BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 TUTORING SAVE $50* HUNTINGTON CAN WHEN YOU CALL TODAY!

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Visit us for online registration & more: WWW.OASISCHILDREN.COM Upcoming Info Sessions: 4/10 7-8:30pm at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 5 Call us at 1.800.317.1392 Brooklyn Family May 2013 Features columns 8 Equal arts for all 36 Death by Children The mission of Marquis Studios is to bring an By Chris Garlington arts education to all NYC kids By Allison Plitt 38 Mommy 101 By Angelica Seradova 10 Gifts from mom A few of the intangible ways a mother can 42 Just Write Mom help her children by Danielle Sullivan By Kiki Bochi 44 Healthy Living 12 Making education fun by Danielle Sullivan Sesame Street continues to lead the pack of edu-tainers 46 The Book Worm By Terri Schlichenmeyer By Meagan J. Meehan 20 14 Now hear this 50 Good Sense Eating by Christine M. Palumbo, RD New guidelines on treating ear infections urge a conservative approach 52 Family Health By Kiki Bochi By Dr. Pramod Narula, MD 16 Leaping into the limelight 54 Divorce & Separation Dancer leaps onto world stage with help By Lee Chabin, Esq. from family, teachers By Tammy Scileppi 56 Growing Up Online by Carolyn Jabs 18 Keeping the peace during play dates 58 Ask an Attorney By Malia Jacobson By Alison Arden Besunder, Esq. 20 Art & soul 60 Dear Teacher Helping kids express themselves through art by Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts By Allison Plitt 62 Dear Dr. Karyn 26 From shy to a star By Dr. Karyn Gordon Acting helps girl find sure footing 64 Lions and Tigers and Teens By Mary L. Tomasulo By Myrna Beth Haskell 28 A Montessori mind Understanding Montessori learning in the 66 Family Journal By Robert Morton 21st century 12 By Michele Eldon 69 It Figures 32 Caught in the act By Cynthia Washam Answering questions after an awkward 78 New & Noteworthy nighttime encounter By Lisa J. Curtis By Malia Jacobson 34 Sweet baby, scary world calendar What does the future hold for my daughter? By Tim Perrins 70 May Events 40 Puerto Rico has it all By Stacey Zable special sections 48 Music with buzz 22 Arts Directory How an app is introducing children to 76 The Marketplace classical music By Tammy Scileppi 77 Party Planners 18

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 3 Letter from the publisher Marvelous May stuff ost parents Now there are a responsibility to provide our young- ums and attending performances of have heard other methods and ap- sters with the opportunity to develop all kinds were a paramount part of M of Montessori proaches to the devel- their interests and their talents. Music my child’s education, and mine as Education, but we real- oping minds of little should be played in the home, and well. Music is never absent and our ized that very few of kids, and many other all kinds of music. Children should house was not a house where the TV them knew why it was names have added to be introduced to a variety of artistic was always on, but the sound system special and who exactly the theories and the skills that may or may not strike their was. My daughter studied an instru- Maria Montessori was. possibilities, but Mon- interest and their fancy. Without the ment, took dance, and acted in plays. It was with that real- tessori was the first. exposure and encouragement from It made a difference and she is an ization in mind that we Also in our May issue the home, they are at the mercy of the appreciative young adult with a fine began to focus in our we focus on ARTS FOR schools. As we all know, many of the intellect and loads of other creative May issue on educating people as to KIDS. Why? Because there is little struggling schools have been forced friends. They are all enhanced by the what defined Montessori, and how doubt that early exposure to the to eliminate the arts due to budgets. vast possibilities that being New York it came about that early childhood arts, or art classes of some kind such Parents should never be totally re- City kids have offered. education was established way back as dance, music, drawing, theater, liant on the schools for the education I’m always proud to present this when in Italy. etc., is a positive developmental ex- of our youngsters, no matter how issue. Thanks for reading and enjoy! Another interesting fact about perience in every way. It opens the good the school and how enriched Maria is that in addition to being the mind, the spirit, and the intellect the curriculum. Most education, ap- innovator of early childhood theo- of every person/child who gets in- preciation and opportunity begins in ries, she was also the first woman volved and participates. It has been the home and parents have the duty doctor in Italy. Maria was a force to proven that children who are in the to provide the intro for the love of be reckoned with and a role model arts in some capacity are better stu- anything to take root. Susan Weiss-Voskidis, for women who followed, as well as dents and more confident people. My family’s house has always been Publisher/Excutive Editor for educators. Knowing that, we as parents have alive with all the arts. Visiting muse- [email protected]

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May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 5 LETTERS From our readers Community voices can prevent underage drinking Dear editor, drinking. Can we utilize community voice Are we targeting the right audience? Is You may have heard not long ago and power to foster environmental condi- our list of facts and numbers any more about 18-year-old Long Island resident tions where access to alcohol for youth startling than that of cancer or AIDS? Liam Armstrong racing across subway is less likely? Alcohol is one of our focus (Side note, alcohol use is associated with tracks at the 79th Street subway station areas, although we are part of a larger cancer and HIV/AIDS.) Is our message when the 2 train struck him. initiative to promote healthy communities, memorable, relevant, and convincing? What you might not remember is that funded by Centers for Disease Control and Probably not! Can we learn to be more police found alcohol in his blood and in Prevention, and guided by the citywide effective in the fight against underage his bag, and this incident put yet another Partnership for a Healthier New York City. drinking by focusing on changing envi- notch on the belt of alcohol-induced teen Studies show that people between the ronmental conditions that currently fos- casualties. ages of 18 to 25 are the group most likely ter easy access to alcohol? Absolutely! This isn’t the first time we’ve heard this to engage in risky behavior. Studies also To build awareness that is meaning- story, and it won’t be the last. The fascinat- show that teens were more afraid of ful enough to provoke systems changes ing and sad fact is that death doesn’t seem getting their license taken away as a re- in relation to alcohol, we need a two-fold to scare youth when warned about the sult of drunk driving than death. Lastly, approach. On the one hand, we need to dangers of underage and excessive alco- after conducting a few focus groups with think like savvy advertising and market- hol consumption. Research on adolescent teens here in Brooklyn, we learned that ing professionals and learn how to make brain development suggests that the still- primary access to alcohol is from friends teen life without alcohol more desirable developing brain doesn’t really calculate and corner stores that don’t check IDs. and more normal. On the other hand, our risk as part of decision-making. If death This means that our message cannot work has to harness the influence of adults ads aren’t reaching youth, then perhaps simply rely on the developing brain to to be positive role models and empower youth shouldn’t be the only target? make the right choice, our message has communities to shape environmental con- Partnership for a Healthier Brooklyn at to reach and empower adults to stop role ditions where youth-targeting alcohol ad- Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corpora- modeling binge drinking, and stop selling vertisements are scarce, and access to tion is working with community-based and serving to the underaged. alcohol from corner stores is impossible. organizations to host focus groups to try There are many organizations that Lina Fedirko, program associate, Partner- to find out what people in our community work on substance abuse issues, but are ship for a Healthier Brooklyn at Bedford- think about and underage and excessive we using the right messaging techniques? Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation.

Mother’s Day from a different point of view

Dear editor, though I couldn’t see very well. as long as this one is through this seem- With all the hearts and flowers and lov- But now I just want to get out of here as ingly endless tunnel. There’s no way I can ing sentiments issued on Mother’s Day, soon as possible. I feel, after all this time, turn back, and after a while, I think that I it has occurred to me as a mom that I like a guest who has overstayed his wel- can’t wait to reach the other end after such wouldn’t be celebrating this special day if come. I also get the feeling that if I don’t a struggle, no matter what lies in store for it weren’t for my own two kids. With this in leave on my own, and soon, that some- me. Although I was reluctant to leave my mind, I was inspired to write the following, how, I’ll be forced to go. And even while I cozy space, I’m thinking I can’t wait to get dedicated with love to my daughter Maya feel this way, trying to make up my mind, out and see what lies in wait for me at the and my son Gideon, which presents Moth- I realize that the decision has already other end. er’s Day from a different point of view. been made for me. I’m now being forced At last, when I think I’ll never get there, It seems ages that I’ve been cooped up to leave this comfortable place that I’ve I burst through the end of the tunnel into in this small, dark, wet space. I don’t even called home for so long. a world full of light, so bright that I need know how I got here in the first place, but I find myself now being pushed through to squint, and even close my eyes for a the longer I’m here, the less room I seem a long dark tunnel, and ready or not, I’d while. I feel cool and dirty after such a to have. I can hardly get around. I used better accept this fact, since I no longer long trip, but I’m lucky, because in an in- to be able to stretch out, move around, have any say in the matter. The tunnel stant, I’m being cleaned and wrapped up punch, kick, do whatever I felt like, but seems so tiny that I find myself straining so that I feel comfortable again. I can’t anymore. I used to like it here; no with the effort of getting through, squint- And low voices all around me are whis- one bothered me. I ate and slept when- ing into the darkness, and hoping I’ll get pering, “What a darling baby! It was cer- ever I wanted. I had no one to answer to. through safely and with no complications. tainly worth the nine-month wait.” I could hear light, pleasant sounds even I’ve never been on a journey that is taking Judy Noy, Bronx, New York 6 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 LETTERS From our readers kid room x 3 Parents, Grandparents Community voices can prevent underage drinking Dear editor, drinking. Can we utilize community voice Are we targeting the right audience? Is and Caregivers You may have heard not long ago and power to foster environmental condi- our list of facts and numbers any more about 18-year-old Long Island resident tions where access to alcohol for youth startling than that of cancer or AIDS? Liam Armstrong racing across subway is less likely? Alcohol is one of our focus (Side note, alcohol use is associated with tracks at the 79th Street subway station areas, although we are part of a larger cancer and HIV/AIDS.) Is our message when the 2 train struck him. initiative to promote healthy communities, memorable, relevant, and convincing? Friday, May 31, 2013 What you might not remember is that funded by Centers for Disease Control and Probably not! Can we learn to be more police found alcohol in his blood and in Prevention, and guided by the citywide effective in the fight against underage his bag, and this incident put yet another Partnership for a Healthier New York City. drinking by focusing on changing envi- 8:30 am - 3:00 pm notch on the belt of alcohol-induced teen Studies show that people between the ronmental conditions that currently fos- casualties. ages of 18 to 25 are the group most likely ter easy access to alcohol? Absolutely! LIU Brooklyn This isn’t the first time we’ve heard this to engage in risky behavior. Studies also To build awareness that is meaning- story, and it won’t be the last. The fascinat- show that teens were more afraid of ful enough to provoke systems changes Library Learning Center ing and sad fact is that death doesn’t seem getting their license taken away as a re- in relation to alcohol, we need a two-fold to scare youth when warned about the sult of drunk driving than death. Lastly, approach. On the one hand, we need to 1 University Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11201 dangers of underage and excessive alco- after conducting a few focus groups with think like savvy advertising and market- Lollisoft Bunk Bed is 12” Deep When Closed hol consumption. Research on adolescent teens here in Brooklyn, we learned that ing professionals and learn how to make brain development suggests that the still- primary access to alcohol is from friends teen life without alcohol more desirable developing brain doesn’t really calculate and corner stores that don’t check IDs. and more normal. On the other hand, our risk as part of decision-making. If death This means that our message cannot work has to harness the influence of adults ads aren’t reaching youth, then perhaps simply rely on the developing brain to to be positive role models and empower youth shouldn’t be the only target? make the right choice, our message has communities to shape environmental con- Partnership for a Healthier Brooklyn at to reach and empower adults to stop role ditions where youth-targeting alcohol ad- Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corpora- modeling binge drinking, and stop selling vertisements are scarce, and access to tion is working with community-based and serving to the underaged. alcohol from corner stores is impossible. organizations to host focus groups to try There are many organizations that Lina Fedirko, program associate, Partner- to find out what people in our community work on substance abuse issues, but are ship for a Healthier Brooklyn at Bedford- think about and underage and excessive we using the right messaging techniques? Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation.

Mother’s Day from a different point of view

Dear editor, though I couldn’t see very well. as long as this one is through this seem- One room. Two kids. Endless possibilities. With all the hearts and flowers and lov- But now I just want to get out of here as ingly endless tunnel. There’s no way I can ing sentiments issued on Mother’s Day, soon as possible. I feel, after all this time, turn back, and after a while, I think that I 40+ customizable solutions to multiply every space. it has occurred to me as a mom that I like a guest who has overstayed his wel- can’t wait to reach the other end after such Designed and made in Italy by : the global leader wouldn’t be celebrating this special day if come. I also get the feeling that if I don’t a struggle, no matter what lies in store for it weren’t for my own two kids. With this in leave on my own, and soon, that some- me. Although I was reluctant to leave my in transformable furniture design for over 50 years. mind, I was inspired to write the following, how, I’ll be forced to go. And even while I cozy space, I’m thinking I can’t wait to get Available exclusively from Resource Furniture. dedicated with love to my daughter Maya feel this way, trying to make up my mind, out and see what lies in wait for me at the and my son Gideon, which presents Moth- I realize that the decision has already other end. Many items in stock for immediate delivery. er’s Day from a different point of view. been made for me. I’m now being forced At last, when I think I’ll never get there, It seems ages that I’ve been cooped up to leave this comfortable place that I’ve I burst through the end of the tunnel into in this small, dark, wet space. I don’t even called home for so long. a world full of light, so bright that I need know how I got here in the first place, but I find myself now being pushed through to squint, and even close my eyes for a the longer I’m here, the less room I seem a long dark tunnel, and ready or not, I’d while. I feel cool and dirty after such a to have. I can hardly get around. I used better accept this fact, since I no longer long trip, but I’m lucky, because in an in- to be able to stretch out, move around, have any say in the matter. The tunnel stant, I’m being cleaned and wrapped up punch, kick, do whatever I felt like, but seems so tiny that I find myself straining so that I feel comfortable again. I can’t anymore. I used to like it here; no with the effort of getting through, squint- And low voices all around me are whis- 969 Third Avenue @ 58th Street | New York, NY 10022 one bothered me. I ate and slept when- ing into the darkness, and hoping I’ll get pering, “What a darling baby! It was cer- 212 753 2039 | www.resourcefurniture.com ever I wanted. I had no one to answer to. through safely and with no complications. tainly worth the nine-month wait.” I could hear light, pleasant sounds even I’ve never been on a journey that is taking Judy Noy, Bronx, New York May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 7 ARTS

Founded 36 years ago, Marquis Studios now Equal arts for all provide arts education services to more than BY ALLISON PLITT Marquis Studios teach certain classes names of the residencies are imagi- 100 city public schools The mission that are featured on the organization’s native as well as culturally specific, enowned master puppeteer website. After visiting the school, the which can supplement a budding of Marquis David Marquis created a non- staff member returns to Marquis Stu- mind’s knowledge of a specific geo- shows teaching professionals how to R profit organization named dio’s main office in Brooklyn. graphic area: African dance, Bhangra work with students on the autism Marquis Studios in 1977. Reviewing the teachers’ lesson dance, Brazilian hip hop and blues spectrum or are developmentally de- Studios is to Marquis’s goal was for his com- plans, the staff decides on classes drumming, circus arts, dance on layed. The program is now in its sixth pany to teach visual and performing for each grade that are not only age Broadway, Latin American percus- year and nearly 100 participants have arts to children in New York City appropriate, but also enhance the sion, Islamic visual arts and culture, already completed the program. bring an arts public schools. Above all, he be- curriculum. Marquis Studios refers Japanese taiko drumming, yoga, song In order to function, Marquis Stu- lieved that each student should have to each class as a “residency,” where writing, and puppetry. At the end of dios charges a fee for its services. In education to an equal right to an arts education. the teaching artist draws up his own the residency, the class puts on a final the schools of wealthier communities, In its first year of operation, Marquis lesson plan to visit the school once a performance in which teachers and principals can allocate part of their was the company’s only artist, who week for 10 weeks to teach his craft. parents are invited to attend. budgets to pay for this fee, or the Par- all NYC kids taught puppetry at a handful of the For example, when a second grade According to Marquis Studio edu- ents Associations can raise the funds. city’s public schools. class was studying India, the school cation liaison Chris Forte, the organi- Many of these schools already have Throughout the last 36 years, Mar- requested Marquis Studios come up zation receives “dozens and dozens an art teacher who teaches students quis Studios has grown to where the with a residency for Bhangra dance, of resumes” from people interested on a weekly basis, so the residencies organization currently boasts a staff a type of folk dance from the Pun- in being teaching artists. The studio are considered supplemental to the of seven full-time employees and 40 jab region of northern India that is very selective in its hiring process, students’ arts education. teaching artists. They provide arts has been featured in films such as and requires teachers to be expe- In lower-income neighborhoods, education services to more than 100 “Slumdog Millionaire.” Fortunately, rienced, have a deep background many of the schools don’t have city public schools, either in the form Marquis Studios had dance instruc- knowledge of their craft and, in some enough money in their budgets for of classes, professional development tors who were already familiar with cases, have certain certifications. an art teacher. These schools will seminars for teachers, or parent and this type of dance and were able to One of most admired and beloved find someone because we have no “A lot of the schools want to get community in which we operate.” often call Marquis Studios requesting child workshops. Although it has design a 10-week residency. Bhangra teaching artists at Marquis Studios idea who that person is and they the parents more and more engaged Seventy-five percent of the stu- a residency that will fulfill the arts ed- also provided their services to paro- dance is now one of the most popu- is Galina Shishkin, who teaches pup- have no experience with us, so David and involved. The parent and child dents who Marquis Studio teaches ucation requirements their students chial schools and summer camps in lar classes the studio offers. petry and book-and-mask-making. will actually turn the school down. workshop is a great way to do that, live below the poverty line, while need. These residencies are usu- the five boroughs, Marquis Studios The residencies are a reflection She holds two degrees in theater I’ve been instructed to simply say, so we’re seeing a lot of growth with 30 percent are in District 75, which, ally funded by foundations through estimates that 95 percent of its work of the creativity and diversity of — one she earned in Russia and the ‘Sorry, we can’t help you.’ We have that,” Forte observed. “We used to according to the DOE “is an organi- grants. Some of Marquis Studio’s is done in public schools. the studio’s teaching artists. Some other she received in the U.S. lost business that way.” do maybe 10 or so workshops. Now zation within the DOE that provides funding partners include Bloomberg, When a school contacts Marquis of the visual arts classes include “Galina, like all the teaching art- All of Marquis Studios’s teach- we’re doing over 100 workshops in citywide educational, vocational, JP Morgan Chase, the New York State Studios to request art classes be drawing, origami, architectural de- ists, is very passionate about what ing artists have received training in a year.” and behavioral support programs Council on the Arts, and the National taught there, a member of the ad- sign, bookmaking, collage, painting, she does,” Forte commented. “She New York City’s Department of Edu- Forte described one workshop he for students who are on the autism Endowment for the Arts. ministrative staff visits the school mask-making, printmaking, scientific loves teaching the children and I cation’s Blueprint for Teaching and observed that was designed by a spectrum, have significant cogni- Forte describes his visits to ob- to meet with the principal and learn illustration, sculpture, textile design, think that permeates all the way Learning in the Arts, which provides teaching artist called “Your Family tive delays, are severely emotion- serve these residencies where he about curriculums and lesson plans. and quilt-making. through the organization, and David certain standards towards teaching Treasure Box.” The class comprised ally challenged, sensory impaired, needs to walk through three metal Sometimes the school requests that As for the performing arts, the is the one who sets the tone.” the arts. They also attend training of one teaching artist, 25 parents, or multiply disabled.” detectors to enter the school and Shishkin says she learned about seminars at Marquis Studios, where and 25 students, who all showed up Forte says the majority of the four or five security guards are pa- puppetry from her husband, Nikolai they learn to create age-appropriate at the school at 9 am on a Saturday. schools Marquis Studios works with trolling the hallways. What Forte Shishkin, who was the artistic direc- arts curriculum. The teaching artist, who brought are schools with free breakfast and finds most moving is observing the tor of the Moscow Puppet Theater. “Professional development work- all the art supplies and materials, lunch programs, as well as Title One classrooms of District 75 students. He was also managing director of shops used to be a pretty decent size taught the class for 90 minutes. The schools, which receive federal fund- “It’s sometimes sad to see, but, Marquis Studios for 10 years. Al- amount of work that we used to do. parents and children each created ing, because of the economic condi- at other times, it was amazing to though he passed away in 2009, his Unfortunately, it has really changed and decorated their own family trea- tions in the community where the see how the children responded and family’s involvement with the organi- recently,” explained Forte. “Very sure box where they could put infor- school is situated. Many of these what they were doing,” he said. “It zation continues — their son Vassili few schools do professional devel- mation about their family and even schools have District 75 students actually brought tears to my eyes is the studio’s financial manager. opment with us anymore or with stories about their family’s immigra- and the studio’s teaching artists as- to see how the teaching artists in- The Shishkin family is an example any outside organization, mainly be- tion to the U.S. signed to these schools have experi- teracted with the students and how of the familial approach to how Mar- cause there are usually two or three The most remarkable aspect about ence and are certified to work with they were able to make things, and, quis views himself and treats his or four days that are designated on Marquis Studios is its devoted com- children who have certain mental, in some cases, the artwork that staff. the DOE’s school calendar as profes- mitment to its “beliefs and values” physical, or emotional disabilities. some of these students created is “There have been times when a sional development days.” statement in which it states, “We be- Marquis Studios also holds a pro- just amazing.” school requests a class and there Instead, there has been a surge lieve … that every child be taught fessional development workshop Allison Plitt is a freelance writer who are no teaching artists available to in the number of parent and child equally … and the values that guide called “Teaching Artist Training Insti- lives in Queens with her husband and teach the class,” Forte recounted. workshops that Marquis Studios of- us are (our) social responsibility to tute.” Developed in conjunction with daughter. She is a frequent contributor “We will not go out on the street to fers to schools. New York City and to each school PS 37 in Staten Island, the seminar to NY Parenting Media.

