health guideFebruary 2011 Staten ISland dentalFRee Family www.webfamilyny.com Tween dating When and how to talk to your child Eating issues Younger kids at risk

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2 STATEN ISLAND FAmILy • February 2011 Staten Island Family February 2011

32 24

Features columns 6 Call it puppy love! 8 Newbie Dad Preteen dating: trivial terrain or timely talks? By Brian Kantz By Denise Yearian 10 Good Sense Eating 12 What teeth need by Christine M. Palumbo, RD Why flouride is so vital to your child’s choppers By Phyllis G. Merlino, DDS 18 Family Health by Carmen Torrado-Jule, MD 14 Top 10 dental facts Dentists explain how to keep baby teeth cavity-free 30 Lions and Tigers and Teens By Myrna Beth Haskell 16 Get smart about pediatric dentistry By Lisa Lazzara 34 Growing Up Online by Carolyn Jabs 24 Never say never Even young kids are at risk for eating disorders 40 It Figures By Cynthia Washam by Monica Brown 26 Improving school for disabled kids 42 New & Noteworthy Overturning Rowley, the Kryptonite of special The hottest new products education By Marilyn Scattoreggio calendar of events 28 Stopping bullies 36 Going Places City schools advise on how to help victims and Take the family out and find out what’s tormentors going on in your town By Allison Plitt 32 Stay-at-home dads special sections The benefits of this model for modern family life 42 By Candi Sparks 20 Catholic Schools Directory February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND Family 3 Letter from the publisher Celebrating love & loving

ids are start- 10 years reeling some- topic. Learning to other feelings. Nothing in life is ing to date in times as my tween and love and be loved constantly showing its good side, K fifth and sixth then teen daughter with ease and not even love. grades, I’m told. The dealt with the variety delight, and rec- Winter is a special time to crushes of my youth of growth spurts — ognizing real love, extend love to the friends, were so innocent, com- both emotionally and is what we’re all after neighbors and family around pared to the “stirrings psychologically — that in life, and what we you who may need your and behavior” of to- often daunted both of certainly want for help, assistance or just a good day’s preteens. Watch- us. During those years our children. hug, and this year, here in New ing my daughter and there were issues of In February we York, there is no doubt that her friends when she bullying from other celebrate love with we are experiencing winter. was in middle school was a real girls, claiming of friends and former candy, flowers, cards Bundle up, hug each other, eye-opener for me, as I’m sure it is boyfriends, and competition in so and other romantic notions and and let’s all hug our children for many parents. Dating at that age many ways that presented both of displays. in every way, every day. is a hard one to get a handle on, and us with a series of complexities. Personally, I’m for love all the Here’s to love. Thanks for read- control over youngsters is often How to help our children with time, every day, in every way and ing! nonexistent. This month we feature all they will encounter and need I don’t think this planet could pos- an interesting and informative ar- to deal with is an ongoing educa- sibly have enough of it. There is ticle about the need for parents to tion. We need all the expert advice no possible overdose of true love take the lead in discussions and be we can get, and here within our or true devotion. Real love is dis- consistent with their children, in magazines we attempt to provide played in many ways and some- spite of other influences. as much good advice as possible in times it is even disguised behind Personally, I have spent the last every issue. Love is an important impatience, arguing, jealousy and Susan Weiss-Voskidis, Publisher

STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION

PUBLISHER / ADVERTISING / EDITORIAL: ADVERTISING: WEB OR PRINT ADDRESS Susan Weiss (718) 260-4554 Family Publications New York/CNG PUBLISHER / BUSINESS MANAGER: [email protected] or 1 Metrotech Center North Clifford Luster [email protected] 10th Floor SALES MANAGER / ADVERTISING: Brooklyn, NY 11201 Sharon Noble CIRCULATION SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: (718) 260-8336 Tina Felicetti [email protected] www.webfamilyny.com SALES REPS: Linda Smith, Stephanie Stellaccio, Jay Pelc EDITORIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER: Keith Oechsner (718) 260-4554 ART DIRECTOR: Leah Mitch [email protected] PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: On Man Tse LAYOUT MANAGER: Yvonne Farley The acceptance of advertising by Family Publica- Join the conversation on Facebook. WEB DESIGNER: Sylvan Migdal tions New York does not constitute an endorse- Family Publications New York has been recog- GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Arthur Arutyunov, ment of the products, services or information nized for editorial and design excellence by PPA. being advertised. We do not knowingly present Patty Coughlan, Mauro Deluca, Earl Ferrer, Family Publications New York is published Irene Liberman any products or services that are fraudulent or misleading in nature. monthly by Family Publications New York/CNG. Subscription rate is $35 annually. Reproduction Editorial inquiries, calendar information, advertis- MANAGING EDITOR: Vince DiMiceli of Family Publications New York in whole or part ing rates and schedules and subscription requests without written permission from the publisher is ASSISTANT EDITORS: Meredith Deliso, may be addressed to Family Publications New prohibited. All rights reserved. Copyright©2011 Courtney Donahue th York/CNG, One Metrotech Center North, 10 Readership: 220,000. 2010 circulation audit by CAC. COPY EDITOR: Lisa J. Curtis Floor, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. CALENDAR EDITOR: Joanna Del Buono Family Publications New York can also be CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Risa Doherty, reached by calling (718) 250-4554, emailing Helen Klein, Allison Plitt, Candi Sparks, [email protected] or by visiting our website, Mary Carroll Wininger webfamilyny.com

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February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND FAmILy 5 Parenting To-do list for parents of dating preteens

• Do realize that staying in group settings, and attraction to the op- having a curfew. Equally impor- posite gender can tant to setting boundaries is to happen any time from help your preteen understand late elementary school why these boundaries are there to high school. so she begins to develop an in- Call it puppy love! • Do take your preteen’s re- ternal compass. lationships seriously and don’t • Do set expectations and By Denise yearian lationships as trivial, but they should had boyfriends,” recalls Ford. “I felt situation. entire sixth-grade class,” says Ford. minimize her feelings, no matter communicate these to your pre- Preteen be taken seriously. like if she came and shared it with “This past fall, a boy at school gave “It helps me understand what’s in- how trivial they may seem. teen. These could include stay- oys and girls have always been “It’s an advanced signal of what is me, it was important that we talk Amber a necklace,” says Ford. “Since fluencing her. Is it persuasion from • Do realize that the way your ing focused on academics and dating: trivial attracted to one another. But to come and needs to be addressed about it.” it was right before her 11th birthday, a new friend? Is she trying to fit in? preteen views and conducts her extra-curricular activities, main- B when that attraction begins by mom and dad while they still have Ford told her daughter she was too we told her if she wanted to keep it, it Does she feel pressured?” relationships now paves the way taining current friendships, time varies tremendously from one per- a major influence in their child’s life,” young to have a boyfriend, but she would have to be a birthday gift.” Although 10-year-old Jordan for future dating relationships. on the phone and Internet, etc. terrain or son to another. For some, those feel- Feldhahn suggests. was careful to keep the line of com- But on her birthday, the same boy Adams isn’t yet attracted to the op- • Do keep the line of commu- • Do ask your preteen open- ings start in late elementary school. “Parents should take the lead in munication open. Two years later, a gave Amber a card with $50 tucked posite gender, he fell prey to a peer- nication open with your preteen. ended questions and keep the timely talks? For others, it’s not until high school. facilitating age-appropriate discus- bigger relational issue cropped up. inside of it. Amber didn’t know what induced pair off that made him un- Continue talking with her so you conversation positive: What do Although the age gap varies, experts sions with their preteen regarding With the parent-child dialogue al- to do, so she brought the money comfortable. know how her relationships are you like about this boy? What agree that when a 9- or 10-year-old friendships, dating, decision mak- ready established, Ford was able to home and talked it over with her “This past fall, Jordan’s school progressing. do you have in common? How child begins showing interest in the ing and sex,” advises Jane Bowen, help her daughter navigate the sticky mother. organized a dance for the kids,” • Do ask your preteen how she does he treat you? Who are his opposite gender, parents need to sit director of a statewide parent educa- “I told her there was no way she explains his mother Amy. “It was defines “dating,” “going out” or friends? Do you like them? Do up and take notice. tion organization. “If your son says could keep it, and she understood,” supposed to be a reward for good “having a boyfriend.” you feel respected by this per- “Kids at this age may have a boy- or he has a girlfriend or is going out Ford explains. “We talked about how grades, but things spiraled out of • Do let your preteen know son? This gets the child thinking girlfriend, but still not know what dat- with someone, ask what that accepting a gift like that could make control. Jordan came home one day that it is OK to express her emo- about what is important in a re- ing means,” says Shaunti Feldhahn, means.” the boy think their relationship and told me he didn’t want to go to tions. This is particularly true for lationship. relationship researcher and analyst, But, she says, talking could possibly go to the next level — school, because everyone had a date boys who may think they need to • Do talk with your preteen and author of “For Young Women about it shouldn’t be a holding hands, giving him a kiss, that for the dance and he didn’t.” suppress their feelings. about respecting others and Only.” “They are mimick- one-time deal. kind of thing. We agreed that I would Adams called the school and • Do monitor your preteen’s oneself. ing what they see played “These conversa- call the boy’s parents, explain the talked with the principal. He in- media exposure. The messages • Do honor your preteen’s pri- out on TV or by teen- tions need to happen situation and tell them the money formed her that the administration young people receive from vacy, but reserve the right to agers, but they don’t frequently so parents would be returned the next day.” knew nothing about the pair offs — it music, TV, movies, books and inspect her backpack or room have a full grasp of know where their pre- When parents talk with their chil- had been instigated by the students. magazines are laden with love, if she begins to show signs that how a relationship teens are in relationships dren, they should communicate their “Up to this point, I hadn’t dis- sex and relationships. Make sure concern you. works.” and preteens know what values and expectations and then cussed boy/girl relationships with these messages line up with the • Do be an emotional support Parents, she their parents’ expecta- lay out boundaries. Equally impor- Jordan,” Adams says. “I didn’t think I values your family upholds. when the relationship ends. Most says, may have tions are,” she contin- tant is to explain why the boundar- needed to. But I’m realizing now that • Do know your preteen’s preteen relationships are short- a tendency to dis- ues. ies are there. even if he isn’t thinking about girls, friends. They have a tremendous lived. Your child may or may miss these early re- This is what Patty Ford “Rather than imposing rules pre- the kid sitting next to him in class influence on the way your child not be hurt, but your sensitivity and her husband David teens may resent, help them under- may be, so I’ve got to maintain a con- thinks, talks and acts. and empathy toward the situ- did with their 9-year-old stand reasons why the rules are stant dialogue with him.” • Do teach your preteen that ation will build a healthy trust daughter Amber. there, so they begin to develop that “Attractions are normal and will the way she dresses sends a and bond between you. “When she was in internal compass,” says Feldhahn. only increase as children grow,” message to others. Clothing • Do realize that preteens the fourth grade, Parents should also try to find out Bowen concludes. “If we want to pre- should be modest and should may question your values, par- Amber would tell me what is influencing their child — be pare our kids for healthy dating rela- not have provocative messages ticularly if they don’t line up that so-and-so liked it friends, an older sibling, or some tionships later on, we need to start written on it. with media messages or their her and that other form of media — so they can address communicating and building a trust- • Do give your preteen guid- friends’ values. This is normal girls in the class the issue as a whole. ing relationship with them now.” ance with regard to decision- and means they are question- “When Amber and I talk about Denise Yearian is the former editor making and what is appropri- ing but not necessarily rejecting relationships, I find out what is going of two parenting magazines and the ate. Teach her to make decisions what you uphold. on not just with her, but with the mother of three children. based on careful thought, not • Do know when it is time to in- heartfelt emotions. tervene. If the relationship moves • Do be a good role model in beyond innocent, the preteen be- “You and Your Adolescent: Re- the way you conduct your own comes obsessive, or you begin to Resources vised Edition,” by Lawrence Stein- relationships. see unhealthy behaviors, contact “For Young Women Only,” by berg, Ph.D. • Do set boundaries with re- your school counselor or other Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa Rice “Raising a Thinking Preteen: gard to relationships and com- professional for advice. “How to Talk so Kids will Lis- The ‘I Can Problem Solve’ Program municate these to your preteen. • Do realize this is the begin- ten, and Listen so Kids will Talk,” for 8- to 12-Year-Olds,” by Myrna These could include: not being ning of a long journey for your by Adele Faber Shure and Roberta Israeloff alone with the boy/girlfriend, preteen. Continue to communi- “How to Talk so Teens will “Roller-coaster Years,” by having parental supervision at cate and build a healthy relation- Listen, and Listen so Teens will Charlene C. Giannetti and Marga- home, not being allowed in each ship so she learns to successfully Talk,” by Adele Faber ret Sagarese other’s bedrooms, no touching, navigate this facet of life.

6 STATEN ISLAND Family • February 2011 To-do list for parents of dating preteens

• Do realize that staying in group settings, and attraction to the op- having a curfew. Equally impor- posite gender can tant to setting boundaries is to happen any time from help your preteen understand late elementary school why these boundaries are there to high school. so she begins to develop an in- Call it puppy love! • Do take your preteen’s re- ternal compass. lationships seriously and don’t • Do set expectations and situation. entire sixth-grade class,” says Ford. minimize her feelings, no matter communicate these to your pre- “This past fall, a boy at school gave “It helps me understand what’s in- how trivial they may seem. teen. These could include stay- Amber a necklace,” says Ford. “Since fluencing her. Is it persuasion from • Do realize that the way your ing focused on academics and it was right before her 11th birthday, a new friend? Is she trying to fit in? preteen views and conducts her extra-curricular activities, main- we told her if she wanted to keep it, it Does she feel pressured?” relationships now paves the way taining current friendships, time would have to be a birthday gift.” Although 10-year-old Jordan for future dating relationships. on the phone and Internet, etc. But on her birthday, the same boy Adams isn’t yet attracted to the op- • Do keep the line of commu- • Do ask your preteen open- gave Amber a card with $50 tucked posite gender, he fell prey to a peer- nication open with your preteen. ended questions and keep the inside of it. Amber didn’t know what induced pair off that made him un- Continue talking with her so you conversation positive: What do to do, so she brought the money comfortable. know how her relationships are you like about this boy? What home and talked it over with her “This past fall, Jordan’s school progressing. do you have in common? How mother. organized a dance for the kids,” • Do ask your preteen how she does he treat you? Who are his “I told her there was no way she explains his mother Amy. “It was defines “dating,” “going out” or friends? Do you like them? Do could keep it, and she understood,” supposed to be a reward for good “having a boyfriend.” you feel respected by this per- Ford explains. “We talked about how grades, but things spiraled out of • Do let your preteen know son? This gets the child thinking accepting a gift like that could make control. Jordan came home one day that it is OK to express her emo- about what is important in a re- the boy think their relationship and told me he didn’t want to go to tions. This is particularly true for lationship. could possibly go to the next level — school, because everyone had a date boys who may think they need to • Do talk with your preteen holding hands, giving him a kiss, that for the dance and he didn’t.” suppress their feelings. about respecting others and kind of thing. We agreed that I would Adams called the school and • Do monitor your preteen’s oneself. call the boy’s parents, explain the talked with the principal. He in- media exposure. The messages • Do honor your preteen’s pri- situation and tell them the money formed her that the administration young people receive from vacy, but reserve the right to would be returned the next day.” knew nothing about the pair offs — it music, TV, movies, books and inspect her backpack or room When parents talk with their chil- had been instigated by the students. magazines are laden with love, if she begins to show signs that dren, they should communicate their “Up to this point, I hadn’t dis- sex and relationships. Make sure concern you. values and expectations and then cussed boy/girl relationships with these messages line up with the • Do be an emotional support lay out boundaries. Equally impor- Jordan,” Adams says. “I didn’t think I values your family upholds. when the relationship ends. Most tant is to explain why the boundar- needed to. But I’m realizing now that • Do know your preteen’s preteen relationships are short- ies are there. even if he isn’t thinking about girls, friends. They have a tremendous lived. Your child may or may “Rather than imposing rules pre- the kid sitting next to him in class influence on the way your child not be hurt, but your sensitivity teens may resent, help them under- may be, so I’ve got to maintain a con- thinks, talks and acts. and empathy toward the situ- stand reasons why the rules are stant dialogue with him.” • Do teach your preteen that ation will build a healthy trust there, so they begin to develop that “Attractions are normal and will the way she dresses sends a and bond between you. internal compass,” says Feldhahn. only increase as children grow,” message to others. Clothing • Do realize that preteens Parents should also try to find out Bowen concludes. “If we want to pre- should be modest and should may question your values, par- what is influencing their child — be pare our kids for healthy dating rela- not have provocative messages ticularly if they don’t line up it friends, an older sibling, or some tionships later on, we need to start written on it. with media messages or their form of media — so they can address communicating and building a trust- • Do give your preteen guid- friends’ values. This is normal the issue as a whole. ing relationship with them now.” ance with regard to decision- and means they are question- “When Amber and I talk about Denise Yearian is the former editor making and what is appropri- ing but not necessarily rejecting relationships, I find out what is going of two parenting magazines and the ate. Teach her to make decisions what you uphold. on not just with her, but with the mother of three children. based on careful thought, not • Do know when it is time to in- heartfelt emotions. tervene. If the relationship moves • Do be a good role model in beyond innocent, the preteen be- “You and Your Adolescent: Re- the way you conduct your own comes obsessive, or you begin to Resources vised Edition,” by Lawrence Stein- relationships. see unhealthy behaviors, contact “For Young Women Only,” by berg, Ph.D. • Do set boundaries with re- your school counselor or other Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa Rice “Raising a Thinking Preteen: gard to relationships and com- professional for advice. “How to Talk so Kids will Lis- The ‘I Can Problem Solve’ Program municate these to your preteen. • Do realize this is the begin- ten, and Listen so Kids will Talk,” for 8- to 12-Year-Olds,” by Myrna These could include: not being ning of a long journey for your by Adele Faber Shure and Roberta Israeloff alone with the boy/girlfriend, preteen. Continue to communi- “How to Talk so Teens will “Roller-coaster Years,” by having parental supervision at cate and build a healthy relation- Listen, and Listen so Teens will Charlene C. Giannetti and Marga- home, not being allowed in each ship so she learns to successfully Talk,” by Adele Faber ret Sagarese other’s bedrooms, no touching, navigate this facet of life.

