my stepchildren when though I tried hard to not speak they’ve had a bad day at school. I’d badly of him to our girls, I’m sure be more understanding on transi- Dentistry for Adults they could sense my disapproval tion days when they’ve just come of his lifestyle and critical spirit to- back from their mom’s house and and Children ward him when we negotiated visi- need some time alone. I’d extend tation. It’s important to remember grace more freely when my own Tracey H. Joseph, D.D.S., PLLC that our children are half of their kids didn’t do their chores to my other parent, and when we speak satisfaction. And I would insist on 'ENTLE &RIENDLYAND.UTURING#AREFOR9OUR&AMILY badly of that parent, they turn the fewer extracurricular activities to negative remarks inward, leading allow more time at home for rela- to a negative self-image. tionships to grow and bond. s3CHOOL&ORMS s7HITE&ILLINGS As your children move between Our child-rearing season passes s%XTRACTIONS s3EALANTS Team family homes, help them learn responsi- quickly and we’re left with fond bility by reminding them to stop memories. Seek to enjoy the back- s&LEXIBLE0ARTIALS s.IGHTGUARDS After a divorce, working together when you live apart and think about what they need to to-school hassles! Step back, take s$ENTURES s)MPLANTS pack when they leave one home and a deep breath, and snap a few pic- move to the other. As a stepfam- tures of your growing child as you By Gayla Grace ily coach, I often hear stepparents head to meet-the-teacher night. s4EETH7HITENING:OOM Seven tips to help: be responsible with their belong- complain about their stepkids mak- Consider what you can do to sow 3PECIAL!TTENTION4O.ERVOUS!ND!PPREHENSIVE0EOPLE lthough we don’t like • D o n’ t meddle in the affairs of ings. ing multiple trips to their house on peace. Will you commit to take the s each other, we maintain the other home. • A s a stepparent, offer grace the off week because they left sup- high road as often as possible? Will s(OUR2OOT#ANAL4REATMENT “A a friendly demeanor for • Maintain a cooperative and and understanding to your step- plies, a uniform, a project, etc. Don’t you do your part to co-parent in the sake of our children.” flexible attitude with your ex when children. enable irresponsibility by allowing harmony? New Ultramodern Facility Conveniently Located At My friend’s comments confirmed discussing the kids’ schedules. • Consider the needs of your them to return multiple times to the Your children and stepchil- &LATBUSH!VENUEs3UITE! what I already knew — her kids ben- • K e e p conflict with your ex- children and stepchildren as they other home for items they forgot. dren deserve a fresh beginning at efitted from her efforts toward a cor- spouse away from the ears of transition. As a stepparent, recognize the school, with minimal conflict at Flat (Philip Howard Apartments) Digital dial relationship with her ex-spouse. your children. • C o m m i t to a new tomorrow adjustment your stepchildren go home. Yes, it’s harder when kids Screen TV Xrays & Children with a mom and dad • Encourage your children to when you fail. 718-377-1319 Intraoral through when they travel between move between homes, but it’s not & Patient Camera in different homes often experience homes. Allow extra time on transi- impossible to find peace. Headset WWWBROOKLYNFAMILYDDSCOMW confusion, anxiety, and turmoil. tion days for kids to settle in, focus, Gayla Grace is an author and step- They need a stable home environ- at your child’s school, particularly more stress. and adjust to the routine of your family coach with a his, hers, and ours WE SPEAK SPANISH ment, free of tension and chaos, to middle and high schools, you’ll no- As parents and stepparents, what home. Give them space if you sense family. She enjoys helping non-tradi- -OST-AJOR)NSURANCES !CCEPTED develop a healthy self-image and tice the pressure and demands they can we do to promote healthy in- they’re struggling emotionally. tional families learn to thrive in their succeed in school. If you spend time face. Minefields at home only create teractions and positive self-esteem? Don’t maintain an overly am- relationships. July 2016 • brooklyn Family 15 for the youngest children — who are learning to form secure attachments piness and overall well-being. It that will be the foundation for future Shaky groundis the bedrock to a child’s future relationships.” By Myrna Beth haskell success. Strong family bonds are crucial. Tracing the “Bonding is the central component he bonding process begins Family stability in to a healthy child. A well-bonded links between in the womb. Once born, in- the new millennium child is secure and does better at T fants thrive on the voice and Family life throughout the decades everything,” explains Dr. Gail Gross, a family’s touch of a consistent caregiver. So, has changed dramatically. Entertain- a nationally recognized family and from the start, stability and secu- ment mimics culture, so we can see child development expert, author, rity provide an anchor for human how the family has changed over and educator. If a child forms strong stability and a growth and development. the years just by examining family bonds, she “will have less anxiety As a child, I instinctively knew structures on television. Snapshots and a higher threshold of security,” child’s success that if something bad happened of the lives of the Cleavers, Bradys, Gross adds. — anything from catching chicken Cosbys, and the Bravermans from The child who has been raised in a pox to navigating a personality NBC’s “Parenthood,” provide a good secure and reliable environment has clash with a classroom teacher — comparison. been given the tools for success. my parents would always be there Dr. Susan Kuczmarski, a family “Your child will approach every- to support me. I always had family expert and author of several books thing with a stronger sense of self to lean on and a home to escape to including the award-winning “Be- and a strong central core,” Gross when the going got rough. At the coming A Happy Family: Pathways says. “As a result, he will learn to time, I had no clue that this sta- to the Family Soul” (Book Ends Pub- depend on his own resources and ble and loving environment would lishing, 2015), points to a 2014 Pew capacities, which allows him to be help shape me into a confident and Research report that analyzed the independent and self-actualized.” grounded adult. However, I realize state of the American family. The re- Children should know that their now that I subconsciously paid it search showed that American fami- accomplishments will be celebrated, forward when it came to raising my lies today are more complex and less but they should not be afraid to own children, providing a cushion traditional — fewer than 50 percent make mistakes, because they under- when they stumbled and a safe of American children live in a tradi- stand that they will learn from them haven filled with unconditional ac- tional family structure. and be accepted anyway. Encourage- ceptance. “It was this new model of the ment and acceptance breed a posi- A stable environment provides American family that I had in mind tive self-esteem, a healthy outlook nurturing caregivers, uncondi- as I wrote my new book,” she re- on future relationships, and confi- tional love, consistent discipline, ports. dence in oneself. and a dependable and safe living Family stability is not inherent “Family protects from the noise of space. This secure and protective in the number of family members the outer world. It is here where we environment shapes a child’s per- or its various structures (i.e. tradi- first discover and experience who spective of himself and the world tional, single parent, blended fam- we are and what we might become,” around him. It is the springboard ily, foster family, etc.). Instead, it’s Kuczmarski stresses. “It is where that sets in motion a path to hap- about providing a consistent, safe, we learn to work with weakness, and loving environment for children, inadequacy, deficiency, inability, and one in which they can lean on family even failure.” Additional help and resources for families members under all circumstances. Kuczmarski explains that flaws Military families: Strong family bonds, unconditional and insecurity are the heart of the • Information about Military Family Stability Act of 2015: www.mili- support, and predictable safety nets individual, but can also point the taryfamily.org/featured-news/the-military-family-stability.html are the keys to a stable upbringing. way to learning and growth if a child stability when moving with kids: According to an article written by is raised in a stable and safe environ- • http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/move.html Shannon Rudisill, associate deputy ment. • http://psychcentral.com/lib/moving-with-kids/ assistant secretary for early child- “Family can serve as a refuge for helping your child through divorce: hood development at the U.S. De- self-acceptance,” she asserts. • http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/help-child-divorce.html partment of Health and Human Ser- • www.helpguide.org/articles/family-divorce/children-and-divorce. vices, “The quality and stability of The effects of growing htm a child’s relationships are the most up with instability helping children and families with separation and loss: critical factors in whether a child Instability can affect a child’s • Multiple resources available at U.S. Department of Health and thrives developmentally and goes on self-worth and ability to achieve his Human Services: www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/casework/ to have success in school. Nurturing, greatest potential. It manifests in helping/ long-lasting relationships are impor- various situations. Frequent changes tant for all children — but especially to the family structure and relation-

16 brooklyn Family • July 2016 Family stability is not inherent in the number of family members or its various structures. Instead, for the youngest children — who are it’s about providing a learning to form secure attachments piness and overall well-being. It that will be the foundation for future consistent, safe, and Shaky groundis the bedrock to a child’s future relationships.” By Myrna Beth haskell success. Strong family bonds are crucial. loving environment Tracing the “Bonding is the central component for children, one in he bonding process begins Family stability in to a healthy child. A well-bonded links between in the womb. Once born, in- the new millennium child is secure and does better at which they can lean on T fants thrive on the voice and Family life throughout the decades everything,” explains Dr. Gail Gross, a family’s touch of a consistent caregiver. So, has changed dramatically. Entertain- a nationally recognized family and family members under from the start, stability and secu- ment mimics culture, so we can see child development expert, author, rity provide an anchor for human how the family has changed over and educator. If a child forms strong all circumstances. stability and a growth and development. the years just by examining family bonds, she “will have less anxiety As a child, I instinctively knew structures on television. Snapshots and a higher threshold of security,” child’s success that if something bad happened of the lives of the Cleavers, Bradys, Gross adds. ration due to military service, or fre- — anything from catching chicken Cosbys, and the Bravermans from The child who has been raised in a quent career relocations can be dis- pox to navigating a personality NBC’s “Parenthood,” provide a good secure and reliable environment has ruptive to everyone, but especially clash with a classroom teacher — comparison. been given the tools for success. to children, who sometimes feel the my parents would always be there Dr. Susan Kuczmarski, a family “Your child will approach every- turmoil more deeply because they to support me. I always had family expert and author of several books thing with a stronger sense of self have no control. to lean on and a home to escape to including the award-winning “Be- and a strong central core,” Gross Kuczmarski recommends that when the going got rough. At the coming A Happy Family: Pathways says. “As a result, he will learn to families seek help from friends dur- time, I had no clue that this sta- to the Family Soul” (Book Ends Pub- depend on his own resources and ing difficult times. ble and loving environment would lishing, 2015), points to a 2014 Pew capacities, which allows him to be “Friends extend the family bound- help shape me into a confident and Research report that analyzed the independent and self-actualized.” ary outward. When we are stuck in grounded adult. However, I realize state of the American family. The re- Children should know that their ships, frequent changes to the physi- Instability can also cause health “Rituals act like glue that holds old patterns and habits, friends can now that I subconsciously paid it search showed that American fami- accomplishments will be celebrated, cal environment (excessive reloca- problems. the family together. Any event the help us climb out.” forward when it came to raising my lies today are more complex and less but they should not be afraid to tions, etc.), a caregiver’s unpredict- “Stress can be directly corre- family enjoys and does regularly can Divorced parents should not own children, providing a cushion traditional — fewer than 50 percent make mistakes, because they under- able, emotional dysfunction or mal- lated to the onset of illness, not be a ritual, such as a fancy Friday allow anger toward each other to when they stumbled and a safe of American children live in a tradi- stand that they will learn from them treatment of a child in the form only the anxiety type of illnesses, dinner or a Saturday morning walk. overshadow the love that each of haven filled with unconditional ac- tional family structure. and be accepted anyway. Encourage- of physical or emotional care, can such as stomach aches, headaches, Events that feel special serve to pro- them has for their children. Instead, ceptance. “It was this new model of the ment and acceptance breed a posi- all be catalysts to the decline of a nail biting and bed wetting, but also vide stability and bring the group parents should try to create an ami- A stable environment provides American family that I had in mind tive self-esteem, a healthy outlook child’s socio-emotional and physical frequent colds and viruses,” Gross closer together.” She suggests that cable tone and remind their children nurturing caregivers, uncondi- as I wrote my new book,” she re- on future relationships, and confi- health. Family instability is often the points out. “Stress impacts immuni- children be allowed to have input on that their unconditional love will not tional love, consistent discipline, ports. dence in oneself. result of emotionally absent, distant, ties in the body, including lowering establishing family rituals because waiver during difficult times. Kuc- and a dependable and safe living Family stability is not inherent “Family protects from the noise of or abusive caregivers, or when a antigen levels and lymphocytes.” this helps them feel like their role in zmarski advises parents to find it space. This secure and protective in the number of family members the outer world. It is here where we child is insecure about her physical She says that children are more the family dynamic is important. within themselves to forgive. environment shapes a child’s per- or its various structures (i.e. tradi- first discover and experience who care (where she’ll spend the night, vulnerable to compromised immu- Kuczmarski also counsels parents “Forgiving opens the door to posi- spective of himself and the world tional, single parent, blended fam- we are and what we might become,” for instance). nity when they lack coping skills to to be good communicators. tive energy and intention.” around him. It is the springboard ily, foster family, etc.). Instead, it’s Kuczmarski stresses. “It is where “A child who experiences instabil- deal with erratic pressures and be- “Selfless, compassionate listening When family life is disrupted due that sets in motion a path to hap- about providing a consistent, safe, we learn to work with weakness, ity at an early age of development is haviors at home. is a prerequisite for sharing ideas, to relocation, separation, or death, and loving environment for children, inadequacy, deficiency, inability, and under stress,” Gross explains. “Neu- feelings, and values and is critical Kuczmarski suggests finding activi- one in which they can lean on family even failure.” roscience tells us that when a child How parents and to developing meaningful relation- ties that allow for renewal. Additional help and resources for families members under all circumstances. Kuczmarski explains that flaws is stressed from consistent poverty, caregivers can ships. Close and healthy families are “Celebrations, getaways, and com- Military families: Strong family bonds, unconditional and insecurity are the heart of the abuse, divorce, or insecurity that ensure stability built through frequent, honest, two- munity service create occasions for • Information about Military Family Stability Act of 2015: www.mili- support, and predictable safety nets individual, but can also point the he overproduces cortisol. Cortisol Parents can ensure stability by way talk with one another.” renewal.” taryfamily.org/featured-news/the-military-family-stability.html are the keys to a stable upbringing. way to learning and growth if a child changes brain architecture and im- providing strong bonds, consistent Gross agrees. She also encourages finding silver stability when moving with kids: According to an article written by is raised in a stable and safe environ- pulse control. These stressors in a discipline, unconditional love, and a “Making your child feel part of a linings during times of struggle. • http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/move.html Shannon Rudisill, associate deputy ment. child’s life can lead to unintended safe environment. family team, valued, and validated “Struggle can strengthen or • http://psychcentral.com/lib/moving-with-kids/ assistant secretary for early child- “Family can serve as a refuge for consequences, including behavior “Bonding is the central compo- goes a long way to building self- weaken a family soul. It can be epi- helping your child through divorce: hood development at the U.S. De- self-acceptance,” she asserts. problems, loss of impulse control, nent to a healthy child,” Gross states. esteem.” She suggests that parents sodic or enduring. Almost always, • http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/help-child-divorce.html partment of Health and Human Ser- academic problems, social prob- She also advocates consistent disci- create a “safe space in which your though, struggle can provide in- • www.helpguide.org/articles/family-divorce/children-and-divorce. vices, “The quality and stability of The effects of growing lems, and problems with substance pline. “You must work together with child can express himself without sight.” htm a child’s relationships are the most up with instability abuse.” your mate as a team, rather than defense.” Myrna Beth Haskell is an award- helping children and families with separation and loss: critical factors in whether a child Instability can affect a child’s Gross warns that a child under allowing yourself to be split by your winning author, columnist, and feature • Multiple resources available at U.S. Department of Health and thrives developmentally and goes on self-worth and ability to achieve his severe stress will present with partner or your child.” Finding stability in writer (www.myrnahaskell.com). She Human Services: www.childwelfare.gov/topics/outofhome/casework/ to have success in school. Nurturing, greatest potential. It manifests in changes in eating, sleeping, school Kuczmarski believes that family tumultuous situations is also cofounder and senior editor of helping/ long-lasting relationships are impor- various situations. Frequent changes performance, relationships, and mo- rituals and events provide a strong There are times when instability SANCTUARY Magazine (www.sanctu- tant for all children — but especially to the family structure and relation- tivation. family foundation. is unavoidable. Divorce, death, sepa- ary-magazine.com).

July 2016 • brooklyn Family 17 Advice Teamwork the key to a summer of fun

ummer fun is in full swing. Behavior Trips to the park, family vaca- S tions, and other adventures are a weekly, if not daily, occur- & Beyond rence. You’re probably spending a Dr. Marcie Beigel lot more time with your small beings than usual, creating many cherished memories. And you’re also dealing with mo- ments that make you feel like you’re in a war zone. Have you ever felt like you’re battling against your chil- dren? Like your kids need to be taught a lesson? Many families are experiencing this right now, so you wouldn’t be alone. Here is a potential — and com- mon — scenario: You are at a fam- ily barbecue with cousins who you have not seen since last summer. All the kids are running around in the grass except for your child. She is sitting on the sidelines yelling and pulling food off the picnic table. You are mortified! You go into sergeant mode and attempt to teach your daughter that this is not how your child are on the same team. right direction. to behave. (A piece of you knows When you go into warlord mode This adjustment requires you to this is simply to show your relatives against your own child, you are di- shift your expectations. If your child that you have not completely lost viding your family unit. You and your has had her limit of socialization control of your family, even though child should always be on the same and a pause in activity doesn’t re- deep down that is how you feel.) side, even when you don’t agree. store her, then you probably need So, you march up to your child Let me repeat: You are on the to leave the gathering, as much as and threaten her with no dessert. same team as your child! you don’t want to. Yes, this is unfair You make a bargain: one more hour This means that you set up this to you as the parent, but it is part of good behavior for a new toy dynamic starting with the trip to of your role. There are many times truck. All of your attempts make the family gathering. Let your child that you need to put your child’s things worse. Eventually you give know that if something is hard or needs ahead of your own, and this up, pick her up, and head home. overwhelming to come talk with you is one of them. Once home, the princess you about it before she acts up. When Remember, you are a family. No love dearly returns. You are de- she knows that she can ask to go for matter what behavior you face, do feated, confused, and exhausted. a walk or she can sit inside in a quiet know that you are part of the solu- You swear never to attend a family place, this will improve her behav- tion. function again … or at least not till ior, as she won’t feel trapped. For a special gift especially for next summer. Another option is to take breaks New York Parenting readers please If this happens to you just once throughout the event. Most chil- visit: https://drmarcie.leadpages.co/ a summer, then consider yourself dren do not know how to pace them- quick-video-for-ny-parenting blessed. If this happens to you on a selves and your small being is no Dr. Marcie Beigel is a behavioral weekly basis, then let’s talk! There exception. Taking periodic walks, therapist based in Brooklyn. She has is one secret that changes this dy- just you and your daughter, may worked with thousands of families for namic, ensuring that you and your increase her stamina. It will also more than 15 years and has condensed daughter will enjoy the rest of the give you a chance to point out how her observations into her practice and summer with more ease. well she is doing and to remind her programs. For more on her, visit www. Simply remember that you and to keep her behavior moving in the BehaviorAndBeyond.net.