8 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 ARTS

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 9 PARENTING Gifts from mom A few of the intangible ways a mother can help her children

BY KIKI BOCHI opinion on how to solve bigger issues, as well. other’s Day this month s#URIOSITY9OUDONTHAVETOHAVE means mommies will ALL THE ANSWERS 3OMETIMES HAVING M hopefully get lots of kisses, the questions is far more important. cards, and maybe even breakfast in You demonstrate that when, as you bed — which can be lovely. It’s great go about your day, you ask aloud for moms to get appreciation for all questions like, “I wonder how they the things they contribute to keep DO THAT v OR h7HAT WOULD HAPPEN the family functioning. But besides if…?” Observing the world and eval- making lunches, helping with school uating how things work are impor- projects, and doing their share of the tant life skills. Once your child starts laundry, there are many intangible to question things, take advantage of gifts moms give their children. Here the library or internet to help your are just a few. child discover answers. s#ONFIDENCE7HENYOUATTENDAN s,AUGHTER4HECONNECTIONWECRE end-of-year concert at school, cheer ate when we laugh with our children at a soccer game, or praise a picture IS BEYOND MEASURE ,AUGHTER ALSO your child drew, you are demonstrat- triggers healthy physical changes ing that you appreciate your child’s in the body, strengthening your im- efforts. Your positive reinforcement mune system, boosting energy, and gives him the confidence to take on reducing stress. Allow yourself to the world. be silly. Always be willing to find s4HERIGHTTOBEWRONG#HILDREN THELIGHTERSIDEOFLIFE#REATEINSIDE who feel pressure to please their JOKESYOUSHAREWITHYOURCHILD4RY parents with perfect performance to find the humor in even stressful and only the highest grades may SITUATIONS 7HETHER IT IS A GIGGLE OR shy away from challenges that could a guffaw, when you share laughter HELPTHEMGROW4EACHYOURCHILDREN with your child, it creates intimacy to try their best, but also to never to and fun. be afraid to stumble. No one is per- s0ATIENCE #HILDREN HAVE A WAY fect. Be willing to acknowledge your of getting on our last nerve. How we OWNMISTAKES4HISSENDSTHEPOWER respond teaches them a lot about ful message that the key to reaching how to deal with stressful situations important goals is to accept that we in their own lives — now and in the sometimes need improvement and FUTURE 7HEN YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE should keep trying. READY TO BLOW WALK AWAY 4ELL YOUR s0ROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS 3OME CHILD h)NEEDAMINUTEv4HISMODELS times we are so busy telling our chil- self-control, sets up healthy bound- dren what they need to do and how aries, and teaches your child that they should do it, we forget to listen there’s no payoff in pushing your TO THEIR IDEAS 7HEN YOU ASK YOUR buttons. children for strategies to solve fam- Now take some deep breaths. No ily issues, you teach them to think one is perfect, but on this long road creatively. It could be something as that is parenthood, we should seek simple as asking for their input on moments of inner peace. Besides, how to put the laundry away, how our kids are watching. to carry in the groceries, or how to KiKi Bochi is a freelance writer and get organized in the morning. You editor who keeps all the Mother’s Day might be surprised at how creative cards she has received tucked in a they can be. Be sure to seek their drawer.

10 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 PARENTING .BSLT+$)%BZ$BNQ 'VO'SJFOET/FX&YQFSJFODFT Gifts from mom "HFT A few of the intangible ways a mother can help her children

BY KIKI BOCHI opinion on how to solve bigger issues, as well. other’s Day this month s#URIOSITY9OUDONTHAVETOHAVE means mommies will ALL THE ANSWERS 3OMETIMES HAVING M hopefully get lots of kisses, the questions is far more important. cards, and maybe even breakfast in You demonstrate that when, as you bed — which can be lovely. It’s great go about your day, you ask aloud for moms to get appreciation for all questions like, “I wonder how they the things they contribute to keep DO THAT v OR h7HAT WOULD HAPPEN the family functioning. But besides if…?” Observing the world and eval- making lunches, helping with school uating how things work are impor- projects, and doing their share of the tant life skills. Once your child starts laundry, there are many intangible to question things, take advantage of gifts moms give their children. Here the library or internet to help your are just a few. child discover answers. s#ONFIDENCE7HENYOUATTENDAN s,AUGHTER4HECONNECTIONWECRE end-of-year concert at school, cheer ate when we laugh with our children at a soccer game, or praise a picture IS BEYOND MEASURE ,AUGHTER ALSO your child drew, you are demonstrat- triggers healthy physical changes ing that you appreciate your child’s in the body, strengthening your im- efforts. Your positive reinforcement mune system, boosting energy, and gives him the confidence to take on reducing stress. Allow yourself to the world. be silly. Always be willing to find s4HERIGHTTOBEWRONG#HILDREN THELIGHTERSIDEOFLIFE#REATEINSIDE who feel pressure to please their JOKESYOUSHAREWITHYOURCHILD4RY parents with perfect performance to find the humor in even stressful and only the highest grades may SITUATIONS 7HETHER IT IS A GIGGLE OR shy away from challenges that could a guffaw, when you share laughter HELPTHEMGROW4EACHYOURCHILDREN with your child, it creates intimacy to try their best, but also to never to and fun. be afraid to stumble. No one is per- s0ATIENCE #HILDREN HAVE A WAY fect. Be willing to acknowledge your of getting on our last nerve. How we OWNMISTAKES4HISSENDSTHEPOWER respond teaches them a lot about ful message that the key to reaching how to deal with stressful situations important goals is to accept that we in their own lives — now and in the sometimes need improvement and FUTURE 7HEN YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE should keep trying. READY TO BLOW WALK AWAY 4ELL YOUR s0ROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS 3OME CHILD h)NEEDAMINUTEv4HISMODELS times we are so busy telling our chil- self-control, sets up healthy bound- dren what they need to do and how aries, and teaches your child that they should do it, we forget to listen there’s no payoff in pushing your TO THEIR IDEAS 7HEN YOU ASK YOUR buttons. children for strategies to solve fam- Now take some deep breaths. No ily issues, you teach them to think one is perfect, but on this long road creatively. It could be something as that is parenthood, we should seek XXXKDIDBNQDPN simple as asking for their input on moments of inner peace. Besides, how to put the laundry away, how our kids are watching. to carry in the groceries, or how to KiKi Bochi is a freelance writer and YPSDBNQ!KDICPSH get organized in the morning. You editor who keeps all the Mother’s Day might be surprised at how creative cards she has received tucked in a #BZ1BSLXBZ #SPPLMZO /: they can be. Be sure to seek their drawer.

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 11 cuses on a little girl dreaming of brand’s mission to educate and en- EDUCATION becoming a doctor, consult with tertain children and their families. medical professionals to ensure Many PBS Kids games can be that the information is accurate. played for free on iPhones, iPads, Recently, children’s shows have and computers, which opens the put emphasis on teaching young- door to edu-tainment for children sters real-world skills, such as who are from different socio-eco- how to manage money. In some nomic backgrounds (as long as instances, organizations like PNC they have access to those devices). Bank have made million-dollar in- In many ways, the “Sesame Street” vestments in financial education website has become a community focused on preschoolers, their par- of parents, children, educators, ents, caregivers, and teachers for and creators that strives to be a an early start to learning smart highly enjoyable and educational money-management skills. experience. “Sesame Street” has even tack- The characters on children’s led educating children about shows model positive behavior for social-economic issues, such as youngsters, and the connections hunger, and emotionally difficult that children feel to such charac- topics, such as grief and bullying. ters can have a profound impact Edu-tainment can provide on their world view. As children knowledge and laughter to chil- grow, social presence concepts go dren by encouraging critical from merely identifying with the thinking about science, math, characters to actual socialization. technology, stories, feelings, and Media can influence social oppor- much more. Edu-tainment can be tunities via online blogs and fo- used to teach academic subjects rums dedicated to “fan pages” of and social norms. Children’s tele- these programs, which also offer vision is also making use of the educational games and trivia. internet, which is starting to over- Thus, it is possible to create a vir- shadow the show’s original, tele- tual community of learning, which vised medium. also serves as a place where kids Realizing that the latest gen- with similar interests, from all over eration is extremely comfortable the world, can meet. Of course, in with the internet and technology, order to do this, children must be most children’s shows now offer entertained by the programs. websites and apps. For example, The potential for edu-tainment Sesamestreet.org is a successful is vast. Research has shown that website that features educational this style of education is one of the games and videos for users to most effective and enjoyable for enjoy anywhere, at any time (that children, which then leads to an they have internet access). increase in knowledge and a love The website of “Sesame Street” of learning. The current genera- is a treasure trove for fans of the tion is adept at using technology show. Each character’s page of- to collect information and answer Making education fers opportunities to learn more questions. As technology grows, about their favorite muppet and education and society will have BY MEAGAN J. MEEHAN The concept of edu-tainment fo- to play educational games involv- to change along with it as public Sesame Street cuses on the idea that certain media ing that character. Other areas of opinion is steadily shifting toward hildren are naturally curious can be used to educate while it de- the site are dedicated to content. the widespread acceptance of tech- continues to about the world, and they lights. For example, “Sesame Street” The Stories section augments nology-driven education. Positive C learn new things every day was the first children’s program that readable Sesame Street stories adult responses are critical to the lead the pack — especially when learning is dis- made learning a staple of the con- with animated visuals and sound, progress of edu-tainment, which guised as fun. Most textbooks and tent by disguising lessons within hu- which make the tales come alive. then ultimately leads to the goal fun Art employs a program that al- schools are lackluster in presenting morously entertaining segments that Among its most notable break- of having a well-educated popula- of edu-tainers educational messages that children could be enjoyed by children and throughs was the fact that “Sesame lows kids to simulate painting tion. Therefore, it is essential that actually enjoy engaging with. adults alike. Street” was the first preschool televi- by clicking and dragging colors. adults find ways to incorporate Humans are always seeking new Although it was unclear if “Ses- sion program to base its content on Music pages lead to Sesame Street knowledge with entertainment and ways to communicate. Historically, ame Street” would pass muster when formative research done by serious Radio, a section of the website infuse those concepts with tech- children were taught by stories, then it launched in November 1969, the academics. Specifically, the show’s where kids can listen to “Sesame nology. by books, radio, and television. Most show flourished. As of 2013, it’s still creators turned to two education- Street” songs. Meagan Meehan is a published au- recently, the internet has become on-air and online. Furthermore, oriented psychologists for advice The web site also offers com- thor of poems, short stories, novels, an important source of information. “Sesame Street” proved to be influ- and help in choosing content and prehensive, organized, and well- and articles in numerous publications. As technology becomes more acces- ential in style for future programs subject matter, and adding such pro- researched parenting informa- She is also a cartoonist and an award- sible, the concept of using entertain- such as “Dora the Explorer,” which fessional expertise into the fiber of tion, including topics like school, winning modern artist. She holds bach- ment to educate is growing faster was created over 10 years ago, and the program made it more effective health, safety, and immunization. elors in English literature from New than ever before. The phenomenon the decade-long success of “Blue’s and enjoyable to viewers. Currently, Recipes and articles about family York Institute of Technology and a is known as “education-entertain- Clues” which added to the edu-tain- the creators of programs like Dis- vacations are also available, all masters of communication from Marist ment,” or “edu-tainment.” ment trend. ney’s “Doc McStuffins,” which fo- with the purpose of outlining the College.

12 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 cuses on a little girl dreaming of brand’s mission to educate and en- EDUCATION becoming a doctor, consult with tertain children and their families. medical professionals to ensure Many PBS Kids games can be that the information is accurate. played for free on iPhones, iPads, Recently, children’s shows have and computers, which opens the put emphasis on teaching young- door to edu-tainment for children sters real-world skills, such as who are from different socio-eco- how to manage money. In some nomic backgrounds (as long as instances, organizations like PNC they have access to those devices). Bank have made million-dollar in- In many ways, the “Sesame Street” vestments in financial education website has become a community focused on preschoolers, their par- of parents, children, educators, ents, caregivers, and teachers for and creators that strives to be a an early start to learning smart highly enjoyable and educational money-management skills. experience. “Sesame Street” has even tack- The characters on children’s led educating children about shows model positive behavior for social-economic issues, such as youngsters, and the connections hunger, and emotionally difficult that children feel to such charac- topics, such as grief and bullying. ters can have a profound impact Edu-tainment can provide on their world view. As children knowledge and laughter to chil- grow, social presence concepts go dren by encouraging critical from merely identifying with the thinking about science, math, characters to actual socialization. technology, stories, feelings, and Media can influence social oppor- much more. Edu-tainment can be tunities via online blogs and fo- used to teach academic subjects rums dedicated to “fan pages” of and social norms. Children’s tele- these programs, which also offer vision is also making use of the educational games and trivia. internet, which is starting to over- Thus, it is possible to create a vir- shadow the show’s original, tele- tual community of learning, which vised medium. also serves as a place where kids Realizing that the latest gen- with similar interests, from all over eration is extremely comfortable the world, can meet. Of course, in with the internet and technology, order to do this, children must be most children’s shows now offer entertained by the programs. websites and apps. For example, The potential for edu-tainment Sesamestreet.org is a successful is vast. Research has shown that website that features educational this style of education is one of the New York Hall of Science games and videos for users to most effective and enjoyable for enjoy anywhere, at any time (that children, which then leads to an they have internet access). increase in knowledge and a love The website of “Sesame Street” of learning. The current genera- is a treasure trove for fans of the tion is adept at using technology show. Each character’s page of- to collect information and answer Making education fers opportunities to learn more questions. As technology grows, about their favorite muppet and education and society will have BY MEAGAN J. MEEHAN The concept of edu-tainment fo- to play educational games involv- to change along with it as public Sesame Street cuses on the idea that certain media ing that character. Other areas of opinion is steadily shifting toward hildren are naturally curious can be used to educate while it de- the site are dedicated to content. the widespread acceptance of tech- continues to about the world, and they lights. For example, “Sesame Street” The Stories section augments nology-driven education. Positive C learn new things every day was the first children’s program that readable Sesame Street stories adult responses are critical to the lead the pack — especially when learning is dis- made learning a staple of the con- with animated visuals and sound, progress of edu-tainment, which guised as fun. Most textbooks and tent by disguising lessons within hu- which make the tales come alive. then ultimately leads to the goal fun Art employs a program that al- schools are lackluster in presenting morously entertaining segments that Among its most notable break- of having a well-educated popula- of edu-tainers educational messages that children could be enjoyed by children and throughs was the fact that “Sesame lows kids to simulate painting tion. Therefore, it is essential that actually enjoy engaging with. adults alike. Street” was the first preschool televi- by clicking and dragging colors. adults find ways to incorporate Humans are always seeking new Although it was unclear if “Ses- sion program to base its content on Music pages lead to Sesame Street knowledge with entertainment and ways to communicate. Historically, ame Street” would pass muster when formative research done by serious Radio, a section of the website infuse those concepts with tech- children were taught by stories, then it launched in November 1969, the academics. Specifically, the show’s where kids can listen to “Sesame nology. by books, radio, and television. Most show flourished. As of 2013, it’s still creators turned to two education- Street” songs. Meagan Meehan is a published au- recently, the internet has become on-air and online. Furthermore, oriented psychologists for advice The web site also offers com- thor of poems, short stories, novels, an important source of information. “Sesame Street” proved to be influ- and help in choosing content and prehensive, organized, and well- and articles in numerous publications. As technology becomes more acces- ential in style for future programs subject matter, and adding such pro- researched parenting informa- She is also a cartoonist and an award- sible, the concept of using entertain- such as “Dora the Explorer,” which fessional expertise into the fiber of tion, including topics like school, winning modern artist. She holds bach- ment to educate is growing faster was created over 10 years ago, and the program made it more effective health, safety, and immunization. elors in English literature from New than ever before. The phenomenon the decade-long success of “Blue’s and enjoyable to viewers. Currently, Recipes and articles about family York Institute of Technology and a is known as “education-entertain- Clues” which added to the edu-tain- the creators of programs like Dis- vacations are also available, all masters of communication from Marist ment,” or “edu-tainment.” ment trend. ney’s “Doc McStuffins,” which fo- with the purpose of outlining the College.

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 13 HEALTH Now hear this BY KIKI BOCHI In recently released guidelines, evolve and become harder to defeat. New guidelines the Academy is asking pediatri- But there is also the ever-present t’s a rare parent who doesn’t end cians to take a more conservative possibility of side effects to the child on treating ear up at the pediatrician’s office for approach to ear infections before from the medication — problems I an ear infection at some point. whipping out the prescription pad. such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, infections urge Ear infections are the most common In some mild cases, ear infections rashes, and more. childhood diagnosis, affecting three may clear up on their own, making Antibiotics like amoxicillin should a conservative out of four children by the time they it worthwhile to consider a wait-and- only be given to kids who are show- are 3 years old. see approach, it says. ing severe symptoms — such as Ear infections are also the top rea- As a parent of two toddlers, Re- significant bulging of the ear drum, approach son children are prescribed antibiot- becca Batisto is skeptical. infections in both ears, pain and ics in the United States, according to “I’ve had a lot of each infections swelling — or those who have a fever the American Academy of Pediatrics. and second only to labor, I’ve never higher than 102.2 degrees Fahren- And therein lies the problem. had a worse pain,” says Batisto, heit, according to the Academy. Of whose youngest, 1-year-old Arabella, course, your family’s history is also is already showing a propensity for a consideration. multiple ear aches. “If my baby has Parents should not be concerned that kind of pain, I want something that they’ll be turned away with no done … Any parent is going to go medicine if it is needed, says Dr. the distance to get their child out Keith L. Hassan, medical director for of pain.” After Hours Pediatrics Urgent Care. Ear infections, or acute oti- “The AAP does stress the impor- tis media, occur when the tance of involving the parent in the tubes inside the ear — called decision to treat with antibiotics or the eustachian tubes — get to observe the child for improve- clogged with fluid or mucous ment,” Dr. Hassan says. “A parent and are unable to drain. The can expect their child to be treated buildup may be caused by al- if the pain is severe, the child has a lergies, colds and sinus infec- high temperature, or if the infection tions, excess mucus and sa- is in both ears and the child is under liva produced during teething, age 2. They can also expect the child tobacco smoke, or other irri- to be treated for an otitis media if the tants. The result can be signifi- child is under 6 months of age.” cant pain and often a fever. When a wait-and-see approach is Like Batista, when a child is taken, parent follow-up is important. howling with pain, all parents If the child worsens or fails to im- want is a solution. But in cases prove in two to three days, antibiot- where there is not a high fever or ics may be called for, after all, the severe bulging of the eardrum, the Academy says. smart answer may be pain re- “They feel this can be accom- lief with acetaminophen and plished by requiring a second visit time. The Academy cited for recheck or providing the parents several studies that showed with a prescription for a ‘rescue’ that a majority of children medicine to start in the case of the who have a mild problem child not improving or worsening,” can fight off the infection Dr. Hassan says. on their own with no an- The bottom line? Parents should tibiotics, showing an im- always check with their pediatrician provement of symptoms in case an ear infection is already within days. advanced. But if it is not, they should At issue is the poten- be open to allowing a child to heal tial overuse of antibiot- herself. ics and the danger of cre- KiKi Bochi, an award- winning journal- ating drug-resistant “su- ist, reads hundreds of reports monthly to perbugs” — bacteria that bring readers the latest insights on fam- survive the medicine only to ily health and child development.

14 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 HEALTH CONTINUING EDUCATION THE UFT CHARTER SCHOOL at Medgar Evers College

ELEMENTARY ACADEMY SECONDARY ACADEMY 300 Wyona St, Bklyn, NY 11207 800 Van Siclen Ave, Bklyn, NY 11207 0 s& 0 s& Michelle Bodden-White, School Leader Martin Weinstein, School Leader Dr. Shelia Evans-Tranumn, Exectuive Director Now hear this ENROLL NOW FOR THE 2013-2014 ACADEMIC YEAR BY KIKI BOCHI In recently released guidelines, evolve and become harder to defeat. New guidelines the Academy is asking pediatri- But there is also the ever-present This September, The UFT Charter School, Secondary Academy t’s a rare parent who doesn’t end cians to take a more conservative possibility of side effects to the child is enrolling students in Grades 9 to 12 who are ready to: on treating ear up at the pediatrician’s office for approach to ear infections before from the medication — problems I an ear infection at some point. whipping out the prescription pad. such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, “Achieve Academic Success and Personal Growth!” infections urge Ear infections are the most common In some mild cases, ear infections rashes, and more. Join us as we prepare students for college and career SUMMER OPEN HOUSE childhood diagnosis, affecting three may clear up on their own, making Antibiotics like amoxicillin should opportunities. We offer small class size instruction, Wed., May 22 & Thurs., May 30 a conservative out of four children by the time they it worthwhile to consider a wait-and- only be given to kids who are show- are 3 years old. see approach, it says. ing severe symptoms — such as College Now courses (students can receive college credit), Register 6:30 - 8:00 pm Advanced placement as well as remedial classes and a approach Ear infections are also the top rea- As a parent of two toddlers, Re- significant bulging of the ear drum, at Open House 1534 Bedford Avenue, 2nd Floor son children are prescribed antibiot- becca Batisto is skeptical. infections in both ears, pain and wide range of engaging learning and social experiences & Receive ics in the United States, according to “I’ve had a lot of each infections swelling — or those who have a fever in many subject and extracurricular areas. Perhaps, 1 block from Franklin Avenue Subway lines the American Academy of Pediatrics. and second only to labor, I’ve never higher than 102.2 degrees Fahren- your teenager is also ready to participate on one of our 2 3 4 5 S And therein lies the problem. had a worse pain,” says Batisto, heit, according to the Academy. Of championship athletic teams. 10% OFF whose youngest, 1-year-old Arabella, course, your family’s history is also tuition on select is already showing a propensity for a consideration. Our seats are ﬁlling up quickly. classes.* Visit us online at multiple ear aches. “If my baby has Parents should not be concerned www.mec.cuny.edu/ACE that kind of pain, I want something that they’ll be turned away with no For an application & more information please contact done … Any parent is going to go medicine if it is needed, says Dr. Ms. Mantilla (718) 927-5540 *Does not apply to classes under $100 or to third-party and the distance to get their child out Keith L. Hassan, medical director for online courses. Discount o ers may not be combined. of pain.” After Hours Pediatrics Urgent Care. Ear infections, or acute oti- “The AAP does stress the impor- tis media, occur when the tance of involving the parent in the tubes inside the ear — called decision to treat with antibiotics or the eustachian tubes — get to observe the child for improve- “I thought I would never clogged with fluid or mucous ment,” Dr. Hassan says. “A parent and are unable to drain. The can expect their child to be treated buildup may be caused by al- if the pain is severe, the child has a . lergies, colds and sinus infec- high temperature, or if the infection find the right doctor.” tions, excess mucus and sa- is in both ears and the child is under liva produced during teething, age 2. They can also expect the child tobacco smoke, or other irri- to be treated for an otitis media if the New York Methodist has over 1,000 affiliated physicians. These experienced tants. The result can be signifi- child is under 6 months of age.” doctors, many from the world’s most prestigious universities and medical centers, cant pain and often a fever. When a wait-and-see approach is Like Batista, when a child is taken, parent follow-up is important. represent just about every medical specialty you might need. To find the right howling with pain, all parents If the child worsens or fails to im- doctors for you and your family, contact our Physician Referral Service. want is a solution. But in cases prove in two to three days, antibiot- where there is not a high fever or ics may be called for, after all, the severe bulging of the eardrum, the Academy says. smart answer may be pain re- “They feel this can be accom- We fixed that. lief with acetaminophen and plished by requiring a second visit time. The Academy cited for recheck or providing the parents several studies that showed with a prescription for a ‘rescue’ Physician Referral Service that a majority of children medicine to start in the case of the who have a mild problem child not improving or worsening,” can fight off the infection Dr. Hassan says. on their own with no an- The bottom line? Parents should tibiotics, showing an im- always check with their pediatrician provement of symptoms in case an ear infection is already within days. advanced. But if it is not, they should At issue is the poten- be open to allowing a child to heal tial overuse of antibiot- herself. ics and the danger of cre- KiKi Bochi, an award- winning journal- ating drug-resistant “su- ist, reads hundreds of reports monthly to perbugs” — bacteria that bring readers the latest insights on fam- 506 Sixth Street, Brooklyn • 718-499-CARE • www.nym.org survive the medicine only to ily health and child development.