February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND Family 7 Parenting School bus stories Making memories on the iconic yellow ride veryone has a memorable bus holds an iconic place in the maybe most important, a first bit of school bus story. Here’s mine: history of American education. On independence is established. A new E I must have been in first or sec- the one hand, buses have provided world opens up to a child when he ond grade at the time. One fall morn- essential transportation for genera- climbs up those bus steps and drives ing, as I walked up to the bus stop at tions of children, allowing them to away from home. the corner, I watched in curiosity as a get to school safely from around the Luckily, our son enjoyed riding the Newbie DaD bunch of older kids frantically gath- block or across the county. bus right from the start. Within a few Brian KanTz ered crabapples and layered them in On the other hand, buses have weeks, he was telling my wife and I the street. They snatched rotten ap- been parked in the middle of some about his new “bus friends” — the ples off the ground and picked fresh hugely significant legal battles regard- kids who he sat with and near. When- ones from the tree. Young and naïve, I ing who goes to school where. ever we went out somewhere around They’ve also been known town, from the grocery store to the over the years as park, the boy would run into one of the rolling head- his friends from the bus. This hap- quarters for pened so often that I began to think bullies and that he knew more people than I did. braggarts. Our son also told us what he was Of course, learning on the bus. That was an school buses eye-opener. At dinner, he matter- and school bus of-factly stated that he had learned the “f-word” on the bus. The f-word? Already? Really? Upon further in- quiry, it turned out that the f-word he learned on the bus was “fart.” Crisis averted and no need to drive him to school yet. Later in the year, he regaled us with some song lyrics that he had picked up on the bus. He launched into a rendition of that old holiday classic, “Jingle bells, Batman smells, Robin laid an egg, the Batmobile lost a wheel, and the Joker got away! Hey!” It was beautiful. Would that song ever have enjoyed such longevity without the bus? We sang that tune on the bus when I was a kid, and now my son has wondered what they were up to. drivers have made their mark on pop learned those time-honored lyrics. With their prep work complete, culture, too. Which parent doesn’t Old-timers love to talk about walk- the jokesters stepped back a few feet cringe at the thought of a real-life ver- ing to school. Uphill both ways. In the from the curb and waited in silence. sion of Otto — the headphone-wear- snow. The argument is that hoofing it Moments later, our big yellow school ing, head-banging driver who gets built character. I’d have to argue that bus, driven by a guy named Norm, the Simpson kids to school — driving taking the bus builds character, too. came barreling down the road — their own kids? And who couldn’t A year and a half since my son started right on schedule. help but laugh when Napoleon Dyna- riding the bus, it still amazes me that I distinctly recall the SHHPPPPLL- mite boarded the bus in that movie’s my little boy just jumps right on every LATTT sound of the bus running opening scene and tossed an action morning. As we wave goodbye to each over about 200 apples — and spray- figure tied to a string out the window other, I’m proud that he’s willing and ing applesauce all over the place. I so that he could drag it down the able to be that independent. I’m proud also remember the collective cheer dusty road? What a great idea. of this daily act of courage. And I’m of triumph from the kids who made Last year, when my oldest son proud that he hasn’t yet thought of lin- it happen. And even now, more than started kindergarten and hopped ing the bus’s path with apples. 30 years later, I can still see the look on the bus for the first time, I was Brian Kantz stopped taking the bus on that poor bus driver’s face as he struck by the significance of it all. when his family moved one block away shook his head in disapproval. He The school bus really is its own from the school. He then had to make the knew that he’d been had by a bunch little kids club where friendships uphill walk, both ways. Visit Brian online of kids. Ah, the school bus. are made, legend and lore is handed at www.briankantz.com or drop him a For better or worse, the school down from big kids to little kids, and note at [email protected].

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February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND FAmILy 9 HealtHy eating Chocolate: A gift to your heart s it any coincidence that two images — hearts and choco- Q: how much chocolate I late — are inescapable during provides health benefits? Good sense the month of February? The gift of A: According to published chocolate is linked to affairs of the research, between one and 10 eatinG heart, but can it also be healthy for tablespoons (10 to 100 calories) Christine M. PaluMbo, rD the heart? per day of cocoa. Or two to 20 gram tasting squares (90 calo- Unwrap the science ries total) of dark chocolate. Much of the research about cocoa’s health benefits has been conducted over the last 10 years. Over 740 benefi- there is no proof of health benefits for cial bioactive components have been children at this time. identified in cocoa beans, accord- ing to David A. Stuart, PhD, with the Children and Hershey Center for Health and Nutri- chocolate tion. For example, health-promoting Children love hot chocolate, right? sterols, resveratrol, flavan-3-ols and But is it healthy for them? especially flavanols are abundant in “A cup of hot chocolate pre- cocoa. And the fatty acids in cocoa pared with real cocoa pow- are either neutral for blood choles- der is an excellent way to con- terol, or actually help lower it. sume relatively high amounts of Is dark chocolate truly the best? chocolate flavanols,” states Jeffrey According to a 2006 study in the Blumberg, PhD, director of the An- “Journal of Agricultural and Food tioxidants Research Laboratory at Chemistry,” flavanols are most con- Tufts University. centrated in cocoa powder, followed What about milk chocolate? by baking chocolate, dark chocolate, Many children prefer it, because it’s bromine has only a mild stimulatory milk chocolate and finally syrup. smoother and sweeter to the taste. effect. Dark chocolates, unsweetened And it’s no surprise that nearly all Blumberg, who along with Stuart, baking chocolate and cocoa powder the clinical trial studies have been spoke at the American Dietetic As- contain more theobromine than do conducted with cocoa powder or dark sociation Food and Nutrition Confer- milk chocolate and syrups. chocolate. The research suggests ben- ence and Expo in November 2010, When it comes to the amount eficial effects on cardiovascular risk reassures that milk chocolate does of chocolate to shoot for, Blumberg factors such as serum cholesterol, contain the same flavonoids as dark notes that consistency is key and blood pressure, vascular reactivity, chocolate, but at a 20 to 50 percent that eating it every day is what pro- platelet stickiness and systemic in- lower concentration. (There are no vides the most benefits. He also re- flammation. However, the research flavonoids in white chocolate, as it is minds us to practice moderation. has only been done with adults, and not made from the cocoa bean.) “Children need to learn the impor- tant lesson that candy — even candy Stimulant effect? with healthy phytochemicals like the Old-fashioned wave on high for 90 seconds or Parents often worry about the caf- flavonoids — should be consumed until hot. Gradually add the hot milk feine in chocolate and its stimulant in small amounts as a fun, but in- hot cocoa to the cocoa mixture in the mug, effect on young children. Actually, dulgent, treat. Of course, encourag- stirring until well blended. stir in there are two naturally-occurring ing kids to expand the horizons of INGREDIENTS vanilla and sugar. Makes 1 serving. 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa stimulants, caffeine and theobro- their palate beyond simple sweets powder NUTRITION FACTS: 190 calories, 27 mine. Caffeine is present in the same to more adventuresome foods (in- dash salt grams carbohydrate, 9 grams protein, order in chocolate products as fla- cluding dark chocolate) is always a vanols, with cocoa powder being the 1 cup reduced fat milk 5 grams fat, 2.5 grams saturated fat, good idea.” 24 grams sugar (13 grams from added highest. But the amount is small. For Christine M. Palumbo is an award- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract sugar), 270 milligrams sodium, 30 per- example, a 1.55 ounce milk chocolate winning dietitian in Naperville, IL. She 1 tablespoon sugar cent daily value calcium, 10 percent bar contains about 12 milligrams of is a mother of three and the wife of a INSTRUCTIONS: Mix cocoa and salt daily value vitamin a, 4 percent daily caffeine, the same amount in about chocoholic. Herself? Not so much. Con- in a mug. Heat milk in the micro- value iron, 12 milligrams caffeine. three cups of decaf coffee. tact her at [email protected] Closely linked to caffeine, theo- or (630) 369-8495.

10 STATEN ISLAND Family • February 2011 STATEN ISLAND Meeting The Needs of Challenged SUMMER DAY CAMP Preschool Children Since 1988... Our Amazing Campus: The College of STATeN ISlAND As per Section 4410 of Article 89 of the Education Law “ We are proud to be the only accredited day camp on Staten Island to develop a program Children Ages 0-5 which does not require field trips yet protects the character of the camp experience” Forming Programs Are Available Classroom Based • Camp Hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm • All Groups Supervised by Adults Programs With 5 Days - Full Day/Half Day ABA Instruction • Boys and Girls Ages 5-13 • Low Camper to Counselor Ratios For 2-3 Years Olds Extended Daycare Hours • Optional Extended Day • Comprehensive Sports Program (Limited Space) 7am - 7pm Available • Programs Available: 3 and 5 days • Directors are State Licensed Administrators and Teachers • Group or Individual • FREE TUITION & TRANSPORTATION* • 4,6,7 and 8 week Sessions Available • Medical Certified Staff/CPR & RTE Trained Curriculums at Your Home, • Developmental Areas: • Free Door-to-Door Transportation offered on 5 Day Program Only • Payment Plan Available Preschool or our Center. Behavior and Socialization, • Diagnostic Evaluations and Cognitive Development, Early EnrollmEnt Therapy by Licensed Certified Speech and Language Hearing VISIT OUR OPEN HOUSE Professionals. Placement Loss, Physical Therapy and Sat. Feb. 12th & Sat. Mar. 12th | 10am - 2pm $25 oFF determined by NYC CPSE. Occupational Therapy. 2800 Victory Blvd. • Building 1R • CSI New Customers Only • Limit 1 per family • NYS Approved Preschool • Two Convenient Staten Island MICHAEL HALPERN • Owner & Director For 32 Years • Licensed in Supervision & Administration Evaluation Site. Locations. *For all eligible children. Funding provided through state & local agencies. Parent may transport for reimbursement. ComPlEtEly aIr ConDItIonED SItE oUtSIDE arEaS InClUDES nyC lICEnSED Two Gymnasiums • Arts and Crafts • Movie Game All Regulation Ball Fields For more info & a tour call: 718-356-0008 Room • Dining Facility Early • Childhood Room Basketball • Volleyball • Tennis Courts 80 Woodrow Road • 471 North Gannon Avenue Swimming Pool & Lessons on Premises Additional Grassed Play Areas E-mail: [email protected] Please visit our website to learn more about our camp ~ Equal Opportunity Employer ~ www.StatenIslandDayCamp.com • 1-800-301-2267

SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE camp 1 Earth Science: 7/5~7/8 Exploring the Earth: Oceans & Volcanoes camp 2 Ready, Set, Travel 1: 7/11~7/15 Visiting China, India, Australia & Mexico camp 3 Spencer Learns Sports: 7/18~7/22 Exploring Different Sports Educational Summer Adventure /Ages 3~8 camp 4 Dinosaurs: 7/25~7/29 Young Scientists: Old Bones camp 5 Speech Drama & Art: 8/1~8/5 Performing Magic camp 6 Ready, Set, Travel 2: 8/8~8/12 Visiting Egypt, Italy, USA, & Brazil camp 7 Anatomy of Me: 8/15~8/19 Exploring the Human Body Flexible camp 8 Destination Constellation: Weekly 8/22~8/26 Exploring Outer Space, Stars, Moon, Planets Enrollment Full and camp 9 Options Technology: Half Day 8/29~9/2 How Things Work Programs Available Time off from school doesn't have to be time off from learning!