18 brooklyn Family • July 2016 Advice Teamwork the key ENTER TO WIN A ONLIFETIME DENO’S PASS WONDER FOR FREE WHEEL RIDES to a summer of fun Plus a gift bag featuring Deno’s Wonder Wheel merchandise ummer fun is in full swing. To enter, visit: BrooklynDaily.com/WonderWheel Behavior Trips to the park, family vaca- S tions, and other adventures are a weekly, if not daily, occur- & Beyond rence. You’re probably spending a Dr. Marcie Beigel lot more time with your small beings Home of NYC Landmark Over 30 Million Riders than usual, creating many cherished memories. Wonder Wheel, Since 1920 Group Outings Welcome And you’re also dealing with mo- ments that make you feel like you’re NYC’s Best Kiddie Park & Incredible Views of the Beach, in a war zone. Have you ever felt like you’re battling against your chil- Major Thrill Rides Boardwalk & NYC Skyline dren? Like your kids need to be taught a lesson? Many families are Free Admission, Picnic Area & Now Serving Nathan's Hot experiencing this right now, so you wouldn’t be alone. Famous Famiglia Pizzeria Dogs and Fries Here is a potential — and com- mon — scenario: You are at a fam- ily barbecue with cousins who you Deno’s Wonder Wheel Lifetime Pass is non-transferable and entitles the contest winner whose name appears on the front unlimited rides have not seen since last summer. with one guest on Deno’s Wonder Wheel for Life. All the kids are running around in the grass except for your child. She is sitting on the sidelines yelling and pulling food off the picnic table. You are mortified! You go into sergeant mode and attempt to teach your daughter that this is not how your child are on the same team. right direction. to behave. (A piece of you knows When you go into warlord mode This adjustment requires you to this is simply to show your relatives against your own child, you are di- shift your expectations. If your child that you have not completely lost viding your family unit. You and your has had her limit of socialization control of your family, even though child should always be on the same and a pause in activity doesn’t re- deep down that is how you feel.) side, even when you don’t agree. store her, then you probably need So, you march up to your child Let me repeat: You are on the to leave the gathering, as much as and threaten her with no dessert. same team as your child! you don’t want to. Yes, this is unfair You make a bargain: one more hour This means that you set up this to you as the parent, but it is part of good behavior for a new toy dynamic starting with the trip to of your role. There are many times truck. All of your attempts make the family gathering. Let your child that you need to put your child’s things worse. Eventually you give know that if something is hard or needs ahead of your own, and this up, pick her up, and head home. overwhelming to come talk with you is one of them. Once home, the princess you about it before she acts up. When Remember, you are a family. No love dearly returns. You are de- she knows that she can ask to go for matter what behavior you face, do feated, confused, and exhausted. a walk or she can sit inside in a quiet know that you are part of the solu- You swear never to attend a family place, this will improve her behav- tion. function again … or at least not till ior, as she won’t feel trapped. For a special gift especially for next summer. Another option is to take breaks New York Parenting readers please If this happens to you just once throughout the event. Most chil- visit: https://drmarcie.leadpages.co/ a summer, then consider yourself dren do not know how to pace them- quick-video-for-ny-parenting blessed. If this happens to you on a selves and your small being is no Dr. Marcie Beigel is a behavioral weekly basis, then let’s talk! There exception. Taking periodic walks, therapist based in Brooklyn. She has is one secret that changes this dy- just you and your daughter, may worked with thousands of families for namic, ensuring that you and your increase her stamina. It will also more than 15 years and has condensed daughter will enjoy the rest of the give you a chance to point out how her observations into her practice and summer with more ease. well she is doing and to remind her programs. For more on her, visit www. BOARDWALK AT DENOS D. VOURDERIS PLACE (W. 12TH ST.) CONEY ISLAND (718) 372-2592 • WONDERWHEEL.COM Simply remember that you and to keep her behavior moving in the BehaviorAndBeyond.net.

July 2016 • brooklyn Family 19

Have a New York City staycation By Shnieka L. JohnSon ing an indoor escape from the sum- New York Liberty, or a match at the There’s plenty mer heat? Consider local attractions, United States Tennis Association’s chool’s out and summer is of- architectural gems, shopping, or a grand-slam tournament, the U.S. to experience ficially here! Historically, fam- Broadway show. Open (including Arthur Ashe Kids S ily vacations and summer are Or, for some fresh air, visit a bo- Day on Aug. 27). this summer a perfect pairing, but sometimes tanical garden, aquarium, or zoo. A cost-effective way to see at- getaways can be hard to schedule Governors Island is the perfect place tractions in the city is to purchase a around work demands or budget to spend the day. Just take the ferry CityPass, which boasts a 40 percent without ever constraints. As a result, more fami- to the 172-acre island where you can discount on standard ticket prices. lies are seeking alternatives to the ride bikes and have a picnic. On July This is the perfect way to make the leaving the traditional road trip, and are vaca- 19, the newest development on the most of your staycation. You could tioning locally. With New York at island, “The Hills,” will open for ex- even take it a step further by staying five boroughs your fingertips, the “staycation” (a ploration and play. at a hotel overnight, where you can stay-at-home vacation) is a wonder- Sporting events are always a swim in the pool and order room ful option. Millions of tourists visit fun activity to enjoy with kids. The service with the kiddos! the New York metro area annually, summer offers professional base- Here are a few of the city’s most and you’re already here — so start ball games by four teams: Major popular museums and attractions. planning! League Baseball’s New York Mets Pretend you’re a tourist and go visit! Take advantage of access to and New York Yankees, and the NY- world-renowned sights and attrac- Penn League’s Brooklyn Cyclones Museums tions. Whether it is art, science, or and the Yankees. Take 9-11 Memorial and Museum [180 New York history that interests your in a game played by the Women’s Greenwich St. between Fulton and family, go visit a local museum. Seek- National Basketball Association’s Liberty streets at World Trade Cen-

20 brooklyn Family • July 2016 ter, (212) 266–5211, 911memorial. through Thursday 10 am–5:30 Governors Island org] pm; Friday through Saturday, 10 Pay your respects to the vic- am–9 pm. Galleries are cleared tims of the 9-11 attacks and ob- 15 minutes before closing. Closed serve a moment of silence at the Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, twin reflecting pools, where the New Year’s Day, and the first Mon- names of every person who died day in May. are inscribed. Hours are Sunday through Thursday, 9 am–8 pm; Other sights Friday through Saturday, 9 am–9 Empire State Building [350 pm. Last entry two hours prior Fifth Ave. at 34th Street in Midtown, where children and grown-ups learn and play together to close. Not valid on 9-11. Memo- (877) 692–8439, esbnyc.com] rial hours are daily from 7:30 am Enjoy 360-degree open-air views For 8 months – 3½ years to 9 pm. during the day or a late-night view of the world’s most dazzling city Register Now for Fall! American Museum of Natural skyline. Open daily 8 am–2 am. History [ West at 79th Last elevator leaves 45 minutes Limited Openings in our Summer Program Street on the Upper West Side, before close. Special holiday hours BrOOkLyN HeiGHTS LOCaTiON Park SLOPe LOCaTiON (212) 769–5100, amnh.org] apply. Our Lady of Lebanon Church Explore human cultures, the Park Slope Jewish Center natural world, and the universe, Top of the Rock Observation 111 Remsen Street (off Henry) 8th Avenue & 14th Street world-renowned dioramas, the Deck [30 Rockefeller Pl. between 94-foot-long blue whale, and in- Fifth and Sixth avenues, (877) 692- Join Us For Fun We Offer • Arts & Crafts credible dinosaur halls. Don’t 7625, topoftherocknyc.com] • Music • Stories Parent/Child Classes miss Hayden Planetarium’s Space Experience panoramic views • Creative Movement “Just For Me” Show. Open daily, 10 am–5:45 pm. from interior and exterior decks • Playtime • Narrow Age Spans Separation & Partial Separation Classes Closed Thanksgiving and Christ- on the top three floors of this leg- • Maximum 10 Children Per Class mas Day. endary art deco skyscraper. Open • 1½ Hour Classes Wee Step Up – Pre-Nursery Program daily, 8 am–midnight. Last elevator • Professional Staff Solomon R. Guggenheim Mu- ascends at 11 pm. Hours may vary Infant Classes and ABC Enrichment Classes also available seum [1071 Fifth Ave. at 89th Street on holidays. For information call 1-800-404-2204 or 516-433-0003 on the Upper East Side, (212) 423– Or log onto our website: www.justweetwo.com 3500, Guggenheim.org] Tours Other Locations: Bayside, Plainview, Manhasset, Greenwich, & North Stamford, CT See Frank Lloyd Wright’s modern Circle Line (Pier 83, West 42nd Have a New York City architecture and enjoy one of the Street at 12th Avenue in Midtown, world’s finest collections of 20th circleline42.com) century art. Open Sunday through Experience magnificent views of Wednesday and Fridays, 10 am– the , Wall Street, Union Temple of Brooklyn 5:45 pm; Saturdays, 10 am–7:45 pm. The United Nations, and much Closed Thursdays, Thanksgiving, more. The Beast speedboat ride RELIGIOUS SCHOOL and Christmas Day. available May through September. Special schedule Thanksgiving, From Kindergarten to 7th grade Intrepid Sea, Air and Space New Year’s Day and July 4. Closed Museum [Pier 86 at W. 46th Street Christmas Day. Register now for the staycation and 12th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen, (877) 957–SHIP, intrepidmuseum. Other links: By Shnieka L. JohnSon ing an indoor escape from the sum- New York Liberty, or a match at the org] Arthur Ashe Kids Day: Ar- 2016-17 School Year There’s plenty mer heat? Consider local attractions, United States Tennis Association’s Explore history, science, and thurashekidsday.com chool’s out and summer is of- architectural gems, shopping, or a grand-slam tournament, the U.S. service aboard the former aircraft Brooklyn Cyclones: www. Family Tefilah to experience ficially here! Historically, fam- Broadway show. Open (including Arthur Ashe Kids carrier USS Intrepid, a National brooklyncyclones.com S ily vacations and summer are Or, for some fresh air, visit a bo- Day on Aug. 27). Historic Landmark. Open Nov. 1 CityPass: Citypass.com Learn about prayers a perfect pairing, but sometimes tanical garden, aquarium, or zoo. A cost-effective way to see at- through March 31, daily 10 am–5 Governors Island: Govisland. this summer Hebrew getaways can be hard to schedule Governors Island is the perfect place tractions in the city is to purchase a pm; April 1 through Oct. 31: Mon- com around work demands or budget to spend the day. Just take the ferry CityPass, which boasts a 40 percent day through Friday 10 am–5 pm, New York Liberty: Liberty. Art & Music without ever constraints. As a result, more fami- to the 172-acre island where you can discount on standard ticket prices. Saturday and Sunday 10 am–6 pm; wnba.com lies are seeking alternatives to the ride bikes and have a picnic. On July This is the perfect way to make the holidays 10 am–6 pm. Last entry New York Mets: NewYork.Mets. Learn about Israel from an Israeli leaving the traditional road trip, and are vaca- 19, the newest development on the most of your staycation. You could one hour prior to close. Closed mlb.com tioning locally. With New York at island, “The Hills,” will open for ex- even take it a step further by staying Thanksgiving Day and Christmas New York Yankees: Yankees. Family program day five boroughs your fingertips, the “staycation” (a ploration and play. at a hotel overnight, where you can Day. mlb.com stay-at-home vacation) is a wonder- Sporting events are always a swim in the pool and order room Staten Island Yankees: www. Celebrate Holidays ful option. Millions of tourists visit fun activity to enjoy with kids. The service with the kiddos! Metropolitan Museum [1000 siyanks.com the New York metro area annually, summer offers professional base- Here are a few of the city’s most Fifth Ave. at 82nd Street on the U.S. Open: Usta.usopen.org Starting September, Sunday Mornings and you’re already here — so start ball games by four teams: Major popular museums and attractions. Upper East Side, (212) 535–7710, 9:30AM - 12:30PM planning! League Baseball’s New York Mets Pretend you’re a tourist and go visit! metmuseum.org] Shnieka Johnson is an education Take advantage of access to and New York Yankees, and the NY- One of the most visited mu- consultant and freelance writer. She is The Jewish Education that you want for a price you can afford! world-renowned sights and attrac- Penn League’s Brooklyn Cyclones Museums seums and attractions in the based in Manhattan where she resides 17 (Grand Army Plaza) tions. Whether it is art, science, or and the Staten Island Yankees. Take 9-11 Memorial and Museum [180 city, admission includes same- with her husband and son. Contact her For more information: New York history that interests your in a game played by the Women’s Greenwich St. between Fulton and day admission to The Met Breuer via her website: www.shniekajohnson. 718-638 7600 ext. 4 or [email protected] family, go visit a local museum. Seek- National Basketball Association’s Liberty streets at World Trade Cen- and The Met Cloisters. Sunday com. www.uniontemple.org

July 2016 • brooklyn Family 21 Become a great parent New book BY ALLISON PLITT s a parent, have you offers training ever wished for a train- A ing manual about rais- ing kids — a book that would for a very tell you what page to find infor- mation about disciplining your important job child or on which page there’s advice on how to praise your child? Dr. Erica Reischer, a clinical psychologist and par- ent educator, has written just such a manual called, “What Great Parents Do: 75 Simple Strategies for Raising Fantas- tic Kids.” This manual of invaluable advice is broken down into 75 approaches to help parents work When parents communicate lim- with their children and their behav- its to their children, kids “ultimately “Research has also ior. Each strategy is contained in a feel safest in a family environment shown that yelling can have harm- two- to four-page chapter that can be where expectations and rules are ful effects on children comparable skipped or skimmed over if you feel clear and reasonable.” And C stands to physical punishment, such as you’ve already grasped the concept. for Consistency, which means par- hitting,” Reischer observes. “Chil- The book can be read in a day or two ents must follow through on what dren whose parents are verbally and can be referred to in any situa- they say they will do. Parents are aggressive also exhibit lower self- tion in which parents may not know role models for children, who will esteem, higher aggressiveness, and how to handle their children. copy their behavior, especially if the increased rates of depression.” “Underlying the parenting prac- parents act in the same positive Reischer advises disciplining chil- tices described in this book are three manner repeatedly. dren in private so as not to embar- key principles that I call the ABCs of Reischer devotes a lot of her book rass them in front of their peers. great parenting,” explains Reischer. to discussing D for Discipline, and She also advises against disciplining The A stands for Acceptance, which how to properly do it. She says it is children at inappropriate times, such is about accepting your child for not about punishing children, but as when the parents or children are himself. For example, an athletic fa- rather teaching them to behave ap- tired and hungry. ther may have trouble accepting his propriately. Any form of physical One of the strategies for correct- son is quiet and musically inclined. punishment, including spanking or ing children’s behavior is to show The child’s self is separated from even holding a child’s arm tightly, empathy and assist him in identify- that of his behavior, which can be teaches children to handle problems ing how he is feeling. For example, if modified by parents by following the with aggression and violence. Yelling a 6-year-old boy hits his 4-year-old steps that Reischer provides. at children is also portrayed as detri- brother for taking away his toy train, The B stands for Boundaries. mental to a child’s development. parents can say, “Son, I know how