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 15 ARTS

amazing support system for me — borhood has shifted to — it’s di- always encouraged me to follow my verse and well-rounded. The en- dreams, regardless of what anyone ergy of the community seems to be said, and told me I was destined for a lot calmer.” greatness. She taught me to ignore what people had to say and remain On the road Leaping into focused on my goals — to achieve Telling a story with ethereal them.” movement and lush partnering, After attending the Joffrey Ballet “Rusty,” a contemporary piece by and Dance Theatre of Harlem sum- Paris-born choreographer Benoit- mer program on a full scholarship Swan Pouffer, seems to echo Boze- at age 15, Bozeman says he was man’s own life as a budding dancer, intimidated by all the dancers and for it explores the experiences of their beautiful bodies. young artists — the challenges “I was caught up with all the they face and the relationships the limelight things I didn’t have, so I stopped they build as performers. dancing, because I thought I would “In this ballet, I think of my char- BY TAMMY SCILEPPI emotional experience for me. She never be as good as they were.” acter as the too-cool-for-school Dancer gave me a hug and said, ‘I’m very kind of guy,” Bozeman explains. here are many smart young proud of you. You are anointed Getting out “He meets a girl he likes, and she leaps onto people in our communities with a gift from God. Continue to Later, Bozeman did find the cour- makes him all gooey inside, but he T with promising futures. But push, baby, this is only the begin- age to dance again. doesn’t want anyone to know…so every now and then, a resilient, ning!’ Those words filled my heart “I didn’t come from a priv- he can keep his image.” world stage gifted artist comes along who rises and I hold onto them.” ileged background, Bozeman also performed in Ju- above and beyond — despite nu- and people I dith Jamison’s “Divining.” A cho- merous hurdles. What sets them Growing up reographer for the Alvin Ailey with help apart from the rest? Bozeman’s childhood honed American Dance Theater, her strik- In the case of a special, 22-year- skills he needed to navigate the ing, pulsating modern dance work from family, old man from Bedford-Stuyvesant, competitive dance world, and his builds on African dance idioms Brooklyn, it was a strong belief in mentor gave him the courage to and is set to a score of North Af- his own abilities, a drive to suc- try. attended school with got rican, Central African, and Latin teachers ceed, a positive attitude, and en- “My home was always busy. involved with drugs, gangs, or be- rhythms. Bozeman played a tribe couragement from his family and Whether there were arguments came incarcerated. I knew I didn’t leader guiding his people to a new mentors that enabled him to realize about video games, or who watched want to be like that, that I deserved destination. his life-long dream of becoming a television first, or the bathroom … better,” said Bozeman. “I knew He travels frequently with Ailey great dancer. Jeroboam Bozeman it was intense and very competi- that dance was my way out.” II — the company recently toured was recently welcomed into the tive.” And get out he did. France for about four weeks. prestigious dance company Ailey A quiet child who always had “I moved out of Brooklyn “It was amazing, and this time I II, and made his New York debut Brooklyn-born dancer Jeroboam Bozeman good grades, he says he was often at 19 and thought I would studied the language,” says Boze- with that company in March. calls his mother his inspiration. teased at his elementary school, never move back. It was man. “It’s always refreshing to real- “My first year with the com- PS 44 in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Later, sometimes scary growing up ize how much dance is a universal pany has been amazing; this ex- at JHS 113, he joined the cheer- there. When it got dark out, we language. perience has been a dream come to its performances. leading squad, “where I fell in love had to come inside and parents “Dancers are often perfection- true,” says Bozeman, who danced “It has been an honor to work with dance under the instruction of were afraid of losing their children ists, we always want to execute with Creative Outlet Dance Theatre with Jeroboam Bozeman over the Ruth Sistaire, an amazing teacher.” to the streets.” everything correctly. Working with of Brooklyn, Philadanco, and Spec- past year,” says Powell. “When I Middle school is difficult for Bozeman says the gang violence Mr. Powell has taught me that life trum Dance Theatre before joining hired him, he immediately embod- many children, and it wasn’t any and crime rate was probably at its isn’t about being perfect,” says Ailey II. “I’ve always dreamed of ied the spirit and energy of a young easier for Bozeman. He recalls try- highest then. Bozeman. “We don’t always have being a part of the Ailey organiza- professional dancer. He has taken ing to fit in and find himself as a “There were a lot of killings and great performances, but if you go tion, and I often pinch myself to see this experience and used it to help dancer, but says he always felt like robberies, and there was a time out there and you’re honest, that’s if it’s real.” him grow as an artist. Not only an outcast, because he was awk- when you could get into a fight what the audience appreciates This season, he shows off his does he have an incredible work ward and didn’t talk much. or killed if you had on the wrong most.” physical prowess and finesse in ethic, he’s also very intelligent and “I remember when I didn’t want color; it was intense. The up-and-coming dancer says several lead roles demanding dif- grabs the attention of every audi- to dance, because I was tired of “People I knew and attended he never had the opportunity to ferent personas. In “The External ence he performs for. He’s a great being teased and picked on — the school with were vanishing — they work with Alvin Ailey himself, but Knot” — a soulful, modern work asset to the Ailey II family.” boys called me names and the girls were either in jail or passed away says Powell often shares stories by Troy Powell, Ailey II’s recently In everything he does, Bozeman made fun of me,” recalled Boze- at a young age. There were a few from his time as a dancer with the appointed artistic director — Boze- never forgets his guiding lights. man. “But Ms. Sistaire was like a that made it out of Brooklyn,” says company, and would describe the man describes his character as “a “My mother is my inspiration. mother to me. She was so embrac- Bozeman, adding, “Brooklyn is a lot famous choreographer’s vision. lonely guy, trying to find his way … She raised seven children in Brook- ing and understanding.” cleaner and safer now, and looking “It was all about giving back, and searching for love and yearning for lyn and didn’t lose one of us to And luckily, his sister was sup- back at how much the environment that speaks volumes to me,” says attention, but often finding himself the streets…that’s commendable,” portive, too. has changed, it’s impressive.” Bozeman. “As an artist, we have to alone.” says Bozeman. “She never came to “She would just talk to me. It Recently moving back to New remember that art is not all about Powell feels Bozeman is an asset a performance until my last season was the best feeling … I could be York City from Philadelphia, Boze- ourselves, but the ability to share

to the company and brings depth with Philadanco, and it was a very myself around her. She was an Eduardo Patino man says he loves “what the neigh- and give back.”

16 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 ARTS

to the company and brings depth with Philadanco, and it was a very myself around her. She was an Eduardo Patino man says he loves “what the neigh- and give back.”

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 17 PARENTING Play date planning Here are four tips for plan- about.com and gameskidsplay. ning the perfect play date. net have ideas for physical games s 3 I T KIDS DOWN ONE TO for the entire family. two days in advance. s $ I S C U S S WHY THE Keeping the peace during Ask everyone to come ideas may or may up with ways to make not work for the the play date fun for Top play date. Together, everyone — guests come up with sev- and siblings alike. Tips eral ideas that en- s 7R I TE DOWN ALL able everyone to have ideas, even ones that fun together. sound impractical and ridic- Now, go play! ulous, like “Eat cotton candy at Source: Adele Faber, author of the Space Needle!” and “Bake “Siblings Without Rivalry: How to PLAY DATES 1,000 cookies!” Help Your Children Live Together s 7E B S I TE S LIKE FAMILYFITNESS So You Can Live Too.” BY MALIA JACOBSON and try to one-up siblings in an pair, Leslie knew she needed a new attempt to appear cool in front of play date plan of action. n theory, play dates are sup- their friends. And brokering house- may feel resentful and angry, and as when a neighbor knocks on posed to be fun, but visits from hold peace can leave parents ex- Playdate direct those feelings at the play the door for an impromptu play I friends can spark squabbles be - hausted. pandemonium date-crashing brother or sister. date). When hectic schedules or tween even the friendliest of tween Play dates were anything but Clinical psychologist Dr. Michelle weather curveballs make plan- siblings. From “She always wrecks playful for Piper Leslie’s two older P. Maidenberg, of Harrison, N.Y., is Playful ning impossible, parents can keep everything!” to “It’s my room!” to children, 10-year-old Kaylee and a mom of four who referees play peacekeeping the peace by finding activities “You always take his side!” scuffles 9-year-old Kyle. date problems on a regular basis Happily, play dates don’t have that everyone can enjoy. abound as kids jockey for alone “When we first started play with her three older boys, 11-year- to be breeding grounds for sib- Great examples are bowling, time with pals, stake their claim to dates, Kaylee was usually the one old Addison, 8-year-old Foster, and ling rivalry. Instead, they can be ice skating, jumping rope, and bedrooms and playrooms, to have friends over,” she says. 6-year-old Wyatt. exercises in family problem solv- active electronic gaming systems “Kyle has Asperger’s syndrome and “Sometimes, we’ll have several ing, says Adele Faber, co-author like the Nintendo Wii that allow has a harder time making friends, play dates in a week,” she says. “It’s of the New York Times best-seller kids of different ages and skill lev- and I never wanted him to feel left a constant struggle to keep every- “Siblings Without Rivalry: How to els to participate side by side. out, so I always made Kaylee in- one happy.” Help Your Children Live Together Finding a special “job” for a clude him.” So why are play dates such a So You Can Live Too.” Since most younger child can help that sib- But when fights started spring- pain? play dates are planned in advance, ling join in the fun; for board ing up between the normally close According to Maidenberg, there’s Faber recommends that parents games, younger kids can be in often more to the problem than sit down with kids and draw up a charge of money or rolling the meets the eye. Although kids may pre-play date action plan. dice, and for an obstacle course, fight over fairness and alone time “You know your own kids; you a younger child can be in charge with their friends, the real issue know if one child is going to want of the stopwatch. After a round at stake is sibling rivalry. Play alone time with their friend and of group play, parents can give dates can set the stage for the other child is going to be the child with the play date some siblings to feel excluded and moping around,” she says. “So alone time with her pal by ask- hurt, and conflicts ignite sit down together and ask them, ing siblings to help fix a snack for when one sibling thinks that ‘How can we make this play date everyone. he’s been wronged, es- fun for everyone?’ ” Leslie found play date peace pecially if he perceives When kids are involved in cre- when she stopped micromanag- that another child is ating a plan, they become invested ing friends’ visits. Instead, she being favored. in the solution, Faber says. talked with her kids about the When tempers Creating a shared plan of action importance of kindness and inclu- flare, kids often also sends an important message sion — and then she stepped back set parents up to each sibling: one child doesn’t and trusted her kids’ judgment. to take sides: get to have fun at the expense of “I realized it wasn’t Kaylee’s “Make him leave another. Every family member has responsibility to keep Kyle enter- us alone!” or “Tell valid needs and ideas. Rivalry dif- tained,” says Leslie. “I let them her that it’s my fuses when kids see that they are know that while I expect Kaylee room!” valued and that one sibling isn’t and her friend to be kind to Kyle Parents should being favored, she says. (and vice versa), it’s up to her to tread carefully, says decide if she wants to include her Maidenberg, because Ideas for inclusion brother. Overall, they’re both good the time-honored tactic of Planning ahead is ideal, but about including the other. They forcing one child to include even the best-laid play date plans know it’s not fun to be left out.” a left-out sibling in her aren’t foolproof. Plans can fall Malia Jacobson is a nationally pub- play can strain sibling re- through. (For example, when a lished freelance journalist and mom. lationships. A child who surprise rain shower keeps ev- She blogs about parenting and fam- is forced to include a eryone indoors.) 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Tips eral ideas that en- Camp Session: July 29, 2013-August 4, 2013 s 7R I TE DOWN ALL able everyone to have Ages: 13-17 ideas, even ones that fun together. sound impractical and ridic- Now, go play! ulous, like “Eat cotton candy at Source: Adele Faber, author of the Space Needle!” and “Bake “Siblings Without Rivalry: How to PLAY DATES 1,000 cookies!” Help Your Children Live Together s 7E B S I TE S LIKE FAMILYFITNESS So You Can Live Too.” Register Today! BY MALIA JACOBSON and try to one-up siblings in an pair, Leslie knew she needed a new attempt to appear cool in front of play date plan of action. www.campcommonplace.com n theory, play dates are sup- their friends. 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A child who surprise rain shower keeps ev- She blogs about parenting and fam- www.NYParenting.com is forced to include a eryone indoors.) And sometimes, ily health at www.thewellrestedfamily. sibling in a play date planning is impossible (such com. May Ì ÊÓä£ÎÊUÊ 2013 • BROOKLYNXXXXX FamiFAMILYly 1927 ARTS “These are not just classes but a playground of creativity. It’s very pleasing to see him bring for Culture, Brain, and Develop- lem solve creatively. They’re using ment. For more than two decades, home new surprises every week — projects critical thinking, decision making. Catterall has been researching They’re learning to collaborate children’s cognitive development that are truly amazing and precious.” with other children and these are in the context of learning the arts, things they use throughout life.” and last year, he founded the Cen- During her three years teaching, ters for Research on Creativity, lives only up until they turned 26, visit libraries, and pursue profes- Plasmati has also had parents ap- which he describes as “a new orga- but their behavioral tendencies sions in teaching and healthcare. proach her and tell her the positive nization dedicated to inquiry into show that they were more likely In addition, it was more probable effects her art classes have had human creativity.” to vote, volunteer, and become in- that their career paths would as- upon their children. 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As a result, grams are regimented, structured, ilar statistics that the National En- more likely to read newspapers, developed had finally found an outlet into alerie Plasmati’s daughter Plasmati decided to create an art and lack creativity.” dowment for the Arts relied upon These research findings corre- which he could direct his energy express enrolled in fourth grade at a studio in the basement of her home for its report, Catterall, moreover, late to Plasmati’s thinking that art positively. V Flushing elementary school where her daughter could explore a Better students found that arts-oriented students students inevitably learn lifelong “My son is a very active boy, in 2010. Her daughter participated variety of art media. through art in the eighth through 12th grades coping techniques as they prog- and through art, he channels his themselves in organized afterschool activi- “My daughter was doing all kinds Plasmati’s observations are later became more actively en- ress in their classes. energy in a positive way,” the parties, but Plasmati was unable to of structured activities, such as quite similar to research findings gaged and civic-minded citizens. “These kids unwittingly gain ent confessed. “These are not just find anything in her neighborhood swimming and piano lessons. I was published this year by the National Unfortunately, the available re - invaluable skills,” she described. classes but a playground of cre- through art looking for something where she Endowment for the Arts. Using data search follows these students’ “They don’t even realize that ativity. It’s very pleasing to see him was completely free to be herself gathered during the last 20 years they’re learning how to prob- bring home new surprises every and express herself,” Plasmati re- from the U.S. Department of Edu- week — projects that are truly calls. “I didn’t want to go into Man- cation and the U.S. Department amazing and precious.” hattan, and locally, I couldn’t find of Labor, researchers have re- Another parent who spoke with what I was looking for, so I started peatedly found that young adults Plasmati expressed her disappoint- the studio myself with the types of and teenagers study- ment in her daughter’s classes that I was interested in for ing an art-intensive art program at school. my daughter.” curriculum are Consequently, the fam- Teaching out of her basement generally better ily needed to search with two other artists since 2010, students than those beyond the academic Plasmati has created a children’s with a course load lack- classroom and find an art program called “The Art Studio ing in the arts. environment where she for Kids.” “Over the past four decades, would be able to express her- Queens is full of adult artists, and budget pressures and an increas- self more creatively. the public support of them is appar- ing focus on just reading and math “Our daughter has always en- ent by the various exhibits through- have crowded the arts out of too joyed the creative arts, but her out the borough. What is also many school days,” says Rocco middle school does not offer a apparent, however, is the Landesman chairman of the orga- dedicated program,” the mother pressure children feel to nization. “What’s lost? The chance explained. “Therefore, we feel very excel academically for a child to express himself, the fortunate to have found a program in schools and, chance for the idiosyncratic child providing access to talented in- consequently, who has not yet succeeded else- structors just around the corner. put extracurricu- where to shine. A sense of play, of We are thrilled that she’s learning lar courses aside fun, of discovery.” a variety of techniques, has the such as art and Landesman’s comments reflect opportunity to solve creative chal- music. the research data that discovered, lenges, and is building an impres- “Many par- in comparison to the students who sive and varied portfolio at the ents are fore- did not have an arts enriched edu- same time.” going art and cation, that arts-oriented students Like the parents of her students, focusing only had higher grade point averages, Plasmati enjoys seeing her students on academics,” were more likely to enroll in and benefit from their hard work. Plasmati observed. “Aca- succeed at competitive colleges, “You really can’t fail at art,” she demics is and should be and pursue graduate or profes- mused. “I see it all the time. Chil- of primary importance, but sional degrees. dren derive immense gratification a high grade point average from their artwork and really take does not guarantee success Better citizens pleasure in feedback from adults in life. Children need other through art and their peers.” skills to succeed later in One of the authors of the re- Allison Plitt is a contributing writer life in a work environment. search findings is James Catterall, for NY Parenting Media and lives in A lot of children today are who is a professor at the University Queens with her husband and 6-year- in school programs after of California Los Angeles’s Center old daughter.

20 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 Ì ÊÓä£ÎÊUÊXXXXX FAMILY 3 ARTS “These are not just classes but a playground of creativity. It’s very pleasing to see him bring for Culture, Brain, and Develop- lem solve creatively. They’re using ment. For more than two decades, home new surprises every week — projects critical thinking, decision making. Catterall has been researching They’re learning to collaborate children’s cognitive development that are truly amazing and precious.” with other children and these are in the context of learning the arts, things they use throughout life.” and last year, he founded the Cen- During her three years teaching, ters for Research on Creativity, lives only up until they turned 26, visit libraries, and pursue profes- Plasmati has also had parents ap- which he describes as “a new orga- but their behavioral tendencies sions in teaching and healthcare. proach her and tell her the positive nization dedicated to inquiry into show that they were more likely In addition, it was more probable effects her art classes have had human creativity.” to vote, volunteer, and become in- that their career paths would as- upon their children. Catterall published a book titled volved in local politics than the cend to the executive and manage- For example, one parent told Art & soul “Doing Well and Doing Good by students whose studies were not rial levels. her that her child became more Doing Art: A 12-Year Study of Arts focused on the arts. The study also patient, while another parent ad- BY ALLISON PLITT where her daughter could express school and on weekends — the pro- Education” in 2009. Employing sim- indicates that these students were Coping skills mitted that her energetic child Helping kids herself more freely. As a result, grams are regimented, structured, ilar statistics that the National En- more likely to read newspapers, developed had finally found an outlet into alerie Plasmati’s daughter Plasmati decided to create an art and lack creativity.” dowment for the Arts relied upon These research findings corre- which he could direct his energy express enrolled in fourth grade at a studio in the basement of her home for its report, Catterall, moreover, late to Plasmati’s thinking that art positively. V Flushing elementary school where her daughter could explore a Better students found that arts-oriented students students inevitably learn lifelong “My son is a very active boy, in 2010. Her daughter participated variety of art media. through art in the eighth through 12th grades coping techniques as they prog- and through art, he channels his themselves in organized afterschool activi- “My daughter was doing all kinds Plasmati’s observations are later became more actively en- ress in their classes. energy in a positive way,” the parties, but Plasmati was unable to of structured activities, such as quite similar to research findings gaged and civic-minded citizens. “These kids unwittingly gain ent confessed. “These are not just find anything in her neighborhood swimming and piano lessons. I was published this year by the National Unfortunately, the available re - invaluable skills,” she described. classes but a playground of cre- through art looking for something where she Endowment for the Arts. Using data search follows these students’ “They don’t even realize that ativity. It’s very pleasing to see him was completely free to be herself gathered during the last 20 years they’re learning how to prob- bring home new surprises every and express herself,” Plasmati re- from the U.S. Department of Edu- week — projects that are truly calls. “I didn’t want to go into Man- cation and the U.S. Department amazing and precious.” hattan, and locally, I couldn’t find of Labor, researchers have re- Another parent who spoke with what I was looking for, so I started peatedly found that young adults Plasmati expressed her disappoint- the studio myself with the types of and teenagers study- ment in her daughter’s classes that I was interested in for ing an art-intensive art program at school. my daughter.” curriculum are Consequently, the fam- Teaching out of her basement generally better ily needed to search with two other artists since 2010, students than those beyond the academic Plasmati has created a children’s with a course load lack- classroom and find an art program called “The Art Studio ing in the arts. environment where she for Kids.” “Over the past four decades, would be able to express her- Queens is full of adult artists, and budget pressures and an increas- self more creatively. the public support of them is appar- ing focus on just reading and math “Our daughter has always en- ent by the various exhibits through- have crowded the arts out of too joyed the creative arts, but her out the borough. What is also many school days,” says Rocco middle school does not offer a apparent, however, is the Landesman chairman of the orga- dedicated program,” the mother pressure children feel to nization. “What’s lost? The chance explained. “Therefore, we feel very excel academically for a child to express himself, the fortunate to have found a program in schools and, chance for the idiosyncratic child providing access to talented in- consequently, who has not yet succeeded else- structors just around the corner. put extracurricu- where to shine. A sense of play, of We are thrilled that she’s learning lar courses aside fun, of discovery.” a variety of techniques, has the such as art and Landesman’s comments reflect opportunity to solve creative chal- music. the research data that discovered, lenges, and is building an impres- “Many par- in comparison to the students who sive and varied portfolio at the ents are fore- did not have an arts enriched edu- same time.” going art and cation, that arts-oriented students Like the parents of her students, focusing only had higher grade point averages, Plasmati enjoys seeing her students on academics,” were more likely to enroll in and benefit from their hard work. Plasmati observed. “Aca- succeed at competitive colleges, “You really can’t fail at art,” she demics is and should be and pursue graduate or profes- mused. “I see it all the time. Chil- of primary importance, but sional degrees. dren derive immense gratification a high grade point average from their artwork and really take does not guarantee success Better citizens pleasure in feedback from adults in life. Children need other through art and their peers.” skills to succeed later in One of the authors of the re- Allison Plitt is a contributing writer life in a work environment. search findings is James Catterall, for NY Parenting Media and lives in A lot of children today are who is a professor at the University Queens with her husband and 6-year- in school programs after of California Los Angeles’s Center old daughter.