FasTracKids share in exciting learning Staten Island experiences that will captivate their Early Bird imagination and make their summer full Discounts (1461 Hylan Blvd) Before of wonder and surprise. April 15th 718.351.7333 www.brooklynenrichment.com | www.fastrackids.com

February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND FAmILy 11 Dental HealtH What teeth need By Phyllis G. Merlino, DDs it builds up the resistance of teeth there were no harmful medical ef- Why flouride by strengthening the tooth’s enamel. fects noted during the examination f you use a fluoride toothpaste, It works its way into tooth enamel of these children. is so vital to drink water with the recom- crystals and makes teeth harder and In the five boroughs of New York I mended level of fluoride, and get more resistant to these acids. City, we have the optimum amount regular dental check-ups with pro- Fluoride works two ways: It works of fluoride supplied to us in our your child’s fessional fluoride applications, your systemically by being ingested drinking water. But, what if your teeth have a much better chance through drinking water and foods, child does not drink tap water? What of fighting tooth decay and staying and by topical application, such as if your child drinks bottled or natu- choppers where they belong … in your mouth. toothpastes, mouth rinses and pro- ral spring water? Well, it is advised Fluoride is a mineral found natu- fessional dentist-applied applica- to switch to tap water or buy bottled rally in water and many foods. In tions. It is the combination of these drinking water that has fluoride in drinking water, the recommended methods that helps fluoride have its it, which is readily available at the level is one part of fluoride to one maximum benefit. supermarket. million parts water. Communities It is the fluoridated water that Don’t forget — even the tap water has proven to be the most effective with which we cook allows us to get and simplest application. It should some fluoride into our system, and be emphasized that fluoride tooth- most people do cook with tap water. pastes are not a substitution for the What if you live in a town that does combination of fluoridation of com- not contain any fluoride in its drinking munity drinking water and profes- water, like many towns in New Jersey? sional fluoride treatments, which Then, a prescription for a vitamin that have been shown to significantly contains fluoride can be given from reduce the incidence of tooth decay. the pediatrician or pediatric dentist, As a result, some 7,000 communities based on the age and weight of the have chosen to treat their water with child. This type of treatment is only fluoride over the past 30 years. advisable to those children that have Chicago was the first big city to no fluoride in the tap water at all. In fluoridate its water supply, and has areas where the water is not fluori- reported that tooth decay was cut in dated, children’s teeth can be sub- half among its school children as a stantially protected against cavities result. (An added plus: Chicago par- by this prescription, which is avail- ents saved millions of dollars on den- able in drop or tablet form. tal bills.) The city credits the fluoride Today, fluoridation is accepted and for this improvement. endorsed as a major public health New York State’s health depart- measure in preventing tooth decay ment conducted one of the first and by virtually every scientific and most rigorously controlled research health organization in the country. projects in medical history. Teams Fluoride in drinking water is the sin- of dentists examined the teeth of gle most effective element we have thousands of school children in two for preventing tooth decay, particu- upstate cities, both of which had larly for infants and young children fluoride-free water. In both cities, whose tooth enamel is in the forma- the incidence of tooth decay was tive stage. Starting fluoridation at a that don’t have a natural fluoride the same. young age will help your child have a level to meet this standard will add Then, fluoride at 1.2 parts per lifetime of good dental health. just the right amount of fluoride to million was filtered into the water Dr. Phyllis G. Merlino is a board-certi- the water supply. Why? The rea- supply of one of the cities. Over the fied pediatric dentist with a private prac- son is simple: fluoride helps prevent next 10 years, physicians and den- tice in Staten Island and is the proud tooth decay. tists repeatedly checked the chil- mother of two young boys. She is active Sugars in the mouth set up a favor- dren, medically and dentally. When on the teaching staff of Staten Island Uni- able environment for the growth and the decade ended, they found only versity Hospital’s Dental Residency Pro- development of germs. These germs one difference: The children ages 6 gram and is involved in many local dental produce acids that cause decay and through 10 in the city with the fluo- organizations. She spends much of the leave behind deposits that injure the ridated water had 60 percent fewer month of February visiting schools and teeth. Fluoride is one of the big de- decayed, missing or filled teeth than giving oral health presentations. For more fenses against this process, because the other city with no fluoride. And, information, visit www.DrMerlino.com.

12 STATEN ISLAND Family • February 2011 Dr. Phyllis G. Merlino

Proud Sponsor of National Children’s Dental Health Month

Consultations during the Pediatric Dentist FREE Month of February

Dental Specialist Providing Care for Children, Adolescents and those who have Special Healthcare and Development Needs Let’s Check Your Bite!

Do your front teeth stick out too far? From our child-sized entrance door into ��yes � no our child-friendly waiting room, children When your back teeth touch can you stick your tongue in between the front teeth? can feel at ease from the moment they ��yes � no Do your front teeth cover walk into the office. Most Major Insurances Accepted the lower too much? NYS Medicaid Provider ��yes � no After-school, Evening & Weekend Appointments Invisalign® Certified Is there too little or too Office Conveniently Located in Downtown Brooklyn much room for your teeth? Accessible via 2,3,4,5,M,N,Q,R,W,A,C and F trains, buses and the LIRR ��yes � no 122 Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn NY 11201 If you answered YES call 718 852 4414 tel 718-852-4414 for FREE orthodontic consultation

We know that you have enough We are looking for a highly to worry about so let us take the We have an motivated full-time sales rep stress and worry anesthesiologist to work in a great place out of taking your available to safely put child to the your child to sleep selling great products.... dentist. right in the office.

Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a division of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Having a car is a must and so is enjoying your work! 268 Todt Hill Road (corner Westwood Ave.) Give us a call ....718-260-2505 Staten Island, NY 10314 email resume to: [email protected] (718) 761-2090

Visit our office on the Web

www.DrMerlino.com

Pediatric Dentistry Pediatric Dr. Phyllis G. Merlino February 2011G. • STATEN ISLANDPhyllis FAmILyDr. 13 Dental HealtH Dr. Phyllis G. Merlino • 3777 Richmond Avenue , Staten Island, NY • • 268 Todt Hill Road, Staten Island • (718) Sola Dental Kids 761-2090 or www.DrMerlino.com WWW.SOLADENTALKIDS.COM ( 718) 948-3777 or Dr. Merlino is a native of Staten Island and continues As a parent herself, Dr. Anne Gershkowitz understands the importance of a to live here. She’s a graduate of Susan E. Wagner High child’s well being and strongly believes that providing a child friendly experi- School- NYU College of Arts and Science, Manhattan, ence in a state of the art facility is a must for Staten Island. Our “kids loving staff” are here to make every visit fun and enjoyable. and went onto NYU College of Dentistry where she Our careful and gentle approach make your visits a earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1994. Top 10 dental facts pain free experience. We want to see our kids happy, After a one-year general practice residency at Staten healthy and smiling - the best gift a parent can get. Island University Hospital, Dr. Merlino decided to Dentists explain how to keep baby teeth cavity-free It is our mission to make sure all our patients are specialize in pediatrics. She attended and graduated provided the best care possible. from a two-year specialty training residency program at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Brooklyn, in June of 1999. The parents of our “little patients” are welcomed to Most children have 20 baby remove with the toothbrush. nent teeth healthy. Within six months of receiving her specialty certifi cate, Dr. Merlino started her our affi liate Sola Dental Spa. Sola Dental Spa and Sola 1.teeth by their third birth- To figure out if a child is old The average person brushes own private practice limited to Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Merlino is board certifi ed day. 5.enough to brush her own 8.her teeth 30-40 seconds Dental Kids make it a perfect One Stop Dental Care center for your family. We by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a division of the American Academy Cavities in baby teeth teeth, go by this dental rule of each day, but dentists encourage offer the highest standards in dental care and the latest technologies on the of Pediatric Dentistry, and is a member of the Attending Staff in Pediatric Dentistry 2.become much more thumb: If a child is unable to tie teeth to be brushed two times market to meet and exceed your expectations. in the Department of Dentistry at Staten Island University Hospital. She is a serious faster than cavi- her shoelaces, she is not likely daily for two minutes each time. Dr Anne Gershkowitz is a proud member of ADA, NYSDA, NYDA and has been teaching doctor for the residents in the Dental Clinic and in the Operating Room ties in adult teeth. to brush her teeth well and will Don’t forget about your named Top American Dentist for 2 years in a row by Consumers’ Research Council while the patients are under general anesthesia. She is also the Pediatric Dentist Don’t be a floss need the help of an adult. 9.child’s tongue! It is impor- of America, an independent research company based in Washington D.C. on the Cleft Lip and Palate Team of Staten Island University Hospital and treats 3.flunkie! It is recom- Permanent teeth appear tant to clean the tongue as well. many children with oral and facial deformities. During Children’s Dental Health mended that parents 6.more yellow in color than Beautiful smiles need a Month and throughout the school year she visits many schools to educate floss their child’s teeth baby teeth. great start! Good dental children on the importance of good dental hygiene and how their diet can affect 10. the health of their teeth. until she is old enough To prevent tooth decay hygiene and regular visits to the to do so herself, usually 7.in young children when dentist are crucial in maintain- at about 6 years old. food and bacteria get trapped ing a healthy smile your children Flossing should in grooves of teeth, usually the will be proud to display on pic- 4.be done prior to back molars, it might be neces- ture day! brushing in order to sary to place sealants — thin Smile-Savers Dental [2100 Bar- Mary A.Nasso ,D.D.S., F.A.G.D. get food out from be- plastic coatings similar to adult tow Ave. at Bay Plaza Shopping Eleanor J. Olsen, D.D.S., F.A.G.D. D.D.S., F.A.G.D. tween teeth, so that any fillings — on top of the grooves Center in Co-op City, Bronx, (718) Ron Napolitano, D.D.S., excess food will be easier to as an aid in keeping new perma- 708-6755]. 4546 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, 10312 - (718) 948-5111 or www.nasso-olsen-napolitano.com A visit to the dentist does not have to be a stressful experience. With a dedicated staff of dental professionals, we at the practice of Drs. Nasso, Olsen & Nap olitano Meet offer adults and children expert dental care in a welcoming environment. We provide all aspects of adult and pediatric dentistry. Our caring team members are The Practitioners ready to serve you, for your entire preventative, general, and cosmetic dental needs. Our team offers a friendly, high tech dental experience in a comfortable caring FREE Face Painting environment. with dental Treatment We are the leading Invisalign offi ce in Staten Island. All of our doctors on staff are certifi ed Invisilign providers with a vast Join our cavity free club amount of experience with this invisible wireless tooth straightening system. And for that dazzling smile, veneers and Complimentary bleaching are available. We recognize the importance of each patient’s unique needs and concerns and are committed to & receive a special gift providing quality individualized dental service. The dental offi ces of Drs. Nasso, Olsen and Napolitano accept all major credit Dentistry Beyond Imagination Teen Spa Treatments cards as well as the Care Credit Plan. Nintendo DS Gaming Gentle pediatric dental care performed by Stations our experienced and caring pediatric dentists. House of Orthodontia • 122 Atlantic Avenue • 718-852-4414 or www.houseoforthodontia.net

• We are now catering to children of all ages We would like to invite you and your family to visit the House of Orthodontia. We are a family oriented, in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere state of the art, environmentally friendly Orthodontic practice. You can easily access us by public transportation via trains, buses and the LIRR. For your convenience, we offer evening, after school and invisible teeth straightening • Uniquely decorated and brand new weekend appointments. state-of-the-art office. Our clinical director, Dr. Mani Alikhani earned his Dental Degree at Tufts University and his Orthodontics Certifi cate at New York University. He is an • Convenient morning and evening hours Assistant Professor & Director of Orthodontic Research at New York University College of Dentistry. With years of experience and equipped with the newest, and top-of-the-line technology (temporary anchorage devices, digital x-ray’s and virtual digital models) Dr. Mani Alikhani and his offi ce staff provide comprehensive orthodontic care for all ages and for every type of jaw and dental problem. Why Us?: FREE Consultation, No Down Payment, Only $199 p/month, Evening & Weekend Appointments, Invisalign Certifi ed, Ceramic Braces, Lingual Braces (iBraces), Temporary MAJOR INSURANCES ARE WELCOME Anchorage Devices (tad’s), Digital Models, Most Insurances Accepted, NYC Medicaid Panel Provider, Bilingual staff: Spanish & Farsi, Environmentally Friendly, Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics 718-948-3777 (ABO),Member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). 3777 Richmond Avenue www.SolaDentalKids.com

14 STATEN ISLAND FAmILy • February 2011 Dr. Phyllis G. Merlino • 3777 Richmond Avenue , Staten Island, NY • • 268 Todt Hill Road, Staten Island • (718) Sola Dental Kids 761-2090 or www.DrMerlino.com WWW.SOLADENTALKIDS.COM ( 718) 948-3777 or Dr. Merlino is a native of Staten Island and continues As a parent herself, Dr. Anne Gershkowitz understands the importance of a to live here. She’s a graduate of Susan E. Wagner High child’s well being and strongly believes that providing a child friendly experi- School- NYU College of Arts and Science, Manhattan, ence in a state of the art facility is a must for Staten Island. Our “kids loving staff” are here to make every visit fun and enjoyable. and went onto NYU College of Dentistry where she Our careful and gentle approach make your visits a earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1994. pain free experience. We want to see our kids happy, After a one-year general practice residency at Staten healthy and smiling - the best gift a parent can get. Island University Hospital, Dr. Merlino decided to It is our mission to make sure all our patients are specialize in pediatrics. She attended and graduated provided the best care possible. from a two-year specialty training residency program at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Brooklyn, in June of 1999. The parents of our “little patients” are welcomed to Within six months of receiving her specialty certifi cate, Dr. Merlino started her our affi liate Sola Dental Spa. Sola Dental Spa and Sola own private practice limited to Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Merlino is board certifi ed Dental Kids make it a perfect One Stop Dental Care center for your family. We by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a division of the American Academy offer the highest standards in dental care and the latest technologies on the of Pediatric Dentistry, and is a member of the Attending Staff in Pediatric Dentistry market to meet and exceed your expectations. in the Department of Dentistry at Staten Island University Hospital. She is a Dr Anne Gershkowitz is a proud member of ADA, NYSDA, NYDA and has been teaching doctor for the residents in the Dental Clinic and in the Operating Room named Top American Dentist for 2 years in a row by Consumers’ Research Council while the patients are under general anesthesia. She is also the Pediatric Dentist of America, an independent research company based in Washington D.C. on the Cleft Lip and Palate Team of Staten Island University Hospital and treats many children with oral and facial deformities. During Children’s Dental Health Month and throughout the school year she visits many schools to educate children on the importance of good dental hygiene and how their diet can affect the health of their teeth.

Mary A.Nasso ,D.D.S., F.A.G.D. Eleanor J. Olsen, D.D.S., F.A.G.D. D.D.S., F.A.G.D. Ron Napolitano, D.D.S., 4546 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, 10312 - (718) 948-5111 or www.nasso-olsen-napolitano.com A visit to the dentist does not have to be a stressful experience. With a dedicated staff of dental professionals, we at the practice of Drs. Nasso, Olsen & Nap olitano Meet offer adults and children expert dental care in a welcoming environment. We provide all aspects of adult and pediatric dentistry. Our caring team members are The Practitioners ready to serve you, for your entire preventative, general, and cosmetic dental needs. Our team offers a friendly, high tech dental experience in a comfortable caring environment. We are the leading Invisalign offi ce in Staten Island. All of our doctors on staff are certifi ed Invisilign providers with a vast amount of experience with this invisible wireless tooth straightening system. And for that dazzling smile, veneers and bleaching are available. We recognize the importance of each patient’s unique needs and concerns and are committed to providing quality individualized dental service. The dental offi ces of Drs. Nasso, Olsen and Napolitano accept all major credit cards as well as the Care Credit Plan.

House of Orthodontia • 122 Atlantic Avenue • 718-852-4414 or www.houseoforthodontia.net

We would like to invite you and your family to visit the House of Orthodontia. We are a family oriented, state of the art, environmentally friendly Orthodontic practice. You can easily access us by public transportation via trains, buses and the LIRR. For your convenience, we offer evening, after school and weekend appointments. Our clinical director, Dr. Mani Alikhani earned his Dental Degree at Tufts University and his Orthodontics Certifi cate at New York University. He is an Assistant Professor & Director of Orthodontic Research at New York University College of Dentistry. With years of experience and equipped with the newest, and top-of-the-line technology (temporary anchorage devices, digital x-ray’s and virtual digital models) Dr. Mani Alikhani and his offi ce staff provide comprehensive orthodontic care for all ages and for every type of jaw and dental problem. Why Us?: FREE Consultation, No Down Payment, Only $199 p/month, Evening & Weekend Appointments, Invisalign Certifi ed, Ceramic Braces, Lingual Braces (iBraces), Temporary Anchorage Devices (tad’s), Digital Models, Most Insurances Accepted, NYC Medicaid Panel Provider, Bilingual staff: Spanish & Farsi, Environmentally Friendly, Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO),Member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).