22 brooklyn Family • July 2016 work in math has really paid off. I’m very proud of you.” THERAPEUTIC SERVICES FOR CHILDREN, INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, COUPLES, AND GROUPS In addition, Reischer says, teach your children habits for being Sessions may include happy. According to the author, techniques such as: there are three types of happi- Experiential Insight/Healing ness: pleasure, engagement, and • Activities with Sensorial meaning. Materials Become “The focus of pleasure,“ the au- thor writes, “is gratifying desires • Affi rmations and preferences — for example, • Person-Centered Play Therapy having delicious food, fun experi- ences, and beautiful things.” Offering therapeutic services • Meditation/Breath-work/ Pleasure provides instant grati- that foster, nurture, and promote Aromatherapy healing in individuals, families, fication for kids; however, it is re- • Creative Visualization ally engagement and meaning that children, and communities. a great emotionally fulfill children. Engage- • Art Therapy ment means that kids apply their Nicole Jenkins, MS.Ed, CMHC • Solution-Focused Therapy skills to meet challenges. When Dr. Erica Reischer these activities become complex, • Children’s Learning Sessions 347-508-3188 with Montessori Materials children learn to develop their prepforprosperity.com | [email protected] frustrating and angry it can be to “skills through practice and per- see your brother taking away your sistence.” This again reinforces the toy from you without asking, but idea that through consistent ef- parent hitting you brother is not going to fort and hard work, children can GROUP PRESCHOOL & YOUNG CHILD solve the problem.” achieve goals that give them self- BY ALLISON PLITT Next, Reischer advises, you confidence and self-esteem. MUSIC CLASSES New book should talk to your son about other Meaning is defined as “service” Teaching the Fundamentals s a parent, have you ways to teach his brother to re- to contribute to the greater good. of Music Theory for the Magical offers training ever wished for a train- spect his toys. You could give your Great parents teach their children A ing manual about rais- older son different options to solve to be charitable. Acting charitably Math & Science Connection for a very ing kids — a book that would the problem, so he feels a sense of is not for putting on the college for ages 18 Months to 7 Years tell you what page to find infor- self-control and autonomy. application but for kids to build mation about disciplining your The most obvious option would self-confidence by using their skills CALL: 718-454-3036 important job child or on which page there’s be for the older brother to tell his to help others. When kids learn to We’ll teach your child to read music advice on how to praise your younger brother that he must ask be caring and compassionate, they in the same manner they are taught letters, child? Dr. Erica Reischer, a permission before playing with his learn about empathy, which will clinical psychologist and par- toys. If the younger son still doesn’t help them in their interpersonal re- numbers, colors, shapes, etc. ent educator, has written just ask permission before using the lationships with other people. All students are introduced to Piano, Guitar, such a manual called, “What toys, the older child can choose to Another key to happiness that Percussion, Violin, Bells, Kazoos and Flutophone. Great Parents Do: 75 Simple get a parent involved. great parents impart to their chil- www.musicfuntime.org Strategies for Raising Fantas- Once both sons know the appro- dren is gratitude, the importance www.joesmusiccenter.org tic Kids.” priate behavior for resolving the of being thankful for what they This manual of invaluable problem, those actions should be have. According to Robert Em- 114-04 Farmers Blvd., St. Albans, NY 11412 advice is broken down into repeated if the dilemma should ap- mons, a prominent gratitude re- 75 approaches to help parents work When parents communicate lim- pear again. If you find the boys shar- searcher, “Practicing gratitude alle- Proudly Serving the Community Since 1998 with their children and their behav- its to their children, kids “ultimately “Research has also ing the toys cooperatively, take the viates anxiety and depression and ior. Each strategy is contained in a feel safest in a family environment shown that yelling can have harm- opportunity to praise them. Praise improves mental, emotional, and two- to four-page chapter that can be where expectations and rules are ful effects on children comparable reinforces positive behavior. physical health.” skipped or skimmed over if you feel clear and reasonable.” And C stands to physical punishment, such as But be careful how you bestow Being a great parent all boils you’ve already grasped the concept. for Consistency, which means par- hitting,” Reischer observes. “Chil- praise. down to having a strong relation- The book can be read in a day or two ents must follow through on what dren whose parents are verbally Reischer suggests that parents ship with your children and treat- To place an and can be referred to in any situa- they say they will do. Parents are aggressive also exhibit lower self- not label their children by say- ing them with respect. In reciproc- tion in which parents may not know role models for children, who will esteem, higher aggressiveness, and ing, “You’re so smart.” If a child ity, kids should treat their parents how to handle their children. copy their behavior, especially if the increased rates of depression.” believes he is smart, she says, he in the same manner, which also “Underlying the parenting prac- parents act in the same positive Reischer advises disciplining chil- may do everything possible to look means using the words “please” ad in our line of tices described in this book are three manner repeatedly. dren in private so as not to embar- smart and not take risks at things and “thank you.” key principles that I call the ABCs of Reischer devotes a lot of her book rass them in front of their peers. that would be mentally challeng- If you are reading her manual great parenting,” explains Reischer. to discussing D for Discipline, and She also advises against disciplining ing. and feel overwhelmed by all of the Family publications, The A stands for Acceptance, which how to properly do it. She says it is children at inappropriate times, such Praise should be given when advice, Reischer reminds parents is about accepting your child for not about punishing children, but as when the parents or children are children put forth effort. Parents that being great is not about being himself. For example, an athletic fa- rather teaching them to behave ap- tired and hungry. are encouraged to give kids posi- perfect, because no parent can do ther may have trouble accepting his propriately. Any form of physical One of the strategies for correct- tive feedback for their hard work. everything perfectly. When they please call son is quiet and musically inclined. punishment, including spanking or ing children’s behavior is to show For example, when a child’s grade make errors, great parents admit The child’s self is separated from even holding a child’s arm tightly, empathy and assist him in identify- in math improves from a C to an A, their mistakes to their kids and that of his behavior, which can be teaches children to handle problems ing how he is feeling. For example, if it’s better to say: “I saw how long apologize for their behavior. 718.260.4554 modified by parents by following the with aggression and violence. Yelling a 6-year-old boy hits his 4-year-old you spent every day on your math Allison Plitt is a frequent contributor steps that Reischer provides. at children is also portrayed as detri- brother for taking away his toy train, homework, and I saw you study a to NY Parenting and lives in Queens The B stands for Boundaries. mental to a child’s development. parents can say, “Son, I know how lot for your math tests. Your hard with her 10-year-old daughter.

July 2016 • brooklyn Family 23 She also had him potty trained at 14 months. He stayed with her until he began kindergarten.

Pay attention to safety and cleanliness What are the security procedures? Does the day care follow them? Check out the bathrooms. Ask to see the kitchen. Check if the caregiv- ers and other staff members wear gloves when cleaning up bodily flu- ids. How are the rooms that your child will be in cleaned? Are cots disinfected? Is bedding washed or sent home with you on a consistent basis? Are the tables and other fur- niture appropriately child-sized? Are the toilets and sinks? What is the outdoor play area like?

Assess the communication style How proactive is the day care with communication? Will you get a summary of your child’s day, down to the number of dirty diapers and time and length of her nap? Will you be called immediately if there is a concern? Is the caregiver approach- able for questions and discussion? Day care 101 Understand BY JUDY M. MILLER ters are: location, cost, hours, and expectations Choosing a days needed, and in-home versus a Are you expected to pay for a full- ne of the toughest first deci- church-based or commercial day- time week over a certain number of place that sions I had to make as a new care center. Schedule a tour of any days? How do vacations and holi- O parent-to-be was finding ex- day care that has made it on to your days work? What hours is the day works for your ceptional day care for my newborn. I final list of options. Be sure to bring care open? Will the day care be able had to go back to work six weeks after your list of questions with you. to take your child early or keep her giving birth, so I began my day-care late if necessary? If so, what is the child and you search long before my son was born. Look for a nurturing charge of doing so? I was thankful I did. Many day environment cares were full and had waiting lists. Children require nurturing to Understand the A number were simply not in our grow healthy minds and bodies. Ob- sick policy budget. Others did not take such a serve the environment as you tour Most day cares are specific about young infant. the home or facility. what constitutes a sick child or an in- Here’s how to find the best day What is the daily schedule? How fection that will not be allowed to be care for your family: are children treated? What is the care- in day care. A child in my son’s day giver-to-child ratio? How does the day care came down with the highly con- Begin early care feel? How do the employees tran- tagious conjunctivitis (also known as Begin your quest for a day care sition children into new rooms? pinkeye). I was relieved the affected as soon as you realize that you will child was sent home immediately need it. Many day cares require a de- Be comfortable with the and could not return until a doctor posit to hold a place for your child. method of discipline said he was no longer contagious. If your child has special needs that Ask how the day care disciplines a As a parent, you hope the day will need to be addressed, inquire if child. If you are not comfortable with care will follow the policies it has in the day care can support you in this its methods, walk. place. Understand that adhering to and whether you will be comfortable. I did not think about asking about the policy is important not only for You may want to explore hiring a discipline until my son, an only child your child, but others as well. nanny or an in-home provider. at that time, was kicked out of day Judy M. Miller is a freelance writer care at the ripe age of 12 months for living in the Midwest and a mom to four Ask those who know biting. I found another in-home day children, all of whom have spent time I asked day-care-seasoned parents care for him and tearfully told the in day care when young. She is a Gott- about the day cares they used before caregiver the truth. She gave me a big man Institute educator and the author I began exploring options. Their input hug and said, “Well, that’s normal!” of “What To Expect From Your Adopted helped me to decide the environment My son’s aggression and biting Tween” and “Writing to Heal Adoption I wanted my child to be in. disappeared within days, because Grief: Making Connections & Moving Determine what your parame- he was receiving more nurturing. Forward.”

24 brooklyn Family • July 2016 The Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts 234 Roosevelt Hall 2900 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11210 Over 35 years of offering music, theater, and dance classes for children age 3 and up. SUMMER 2016 • Creative Arts Program for ages 3-6 • Dance Classes for ages 3 & up • Theater Classes for children and teenagers • Musical Theater Workshop • Group Piano and Guitar Classes for children, teenagers, and adults • Beginner to advanced instrument and voice lessons for children, teenagers, and adults *Suzuki Programs 2016-2017 for Violin, Cello, and Flute: Information sessions and interviews* Please call 718-951-4111 for further information on summer and school year programs, classes and private instruction.

Telephone: 718 -951- 4111 Visit our website www.bcprepcenter.org

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July 2016 • brooklyn Family 25 Pre-School/Nursery Directory

ABC Infant & Toddler teaching children in Brooklyn for the over 17 years. During this time, he has Summer Camp 2016 Center & ABC Child Center educated thousands of children and Limited Spots Still Available he has come to realize the importance 109 Nassau Avenue, Greenpoint and effectiveness of introducing a sci- Flexible Full or Part Time Sessions 718-389-9004 ence based curriculum to his students. July 5 – August 12 www.abcchildcenter.com Young children starting preschool [email protected] bring a sense of wonder and curiosity Our goal is to provide safe, age- about the world. Whether they are • Montessori early childhood appropriate, and stimulating programs handling gerbils, flying kites, melting program for children from ages 3 months to ice cubes, or excavating for fossils, 5 years, while fulfilling their need to • After school program children are engaged in discover- laugh, learn, play, make new friends, • Summer camp ing out how the world works. The and discover new things. • Birthday party space Brooklyn Preschool of Science will ABC Infant & Toddler Center provides brings this curiosity and wonder to 148 Clinton Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11205 • 347.996.2688 • 718.858.8961 child care for Infants & Toddlers, ages life, and uses it to provide a founda- www.littlethinkersmontessori.com 3-24 months and ABC Child Center tion for meaningful math, language, provides Child Care and Preschool for and literacy development. children ages 2-5 years Full Day, Half Day Programs & Drop- Elemental Arts off Care is available. ABC is open Montessori (EAM) year-round, Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm with rolling admission. For more infor- (Montessori School) mation or to schedule a tour, email 364 Argyle Road [email protected]. in the historical Victorian section of Brooklyn – Ditmas Park 718-484-0942 Bambi Day Care Centers www.elementalartsmontessori.com 300 Rogers Avenue, Crown Heights EAM is licensed by the New York City 718-771-11603 French For Little Ones Department of Health. We are a Full 138 Hancock Street, Member School with the American Bedford Stuyvesant French Immersion Preschool 718-230-3487 Montessori Society. EAM is for chil- www.bambidcc.com dren from the age of 2.6 through 5.6 and After School Program [email protected] years old. for children 2 to 6 years old For over 30 years, we have provided In order for us to maximize our time an exceptional early educational expe- with the children, EAM offers a small rience for the children of Brooklyn. class size of only twelve children per Our curriculum is child-focused and program session. There are two balanced, creating a nurturing envi- Montessori trained teachers. This is ronment for academic and general to provide a warm, nurturing, caring 33 Nassau Avenue • Brooklyn, New York 11222 developmental skills through play. and stimulating environment. Teachers focus on growth in literacy, EAM offers a unique experience for frenchforlittleones.com • 347-263-6404 reading comprehension, writing skills, your child. Our mission is to have fun math concepts, natural science, eco- through exploration and discovery, awareness, cultural diversity aware- allowing each child to fully experience ness as well as physical development their natural joy for learning. through dance, musical-movement and in our indoor/outdoor play areas. French For Little Ones We celebrate the uniqueness of each Petite École Like us on child and foster strong self-esteem 33 Nassau Avenue, and creativity. Greenpoint, Brooklyn Our schools offer enrollment for 2-5 347-263-6404 year olds and provide full day ses- www.frenchforlittleones.com sions, early drop-off, meals, a foreign A French immersion preschool for language program and summer camp. children 2.5 to 6 years old near For more information, please call or McCarren Park. Founded in 2008, visit our website. our philosophy is to provide students with an early exposure to the French or follow us on Brooklyn Pre-School of language in a fun, safe and engaging Science environment. The program offers 11 Wyckoff Street, Boerum Hill part time and full time options as well 347-429-9244 as weekly enrichment classes begin- 65 Park Place, Park Slope ning Fall, 2016. 718-622-1203 In our 2’s 3’s and 4’s program chil- www.brooklynpreschoolofscience. dren’s daily activities are focused on com developing memory and creativity, Accepting: Two’s, Three’s and Four’s reasoning and imagination, diligence Facebook Search: NYParenting Carmelo the Science Fellow has been Continued on page 28 26 brooklyn Family • July 2016 Special Advertising Section Register Rivendell School provides a warm, NOW! creative environment where children develop independence, respect for each other, and a lifelong love of learning. Accepting Children 2-5 years • Free Universal Pre-K – Children Born 2012 • Full Day Sessions • Creative Theme Based Teaching • Early Drop-off / Extended Day • Foreign Language Program • Nutritious Balanced Meals • Summer Camp For over 30 years we have provided an exceptional early educational experience. Our curriculum is child-focused and balanced, creating A Montessori inclusion school a nurturing environment for children to exceed academically as well as emotionally, socially and physically through purposeful play. We celebrate serving children two to six years old the uniqueness of each child to foster strong self-esteem and creativity. for more than thirty years. Crown Heights Bedford-Stuyvesant 277 3rd Avenue 300 Rogers Avenue 138 Hancock Street Brooklyn, NY 11225 Brooklyn, NY 11216 (bet. Carroll & President Streets) 718.771.1603 718.230.3487 718-499-5667 www.BambiDCC.com • [email protected]

Grand St. Settlement’s Early Childhood Care and Education WINDMILL MONTESSORI SCHOOL Accredited Preschool, Elementary, JHS & Academic Summer Camp A PEACEFUL PLACE TO LEARN SINCE 1941 Proudly Celebrating 75 Years of Quality Education Windmill’s environment encourages children to • Learn Naturally At Their Own Pace • Find And Develop Their Own Interests, And • Get The Individual Attention Needed To Thrive FREE HIGH-QUALITY, FULL-DAY PROGRAMS CURRICULUM ADVANTAGES Center-Based and Family Child Care Montessori Method, French, Computer Skills, for Children from Birth to Age 3 Physical Education, Yoga, Music, Art All children and families will receive: PLUS MORE  Nutritious meals Small Class Size, Dedicated Staff, Outdoor Recreation,  Developmental screenings and special needs services A/C Classrooms, Curriculum-based Trips,  Child and parent health and well-being resources and services from After School Program (3:40–5:45pm) licensed teachers and health care providers  Diapers, wipes and formula Happy Learners and Happy Campers  Infant-Toddler curricula and education Summer Performing Arts Workshop ENROLL NOW July 18-22, 2016 We have openings at multiple locations in Bushwick and 2016 academic Bedford-Stuyvesant zip codes: 11221 11233 11206 11237 (Ages 5+ Theatre, Music, Dance) Montessori Summer Call 347.535.5571 or email [email protected] 718-375-7973 H 718-375-4277 Camp for 3-12 years e-mail: [email protected] olds with Creative GRANDSETTLEMENT.ORG website: www.windmontsch.org Writing Program for Windmill is non-sectarian. Licensed by The NYC Department of Health We encourage families receiving 6-12 years olds. HRA vouchers to apply. Affiliated with The American Montessori Society 1317 Ave. T @ East 14th St. • Brooklyn, NY 11229

Special Advertising Section July 2016 • brooklyn Family 27 Don’t Let Your Child Fall Behind Pre-School/Nursery You Have A Pal Directory

To Give Your Child Continued from page 26 of Brooklyn. Students learn to care and autonomy, and fostering the spirit for and respect themselves, others of initiative. Intellectual development and the earth. Students in the early A Headstart is stimulated with observation, experi- childhood program acquire tools Preschool Program & Universal Pre-K mentation, and active exploration. for individual fulfillment, academic We offer a structured and clearly excellence, physical, social, and moral Ages 2-5 defined program oriented toward development, as well as confidence and independence for lifelong learn- • Full Day 8am-6pm • Educational Trips the acquisition of core knowledge. Children benefit from coaching that ing. The curriculum is focused on pro- • Certified Teachers • Social Service Staff helps them understand why reading, moting world peace through diversity • Healthy Meals & • Safe Indoor/ math and science knowledge is use- and also has a huge emphasis on ful to them. We guide them through healthy lifestyles and green living. Snacks Outdoor Facilities learning tasks, finding information, The primary goal of our Montessori • Services For • Parent Committees/ and seeking multiple perspectives. program is to use the “whole-child” approach to help each child reach Special Needs Workshops For more details visit frenchforlittle- their full potential in all areas of life. ones.com Also offering a summer program filled PAL A&M Schwartz PAL La Puerta Albierta PAL Carey Gardens Grand Street Settlement with Gardening, Science, Art, Yoga, 452 Pennsylvania Ave. 2864 W. 21st Street 2964 W. 23rd Street Music, Dance and outside play. Brooklyn, NY 11207 Brooklyn, NY 11224 Brooklyn, NY 11224 Early Learn Center 718-342-4141 718 -373-1100 718-372-4044 319 Stanhope Street, Brooklyn Midwood Montessori 718-381-8900 2825 Bedford Avenue PAL Woodside PAL World Of Creative PAL Western Queens www.grandsettlement.org at Glenwood Road, Midwood Nursery Early Learning Center Experience Guiding children from birth to age 718-253-3242 50-37 Broadway 280 Livonia Avenue 10-26 41st Avenue five and their parents through the www.midwoodmontessori.com Woodside, NY 11377 Brooklyn, NY 11212 L.I.C., NY 11101 most important years, ensuring school 718-278-3616 718-345-5219 718-784-2092 We are situated in a charming Tudor readiness and nurturing a life-long “Children’s House.” The school love of learning. Our focus on good provides a rich curriculum tailored Please Call For InFo www.palnyc.org health and habits means we provide to each child’s pace. Children served nutritious meals daily, offer health are ages 2.9 to 6 in pre-school and screenings, and work to ensure fami- kindergarten. Special attention is lies can access insurance, care and given to encouraging socialization, support. We specialize in nurturing while the academics are taught on a the academic knowledge, commu- one-on-one basis by a dedicated and nication skills, independence, and nurturing staff using the Montessori Private/Independent social-emotional development chil- hands-on methods. The school offers dren need to do well in school. We full time art and music teachers, provide caring education for learners three outdoor play areas, an indoor School Guide at every developmental level – and gym, manipulatives, cultural studies, we’re an NYC leader in providing practical life and sensorial materials, services to children with delays and language arts, math, science, and special needs. geography. We help every child start school with AM, PM and full day sessions, sum- every possible advantage. With over mer camp, early drop off, and trans- 60 years’ experience as a leader in portation service are available. early care and education, we know the most important part of creating Police Athletic League, a nurturing learning environment is Inc. Headstart/ investing in amazing staff. Between professional development, continual Collaboration Programs training, and all the right certifica- Locations include: tions, our team loves learning as PAL W.O.C.E. much as teaching. 280 Livonia Avenue; PAL Carey Gardens, 2964 W 23rd St. Little Thinkers PAL La Puerta Abierta, Montessori 3001 West 37th St. 148 Clinton Avenue, Clinton Hill PAL Schwartz, 347-996-2688, 452 Pennsylvania Avenue, 718-858-8961 PAL Western Queens, www.littlethinkersmontessori.com 10-26 41st Avenue; Our preschool curriculum is individu- PAL Woodside Early Learning Center, alized, multi-aged, and thoughtfully 50-37 Broadway guided to match each student’s 718-342-4725 or www.palnyc.org needs. Children in our program learn Offers full day sessions. Some sites through the academic and expe- have Universal Pre-K programs as well riential process, developed by Dr. as inclusion classes. Hot meals are Check it out on NYParenting.com Maria Montessori, and influenced provided. PAL Headstart is a leader by the culturally diverse atmosphere Continued on page 29 28 brooklyn Family • July 2016 Special Advertising Section Pre-School/Nursery Directory