May 2013 Ì ÊÓä£ÎÊUÊ • BROOKLYNXXXXX Fami FAMILYly 21 3 Arts Directory

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Courses include all schedule, call 718-797-5600. levels of acting, musical theatre, improvisation, film & television, along with private lessons for singing, piano and Dancewave audition preparation. 45 Fourth Avenue at Dean Street Acting Out prides itself on its fantastic Classes held in multiple locations teachers who are all working actors/ throughout Park Slope, Brooklyn musicians that offer your child the 718-522-4696 or www.dancewave.org opportunity to learn from profession- The School at Dancewave offers dance als. Their instructors can be seen on classes and summer programs for Broadway, regional theatre, television, babies, toddlers, kids, teens & adults radio and film. They are members of at the Dancewave Center and locations Photo by Gregory Dillon Scherer the Actors Equity Association, the throughout Park Slope. Classes include Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA, and Creative Movement, Ballet, Jazz, 718.797.5600 hold Bachelor and/or Master Degrees in Modern, African, Hip-Hop, Pre-Pointe the performing arts. and more! Dancewave embraces an Dance . Drama . Music . Art Most importantly, they have instruc- innovative model of dance education. www.creativeartsstudio.com tors who dedicate themselves to pro- Our high standard for rigorous train- vide your child with an environment ing is combined with mentoring by in which they feel safe in expressing accomplished dance professionals in an the full range of emotions required in incredibly nurturing and non- competi- developing their performing arts skills. tive environment. Through this unique model, students of all ages, skill levels, Leif Ericson Day School With two Brooklyn based studios and backgrounds not only achieve Acting Out says “Come on down and proficiency in dance, but also gain con- take a class, visit our website or feel fidence and self-esteem and are able to *Nursery - Grade 8* free to call, we love to answer ques- express themselves authentically. tions!” SPIRITUAL ACADEMIC FORMATION s Small Class Size EXCELLENCE Joffrey Ballet School Creative Arts Studio Founded By Robert Joffrey in 1953 Summer Camp 2013 434 Avenue of the America’s, 3rd, s Professional, Caring Staff Boerum Hill and Carroll Gardens 4th and 5th Floors 212-254-8520 ext 208 Fax: 718-228- 718-797-5600 or www.creativeartsstu- 9612 or www.joffreyballetschool. s State Approved Curriculum dio.com com Offers children between the ages 5-13, Summer Dance Camp- Ages 3 - 6, 7-9 the opportunity to have a wonderful (NO AUDITION REQUIRED) s Music Performance experience of dance, drama, music and Six Ballets in six weeks! Our youngest art. dancers will explore a different story There will be weekly swimming lessons, ballet each week culminating in a Friday s Computer Technology field trips to various museums and family performance. The children will special events along with projects and use improvisation, basic movement con- activities that explore weekly themes. cepts, and basic principles of classical REGISTER NOW The outstanding Teaching Artists of the ballet to recreate the great story bal- Creative Arts Studio will be teaching lets. The children will design and con- for our this multi-arts workshop in a fun and struct costumes, masks and scenery to nurturing environment. enhance the productions. A light, theme Summer Creative Arts based, snack will be served daily. Creative Arts Studio Teen & Music Program Summer Dance Intensive The Summer Creative Arts 2013 & Music Program of Leif Ericson Day School June 24 - August 2, 2013 Boerum Hill and Carroll Gardens 718-797-5600 or www. 1037 72nd Street in Dyker Heights creativeartsstudio.com 718-748-9023 or www.ledsny.org 1037 - 72nd Streets718-748-9023shttp://ledsny.org Creative Arts Studio professional Leif Ericson Day School’s Summer Teaching Artists will be helping stu- Continued on page 24 22 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 Special Advertising Section Special Advertising Section May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 23 Arts Girls! Glamour!Gershwin! Directory Continued from page 22 Preparatory Center For Creative Arts and Music Program –New York Magazine The Performing Arts at (SCAMP) begins its 17th year of fun on Brooklyn College June 24, and runs through August 2. 234 Roosevelt Hall 2900 Bedford Children from pre-K to grade 7 enjoy Ave., computers, art, music, movement, and 718-951-4111 or www.bcprepcenter. drama. Professional caring staff and org junior counselors are enthusiastic and Is an exciting, nurturing environment attentive. Limited group size allows where children can develop a life-long for a more fulfilling experience. All love for music, theater and dance and activities are on-premises. Two snacks gain skills that will give them confi- provided daily. SCAMP hours are dence. Faculty are skilled in teaching 9a.m.-3p.m. with “Early bird” care beginning to advanced students. Music (8am) and “Late Bird” care (5pm) for classes include private instruction, Photo by Joan Marcus additional fees. musicianship, and ensembles as well as Suzuki programs in Violin, Cello Summer Music Programs and Flute. Traditional Theater, Musical Theater, Ballet, Tap and other Dance at Noel Pointer classes are offered for children 5 and Foundation up. Beginning music, theater, and 1368 Fulton Street, 3rd Floor dance classes for very young children 718-230-4825 or www.npsom.org are available during the school year. Give your child the gift of music and set them up for future successes through the Noel Pointer Foundation’s StageCoach Theatre Arts Matthew BRODERICK Jessie MUELLER Summer Strings Program. In this fun, Schools intensive workshop series, your student 718-852-3208 or www. will learn their choice of violin, viola, stagecoachschools.com cello, classical guitar, piano, double StageCoach is the world’s largest bass and music theory. The program part-time performing arts school, runs daily from Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. operating in 11 countries and has to 3 p.m., with extended hours for over 600 thriving schools with 40,000 working parents. A dedicated, highly enthusiastic students attending each experienced staff of teaching artists week. StageCoach has a reputation will encourage and nurture your child’s for stretching children’s imagination creativity while challenging them to and building their confidence through fulfill their true potential. Our mission is classes in drama, dance and singing. to provide high-value music instruction The schools run every Saturday and to those who might, otherwise, not after school. Students are boys and have the opportunity. Studying music girls ages 4 to 18 and are grouped in is proven to increase attendance and classes by similar age. All teachers are graduation rates as well as open up professional performers. StageCoach ® greater college opportunities for stu- training is training for life, for more The Tony-Winning dents. Join us this summer and expose information please call Beth on 718- your children to a world of new pos- 852-3208 or view the video on their New Musical Comedy sibilities! website.

Music and & Lyrics by GEORGE IRA GERSHWIN Book by JOE DIPIETRO inspired by material by GUY BOLTON and P.G.WODEHOUSE Directed and Choreographed by KATHLEEN MARSHALL WHOHFKDUJHFRPŜ NiceWorkOnBroadway.com OIMPERIAL THEATRE, 249 West 45th Street

24 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 Special Advertising Section

NW.FamilyPubs.4x9.875.4C.indd 1 4/11/13 6:11 PM 13 Main Stages 20 EarlyEarar Stages Musical Theatre i MusMuMusicalusu Theatre classes for 6 - 16 claclasses for 4-6 year olds year olds 1 2 ( SUMMERSUMMER STRINGSSTRINGS 20132013 | JULY 1 - AUGUSTAU 2 9am - 3pm with ExtendedExtended Hours from 8:30a8:30amm - 5:15pm SUMMER CAMPS / Dance, Drama and Singing Camps 3 For children aged 4-16 years 2 !!REGISTER!!REGISTER NOW!! August 5th-10th-’Glee’ Week , 1 ViolinViolin | VViolaiola | CCelloello | DDoubleouble BBassass | PPianoiano | ClClassicalass guitar August 12th-17th ‘Broadway Bound’ 7 The Best Performing Arts Camps in Brooklyn! ( BEDFORDBEDFORD STUYVESANTSTUYVESANT RESTORATIONRESTORATIO

Come join our Spring production of 5 1368 Fulton Street, BrooklBrooklyn,rooklyn, NY 112161121 ‘High School Musical’ ) office@noelpointeroffice@noelppointerr | npnpsom.org Weekend and weekday classes available 2 718.230.4825 Pleasse visit our website for questions and registration details 8 Beth on: 718 - 852 - 3208 1 StageCoach the World’s Largest ' SUMMERSUUMMEMMER OPENOPEN HOUSEHOUSEO Part Time Theatre Arts Schools $ AprilApril 6 | 110am0am - 1212pmpm CT NOW! 7 CE! A , DAN SING! Theatre Arts Schools 2 Stagecoach 1 www.StageCoachSchools.com

The Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts

234 Roosevelt Hall, 2900 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11210 Over 30 years of offering music, theater, and dance classes for children age 3 and up. SUMMER 2013 U Creative Arts Program for ages 3-5 U Dance Classes for ages 3 & up U Theater Classes for children and teenagers U Introduction to Suzuki Violin for ages 3-6 U Group Piano and Guitar Classes for children, teenagers, and adults U Exploring Puppetry through Stories U Beginner to advanced instrument and voice lessons for children, teenagers, and adults U Jazz Improv and Chamber Music programs for children, teenagers, and adults Suzuki Programs for Violin, Cello, Recorder, and Flute – Information session and interviews – please call for further information for the 2013 - 2014 school year The Brooklyn College Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts 234 Roosevelt Hall, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11210 U Telephone: 718-951-4111; visit our website www.bcprepcenter.org

Special Advertising Section May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 25 ARTS

By slowly easing Eden into the theater world by giving her important behind-the-scenes tasks, Loew had helped nurture an important under- study for the show. From shy “For the next two weeks, when some other kids were absent, she was eager to jump up and fill in!” says Loew. “Within the month, she came to me and asked if she could be back in the show! I hugged her and told her, ‘of course.’ I do to a star believe I went into the bathroom and cried right after that. She was the star of the show!” BY MARY L. TOMASULO The training’s payoff was Acting helps two fold: Eden felt self-as- den was always sured on stage, and now girl find sure a shy girl, but she also has the courage E these days, to try new things off she has developed a stage, too. footing newfound confidence. “I always loved She now raises her acting, but I never hand high in the class- really participated in room, and speaks up anything before, because I was proudly when asked really shy,” says Eden. “When I was a question. Eden ap- in the play recently, I felt really con- proaches other people with fident, and now I feel like I could do determination, and remark- anything.” ably, she has even found the Karp was relieved that her quiet courage to perform. daughter found a way to assert Eight-year-old Eden was with- herself. drawn and timid. Her Pre-K teacher classmates, so I reminded her how “Being an observer of life for so said she would sit on her observa- loved she was by all of us. many years had Eden keeping her tion chair and rarely participate, yet “I told her how smart she was and feelings and emotions inside,” says at home, her mom, Stephanie Karp, how, so many times, I was impressed Karp. “She was able to harness these saw that Eden had a comedic side. by all the great ideas she had in class. feelings and was finally able to ex- Hoping to draw her out, Karp thought She agreed. press herself.” perhaps an acting class could help. “I brought up the idea of her being A new, confident child has Determined to enroll Eden in theater able to continue to contribute her emerged who doesn’t waiver or classes, she found a great program great ideas and insight and still be doubt herself anymore. It has spilled in Brooklyn that has changed Eden’s able to enjoy her classmates by being over into her life in many ways, and entire persona. my assistant director and costume she is no longer introverted. With “I drove by the Acting Out studio a designer for the show. I told her she her recently discovered poise, Eden dozen times, never realizing how nur- would sit next to me and make all the was able to approach other children turing it was and what an important big decisions with me.” and now she has many friends inside role it would play in my daughter’s “She loved the idea,” remembers and out of school. emotional growth,” says Karp. Loew. “She happily came to class the “Thanks to the amazing encour- Acting Out Director Roberta Loew next week, still shy but moving for- agement and support of Roberta recalls this student’s initial hesitance, ward, feeling safe by my side. I got Loew and her partner John Isgro, “Eden was a painfully shy child who her used to reading the script from and their nurturing staff of trained wanted to quit our program once we off stage, just in case one of her class- actors that night on stage, Eden shed gave out parts to our yearly show. mates forgot a line, she then could her old persona and added a new She shut down and would not come to read it out to them. She eventually one — star,” says her proud mother. class out of fear of being on the stage. got comfortable hearing herself read Now Eden can’t wait for the next I could never let this happen. lines out loud. season to begin so she can shine on “The thought of Eden forever being “One day, there was a child absent. stage once more. trapped in her fear was not an option I very casually said, ‘Hey Eden, we are Acting Out! [4724 Ave. N at 48th for me,” continues Loew. “We put a short an actor today. Can we use you Street in Brooklyn and 7426 15th Ave. plan into action. I called her mother on stage as a stand in?’ And it hap- at Bay Ridge Parkway; (718) 236–6494; and asked her to put me on speak- pened! She didn’t just stand in; she actingoutonline.com]. erphone, so Eden could hear me as grabbed the script and did the lines! Mary Tomasulo is a freelance writer. well. I told Eden I respected her deci- A bit nervous at first, but the trust had She has four daughters, one of whom sion and of course wanted her to feel been built, and she got stronger and was also shy. She lives in Brooklyn and comfortable. I knew she missed her stronger as the day went on.” spends her days writing and gardening.

26 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 ARTS

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 27 EDUCATION A Montessori mind You provide BY MICHELE ELDON in the brain. Intelligence is also the structive process, practicing skills, Understanding ability to learn from experience, to and learning from their mistakes cre- r. Maria Montessori formu- adapt to the surrounding environ- ates a solid foundation for the next the love. Montessori lated her ideas for working ment, and make distinctions when plane of development. D with and teaching children interpreting data. more than 100 years ago. Can those Montessori believed that while Second plane: Childhood 6-12 – learning in the ideas still be effective in working gathering data is one of the mind’s The powers of abstraction and We’ll provide the tax breaks. with children today? International tasks, the real work of intelligence is imagination 21st century Montessori teacher trainer M. Shan- in making distinctions in the inter- Students in this plane enjoy work- non Helfich references current brain pretation of the data. ing with peers and begin develop- research to demonstrate an ana- 4HEORGANIZATIONANDPROGRESSION INGCOLLABORATIONSKILLS4HEYEXPERI- lytical explanation of Montessori’s of the sensorial materials and ac- ment with the roles of teamwork and philosophy in the book “Montessori tivities in the Montessori classroom division of labor, recognizing their Learning in the 21st Century.” leads to a systematic and in-depth strengths and building confidence Helfich says that in the mid 1990s, exploration of the elements of the in the ability to offer their skills to neuroscientists came to several con- PHYSICALWORLD4HERICHNESSOFTHE the problem-solving process. Sharing clusions that are scientific proof con- Montessori environment supports their insights with others gives them firming Montessori’s empirical find- and nurtures the student far beyond the opportunity to practice their logi- ings on education: what he might experience randomly cal thinking and judgment skills. s " R A I N DEVELOPMENTISACOMBINA- OR SPONTANEOUSLY IN THE WORLD 4HE tion of genes and experiences. clarity of the experience allows for a Third plane: Adolescence 12-18 – s % A R L Y EXPERIENCES HAVE A DECI- keenly refined abstraction. Human tendencies SAVING VS. BORROWING sive impact on the way the brain is Current child development re- Montessori views this plane of de- With New York’s 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan, “wired,” and its adult capacities. search verifies the Montessori physi- velopment as the birth of the social $ Total Cost: 16,-55')1%4-2-*;27&24429)( 60k all your growth is tax-deferred and your withdrawals are s 4 H E R E ARE PRIME TIMES FOR THE CALAPPROACHTOMATHEMATICS4HEAB- being. Adolescents are experienc- Projected $48,365 623%;*24'2//)+);27927/( brain to acquire different types of stract concepts built upon the physi- ing dramatic physical and emotional $50k College ,%8)6253)1(69-')%507',6,%1-* tax-free when you use the money for tuition, room & knowledge. cal sensory experiences are much changes and need time and space for Expenses: ;275%8)(21%4)+7/%4&%5-5 > $ 5% Owed %DUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS DEFINE stronger and more usable concepts. contemplation and reflection, as well 40k $38,292 board, books and fees.* Plus, as a New York taxpayer, intelligence as more than simply Montessori believes the mathemat- as avenues for self-expression. !,-5):%03/)%5570)56,%66,) you’ll earn a New York income tax deduction** $30k knowledge recorded and organized ical mind is not merely the capacity Adolescents seek to develop emo- 6% -18)56245%8)5 %0216, Return every year you contribute. to remember math operations and $ *24 ;)%45 tional and economic independence 20k Borrowed: formulas but the orderly mind that or- and a sense of self as a member Invested: $38,000 $21,600 6%/52%5570)56,)&24429)46%.)5 ganizes data into usable patterns. of society. Participating in extended $10k 6-16)4)563%-( %0216,*24 28)4 ;)%45 276%/2%1*24 %6-16)4)56 When a child can explore activi- trips away from home, community ;)%45 %1(6%.)56)1;)%45623%;-6&%'. Call 1-800-376-9166 ties where the order is dismantled service, and small business projects and then recreated, he learns strat- creates opportunities for adoles- >!,-5,;326,)6-'%/):%03/)(2)51264)34)5)166,)4)674121%1;3%46-'7/%4-18)560)16 !,)<1%/%''2716&%/%1') or visit ny529directplan.com (2)51264)=)'6%1;6%:)5243)1%/6-)56,%60%;&)(7)7321(-564-&76-21 '67%/'25652*&24429-1+%1( egies for creating order. Later, the cents to develop their independence 4)67415215%8-1+59-//8%4;%1(0%;&),-+,)424/29)46,%16,25)5,291 student will call on these strategies in the larger world. to interpret numbers and math op- ERATIONS 4HESE STRATEGIES EVENTU- The future and its rewards ally form the foundation for critical 4HE STUDENT BECOMES A FULLY DE- 18)560)164)67415%4)126+7%4%16))(%1(;27'27/(/25)021); !,)203642//)42*6,) 6%6)2*)9$24.%1(6,))9$24. 6%6)-+,)4(7'%6-21 )48-')524324%6-21%4) thinking, logic, and the understand- veloped young adult at the comple- &;-18)56-1+-16,)3/%1 6,)42+4%0(0-1-564%6245%1(%4)4)53215-&/)*24-03/)0)16-1+%1(%(0-1-56)4-1+6,)Direct Plan "3420-5) ing of cause and effect. tion of all planes of development. At 18)560)1651' %1("3420-5)18)560)16(8-5245 5)48)%542+4%0%1%+)4%1( )'24(.))3-1+%1( "ASEDONOBSERVATIONSOFCHILDREN this point he has learned life skills (DUQLQJVRQQRQTXDOLÀHGZLWKGUDZDOVPD\EHVXEMHFWWRIHGHUDO )48-'-1++)164)53)'6-8)/;%1(%4)4)53215-&/)*24(%; 62 (%;23)4%6-215-1'/7(-1+)**)'6-1+64%15%'6-215 !,) #%1+7%4(42731' 5)48)5%56,)18)560)16%1%+)4 #%1+7%4(%4.)6-1+24324%6-210%4.)65(-564-&76)5 throughout the world, Montessori that allow for independence and is a income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and %1(71()494-6)56,)Direct Plan developed her theory of the planes self-motivated, competent, and con- ORFDOLQFRPHWD[HV7D[DQGRWKHUEHQHÀWVDUHFRQWLQJHQW of development. fident young adult. He has compas- on meeting other requirements and certain withdrawals are No guarantee:21)2*6,) 6%6)2*)9$24.-65%+)1'-)56,))()4%/)325-61574%1')24324%6-21 sion toward others and empathy for VXEMHFWWRIHGHUDOVWDWHDQGORFDOWD[HV !,)#%1+7%4(42731' "3420-5)18)560)1651' 124%1;2*6,)-4%33/-'%&/)%* $ 5% Owed %DUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS DEFINE stronger and more usable concepts. contemplation and reflection, as well 40k $38,292 board, books and fees.* Plus, as a New York taxpayer, intelligence as more than simply Montessori believes the mathemat- as avenues for self-expression. !,-5):%03/)%5570)56,%66,) you’ll earn a New York income tax deduction** $30k knowledge recorded and organized ical mind is not merely the capacity Adolescents seek to develop emo- 6% -18)56245%8)5 %0216, Return every year you contribute. to remember math operations and $ *24 ;)%45 tional and economic independence 20k Borrowed: formulas but the orderly mind that or- and a sense of self as a member Invested: $38,000 $21,600 6%/52%5570)56,)&24429)46%.)5 ganizes data into usable patterns. of society. Participating in extended $10k 6-16)4)563%-( %0216,*24 28)4 ;)%45 276%/2%1*24 %6-16)4)56 When a child can explore activi- trips away from home, community ;)%45 %1(6%.)56)1;)%45623%;-6&%'. Call 1-800-376-9166 ties where the order is dismantled service, and small business projects and then recreated, he learns strat- creates opportunities for adoles- >!,-5,;326,)6-'%/):%03/)(2)51264)34)5)166,)4)674121%1;3%46-'7/%4-18)560)16 !,)<1%/%''2716&%/%1') or visit ny529directplan.com (2)51264)=)'6%1;6%:)5243)1%/6-)56,%60%;&)(7)7321(-564-&76-21 '67%/'25652*&24429-1+%1( egies for creating order. Later, the cents to develop their independence 4)67415215%8-1+59-//8%4;%1(0%;&),-+,)424/29)46,%16,25)5,291 student will call on these strategies in the larger world. to interpret numbers and math op- ERATIONS 4HESE STRATEGIES EVENTU- The future and its rewards ally form the foundation for critical 4HE STUDENT BECOMES A FULLY DE- 18)560)164)67415%4)126+7%4%16))(%1(;27'27/(/25)021); !,)203642//)42*6,) 6%6)2*)9$24.%1(6,))9$24. 6%6)-+,)4(7'%6-21 )48-')524324%6-21%4) thinking, logic, and the understand- veloped young adult at the comple- &;-18)56-1+-16,)3/%1 6,)42+4%0(0-1-564%6245%1(%4)4)53215-&/)*24-03/)0)16-1+%1(%(0-1-56)4-1+6,)Direct Plan "3420-5) ing of cause and effect. tion of all planes of development. At 18)560)1651' %1("3420-5)18)560)16(8-5245 5)48)%542+4%0%1%+)4%1( )'24(.))3-1+%1( "ASEDONOBSERVATIONSOFCHILDREN this point he has learned life skills (DUQLQJVRQQRQTXDOLÀHGZLWKGUDZDOVPD\EHVXEMHFWWRIHGHUDO )48-'-1++)164)53)'6-8)/;%1(%4)4)53215-&/)*24(%; 62 (%;23)4%6-215-1'/7(-1+)**)'6-1+64%15%'6-215 !,) #%1+7%4(42731' 5)48)5%56,)18)560)16%1%+)4 #%1+7%4(%4.)6-1+24324%6-210%4.)65(-564-&76)5 throughout the world, Montessori that allow for independence and is a income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and %1(71()494-6)56,)Direct Plan developed her theory of the planes self-motivated, competent, and con- ORFDOLQFRPHWD[HV7D[DQGRWKHUEHQHÀWVDUHFRQWLQJHQW of development. fident young adult. He has compas- on meeting other requirements and certain withdrawals are No guarantee:21)2*6,) 6%6)2*)9$24.-65%+)1'-)56,))()4%/)325-61574%1')24324%6-21 sion toward others and empathy for VXEMHFWWRIHGHUDOVWDWHDQGORFDOWD[HV !,)#%1+7%4(42731' "3420-5)18)560)1651' 124%1;2*6,)-4%33/-'%&/)%*[email protected] of Independent Schools. Registration is beginning now for Windmill’s 2013-2014 School Year and our Academic Montessori Elemental Arts Summer Day Camp and Creative Montessori (EAM) Writing Program for 3-12 year olds. 364 Argyle Road in the historical Victorian section of Brooklyn Windmill offers a nurturing place or follow us on 718-484-0942 or www. where the children make friends elementalartsmontessori.com and learn through the Montessori EAM is licensed by the New York Method, while having lots of fun. City Department of Health. We Spacious enclosed yard with play- are a Full Member School with the ground and pool lets campers safely American Montessori Society. EAM participate in outdoor activities, is for children from the age of 2.6 all with highly qualified and caring through 5.6 years old. staff’s guidance. Local trips, weekly In order for us to maximize our time themes, arts & crafts, computers, with the children, EAM offers a singing, group games, and pool small class size of only twelve chil- activities are enjoyed. Olympics and dren per program session. There carnival are highlights. Four to six are two Montessori trained teachers. week programs are offered, as are This is to provide a warm, nurturing, sibling discounts. Door-to-door bus caring and stimulating environment. service is available. Call for individu- Facebook Search: NYParenting EAM offers a unique experience alized appointment.