February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND Family 15 Dental HealtH Get smarter about pediatric dentistry

By Lisa Lazzara tal school and four years of col- problems early. lege study, pediatric dentists have t’s important to teach children two years of training in child psy- Why are baby teeth the proper way to take care of chology and comprehensive dental so important? I their teeth, but it’s just as impor- care for infants and children of all Primary (baby) teeth are impor- tant that they learn that going to the ages — including those with physi- tant because they help with proper dentist can be FUN! cal and mental disabilities. chewing and eating, help in speech They learn to deal with the be- development, and add to an attrac- What is a pediatric havioral aspects of children, how tive appearance — adding to the dentist? to make them feel comfortable, and child’s self esteem. A child who can In the same way that a pediatri- to make the experience pleasant. chew easily, speak clearly, and smile cian is trained to meet a child’s Pediatric dentists help children, confidently is a happier child. medical needs, a pediatric dental teens, young adults, and those with Healthy primary teeth allow nor- specialist is uniquely qualified to special needs. They also follow the mal development of the jawbones protect your child’s oral health, growth and development of your and muscles, as well as save space using the most advanced tech- child’s mouth in terms of alignment for the permanent (adult) teeth to niques in our delightfully friendly of the teeth, and refer your child to come into place. If a baby tooth treatment areas. the orthodontist at the appropriate is lost too soon, permanent teeth In addition to four years of den- time to manage concerns or can come in crooked. Decayed baby teeth can cause pain, abscesses and infections that can spread to the permanent teeth. Also, your child’s general health can be affected if dis- eased baby teeth are not treated. Re- member, some primary molars are not replaced until ages 10 to 14, so they must last for years. When should my child visit the dentist? According to the American Acad- emy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child’s first dental visit should be as soon as the first tooth erupts, or at least by the first birthday, whichever comes first. A pediatric dentist is a specially trained dentist who has the experi- ence and expertise to examine and treat children with all their needs in mind. It is recommended that chil- dren have routine well exams to check on developmental milestones for their teeth and gums, similar to well checks at the pediatrician’s office. Lisa Lazzara is a board-certified pe- diatric dentist at Kids Dental of Staten Island [1839 North Railroad Ave. in Oak- wood, (718) 667-5437]. 16 STATEN ISLAND Family • February 2011 dental HealtH Preventing cavities An easier way to give kids healthier teeth

veryone wants to know how proliferating, thereby stopping cavi- for it to be effective. If we use too to prevent cavities, and the ties in their tracks. much, it may cause a laxative effect, E answer is simple — practice Xylitol, pronounced zeye-li-tall, is like mannitol or sorbitol, and studies good oral hygiene and eat foods that a natural sugar found in fruits and show that if we use too little, it has don’t contain too much sugar. But vegetables like berries and corn, and no effect. It has fewer calories than getting kids to do either of those is is usually extracted from birch bark. cane sugar (2.4 calories versus 4 next to impossible. Luckily, there is It helps prevent cavities by changing calories per gram, respectively) and a better choice available — it’s called the environment of the mouth to hin- it is recommended for diabetics. xylitol and it is a type of sugar that der the growth of the bacteria. Children crave candy and sugary has been proven to help prevent Xylitol is organic and was ap- snacks throughout the year. Xylitol cavities. proved by the FDA in 1963. It can be is a guilt-free choice for parents to A cavity is a result of a disease found in chewing gum, breath mints, allow their children to eat treats. process, just as diabetes is a disease tooth wipes, lollipops and many Now, all we have to do is focus on process. If your children get cavi- other types of candies. We can bake the brushing! Sweet. ties, they have Strep cavity-caus- with it and even sweeten our coffee Lois Jackson and Associates pediatric ing bacteria and they probably with it. It is on the shelves of health dental office [505 Laguardia Pl, Apt L4 in acquired it from you. Brushing food stores and is widely available Manhattan (212) 995-8888] [16 Court St. teeth and limiting sugar will on the Internet. Suite 2211 in Brooklyn (718) 855-8833]. help stop the bacteria from Xylitol must be used consistently Open weekdays and Saturdays.

Dentistry For the Whole Family Come To Our Free CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH OPEN HOUSE Join Us! Sat. Feb. 5, 2011 at 3:30pm RSVP: Feb. 2 • 718.948.5111 Movies, Fun & Gifts Meet Your Favorite Green Ogre

• We work closely with most insurance plans • We combine the newest technology • Straighter, Whiter Teeth in Just 2 Easy Visits with old fashioned warmth and Concern • Correct Crooked Teeth • Cover Dark Stains • We speak Italian, Spanish and Portuguese • Close Gaps or Spaces • Change Tooth Size or Shape

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February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND FAmILy 17 HealtH A weighty matter How you can prevent childhood obesity besity is defined as having excess body fat, and has be- O come a serious public health issue for children, adolescents, and adults. According to the Centers for Family HealtH Disease Control and Prevention, ap- Carmen Torrado-Jule, md proximately 97 million people in the director, Pediatric U.S. are obese or overweight. Over endocrinology, Staten Island the last 20 years, the prevalence of university Hospital obese children has doubled, and that of adolescents has tripled, ac- cording to the centers. This accounts for approximately 11 million children and adolescents. So what does this mean for you and your family? In children and adolescents, obe- sity significantly increases the risks of health problems that continue into adulthood, particularly high choles- terol and triglycerides, elevated blood pressure, and glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. In addition, it also lifestyle changes that can get you soccer or basketball, dancing, and increases risks of other chronic dis- and your family on the way to im- much more. Your child doesn’t have eases such as coronary heart disease, proving your overall future health. to participate in team sports — she stroke, fatty liver disease, gallstones, Most experts agree that the road just needs to have fun and be active. asthma, skin conditions, orthopedic to success begins with developing And beware of the sedentary life- problems, menstrual disorders in ad- healthier eating habits, such as: style: too much time watching TV olescent girls and women, and an in- • Eating more fruits, vegetables, or going online promotes inactivity creased risk of certain types of cancer and whole grain foods and frequent unhealthy snacking. — such as breast, uterine, and colon. • Eating fewer foods that are high Reduce the time children spend on in sugar and fat sedentary activities by limiting the How do you know if you or • Eating leaner meats, poultry, time they spend watching television, someone in your family is and fish playing video games, and computer overweight or obese? • Eating more lentils and beans time to less than two hours a day. Obesity is assessed by calculating • Drinking more water and limit- The American Academy of Pediat- the body mass index from a person’s ing sugar-sweetened drinks and soft- rics recommends that children not height and weight. An adult with a drinks have televisions in their rooms, and body mass of 30 or greater is obese. • Drinking low-fat or non-fat milk children less than 2 years of age not For children 2 years of age and older, and other dairy products watch television at all. as well as for adolescents, the num- • Encouraging breast feeding in Lastly, keep informed. There are ber can also be calculated from the infants a variety of resources available for child’s height and weight, and plot- Talk to your primary healthcare obtaining information about your ted on the center’s mass index-for- provider about a referral to a nu- child’s health and maintaining age growth chart to obtain a per- tritionist for nutritional counseling healthy lifestyles: centile ranking (mass index charts and education, from which you and • www.letsmove.gov for children and adolescents are age your family can learn about portion • www.cdc.gov (Centers for Dis- and sex-specific). Children and ado- control for servings and how to read ease Control and Prevention) lescents with a body mass between nutrition labels. • www.aap.gov (The American 85-95 percentiles are overweight, Try to promote increased physical Academy of Pediatrics) and those with a body mass greater activity in your family by making it • http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/ than the 95 percentile are obese. a group activity. It’s recommended html/home/home.shtml (New York that children and adolescents par- City Dept. of Health and Mental Hy- What can you do to prevent obe- ticipate in some form of moderate giene) sity for yourself and your family? physical activity for about one hour Prevention of serious chronic Although these risks are real and a day, such as brisk walks, jumping adult diseases is within your power, serious, there are some very simple rope, playing tag, swimming, playing if you have the right tools.

18 STATEN ISLAND Family • February 2011 NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE PRESENTS Experience the Miracle of 1001 INVENTIONS 3D/4D ULTRASOUND LOVE

Actual Images From the Womb.

Valentine’s Day After record-breaking debuts in London and Istanbul, 1001 Inventions finally arrives in the U.S. Special An exhibition that reveals astonishing discoveries from Muslim $150 civilization. Plus, “The Library of Secrets,” Expires Feb 28th a short film starring Oscar winner, Ben Kingsley. Gift Cards Available! www.nysci.org 111th Street • Minutes off GCP and LIE SAVE $5 1001 Inventions global sponsor Sponsored locally by Present this ad to receive $5 off. Offer valid on purchases of 2 or more tickets. $5 maximum (718) 980-BABY discount per order. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Cannot be combined with other 2229 offers. No cash value. Offer expires 3/31/11. Not valid 1/15 – 1/17 or 2/19 – 2/25. BFamily. www.IslandBaby4D.com

February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND Family 19 St. Joseph Parochial School ‘A School You Can Believe In’ Catholic Schools OPEN HOUSE Directory Tuesday, February 1st 9:30am – 10:30am and 1:00pm – 2:00pm on New York State Standards and We welcome you to Call for a tour Blessed Sacrament School is enhanced by the use of laptops of our school at any time. and SMARTboards. In 2010, 100% 830 Delafield Ave. of 4th graders mastered standards New Student Application Dates: 718 442 3090 or www. Pre-Kindergarten: Tuesday, February 8th, 1:00pm–2:00pm blessedsacramentschool.com on the NYS ELA and Math Exams. In Kindergarten: Tuesday, February 8th, 9:00am–11:00am the 8th grade, 92% mastered stan- Blessed Sacrament School is a Pre dards on the NYS Math Exam and Grades 1–6: Thursday, February 10th, 10:30–11:30am & 1:00–2:00pm K to 8 Catholic Elementary School. 85% mastered the NYS ELA Exam. • 21st Century Classrooms Through the Gospel message we Immaculate Conception School build a life of community in the • Interactive White Boards & Smart Board Technology boasts a computer lab, science lab, Church and in service to society, library, art room and music room. • State of the art Computer Lab within an atmosphere of love and Middle FREE Universal Prekindergarten • Title I Math & Reading Classes trust that promotes spiritual, social, States Accredited instills a love for learning through • Clubs: Art, Book, Drama, Environmental, Pre-Kindergarten physical and academic excellence discovery. Title 1 Reading, Math, ESL Fitness, Italian Movie Review, Music, through Grade 8 as well as communication among and Guidance offer student support. Strong Academic students, parents and staff. Our Newspaper, Staten Island, & Student Council FREE breakfast and FREE lunch is Foundation teachers are a dedicated group of • Girl Scouts, Altar Servers & CYO Youth Group available for all students. Extra- cur- educators comprised of a mixture of • CYO Basketball Teams & Spring Bowling League new and tenured teachers who work ricular activities include: Afterschool • Special Lunches: ex.: Thanksgiving & Chinese New Year collaboratively together to ensure Program, book club, chorus, basket- Early Drop-Off Available academic excellence throughout our ball, track, and softball, Classroom After-Care until 6:00 PM everyday school building. Inc., Girl Scouts and TACHS Review Class. • Parent Organizations: Parent Guild & Holy Name Society We offer a three year old and four • Safe environment in a caring family atmosphere. year old preschool program. Our early childhood program follows a Our Lady of Mt.Carmel/ Miss Linda D. Bilotti, Principal & Fr. Michael Martine, Pastor Montessori curriculum. Our three St. Benedicta 139 St. Mary’s Avenue • Rosebank • 718-447-7686 year old program is a part time pro- 285 Clove Road Visit us on our web site: www.stjosephschoolsi.com gram which offers many sessions. 718 981-5131 or www.olmcsb.org Para mayor informacion visite nuestra pagina web. Our four year old program takes For over 50 years Our Lady of Mount place in a newly renovated class- Carmel - Saint Benedicta has been a room and offers different scheduling school of academic excellence rooted Come See What We Have to Offer at options. Our enhanced curriculum in the Catholic Tradition. Located on provides: computer, art, cooking and the North Shore of Staten Island, the science. school is open to students from the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel/St. Benedicta School Our Math Program in the upper neighborhoods of Port Richmond, grades offers a standard pace and Westerliegh, New Springville, accelerated pace. Our eighth grad- Mariners Harbor, West Brighton, ers in this program will be eligible to Grasmere and other neighboring take regents. communities. The school offers a We have a very active Mother’s Guild unique educational experience to a who provides an effective channel of diverse student population, an edu- communication between parents and cation that carries your child into the teachers for the benefit of our stu- real world. dents. They assist us through fund- Our School offers FREE Universal raising activities. Pre-K, An extended day Pre-K for OPEN HOUSE - Feb. 2, 9-11am - 12:30-2pm We offer a wide range of after 3 and 4 year olds, FREE Breakfast school extracurricular activities as and Lunch program, an after- To enroll your child or to schedule a visit, please well. school program, Fully equipped contact the school: Technology in the classrooms, a state of the art Library & Media Center, 285 Clove Road, Staten Island, NY 10310 Immaculate Conception School an Enrichment Through the Arts (718) 981-5131 Program, Drama program, Choir, 104 Gordon Street (Entrance on Music, Spanish, ESL, & CYO sports www.olmcsb.org Targee St) programs. Our Student Council is a 718-447-7018 or www.ics-si.org Civic Kids Initiative participant and School Features: Immaculate Conception School in has recognized for their work in the Stapleton, “Where Everybody Is community. • Free Universal Pre-K Financial Assistance Somebody”, creates a welcoming available to those learning environment for students Both faculty and students work • Free Breakfast Program in UPK through 8th grade. It is a in collaboration with St. John’s who qualify. University and Wagner College. • Early Morning Drop-Off place where children can “hear God Becas disponibles call them by name.” Learning at We invite all interested in our school • After-school Program Immaculate Conception School is to visit our open house Feb. 2, Para mayor informacion project-based. Teachers realize that 9-11am-12:30-2 pm or schedule a • Sacramental Preparation and MORE! visite nuestra pagina web each child is unique and has a special private tour. learning style. Curriculum is based Continued on page 22 20 STATEN ISLAND Family • February 2011 Immaculate Conception School Blessed Sacrament School “Where Everybody is Somebody” Universal Pre-Kindergarten Through 8th Grade New Pre-K Daily Tours: Call today for an appointment 718.447.7018 offerings for Our Academic programs are supported by the integration of three and four technology. The curriculum includes wonderful art, music year children. library and physical education programs. Come find out • Universal Pre-Kindergarten more! • Pre-K and Kindergarten • Nurturing, Safe Environment • Challenging, NYS Curriculum • Departmentalized Grade 6–8 • Computer Lab and Science Lab • Fully Automated Library • Free Breakfast & Lunch • English as a Second Language • Art, Music Computer & Gym Programs • Title 1 Support Program • After-Scyool Program Pre-K Through 5th Grade • CYO Sports and Clubs • Middle States Accredited

Ms. Kathleen Curatolo – Principal 718.447.7018 or visit www.ics-si.org Blessed Sacrament School • 830 Delafield Avenue • 718-442-3090 104 Gordon Street (entrance on Targee Street) www.blessedsacramentschoolsi.com Staten Island, NY 10304

Celebrating 87 Years of Learning in 2011-2012 TO ATTEND A GREAT HIGH SCHOOL St. John Villa academy elementary Come Be A Part of Our Future! YOU FIRST NEED TO ATTEND A GREAT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL! Open Registration for Pre-K 3yr. old & 4 yr. old. thru Grade 8 2011–2012 SAINT CLARE A Middle States Accredited School ELEMENTARY SCHOOL s For Our Open Grades K through 8 in U Hou Jo Friday, March 25, 2011 se * 8:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. - Tour our school *

Offering High School Regents Classes in Grades 8th: Algebra, Earth Science, U.S. History

~ Quality Education in a Caring Christian Environment ~ 57 Cleveland Place, S.I., NY 10305 Saint Clare Elementary School Call 718-447-2668 151 Lindenwood Road, Staten Island, NY 10308 718-984-7091 • www.school.stclaresi.com Visit www.sjva.org Please call for more information about our programs and a tour! Values Formed - Talents Fostered - Dreams Fulfilled “One with God, First in Excellence!”