Continued from page 28 tive atmosphere where children learn in early literacy; children learn all to work and play. Shelly Wolf Scott is subject areas in a nurturing environ- the Admissions Coordinator. ment. PAL not only educates children, but provides a wide array of parent Windmill Montessori workshops. Special programs in the School arts and sciences include field trips. 1317 Avenue T, Sheepshead Bay All programs are free. Contact Asneth 718-375-7973 or 718-375-4277 • For children 2.6 – 5.6 years old Council, Director. www.windmillmontessorischool.org • 1/2 Day Programs or Full Day For over 70 years our school has • Early Morning Drop-off Available Rivendell School been a peaceful place to learn, with 277 Third Avenue, an environment that encourages • Program is 5 Days a Week Park Slope/Gowanus your child to progress at his/her own • Small Class Size 718-499-5667, ext. 14 pace. The family-oriented Montessori • Warm, Nurturing Environment www.rivendellnyc.org method nurtures students in grades Your child’s learning environment is adapted to their individual A Montessori pre-primary inclusion Pre-k to 8th, emotionally and aca- school, was founded in 1977 as The demically, promoting a sense of developmental needs. Children’s House of Park Slope and purpose, a love of learning and civil- EAM offers a unique experience for your child. Our mission is to incorporated into Rivendell School in ity. Small classes meet the students’ have fun through exploration and discovery, allowing each child 1998. Rivendell provides a respect- individual needs. Curriculum-based to fully experience their natural joy for learning. ful, inclusive community that helps trips, from puppet shows to muse- children feel powerful and confident ums, culminate in JHS overnights Payment Plans are available as learners and as social and emo- “Learning About History By Living tional beings. Toddler, half day and It,” with trips to Boston, Gettysburg RegistRation is open extended day programs are available and Williamsburg, VA; and “Meeting (two through six years. Rivendell Our Lawmakers” in Albany and 364 Argyle Road, Brooklyn NY • 718.484.0942 School offers beautiful Montessori Washington, D.C. French, yoga, phys. classrooms, an excellent student/ ed., music, art, and computer skills www.elementalartsmontessori.com teacher ratio, and a warm, coopera- enliven the school day.

Providing Quality Childcare Since 1993 Mo ood nte ABC Infant & w s Toddler Center d so i r Providing i Child Care for M Infants & Toddlers, ages 3-24 months Full Day, Half Day Programs & Drop-off Care Available ABC Child Center Child Care and Preschool for Children Pre-School & Kindergarten ages 2-5 years Summer Program Open year-round, Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm Transportation Available with rolling admission For more information or to schedule a tour, 2825 Bedford Avenue • 253-3242 email [email protected] at Glenwood Road 109 Nassau Avenue, Greenpoint www.midwoodmontesssori.com 718-389-9004 • www.abcchildcenter.com [email protected]

Special Advertising Section July 2016 • brooklyn Family 29 Parenting Our long-awaited stranger arrives bout 11 hours ago, my son was born. His name is Lev. A Lev Sonam Ehrlich. DaDDy Diaries We had, of course, been warned Dimitri Ehrlich that giving birth can be an ordeal, but my partner Michelle was weirdly serene, and the whole thing hap- pened in a blur. The baby emerged after 30 minutes of pushing. He has a thick head of wavy golden hair. Lev means “heart” in Hebrew, and Sonam means “merit” or “golden” in Tibetan. So his name means “golden heart” or “fearless merit.” When Michelle was pregnant, friends kept asking me how I felt about impending fatherhood. I al- ways said the same thing: I feel like I’m sitting at the top of a roller coaster. I don’t exactly know what’s going to happen, but I know it will be a fast, scary, thrilling ride. Even when you know a baby is going to be born, nothing can pre- pare you for the gut punch, the way you see stars, the rush of blood. The nurse handed my son to me, and tears popped out of my eyes, because this small, purplish-yellow little gerbil covered in goo was star- ing at me with a look in his eyes that said: “Don’t just stand there you idiot, do something.” It was a moment of thunderous intimacy. I had never before been so needed by another human being. He wasn’t asking me to feed and protect him, I just understood that it was now my job, my calling, my pleasure. I was now completely responsible. My childhood and adolescence — which had already been extended several ridiculous decades too long the world around you is a blur. of my friends got married and had — was over, and something new and When it came to becoming a fa- kids, I was busy doing something uncharted was beginning. ther, in my circle of friends I was else, which you could call running Fatherhood. the last man standing. At age 49, I away from adult responsibilities, It was like stepping into my fa- feel ancient, far too old to be start- but I like to call “having fun.” Per- ther’s suit, and seeing how it fit ing the journey of fatherhood. Why haps the truth is somewhere in and how it didn’t. Or getting behind did I wait so long? A therapist, my between. Maybe my manic flitting the wheel of a car for the first time mother, and several exes might around the world and intense fixa- and wondering whether your feet say “fear of intimacy,” and maybe tion on mastering martial arts, the will really reach the gas pedal, and there’s some truth to that, but sev- extreme adventures and extreme then, in that instant your sneaker eral other factors are at play. workouts, were a search for mean- makes contact with the pedal, the For one thing, throughout my 20s, ing, or an attempt to fill a void. question is gone: you are in motion, 30s, and 40s, when pretty much all A partial list of things I did in-

30 brooklyn Family • July 2016 Parenting It was like getting behind the wheel of a car for the first time and wondering whether your feet will really reach the gas pedal, and then, Our long-awaited in that instant your sneaker makes contact MM with the pedal, the question is gone: you are Home of NYC Landmark in motion, the world around you is a blur. Wonder Wheel, Since 1920 NYC’s Best Kiddie Park & stranger arrives Major Thrill Rides stead of changing diapers and shouted, “YEAH!” and I had my Free Admission, Picnic Area & bout 11 hours ago, my son raising a child during the three first thought as a parent: this Famous Famiglia Pizzeria was born. His name is Lev. decades of my extended adoles- goniff just said his first word, Over 30 Million Riders Lev Sonam Ehrlich. cence: I jammed with Prince and A and he isn’t even a minute old. Group Outings Welcome DaDDy Diaries We had, of course, been warned The Beastie Boys; got drunk with We have a word in Yiddish that Dimitri Ehrlich that giving birth can be an ordeal, Keith Richards; became a video describes the particular pride Incredible Views of the Beach, Boardwalk & NYC Skyline but my partner Michelle was weirdly jockey for MTV; took long trips to a parent feels when your child serene, and the whole thing hap- Tibet, India, China, Nepal, Cam- achieves something: nachas. I Coming Summer 2016... CL pened in a blur. The baby emerged bodia, Vietnam, and Cuba; Thai was only 45 seconds into parent- Nathan's Hot Dogs and Fries after 30 minutes of pushing. He has boxed my way across Thailand; hood, and already I felt like brag- a thick head of wavy golden hair. got caught up in riots in Ecua- ging because my boy learned to CL Lev means “heart” in Hebrew, and dor and fled into the Amazon speak at age zero. Present this coupon and receive THE PURCHASE OF A KIDDIE PARK Sonam means “merit” or “golden” in rainforest; a magazine actually A few other things I no- 10 PACK Tibetan. So his name means “golden paid me to go to Jamaica, combat ticed about this newly arrived     heart” or “fearless merit.” glaucoma, and write about Ja- stranger: $2 OFF!     When Michelle was pregnant, maican go-go dancers; my music • H e has stunning blue eyes friends kept asking me how I felt publisher sent me on songwriting like Steve McQueen. about impending fatherhood. I al- trips to Nashville, London, Berlin, • H e smells like a croissant and ways said the same thing: I feel Stockholm, and Sydney; and I at- sunlight. BOARDWALK AT DENOS D. VOURDERIS PLACE (W. 12TH ST.) CONEY ISLAND like I’m sitting at the top of a roller tended 34 Buddhist meditation • A n d he has a giant set of WONDERWHEEL.COM • 718-372-2592 coaster. I don’t exactly know what’s retreats. balls. going to happen, but I know it will be When I wasn’t traveling (and Michelle and I took Lev home a fast, scary, thrilling ride. often when I was) I was spending from the hospital and showed Even when you know a baby is two to three hours a day practic- him around the apartment; I ex- going to be born, nothing can pre- ing martial arts. And then there plained how to use the toaster pare you for the gut punch, the way was my romantic life. To summa- and gave him the wifi password. you see stars, the rush of blood. rize: there’s a book called “The Then came that awkward mo- The nurse handed my son to me, Tyranny of Choice.” And while I ment when you’ve been really and tears popped out of my eyes, am a short, chubby nerd with no looking forward to seeing some- because this small, purplish-yellow redeeming qualities, for some rea- one, and then you’re like, “OK, little gerbil covered in goo was star- son I managed to get lucky when what do we talk about now?” But ing at me with a look in his eyes that I was 11 years old and Deirdre the truth is, we were all a little said: “Don’t just stand there you Williams kissed me on the cheek. too tired for chit-chat, and other idiot, do something.” And then even more inexplicably, than saying “Yeah,” his vocabu- It was a moment of thunderous my luck with the ladies kept going lary was kinda s-----. intimacy. I had never before been so for four decades, an unlikely run The next morning, I sat and needed by another human being. He culminating with Michelle, who said Buddhist prayers, staring wasn’t asking me to feed and protect is a woman of stunning brilliance into my infant son’s steel-blue him, I just understood that it was and crushing beauty, and appar- eyes, and I thought of the exhibit Online Activity Guide now my job, my calling, my pleasure. ently also someone with poor at the planetarium: the one where I was now completely responsible. eyesight and no sense of smell. they show you how big the uni- on www.NYParenting.com My childhood and adolescence — Anyway, nothing about this verse is, and how small we are. which had already been extended lifestyle as a globetrotting song- I looked into the charcoal tips of several ridiculous decades too long the world around you is a blur. of my friends got married and had writer and kung-fu obsessed idiot his pupils and wondered about — was over, and something new and When it came to becoming a fa- kids, I was busy doing something is impossible once you have a the edges of space and time, uncharted was beginning. ther, in my circle of friends I was else, which you could call running baby. But as anyone who has a where he came from before he Fatherhood. the last man standing. At age 49, I away from adult responsibilities, kid knows, the life I was living be- was born, where we go after we It was like stepping into my fa- feel ancient, far too old to be start- but I like to call “having fun.” Per- comes more tricky once there’s a die, and how I couldn’t remember ther’s suit, and seeing how it fit ing the journey of fatherhood. Why haps the truth is somewhere in newborn in the picture. who I was before this riptide of and how it didn’t. Or getting behind did I wait so long? A therapist, my between. Maybe my manic flitting Within a few seconds of being love changed me forever. the wheel of a car for the first time mother, and several exes might around the world and intense fixa- born, Lev awoke me from this Dimitri Ehrlich is a songwriter and and wondering whether your feet say “fear of intimacy,” and maybe tion on mastering martial arts, the life-flashing-before-my-eyes rev- author. His writing has been featured will really reach the gas pedal, and there’s some truth to that, but sev- extreme adventures and extreme erie when he yelled a clearly in the New York Times, Rolling Stone, then, in that instant your sneaker eral other factors are at play. workouts, were a search for mean- articulated and deliberate affir- Spin, Details, and the Huffington Post, makes contact with the pedal, the For one thing, throughout my 20s, ing, or an attempt to fill a void. mation that he was psyched to where “the Daddy Diaries” originally question is gone: you are in motion, 30s, and 40s, when pretty much all A partial list of things I did in- be alive. He looked at me and appeared.

JulyMonth 2016 2016 • brooklyn • XXXXX Family 3121 HealtH

Family HealtH Dr. PramoD Narula, mD Chairman of Pediatrics New York methodist Hospital

or she is colicky. Keep in mind that colicky babies do not cry because they are hungry. It is better to ad- Caring for a here to your baby’s regular feeding schedule. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid consuming milk products and other gas producing, irritating colicky baby foods. For formula-fed babies, it may be helpful to switch to a low- I know that all infants are prone to through the baby’s digestive tract. allergy formula such as Alimentum crying, but I feel like my newborn has Others theorize that some babies or Nutramigen. been crying excessively. Sometimes it have gastroesophageal reflux dis- Other helpful measures include just means he’s hungry, tired, or needs ease, which causes stomach acid walking with your baby, wrapping his diaper changed, but there are other to make its way into the esopha- him snugly in a blanket (swad- times when he seems inconsolable, no gus, and can be extremely uncom- dling), playing music, or burping matter what I do. I’ve read that this fortable. your baby more often during feed- may be a sign of colic. How can I know While its causes remain some- ings. for sure, and what should I do? what of a mystery, if you suspect If at any time you begin to feel your baby of being colicky, there overwhelmed or frustrated by the t is normal for infants to cry is a concrete course of action you baby’s crying, ask a family member and fuss somewhat, but ex- should certainly take: make an or friend to watch your child. It is I cessive crying from a healthy, appointment with your pediatri- also okay to put your baby down well-fed baby for more than three cian! There are no specific tests for in the crib if no one is readily avail- hours at a time may be a sign of colic, but it is important to rule out able. Taking a break is a good way infantile colic. Colic in infants typi- several other causes of sudden-on- to help you relax, which may also cally begins at two to three weeks set screaming in infants such as a improve your baby’s disposition. of age and lasts anywhere from 3 hernia, ear infection, or abdominal The good news is there are no to 4 months. infection. There is no proven single long-term effects associated with Currently, the exact causes of treatment to make colic disappear, colic, and the condition is tem- colic remain unknown, but there but there are ways to soothe your porary. After 3 or 4 months, all are several strong “suspects.” baby until his colic goes away. symptoms should cease, and both Some doctors believe that colic oc- Avoid overfeeding by nursing or you and your baby will be much curs when food passes too quickly giving the baby a bottle when he happier.

32 brooklyn Family • July 2016 A Hilarious Night of Laundry, Laughs and Liquor! Digital CAMP

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July 2016 • brooklyn Family 33 HealtHy eating Summer meal plans s the summer heats up and the days are stretched, find- A ing the time or motivation to enter the hot kitchen to prepare a meal gets harder. I like to do my summer cooking in blocks of time, once or twice a week. This way, when it comes time to eat or pack a Tips for meal, I have prepared food items to repurpose into flavorful, healthful feeding kids meals. This is a great way to cook Chef Joanna DeVita if you have a community-supported agriculture share, or if you pick up a beautiful bounty of produce at the farmers’ market. Another bonus for July: batch cooking is a great way to cook if you are sharing space on vacation with other families. Put the work in, and you can enjoy the freedom of no-cook dinners throughout the week. Break down all of your veggies in one shot. This is the only way I make it through my weekly commu- nity-supported agriculture share. I devote an hour or two to cleaning and prepping my veggies. Wash greens in deep water and spin dry. Store clean salad or sauté-ready greens in Ziploc bags with a paper towel inside. Greens will last longer this way, plus they are ready to use on a whim. Cook pasta, grains, and legumes in a big batch and use for simple assembled dishes throughout the week. Some examples of dishes you can assemble using pre-cooked grains and legumes are: quinoa make an elegant weeknight supper ers, too, for a quick flavor boost on lentil salad, baked ziti, couscous in minutes. your picnic salad. salad, and Thai rice salad. These Cook extra meat on the grill Don’t forget dessert! While you pack well for a picnic, or you can when you have it going for meals are busy in the kitchen on your add a piece of grilled meat, fish, or later on. Chicken salad, steak tacos, cooking day, make sure to blend soft-boiled, pasture-raised eggs to and sausage-topped flatbread pizza up some fresh fruit and simple are great meals that are easy to flavorings for homemade ice pops. throw together with pre-cooked Ice pop molds are widely available Sour cherry sanitized ice pop molds meats. Just make sure the meats online and at various retailers. No ice pops DIRECTIONS: Heat water and sugar are cooled properly after cooking time to blend fruit? Simply freeze serves 8 in a small saucepan until sugar dis- and wrapped tightly in the fridge. your family’s favorite juice or coco- solves and liquid is clear. This is Stock the freezer with whole- nut water in the molds for a refresh- INGREDIENTS: simple syrup. Add the vanilla and some, nutritious snacks and side ing summer cooler! 2 pints sour cherries, sweet cherries, let cool. puree the pitted cherries dishes for dinners on the go. Fro- Joanna DeVita is executive chef at or a mix of both, cleaned and in a blender or food processor until zen cheese sticks, individual thaw- Léman Manhattan Preparatory School, pitted desired consistency. (i like chunks, and-serve edamame packets, and and she’s the mother of two (ages 5 ¼ cup sugar my kids do not!) Mix cherry puree yogurt squeezers all can help keep and 2). DeVita loves nothing more than ¼ cup water with simple syrup. pour into ice the cooler bag cold and are great spending time outdoors with her chil- small pinch of salt pop molds and freeze. enjoy when for a Fourth of July fireworks pic- dren, and sharing with them her love ¼ tsp vanilla extract frozen solid! nic. Freeze single-serve homemade and respect for nature, good ingredients, salad dressings in bags or contain- and the joy of cooking.