30 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 Special Advertising Section

(/(0(17$/$5760217(6625, UÊÊÀÊV `ÀiÊÓ°ÈÊÊqÊx°ÈÊÞi>ÀÃÊ` WINDMILL MONTESSORI SCHOOL OPEN Accredited Preschool, Elementary, HOUSES JHS & Academic Summer Camp UÊÊ£ÉÓÊ >ÞÊ*À}À>ÃÊÀÊÕÊ >Þ Wednesday, May 29 UÊÊ >ÀÞÊ À}Ê À«vvÊÛ>>Li A P E A C E F U L P L A C E T O L E A R N S I N C E 1 9 4 1 Tuesday, UÊÊ*À}À>ÊÃÊxÊ >ÞÃÊ>Ê7ii Windmill’s environment encourages children to June 4 • learn naturally at their own pace • �nd and develop their own interests, and 9:00-10:30am • get the individual attention needed to thrive UÊ- Ê --Ê-< ÊÊUÊW, ]Ê 1R/1, Ê 6," T CURRICULUM ADVANTAGES Your child’s learning environment is adapted to Montessori Method, French, Computer Skills, their individual developmental needs. Physical Education, Yoga, Music, Art Academic Montessori Summer Camp for EAM offers a unique experience for your child. PLUS MORE 3-6 year olds Academic Montessori Creative Writing Small Class Size, Outdoor Recreation, Camp for 6-9 and 9-12 year olds Our mission is to have fun through exploration A/C Classrooms, Curriculum-based Trips, Group Games Weekly Themes and discovery, allowing each child to fully Dedicated Staff, Door-to-Door Bus Service, Age-appropriate Trips Arts & Crafts After School Program (3:40-5:45pm) Carnival Enclosed Wading Pool experience their natural joy for learning. and more....

PAYMENT PLANS ARE AVAILABLE. Happy Learners and Happy Campers CAMP 2013 Monday, July 1st to Friday, August 9 A */ Ê, -/,A/" Ê",ÊAÊÓä£3 718-375-7973 718-375-4277 ÎÈ{ÊÀ}ÞiÊ,>`]Ê ÀÞÊ 9ÊÊÊÊ e -m a i l : [email protected] website: www.windmontsch.org Ç£n°{n{°ä{ÓÊÊ Windmill is non-sectarian. Licensed by The New York City Department of Health Affiliated with The American Montessori Society ÜÜÜ°iiiÌ>>ÀÌÃÌiÃÃÀ°V 1 3 1 7 A v e n u e T @ E a s t 1 4 t h S t r e e t B r o o k l y n, N Y 1 1 2 2 9

Special Advertising Section May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 31 PARENTING

For children older than 5, an age- stead, draw on the information you appropriate explanation is in order. know your child already knows “Kids of this age probably know about sex, by saying something and think more about sex than par- like, “Remember when we talked When mom & dad are ents realize,” says Leman. “So par- about how babies are made?” ents should approach the topic hon- Indeed, the entire situation is estly.” easier to handle if a child has al- As with any parent-child dialogue ready listened to the “birds and about sex, a parent’s ultimate goals bees” talk — which should happen are to answer questions honestly in early elementary school, says without oversharing and leave Leman. the door open — so to speak — “If your child is over 8, and you’ve caught in the act for future talks. Do this with a never talked about sex with him or short, reassuring conversa- her, you’ve waited too long.” tion that occurs soon after BY MALIA JACOBSON safe boundaries for kids — and pro- the walk-in (ideally, the fol- The morning after Answering vides parents with welcome security lowing day). Ready to broach the big topic? The h, sweet bedtime. The kiddos and peace of mind during sex. Bring it up yourself; morning after the “incident,” steal a q u e s t i o n s are tuckered out and tucked “Bedroom door locks are there waiting for a child to raise quiet moment with your child, away A in. You’re (miraculously) still for a reason. Parents should use the topic puts the respon- from siblings, friends, the television, awake. Even better, you’ve finally them!” says Dr. Kevin Leman, author sibility on the child’s and other distractions. Start with after an stolen a moment alone with your of dozens of marriage and parenting shoulders, instead of on “Hey, you know when you walked spouse. Things get amorous, and books including “A Chicken’s Guide yours. And though some into our room last night? I’m sorry. you’re too caught up in the moment to Talking Turkey with Your Kids forthright children may We have a lock on our bedroom awkward to notice the sound of little feet pad- About Sex.” spit out questions rapid- door for that reason, and we should ding down the hall. fire, others may feel too have used it.” Leading with an apol- nighttime “Mommy? Daddy?” You glimpse Dial down the details ashamed or nervous to ogy lets the child know that he did at your pajama-clad child standing in But what about when your young broach the topic, and nothing wrong by walking in, says your bedroom doorway with a quiz- child breezes through your lockless wait for a parent to take Leman. encounter zical expression. Meanwhile, you’re (or unlocked) bedroom door during the lead. Because a child might be fright- dying a thousand parental deaths as lovemaking? Start by taking a mo- Now is not the ened by what he saw, it can be help- you frantically try to calculate just how ment to collect your thoughts (and time to introduce ful to portray sex as a completely big of an eyeful your little one got. possibly, your clothing). As with any new terminology normal, even universal, part of mar- Yes, this cringe-inducing scenario embarrassing situation, your first in- or confusing con- riage and adulthood. is regrettable. But it may not be as stinct may not be your best response. cepts. “Saying, ‘This is what mommies bad as you think. Here’s how to han- When you’re flustered, it’s easy to say “Put yourself and daddies do — all mommies and dle the aftermath of an accidental too much or say the wrong thing, says in your child’s daddies,’ makes it more universal peep show. Melissa Shelton, a school psycholo- shoes,” advises and less threatening or scary,” says gist in the Seattle area. Shelton. “Re- Leman. Use factual, plain language, Lock talk “I recommend taking a short break member how and answer any questions a child Parents can ward off this purely to regain some composure before differently (and asks, without supplying additional preventable incident by simply in- plunging into an explanation.” simply) a child information or answering questions stalling a locking bedroom door- Next, don’t assume that your child perceives any he isn’t asking. knob. Once children are old enough saw everything — or much of any- situation.” In- The best post-walk-in talk is one to get out of their bed at night, a bed- thing. A preschool-age child is prob- in which the parent feels comfort- room doorknob that locks creates ably not aware of what’s happening able and relaxed, notes Leman. under those sheets, says Leman, so “Speak to kids in comfortable lan- giving too much detail or long, clinical guage that’s comfortable for you. If explanations will just confuse him. you’re nervous, that lets kids know Dos and don’ts “Most 3 and 4 year olds won’t have that this is a bad subject, something Dos and don’ts: What to do s $ / USE SIMPLE AGE APPRO- a clue, even if they do see something,” we don’t talk about.” — and not to do — when priate language. he adds. Thankfully, that means par- “It’s not a topic most of us want to kids get an eyeful. s $ / . 4 OVER EXPLAIN ents usually can let themselves off embrace,” says Leman. “But it’s a s $ / INVESTINALOCK or give too many de- the hook with a simple “Mommy teachable moment for kids and for the bedroom door. Top tails, especially if the and daddy were hugging, be- parents both.” s $ / . 4 FEEL OVERLY child is under 5. cause we love each other” re- Malia Jacobson is a na- guilty — your child s $ / DISCUSS THE sponse for tots and very tionally published health and may sense your embar- Tips matter factually and young children. parenting journalist and au- rassment and conclude comfortably with chil- thor of “Sleep Tight, Every that sex is shameful. dren five and older. Birds and Night: Helping Toddlers and s $ / TAKEAMOMENTTOCOLLECT s $ / . 4 AVOID THE TOPIC OR bees Preschoolers Sleep Well your thoughts. wait for children to bring it up. Don’t try the Without Tears, Tricks, or s $ / . 4 FUMBLE THROUGH A FULL s $ / LETTHECHILDKNOWHEDID gloss-it-over tactic Tirades.” on explanation imme diately. nothing wrong by walking in. once kids are out of preschool, though.

32 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 PARENTING

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 33 NEW DAD Sweet baby, scary world

BY TIM PERRINS we can see how much things have that. “Oh, these moral failings over What does improved: our lives surely are bet- here? That’s the baby’s fault. She’s he funny thing about your ter now than they would have been going to hear it from me — just wait the future baby learning to walk is that, throughout most of human history, ’til she’s born!” T almost overnight, she be- when violence, disease, and death Indeed, it’s a troubled world that comes much better equipped to in- were so thickly woven into the fab- sees us going to such desperate hold for my teract with the outside world. ric of daily life that they weren’t half lengths to explain everything that’s If you set her down on the side- as shocking as they are now. wrong. Focusing too much on feel- walk, suddenly she can make good How, then, can we comprehend ing guilty or blaming others, how- daughter? on her obsession with the Con Edi- the terrible things that still hap- ever, won’t solve anything. Neither son truck depot. And she’ll stumble pen, and the awful state of this will sitting around wondering if it towards the open gate with impres- planet? Maybe the bottom line is was right to bring a baby into ex- sive determination. In our case, my that things are always becoming istence. Every generation inherits wife stopped her before she got too both better and worse. a world full of problems, and what far, but frankly I was curious to see While science and technology matters is how we handle the prob- how they were going to handle her have brought great advances, lems that we’re given. at the guard booth. they’ve also created entirely new At 15 months, my little baby is Now that she is ways to bring ruin upon ourselves. thrilled to be here. She stands up beginning to set foot Something as mundane as plastic, and bounces in her crib like a kan- in the world, well, for instance, has made our lives garoo. Right from under my nose between the broken much easier. Nearly every item that she grabs my cellphone off the glass that I’ve started I use to feed my baby, or to enter- coffee table and runs towards the to notice everywhere tain her or keep her safe, is made of bathroom with it. When she’s tired, on the sidewalk, and plastic. But at the same time, we’re she flops her head down onto my the things I hear on strangling the planet’s wildlife with shoulder, and during all of these the news every day, our thoughtless, disposable con- things she flashes a mischievous, I’m really wondering: veniences. We have even created gleeful grin that I didn’t know could what kind of world an eighth continent in the middle exist in this world before she was have we brought her of the Pacific Ocean composed en- born. She will face difficulties in her into? tirely of floating plastic garbage. life, but for now, at least, she seems It’s kind of a di- It’s a mess, and it leaves us con- more than happy with the world. saster, isn’t it? We’ve fused and even angry. There are so When I was a kid, my dad used made an awful mess many contradictions in this world to say, “Always leave a place better of it in so many ways. that we spend a lot of our time look- than you found it.” Usually he was Ours is a world that’s ing for answers or trying to point referring to a campsite or a hiking been so severely pol- fingers. We’ve even resorted to trail in the Adirondacks, but I’ve luted that the climate blaming babies for the ailments of found those words to be an invalu- itself has turned the world. Yes, that’s right, babies. able guide to living on this planet. against us. It’s a You might think that babies are in- I wish I could solve all the prob- place filled with so nocent, but you’re wrong — babies lems I see before I hand the world much unbridled rage are guilty! Isn’t that why people off to her, but that’s not a parent’s and resentment that baptize babies? To clean them of job. My job is to teach her how people are willing to sin that they already carry as they to make good decisions; to navi- set off bombs at a enter this world? gate all of the ugliness that’s inter- marathon. A marathon — an event At least that’s what conventional spersed with all the beauty; to not that brings together people from wisdom tells us, although I can’t be infected by the anger and resent- across the globe in celebration of quite get on board with it. Having ment that consumes some people. positive achievement. What were been present at the birth of my My job is not to worry about the we thinking, bringing a baby into daughter, I agree that when a baby world I’m giving her, but to provide this place? is born, she definitely should be her with the right tools, so that she I know, I shouldn’t get hung up cleaned. But if a newborn has blood can leave the place a little better on just the bad things. There’s so on her hands at birth, it’s because than she found it. much more to the world. For one being born is a brutal ordeal to suf- Tim is a part-time stay-at-home dad, thing, in the face of mind-numbing fer through — not because she’s who lives with his wife and their gener- atrocities there is an immediate done anything wrong. Look, it’s one ally content baby in Park Slope, Brook- and overwhelming response of car- thing to blame the baby for that lyn. More of his thoughts about babies ing, as people put themselves in ceramic salad bowl that you broke, and other things that confuse him can the middle of harm’s way to help but to pin all the sins of mankind on be found at www.RevoltOfTheImbeciles. others. And if we step further back, her? Well, there’s just no excuse for blogspot.com.

34 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013

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May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 35 PARENTING

Babysitting duty — BUUIF$PTNJD$PWF The NCE CIE and the white couch S

hen I married my wife, I her preschoolers while “we” went &*^%$#@ ! married her friends, too. through her medicine cabinet, her “Who made this mark on the W In an instant, I became closet, and her wine rack. couch?” DEATH BY their mover, their lifter, and their This house would make Martha “It was me!” said the little prince. W Starbucks butler. Stewart roll her eyes. It was luxuri- The lord of the manse. My wife’s O CHILDREN Shortly after my son was born, ous. It was ridiculous. Of course, I friend’s 3-year-old son. He just F E L L CHRIS GARLINGTON my wife’s friend asked if “we” would wasn’t worried about being left in beamed up at me like ruining a watch her children and her house her house with her two children and $4,000 couch is no big deal. while she and her husband jetted mine because my wife would be with High over our heads my wife’s to the Caribbean to create another me. Wife? Wiiiife? Hello? friend was arcing through the sky baby. So “we” moved Yeah, it was just me. on her way back home. Her limo was into her manse for I spent a week in mortal terror due at sunrise. I called my wife. a week with the as the children slung frosted We were up all night. We went to plan that “we” Cheerios and peed in their Walgreens twice. At 3 in the morn- would wrangle sheets. But I handled it. ing, the spot faded to a dark gray. I locked them in the base- Around 5, it vanished. I fluffed the ment. pillows and prayed. Well, us. The limo screeched to a stop at My wife’s friend’s sunrise. Her feet had barely graced basement was the Berber in the basement when blanketed hip she squealed. deep with hand- Well, that’s it. We’re buying a crafted Swedish gen- couch. der-neutral toys. I grabbed a crate The friend came up, staring at Parent’s of juice boxes and Cheez-Its, and we us with a look very similar to what Picks watched cartoons and stayed I imagine she would level at a guy winner! PARENT’S CONNECT away from the good china and who’d just pooped in her wine cellar. COM all was well. Until I sat down We were reaching for our checkbook Best Party on the sumptuous, snow-white when she said, “Oh my God, how did Entertainer couch and there, by my shoulder, you get rid of that old stain?” Best Day& Camp was a hideous scrawling splatter of I leveled my best Bruce Willis at in Brooklyn! black ink. her kid and seethed: “You said you o byby HeHeae theerWr Weesestonn did it.” ‘CarmeloCarmelo the Marshmallow’ Piazza And he said, “Yeah, when I was 2.” Christopher Garlington lives in a standard two kids, wife, dog, corner-lot, two- car dream package. He drives a 2003 Camry, sports a considerable notebook fetish, and smokes Arturo Fuente Part- aga Maduros at the Cigar King as often The Cosmic Cove as possible. His stories have appeared in Florida, Orlando, Orlando Weekly, 300 Atlantic Ave Catholic Digest, Retort, Another Realm, The Dead Mule School of Southern Litera- Brooklyn, NY 11201 ture, South Lit, and other magazines. His short story collection, “King of the Road,” is available on Amazon. His column “My for more info: Funny Life,” was nominated for a national humor award. He is the author of 718.722.0000 the infamous anti-parenting blog, Death By Children; the anti-writing blog, Cre- 718.344.4631 ative Writer Pro; and co-author of “The Beat Cop’s Guide to Chicago Eats,” available on Amazon and in fine bookstores www.carmelothesciencefellow.com everywhere. Web & Print services by lafadesign.com

36 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 PARENTING

Babysitting duty — BUUIF$PTNJD$PWF The NCE CIE and the white couch S

hen I married my wife, I her preschoolers while “we” went &*^%$#@ ! married her friends, too. through her medicine cabinet, her “Who made this mark on the W In an instant, I became closet, and her wine rack. couch?” CARMELO DEATH BY their mover, their lifter, and their This house would make Martha “It was me!” said the little prince. W Starbucks butler. Stewart roll her eyes. It was luxuri- The lord of the manse. My wife’s O CHILDREN Shortly after my son was born, ous. It was ridiculous. Of course, I friend’s 3-year-old son. He just F E L L CHRIS GARLINGTON my wife’s friend asked if “we” would wasn’t worried about being left in beamed up at me like ruining a watch her children and her house her house with her two children and $4,000 couch is no big deal. while she and her husband jetted mine because my wife would be with High over our heads my wife’s to the Caribbean to create another me. Wife? Wiiiife? Hello? friend was arcing through the sky baby. So “we” moved Yeah, it was just me. on her way back home. Her limo was into her manse for I spent a week in mortal terror due at sunrise. I called my wife. a week with the as the children slung frosted We were up all night. We went to plan that “we” Cheerios and peed in their Walgreens twice. At 3 in the morn- would wrangle sheets. But I handled it. ing, the spot faded to a dark gray. I locked them in the base- Around 5, it vanished. I fluffed the ment. pillows and prayed. t"GUFS4DIPPM$MBTTFT Well, us. The limo screeched to a stop at My wife’s friend’s sunrise. Her feet had barely graced basement was the Berber in the basement when t#JSUIEBZ1BSUJFT blanketed hip she squealed. deep with hand- Well, that’s it. We’re buying a t4DJFODF4VNNFS$BNQT crafted Swedish gen- couch. der-neutral toys. I grabbed a crate The friend came up, staring at t5SJQT Parent’s of juice boxes and Cheez-Its, and we us with a look very similar to what Picks watched cartoons and stayed I imagine she would level at a guy winner! t5PEEMFS$MBTTFT PARENT’S CONNECT away from the good china and who’d just pooped in her wine cellar. COM all was well. Until I sat down We were reaching for our checkbook Best Party on the sumptuous, snow-white when she said, “Oh my God, how did t4DJFODF1MBZHSPVQ Entertainer couch and there, by my shoulder, you get rid of that old stain?” Best Day& Camp was a hideous scrawling splatter of I leveled my best Bruce Willis at in Brooklyn! black ink. her kid and seethed: “You said you PPhohotoo byby HeHeae theerWr Weesestonn did it.” ‘CarmeloCarmelo the Marshmallow’ Piazza And he said, “Yeah, when I was 2.” Christopher Garlington lives in a standard two kids, wife, dog, corner-lot, two- Children are born scientists; they investigate every facet of life. car dream package. He drives a 2003 The Cosmic Cove takes a child’s curiosity and investigative nature and Camry, sports a considerable notebook inspires their minds to explore all aspects of the world around them. fetish, and smokes Arturo Fuente Part- aga Maduros at the Cigar King as often The Cosmic Cove as possible. His stories have appeared By using a hands-on inquiry based approach to teaching science, I have in Florida, Orlando, Orlando Weekly, motivated thousands of children in the many disciplines of science. 300 Atlantic Ave Catholic Digest, Retort, Another Realm, The Dead Mule School of Southern Litera- Children learn in an atmosphere where they are allowed to laugh and Brooklyn, NY 11201 ture, South Lit, and other magazines. His learn. They work in collaborative groups, and are encouraged to short story collection, “King of the Road,” is available on Amazon. His column “My communicate and share their findings. for more info: Funny Life,” was nominated for a national humor award. He is the author of The Cosmic Cove is a place where children can call Carmelo the Science 718.722.0000 the infamous anti-parenting blog, Death By Children; the anti-writing blog, Cre- Fellow the big marshmallow because learning should be fun. 718.344.4631 ative Writer Pro; and co-author of “The Beat Cop’s Guide to Chicago Eats,” available on Amazon and in fine bookstores www.carmelothesciencefellow.com everywhere. Web & Print services by lafadesign.com

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 37 PARENTING When family is too close for comfort

ot too long ago, I read an MOMMY 101 article on a woman com- N plaining that she couldn’t do ANGELICA SEREDA anything alone anymore, because her kids were always there. When she wanted to read, they climbed onto her lap. When she drank her morning coffee, there they were. Even a trip to the bathroom was accompanied by her little ones. So, I had to laugh and sympathize, when recently, as I was taking a shower, I, too, was interrupted by some un- invited guests. My shower has become my sa- cred, personal time of the day that I look forward to. For those 20 minutes, it’s my spa, my “me” time, and it should be mine alone. My husband knows this, because every time he decides to say “hello,” sneak a peek, or worse — shout questions to me from the kitchen about where something is — I get annoyed. And, yet, here they were — my husband, daughter, and pets — joining me in the bathroom while I took a shower and tried to get a little break. First, my husband walked in, then my daughter. I looked at my husband, and said, “What, the animals are busy?” Then they came in, too; first the dog, then the cat. Ev- eryone was in the bathroom while I was taking a shower. My daughter literally pulled up a chair and sat as if she were watching a show. Jill Smokler’s new book, “Moth- erhood Comes Naturally (And Other Vicious Lies),” has received criticism from parents stating that she is complaining about being a mother and that she should’ve just “gotten a potted plant.” Harsh criticism for someone who is just telling postpartum depression, but I could her a bad mom, it helped her deal it like it is? I think so. (However, I certainly relate to feeling down at better with parenthood. have not read the book.) times. But most moms won’t talk But what if your bathroom, like I remember a conversation I had about that. A tip that I found help- mine, lacks the privacy you need? with a fellow new mom a few months ful from another mom, who con- Well, children have to sleep some- after I had Olivia. She was frus- fessed to feeling overwhelmed and time. That’s usually when I pour trated and felt guilty about being stressed, was taking a timeout for myself a glass of wine (or apple depressed with her new baby. I felt herself. She would go into her bath- juice, if we’re out of wine), try to such relief hearing her say that. room and sit there for five minutes relax, and sneak into her room to Fortunately, I didn’t go through while she cooled off. It didn’t make admire a beautiful sleeping baby.