February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND FAmILy 21 www.webfamilyny.comwww.familyresourceny.com Catholic Schools Directory

Continued from page 20 confident, intellectual and moral Saint Clare Elementary young men and women in the School Catholic Tradition. Each student is empowered to embark on life’s jour- 151 Lindenwood Road ney with a strong spiritual, intellec- 718-984-7091 ext 1813 or www.school.stclares.com tual, social and educational founda- tion. The faculty and administration The academy program at Saint Clare is totally dedicated to the goal of School includes an excellent core educating all students to acquire a curriculum in all major subject areas fuller knowledge and better under- (Religion, English Language Arts, standing of themselves, and inculcat- Math, Science and Social Studies), ing a sensitivity towards others and as well as Computer Technology, the world around them. Are you ... Physical Education, Dance and sLooking for family friendly activities? Movement (Kindergarten), Music, Art School at a glance: Grades Pre K – 8; s Wanting to connect with other parents? (Grades K-6) Recorders (2nd Grade), Middle States Accredited; Adherence s)nterested in parent focused articles to Chorus (Grades 3 and 4) and Band to NY State Mandates and (Grades 3-6) Each subject area fol- Guidelines, as well as, those of the inform and intrique? g lows the New York State Standards Archdiocese of New York; Pre-K (3’s as delineated in the Archdiocesan and 4’s); After-School Care Program; Our growing Web Community is waiting for you! Essential Learnings. This year our Accelerated Math Classes in 7th & Places to post, vote and have your voices heard seventh and eighth grade classes 8th, Accelerated Science and Social too. Check It Out Today! are separated into a STEM Program Studies Classes in 8th; State of the (advanced study in Science, Art Science Lab; High Tech Computer Technology, Engineering and math- Lab; Internet Access throughout the Education, Activities, Party, Camp, Special Needs, ematics) or the Institute for Science School. Special classes: Spanish, Art, Baby; these are just a few of the reasons why MOMS and Math which provides a grade Music, Computer, Physical Education are coming to www.webfamilyny.com appropriate challenging curriculum in and Public Speaking. Extracurricular these subject areas. activities: Drama and Theater pro- Our students perform exceptionally grams, Dance club, Student Council, well in all Archdiocesan and State Peer Tutoring, School Newspaper tests as a result of the fine educa- and School Yearbook. Sports tional foundation, as well as excep- Program: Basketball, Baseball, Cross- Win tickets to see 1001 Inventions tional parental support of their chil- Country Track, and Swimming. Local dren. Our students are the recipients Community and Christian oriented at New York Hall of Science! of many scholarships and awards. service projects along with Brownies, Contest presented by Our graduates return to us grate- Daisies and Girl Scouts. We invite ful for the education they received you to visit our school at any time for which enables them to be successful a tour! BROOKLYN • QUEENS • BRONX/RIVERDALE • STATEN ISLAND in High School. We do our best to live up to our mission of building a faith and educational foundation, St. Joseph Parochial one student at a time! School Conveniently located in a wonder- 139 St Mary’s Avenue ful Great Kills neighborhood, this 718 447-7686 or www. year Saint Clare Elementary School stjosephschoolsi.com proudly celebrates 75 years of suc- At St. Joseph’s Parochial School, we cess! Our motto “One With God, believe that a Catholic education is First in Excellence” is personified an advantage that lasts a lifetime. throughout every classroom, every Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8, day, as our mission is to develop nurturing our children through wis- character and a love of learning. We dom, faith, honor and respect. We Now for a limited time only, don’t miss the build a foundation that prepares our work together with family, church students for the best high schools… and community to develop each Blockbuster Exhibit 1001 Inventions! then onto the finest colleges and child’s spiritual, academic and cre- Plus explore over 400 exhibits - See live demonstrations - universities…and then beyond gradu- ative abilities, while fostering respon- Discover the wonder of science and technology. ation to become a significant contri- sibility and independence. We have Enter for your chance to win a Family 4-Pak of Admission tickets. bution to society. dedicated and supportive faculty and staff. St. Joseph’s is a school that you Enter online at www.webfamilyny.com | Deadline to enter is Feb. 28, 2011. Saint John Villa can believe in. We offer many activi- ties that help develop your child/chil- Winners will be drawn and contacted on March 15, 2011 Academy Elementary dren socially, academically and teach 5 Winners will receive a family School them to participate in any activity to 5 Runners up will receive 57 Cleveland Place the best of their ability. We invite 4-Pak of Admission tickets plus NYSCI T-shirts a NYSCI T-shirt 718 447-2668 or www.sjva.org you to come and visit, take a look at Saint John Villa Academy nurtures a safe environment, in a caring family and shapes children into mature, atmosphere. 22 STATEN ISLAND FAmILy • February 2011 Consultations Testing, Evaluations & Psychotherapy Cradle to Certified BULLieS2BUddieS trainer. Seminars now College Reaching, Teaching, Educating, Motivating forming PEDIATRICS Does Your ChilD have a Problem at home? BIRTH TO AGE 21 at sChool? With Peers? We Can helP! We know nothing worries parents more than a child who is angry, Give Your Child the Best Possible Care failing or unhappy. We have helped families like yours. Let us help! our Center sPeCializes in: Dr. Vincent Broillet Attention Deficit Disorder • Anger Management • Bi-Polar Disorder Birth Experienced Emergency Room Physician Social Skills • School Underachievement • Disrespectful Defiant Behavior • Groups tO • Aspergers & High Functioning Autism • IEP’s & 504’s • School Consultations AGE 21 Dr. Arthur Buonaspina Your ChilD Will Gain Board Certified in Pediatric Infectious Diseases Self Control & Focus • Improved Mood• Self Esteem & Confidence Motivation & Direction • Respect for Others Most Over 30 Years Combined Experience in Evidence Based Pediatrics Insurances Dr. STEVEN SUSSMAN, PhD accepted Child & Adolescent Psychologist • On Call 24 hours/7 Days • We do not overuse (718) 948-5800 • 56 Seguine Avenue a week antibiotics www.childrensuccess.com • Pre-Natal Consultations • Morning, Evening and welcomed Weekend hours • We try to keep our • Most Insurances patients out of the ER accepted Art Classes At Art Lab 2627 Hylan Boulevard, New Dorp 718-447-8667 (Building C – Between Sterling & Beach Avenues Please Call for an Appointment www.artlab.info [email protected]

718.351.7517 For your children and you at Art Lab, call today for your free brochure and get started creating something! We have classes for ages 3 through Ltd. adults in cartooning, photography, since 1975 Suzanne’s Fashion Corner painting, bookmaking and more! Art Lab is located on the beautiful grounds of Snug Harbor Cultural Center and at 1000 Richmond Terrace. Call us for more information about our school and galleries. We’d love to hear from you today!

Beautiful Clothing & Accessories Children’s hArBOr for Women, Children MOnTessOri sChOOl & Babies Open house & registration for Fall 2011 Sunday, March 6, 2011 • 10 am to 12 noon Toddler and Pre Primary Programs Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm for children 2 to 6 years of age including Kindergarten Special Holiday Hours Universal Pre K Provider • Full and Half Day Options • Extended Hours All Major Credit & Debit Cards Accepted • Individualized Montessori Curriculum • Art, Yoga, Music, Computers Layaway Available American Montessori Society Affiliated. Lic. by NYC Board of health. Chartered by NYS Board of Regents. Admitting students 656 Forest Ave. of any race, color, creed and national or ethnic origins. and 513 Bement Ave. At Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Phone & Fax (718) 442-8992 Botanical Garden 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building F, Staten Island, NY 10301 • 718-442-6112 www.suzannesfashioncorner.com

February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND FAmILy 23 Mental HealtH Never say never

By Monica Brown published in the December 2010 ble child,” says Dr. Katherine Halmi, Even young issue of “Pediatrics,” it is estimated a board-certified pediatrician and began as an anorexic when I that 0.5 percent of adolescent girls clinical researcher at Weill Cornell kids are at was 11 years old. Then I dis- in the U.S. have anorexia, and one Medical Center. “Remember, the “I covered bulimia when I was to two percent meet criteria for bu- child(ren) who get this, tend to be 15 and struggled with the disease limia. There is now an increasing highly anxious, highly perfectionis- risk for eating until I was 36 years old. This disease recognition of eating disorders in tic, insecure kids. They are psycho- robbed me of my health, life, and re- males, which now represent up to logically and, probably, biologically disorders lationships,” a middle-aged woman 10 percent of all cases of eating vulnerable to develop anorexia when with a history of eating disorders disorders, as well as in children of the environment is provocative.” posted on an online forum. “I am younger ages. An analysis by the A provocative environment that now 44 years old. I now have cardio- Agency for Healthcare Research and includes, she says, mothers who myopathy (weakening of the heart Quality revealed that from 1999 to obsess over dieting and exercise. muscle) … unstable blood pressure 2006, hospitalizations for eating dis- While there’s widespread disagree- … I have constant heart palpitations, orders in children under 12 years of ment over theories like that one, nu- and I’m on a ton of meds that I have age increased by 119 percent. tritional experts say that, because of to live on the rest of my life just to Experts say it’s difficult to mea- those rising statistics, and because live a close-to-normal existence. All sure the reasons for such an in- obesity rates in children — another for anorexia/bulimia. All to be in con- crease in younger children. But doc- type of eating disorder — are on the trol and all to be thin.” tors continue to study the causes of rise, it’s more important than ever Thirty-three years ago, when her the illness, in hopes that they can for parents to reinforce healthy eat- struggle began as a young girl, this change those rising statistics. While ing habits at home. woman’s case may have been an there are different factors that con- “Be a good role model. This is anomaly. But today, it’s a far different tribute to each individual case, some especially critical for mothers with story. While experts believe the pre- constants remain across the board. their daughters. Eat well, choosing dominant onset of illness is between “With young kids, it’s a fear ele- a variety of foods. Enjoy an occa- 12 and 18 years of age, recent studies ment. It’s an irrational fear element, sional dessert, pizza or bag of chips suggest younger children are more and it could be that there’s an enor- and enjoy them without guilt,” says at risk these days than ever before. mous amount of emphasis (in the Christine M. Palumbo, a registered In a new clinical report from the home) on dieting and weight, which dietician and adjunct faculty mem- American Academy of Pediatrics, could produce fear in a suscepti- ber at Benedictine University in Na- perville, IL. “Don’t criticize the size of your thighs or belly. And by all What is anorexia? eting behavior, but gradually pro- to isolate themselves from others. means, never suggest to your child According to medical experts, gresses to extreme and unhealthy Other mental health problems, like that she is overweight. Don’t count anorexia is an eating disorder in weight loss. Social attitudes to- anxiety disorders, are often pres- calories or exercise just to burn calo- which people intentionally starve ward body appearance, family ent in anorexia patients. ries you’ve just eaten. Be physically themselves. It causes extreme influences, genetics, and neuro- active, because it’s fun and makes weight loss, which the National In- chemical and developmental fac- What is bulimia? you feel good afterward.” stitute of Mental Health defines as tors are considered possible con- Bulimia is defined as uncon- at least 15 percent below the indi- tributors to the cause of anorexia. trolled episodes of bingeing (ex- early intervention vidual’s normal body weight. Doctors say people who de- cessive overeating) that are usu- and treatment can Food and weight become obses- velop anorexia are more likely to ally followed by purging (self-in- be lifesaving sions. Compulsiveness may cause come from families with a his- duced vomiting), misuse of laxa- There’s one thing experts can strange eating rituals or the re- tory of weight problems, physical tives, enemas, fasting, or excessive agree on: early intervention and fusal to eat in front of others. It illness, and other mental health exercise to control weight. When treatment is the key to getting a child is not uncommon for people with problems, like depression or sub- an individual with bulimia binges, or teenager with anorexia and/or bu- anorexia to collect recipes and stance abuse. They may come she usually will eat much larger limia the help needed to eventually prepare gourmet feasts for family from families that are challenged amounts of food than would nor- save her life. Kidney and other organ and friends, but not partake in the by appropriate problem solving, mally be consumed within a short damage, heart problems, bone loss, meals themselves. They may also being too rigid, overly-critical, in- period of time (usually less than and a host of other health issues can adhere to strict exercise routines trusive, and overprotective. Those two hours). Eating binges occur plague a child with an eating disor- to keep off weight. with anorexia may also be depen- at least twice a week for three der well into adulthood, if interven- The cause of anorexia is not dent and immature in their emo- months and may occur as often as tion doesn’t take place early on. known. It can begin as innocent di- tional development, and are likely several times a day. Parents who suspect their child might have an eating disorder should

24 STATEN ISLAND Family • February 2011 first schedule a thorough exam with the family pediatrician, who can chart the child’s proper weight and height, and rule out any other medi- cal issues. The next step is to find a trained psychotherapist who can begin to work with the child, and in many cases, the family. Maudsley therapy Traditional therapies have fo- cused on treating the patient indi- vidually, but a newer approach has emerged in recent years, and some experts believe this can be much more effective for young children and adolescents. The Maudsley Technique is an intensive outpatient treatment that focuses on the family unit — parents play an active and positive role in order to focus on three key elements of treatment: • Helping to restore their child’s weight to normal levels expected given her age and height. • Giving the control over eating back to the patient. • Encouraging normal child/ado- lescent development through an in- depth discussion of these crucial de- velopmental issues as they pertain to their child. “Families should be involved,” says Dr. Evelyn Attia, Director of the Center for Eating Disorders at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, a program that is known for being the only specialized, psychiatric inpa- tient unit dedicated to eating disor- der patients in New York state. “We know that (family therapy) will im- prove the likelihood of success.” For young children in treatment, the concerns go beyond just specific medical and psychological care. Chil- dren in this program also meet with a certified teacher each weekday for classroom time and spend the after- noons completing homework assign- to do the hard work every day to see legal citizen, and they can refuse Early intervention and ments. The hospital works closely the results. care. And it’s impossible to com- with local school districts to ensure While treatment options can vary mit somebody for treatment, unless treatment is the key to the continuity of their coursework. from program to program, doctors say they’re near death.” getting a child or teenager During a patient’s stay at the facility, there’s one thing every family must For more information on the Eating families can undergo treatment, using do: get help quickly — mainly because Disorder Center at New York–Presbyte- with anorexia or bulimia some of the Maudsley techniques. they want their child to be healthy as rian, visit nyp.org. the help needed to “Eating disorders affect the entire soon as possible, but also, because For more information on the Maudsley family, especially when the patient is forcing children into treatment before Technique, visit maudsleyparents.org. eventually save her life. young,” says Attia. they are old enough to decide for Monica Brown is a cable television And while doctors say they have themselves could save their lives. news anchor and freelance writer. She learned to incorporate some of the “The real emphasis needs to be also conducts public speaking work- methods used in Maudsley therapy on diagnosing and treating children shops for both children and adults. during inpatient care, they also and teenagers before they reach the Monica lives on Staten Island with her stress that Maudsley is critical to age of 18,” Halmi emphasizes. “Once husband and two children and can be outpatient care, where families have they reach the age of 18, they’re a reached at [email protected]. February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND Family 25 personal essay Improving school for disabled kids By Marilyn Scattoreggio The problem lies in the case of diploma “individualized education Overturning Board of Education v. Rowley — program track” that, too often, does ith the release of “Wait- which the United States Supreme not give children the useful instruc- Rowley, the ing for Superman,” a docu- Court passed in 1982. In Rowley, it tion they need to lead productive W mentary film that attempts was determined that the Act only and independent lives. to give answers to a very complex guarantees a “basic floor of oppor- We have also seen the passage- problem, everyone is talking about tunity,” meaning that public schools way between schools and the crimi- Kryptonite education and what we, as a nation, only need to provide disabled stu- nal justice system grow so large that need to do to raise the standards so dents with an education that allows it is almost as if there is a pipeline of special that our children can compete in the them to make “some progress.” to juvenile detention, as schools in- 21st century. But these discussions The individualized program need creasingly use the courts to circum- leave out a very important demo- not be the best one, nor one that vent their responsibility to identify education graphic of children and the educa- will maximize the child’s educational and provide an education to stu- tion problem they face. potential corresponding with the op- dents with disabilities. For all the talk about raising na- portunity offered to non-disabled It is time we did better for all chil- tional standards for education, we students — rather, it need only be a dren. We need to discover strengths keep forgetting that there are more program that the child will somehow in every child and nurture them, than 6.5 million kids with disabili- benefit from. even if it means redesigning the cur- ties who receive services based on What this means, in practice, is riculum to accommodate the unique a federal law, known as the Indi- that all this talk about excellence in abilities and talents of each and viduals with Disabilities Education education does not apply to disabled every child. We need to teach all chil- Act. This law entitles all students students. dren how to think, question, and be with disabilities to receive a free ap- Every parent knows that a fourth- creative to the best of their abilities. propriate public education — which grade reading level will not trans- We, as a country, need to ensure means an individualized education late into academic success at the that all children are entitled to excel- program designed to meet the stu- college level. But when parents of lence in their education. It is time for dent’s needs. disabled students question the edu- Congress to amend the Individuals cation their children receive with Disabilities Education Act and in public schools, the schools say “goodbye” to Rowley. Equal op- usually cite Rowley. portunity is a bedrock principle in “We don’t have to give you the United States. Upon this prin- the best education — your ciple rests the hopes and dreams of child only has to make ‘some all of our children. progress,’ ” is a familiar refrain While the average child in this to any parent of a disabled country is “Waiting for Superman” child who seeks to address a to save her education, we must re- lack of significant progress — member that more than 6.5 million whether in reading, writing, students with disabilities are also math, critical thinking, or life waiting for us to do something. Un- skills. less we change the standard — now And advocates and attor- — our children will still be left in the neys who work in the trenches basement while we talk about educa- have seen the impact of this tional excellence for everyone else. low standard. We have seen Marilyn Scattoreggio has been an schools — even in high wealth education advocate for more than 20 areas — graduating students years. She works as the supervisor of who cannot adequately read, education advocacy at the Long Island write or do basic math calcu- Advocacy Center, Inc., in Suffolk County. lations. We have seen schools This essay is her personal opinion and place many students on a non- not that of her employer.