34 brooklyn Family • July 2016 HealtHy eating

July 2016 BROOKLYN FREE Summer meal plans Family Where Every Child Matters s the summer heats up and the days are stretched, find- Have an NYC A ing the time or motivation to enter the hot kitchen to prepare a meal gets harder. I like to do my summer cooking in blocks of time, staycation once or twice a week. This way, when it comes time to eat or pack a Living in peace Tips for meal, I have prepared food items to repurpose into flavorful, healthful after a divorce feeding kids meals. This is a great way to cook Chef Joanna DeVita if you have a community-supported 75 strategies agriculture share, or if you pick up for better a beautiful bounty of produce at parenting the farmers’ market. Another bonus for July: batch Linking family cooking is a great way to cook if stability to a you are sharing space on vacation child’s success with other families. Put the work in, and you can enjoy the freedom of no-cook dinners throughout the Find us online at www.NYParenting.com week. Break down all of your veggies in one shot. This is the only way I make it through my weekly commu- nity-supported agriculture share. I devote an hour or two to cleaning If you like and prepping my veggies. Wash greens in deep water and spin dry. Store clean salad or sauté-ready the magazine greens in Ziploc bags with a paper WE’RE BACK! towel inside. Greens will last longer LIMITED ENGAGEMENT this way, plus they are ready to use July 18 - Sept. 4 on a whim. you’ll love Cook pasta, grains, and legumes in a big batch and use for simple assembled dishes throughout the the site. week. Some examples of dishes you can assemble using pre-cooked grains and legumes are: quinoa make an elegant weeknight supper ers, too, for a quick flavor boost on lentil salad, baked ziti, couscous in minutes. your picnic salad. salad, and Thai rice salad. These Cook extra meat on the grill Don’t forget dessert! While you pack well for a picnic, or you can when you have it going for meals are busy in the kitchen on your add a piece of grilled meat, fish, or later on. Chicken salad, steak tacos, cooking day, make sure to blend Check us out! soft-boiled, pasture-raised eggs to and sausage-topped flatbread pizza up some fresh fruit and simple “BEST are great meals that are easy to flavorings for homemade ice pops. NEW ACT throw together with pre-cooked Ice pop molds are widely available IN AMERICA! Sour cherry sanitized ice pop molds meats. Just make sure the meats online and at various retailers. No NYParenting.com ice pops DIRECTIONS: Heat water and sugar are cooled properly after cooking time to blend fruit? Simply freeze SUPERB, serves 8 in a small saucepan until sugar dis- and wrapped tightly in the fridge. your family’s favorite juice or coco- SENSATIONAL!” solves and liquid is clear. This is Stock the freezer with whole- nut water in the molds for a refresh- INGREDIENTS: simple syrup. Add the vanilla and some, nutritious snacks and side ing summer cooler! -$PHULFD·V*RW7DOHQW 2 pints sour cherries, sweet cherries, let cool. puree the pitted cherries dishes for dinners on the go. Fro- Joanna DeVita is executive chef at OVATIONTIX.COM • 1.866.811.4111 or a mix of both, cleaned and in a blender or food processor until zen cheese sticks, individual thaw- Léman Manhattan Preparatory School, Where every family matters and pitted desired consistency. (i like chunks, and-serve edamame packets, and and she’s the mother of two (ages 5 THEATRE 80 ST. MARKS • ST ND ¼ cup sugar my kids do not!) Mix cherry puree yogurt squeezers all can help keep and 2). DeVita loves nothing more than where New York parents find help, 80 ST. MARKS PLACE BTW 1 & 2 AVE ¼ cup water with simple syrup. pour into ice the cooler bag cold and are great spending time outdoors with her chil- small pinch of salt pop molds and freeze. enjoy when for a Fourth of July fireworks pic- dren, and sharing with them her love info and support. iLuminate.com ¼ tsp vanilla extract frozen solid! nic. Freeze single-serve homemade and respect for nature, good ingredients, FUN FOR ALL AGES! NO ENGLISH REQUIRED FOLLOW US! salad dressings in bags or contain- and the joy of cooking.

July 2016 • brooklyn Family 35 WOMEN Fun summer ideas on’t know what to do with ing arts college auditions. the kids July 4 week- To read more about the camp and to D end? I found some sign up, check it out at http://www.york- fabuLyss activities you will theatre.org/summer-intensive.html. all enjoy! A diva must- see is obviously the Looking for a summer fireworks. The Macy’s laugh? We have you cov- Fourth of July Fireworks ered. Make sure to see FABULYSS are over the East River “One Funny Mother” starting around 9:20 pm, http://onefunnymother. FINDS while the Jersey City and c o m . LYSS STERN Statue of Liberty show Dena Blizzard makes starts at 9:30 pm. Hope- motherhood even more fully, your little ones can fabuLyssly funny. Make stay awake long enough it a diva moms’ night to watch! A fun place out, and don’t forget to to enjoy the fireworks? have a glass of wine be- Brooklyn . fore the show. The laugh- Right along the East River, ter is endless! you and your family will enjoy the perfect view of the If you haven’t gotten pyrotechnics. around to reading a book If your family is more into yet, now is your time to amusement parks, check out turn the pages of a sum- Coney Island on July 3 and 4 mer book. Set up your lounge for fireworks and karaoke over chair and relax with these fab- the beach. uLyss reads: “Modern Loves” by Emma Straub is on my to-read list. I wanted to share my summer This book has wisdom and humor FabuLyssFinds. As you probably al- about two old college friends living ready know, I spend a lot of my time their lives as adults. Be sure to also at the beach during the summer. I check out “The Girls” by Emma Cline, always have a million things to carry “You Know Me Well” by Nina LaCour between my stuff and the kids’ gear, show, “You’re a Good Man, Char- and David Levithan, and “The Nest” and I found the perfect beach bag to lie Brown.” The York Theatre pre- by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney. tote it all around. The Haute Shore sented the classic with young stars monogram Bali straw basket tote is of Broadway. My 8-year-old son ab- Mark your calendars! July 30 we what you will see me using all sum- solutely loved the show, which ran will be setting up Camp DivaLyss- mer. until June 26. cious at Super Saturday in the Hamp- The tote comes in three colors: The York Theatre also has a fab- tons. natural, brown, or black. You can uLyss youth acting camp that is We’re calling all kids, diva moms, then pick from more than 10 embroi- perfect for your teens and tweens. and tots, too. We’ve planned a Fab- dery colors to monogram your bag. This program will help your child uLyss Super Saturday just for you! I love my black tote with my initials strengthen their skills and creativ- There will be special performances in bright pink. The bag is super light, ity while boosting their self-esteem. from Wendy The Pipe Cleaner Lady, and the wooden handles add a little There are two programs: The middle puppet shows, dance parties, Bella bit of elegance. school program is for sixth to eighth Face Painting, glitter tattoos, balloon Another item you’ll see me in all graders, and auditions are not re- artistry, caricatures, deLysscious summer? The Charlotte Olympia Ha- quired. These classes are for all lev- s’mores-making, and so much more. vaianas (pictured). The two teams els of experience. Capture the day with a portrait combined forces to bring you a col- The high school program is for from our super children’s photogra- lection of fun flip-flop styles. ninth to 12th graders who have a pher Heidi Green. Plus, you can de- Find the totes at https://haute-shore. passion for theater. Auditions are re- sign your very own Camp DivaLyss- myshopify.com/products/bali-basket- quired by a video submission, and if cious tote bag and hat, and decorate tote your child is admitted, the program deLysscious cupcakes and cookies Find the flip-flops at http:// will help him take his skills to the with Cakes Jagla. us.charlotteolympia.com/ next level while following the path of I cannot wait to spend the after- a real professional rehearsal sched- noon with you! A few weeks ago, I took my son ule, working on a variety of materi- Lyss Stern is the founder of DivaLyss- to the must-see new off-Broadway als, and preparing him for perform- cious Moms (www.divamoms.com).

36 brooklyn Family • July 2016 WOMEN Are you a mom Fun summer ideas who wants to on’t know what to do with ing arts college auditions. make money? the kids July 4 week- To read more about the camp and to D end? I found some sign up, check it out at http://www.york- fabuLyss activities you will theatre.org/summer-intensive.html. all enjoy! A diva must- see is obviously the Looking for a summer fireworks. The Macy’s laugh? We have you cov- FABULYSS Fourth of July Fireworks ered. Make sure to see “ are over the East River “One Funny Mother” INGENIOUS starting around 9:20 pm, http://onefunnymother. ” FINDS while the Jersey City and c o m . LYSS STERN BUBBLE WIZARDRY. Statue of Liberty show Dena Blizzard makes -THE NEW YORKER starts at 9:30 pm. Hope- motherhood even more fully, your little ones can fabuLyssly funny. Make stay awake long enough it a diva moms’ night to watch! A fun place out, and don’t forget to to enjoy the fireworks? have a glass of wine be- . fore the show. The laugh- Right along the East River, ter is endless! you and your family will Telecharge.com or 212.239.62002 enjoy the perfect view of the If you haven’t gotten For groups g or birthdays call 866.642.9849 pyrotechnics. around to reading a book NewNew World StagesStages 334040 W 50t50thh SSt.t. If your family is more into yet, now is your time to amusement parks, check out turn the pages of a sum- GazillionBubbleShow.comGazillionBubbleShow.com Coney Island on July 3 and 4 mer book. Set up your lounge for fireworks and karaoke over chair and relax with these fab- the beach. uLyss reads: “Modern Loves” by Emma Straub is on my to-read list. We want you to join our team. I wanted to share my summer This book has wisdom and humor Stay Connected FabuLyssFinds. As you probably al- about two old college friends living ready know, I spend a lot of my time their lives as adults. Be sure to also We are looking for a at the beach during the summer. I check out “The Girls” by Emma Cline, always have a million things to carry “You Know Me Well” by Nina LaCour motivated candidate. To advertise with us between my stuff and the kids’ gear, show, “You’re a Good Man, Char- and David Levithan, and “The Nest” please call 718-260-2587 and I found the perfect beach bag to lie Brown.” The York Theatre pre- by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney. tote it all around. The Haute Shore sented the classic with young stars No sales experience necessary, monogram Bali straw basket tote is of Broadway. My 8-year-old son ab- Mark your calendars! July 30 we what you will see me using all sum- solutely loved the show, which ran will be setting up Camp DivaLyss- but a car and liking people mer. until June 26. cious at Super Saturday in the Hamp- The tote comes in three colors: The York Theatre also has a fab- tons. is a must! natural, brown, or black. You can uLyss youth acting camp that is We’re calling all kids, diva moms, then pick from more than 10 embroi- perfect for your teens and tweens. and tots, too. We’ve planned a Fab- dery colors to monogram your bag. This program will help your child uLyss Super Saturday just for you! Full benefits, salary and I love my black tote with my initials strengthen their skills and creativ- There will be special performances in bright pink. The bag is super light, ity while boosting their self-esteem. from Wendy The Pipe Cleaner Lady, commission and the wooden handles add a little There are two programs: The middle puppet shows, dance parties, Bella bit of elegance. school program is for sixth to eighth Face Painting, glitter tattoos, balloon Another item you’ll see me in all graders, and auditions are not re- artistry, caricatures, deLysscious summer? The Charlotte Olympia Ha- quired. These classes are for all lev- s’mores-making, and so much more. vaianas (pictured). The two teams els of experience. Capture the day with a portrait combined forces to bring you a col- The high school program is for from our super children’s photogra- Email resumes to [email protected] lection of fun flip-flop styles. ninth to 12th graders who have a pher Heidi Green. Plus, you can de- or call Tina at 718-260-8336 Find the totes at https://haute-shore. passion for theater. Auditions are re- sign your very own Camp DivaLyss- myshopify.com/products/bali-basket- quired by a video submission, and if cious tote bag and hat, and decorate tote your child is admitted, the program deLysscious cupcakes and cookies Find the flip-flops at http:// will help him take his skills to the with Cakes Jagla. us.charlotteolympia.com/ next level while following the path of I cannot wait to spend the after- a real professional rehearsal sched- noon with you! A few weeks ago, I took my son ule, working on a variety of materi- Lyss Stern is the founder of DivaLyss- to the must-see new off-Broadway als, and preparing him for perform- cious Moms (www.divamoms.com).

July 2016 • brooklyn Family 37 PARENTING On trying too hard Taking a moment to see if you’re overextended

t had been a long day. I had several meetings in var- I ious parts of the city. Getting to the Upper East Side from my section of Brooklyn can easily take JUST WRITE an hour and a half. It wasn’t a ter- rible commute that morning, but I MOM saw a few snowflakes on my way DANIELLE SULLIVAN in. One meeting uptown ran late, which made me hustle to my mid- town appointment at noon. By then, a thin sheet of snow had blanketed the city streets, and I had left my boots at home. When I was done for the day and NO ready to come home, the train was not coming. Signals had rendered the B train frozen, and I stood along with several hundred other tired commut- ers for 45 minutes until we squeezed our way into the metal cars to head very slowly back to Brooklyn. Then, I had to wait for the bus to take me to my house. The bus had no intention of arriving on time, either. Waiting at home for me was gro- cery shopping, planning a family get- together, taking my son to music practice, my dog to the vet, laundry, and a couple of deadlines. many of them are not ex- While waiting for the bus, I saw actly lucid, some are terribly an older woman walking with three obnoxious, just plain mean, large bags, slushing her way through or otherwise intoxicated. It’s I completely put an end to the snow. She looked at the bus nothing new. But this lady’s overextending myself, ac- schedule and then shouted out to no words stayed with me … be- cepting every invitation, one in particular, “Does the B2 stop cause they hit home. and volunteering to help here?” I answered, “No, it doesn’t. I had been trying to do out whoever needs help. I have It stops across the street,” and I everything all at the same become better at saying “no.” pointed to the opposite corner. She time, not let anything slip Every now and then I hear that then told me where she had to go, through the cracks, and control it all. woman whisper, “You’re trying too and how she didn’t know how to get Only, I couldn’t. No one can. None of hard,” particularly when I find my- there and in that short time, I real- us can do it by ourselves, but I was self too busy and stressed. I silently ized she wasn’t exactly coherent. one not accustomed to asking for agree and then practice saying “no.” But I tried to help her get where she help. And each “yes” I agreed to only We all should try our best to help was going. Then she proceeded to stirred my anxiety. This lady was like our loved ones, and even those we pace around and talk to herself as I the angels in the movies that only don’t know but can help, but not remembered a faster way for her to the lead character can see, although at our own expense. Only when we reach her destination and walked I’m fairly sure she was real. We all take care of ourselves can we truly over to tell her. get signs, whether they are directly impact others, and to do that, we And that’s when she screamed, from friends and family, or an ani- must put ourselves on our own pri- “Honey, you’re trying too hard. Just mal, or song, or even a word we keep ority list. stop.” encountering over and over again. Danielle Sullivan, a mom of three, is Startled, I didn’t respond. She When we see or hear something that a writer and editor living in New York shuffled away. My bus finally came, makes us stop in our tracks, that’s a City. Sullivan also writes about pets and eventually I got home. As New good indication that it’s something and parenting for Disney’s Babble.com. Yorkers, we encounter all sorts of we need to give our attention to. Find Sullivan on her blog, Some Puppy people every day and, unfortunately, I’d like to say that since that day, To Love.