38 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 PARENTING When family is too where children and grown-ups learn and play together close for comfort For 8 months - 3 1/2 years TOGETHER WE CAN END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT ot too long ago, I read an REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER AND FALL PROGRAMS article on a woman com- Park Slope Location Brooklyn Heights Location Information Event MOMMY 101 plaining that she couldn’t do N 8th Ave. & 14th St. 250 Cadman Plaza West *UNE sPMTOPM ANGELICA SEREDA anything alone anymore, because her kids were always there. When &ULTON3TREETINTHE#OMMUNITY2OOM she wanted to read, they climbed Join Us For Fun onto her lap. When she drank her s!RTS#RAFTS “Just For Me” Know More, Say No More, Share No More, s-USICs3TORIES morning coffee, there they were. s#REATIVE-OVEMENT 2½ - 3½ Ensure No More Even a trip to the bathroom was ac- s0LAYTIME s.ARROW!GE3PANS Separation Program companied by her little ones. So, I s-AXIMUM#HILDREN BSFHC is committed to preventing domestic violence had to laugh and sympathize, when 0ER#LASS Partial Separation Classes s(OUR#LASSES and sexual assault and helping survivors recently, as I was taking a shower, s0ROFESSIONAL3TAFF Also Available I, too, was interrupted by some un- #!,,nnn(/0% OR invited guests. Infant Classes (Parent & Child) and ABC Enrichment nX My shower has become my sa- Classes Also Available HTTP://NOMORE.ORG cred, personal time of the day that For Information Call 1-800-404-2204 or 516-433-0003 I look forward to. For those 20 min- Or Log Onto Our Website: www.justweetwo.com This ad was made possible utes, it’s my spa, my “me” time, and Other Locations: Bayside, Plainview, Manhasset, Greenwich, & North Stamford, CT it should be mine alone. My hus- through SAFE HORIZON and New York City Council band knows this, because every time he decides to say “hello,” sneak a peek, or worse — shout questions to me from the kitchen about where something is — I get annoyed. And, yet, here they were — my husband, daughter, and pets — joining me in the bathroom while I took a shower and tried to get a little break. First, my husband walked in, then my daughter. I looked at my husband, and said, “What, the animals are busy?” Then they came in, too; first the dog, then the cat. Ev- eryone was in the bathroom while I was taking a shower. My daughter literally pulled up a chair and sat as if she were watching a show. Jill Smokler’s new book, “Moth- erhood Comes Naturally (And Other Vicious Lies),” has received criticism from parents stating that she is complaining about being a mother and that she should’ve just “gotten a potted plant.” Harsh criticism for someone who is just telling postpartum depression, but I could her a bad mom, it helped her deal it like it is? I think so. (However, I certainly relate to feeling down at better with parenthood. have not read the book.) times. But most moms won’t talk But what if your bathroom, like I remember a conversation I had about that. A tip that I found help- mine, lacks the privacy you need? with a fellow new mom a few months ful from another mom, who con- Well, children have to sleep some- after I had Olivia. She was frus- fessed to feeling overwhelmed and time. That’s usually when I pour trated and felt guilty about being stressed, was taking a timeout for myself a glass of wine (or apple depressed with her new baby. I felt herself. She would go into her bath- juice, if we’re out of wine), try to such relief hearing her say that. room and sit there for five minutes relax, and sneak into her room to Fortunately, I didn’t go through while she cooled off. It didn’t make admire a beautiful sleeping baby.

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 39 to El Yunque, the only tropical TRAVEL rainforest in the U.S. National For- est System. About one hour from San Juan, the magnificent park is home to miles of nature trails filled with lush landscapes, water- falls, thousands of native plants, and hundreds of smaller animals. Our Rico Tours guide pointed out many of the flora with an introduction to El Yunque at El Portal Visitor Center. He then set us on our way on the challenging, 45-minute La Mina trail through the rainforest to the lovely La Mina waterfall, which drops 35 feet into a pool with many hikers climbing over rocks to take a dip. We continued along the stren- The El Yunque Waterfall. uous, 45-minute Big Tree Trail. Both trails dramatically descend overlooking its beautiful beach on and ascend along the way, and one side and Ashford Avenue, the I would only recommend these main drag, on the other side. hikes to families with older chil- The family-friendly property is dren, because of their level of ideally situated within walking dis- difficulty. tance to restaurants, boutiques, We ended our tour with a climb and even a Walgreens (which came up the 96 steps of the Yokahu Ob- in handy for snacks and more sun- servation Tower to be rewarded (At left) St. Regis Bahia Beach in the northern part of the screen!). with a 360-degree view of the is- island. (Above) A Marriott kiddie pina colada. The resort itself also has an land from mountain to sea. Executive Lounge that makes life It was an adventure of the much easier for families. It is for beach-kind that started another platinum and gold Marriott mem- day of excursions at WOW! Surf- bers only, but you can upgrade ing School at Pine Grove Beach. for a fee upon arrival (based on Only a short drive from the San Puerto Rico has it all availability). We ate a hot and cold Juan Marriott, my teen daugh- buffet breakfast there each morn- ter and husband learned how to BY STACEY ZABLE been made to ensure that the natu- on how the resort was built to pre- ing, hors d’oeuvres before dinner, challenge the waves on a picture- ral beauty of the location has been serve its environment. More com- and ended each night with des- perfect beach. uerto Rico combines adven- retained, including a private bird plimentary nature fun includes un- sert on the wrap-around balcony, After a quick change, we headed ture, history, and the beach in sanctuary, lush landscapes, and a limited use of non-motorized water taking in the San Juan city lights to Old San Juan for a traditional P a Caribbean vacation that is two mile-long beach. It is Puerto sports, including paddle boarding, and the sound of the surf. The San Puerto Rican lunch at El Jibarito, close to home and does not require a Rico’s first certified Gold Audubon kayaking, and sailing through the Juan Marriott features reasonably and a private walking tour of the passport. The island, which is a com- Signature Sanctuary, which is only resort’s lagoons. You can also ex- priced kids menus, making restau- city with Rico Tours. We strolled monwealth of the U.S., proved to be awarded to those who adhere to perience catch-and-release fishing, rant dining on-site stress-free as along cobblestone streets of the the perfect spot when my family was strict environmental criteria. again, at no cost. well. second-oldest European settle- looking to combine all three of these More than 65 percent of the prop- If parents require some traditional We divided our time in San Juan ment in the Americas and took in elements for our vacation. erty is preserved as green areas, resort fun, such as time at the 10,000 between enjoying the resort’s two- the historic architecture before We started our trip on the north- sanctuaries, and nature trails. It was square-foot spa or on the Robert level pool with spiral water slide landing at Castillo San Felipe del east coast of the island, only a half- a big highlight for my kids during the Trent Jones, Jr.-designed golf course, and its 500-foot beach, and taking Morro (El Morro), a historic site hour drive from the San Juan Luis day to spot the iguanas and lizards the Iguana Children’s Club is avail- excursions to explore more of the that is part of the National Park Muñoz Marin International Airport, that run freely and in the evening able for ages 5 to 12. Housed in its island. Service. The massive 16th-cen- at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. to listen to the coquís’ (frogs) insis- own pavilion, kids can enjoy crafts, Our first night, we dined off-site tury citadel was built to protect The 483-acre resort, only 2.5 years tent chirping as we strolled along take nature walks, kayak, and more at Bar Gitano across the street, so the city and offers a glimpse into old, was built on a former coconut the wooden pathways to our guest during half-day or full-day programs. we could enjoy its free flamenco life for its soldiers. plantation and great efforts have room. (It seems as if they are saying Time at the sprawling pool or at the show with dancers and a six-piece We ended our walking tour “coquí, coquí.”) Families can walk, beach offered us more family resort band. We kept the dance theme with shopping along the galleries, or ride complimentary bicycles, fun together. going afterwards by watching the outlets, boutiques and souvenir through the close to four miles of locals and guests dancing the salsa shops of Old San Juan, so that we Visting Puerto Rico paved and unpaved nature trails for Heading to the city and other Latin dances to a live could take a bit of our vacation Plan your Puerto Rican vaca- bahiabeach.com; (877) 787–3447 an upclose look at nature. The second part of our Puerto Rico band in the lobby bar of the San home with us. tion: San Juan Marriott Resort & We opted for a complimentary adventure took place in the trendy Juan Marriott. Stacey Zable is an award-winning Puerto Rico Tourism: seepuer- Stellaris Casino: marriottsanjuan. guided nature tour in a golf cart to Condado neighborhood of San Juan veteran travel writer and family travel torico.com; (800) 866–7827 com; (888) 817–2033 learn as much as we could about at the San Juan Marriott Resort and Getting active expert who has written about destina- Rico Sun Tours: rstpuertorico. WOW! Surfing School & Water what we were seeing. The tour was a Stellaris Casino, which is about 10 The St. Regis Bahia Beach only tions, resorts, and cruise lines around com; (787) 722–2080 Sports: wowsurfingschool.com; highlight of our stay, with the adven- minutes from the airport. A strong whetted our appetite for adven- the world. Send travel questions and St. Regis Bahia Beach: stregis- (787) 955–6059 turist pointing out fascinating facts contrast to the St. Regis, the San ture and nature on Puerto Rico, comments to Stacey at info@family- about the flora and fauna and more Juan Marriott stands 21-floors high, so we headed for a day excursion traveltrails.com.

40 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 to El Yunque, the only tropical TRAVEL rainforest in the U.S. National For- est System. About one hour from YOUR CHILD CAN GET San Juan, the magnificent park is home to miles of nature trails filled with lush landscapes, water- falls, thousands of native plants, AHEAD THIS SUMMER and hundreds of smaller animals. Our Rico Tours guide pointed out many of the flora with an 8FNBLFTVNNFSMFBSOJOHGVO JOUFSFTUJOH introduction to El Yunque at El Portal Visitor Center. He then set BOECFTUPGBMMEFFECTIVE! us on our way on the challenging, 45-minute La Mina trail through the rainforest to the lovely La SUMMER TUTORING SPECIALS Mina waterfall, which drops 35 feet into a pool with many hikers climbing over rocks to take a dip. Summer ‘Mastery’ Program 20% Discount* We continued along the stren- 40 hours of one-on-one tutoring (average of 4 hours per week over 10 weeks) The El Yunque Waterfall. uous, 45-minute Big Tree Trail. t$BUDIVQNBTUFSDPODFQUTGSPNQSFWJPVTHSBEFMFWFM Both trails dramatically descend t(FUBKVNQTUBSUPOOFYUTDIPPMZFBS overlooking its beautiful beach on and ascend along the way, and t5VUPSJOHJONVMUJQMFTVCKFDUT one side and Ashford Avenue, the I would only recommend these t*NQSPWFTUVEZBOEPSHBOJ[BUJPOTLJMMT main drag, on the other side. hikes to families with older chil- The family-friendly property is dren, because of their level of ideally situated within walking dis- difficulty. Summer ‘Scholar’ Program 15% Discount* tance to restaurants, boutiques, We ended our tour with a climb 30 hours of one-on-one tutoring (average of 3 hours per week over 10 weeks) and even a Walgreens (which came up the 96 steps of the Yokahu Ob- t$BUDIVQGSPNQSFWJPVTTDIPPMZFBS in handy for snacks and more sun- servation Tower to be rewarded (At left) St. Regis Bahia Beach in the northern part of the o03oHFUBKVNQTUBSUPOOFYUTDIPPMZFBS screen!). with a 360-degree view of the is- t5VUPSJOHJOVQUPUXPTVCKFDUT island. (Above) A Marriott kiddie pina colada. The resort itself also has an land from mountain to sea. t*NQSPWFTUVEZBOEPSHBOJ[BUJPOTLJMMT Executive Lounge that makes life It was an adventure of the much easier for families. It is for beach-kind that started another platinum and gold Marriott mem- day of excursions at WOW! Surf- Summer ‘Academy’ Program 10% Discount* bers only, but you can upgrade ing School at Pine Grove Beach. 20 hours of one-on-one tutoring (average of 2 hours per week over 10 weeks) for a fee upon arrival (based on Only a short drive from the San t$BUDIVQGSPNQSFWJPVTTDIPPMZFBS Puerto Rico has it all availability). We ate a hot and cold Juan Marriott, my teen daugh- o03oHFUBKVNQTUBSUPOOFYUTDIPPMZFBS buffet breakfast there each morn- ter and husband learned how to t5VUPSJOHJOPOFTVCKFDU BY STACEY ZABLE been made to ensure that the natu- on how the resort was built to pre- ing, hors d’oeuvres before dinner, challenge the waves on a picture- ral beauty of the location has been serve its environment. More com- and ended each night with des- perfect beach. uerto Rico combines adven- retained, including a private bird plimentary nature fun includes un- sert on the wrap-around balcony, After a quick change, we headed One-On-One Tutoring In Your Home! ture, history, and the beach in sanctuary, lush landscapes, and a limited use of non-motorized water taking in the San Juan city lights to Old San Juan for a traditional P a Caribbean vacation that is two mile-long beach. It is Puerto sports, including paddle boarding, and the sound of the surf. The San Puerto Rican lunch at El Jibarito, t"MM4VCKFDUTt"MM"HFT close to home and does not require a Rico’s first certified Gold Audubon kayaking, and sailing through the Juan Marriott features reasonably and a private walking tour of the t$FSUJGJFE5FBDIFSTt"GGPSEBCMF3BUFT passport. The island, which is a com- Signature Sanctuary, which is only resort’s lagoons. You can also ex- priced kids menus, making restau- city with Rico Tours. We strolled monwealth of the U.S., proved to be awarded to those who adhere to perience catch-and-release fishing, rant dining on-site stress-free as along cobblestone streets of the t'MFYJCMF4DIFEVMFT the perfect spot when my family was strict environmental criteria. again, at no cost. well. second-oldest European settle- looking to combine all three of these More than 65 percent of the prop- If parents require some traditional We divided our time in San Juan ment in the Americas and took in elements for our vacation. erty is preserved as green areas, resort fun, such as time at the 10,000 between enjoying the resort’s two- the historic architecture before We started our trip on the north- sanctuaries, and nature trails. It was square-foot spa or on the Robert level pool with spiral water slide landing at Castillo San Felipe del east coast of the island, only a half- a big highlight for my kids during the Trent Jones, Jr.-designed golf course, and its 500-foot beach, and taking Morro (El Morro), a historic site hour drive from the San Juan Luis day to spot the iguanas and lizards the Iguana Children’s Club is avail- excursions to explore more of the that is part of the National Park Muñoz Marin International Airport, that run freely and in the evening able for ages 5 to 12. Housed in its island. Service. The massive 16th-cen- at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. to listen to the coquís’ (frogs) insis- own pavilion, kids can enjoy crafts, Our first night, we dined off-site tury citadel was built to protect The 483-acre resort, only 2.5 years tent chirping as we strolled along take nature walks, kayak, and more at Bar Gitano across the street, so the city and offers a glimpse into old, was built on a former coconut the wooden pathways to our guest during half-day or full-day programs. we could enjoy its free flamenco life for its soldiers. Call Today To Reserve Your Summer Tutor! plantation and great efforts have room. (It seems as if they are saying Time at the sprawling pool or at the show with dancers and a six-piece We ended our walking tour “coquí, coquí.”) Families can walk, beach offered us more family resort band. We kept the dance theme with shopping along the galleries, or ride complimentary bicycles, fun together. going afterwards by watching the outlets, boutiques and souvenir 718-483-8506 through the close to four miles of locals and guests dancing the salsa shops of Old San Juan, so that we Visting Puerto Rico paved and unpaved nature trails for Heading to the city and other Latin dances to a live could take a bit of our vacation www.clubz.com/Brooklyn Plan your Puerto Rican vaca- bahiabeach.com; (877) 787–3447 an upclose look at nature. The second part of our Puerto Rico band in the lobby bar of the San home with us. * Discounts are off standard tuition rates. Packages must be purchsed by 6/8/13. tion: San Juan Marriott Resort & We opted for a complimentary adventure took place in the trendy Juan Marriott. Stacey Zable is an award-winning Puerto Rico Tourism: seepuer- Stellaris Casino: marriottsanjuan. guided nature tour in a golf cart to Condado neighborhood of San Juan veteran travel writer and family travel torico.com; (800) 866–7827 com; (888) 817–2033 learn as much as we could about at the San Juan Marriott Resort and Getting active expert who has written about destina- Rico Sun Tours: rstpuertorico. WOW! Surfing School & Water what we were seeing. The tour was a Stellaris Casino, which is about 10 The St. Regis Bahia Beach only tions, resorts, and cruise lines around com; (787) 722–2080 Sports: wowsurfingschool.com; highlight of our stay, with the adven- minutes from the airport. A strong whetted our appetite for adven- the world. Send travel questions and St. Regis Bahia Beach: stregis- (787) 955–6059 turist pointing out fascinating facts contrast to the St. Regis, the San ture and nature on Puerto Rico, comments to Stacey at info@family- about the flora and fauna and more Juan Marriott stands 21-floors high, so we headed for a day excursion traveltrails.com.

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 41 PARENTING A mother’s message he month of May makes all out the door before my sister and clean the house incessantly when of us think about how what it I went to school. It was a five-train “off” from work, and went above T means to be a mother. I truly hustle each day to get there and a and beyond what was expected believe that there is no greater five-train bustle to get back home. of her both at work and at home. privilege, and through all the Before I was old enough to go to Somehow, she was always grateful angst, frustration, work, and mess, school, I’d often get up while it was to have a job, no matter how much I would not trade my three babies still dark out and sit at the kitchen it drained her. for anything in this world. Every- table while she ran around getting Today, I see women like my JUST WRITE thing I know about being a mom I ready for work. I’d spring out of bed mom everywhere; those that are have learned from my own mother and drag my red terry cloth robe doing their best each and every MOM — who not always made me feel along the cold, linoleum floor, so day to raise their kids the finest DANIELLE SULLIVAN special, but always let me know I I’d have some time with her before way they know how given their cir- could do anything I put my mind to. she left. It wasn’t quality time, but cumstances, those who put their It is only now as an adult that I real- even seeing her color on her Cover personal turmoil aside for the sake ize what an uphill battle that must Girl eyebrows and bright pink lip- of their kids, and those who are in- have been as a single mom. stick made me happy. Once the sanely brave in the face of harrow- From Monday through Friday, bathroom became a cloud of VO5 ing health conditions and financial she schlepped from our Windsor hairspray, I knew she was ready constraints. I have friends and col- Terrace home to Spanish Harlem, to leave. leagues who, like me, and you, are where she worked as a nurse at Sometimes, while she was get- struggling daily to make good, yet New York Metropolitan Hospital. ting ready, I’d make her a sloppy often, tough decisions for our fami- She would turn off her alarm a few sandwich on thin bread. Two slices lies. Sometimes, we fail because we minutes before 5 am, always wak- of bread, one slice of cheese (any are human, but we keep getting up ing up on her own, and would be more would be in excess of our and trying, because we remember budget) and a smidgen of (like my mother still says), “chil- mayonnaise or mustard, dren are only young once,” and we sometimes both. We had want to give them a happy and lov- a square plastic sandwich ing childhood. container, so we didn’t Yet, all of our efforts are cer- have to waste tin foil, and tainly not in vain. I’d place the messy bread Many times, I have been driven in it and surprise mom mad by my kids, overwhelmed by with lunch. various mothering situations, and When she’d get home have felt desperate with no an- from work, she’d always swers in this parenting game. But tell me that it was the I have then been lifted up by my absolute best thing she family, friends, and fellow moms — had eaten all day. She’d just enough so I can take a breath say that she could never and look at my kids and remember make a sandwich like what an exceptional honor it is to that, which made my not only be sharing my life with 5-year-old self feel noth- them, but also helping them grow ing but proud. in theirs. It’s something that all of I had the best role us mothers know deep within our- model a girl can have: selves, that we have been graced a mother who told me with an incredible gift, and we I could be anything, know we will do what it takes to and one who was also make it through. strong enough to show I salute — and feel both pride and me just how to do it. On solidarity with — today’s moms, any given day, my mother and wish each and every one of you would work, take care of a very happy Mother’s Day! her mother, our dogs and Danielle Sullivan, a mom of three, cats, and us, and still has worked as a writer and editor in help elderly neighbors the parenting world for more than 10 who were sick or just years. Sullivan also writes about pets needed a sympathetic and parenting for Disney’s Babble.com. ear. Working two jobs Find her on Facebook and Twitter @Dan- (sometimes seven days niSullWriter, or on her blog, Just Write a week), she managed to (Pet) Mom.