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GBS_TravelHost.4.666x.4.92.bw.1.indd 1 11/15/10 12:51 PM February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND Family 27 Parenting Stopping bullies

By Allison Plitt Profile of a bully she handled a situation, don’t criti- City schools Despite the common conception cize her or assume that she did here has been a national trend that bullies are loners, most children something to provoke the bullying. advise on in bullying within the last de- who bully make friends easily and “Getting a child to calm down and T cade, with several events with have a group of peers who support trust that you’re on their side will re- tragic results in the last few months or encourage their bullying. Children ally help the conversation later on,” how to help alone. Now, the city’s Department who bully other students tend to be suggested Broyde. “This helps par- of Education is taking steps to give impulsive, lack empathy, have dif- ents obtain as much information as teachers and parents ways to recog- ficulty following rules, view violence possible about the bullying. The next victims and nize and stop bullying. in a positive way, and have average step in the conversation would be The Department has launched or above-average self-esteem. ‘How might you have handled this seminars in schools citywide, which “Boys are more straight-forward differently’ or ‘Let’s problem solve tormentors teach parents and teachers about and physical about bullying, while this together.’ ” the symptoms a child may display if girls are more sly and underhanded Many times, children don’t tell their she is being bullied by classmates, about it,” Broyde observed. Gossip- parents about being bullied, because and ways to stop it. ing, cliques and social exclusion are they don’t want to be tattletales. “This is a school-wide initiative forms of non-verbal, emotional bully- “Often bullies will say, ‘What are we are working on together. It’s ev- ing that girls tend to use. you going to do, tell on me?’ Parents erybody’s job to become involved,” need to explain to their children the Rivky Broyde, a coordinator of Early effects of bullying difference between tattling and the Intervening Services told teachers Children who have been bullied appropriateness of telling an adult and parents in a recent workshop. show signs of depression, loneli- for a purpose.” In Broyde’s opinion, violence on ness, and anxiety. They lack self- Don’t advise that your child ig- television shows and video games is esteem and an interest in school nore the bully, because it makes the a contributing factor to the increas- and often feel sick, are absent from situation more serious. ing number of cases of bullying in school, and, in the worst-case sce- “If a child doesn’t learn how to the U.S. She also believes that as narios, are suicidal. speak up for himself, the bullying more children spend time on the Enrolling your child in activities will not end,” Broyde warns. Internet and social networking web- in which she can enjoy and excel But a child should never hit back, sites, there has been an inclination can help boost her self-confidence, because once he does, he’s at fault for students to cyberbully. Without which can help her be more asser- because physical retaliation is not necessary parental supervision, chil- tive when she is being bullied. tolerated in schools, even if a child dren have been able to post inappro- “Parents can help build their is provoked. priate comments online. child’s self-confidence by encour- “The statements victims make As a result of this trend, more aging their talents and making cannot be antagonistic, because if schools have been teaching social them feel good about themselves,” the victim starts to make fun of the and emotional education, although Broyde explained. “Bullies usually bully, the situation will escalate,” says no mandated laws require it. have too much self-esteem or think Broyde. “One idea about how to dif- “Studies have really shown that too highly of themselves, so they fuse the tension in a confrontation is social and emotional education actu- put others down. We need to build to use humor or make an irrelevant ally has a positive affect on academ- the self-esteem of the victims than remark to throw the bully off guard.” ics,” Broyde stated. “It doesn’t take that of the perpetrators to bring Victims should not show fear or away from the academics in any way. the bullies down a notch.” anger, but rather, calmly tell the bully It only enhances it.” If you’re uncomfortable with the to stop. Because children bully for The department’s workshops types of friends your children are attention, Broyde believes that some- draw upon information gathered by spending time with, you can initi- times the best solution is to tell the the US Department of Health and ate play dates with other students. bully to stop and then walk away. Human Services and the National Forming new friendships also in- The best advice for children being Association of School Psycholo- creases a child’s self-assurance in bullied is to avoid bullies as much as gists. In accordance with their re- social situations. possible. search, bullying is defined as “an imbalance of power in which the intervention School intervention victims have difficulty defending If you suspect your child is being When a child is too afraid to con- themselves.” Most bullying takes bullied, help her calm down, be- front a bully, the parents should place when children are middle- cause it will be easier to gain her immediately contact the school, not school age or teenagers. trust. Even if you disagree with how the parents of the bully. The school

28 STATEN ISLAND Family • February 2011 should act as a mediator by bringing that parents enroll them in athletic teacher also notices the child hav- also created its own peer mediation both parents together to assist them activities as an outlet for their extra ing difficulty socially among friends, program, which is being taught to in resolving the problem. energy. there can be a joint effort between students. Children role play from a Once a parent is notified that their One of the ways parents can teach the school and the parents in work- script and learn how to resolve con- child has been bullying, the par- their children values such as com- ing on some of those social skills.” flicts between students. ent should enforce consequences for passion, caring and respect, is by “The strategy has proven effec- their behavior, such as less free time reading books to them with these Peer intervention tive, as peer pressure encourages watching television or playing on the messages. If your child notices a bully pick- students to respect each other in- computer. “Reading books to your children ing on another student, the best stead of blaming an intervening “If the punishment is too severe, is one of the easiest and also one thing to do is not laugh with the teacher for taking sides,” Broyde ex- it can lead to a more antagonistic re- of the most powerful ways for chil- bully, as this only fuels the taunting. plained. lationship between the child and the dren to learn about values,” Broyde If your child feels safe confronting In implementing seminar and parent,” says Broyde. said. “The message isn’t coming at the bully, he should tell the bully to workshops, the department is mak- them directly, and they’re not get- stop, as this shows the bully that no ing concerted efforts to tackle a Preventing a bully ting a speech from mom and dad. one thinks he’s funny. problem that is now being addressed The best way to prevent a child Sometimes indirectly going through However, if your child does feel he by schools across the nation. from becoming a bully is to make an stories, kids can identify with char- would be in danger of being bullied “We can have these straight-A col- effort to speak and act considerately acters that they really love, so himself, Broyde suggests two ways lege students, and if they lack a so- and resolve problems in a non-vio- the message gets imbued in those he can assist in the situation. cially emotional side, it doesn’t bode lent manner. ways.” “First, by not participating in the well for our future. We really have to “When children are around, par- While there are ways schools can taunting, the other students are not only educate the mind but the ents need to think about what type counsel parents whose children sending a message that they aren’t heart at the same time,” says Broyde. of models they should be setting for bully, parents of victims can also supporting the bully’s behavior. If For more information about bully- them,” Broyde remarked. “By demon- work with the school to help their they do not laugh at the bullying, ing, visit www.stopbullyingnow.com. strating respectful behaviors, such own children in social situations. they take the power away from the Allison Plitt is a staff writer for Family as not making fun of somebody’s “If a parent notices their child is bully who is acting out for attention. Publications New York and a mother outfit at a party, parents are being impulsive, hyperactive or inappro- Second, the bystander should tell an living in Queens with a preschool-age that model so their children can see priate with social skills, the bully adult about the bullying, or offer to daughter. If you have any ideas you’d those positive behaviors at home.” might be annoyed with this type accompany the victim to an adult to like to share with her about resources Since bullies have a tendency to- of behavior,” Broyde stated. “If you advise them of the situation.” for families in Queens, please feel free to wards delinquency, it is suggested mention this to the school and the The Department of Education has contact her at [email protected].

February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND Family 29 Parenting In the mood Teens and emotional swings

o, I’m not talking about the Glenn Miller song our par- N ents used to swing to. I’m talking about those pesky mood swings for which our teenagers are Lions and infamous — one minute she’s in a fabulous mood, the next, she’s Cru- tigers and ella D’Evil with a hangover! Save your breath. These are the teens times you need to find your sense Myrna Beth haskell of humor — and make a beeline to your cabinet where you store the herbal tea. Why the drama? Many experts say it’s normal for teens to have mood swings. We’re told we can blame them on those nasty little hormones. “Hormones do play a part in moodiness. In the teen years, there is a perfect storm of physiologic, fuses to tell me about her day. If she that your teen is just going through social, academic, family, and devel- comes home from school in a dumpy her typical ups and downs, no need opmental challenges,” says Robin mood, I’ve learned to give her space. to fret. After all, you made it through Goodman, PhD, director of A Car- I wait before trying to speak with her those “terrible two” tantrums fairly ing Hand bereavement center, and about what’s going on, and, often- unscathed. This, too, shall pass. a consultant to Allegheny General times, if I don’t barrage her with ques- Hospital. “It’s a tough time for navi- tions, she’ll eventually want to discuss tips and tales gating the many choices and social what’s bothering her, because she “Don’t try to reason or argue with pressures out there, which can cre- won’t be able to hold it in any longer. him. It will only aggravate the situ- ate a great deal of stress.” There are times, however, when ation. If your teen swung into a bad In addition, teens are also moving parents should not assume that mood, chances are he’ll swing out away from family and parents as their the latest drama is a typical teen soon. Just walk away.” main source of support as they try to mood swing. Always rely on your Polina Banuelos, Watertown, NY solidify their identity. On top of the instincts. “I remind myself that teenage peer many social and physical changes “Parents have a history with their pressure is difficult. Then, I attempt teens are coping with, many are also teens. If they are worried, there is a to determine what has triggered my dealing with academic expectations good chance that there’s something daughter’s mood swing. When all and pressures due to the college of concern,” says Goodman. else fails, I head to Starbucks and search process. All of this can wreak She instructs parents to pay at- purchase her a soothing tea latte.” havoc on your teen’s mood. tention to signs of real difficulty, Clarissa Goins, Poughkeepsie, NY Goodman suggests talking “with,” including the following behaviors, not “at” your teen. which may indicate that your teen Share your ideas “Keep in mind that teens want is in trouble and might need profes- Upcoming topic: to feel heard and understood,” she sional help: withdrawal, isolation, Your teen has a bad case of spring advises. low energy, worrisome changes in fever. How do you help him stay fo- Don’t minimize your teen’s feel- eating and sleeping habits, acting cused? ings by saying things like, “It will out physically or sexually, a sudden Please send your full name, address, get better.” Remember that limits drop in grades, and signs of suicide, and brief comments to: myrnahaskell@ are good and help keep your teen such as giving away possessions, ex- gmail.com, or visit: www.myrnahaskell. grounded. treme euphoria or agitation. com “When a teen’s mood is interfer- Myrna Beth Haskell is a feature writer time to worry … or ing with functioning at school, with and columnist specializing in parenting walk away? friends, and with family, parents issues and children’s development. Her My daughter is full of extremes. need to get to the bottom of what is work appears in publications across the She is either an excited chatter box, going on,” she says. United States and Canada. She is the or she’s down in the dumps and re- On the other hand, if you sense mother of two teenagers.

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February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND Family 31 by Carlos Saura Flamenco Hoy Families

Stay-at-home dads The benefits of this working model for modern family life

By Candi SparkS pleasure in parenting their children house. A father who is physically and caring for the home. It can be and emotionally available builds he recent influx of stay-at- a respite from the pressures of the better relationships with his chil- home dads is creating a working world and the bleak job dren — and with his wife. T new model for the modern market. Their contributions to the Brett, a stay-at-home dad from family. The stay-at-home dad is a home and family in this new capac- Queens, says he enjoys taking care more involved partner for his wife ity are priceless. of his daughter Ava full-time, be- and a more involved parent for his At a time when fathers are known cause it is a relief from the pres- children. His presence provides a to be absent from the home because sures of his previous job in finance. level of comfort and protection for of long hours on the job, separa- He decided to stay at home, be- the family, and many men seem tion, divorce, work or military duty, cause his experience trying to find to enjoy staying at home and find it is a plus to have a man around the a job was disheartening, and the

32 STATEN ISLAND Family • February 2011 Families A father who is physically and Looking for fun emotionally available with the kids? builds better relation­ ships with his children — and with his wife. WIN

ribbons and multiple ponytails all at once, which meant her dad had TICKETS let her do the styling herself. Re- gardless of how her hair was fash- ioned, Jenn was confident in her For you & appearance, and Danielle thinks it was because father and daughter your family (4) worked on creating a masterpiece together. Some fathers choose to stay at to local family needed to save the monthly home, because they don’t want $2,000 they paid for childcare. to miss a minute of their children family friendly But he is happy to be a stay-at- growing up. home dad, because he and Ava “It is important to put first shows are bonding more than they would things first, and the children come have under other circumstances. first,” says David, who stays at his Visit our website Ava is confident that he is there home in the Bronx. “Their person- www.webfamilyny.com for her when she needs him, and alities change and grow so quickly even feels special that she is the that you have to be there while and register to win only child at her nursery school they’re young, or you’ll miss it. who is not picked up by a mother Once they get to high school and or nanny. college, they naturally pull away. “Brett can handle any situa- Get as many moments as you can tion that comes up with Ava and while they’re young.” doesn’t have to consult with me He says that he is not the best Attention All Writers! before making decisions, the way cook, but he is the best interactive a babysitter normally would,” says listener and homework helper. As his wife, Marie. far as he is concerned, the quality We’re looking for Marie appreciates having Brett time with his kids is more impor- at home because she can focus tant than feeding them gourmet personal essays at work with few interruptions. meals. about you, your family and life With Brett keeping things running A stay-at-home dad is not only smoothly, she knows that their good for the kids, but can be in your community. “love bank” is full. good for his wife as well. Men can Although men may need time become much more involved in to develop the skill set it takes the communication aspect of the Partner with us and share your to keep a home and care for the relationship when their focus is family, they can learn how to do shifted from the workplace, lead- stories and your memories. it in their own way, and often ing to a renewed intimacy that is Stay-at-home dads enjoy doing so. There is a learning good for both partners. curve to preparing children for A dad staying at home is not Email [email protected] to school in the morning and getting a feminization of the male, but The benefits of this working model for modern family life a meal on the table in the evening, rather a chance for the man to have your piece included in our but fathers can be innovative in bring his special touch to what By Candi SparkS pleasure in parenting their children house. A father who is physically performing each task and their was formerly considered a wom- magazine and on our website. and caring for the home. It can be and emotionally available builds results may help their children in an’s world. A man who under- he recent influx of stay-at- a respite from the pressures of the better relationships with his chil- the long run. stands what it takes to run a home home dads is creating a working world and the bleak job dren — and with his wife. Danielle, a first-grade teacher and take care of kids can make T new model for the modern market. Their contributions to the Brett, a stay-at-home dad from in Brooklyn, can always tell when both partners feel better appre- family. The stay-at-home dad is a home and family in this new capac- Queens, says he enjoys taking care fathers dress kids for school, es- ciated, and leave more time for more involved partner for his wife ity are priceless. of his daughter Ava full-time, be- pecially when it comes to girls’ both of them to build on their and a more involved parent for his At a time when fathers are known cause it is a relief from the pres- hairstyles. One of her students, relationship. children. His presence provides a to be absent from the home because sures of his previous job in finance. Jenn, would have her hair in neat Candi Sparks is the author of the level of comfort and protection for of long hours on the job, separa- He decided to stay at home, be- parts with bows, beads or rib- “Can I Have Some Money?” book se- the family, and many men seem tion, divorce, work or military duty, cause his experience trying to find bons, thanks to her mom. Other ries. You can follow her on Twitter and to enjoy staying at home and find it is a plus to have a man around the a job was disheartening, and the days, she would arrive with bows, Facebook as Candi Sparks (writer). February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND Family 33 Technology What’s beneficial about video games