38 brooklyn Family • July 2016 PARENTING EducationEducation On trying too hard Summer is the time Taking a moment to see if you’re overextended for social studies fun t had been a long day. I had several meetings in var- dear parents, are important to them right now. The I ious parts of the city. Getting Summer is increasingly becoming container can be placed somewhere to the Upper East Side from my a more academic time. Many stu- in your home, such as a closet or fil- section of Brooklyn can easily take Dear Teacher dents are now assigned homework ing cabinet. If buried somewhere, the JUST WRITE an hour and a half. It wasn’t a ter- Peggy gisler and over the summer. This is largely hap- container should be so tight that it rible commute that morning, but I Marge eberts pening because teachers know that will not let in either air or moisture. MOM saw a few snowflakes on my way young children may forget as much Point out that these capsules will DANIELLE SULLIVAN in. One meeting uptown ran late, as 25 percent of what they learned be a lot of fun for them to open as which made me hustle to my mid- during the school year. adults. For example, it would give town appointment at noon. By then, This summer, we have selected a their children an idea of what their a thin sheet of snow had blanketed number of social studies activities parents’ lives were like. They could the city streets, and I had left my that should make that subject come even open the time capsule next boots at home. alive and will be fun for your children summer to see what they thought When I was done for the day and NO to do. They can find even more ac- was truly important this year. It ready to come home, the train was tivities on the Dear Teacher website might not be so next year. not coming. Signals had rendered the under “Social Studies Activities.” reviews of the movies before show- Here are some suggestions of B train frozen, and I stood along with ing any of them to your children. things that children might want to several hundred other tired commut- Social studies online Here are a few suggestions of movies put into a time capsule: newspapers, ers for 45 minutes until we squeezed Since today’s children spend so that will acquaint your children with books, toys, clothing, personal notes our way into the metal cars to head much time online, have your chil- our presidents: about their current activities, pre- very slowly back to Brooklyn. Then, dren visit outstanding social stud- • D w i g h t Eisenhower: “Ike: Count- dictions about the future, pictures, a I had to wait for the bus to take me to ies websites and choose several ac- down to D-Day.” video, or anything that the children my house. The bus had no intention tivities to do. Besides being able to • J o h n F. Kennedy: “Thirteen currently use or is of value to them. of arriving on time, either. make virtual visits to historic spots, Days,” “PT 109.” Waiting at home for me was gro- from the White House to Mount Ver- • Abraham Lincoln: “Lincoln.” Learn about the census cery shopping, planning a family get- non, they will find endless games • R i c h a r d Nixon: “Nixon,” “Frost/ Fact Finder at factfinder.census. together, taking my son to music that will increase their knowledge. Nixon.” gov (community facts) and Wikipe- practice, my dog to the vet, laundry, Here are two excellent free websites • Franklin D. Roosevelt: “Sunrise dia.org (2010 census) are both good and a couple of deadlines. many of them are not ex- to visit (you can easily use search at Campobello,” “Warm Springs.” online sources for census informa- While waiting for the bus, I saw actly lucid, some are terribly engines to find others): Several television series have doc- tion. Children can begin learning an older woman walking with three obnoxious, just plain mean, Exploring Government for Kids umentaries of our presidents that about the census by finding out how large bags, slushing her way through or otherwise intoxicated. It’s I completely put an end to (kids.gov) should be first. Besides you can find online, such as the many children between 5 and 9 and the snow. She looked at the bus nothing new. But this lady’s overextending myself, ac- being a safe site for kids to visit, it of- American Experience series “The 10 and 14 lived in their zip code in schedule and then shouted out to no words stayed with me … be- cepting every invitation, fers content on government, history, Presidents,” on pbs.org. 2010. Then they should break this one in particular, “Does the B2 stop cause they hit home. and volunteering to help and social studies, as well as games You can also let them watch vir- information down into the number here?” I answered, “No, it doesn’t. I had been trying to do out whoever needs help. I have and videos. Plus, from there you can tual tours of presidents’ homes and of boys and girls in each age group. It stops across the street,” and I everything all at the same become better at saying “no.” go to your state’s website and usu- sites related to their lives. More can Next, they should determine what pointed to the opposite corner. She time, not let anything slip Every now and then I hear that ally find many state-related activities be learned about every president, age group has the most people in then told me where she had to go, through the cracks, and control it all. woman whisper, “You’re trying too in the social studies arena. from Washington through Bush, on their zip code. Before they start, and how she didn’t know how to get Only, I couldn’t. No one can. None of hard,” particularly when I find my- Since schools often provide lim- the National Park Service’s website have them guess whether there will there and in that short time, I real- us can do it by ourselves, but I was self too busy and stressed. I silently ited instruction in geography, visit at www.nps.gov/nr/travel/presi - be more people over or under 21. ized she wasn’t exactly coherent. one not accustomed to asking for agree and then practice saying “no.” the student pages on Education. dents. Click on “List of Sites” to enjoy Older children can look at the But I tried to help her get where she help. And each “yes” I agreed to only We all should try our best to help NationalGeographic.com for many tours related to presidents as well as census figures for 2000 and 2010 to was going. Then she proceeded to stirred my anxiety. This lady was like our loved ones, and even those we map, weather and other activities. stories about these places. determine if their state’s population pace around and talk to herself as I the angels in the movies that only don’t know but can help, but not is increasing or decreasing. remembered a faster way for her to the lead character can see, although at our own expense. Only when we Learn about presidents Making a time capsule They can also expand their inves- reach her destination and walked I’m fairly sure she was real. We all take care of ourselves can we truly Most children like to watch mov- A time capsule is a way to give tigation of census reports to earlier over to tell her. get signs, whether they are directly impact others, and to do that, we ies. This is an easy and enjoyable people in the future an idea of what censuses to see how the population And that’s when she screamed, from friends and family, or an ani- must put ourselves on our own pri- way to help them learn about the life was like when the capsule was of our nation changed between 1900 “Honey, you’re trying too hard. Just mal, or song, or even a word we keep ority list. people who have led our country. made. It can be opened in a year or and 2000. stop.” encountering over and over again. Danielle Sullivan, a mom of three, is The majority of these movies are hundreds of years later. Today, more Parents should send questions and Startled, I didn’t respond. She When we see or hear something that a writer and editor living in New York best for children in middle school than 10,000 time capsules exist, ex- comments to dearteacher@dearteacher. shuffled away. My bus finally came, makes us stop in our tracks, that’s a City. Sullivan also writes about pets and beyond. Avoid showing your cluding personal ones. Most are in com or ask them on the columnists’ web- and eventually I got home. As New good indication that it’s something and parenting for Disney’s Babble.com. children movies about the presi- the cornerstones of new buildings. site at www.dearteacher.com. Yorkers, we encounter all sorts of we need to give our attention to. Find Sullivan on her blog, Some Puppy dents that are largely fictional. Explain to your children that they © Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2016. people every day and, unfortunately, I’d like to say that since that day, To Love. You may wish to preview or read will fill a container with things that Distributed by King Features Syndicate

July 2016 • brooklyn Family 39 BOOKS Just an everyday kid — It’s dino-myte fun! with a difference ‘Dino Babies’ KIDS FIRST! FIlm CRITICS If your kids love dinosaurs, “Dino In her new book “Being Jazz,” Jazz bathrooms would be such is funny and Dan: Dino Babies” is a must watch! Jennings writes about being an ev- a hot-button issue in 2016? Outstanding! eryday kid with a difference. Jennings has, perhaps; she’s In this DVD collection, we join ju- As a very small child, Jazz Jen- been dealing with potty par- educational nior dinosaur expert Trek Henderson nings knew that something was wrong ity nearly all her life, which as he imagines dinosaurs in the real with the way adults were acting to- is just one of the topics she world, especially baby dinosaurs. I ward her. Her parents dressed her in tackles in “Being Jazz.” enjoyed the way this DVD uses com- THE BOOK boy clothes, gave her trucks, and said It’s obvious that this is puter-generated imagery of dinosaurs. things like “Good boy!” But Jennings one exceptionally upbeat This show is truly entertaining and WORM knew that they were wrong. She was a book. There’s almost no educational. TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER girl, though her body said otherwise. poor-me-ing here; even It is very colorful and teaches a For most of her toddlerhood, Jen- when she writes about great deal about dinosaurs and how nings (known then as Jaron) fought struggles and occasional they lived. We learn all about several against anything that was remotely anger, Jennings’s cheery species of dinosaurs: Edmontosau- masculine. At 2 years of age, she optimism is front-and-center. She rus, Triceratops, Brachiosaurus, and asked her mother when the “Good gives props to her family for this, month’s Pride Parade in Manhattan, Spinosaurus. Trek teaches us about Fairy” was coming to change her into praising their easy acceptance and and she is the star of TLC’s docu- what they ate, how they cared for their a girl; Jennings’s mother then realized unconditional support, and acknowl- series, “I Am Jazz.”) Who could fail to babies, how their footprints give pa- that this “probably wasn’t a phase.” edging that many trans teens don’t be charmed by such straightforward leontologists information about how As Jennings grew up, she became enjoy the same familial benefits. authenticity? they lived, and more. an inspiration for many with gender That praise can almost be ex- While this book is supposedly for dysphoria. She and her father fought pected, but I noticed one refresh- teens ages 12-and-up, I think a transi- here are a bunch of dinosaur for her right to play soccer with other ingly unexpected thing: because of tioning 20-something could certainly movies, TV shows, and car- girls. She was up-front with friends, her honesty and openness, Jennings benefit from what’s inside this book. T toons, but it is rare to see ing a footprint. ple, “Switched at Nest” tells us how Barbara Walters, and others about has become a role model, a status For sure, its buoyancy and optimism life-like dinosaurs. Each episode of My favorite character is Trek be- dinos care for their young as well as being a girl in a boy’s body, and she of which she seems nonchalantly makes “Being Jazz” all kinds of spe- “Dino Dan” features a different di- cause he is hilarious. He is also other species’ young. “Dino Tooth had plenty of haters, but she learned abashed but secretly delighted, with cial. nosaur, and you get to see what a kind, smart, and curious. He has Fairy” examines who her friends really were. a tone of pride there, too. (She was “Being Jazz,” by Jazz Jennings [272 real one would look like and learn all the traits that everyone should the various spe- Who’d ever have thought that one of the grand marshals of last pages, 2016, $17.99]. about their different traits. have. I also love that he cares about cies’ teeth. The dinosaurs are fascinating. the different dinosaurs and their The vocabu- Adult dinosaurs families. He has the cutest back- lary and mate- would be very pack that looks just like a dinosaur. rial are very A tat is worth a thousand words expensive to feed (This backpack will be on my birth- well suited for and way too hard day list this year!) Trek is very cre- the intended age Daddy’s arms are good for and Daddy remembered it well. the page. It’s lovingly obvious that to keep confined ative. When he doesn’t have dino group, and they hugs. The tattoo under Daddy’s wrist the dad has told this story many so they roam the bait, he finds a way to make some. do a great job explaining terms and They’re big and strong and is a reminder of something that his times, because he only hints at cer- neighborhood. My favorite dinosaur is the baby answering why dinosaurs did the colorful, too. They look kind Daddy used to say. Daddy has great tain parts; still, it’s familiar and com- Oh, don’t worry, Plesiosaur. Plesiosaur dinosaurs things they did. I enjoyed the intro- of like one of your favorite memories of his father, the kind- forting to the boy, who’s heard it all they are friendly. swim in cold water. It’s an adorable duction of each episode with a situ- picture books; in fact, Daddy ness he showed, and the lessons he before. I loved the implied intimacy of Trek only keeps adorable baby baby, and I wish I could have one as ation that causes Trek to work on says the drawings on his taught. The tattoo is just two words, that family tale, and the way it’s told. dinosaurs in his backyard. His mom a pet. I already have a fish tank that the solution, and in the process, un- arms are just like a story to but it helps keep those words fresh. No children’s picture book is com- tries to always have dino treats on she could live in. This dinosaur is covers information about dinosaurs him. In the new book “Tell The big colorful tattoo on Daddy’s plete without pictures, of course, hand, so Trek can use the food to also my favorite color — blue. It is that he shares with the audience. Me a Tattoo Story” by Alison arm? Oh, that reminds him of a very and Wheeler does an exceptional figure out different things about di- just meant to be, and I would name We see many positive role mod- McGhee, illustrated by Eliza good day when he met the most job in this one. Look closely at the nosaurs. Can they fly? Do they eat her Annalisa. els. Trek and his friends demon- Wheeler, each picture says beautiful girl in the world and saw dad, at what he’s doing and what he eggs? What is their favorite thing I recommend this DVD for ages 4 strate a friendship and willingness something important. her dazzling smile. remembers. You’ll be charmed. to eat? What do their footprints to 11. It is easy to watch, although to work together on their school Not a day goes by that But the “dinky little heart” tattoo This is a sweet book for kids ages look like? older kids might want more factual project. They all recognize Trek’s the little boy doesn’t want on Daddy’s chest — the one with 3 to 6, especially if you’ve got a tat Getting footprints from a dino- content and drama to keep them expertise when it comes to dino- to see his Daddy’s tattoos. the numbers inside it — that’s the tale to tell. In that case, your child saur takes a lot of hard work and interested. I give this 4.5 out of 5 saurs. Yes, he’s seen them before, little boy’s favorite one of all. There’s will naturally want “Tell Me a Tattoo “Dino Footprints” was my favor- “roaring dino egg” stars. This is exceptionally well pro- many times, and he knows exactly something very special about it, and Story” in his arms tonight. ite episode. I watched the various — By Morgan B., age 11 duced. It has excellent options on why they’re there. He never gets its story is very meaningful. “Tell Me a Tattoo Story,” by Alison ways Trek used to get the prints See her video review at: https://youtu. the menu that are easy to use, allow- tired of hearing about them. It might, in fact, be the most im- McGhee [32 pages, 2016, $16.99]. and found them very humorous. be/uZdyi9xFnCM ing you to view all episodes or select The one on Daddy’s shoulder is a portant tattoo of all. Terri Schlichenmeyer has been read- Hanna and her dad help him look • • • a specific chapter. picture from a book that his mother With a different spin on the clas- ing since she was 3 years old, and like a dinosaur that is a predator. ino Babies uses great story I definitely give this 5 out of 5 used to read to him when he was a sic tell-me-about-the-day-I-was-born she never goes anywhere without a The predator then gives chase and lines in each episode. I en- stars and recommend it for ages little boy, a long time ago. She read preschooler favorite, McGhee brings book. She lives on a hill with two dogs tricks the other dinosaurs into step- D joyed the way each episode 5 to 12. that book “over and over and over,” a dad’s version of a child’s life to and 12,000 books. ping into the clay and thereby mak- has a real-life familiarity. For exam- — Juanita S., KIDS FIRST! adult juror

40 brooklyn Family • July 2016 It’s dino-myte fun! ‘Dino Babies’ KIDS FIRST! FIlm CRITICS If your kids love dinosaurs, “Dino is funny and Dan: Dino Babies” is a must watch! Outstanding! In this DVD collection, we join ju- educational nior dinosaur expert Trek Henderson as he imagines dinosaurs in the real world, especially baby dinosaurs. I enjoyed the way this DVD uses com- puter-generated imagery of dinosaurs. This show is truly entertaining and educational. It is very colorful and teaches a great deal about dinosaurs and how they lived. We learn all about several species of dinosaurs: Edmontosau- rus, Triceratops, Brachiosaurus, and Spinosaurus. Trek teaches us about what they ate, how they cared for their babies, how their footprints give pa- leontologists information about how they lived, and more.

here are a bunch of dinosaur movies, TV shows, and car- T toons, but it is rare to see ing a footprint. ple, “Switched at Nest” tells us how life-like dinosaurs. Each episode of My favorite character is Trek be- dinos care for their young as well as “Dino Dan” features a different di- cause he is hilarious. He is also other species’ young. “Dino Tooth nosaur, and you get to see what a kind, smart, and curious. He has Fairy” examines real one would look like and learn all the traits that everyone should the various spe- about their different traits. have. I also love that he cares about cies’ teeth. The dinosaurs are fascinating. the different dinosaurs and their The vocabu- Adult dinosaurs families. He has the cutest back- lary and mate- would be very pack that looks just like a dinosaur. rial are very expensive to feed (This backpack will be on my birth- well suited for and way too hard day list this year!) Trek is very cre- the intended age to keep confined ative. When he doesn’t have dino group, and they so they roam the bait, he finds a way to make some. do a great job explaining terms and neighborhood. My favorite dinosaur is the baby answering why dinosaurs did the Oh, don’t worry, Plesiosaur. Plesiosaur dinosaurs things they did. I enjoyed the intro- they are friendly. swim in cold water. It’s an adorable duction of each episode with a situ- Trek only keeps adorable baby baby, and I wish I could have one as ation that causes Trek to work on dinosaurs in his backyard. His mom a pet. I already have a fish tank that the solution, and in the process, un- tries to always have dino treats on she could live in. This dinosaur is covers information about dinosaurs hand, so Trek can use the food to also my favorite color — blue. It is that he shares with the audience. figure out different things about di- just meant to be, and I would name We see many positive role mod- nosaurs. Can they fly? Do they eat her Annalisa. els. Trek and his friends demon- eggs? What is their favorite thing I recommend this DVD for ages 4 strate a friendship and willingness to eat? What do their footprints to 11. It is easy to watch, although to work together on their school look like? older kids might want more factual project. They all recognize Trek’s Getting footprints from a dino- content and drama to keep them expertise when it comes to dino- saur takes a lot of hard work and interested. I give this 4.5 out of 5 saurs. “Dino Footprints” was my favor- “roaring dino egg” stars. This is exceptionally well pro- ite episode. I watched the various — By Morgan B., age 11 duced. It has excellent options on ways Trek used to get the prints See her video review at: https://youtu. the menu that are easy to use, allow- and found them very humorous. be/uZdyi9xFnCM ing you to view all episodes or select Hanna and her dad help him look • • • a specific chapter. like a dinosaur that is a predator. ino Babies uses great story I definitely give this 5 out of 5 The predator then gives chase and lines in each episode. I en- stars and recommend it for ages tricks the other dinosaurs into step- D joyed the way each episode 5 to 12. ping into the clay and thereby mak- has a real-life familiarity. For exam- — Juanita S., KIDS FIRST! adult juror

July 2016 • brooklyn Family 41 Calendarjuly Photo by Julie Larsen Maher It’s going to be wild times at Maria around them and the creatures that Hernandez Park when the Wildlife share our planet. Getting wild Theater from the Wildlife Theater from the Cen- comes a-calling on July 19. tral Park Zoo on July 19 at 10:30 The Wildlife Theater troupe is am. Free admission, thanks to Sum- on stage an outreach group that presents an merStage Kids and City Parks Foun- educational and entertaining per- dation. formance for children, explaining (Knicker- the importance of ecology. From bocker Avenue and Willoughby Av- penguins to polar bears, dinosaurs enue in Bushwick, www.cityparks​foun- to butterflies, children leave with dation.org; www.wcs.org/wildlifethe- a new-found wonder for the world ater)