42 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 PARENTING A mother’s message he month of May makes all out the door before my sister and clean the house incessantly when of us think about how what it I went to school. It was a five-train “off” from work, and went above T means to be a mother. I truly hustle each day to get there and a and beyond what was expected believe that there is no greater five-train bustle to get back home. of her both at work and at home. privilege, and through all the Before I was old enough to go to Somehow, she was always grateful angst, frustration, work, and mess, school, I’d often get up while it was to have a job, no matter how much I would not trade my three babies still dark out and sit at the kitchen it drained her. for anything in this world. Every- table while she ran around getting Today, I see women like my JUST WRITE thing I know about being a mom I ready for work. I’d spring out of bed mom everywhere; those that are have learned from my own mother and drag my red terry cloth robe doing their best each and every MOM — who not always made me feel along the cold, linoleum floor, so day to raise their kids the finest DANIELLE SULLIVAN special, but always let me know I I’d have some time with her before way they know how given their cir- could do anything I put my mind to. she left. It wasn’t quality time, but cumstances, those who put their It is only now as an adult that I real- even seeing her color on her Cover personal turmoil aside for the sake ize what an uphill battle that must Girl eyebrows and bright pink lip- of their kids, and those who are in- have been as a single mom. stick made me happy. Once the sanely brave in the face of harrow- From Monday through Friday, bathroom became a cloud of VO5 ing health conditions and financial she schlepped from our Windsor hairspray, I knew she was ready constraints. I have friends and col- Terrace home to Spanish Harlem, to leave. leagues who, like me, and you, are where she worked as a nurse at Sometimes, while she was get- struggling daily to make good, yet New York Metropolitan Hospital. ting ready, I’d make her a sloppy often, tough decisions for our fami- She would turn off her alarm a few sandwich on thin bread. Two slices lies. Sometimes, we fail because we minutes before 5 am, always wak- of bread, one slice of cheese (any are human, but we keep getting up ing up on her own, and would be more would be in excess of our and trying, because we remember budget) and a smidgen of (like my mother still says), “chil- mayonnaise or mustard, dren are only young once,” and we sometimes both. We had want to give them a happy and lov- a square plastic sandwich ing childhood. container, so we didn’t Yet, all of our efforts are cer- have to waste tin foil, and tainly not in vain. I’d place the messy bread Many times, I have been driven in it and surprise mom mad by my kids, overwhelmed by with lunch. various mothering situations, and When she’d get home have felt desperate with no an- from work, she’d always swers in this parenting game. But tell me that it was the I have then been lifted up by my absolute best thing she family, friends, and fellow moms — had eaten all day. She’d just enough so I can take a breath say that she could never and look at my kids and remember make a sandwich like what an exceptional honor it is to that, which made my not only be sharing my life with 5-year-old self feel noth- them, but also helping them grow ing but proud. in theirs. It’s something that all of I had the best role us mothers know deep within our- model a girl can have: selves, that we have been graced a mother who told me with an incredible gift, and we I could be anything, know we will do what it takes to and one who was also make it through. strong enough to show I salute — and feel both pride and me just how to do it. On solidarity with — today’s moms, any given day, my mother and wish each and every one of you would work, take care of a very happy Mother’s Day! her mother, our dogs and Danielle Sullivan, a mom of three, cats, and us, and still has worked as a writer and editor in help elderly neighbors the parenting world for more than 10 who were sick or just years. Sullivan also writes about pets needed a sympathetic and parenting for Disney’s Babble.com. ear. Working two jobs Find her on Facebook and Twitter @Dan- (sometimes seven days niSullWriter, or on her blog, Just Write a week), she managed to (Pet) Mom.

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 43 HEALTH Feeding baby solids ne of the exciting milestones “When my first daughter was s ) T ISIMPORTANTTOINTRODUCENEW of your baby’s first year is born, I waited until 5 months to textures slowly — you won’t be able O when you feed him solids start solids under the advisement to go from breast milk or formula for the first time. Many parents look of our pediatrician,” says Marie straight to chunks of fruit. Mushy forward to giving their baby that Ramirez, a mother of two from Mur- foods are a great place to start. I rec- first bite of food and sharing in the ray Hill. “My sister-in-law who had a ommend mashed fruits and veggies experience of watching their child baby the same age had been feed- like avocado or banana. enjoy it. But there is no need to rush ing her child solids since he was 2 s $ O N T BESURPRISEDIFMOSTOFTHE HEALTHY it; pediatricians advise that babies months old.” first few solid-food feedings wind up who start solids before the age of 4 Dr. Roshini Raj, a board-certi- all over your baby’s face, hands and LIVING months have a higher risk of obesity fied gastroenterologist and inter- bib. A good tip is to use vinyl bibs DANIELLE SULLIVAN later in life. In addition, each baby is nist, and attending physician at New that are very easy to clean up! Also, individual, and physically ready to York University Langone Medical use a plastic splat mat under the swallow the food at different times. Center Tisch Hospital, also advises high chair. Yet, not everyone in a family always that parents should start feeding s - A KE SURETOUSEASOFT PLASTIC agrees that waiting until 4 months solids between 4 to 6 months of age, spoon to prevent damaging your (or later) is a must. but says to “make sure your child little one’s gums. can sit up well with good head con- s ! S AN ADULT PUREED MEATS LIKE trol and shows interest in the food chicken and roast beef may sound he sees you eating.” unappealing, but don’t shy away “In addition to head control, you from offering your child meat. The will know when your child is ready nutrients are important for a child’s when he stops pushing food out of growth. his mouth with his tongue. As with s / N C E YOUR CHILD DEVELOPS THE all health and development issues, “pincer grasp” where he can pick your pediatrician knows your child up objects between his thumb and best and you should consult with forefinger, you can try diced and him or her if you have any questions pea-sized bites of food. Remem- or concerns,” she adds. ber that little hands call for little That is exactly what Ramirez pieces! did. When she faced pressure from s ) F YOUR CHILD PUSHES AWAY OR her in-laws to feed her baby solids winces after trying a new food, don’t sooner, she assured them that her be so quick to banish it from the pediatrician was part of their plan- table. Little ones may need to try ning team, and that her daughter a food as many as 10 times before was getting the best nutrition pos- accepting it, so abide by the golden sible. rule to “try, try again.” “After all, feeding a baby ice s0ARENTSSOMETIMESDEVELOPTHE cream, only to have him throw it habit of only serving plain fruits and up the way members of my family veggies. But it’s okay to add in a few did, was not at all practical or nutri- mild spices. Think mild taco season- tional,” she explains. ing; not cayenne chili pepper. Dr. Raj (who you may know best s " Y OFFERING A VARIETY OF FOODS from Fox 5’s “Good Day New York”) including various fruits, vegetables, recently released her first book, and meats, you’re helping your little “What the Yuck?! The Freaky & Fab- one grow now, and also setting up ulous Truth About Your Body,” and healthy eating habits for the future. offers these tips to parents about s ! S AGASTROENTEROLOGIST )SHOULD starting solids: add that the color and smell of your s 4 H E !MERICAN !CADEMY OF 0E- child’s bowel movements will change diatricians recommends giving one at this time. Before you cringe, know new food at a time and waiting a that this is totally normal. couple of days before adding an- Danielle Sullivan, a mom of three, other to monitor allergic reactions. has worked as a writer and editor in If there is a history of family aller- the parenting world for more than 10 gies, wait a week in between. Keep years. Sullivan also writes about pets a journal of which foods your child and parenting for Disney’s Babble.com. is eating, and the amount, so that if Find her on Facebook and Twitter @Dan- a problem arises, you can track it niSullWriter, or on her blog, Just Write with your pediatrician. (Pet) Mom.

44 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013     

HEALTH WE’RE READY FOR Feeding baby solids SUMMER. ne of the exciting milestones “When my first daughter was s ) T ISIMPORTANTTOINTRODUCENEW ARE YOU? of your baby’s first year is born, I waited until 5 months to textures slowly — you won’t be able O when you feed him solids start solids under the advisement to go from breast milk or formula Who needs Maine or Vermont for the first time. Many parents look of our pediatrician,” says Marie straight to chunks of fruit. Mushy forward to giving their baby that Ramirez, a mother of two from Mur- foods are a great place to start. I rec- when you’ve got Brooklyn Friends? first bite of food and sharing in the ray Hill. “My sister-in-law who had a ommend mashed fruits and veggies experience of watching their child baby the same age had been feed- like avocado or banana. Our two summer programs, SUMMER CAMP for HEALTHY enjoy it. 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Yet, not everyone in a family always that parents should start feeding s - A KE SURETOUSEASOFT PLASTIC are part of the BFS experience. agrees that waiting until 4 months solids between 4 to 6 months of age, spoon to prevent damaging your (or later) is a must. but says to “make sure your child little one’s gums. Sibling and early registration Days Filled with FUN, FUN, FUN! can sit up well with good head con- s ! S AN ADULT PUREED MEATS LIKE Arts and Crafts, Games, For Boys, Girls 4 - 14 trol and shows interest in the food chicken and roast beef may sound discounts are available. Karate, Talent Shows... 2 - 8 Week Programs he sees you eating.” unappealing, but don’t shy away Available Sports With Instruction: “In addition to head control, you from offering your child meat. 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When she faced pressure from s ) F YOUR CHILD PUSHES AWAY OR her in-laws to feed her baby solids winces after trying a new food, don’t sooner, she assured them that her be so quick to banish it from the pediatrician was part of their plan- table. Little ones may need to try ning team, and that her daughter a food as many as 10 times before Ages 2- 6 was getting the best nutrition pos- accepting it, so abide by the golden sible. rule to “try, try again.” s,ICENSED4EACHERSs,ICENSED4EACHERS Call Now “After all, feeding a baby ice s0ARENTSSOMETIMESDEVELOPTHE (EBREW%NGLISH (EBREW%NGLISH cream, only to have him throw it habit of only serving plain fruits and s)NDIVIDUAL!TTENTIONs)NDIVIDUAL!TTENTION up the way members of my family veggies. But it’s okay to add in a few s+OSHER-EALSs+OSHER-EALS For Information did, was not at all practical or nutri- mild spices. Think mild taco season- s/VER9EARS/F%XPERIENCEs/VER9EARS/F%XPERIENCE tional,” she explains. ing; not cayenne chili pepper. s1UALITY 3AFETY %DUCATIONAL Dr. Raj (who you may know best s " Y OFFERING A VARIETY OF FOODS s1UALITY 3AFETY %DUCATIONAL from Fox 5’s “Good Day New York”) including various fruits, vegetables, s%XTENDED(OURSs%XTENDED(OURS 1-718-951-9732 or recently released her first book, and meats, you’re helping your little 4RANSPORTATION!VAILABLE4RANSPORTATION!VAILABLE “What the Yuck?! The Freaky & Fab- one grow now, and also setting up s/UTDOOR0LAYGROUNDs/UTDOOR0LAYGROUND ulous Truth About Your Body,” and healthy eating habits for the future. s)NDOOR'YMNASIUMs)NDOOR'YMNASIUM 1-800-DAYCAMP offers these tips to parents about s ! 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May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 45 BOOKS An arresting story o you have a little one who of people stopped to say dreams of being a police of- hello to Officers Finnegan D ficer, loves horses, or can’t and Fox. That included a get enough of the lights and sights of group of kids on a school Times Square? Then “Finnegan and visit from Cheyenne, Wyo. Fox: The Ten-Foot Cop” by Helen L. One of them, a little girl Wilbur is the perfect read. named Maggie who loved You’ve got to be calm and cool horses, really fell in love to be a New York City cop. It takes with Finnegan. Finnegan nerves of steel and months of train- liked her, too. THE BOOK ing, because anything can happen But much as he would on a busy city street. have liked to be hugged WORM Nobody knows that more than all day, Finnegan had to TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER 10-year-old, 1,256-pound Finnegan get back to work with the horse. He and his human part- his partner. There were ner, Tyrone Jefferson Fox (or T.J., for tourists to help, traffic to direct, and gave him a winning per- short) work the Times Square beat, a tickets to write. It was another busy sonality, and partly because artist place where visitors and tourists like day in Times Square with lots to do, John Manders made Finnegan almost to go. It’s always crowded there. including looking for a lost little girl. human in his illustrations. Every morning, Finnegan and Most kids might think that horses If your 3- to 6-year-old is an animal Fox start their day by checking the and big cities don’t go together. They lover, dreams of becoming a police neighborhood. They say “hello” to probably think that horses belong in officer, or “hearts” New York, then Hussan with his fruit-and-vegetable grassy corrals, not crowded streets. this adorable book is one they’ll ask cart. Officer Serafina Ruiz always Which is why most kids will be de- you to read again and again. gives T.J. a big smile. Food-Cart Tony lighted with “Finnegan and Fox.” For them, “Finnegan and Fox: The gives T.J. his morning coffee and Wilbur’s story will surely make Ten-Foot Cop” will be quite arrest- pats Finnegan on the nose, because future law officers want to join the ing. really, who doesn’t like a horse? mounted patrol. Heck, after read- “Finnegan and Fox: The Ten-Foot For sure, everybody in Times ing this story, I wanted a horse like Cop” by Helen L. Wilbur [32 pages, 2013, Square did every day, but one day, lots Finnegan — partly because Wilbur $16.95].

to do with it? Remember thinking you might Young treasure seekers strike it rich with something you ost people might de- things that interest them. dug out of a barn, a box, or a bucket scribe an old bottle Neighborhood garage sales are of dirt when you were your child’s M as garbage. But to great places to pick. They’re also age? Give your kid those dreaming your young treasure seeker, great places to practice using bar- possibilities, too, by giving him “Kid it’s a fantastic find. And in the gaining skills, so kids can learn how Pickers” to read. new book “Kid Pickers,” by to negotiate. Don’t be afraid to bar- Wolfe speaks to the hearts of junk- Mike Wolfe (with Lily Spren- gain down, because it never hurts to yard pups with a bit of biography and gelmeyer), he’ll meet folks ask, right? even more useful hints. I liked the who would agree. A Kid Picker will find a lot of great encouragement that kids get here — When Wolfe, from the His- stuff at auctions, but that takes prac- including advice on picking their fam- tory channel show “American tice, lots of caution, and an adult’s ily history — and I loved the pictures. Pickers,” was young, he loved help. He’ll need to keep his eyes open I also think the profiles of other young nothing more than “picking and know what he’s bidding on, or pickers are just plain fun. through junk.” His room, he he could end up with something he’d Alas, the words “ask permission” says, was filled with “rusty never want in a million years! are somewhat lacking here, so, be- gold.” He especially loved Thrift shops are a picker’s para- fore you send your kids out with bikes and old comic books. dise. Antique stores have tons of trea- this book, be sure to repeat them a “I never thought of it as junk,” he sures. Flea markets don’t have real few times. With that reminder fresh says. “To me, this was treasure.” fleas, but they do have lots of goodies. in their heads, 7-to-12-year-olds will Picking is fun, and becoming a Kid He might also have good luck picking find “Kid Pickers” to be a gold mine. Picker is easy: having this book is a within his own family’s attic or barn. “Kid Pickers: How to Turn Junk into good start, and the tools children need Then, no matter where he finds his Treasure” by Mike Wolfe with Lily Spren- are in their heads. Luckily for young prize, he should try to find out more gelmeyer. [114 pages, 2013, $12.99]. treasure seekers, they shouldn’t even about it. Who owned it? Where did it Terri Schlichenmeyer has been reading need a lot of money, because some of come from? Is it worth lots of money, since she was 3 years old, and she never the best finds are free or cheap. All or is it just cool? goes anywhere without a book. She lives they have to do is start looking for And finally … what are you going on a hill with two dogs and 12,000 books.

46 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 BOOKS An arresting story We offer the latest o you have a little one who of people stopped to say dreams of being a police of- hello to Officers Finnegan advances in orthodontics D ficer, loves horses, or can’t and Fox. That included a get enough of the lights and sights of group of kids on a school and we do it at reasonable prices. Times Square? Then “Finnegan and visit from Cheyenne, Wyo. Fox: The Ten-Foot Cop” by Helen L. One of them, a little girl COMPLIMENTARY EXAM Wilbur is the perfect read. named Maggie who loved You’ve got to be calm and cool horses, really fell in love with mention of this ad to be a New York City cop. It takes with Finnegan. Finnegan nerves of steel and months of train- liked her, too. THE BOOK ing, because anything can happen But much as he would on a busy city street. have liked to be hugged WORM Nobody knows that more than all day, Finnegan had to TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER 10-year-old, 1,256-pound Finnegan get back to work with the horse. He and his human part- his partner. There were ner, Tyrone Jefferson Fox (or T.J., for tourists to help, traffic to direct, and gave him a winning per- short) work the Times Square beat, a tickets to write. It was another busy sonality, and partly because artist One Hanson Place, Suite 707 place where visitors and tourists like day in Times Square with lots to do, John Manders made Finnegan almost Brooklyn, NY 11243 to go. It’s always crowded there. including looking for a lost little girl. human in his illustrations. Every morning, Finnegan and Most kids might think that horses If your 3- to 6-year-old is an animal 718-622-2695 Fox start their day by checking the and big cities don’t go together. They lover, dreams of becoming a police HansonPlaceOrtho.com neighborhood. They say “hello” to probably think that horses belong in officer, or “hearts” New York, then Hussan with his fruit-and-vegetable grassy corrals, not crowded streets. this adorable book is one they’ll ask cart. Officer Serafina Ruiz always Which is why most kids will be de- you to read again and again. Q N R B D C 2 3 4 5 gives T.J. a big smile. Food-Cart Tony lighted with “Finnegan and Fox.” For them, “Finnegan and Fox: The Around The Block, In The Clocktower Building. gives T.J. his morning coffee and Wilbur’s story will surely make Ten-Foot Cop” will be quite arrest- pats Finnegan on the nose, because future law officers want to join the ing. Easily Accessible From Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens And Long Island. really, who doesn’t like a horse? mounted patrol. Heck, after read- “Finnegan and Fox: The Ten-Foot For sure, everybody in Times ing this story, I wanted a horse like Cop” by Helen L. Wilbur [32 pages, 2013, Square did every day, but one day, lots Finnegan — partly because Wilbur $16.95]. to do with it? Remember thinking you might Young treasure seekers strike it rich with something you ost people might de- things that interest them. dug out of a barn, a box, or a bucket scribe an old bottle Neighborhood garage sales are of dirt when you were your child’s M as garbage. But to great places to pick. They’re also age? Give your kid those dreaming your young treasure seeker, great places to practice using bar- possibilities, too, by giving him “Kid it’s a fantastic find. And in the gaining skills, so kids can learn how Pickers” to read. new book “Kid Pickers,” by to negotiate. Don’t be afraid to bar- Wolfe speaks to the hearts of junk- Mike Wolfe (with Lily Spren- gain down, because it never hurts to yard pups with a bit of biography and gelmeyer), he’ll meet folks ask, right? even more useful hints. I liked the who would agree. A Kid Picker will find a lot of great encouragement that kids get here — When Wolfe, from the His- stuff at auctions, but that takes prac- including advice on picking their fam- tory channel show “American tice, lots of caution, and an adult’s ily history — and I loved the pictures. Pickers,” was young, he loved help. He’ll need to keep his eyes open I also think the profiles of other young nothing more than “picking and know what he’s bidding on, or pickers are just plain fun. through junk.” His room, he he could end up with something he’d Alas, the words “ask permission” says, was filled with “rusty never want in a million years! are somewhat lacking here, so, be- gold.” He especially loved Thrift shops are a picker’s para- fore you send your kids out with bikes and old comic books. dise. Antique stores have tons of trea- this book, be sure to repeat them a “I never thought of it as junk,” he sures. Flea markets don’t have real few times. With that reminder fresh says. “To me, this was treasure.” fleas, but they do have lots of goodies. in their heads, 7-to-12-year-olds will Picking is fun, and becoming a Kid He might also have good luck picking find “Kid Pickers” to be a gold mine. Picker is easy: having this book is a within his own family’s attic or barn. “Kid Pickers: How to Turn Junk into good start, and the tools children need Then, no matter where he finds his Treasure” by Mike Wolfe with Lily Spren- are in their heads. Luckily for young prize, he should try to find out more gelmeyer. [114 pages, 2013, $12.99]. treasure seekers, they shouldn’t even about it. Who owned it? Where did it Terri Schlichenmeyer has been reading need a lot of money, because some of come from? Is it worth lots of money, since she was 3 years old, and she never the best finds are free or cheap. All or is it just cool? goes anywhere without a book. She lives they have to do is start looking for And finally … what are you going on a hill with two dogs and 12,000 books.