hat used to be called cabin ers can switch from task to task For children to get these benefits, fever has morphed into much faster than non-gamers, mak- parents have to pay attention to the W video game virus. Symp- ing them better multitaskers. games they play. The most important GrowinG Up toms include staring at a screen with • Vision: Researchers found step is researching any game before occasional whoops of triumph or that a gamer’s vision is more acute. it comes into the house. Although online outbursts of dismay. After non-gamers were tested, then there are many websites for gamers, Carolyn Jabs Parents often think of video games trained to play video games, then reviews tend to overlook issues that as little more than virtual babysit- tested again, not only did their visual matter to parents. Instead, compare ters, something to be tolerated and acuity improve, but the improve- comments on family-centered sites occasionally encouraged when par- ment was durable over as much as like www.commonsensemedia.com, ents have to meet a deadline or need two years. whattheyplay.com or grandtheftchil- some downtime. But new research • Spatial cognition: The ability drehood.com, a site run by Olson. suggests that some games can pro- to mentally manipulate 3D figures Basic information about video helps students succeed in math and game ratings is available at ESRB. engineering. Researchers have found org, a website which explains the that scores improve after students reasoning beyond the ratings for have experience with video games, each game. especially action games in three di- Once a game is in the house, be mensional environments. Perhaps aware of what’s happening when your this is because gamers use the fron- child plays. Keeping the game system tal cortex of the brain in the same in a public part of the house gives you the way musicians do. MRI studies a chance to see the game as it unfolds done at York University in Toronto and observe your child’s responses. found that gamers use much less Encourage your child to share favor- brain power than non-gamers when ite parts of the game and, if you can, they do small motor tasks. learn a little bit about how to play. • Social skills: Most teens play Being more involved allows you to es- games with other people, and games tablish gaming rules that make sense. that require strategy and problem- Parents often make the mistake of solving often promote conversa- giving a child a two-minute warn- tion. Researchers have found that ing before gametime ends. For the games which require cooperation child immersed in a complicated role- to achieve a pro-social goal actually playing game, that really isn’t enough encourage people to help each other time. You may also want to be more in real life. flexible about time when children are • Emotional release: Dr. Christo- playing games with friends. mote the development of valuable pher Ferguson of Texas A&M Univer- One rule should remain firm: video skills, much as sports does. sity gave 100 young people a frustrat- games should never be allowed to They’ve also discovered that ac- ing task and then randomly assigned crowd out other activities that are tion games create distinct benefits. them to do one of four things: play important for healthy child devel- Daphne Bavelier, professor of a non-violent game, play a violent opment. Kids need adults help in brain and cognitive sciences at the game as the “good guy,” play a vio- creating balanced lives that include University of Rochester, runs a lab lent game as the “bad guy,” or not exercise, homework, chores, reading, that has conducted more than 20 play video games at all. The young family time and other activities. If studies on video games and con- people who played the violent game parents are committed to that kind of cluded that action games are may from either point of view reported balance over the long-term, it won’t give kids an advantage in several b e i n g l e s s “ h o s t i l e a n d d e p r e s s e d .” matter one bit if there’s an extra hour areas including: • Self confidence: In the book of gaming on a dreary winter day. • Attention: Playing video games “Grand Theft Childhood?,” Cheryl Carolyn Jabs, MA, has been writing may teach youngsters focus on the K. Olson, a researcher at Massachu- about families and the Internet for over task at hand. Tests showed gamers setts General Hospital’s Center for 15 years. She is the mother of three were able to detect new informa- Mental Health and Media, found that computer-savvy kids. Other Growing Up tion quickly and integrate it into games can be a source of self-esteem Online columns appear on her website their thinking efficiently. Bavelier’s and pride, especially for children www.growing-up-online.com. research also suggests that gam- who are challenged in other areas. @ Copyright, 2011, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

34 STATEN ISLAND Family • February 2011 February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND Family 35 Going Places

Long-running Toddler storytime: Barnes & Noble, Submit a listing 2245 Richmond Ave. at Travis Avenue; Going Places is dedicated to (718) 982-6983; www.barnesandno- bringing our readers the most ble.com; Tuesdays, 10:30 am–Noon, comprehensive events calendar Free. in your area. But to do so, we A different book and songs each need your help! week. All your have to do is send your listing request to calendar@ Tot’s time plus: Staten Island Chil- cnglocal.com — and we’ll take dren’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ter- care of the rest. Please e-mail race; (718) 273-2060; Tuesdays and requests more than three weeks Thursdays, 11 am–1 pm, Now – Thurs, prior to the event to ensure we March 31; Admission plus $5 per child. have enough time to get it in. Parent and child enjoy activities. And best of all, it’s FREE! Clay day: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace; Librarian shares her favorite picture (718) 273-2060; Wednesdays, 11 am–1 books. pm, Now – Thurs, March 31; Free with admisison. Children work with ceramics. Tues, Jan. 25 After school club: Historic Rich- “Knickerbocker Holiday”: Alice mond Town, Clarke Avenue at Gilbert Tully Hall, 1941 Broadway; (646) 202- Street; (718) 351-1611 X 281; reser- 9623; www.collegiatechorale.org; 8 [email protected]; pm; $25. www.nycgovparks.org. Wednesdays, Staring Ben Davis, Christopher Fitzger- 3:30 pm; Free (cost of book additional). ald, Victor Garber, David Garrison, Kelli Students in grades four through O’Hara and Bryce Pinkham and pre- seven read and discuss selected books. sented by the Collegiate Chorale. “The Ohmies, Morning Wish Garden”: The Daryl Roth Theater, 101 Wed, Jan. 26 E. 15th St. at Park Avenue South; (212) Lunch and learn: Oriental Plaza Res- 239-6200; ohmies.cmail1.com; Thurs- taurant, 1845 Richmond Ave. (718) 727- days – Sundays, 11 am and 1:30 pm, 1135; www.statenislandmuseum.org; Now – Sun, Jan. 30; $36. Noon; $26 ($22 for members). Children ages 3 to 8 enjoy an inter- Celebrate Chinese New Year - the active musical experience. Year of the Rabbit. Tavern concerts: Historic Richmond Teen art: New Dorp Library, 309 New Town, Clarke Avenue at Gilbert Street; Dorp Lane; (718) 351-2977; www.nypl.

(718) 351-1611 X 270; Saturdays, 7:30 Photo by Chard Rachman/NY Post org; 3 pm; Free. and 9 pm, Now – Sat, April 23; $15 ($12 members). Art projects. Featuring local talent. Reservations “Knickerbocker Holiday”: 8 pm. required. Groundhog glory Alice Tully Hall. See Tuesday, Jan. 25. Income tax prep: Dongan Hills Li- t’s Chuck’s time to shine. while the crowd waits until 7:30 brary, 1617 Richmond Rd at Four Cor- Bring the whole family am for Chuck to decide the dura- Thurs, Jan. 27 ners Road; (718) 351-1444; www.nypl. down to the Staten Island Zoo tion of this chilliest of seasons. org; Thursday, Feb. 3, 11 am; Monday, I Wii: Tottenville Branch Library, 7430 this Feb. 2 for that grand old tra- Guests are also invited to have Feb. 7, noon; Thursday, Feb. 10, 11 am; Amboy Rd. (718) 984-0945; www.nypl. Monday, Feb. 14, noon; Thursday, Feb. dition of finding out whether we breakfast with Chuck, but you org; 2:30 pm; Free. 17, 11 am; Thursday, Feb. 24, 11 am; will have six more weeks of win- must pre-register. Teens compete through video games. Monday, Feb. 28, noon; Free. ter or an early spring. Groundhog Day Celebration at Tax counseling for seniors and low- The Staten Isla nd Zoo’s Ground - the Staten Island Zoo [614 Broadway Sat, Jan. 29 income persons. hog Day Celebration will feature at Colonial Court in West Brighton, Biscuit storytime: Barnes & Noble, an appearance by Staten Island (718) 442-3101], Feb. 2 at 6 am. 2245 Richmond Ave. at Travis Avenue; Mon, Jan. 24 Chuck, the city’s only weather Breakfast is $10 for adults, $5 for chil- (718) 982-6983; www.barnesandnoble. Read aloud: Huguenot Park Branch forecasting groundhog. dren under five. For info, visit www. com; 10:30 am; Free. Library, 830 Huguenot Ave.; (718) 984- There will be music and fun statenislandzoo.org. Enjoy a story about everyone’s favorite 4636; www.nypl.org; 4 pm; Free. dog, Biscuit. 36 STATEN ISLAND Family • February 2011 Going Places Camp Fair: Church of St. Paul the Gung Hay Fat Choy, celebrate the Year Apostle, Columbus Avenue at West of the Rabbit with traditional snacks and 60th Street; (212) 677-4650 X 20; crafts for children ages 5 and up with www.resourcesnyc.org; 11 am–3 pm; adult chaperone. Registration and pre- Free. payment required. Parents and caregivers of children and Nature myths: Blue Heron Nature teens with disabilities obtain information Center, 222 Poillon Ave. between Am- from 70 New York City day camps and boy Road and Hylan Boulevard; (718) sleepaway camps and receive a Camps 2011 Directory. 967-3542; www.nycgovparks.org; 2 pm; Free. Forest tunes with Patrick Separate the fact and fiction of Raferty: Greenbelt Nature Center, nature. 700 Rockland Ave. at Brielle Avenue; (718) 351-3450; www.nycgovparks. Tracy Morgan: St. George Theater, org; 12:30–1:30 pm; Free (cost of book 35 Hyatt St.; (718) 442-2900; www.tick- additional). etmaster.com; 8 pm; $50, $40, $20. Kid-friendly acoustic guitar and vocal “Black and Blue” comedy tour featur- performance. Registration required. ing one of the stars of NBC’s “30 Rock.” For mature audience. Oil pastel workshop: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace; (718) 273-2060; 1, 2 and 3 pm; Mon, Feb. 7 Free with admission to the grounds. Wii: Dongan Hills Library, 1617 Rich- Children learn how to use this me- It’s a live mousical! mond Rd at Four Corners Road; (718) dium with Janice Patrignani. 351-1444; www.nypl.org; 3:30 pm; Winter storytime: Greenbelt Nature et ready to sing along Always the one to show off her Free. Center, 700 Rockland Ave. at Brielle and learn about dance dance skills, will Angelina impress For all ages. Avenue; (718) 351-3450; www.nycgov- G with Angelina Ballerina, the visitor? Bring your tiny dancer Read aloud: 4 pm. Huguenot Park parks.org; 1:30–2:30 pm; Free (cost of the small mouse with big dance to find out as the cast performs Branch Library. See Monday, Jan. 24. book additional). dreams! hip-hop, modern dance, the Irish Children ages 3 to 6 with chaper- The St. George Theatre brings jig and, of course, ballet! After- “The Hidden Reality: Parallel one hear a winter tale. Registration Universes and the Deep Laws of the the popular PBS cartoon to life wards, bring a camera for a special required. Cosmos”: Hayden Planetarium Space on stage with “Angelina Ballerina: “meet and greet” with Angelina Theatre, American Museum of Natu- Musical Chairs Chamber Ensem- The Musical” on Feb. 12. and the gang in the Grand Lobby. ral History, Central Park West at 79th ble: Staten Island Museum, 75 Stuyve- Join Angelina and her friends “Angelina Ballerina: The Musical” Street; (212) 769-5100; www.amnh.org; sant Pl.; (718) 907-3488; mcensemble. Alice, Gracie, AZ, Viki and dance at the St. George Theatre [35 Hyatt 7:30 pm; $15 ($13.50 students, mem- org; 8 pm; $15, ($12 members, $5 stu- bers and seniors). dents under 22). teacher Ms. Mimi, as they an- St. at Central Avenue in St. George, Author and Columbia University pro- Featuring Amanda Romano, harp; Ta- ticipate the arrival of a famous (718) 442-2900], Feb 12 at 11 am and fessor Brian Greene leads lecture on mara Keschecki, flute and Elizabeth Mc- dancer to their dance school, 3 pm. Tickets $15-$22. For info, visit quantum mechanics and the cosmos. Cullough, soprano. Camembert Academy. stgeorgetheatre.com. Book signing to follow. Sun, Jan. 30 3:30 pm; Free. Tues, Feb. 8 Oil pastel workshop: 1, 2 and 3 Thurs, Feb. 3 pm. Staten Island Children’s Museum. For children 13 to 18 years old. Arts and crafts: Dongan Hills Library, Wii: 2:30 pm. Tottenville Branch Li- 1617 Richmond Rd at Four Corners See Saturday, Jan. 29. brary. See Thursday, Jan. 27. Wed, Feb. 2 Road; (718) 351-1444; www.nypl.org; 4 Walkabout in the Outback: Green- Read aloud: Dongan Hills Library, pm; Free. belt Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave. Groundhog day: Staten Island Zoo, 1617 Richmond Rd at Four Corners Teens make a Valentine’s day project. at Brielle Avenue; (718) 351-3450; 614 Broadway; (718) 442-3100; www. Road; (718) 351-1444; www.nypl.org; 4 www.nycgovparks.org; 2–4 pm; Free. statenislandzoo.org; 6:30 am; $10 ($5 pm; Free. Wed, Feb. 9 Join educators for a walkabout for children under 5). For children ages 3 to 5. through the center and then enjoy a Book discussion: Dongan Hills Li- Spend the day with Staten Island celebration of Australian poetry and brary, 1617 Richmond Rd at Four Cor- music, presented by Doris Nielsen and Chuck, and find out if it’s six more Sat, Feb. 5 ners Road; (718) 351-1444; www.nypl. months of winter or not. Special break- OutLoud. Teen Environmental Club: Staten org; 3 pm; Free. fast with Chuck. Island Museum, 75 Stuyvesant Pl.; (718) Young adults ages 13 to 18. Mon, Jan. 31 Arithmetickles: Enrichment Through 727-1135; www.statenislandmuseum. Origami club: Dongan Hills Library, org; 10 am–noon; Free. Let Freedom Ring: Enrichment the Arts, 11 Borman Ave. (718) 982- 1617 Richmond Rd at Four Corners Through the Arts, 11 Borman Ave.; 5678; 10–11:30 am; $8 ($7 group). Spot storytime: Barnes & Noble, Road; (718) 351-1444; www.nypl.org; 4 (718) 982-5678; 10–11:30 am; $8 ($7 Math made fun. 2245 Richmond Ave. at Travis Avenue; pm; Free. group). All ages are welcome to help fold Teen-tech time: 3:30 pm. Dongan (718) 982-6983; www.barnesandnoble. Students experience history through com; 10:30 am; Free. 1,000 cranes to be given out at local Hills Library. See Tuesday, Feb. 1. theater. Special guest Spot comes to visit. hospitals. Traditional Chinese music: Don- Chinese New Year: Greenbelt Thurs, Feb. 10 Tues, Feb. 1 gan Hills Library, 1617 Richmond Rd Nature Center, 700 Rockland Ave. at Teen-tech time: Dongan Hills Library, at Four Corners Road; (718) 351-1444; Brielle Avenue; (718) 351-3450; www. Read aloud: 4 pm. Dongan Hills Li- 1617 Richmond Rd at Four Corners www.nypl.org; 4 pm; Free. nycgovparks.org; 1–2 pm; $6 ($8 non- brary. See Thursday, Feb. 3. Road; (718) 351-1444; www.nypl.org; For all ages. members). Continued on page 38 February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND Family 37 Going Places