42 brooklyn Family • July 2016 Never miss a great event! Sign up for our FREE newsletter and get twice-a-week ideas for you and your family right in your mailbox. NYParenting.com Calendar nic basket and enjoy the sounds of the Glenn Crytzer Orchestra with special Submit a listing guest Lindy Hoppers from the Synco- This calendar is dedicated to pated City Dance company. bringing our readers the most comprehensive list of events in Sun, July 3 your area. But to do so, we need your help! In Brooklyn Send your listing request to A Royal Shindig & Brooklyn Be- brooklyn­[email protected] anstalk: Brooklyn Bridge Park at Pier — and we’ll take care of the rest. 6, Joralemon Street; 11 am to 1 pm; Please e-mail requests more Free. than three weeks prior to the Private Picassos and the Uni Project event to ensure we have enough will offer fun, family-friendly activities time to get it in. And best of all, followed by interactive reading with A it’s FREE! Royal Shindig and circus interactive ac- tivities with Brooklyn Beanstalk. A Royal Shindig guides interactive storytelling with your favorite fairy tale characters. Sat, July 2 Brooklyn Beanstalk will offer Circus in In Brooklyn the Park, an introduction to circus activ- ities for children and their families that Colonial Life: Visi- teaches juggling, flower sticks, spinning tor Center, enter park at Myrtle Avenue plates, hula hoops, physical comedy, and Washington Park; (718) 722–3218; mime, and acrobatics under the super- 1 pm to 2:30 pm; Free. vision of trained professionals! Fort Greene holds an important place in the history of the colonies and the Basic Canoeing: American Revolution. Learn about the Audubon Center, enter park at Lincoln traditions, dress, and games of the co- Road and Ocean Avenue; (718) 287– lonial people and Native Americans 3400; www.prospectpark.org/audu- who lived in this area of Brooklyn cen- bon; 11 am to 1 pm; Free. turies ago. Trained Urban Park Rangers will lead you on a canoe adventure on the gen- Summer Celebration: Corner- tle waters of Prospect Park Lake. Pro- stone Church Park, Shore Road and gram is first come, first served, for ages 83rd Street; (347) 668–7384; Lesley@ 8 years and older. All minors must be cornerstonebayridge.org; www.corner- accompanied by an adult. stonebayridge.org; 4 pm; Free. Volunteers will be hosting their Checkmate 101: Pier 6 at Brooklyn sixth annual celebration which fea- Bridge Park, Joralemon Street; 11 am to tures music, snacks, games, sports, 1 pm; Free. free raffles, prizes, and more. It’s a fun Come learn how to take your chess and safe environment for families and game to the next level with Zeebedee friends to kick off the summer. Collins! Best for beginners; limited boards available. Celebrate Independence Day: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Pkwy. Youth volleyball clinic: Pier 5 at at Washington Avenue; (718) 638– Brooklyn Bridge Park, Grace Court; 11 5000; information@brooklynmuseum. am to 1 pm; Free. org; www.brooklynmuseum.org; 5 pm Learn how to play volleyball at our to 11 pm; Free. open clinics for kids! Recommended for Target First Saturday celebrates In- ages 4 to 10. Photo by Stefano Giovannini dependence Day with programing in- spired by the exhibition Agitprop! and Tues, July 5 our refreshed American Art collection. Programming will expand ideas about Don’t miss the Giglio In Brooklyn Independence Day to question what it Celebrate the 129th Giglio A special children’s lift is Story time: Pier 3 Greenway Terrace, means to be American and celebrate Italian Festival beginning July 6 scheduled for July 7 at 6 pm Pierrepont Street and the water; www. art and activism that call for more brooklynbridgepark.org; 10:30 am to freedom. Highlights include music by and running through July 17 at (rain date is July 8). Fun for all 11 am; Free. Pablo Helguera and DJ Chela, perfor- Our Lady of Mount Carmel par- ages. Listen to Brooklyn Heights librarians mances by Dennis Redmoon Darkeem ish in Williamsburg. The Giglio Festival, July 6 read stories from the Brooklyn Public Li- and Bread and Puppet Theater, and a The traditional community through July 17, Monday to Fri- brary’s reading list and have a rollicking screening of the documentary Keepers feast honors Saint Paolino and day, 6 to 11 pm; Saturdays 6 pm good time listening to stories, singing of the Game. features faith, food, music, to midnight; and Sundays noon songs, and enjoying the breeze from Swinging celebration: On Stage at neighborhood pride, history, to 11 pm. The event is free, but the water. Kingsborough, 2001 Oriental Blvd. at colorful cultural celebrations, food, rides, artwork and activi- Oxford Street; (718) 368–5596; www. and international visitors. The ties have separate fees. Wed, July 6 onstageatkingsborough.org; 8 pm; Our Lady of Mount Carmel [275 N. Free. festival is capped with 112 men In Brooklyn Come on down for Hot Summer lifting a four-ton tower during Eighth St. at Havemeyer Street in Wil- Double Dutch: Pier 2, Clarke Street Night’s outdoor concert celebrating the the “Dance of the Giglio.” liamsburg, (718) 384–0223]. at the Roller Rink; www.nycgovparks. country’s independence. Grab a pic- Continued on page 44 July 2016 • brooklyn Family 43 Calendar Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar

Continued from page 43 torship program, Arts Ambassadors. org; 7 pm to 9 pm; Free. Please RSVP to hold your spot at info@ Learn to jump with experienced more. Double Dutch Empire instructors. For all abilities and recommended for children Fri, July 15 older than 15 years old. In Brooklyn Fri, July 8 “Puss in Boots”: Maria Hernandez Park, Knickerbocker and Willoughby In Brooklyn avenues; www.cityparksfoundation. “Puss in Boots”: Brewer Park (Bas- org; 10:30 am; Free. ketball Courts), Brooklyn Avenue and Presented by CityParks PuppetMo- Prospect Place; www.cityparksfounda- bile, this is the old tale — with a twist. tion.org; 10:30 am; Free. Rashida Bumbray: Brewer Park Presented by CityParks PuppetMo- (Basketball Courts), Brooklyn Ave. and bile, this is the old tale — with a twist. Prospect Place; 311; www.cityparks- Once upon a time there lived a young foundation.org; 10:30 am; Free. man named Ferguson Mundingle. Fer- Her performance is inspired by Afri- gus has just the bare essentials in life — can-American vernacular and folk forms a roof over his head, the clothes on his including ring shouts, hoofing, and back, and his ever faithful pet cat. One blues improvisation. day when lamenting his poor lifestyle, Fergus is astounded when his cat stands FDNY Appreciation Night: MCU up, begins talking and introduces him- Park, 1904 Surf Ave. at W. 17th Street; self as Puss. Friday night lights (718) 449–8497; CCoughlin@brooklyn- cyclones.com; www.brooklyncyclones. Sat, July 9 When the sun goes down, the open with rides for every age. com; 6 pm; $15. lights come up — with Friday But the best place to see the Enjoy a game along with Fire Safety In Brooklyn Night Fireworks over Coney Is- display is on the Boardwalk in and Education table, bagpipers, mas- Street Fair: Parkside Avenue and land. Luna Park. cots Hot Dog and Siren; and ceremonial Church Avenue; (718) 282–2500, X Families will enjoy this bor- Friday Night Fireworks now first pitch as the Clones face off against 79234.; www.flatbushavebid.com; Lowell Spinners. Suitable for children 6 ough tradition that can be seen through Aug. 27, beginning at to 12 years old — wear fire department Noon to 6 pm; Free. from miles around. Beautiful 9:30 pm. Free, but admission to The Flatbush Business Improvement apparel or a Little League uniform. Chil- sprays of light bath Luna Park, Luna Park, amusement rides, and District is hosting the feast with a Ca- dren will get a Cyclones cap and pro- ribbean flair. Come and enjoy colorful the Parachute Jump, the Thun- attractions is extra. ceeds will go to the FDNY Foundation music, exhilarating rides, exotic foods, derbolt, and the sandy shores of Luna Park (W. 10th Street and the (fdnyfoundation.org). and great shopping. DJs, carnival rides, the People’s Playground. Before Boardwalk in Coney Island; http:// and inflatable climbing wall — the fair and after the display Luna Park is lunaparknyc.c​om). Sat, July 16 stretches 12 blocks from Parkside Av- enue to Cortelyou Road. In Brooklyn Field Day: Pier 2 at Brooklyn Bridge Family Camping: Marine Park, Plaza, Union Street between Flatbush Avenue U and E. 33rd Street; (718) Mon, July 11 Park, Clark Street; www.ycgovparks. Avenue and Prospect Park West; (914) org; 10 am to 2 pm; Free. 421–2021; www.nycgovparks.org; 6 835–2153; www.wildmanstevebrill. In Brooklyn pm to 8 am; Free. Enjoy obstacle courses on the play com; 9 am; $20 ($10 children under Padre Pio mass: St Finbar Church, We camp to create lasting memo- turf, bocce games, four square, shuffle- 12). Bay 20th Street between Bath and Ben- board, basketball clinics, handball, and ries, connect with the natural world, son avenues; (718) 236–3312; 7 pm; Come with “Wildman” Steve Brill fitness classes! Games and races guar- and bond with our families. Camping Free. affords us the opportunity to unplug and hunt for wild wineberries. Early antee fun for all ages and abilities. The relic will be available after Mass from the diversions of everyday life and summer is the time for these delec- Build a Birdhouse: Know Waste for each person to touch. to laugh and play with our families. The tables and many other plants. Approxi- Lands Community Garden, 1278 Myrtle Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradi- mately four hours. Reservations in ad- Ave. and Central Avenue; (2120 602– tion of camping and we look forward vance requested. Tues, July 12 5300; www.nycgovparks.org; 11 am to to welcoming your family. Space is lim- 1 pm; Free. In Brooklyn ited and families are chosen by lottery. “Hook, Line and Sinker”: Pier 6 Interested in building a birdhouse? Story time: 10:30 am to 11 am. Pier Davina and the Vagabonds: On at Brooklyn Bridge Park, 334 Forman Come and learn how to build a bird- Stage at Kingsborough, 2001 Oriental St.; www.nycgovparks.org; 11 am to 1 3 Greenway Terrace. See Tuesday, July house to invite our feathery friends to Blvd. at Oxford Street; (718) 368–5596; pm; Free. 5. the garden. www.onstageatkingsborough.org; 8 This is Arm of the Sea’s newest pro- Felting Workshop: The Wyckoff pm; Free. duction that tells the tale of fishing in Thurs, July 14 Farmhouse Museum, 5816 Clarendon Come on down for the Hot Summer the Hudson River. Uni Project and Pri- Rd.; (718) 629–5400; www.nycgov- Night’s outdoor concert to swing and In Brooklyn vate Picasso will also provide family parks.org; 1 pm to 3 pm; $8. sway — and don’t forget your picnic Back to the Block: Maria Hernan- activities. Attendees learn the the process of basket and blankets. Sandwiches, chips, dez Park, Knickerbocker and Wil- cloth-making from raw fleece and rov- ice cream, and beverages will be avail- Checkmate 101: 11 am to 1 pm. Pier loughby avenues; www.cityparksfoun- ing (cleaned, carded fleece) to yarn and able for sale. 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park. See Sunday, dation.org; 5 pm to 7 pm; Free. felted fabrics. We will be spinning — July 3. Teen artists and up-and-coming local both with a drop spindle as well as with Sun, July 10 musicians perform. The concert and a spinning wheel — and needle felting Youth volleyball clinci: 11 am to 1 exhibit will feature three local bands as and water felting. We will be creating In Brooklyn pm. Pier 5 at Brooklyn Bridge Park. See well as a showcase of socially engaged beads, patches, paintings, and crea- Foraging in the Park: Grand Army Sunday, July 3. artworks created by More Art’s men- tures. For older teens. 44 brooklyn Family • July 2016 Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Calendar Sun, July 17 Youth volleyball clinic: 11 am to 1 pm. Pier 5 at Brooklyn Bridge Park. See In Brooklyn Sunday, July 3. Hot Peas ‘N Butter: Pier 6 at Brook- lyn Bridge Park, Joralemon Street; Family Camping: Marine Park, www.nycgovparks.org; 11 am to 1 pm; Avenue U and E. 33rd Street; (718) Free. 421–2021; www.nycgovparks.org; 6 Music for Every Nation and Genera- pm to 8 am; Free. tion performed in English and Spanish. We camp to create lasting memories, There will be family-friendly activities connect with the natural world, and with the Uni Project and Private Picas- bond with our families. Space is limited sos from 11 am to noon, followed by and families are chosen by lottery. performances from noon to 1 pm. Checkmate 101: 11 am to 1 pm. Pier Tues, July 26 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park. See Sunday, July 3. In Brooklyn Youth volleyball clinic: 11 am to 1 Story time: 10:30 am to 11 am. Pier pm. Pier 5 at Brooklyn Bridge Park. See 3 Greenway Terrace. See Tuesday, July Sunday, July 3. 5. Orienteering & compasses: Fort MCU Youth Baseball and Soft- Greene Park Visitor Center, enter park ball Clinic: MCU Park, 1904 Surf Ave. at Myrtle Avenue and Washington at W. 17th Street; (718) 449–8497; Park; (718) 722–3218; 1 pm to 2:30 [email protected]; www.brook- Photo by Aehee Kang Asano pm; Free. lyncyclones.com; 5:30 pm; Free. Older children will learn from Urban Open to children 7–14 years old. Rangers all the hidden gems that are in Fitness in the parks Brooklyn Cyclones players lead the par- the park. ticipants in on-field, hands-on exercises. Story Time: Fort Greene Park Visitor Get up and go this summer two days per week. Get Up and Each participant will also receive four Center, enter park at Myrtle Avenue thanks to the City Parks Foun- Go is free. tickets to that night’s game. Pre-reg- and Washington Park; (718) 722–3218; dation. This educational, multi- Children may register for Kai- istration required at www.nymcu.org/ 3 pm to 4 pm; Free. sport fitness program, Get Up ser Park, offered on Tuesdays and baseballclinics. Greenlight Bookstore and the Fort & Go, is designed for children 6 Thursdays, from 1 to 4 pm, or Greene Conservancy are offering a pro- to 10 years old to remain active Playground, offered on Sun, July 31 gram for children to hear stories in the and have fun in their local parks. Mondays and Wednesdays from outdoors. Giada Crispiels presents her In Brooklyn coloring book “Wildlife of New York: Youngsters learn about health, 9:30 am to noon. A Five Borough Coloring Book,” featur- nutrition, and fitness while hav- Get Up and Go at Kaiser Park Meet the animals: Pier 6 at Brook- ing intricate images and playful details ing a blast with friends. Instruc- (Neptune Avenue and Bayview Av- lyn Bridge Park, Atlantic Avenue at that celebrate the city’s landscape and tors motivate kids to increase enue in Coney Island) at Seth Low Furman Street; (718) 222–9939; www. animal life, from parks to brownstones their core skills through running, Playground (W. 12th Street between brooklynbridgepark.org; 11 am to 1 pm; Free. to skyscrapers and beaches. Giada talks throwing, and strength training. and Avenue P in Ben- about her work, then offers a guided Join Volunteers for Wildlife for a Get up and Go runs July 12 sonhurst, http://www.cityparksfoun- coloring workshop of her beautiful city chance to meet the animals. scenes for children and adults. Crafting through Aug. 19 and is offered dation.org/sports/kids-fitness). workshop follows the event. In the Fort Exhibit and Workshop: J-Collabo, Putnam Program Redoubt area. 300 Seventh St. between Fourth and 1087 E. 43rd Street; www.nycgov- around them and the creatures that Fifth avenues; (347–987-3217; 11 am Further Afield parks.org; 2 pm to 2:45 pm; Free. share our planet. to 8 pm; Free. “The Quest for the Seven All ages are invited to view the cur- At this workshop, we will learn how Story time: 10:30 am to 11 am. Pier Teeth”: Central Park (Call for exact lo- soil impacts plant growth. We will use rent art work in The Flying Seed Over cation), Central Park, Manhattan; (347) 3 Greenway Terrace. See Tuesday, July hands-on explanations to explore soil 5. the Sea–Journey to Unknown, where 559–6223; www.Accomplicetheshow. health, while using our five senses. This artists display their works, then have a com/kids; Call for times; $40 per child is a kid-friendly event and it will include fun workshop (2 pm). No experience (Adults free). interactive components. Wed, July 20 necessary. Presented by Accomplice the Show, this fun interactive scavenger hunt will In Brooklyn Checkmate 101: 11 am to 1 pm. Pier ignite children’s imaginations as they Tues, July 19 Rolie Polie Guacamole: The Old 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park. See Sunday, embark on a quest to assist the Tooth Stone House, 336 Third St. between July 3. In Brooklyn Fairy’s cousin, Franklin, in finding some Fourth and Fifth avenues; (718) 768– teeth to replace those that he lost. The Central Park Wildlife Theater: 3195; theoldstonehouse.org; 5:30 pm; Youth volleyball clinic: 11 am to 1 event lasts approximately two hours, Maria Hernandez Park, Knickerbocker Free. pm. Pier 5 at Brooklyn Bridge Park. See rain or shine, and is suitable for children Avenue and Willoughby Avenue; 311; The kids’ band kicks off the sum- Sunday, July 3. 6 to 11 years old. Children must be ac- www.cityparksfoundation.org; 10:30 mer playground season with its family- Further Afield companied by an adult. Reservations in am; Free. friendly hits. advance required. The Wildlife Theater troupe is an “The Quest for the Seven outreach group that presents an edu- Sun, July 24 Teeth”: Central Park (Call for exact lo- Mon, July 18 cational and entertaining performance cation), Central Park, Manhattan; (347) for children, explaining the importance In Brooklyn 559–6223; www.Accomplicetheshow. In Brooklyn of ecology. From penguins to polar Checkmate 101: 11 am to 1 pm. Pier com/kids; Call for Times; $40 per child Gardening workshop: E. 43rd St. bears, dinosaurs to butterflies, children 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park. See Sunday, (Adults free). Block Association Community Garden, leave with a new wonder for the world July 3. Continued on page 46 July 2016 • brooklyn Family 45 Calendar Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar

Continued from page 45 East Drive and Ocean Avenue; www. nycgovparks.org; Saturdays and Sun- Long-running days, 1 to 2 pm and 3 to 4 pm, Now – In Brooklyn Tues, July 26; Free. Block lab and Studio: Brooklyn Families with children 15 and younger Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. learn about aquatic ecology, fishing at St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735–4400; safety, and can collect their own bait. www.brooklynkids.org; Thursdays – Bird Watching: North end of Espla- Sundays, 10 am, Fri, July 1 – Mon, Aug. nade, East Drive and Ocean Avenue; 1; Free with museum admission. www.nycgovparks.org; Saturdays and Visitors will explore the many facets Sundays, 1 to 2 pm and 3 to 4 pm, of what it means to live with others and Now – Tues, Aug. 30; Free. contribute to the communities they call Families with children 15 and younger home. In the new second-floor studio, join a ranger and identify the more than which focuses on art and architecture, 250 species of birds in the park. artist James Paulius’s Sky Village instal- lation invites visitors to use their build- Educational Center drop-in Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park, ing skills by creating communities in the hours: Atlantic Avenue at Furman Street; (718) sky with wood blocks and pegs. Summertime science 222–9939; www.brooklynbridgepark. Sensory Room: Brooklyn Children’s Summer Science Academy with their name, address, phone org; Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. workshops begins on July 11 at number, name of school, gradu- and Sundays, 3 pm to 5 pm; Free. Marks Avenue; (718) 735–4400; www. St. Francis College. ation date, and one-page essay Get to know Brooklyn Bridge Park brooklynkids.org; Thursdays – Sundays, Now in its 16th year, the work- about why they would like to be and visit the giant aquarium filled with 11:30 am, Now – Sun, July 31. shop offers dozens of New York in the program. East River critters, the reading corner, Inclusive space where children of all City high school students an op- The program is first-come, and so much more. Open hours. abilities can explore their senses. Wel- Touch Tank: Brooklyn Children’s Mu- coming environment for chilren with portunity to discover and get first-served and there are still a seum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks autism spectrum disorder. real-world experience in the sci- few spots left. Students are re- ences. The program runs Monday quired to provide their own Met- Avenue; (718) 735–4400; www.brook- Friday Night Fireworks!: Luna lynkids.org; Wednesdays, Saturdays to Friday and teaches topics such roCard and lunch, but all other Park, W. 10th Street and the Board- and Sundays, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, walk; lunaparknyc.com; Fridays, 9:30 as DNA barcoding and forensics. expenses, including field trips Now – Sun, July 31; Free with museum pm, Now – Sat, Aug. 27; Free (rides, Students will also be taken out and lab materials, are covered. admission. entertainment extra). of the classroom on three field Summer Academy, Monday Meet and touch real, live sea crea- When the sun goes down, the lights trips. through Friday, July 11 through tures like starfish and sea urchins. come up with fireworks, painting the Rising sophomores, juniors, July 22, at 9 am. Free Bargemusic Concert: Bargemusic, skyline with vivid color seen from miles and seniors in high school may St. Francis College [180 Remsen Fulton Ferry Landing, Old Fulton Street away in the darkest of nights. apply to the program. Candidates St. between Court and Clinton streets and Furman Street; (718) 624–2083; Totally Tots art studio: Brooklyn for the Summer Science Academy in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 489–5200; www.bargemusic.org; Saturdays, 4 Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. should email [email protected] www.sfc.edu] pm to 5 pm, Sat, July 2 – Sat, Sept. 24; at St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735–4400; Free. www.brooklynkids.org; Wednes- Walk across the gangplank of a reno- days, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am, vated coffee barge for a one-hour, fam- 338 Sixth Ave. at Fourth Street; (718) Great for children 4 years and older. Now – Sun, July 31; Free with museum ily-friendly concert. This one-hour per- 965–3391; www.puppetworks.org; admission. Educational Center: Pier 6 at formance includes a question-and-an- Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 pm and Brooklyn Bridge Park, Atlantic Avenue swer session with the musicians. Doors Children lead the way in this sensory 2:30 pm, Now – Sun, Aug. 21; $9 ($10 at Furman Street; (718) 222–9939; open 15 minutes before the perfor- paradise of materials. They are invited adults: $8 for group rates). to build and refine their fine-motor www.brooklynbridgepark.org; Satur- mance; no reserved seating is available. Put on your ruby red slippers, Doro- skills, learn about colors, and learn how days and Sundays, 1 pm to 5 pm; Free. thy has returned to Oz. Through the Magic at Coney: Sideshows by the to share with others in this open art Get to know Brooklyn Bridge Park wizardry of puppetry, artistic director Seashore, 1208 Surf Ave. between W. studio. There is no such thing as a bad and visit the giant aquarium filled with Nicolas Coppola has adapted it to the 12th Street and ; (718) mess in this space, which is tailored to East River critters, the reading corner, marionette stage, featuring an original 372–5159; www.coneyisland.com; children 5 years and younger. and so much more. Open hours. country-Western score for the famous Sundays, noon, Sun, July 3 – Sun, Sept. “The Wizard of Oz”: Puppetworks, Oz characters to sing and dance to. Fishing Fun: North end of Esplanade, 4; $10 ($5 kids). A magical variety show featuring il- lusionists, escape artists, mentalists, and close-up magicians. It’s story time in Fort Greene Park Basketball Clinic: Pier 2, Pier 2 walkway; Sundays, Noon to 2 pm, Sun, Come and enjoy the great out- books followed by interactive activ- the city’s landscape and animal July 3 – Sun, Aug. 28; Free. doors, a story, and a craft at Fort ities for kids and families. The selec- life, from parks to brownstones to Improve basic basketball skills with Greene Park on July 17. The Sum- tions feature images of public parks skyscrapers and beaches. Giada the Big and Little Skills Academy. Each mer Story Time Series, a joint ef- in a celebration of Fort Greene’s talks about her work, then offers a clinic will include either yoga to en- fort between Greenlight Bookstore own beloved public green space. guided coloring workshop. hance flexibility or flag football for agil- ity training. Join Big and Little Skills and Fort Greene Park Conservancy, July’s author is Giada Crispiels Story Time, July 17 from 3 to 4 Academy for dynamic basketball clinics brings literary programming for with her coloring book “Wildlife of pm; free. for ages 8 to 17. kids. Noted authors and artists Fran New York: A Five Borough Coloring Fort Greene Park Visitor Center Play Streets: Playstreet at 61st Street Manushkin, Julia Sarcone-Roach, Book,” featuring intricate images [Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park; and Fourth Avenue; wwwpalnyc.org; and Giada Crispiels present their and playful details that celebrate (718) 722–3218]. Weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm, Tues, July 5 – Fri, Aug. 19; Free. 46 brooklyn Family • July 2016 Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Calendar The Police Athletic League is again prior experience required. For older hosting Play Streets, offering a safe en- teens. vironment for children to play sidewalk Transit Tots: New York Transit Mu- games, be creative and just have fun. seum, Boerum Place at Schermerhorn Play Streets: Playstreet at Boulevard Street; (718) 694–1600; www.mta. Houses, Stanley and Wortman avenues; info/mta/museum; Thursdays, 10:15 wwwpalnyc.org; Weekdays, 9 am to 5 am, Now – Thurs, July 28; Free with pm, Tues, July 5 – Fri, Aug. 19; Free. museum admission. Play Streets: Playstreet at Browns- Stories, games and surprises for the ville Houses, Rockaway Avenue and youngest transportation fan. For ages Osborn Street; wwwpalnyc.org; Week- 2-5 and adult companions. No class days, 9 am to 5 pm, Tues, July 5 – Fri, 4/28 and 5/26. Aug. 19; Free. Summer Science Academy: St. Play Streets: Playstreet at Coffey Francis College, 180 Remsen St. be- Park, Richards and Dwight streets; ww- tween Court and Clinton streets; (718) wpalnyc.org; Weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm, 489–5200; www.sfc.edu; Weekdays, 9 Tues, July 5 – Fri, Aug. 19; Free. am, Mon, July 11 – Fri, July 22; Free. Play Streets: Playstreet at Fox Play- Photo by Garrett Born In its 16th year, the workshop offers ground, E. 55th and E. 54th streets; dozens of city high school students an wwwpalnyc.org; Weekdays, 9 am to 5 opportunity to discover and get real- pm, Tues, July 5 – Fri, Aug. 19; Free. New Orleans sounds world experience in the sciences. The Cool off those hot summer blanket, and come early to get program runs Monday to Friday and Play Streets: Playstreet at Glenwood teaches topics such as DNA barcod- nights at an outdoor concert pre- that perfect spot. Sandwiches, Shelter, 4612 Glenwood Rd.; www- ing and forensics. Rising sophomores, palnyc.org; Weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm, sented by On Stage at Kingsbor- chips, ice cream, and beverages juniors and seniors in high school may Tues, July 5 – Fri, Aug. 19; Free. ough when Davina and the Vaga- will be on sale. The music starts apply to the program. bonds hit the shore on July 9. at 8 pm, but you can enjoy the Play Streets: Playstreet at Junius Get up and go!: Kaiser Park, Nep- The group’s music is a New cool ocean breeze and come at Street Family Residence, 25 Junius St.; tune Ave. and Bayview Avenue; www. wwwpalnyc.org; Weekdays, 9 am to 5 Orleans sound featuring blues, 7 pm. cityparksfoundation.org/sports/kids-fit- pm, Tues, July 5 – Fri, Aug. 19; Free. jazz, soul, gospel and a bit of R&B Davina and the Vagabonds, ness; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 pm to Play Streets: Playstreet at Kelly Play- thrown in. July 9, 8 pm. Free 4 pm, Tues, July 12 – Fri, Aug. 19; Free. ground, E. 14th and E. 15th steets; The high-energy concert will On Stage at Kingsborough [2001 This educational, multi-sport fitness wwwpalnyc.org; Weekdays, 9 am to 5 have you swinging and swaying Oriental Blvd. at Oxford Street in program is designed to get children pm, Tues, July 5 – Fri, Aug. 19; Free. and heating up the night. Don’t Manhattan Beach, (718) 368–5596; ages 6 to 10 to be active in their local parks. Instructors help youngsters in- Play Streets: Playstreet at Liberty forget to bring a picnic basket, www.onstageat​kingsborough.org] crease skills such as running, throwing, Avenue Family Residence, 51 Junius St.; wwwpalnyc.org; Weekdays, 9 am to 5 and strength training, while motivating pm, Tues, July 5 – Fri, Aug. 19; Free. Avenue; (718) 972–2135; www.nycgov- Wed, Aug. 17; Free. them through contests, races, and ob- stacle courses. Registration required. parks.org; Weekdays, 9 am to 4:30 pm, Kids will get the chance to play with Play Streets: Playstreet at Linden Tues, July 5 – Sat, Sept. 17; Free. new educational apps and enjoy hands- Houses, Between Stanley and Wort- Get up and go!: Seth Low Play- on science activities, led by staff from man avenues; wwwpalnyc.org; Week- Tots program for children 8 months ground, W. 12th Street between the app-making creative studio. Light days, 9 am to 5 pm, Tues, July 5 – Fri, old to 3 years old. Avenue P and Bay Parkway; www. snacks will be provided. Aug. 19; Free. First Discoveries: Brooklyn Bo- cityparksfoundation.org/sports/kids-fit- tanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave. 129th Giglio Italian Festival: ness; Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30 Play Streets: Playstreet at Marlboro Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 275 N. am to noon, Tues, July 12 – Fri, Aug. Houses, between W. Eighth and W. at Eastern Parkway; (718) 623–7220; Eighth St. at Havemeyer Street; (718) 19; Free. 11th streets; wwwpalnyc.org; Week- www.bbg.org; Tuesdays, 9:30 am, 384–0223; Weekdays, 6 pm to 11 pm, days, 9 am to 5 pm, Tues, July 5 – Fri, Tues, July 5 – Tues, Aug. 23; Free with “Psycho Beach” Party: The Old Saturdays, 6 pm to midnight, Sundays, Aug. 19; Free. garden admission. Stone House, 336 Third St. between Calling all explorers 2 to 4 years old Noon to 11 pm, Wed, July 6 – Sun, July Fourth and Fifth avenues; (718) 768– 17; Free. Play Streets: Playstreet at Renaldo to plant a seed, touch a wriggly worm, 3195; theoldstonehouse.org; Thursdays Salgado Park, between Monroe and and hear a story by the meadow nook. The traditional community feast hon- – Sundays, 8 pm, Thurs, July 14 – Sat, Madison streets; wwwpalnyc.org; ors Saint Paolino and features faith, July 23; Free. Weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm, Tues, July 5 – Kids’ Discovery Stations: Brook- food, music, neighborhood pride, his- Watch Pipe Theater Company per- Fri, Aug. 19; Free. lyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington tory, colorful cultural celebrations, and Ave. at Eastern Parkway; (718) 623– international visitors, along with pa- form Charles Busch’s classic comedy Play Streets: Playstreet at Tomp- 7220; www.bbg.org; Tuesdays and rades, artwork, children’s rides, masses, that parodies the 1960s beach films. kins Houses, between Tompkins and Wednesdays, 10:15 am to 12:15 pm, and a wide array of activities for all Join the Old Stone House for a luau Throop avenues; wwwpalnyc.org; Thursdays and Fridays, 10:15 am, Tues, ages, as well as the procession with with food, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm, Tues, July 5 – July 5 – Fri, Aug. 26; Free with garden custom-made Giglio tower. A children’s Fri, Aug. 19; Free. Free Family Day at Wyckoff admission. lift for July 7 at 6 pm is also scheduled Farmhouse: Wyckoff House Mu- Summer Sports: Sunset Park Recre- Dig in and get your hands dirty, in- (Rain date is is July 8). seum, 5816 Clarendon Rd. at E. 59th vestigate and classify plants, learn how ation Center, 43rd Street and Seventh African Dance: Target Brooklyn Street; (718) 629–5400; Saturday, July a carnivorous plant eats, and explore Avenue; (718) 972–2135; www.nycgov- Community Garden, 933 Bedford Ave. 16, 1 pm; Saturday, Aug. 20, 1 pm; parks.org; Weekdays, 9 am to 4:30 pm, the meadow. at Dekalb Avenue; (212) 333–2552; Free. Tues, July 5 – Sat, Sept. 17; Free. Tinybop Kid’s Playgroup: Tinybop www.nycgovparks.org; Wednesdays, Wyckoff Farmhouse hosts a day of Tots program for children 2 to 5 years Inc., 540 Atlantic Ave. between Third 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Now – Wed, Aug. kid-friendly tours, hands-on activities, old. and Fourth avenues; (516) 500–1967; 24; Free. scavenger hunts, and more. Special ac- Summer Sports: Sunset Park Recre- [email protected]; tinybop. Each session will feature an African tivities for kids younger than 10 before ation Center, 43rd Street and Seventh com; Wednesdays, 4–5 pm, Now – dance-based workout. No partner or 2 pm. July 2016 • brooklyn Family 47 Party Planners

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July 2016 • brooklyn Family 49 New & Noteworthy By Lisa J. Curtis Sounds like America! Pieces of family history

“Hello Friend” — the fourth Pants)” is a rollicking, kazoo-y song Our NYC Floor Puzzle, illustrated album of children’s music from The that will get everyone laughing and by Jane Archer, is a colorful map of all Hollow Trees — is quint- singing along with five boroughs and features landmarks, essential Ameri- its repeat-after-me museums, and points of interest to cana and the per- style of lyrics, while discover with the whole family. fect soundtrack “The Whole Thing,” Assembling the 100-piece puzzle is for your Fourth a call-and-response a wonderful pastime for everyone ages of July BBQ. It is a song, delighted me 4 and older. Manufactured by Brook- rip-roaring hoote- with its variety of lyn-based company Cardborders, the nanny with a mix of words employed to finished map measures 18-inches by original tunes and describe just how 24-inches. The large size of the pieces covers that span an much is wanted. (3-inches by 2-inches) ensures that array of high-energy “Hello Friend” they aren’t easily lost, and it maxi- red-white-and-blue will bring a smile to mizes the opportunity for success genres: folk, blue- your face. for kids who are just honing their grass, country, and jug band. “I “Hello Friend” CD by The Hollow puzzle-assembling chops. Can’t Dance (I’ve Got Ants in My Trees, $11.99, iTunes.com. Piecing it together was a sweet experience for our whole family as we recalled happy memories of places we have visited (wandering the And the piece de resistance is that halls of the Natural History Museum! after the puzzle is assembled, kids Breast friends Thrilling rides in Coney Island! Taking get to put their house on the map United Kingdom-based company an Eco Cruise!). And we shouted out with the enclosed sticker. Tommee Tippee boasts that its new in disbelief over all of the fantastic Our NYC Floor Puzzle by Cardbor- Ultra bottle has a breast-like, flexible, sites we have yet to explore. ders, $24, www.barneys.com. silicone nipple that allows for a natu- ral latch that makes it easier for baby to switch between breastfeeding and bottle feedings. The design also min- One-horned dream team imizes air intake (which means less tears for baby, because gulping air Zoonicorns are small, whimsical, hands will love clutching their 3-D can lead to uncomfortable gas). plush amalgams of zebras and uni- Zoonicorns while they play with the The Ultra has secure seals be- Ultra bottle 5 or 9 oz. by Tommee corns (with troll hair for manes) that new, interactive Zoonicorn app “Ene’s tween the nipple and screw ring and Tippee, $10.99, or the Ultra bottle by are a perfectly portable size (6-inches Matching Game”; read the digital pic- ring and bottle base, so milk goes into Tommee Tippee 3-pack, $26.99, www. by 6-inches) — just right for a small ture books “To Catch a Fish” and baby’s mouth and doesn’t leak out. BabiesRUs.com. child to bring on vacation. Little “The Tag Along” on Zoonicorn.com; or read Mark Lubratt’s “Buffy Meets the Zoonicorns” hardcover book, about a restless bison in a zoo who Not easy being Greene learns to manage her emotions while dreaming of her herdful of “Kelly Greene and the Green Hats” ing archaeologist, and her friends friends, the Zoonicorns. is a suspenseful page and sisters to help her Available in four colors, the turner about a chapeau- solve the riddles. Zoonicorns include peaceful Prom- loving tween with a mys- As the creepy ithea (white with purple stripes), tery to solve. In this first, sounds pile up, Don- carefree Aliel has pink stripes, self-published chapter dero depicts tween cheerful Ene has green stripes, and book from DM Dondero, life with humor and brave Valeo has blue stripes. The Kelly grapples with the empathy. For thought- stories and app entertain while help- idea that her bedroom ful readers ages 9 and ing children acknowledge and under- closet may be haunted. older, there are lessons stand their emotions and improve And she considers the to be learned about their relationships with friends and alternative — that she working out differences, siblings. These mythical creatures may be plagued with caring for the Earth; and inspire kids to navigate real world an overactive imagi- more. challenges. nation. Either way, “Kelly Greene and the Zoonicorn plush, $13.95, “Buffy Meets she’s nervous, but she’s not alone. Green Hats” book by DM Dondero, the Zoonicorns” book by Mark Lubratt, She has doting Uncle Jed, a visit- $9.37, www.amazon.com. $16.95, www.amazon.com. 50 brooklyn Family • July 2016 Fall–Winter 2015–2016 NEW YORK FREE NEW YORK SPECIAL CHILD www.NYParenting.com SPECIAL CHILD The risks of misdiagnosis

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