Continued from page 37 Road; (718) 351-1444; www.nypl.org; Fri, Feb. 11 11 am; Free. For adults. Arts and crafts: 3:30 pm. Dongan Hills Library. See Tuesday, Feb. 8. Wii: 2:30 pm. Tottenville Branch Li- brary. See Thursday, Jan. 27. Valentine’s Doo Wop Concert: St. George Theater, 35 Hyatt St.; (718) 442- Read aloud: 4 pm. Dongan Hills Li- 2900; www.ticketmaster.com; 8 pm; brary. See Thursday, Feb. 3. $65 (VIP); $55, $49, $25. Featuring Fred Parris and the Satins, Sat, Feb. 19 The original Shantels. Emil Stucchio and the Classics, Johnny Farina of Santo and Junior Science Club: Staten Island Johnny, The Devotions, and John Kuse Museum, 75 Stuyvesant Pl.; (718) 727- and the Excellents. 1135; www.statenislandmuseum.org; 10 am–noon; $8 ($5 members). Sat, Feb. 12 Explore the world of magnets. For children ages 8 to 13. “Ruby Valentine Saves the Day”: Cap- Barnes & Noble, 2245 Richmond Ave. at Teen Environmental Club: Travis Avenue; (718) 982-6983; www. tain’s Quarters, Corner of Bayview Ave. barnesandnoble.com; 11 am; Free. and Johnston Terrace; (718) 483-7105; http:/sim-teenenvironmentalclub.ning. Read Ruby stories by Laurie Friedman. com; 10 am–noon; Free. A dog’s mind: American Museum of Help clean up Prince’s Bay Beach. Natural History, Linder Theater, Central Park West at 79th Street; (212) 769- Storytime: Barnes & Noble, 2245 5100; www.amnh.org; 11 am–noon Richmond Ave. at Travis Avenue; (718) and 1–2 pm; $10 children and $12 982-6983; www.barnesandnoble.com; adults, ($8 members children and $10 10:30 am; Free. adults). Celebrate President’s Day and Black Author Alexandra Horowitz discusses History Month by reading stories and her new book “Dog: What Dogs See, Easy being ‘Green’ creating a craft. Smell and Know” and live interactive Saluting jazz elders: American Mu- demonstration. lmo and his friends are shrink. As they explore Big Bird’s seum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street; (212) 769-5315; Hearts and crafts: Blue Heron Na- back for a whole new garden from a smaller perspec- www.amnh.org/globalweekends; 1–5 ture Center, 222 Poillon Ave. between “Live” adventure. tive, they learn some big lessons Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard; (718) E pm; Free with museum admission. From Feb. 17 to 21, “Sesame about how important little crit- 967-3542; www.nycgovparks.org; 11 Celebrate African-American History am; Free. Street Live: Elmo’s Green Thumb” ters are to our ecosystem. month by learning about trailblazing Let your creativity flow and make an turns Madison Square Garden Like all “Sesame Street Live” artists and musicians and enjoy a con- eco-friendly Valentine’s project. Materi- into a true-blue Sesame Street, performances, “Elmo’s Green cert performed by the New Amsterdam als provided. with all of the familiar faces and Thumb” is filled with laughs, Music Association. some fresh blooms, too. dancing and, most important, les- Teen Environmental Club: Staten “Cats”: Tilles Center for the Perform- Island Museum, 75 Stuyvesant Pl.; (718) In the show, Elmo helps a new sons for the young and old. ing Arts, CW Post Campus, Route 25A; 483-7015; www.sim-teenenvironmen- sunflower friend, Sunny, find a “Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Green (516) 299-3100; www.tillescenter.org; 8 talclub.ning.com; 11 am–1 pm; Free. new home after she’s outgrown Thumb” at Madison Square Garden pm; $75, $60, $45. Meet with Michael Riser from her flowerpot. [4 Pennsylvania Plaza in Manhattan, Broadway musical. GrowNYC. Along the way, they encounter (212) 465-6741], Feb. 17-21. Tickets Angelina Ballerina, The Musical: some trouble as Abby Cadabby, a are $23-$143. For info, visit www. Sun, Feb. 20 St. George Theater, 35 Hyatt St.; (718) fairy-in-training, casts a spell that sesamestreetlive.com/shows/elmos- Concert: St. Alban’s, 76 St. Alban’s 442-2900; www.ticketmaster.com; 11 makes Elmo and all of his friends green-thumb. Pl.; (718) 984-7756; www.MusicatSain- am and 3 pm; $22, $18, $15. tAlbans.org; 3:30 pm; $25 ($20 seniors Meet everyone’s favorite animated and students). mouse. Bring your camera for a meet- Buy one/get one free admission. Bun- African American Entrepreneurs: Pianist Jose Ramos Santana performs and-greet following the performance. dle up and bring your sweetie. Wagner College, Spiro Hall, One Cam- Spanish music. pus Rd.; (718) 727-1135; www.statenis- “Cinderella”: Florence Gould Hall, “Caps for Sale” and The Three landmuseum.org; 6–9 pm; Free. 55 E. 59th St. between Madison and Billy Goats Gruff”: Tilles Center for Mon, Feb. 21 Park avenues; (800) 982-2787; www. the Performing Arts, CW Post Campus, Panel Discussion. President’s Day: Staten Island Chil- nytb.org; 11 am and 1 pm; $40, ($35 Route 25A; (516) 299-3100; www.tilles- dren’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Ter- children). center.org; 11 am and 1 pm; $20 ($12). Wed, Feb. 16 race; (718) 273-2060; 10 am–5 pm; Children’s classic performed by the Performed by the Hudson Vagabond Shirazad’s Children: Dongan Hills Free. New York Theatre Ballet. Puppets. Library, 1617 Richmond Rd at Four Cor- Kids week: Blue Heron Nature Center, ners Road; (718) 351-1444; www.nypl. “Cinderella”: 11 am, 1 pm and 3:30 222 Poillon Ave. between Amboy Road Sun, Feb. 13 org; 4 pm; Free. pm. Florence Gould Hall. See Saturday, and Hylan Boulevard; (718) 967-3542; Sweetheart Day: Staten Island Zoo, Feb. 12. For all ages. www.nycgovparks.org; 10 am and 1 614 Broadway; (718) 442-3100; www. pm; Free. statenislandzoo.org; 10 am–4:30 pm; Tues, Feb. 15 Thurs, Feb. 17 Children ages 12 and younger learn $8 adults (15 and older), $6 seniors (60 about nature and history. and older), $5 children ages 3 to 14, Teen-tech time: 3:30 pm. Dongan Coffee talk: Dongan Hills Library, Free for kids under 3 and members. Hills Library. See Tuesday, Feb. 1. 1617 Richmond Rd at Four Corners Art workshops: Staten Island Mu- 38 STATEN ISLAND Family • February 2011 Going Places seum, 75 Stuyvesant Pl; (718) 727-1135; Wed, Feb. 23 Kids week: 10 am and 1 pm. Blue Thurs, March 3 www.statenislandmuseum.org; 1–3 pm; Heron Nature Center. See Monday, Feb. Kids week: 10 am and 1 pm. Blue “The African Drum”: 10 and 11:30 Free with museum admission (children 21. Heron Nature Center. See Monday, Feb. am. The National Black Theater. See Sat- under 12 free). 21. urday, Feb. 26. Sat, Feb. 26 Dinosaur facts: Staten Island Zoo, Arts and crafts: Dongan Hills Library, 614 Broadway; (718) 442-3100; www. 1617 Richmond Rd at Four Corners Dinosaur Storytime: Barnes & Fri, March 4 statensialndzoo.org; 1:30–3:30 pm; Free Road; (718) 351-1444; www.nypl.org; 2 Noble, 2245 Richmond Ave. at Travis “The African Drum”: 10 and 11:30 pm; Free. with museum admission. Avenue; (718) 982-6983; www.barne- am. The National Black Theater. See Sat- Join Richie Mirissis and learn some Children ages 5 and older make a sandnoble.com; 10:30 am; Free. urday, Feb. 26. President’s day project. amazing information. Learn about different pre-historic Dinosaurs and more: Staten Island Origami club: 4 pm. Dongan Hills Li- creatures. Sat, March 5 brary. See Wednesday, Feb. 9. Zoo, 614 Broadway; (718) 442-3100; “The African Drum”: The National “The African Drum”: 2 pm. The Na- www.statenislandzoo.org; 1:30–3:30 Thurs, Feb. 24 Black Theater, 2031-33 Fifth Ave. be- tional Black Theater. See Saturday, Feb. 26. pm; Free with regular admission (dona- tween 125th and 126th streets; (212) American Idols and Motown: St. tion requested). Kids week: 10 am and 1 pm. Blue 724-0677; www.shadowboxtheatre. George Theater, 35 Hyatt St.; (718) 442- Join Richie Mirissis as he presents fos- Heron Nature Center. See Monday, Feb. org; 2 pm; $15 ($20 at the door). 2900; www.ticketmaster.com; 8 pm; sils, three dimensional models and mem- 21. African-American folk tales. $25, $35, $45, $55. orabilia. Make a clay fossil. Art workshops: 1–3 pm. Staten Is- David Hernandez, Michael Sarver, land Museum. See Monday, Feb. 21. Tues, March 1 Gina Glocksen and Lakisha Jones per- Tues, Feb. 22 form the best of Motown. Read aloud: 4 pm. Dongan Hills Li- “The African Drum”: 10 and 11:30 brary. See Thursday, Feb. 3. Musical Chairs Chamber Ensem- Kids week: 10 am and 1 pm. Blue am. The National Black Theater. See Sat- ble: 8 pm. Staten Island Museum. See Heron Nature Center. See Monday, Feb. urday, Feb. 26. 21. Fri, Feb. 25 Saturday, Jan. 29. Wii: 2 pm. Dongan Hills Library. See Nursery time: Dongan Hills Library, Wed, March 2 Mon, March 7 Monday, Feb. 7. 1617 Richmond Rd at Four Corners Road; (718) 351-1444; www.nypl.org; “The African Drum”: 10 and 11:30 Pre-K free day: Staten Island Chil- Teen-tech time: 3:30 pm. Dongan 10 am–12:30 pm; Free. am. The National Black Theater. See Sat- dren’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace; Hills Library. See Tuesday, Feb. 1. For children ages 3 to 5. urday, Feb. 26. (718) 273-2060; 10 am–5 pm; Free.

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February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND Family 39 It figures By Cynthia Washam Celebrations & sports

Percent of mothers with children younger 80: than 18 who say they watch the Super Bowl, scheduled this year for Feb. 6 in Arlington, TX.

Percent of those mothers who watch the game 61:with their children.

Percent who say the ads are inappropriate 45: for children.

$3 million: Amount advertisers will pay for a 30-second spot on the 2011 Super Bowl.

Percent of viewers of 52:the 2009 Super Bowl whose favorite commercial during the game was for soda or junk food.

Percent whose favorite commercial 11: was for beer.

Years since the Percent 101: Boy Scouts of 3: of pet America was founded on owners who Feb. 8. give Valentine’s Day gifts to 25 cents: their pets. Annual fee for Boy Scouts in 1913. 13.5: Average age of first Annual fee French kiss in the $15: today. United States.

$30,000: Cost to clean up wet feathers following a massive pillow fight organized by word of mouth in San Francisco on Valentine’s Day 2009.

Sources: Corsinet.com, Reason, CalculatorsLive.com, bsmmedia.com, Spike.com, USA Today, Reuters

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February 2011 • STATEN ISLAND Family 41 New & Noteworthy Beary fun Get ready to shake, rattle and roll. BambooZoo’s soft shakers may be the perfect companion for your baby. These hug- gable toys come in a chunky style that’s easy to grasp, with ears and knobs that are also tough enough for tugging and teething. And, of course, it’s a rattle, so she’ll have fun making a ruckus. Materials-wise, they are filled with natural corn fibers, and they’re machine washable. The pastel, adorable designs include all of the zoo favorites: giraffes, monkeys and bears! BambooZoo rattles by Dandelion for Baby. $12.95. For info, visit www.dandelionforbaby.com.

What baby eats While there’s no shortage of litera- how to select the ture out there for new parents, one right food, set up notable new book helps you to better a pantry, estab- navigate the confusing waters of good lish smart eat- nutrition for your infant and toddler. ing routines, “Great Expectations: Best Food and introduce for Your Baby and Toddler, From a wide vari- First Foods to Meals Your Child Will ety of tastes Love,” by Jeannette L. Bessinger, and textures. features advice to help ensure your They’re les- baby gets the best, most wholesome, sons you, and This hat’s a hoot! and natural food possible at home. your child, will benefit from Your little one will look even brown and green combinations. The newest entry in the “Great throughout your lives. more adorable than she already Prefer different hues? Got Tutus in- Expectations” series focuses on easy “Great Expectations: Best Food for does in this crocheted owl hat. vites you to choose your own color preparation of nutritious baby and Your Baby & Toddler, From First Foods The colorful piece is made using variations. toddler meals — from the first finger- to Meals Your Child Will Love,” by Jean- four-ply baby yarn, so it’s nice and It’ll make for great photos, while foods to more than 130 kid-tested nette L. Bessinger. $14.95. Available on soft. The avian-themed head cover- keeping her head warm in a hat recipes. Bessinger also offers tips on Amazon.com. ing is available for bird brains sized she’ll want to wear. newborn to adult. Colors include Owl hat by Got Tutus? $25. For info, pink, brown and green, or blue, visit www.etsy.com/shop/gottutus. Get ‘One Step Ahead’ Just because it’s play time, it one of each and mix and match. doesn’t mean they can’t bone up on They’re durable, too, so you’ll Diapers dressed up their ABCs! have them long after they’ve learned These are sure to be a hit at the With these interlocking foam puz- their 123s. next baby shower. zle mats from One Step Ahead, your Interlocking Foam Puzzle Play Mats Diaper Cupcakes by Twosies child — and a friend — can get inter- from One Step Ahead. $29.95 per set. Baby Boutique make for cute, clev- active with letters as they build cubes For info, visit www.onestepahead.com. erly designed gifts for the expect- and play with these cushy pieces. ant mother. If letters don’t suit your In your own specially crafted fancy, the cushy mats also cupcake box, you’ll find soft baby come in solid color or num- washcloths, Pampers disposable ber sets. You can stick diapers and cotton socks. with one, or buy The pretty bakery box package is ther customized to suit your needs. easy to give and fun to receive. Avail- Diaper Cupcakes, set of four for able colors include pink, blue, yellow $17.95. For info, visit www.etsy.com/ and green, and the boxes can be fur- shop/twosieskidboutique. 42 STATEN ISLAND Family • February 2011 Upset tummies and so much more! Dr. Misha Tyshkov is a board-certified specialist in the care of children with medical conditions involving the l stomach l gastrointestinal tract l liver l pancreas l nutritional disorders

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toll-free doctor referral networkl 877.SIUH.DRS www.facebook.com/SIUHospital www.twitter.com/SIUHospital 44 STATEN ISLAND Family • February 2011