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 47 TECHNOLOGY

turn out to be an extra special one. a platform that kids today are familiar like just having fun for fun’s sake. Photo by Mickey Friedman months raised their IQs by ries to music.” Friedman says she has been watching with. I am also grateful to my many “What a great way to bring great Paulina, age 6, plays with the app. several points, on average. Around that time, Friedman says some of her piano students play beau- piano students who have enjoyed music performed by world-class mu- Another study of Los Angeles her daughter, who was about 12, tifully during auditions for an upcom- playing with my apps.” sicians to children, their families and feels the music and could also un- reflect the inspiration behind each preschoolers found that lessons in started drawing pictures of the char- ing competition. Friedman teaches piano privately, schools.” derstand how the stories unfolded,” piece and to fit in perfectly with its singing, rhythm, and keyboard play- acters in “The Flight of the Bumble “The winners will perform at Car- but is also on the faculty of the Friedman recalled. “She and I dis- musical twists and turns. ing boosted their spatial reasoning Bee” app. negie Hall on May 12. In the past, I Mannes College of Music, Prepara- A family affair cussed how the spider in the story Designed for children between significantly. “They were so cute that I decided have had students win this competi- tory Division, in Manhattan. Creating apps and becoming a should not look too scary, or little the ages of 2 and 8, these apps are s / T H E R STUDIES HAVE FOUND THAT to make a picture book to go with the tion, and of course, I go to the win- registered Apple developer isn’t an kids would be afraid. It was her idea the perfect way to introduce any music activates the parts of the CD. Mickey drew the father bee with ner’s concert to support them.” The app revolution easy feat, so Friedman called upon to make the bumble bee drawings child to the beauty and brilliance of brain that are essential to emotion glasses and a goofy face, to resemble During the writing of this article, A decade ago, most parents could her family for support. cartoony, with exaggerated eyes and great classical music, combining the and memory, and that it also pro- her own dad when he makes his one of her students may have al- never imagine that one day preschool- “My son, Scotty is into video big head to fit the fast-paced music.” appeal of a favorite bedtime story motes communication between the goofy face,” she says. “My husband ready been chosen to perform, and ers would be using an electronic de- games and was the one who sug- Mickey was also involved in cre- with the enjoyment and thrill of an right and left hemispheres. Craig, who is a mathematician and Friedman said she will be attending vice called an iPad and learning about gested that I have a ‘game’ option in ating her mom’s second app, “The exciting musical performance. “It has been a long road — re- reads about technology, suggested the afternoon concert on Mother’s the world around them with apps, my bee app. He thought that the app Swan.” Promoting creative, open-style searching, learning and making mis- I look into the app world, which at Day, and then meet her family for turning screen pages and interacting was improved with the maze game, Friedman says Mickey was into play that stimulates imagination and takes along the way. But I have en- that time was still relatively new.” dinner at a restaurant of her choos- with make-believe characters — their and was helpful in testing the app fashion design for a while, and went gets your child ready for computers joyed every minute of this process. So with his help, Friedman started ing, on the Upper West Side. chubby little fingers nimbly touching, for bugs. Thanks to Scotty’s eagle to Manhattan’s Fashion Institute of and a tech-filled world, your children At 53, I am exploring an exciting new in a new direction, studying apps and Like many multitasking moms, dragging, and moving images around. eye, we discovered early on that the Technology and Parsons School of will love listening to these spirited, world of technology and setting a learning about what was out there, These days, apps are widely used timer was not accurate and had it Design for summer courses. imaginative tales of impatient bees, good example for my children: that and the process of making apps. Next, as educational tools by parents and fixed immediately.” “She also loves to write poetry; lonely little moons, and self-impor- you are never too old to learn and she was able to find a digital artist to teachers to stimulate kids’ imagina- The concept for Friedman’s bum- with her musical ear, her writing is tant swans — and at the same time, accomplish new things. Most impor- make her daughter’s hand-drawn pic- tion and introduce children of all ble bee app was jump-started by her almost lyrical — she writes for the they’ll be learning some of the most tantly, I’m sharing my love of classi- tures into digital cartoons. ages to new concepts, as they get and her hubby Craig’s addiction to sound of words, as well as their mean- beautiful musical compositions in cal music,” says Friedman. Friedman says she has plans to ready for a wonderful, challenging, Looney Tunes cartoons on TV. ing. She won a Scholastic Gold key for the classical canon, played by some “I have known so many talented create two or three more apps this and complicated technology-driven “The cartoons in the good ol’ days her poems in eighth grade, and has of America’s finest musicians — all people in my life, from my college year. world. had Bugs Bunny and friends frolick- co-authored one of the stories with while having a lot of fun! days to the present — friends, stu- “I really enjoy collaborating with For today’s tech-savvy kids, a ing to music by Wagner and Men- me, which we will produce next year.” Grown-ups, don’t be surprised if dents, colleagues, and of course, my my daughter. She has now co-au- cute, self-directed and interactive delssohn, to mention just a few. I you find that these stories set to family — but to have so many of thored one of my stories to music, iPad app, loaded with bright, col- don’t think the kids today have that, The music bee club music give you a whole new perspec- them working with me, or cheering and I look forward to creating that orful cartoons means hours of so in a way my apps are inspired by apps tive on classical music, too! me on, makes me feel like the lucki- app with her next year,” she says. learning fun and a chance for those cartoons of yesteryear.” The bee club is a unique, interac- est person on the Upper West Side.” “The Flight of the Bumble Bee” may parents to unwind. Four years ago daughter Mickey, tive musical concept featuring the Workshops Friedman says she will be adver- already be available on iTunes for iPad There have been studies done 16, who loved to draw for fun, teamed world’s most beloved short classical “Giving app workshops at schools tising her apps on YouTube clips, and iPad mini at the App Store (approx. supporting the fact that music is up with her mom and designed the compositions — with a twist. Each has been an incredible experience for and on various blogs. Her daughter $1.99). “The Swan” will be available like manna for a developing brain, spider web maze for the bee app, piece of music is accompanied by an me; connecting with so many children is designing her website. in June. For best sound quality, head- and essential for a well-rounded where the little bumble bee is stuck actor’s rendition of an engaging and and hearing their joyfully enthusiastic phones or ear buds are recommended. education. For instance, did you in the center and the user has to help original story, whose characters are responses to my apps is like winning The back story Both apps are for iPad and iPad mini. know that a nightly dose of get the bee out of the web back to brilliantly illustrated and come alive the lottery for me,” says Friedman. “It Friedman, 53, grew up in Forest iPad users can go to the App Store and good old Mozart tunes can the beehive. when tapped or touched. The stories makes it all worthwhile.” Hills in Queens, but has been living look for “The Flight of the Bumble Bee,” help your child develop a “She used to play the piano, so she themselves are designed both to In March, Friedman led a workshop on the Upper West Side since 1981. and download it straight to their iPad.

48 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 TECHNOLOGY

on her bee app, at the Bronx “When I was very little, I would Charter School for Excellence. make up stories to the piano pieces I “The kids loved listening was playing. When my kids were little, to the music; they made up I would play classical music to them their own stories, and cheered before bedtime; make up stories to the while playing with the bumble music, and they would fall asleep lis- Music with buzz bee maze. They loved creat- tening to classical music,” says Fried- ing their own animations and man, who decided to make CDs of her BY TAMMY SCILEPPI Friedman says she’s busy going to strong mathematical ability? paintings to go with the piece,” stories set to music about four years How an app the baseball games of her 14-year- It seems what’s lacking is that all- she said. ago. “I asked a Princeton classmate of ike most New York City moms, old son Scotty on Randall’s Island important fun factor to win ’em over. Experts in child growth and mine, Royce Flippin, a talented writer, is introducing piano teacher and Apple de- and keeping up with her active teen- So Creative Apple developer Donna development agree that learn- to help me put down on paper the sto- L veloper Donna Weng Fried- age daughter, Mickey. Friedman decided to feature a wise, ing to appreciate and under- ries that I had in my head.” man will be celebrating and enjoying charismatic bumble bee as the main stand the “language of music” So, she narrated stories to the children to Mother’s Day with her family. Her inspiration character in her first new app called helps children flourish, intel- music she played on the piano and “We have a tradition in the morn- Friedman’s love of classical music “Flight of the Bumble Bee,” and dis- lectually and emotionally. made a sample recording. classical ing. My husband prepares me break- informs her new app designs and covered that even kids ages 4 to 6, as s ! RECENTSTUDYAT"RIGHAM “Then I called a Juilliard col- fast in bed, and the kids present me fuels the creative power behind her well as third and fourth graders, were Young University found that league, David Frost, the Grammy with cards and gifts — no flowers, innovative ideas. riveted by the music, and couldn’t get children as young as 5 months award-winning producer. He listened music I have terrible allergies during the “As a classical pianist I have always enough of the whole fun-filled experi- old could distinguish “sad” to the recording and thought the spring!” loved classical music, and I hope that ence. songs from “happy” ones. stories-to-music concept was quite The energetic, creative Upper West my apps will teach children how to Friedman’s imaginative, out-of-the- s ! 5NIVERSITY OF 4ORONTO good. So we recorded the music with Sider has come up with two new kid’s listen to and understand the storyline box approach equals an experience study found that 6-year-olds top-tier musicians — the first step to apps, and says this Mother’s Day may that is inherent in classical music, via that feels less like learning and more who studied piano for six making a professional CD of my sto- turn out to be an extra special one. a platform that kids today are familiar like just having fun for fun’s sake. Photo by Mickey Friedman months raised their IQs by ries to music.” Friedman says she has been watching with. I am also grateful to my many “What a great way to bring great Paulina, age 6, plays with the app. several points, on average. Around that time, Friedman says some of her piano students play beau- piano students who have enjoyed music performed by world-class mu- Another study of Los Angeles her daughter, who was about 12, tifully during auditions for an upcom- playing with my apps.” sicians to children, their families and feels the music and could also un- reflect the inspiration behind each preschoolers found that lessons in started drawing pictures of the char- ing competition. Friedman teaches piano privately, schools.” derstand how the stories unfolded,” piece and to fit in perfectly with its singing, rhythm, and keyboard play- acters in “The Flight of the Bumble “The winners will perform at Car- but is also on the faculty of the Friedman recalled. “She and I dis- musical twists and turns. ing boosted their spatial reasoning Bee” app. negie Hall on May 12. In the past, I Mannes College of Music, Prepara- A family affair cussed how the spider in the story Designed for children between significantly. “They were so cute that I decided have had students win this competi- tory Division, in Manhattan. Creating apps and becoming a should not look too scary, or little the ages of 2 and 8, these apps are s / T H E R STUDIES HAVE FOUND THAT to make a picture book to go with the tion, and of course, I go to the win- registered Apple developer isn’t an kids would be afraid. It was her idea the perfect way to introduce any music activates the parts of the CD. Mickey drew the father bee with ner’s concert to support them.” The app revolution easy feat, so Friedman called upon to make the bumble bee drawings child to the beauty and brilliance of brain that are essential to emotion glasses and a goofy face, to resemble During the writing of this article, A decade ago, most parents could her family for support. cartoony, with exaggerated eyes and great classical music, combining the and memory, and that it also pro- her own dad when he makes his one of her students may have al- never imagine that one day preschool- “My son, Scotty is into video big head to fit the fast-paced music.” appeal of a favorite bedtime story motes communication between the goofy face,” she says. “My husband ready been chosen to perform, and ers would be using an electronic de- games and was the one who sug- Mickey was also involved in cre- with the enjoyment and thrill of an right and left hemispheres. Craig, who is a mathematician and Friedman said she will be attending vice called an iPad and learning about gested that I have a ‘game’ option in ating her mom’s second app, “The exciting musical performance. “It has been a long road — re- reads about technology, suggested the afternoon concert on Mother’s the world around them with apps, my bee app. He thought that the app Swan.” Promoting creative, open-style searching, learning and making mis- I look into the app world, which at Day, and then meet her family for turning screen pages and interacting was improved with the maze game, Friedman says Mickey was into play that stimulates imagination and takes along the way. But I have en- that time was still relatively new.” dinner at a restaurant of her choos- with make-believe characters — their and was helpful in testing the app fashion design for a while, and went gets your child ready for computers joyed every minute of this process. So with his help, Friedman started ing, on the Upper West Side. chubby little fingers nimbly touching, for bugs. Thanks to Scotty’s eagle to Manhattan’s Fashion Institute of and a tech-filled world, your children At 53, I am exploring an exciting new in a new direction, studying apps and Like many multitasking moms, dragging, and moving images around. eye, we discovered early on that the Technology and Parsons School of will love listening to these spirited, world of technology and setting a learning about what was out there, These days, apps are widely used timer was not accurate and had it Design for summer courses. imaginative tales of impatient bees, good example for my children: that and the process of making apps. Next, as educational tools by parents and fixed immediately.” “She also loves to write poetry; lonely little moons, and self-impor- you are never too old to learn and she was able to find a digital artist to teachers to stimulate kids’ imagina- The concept for Friedman’s bum- with her musical ear, her writing is tant swans — and at the same time, accomplish new things. Most impor- make her daughter’s hand-drawn pic- tion and introduce children of all ble bee app was jump-started by her almost lyrical — she writes for the they’ll be learning some of the most tantly, I’m sharing my love of classi- tures into digital cartoons. ages to new concepts, as they get and her hubby Craig’s addiction to sound of words, as well as their mean- beautiful musical compositions in cal music,” says Friedman. Friedman says she has plans to ready for a wonderful, challenging, Looney Tunes cartoons on TV. ing. She won a Scholastic Gold key for the classical canon, played by some “I have known so many talented create two or three more apps this and complicated technology-driven “The cartoons in the good ol’ days her poems in eighth grade, and has of America’s finest musicians — all people in my life, from my college year. world. had Bugs Bunny and friends frolick- co-authored one of the stories with while having a lot of fun! days to the present — friends, stu- “I really enjoy collaborating with For today’s tech-savvy kids, a ing to music by Wagner and Men- me, which we will produce next year.” Grown-ups, don’t be surprised if dents, colleagues, and of course, my my daughter. She has now co-au- cute, self-directed and interactive delssohn, to mention just a few. I you find that these stories set to family — but to have so many of thored one of my stories to music, iPad app, loaded with bright, col- don’t think the kids today have that, The music bee club music give you a whole new perspec- them working with me, or cheering and I look forward to creating that orful cartoons means hours of so in a way my apps are inspired by apps tive on classical music, too! me on, makes me feel like the lucki- app with her next year,” she says. learning fun and a chance for those cartoons of yesteryear.” The bee club is a unique, interac- est person on the Upper West Side.” “The Flight of the Bumble Bee” may parents to unwind. Four years ago daughter Mickey, tive musical concept featuring the Workshops Friedman says she will be adver- already be available on iTunes for iPad There have been studies done 16, who loved to draw for fun, teamed world’s most beloved short classical “Giving app workshops at schools tising her apps on YouTube clips, and iPad mini at the App Store (approx. supporting the fact that music is up with her mom and designed the compositions — with a twist. Each has been an incredible experience for and on various blogs. Her daughter $1.99). “The Swan” will be available like manna for a developing brain, spider web maze for the bee app, piece of music is accompanied by an me; connecting with so many children is designing her website. in June. For best sound quality, head- and essential for a well-rounded where the little bumble bee is stuck actor’s rendition of an engaging and and hearing their joyfully enthusiastic phones or ear buds are recommended. education. For instance, did you in the center and the user has to help original story, whose characters are responses to my apps is like winning The back story Both apps are for iPad and iPad mini. know that a nightly dose of get the bee out of the web back to brilliantly illustrated and come alive the lottery for me,” says Friedman. “It Friedman, 53, grew up in Forest iPad users can go to the App Store and good old Mozart tunes can the beehive. when tapped or touched. The stories makes it all worthwhile.” Hills in Queens, but has been living look for “The Flight of the Bumble Bee,” help your child develop a “She used to play the piano, so she themselves are designed both to In March, Friedman led a workshop on the Upper West Side since 1981. and download it straight to their iPad.

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 49 HEALTHY EATING How to detox your whole family’s diet or some people, the urge to first consult with a medical pro- “spring clean” extends to their fessional. F body. They embark on a juice s 4YPICAL LOW CALORIE DETOX DIETS GOOD SENSE cleanse — a diet composed of fruit are not safe for children. Their and vegetable juice – to jump start GROWING BODIES NEED ADEQUATE EATING weight loss or to purify their sys- nutrients and calories, especially CHRISTINE M. PALUMBO, RD tems. Will a detox diet help you at this critical stage. Naturally, and your family? expectant mothers should avoid low-calorie detox diets. Benefits s !WARENESS 4HE TERM hDETOXv Clean eating can be used to describe the elimina- s 2ATHER THAN DRASTIC DETOX tion of rich, sugary, fatty, empty calo- consider a switch to cleaner eat- rie, and-or highly processed foods. ing. Nobody will argue that by replacing “Clean eating is a long-term life- these with whole fruits and vegeta- style of choosing whole foods in bles, plus whole grains, your family their most natural state from all is better off. food groups,” says registered di- s7EIGHTLOSS7EEXPECTQUICKRE- groups that provide important nutri- etician Michelle Dudash, author of sults. Detox diets can provide rapid ents like protein and calories. h#LEAN%ATINGFOR"USY&AMILIESvAND weight loss because the regimen is s3AFETYQUESTIONS)TDEPENDSON a Cordon Bleu-certified chef. “Clean so low in calories. how extreme the detox diet is, how eating also means choosing foods long one stays on it, and the health from as close to home as possible Negatives status of the individual. Before put- and eating with the seasons when it s%XTREME$ETOXDIETSTENDTOBEEX- ting oneself on a low-calorie detox comes to fresh foods like fruits and treme, depriving, and eliminate food diet with fewer than 1,200 calories, vegetables.” Keep the switch simple and safe with these tips: Pistachio & Whole-Grain Tortilla ment paper or a silicone baking mat. s 'ET RUTHLESS h)DENTIFY THE Crusted Tilapia with Chili Lime Sauce Whisk egg, cilantro, mustard, and snacks made of refined grains and 1 teaspoon of water together in a sugars and either toss them, take Makes four servings (one large or shallow dish. In another dish, com- them to the office, or donate un- two small pieces of tilapia each, with bine chips, pistachios, cumin, garlic opened packages,” Dudash says. 1 tablespoon of sauce) powder, chili powder, salt, and pep- s+EEPASTASHOFNEWFAVORITESON INGREDIENTS: per. Dip fish in egg mixture, coating hand. Tempt your family with whole on both sides, and then coat fish 1 large egg pieces of fruit in a bowl on the coun- well in breading. Place fish on pan TER3TOCKNUTS DRIEDFRUIT ANDAFEW 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro with rounded side up. Bake for 14 types of raw veggies with hummus 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard minutes until golden on the outside, for munching. 1/2 cup crushed whole-grain tortilla and opaque and slightly firm in the s+EEPTHEJUNKOUT$UDASHSUG- chips (from about 12 large whole center. chips) gests you save the “unclean” foods Blend all sauce ingredients. Serve the for special occasions, if you must 1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios fish immediately with the sauce. 1 teaspoon ground cumin serve them at all — if it’s not in the NUTRITION FACTS: 264 calories, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder house, your kids can’t torment you 18 g total fat (2 g saturated fat), 25 with incessant begging! 1/4 teaspoon chili powder g protein, 12 g carbohydrate, 2 g Keep in mind, there are no good 1/4 teaspoon salt dietary fiber, 97 mg cholesterol. studies proving the benefits of a juice 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black Used with permission from “Clean FAST 2ATHER THAN A DRASTIC DETOX pepper Eating for Busy Families: Get Meals make the switch to cleaner eating. 1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into at on the Table in Minutes with Simple Christine M. Palumbo is a Naperville, least 4 portions (or cod, haddock) 1 pinch chili powder and Satisfying Whole-Foods Recipes Ill.-based nutritionist who is on the fac- FOR SAUCE: 1 pinch salt You and Your Kids Will Love,” by ulty of Benedictine University. Follow 1/4 cup light mayonnaise DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 425°F. Michelle Dudash, RD (Fair Winds her on Twitter @PalumboRD, Facebook 1 teaspoon lime juice Line a large sheet pan with parch- Press, 2013). at Christine Palumbo Nutrition, or at [email protected].

50 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 HEALTHY EATING How to detox your whole family’s diet or some people, the urge to first consult with a medical pro- “spring clean” extends to their fessional. WE ARE EXPERIENCED MATH GOOD SENSE F body. They embark on a juice s 4YPICAL LOW CALORIE DETOX DIETS cleanse — a diet composed of fruit are not safe for children. Their SPECIALISTS and vegetable juice – to jump start GROWING BODIES NEED ADEQUATE EATING weight loss or to purify their sys- nutrients and calories, especially CHRISTINE M. PALUMBO, RD tems. Will a detox diet help you at this critical stage. Naturally, WE TEACH ALL LEVELS OF and your family? expectant mothers should avoid low-calorie detox diets. /Ê /9 Benefits s !WARENESS 4HE TERM hDETOXv Clean eating PROVEN RESULTS can be used to describe the elimina- s 2ATHER THAN DRASTIC DETOX tion of rich, sugary, fatty, empty calo- consider a switch to cleaner eat- rie, and-or highly processed foods. ing. MATHNASIUM of Bensonhurst Nobody will argue that by replacing “Clean eating is a long-term life- these with whole fruits and vegeta- style of choosing whole foods in ÈnäÈÊÓäÌ ÊÛiÕiÊUÊ ÀÞ]Ê 9Ê££Óä{ bles, plus whole grains, your family their most natural state from all is better off. food groups,” says registered di- Î{Ç®ÊÇ /££ÊUÊÎ{Ç®ÊÇÈÓn{££ s7EIGHTLOSS7EEXPECTQUICKRE- groups that provide important nutri- etician Michelle Dudash, author of www.mathnasium.com/bensonhurst sults. Detox diets can provide rapid ents like protein and calories. h#LEAN%ATINGFOR"USY&AMILIESvAND weight loss because the regimen is s3AFETYQUESTIONS)TDEPENDSON a Cordon Bleu-certified chef. “Clean so low in calories. how extreme the detox diet is, how eating also means choosing foods long one stays on it, and the health from as close to home as possible Negatives status of the individual. Before put- and eating with the seasons when it s%XTREME$ETOXDIETSTENDTOBEEX- ting oneself on a low-calorie detox comes to fresh foods like fruits and treme, depriving, and eliminate food diet with fewer than 1,200 calories, vegetables.” Keep the switch simple and safe with these tips: Pistachio & Whole-Grain Tortilla ment paper or a silicone baking mat. s 'ET RUTHLESS h)DENTIFY THE Crusted Tilapia with Chili Lime Sauce Whisk egg, cilantro, mustard, and snacks made of refined grains and 1 teaspoon of water together in a sugars and either toss them, take Makes four servings (one large or shallow dish. In another dish, com- them to the office, or donate un- two small pieces of tilapia each, with bine chips, pistachios, cumin, garlic opened packages,” Dudash says. 1 tablespoon of sauce) powder, chili powder, salt, and pep- s+EEPASTASHOFNEWFAVORITESON INGREDIENTS: per. Dip fish in egg mixture, coating hand. Tempt your family with whole on both sides, and then coat fish 1 large egg pieces of fruit in a bowl on the coun- well in breading. Place fish on pan TER3TOCKNUTS DRIEDFRUIT ANDAFEW 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro with rounded side up. Bake for 14 types of raw veggies with hummus 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard minutes until golden on the outside, for munching. 1/2 cup crushed whole-grain tortilla and opaque and slightly firm in the s+EEPTHEJUNKOUT$UDASHSUG- chips (from about 12 large whole center. chips) gests you save the “unclean” foods Blend all sauce ingredients. Serve the for special occasions, if you must 1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios fish immediately with the sauce. 1 teaspoon ground cumin serve them at all — if it’s not in the NUTRITION FACTS: 264 calories, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder house, your kids can’t torment you 18 g total fat (2 g saturated fat), 25 with incessant begging! 1/4 teaspoon chili powder g protein, 12 g carbohydrate, 2 g Keep in mind, there are no good 1/4 teaspoon salt dietary fiber, 97 mg cholesterol. studies proving the benefits of a juice 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black Used with permission from “Clean FAST 2ATHER THAN A DRASTIC DETOX pepper Eating for Busy Families: Get Meals make the switch to cleaner eating. 1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into at on the Table in Minutes with Simple Christine M. Palumbo is a Naperville, least 4 portions (or cod, haddock) 1 pinch chili powder and Satisfying Whole-Foods Recipes Ill.-based nutritionist who is on the fac- FOR SAUCE: 1 pinch salt You and Your Kids Will Love,” by ulty of Benedictine University. Follow 1/4 cup light mayonnaise DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 425°F. Michelle Dudash, RD (Fair Winds her on Twitter @PalumboRD, Facebook 1 teaspoon lime juice Line a large sheet pan with parch- Press, 2013). at Christine Palumbo Nutrition, or at [email protected].

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 51 HEALTH When too little sleep is a real big problem

My 14 year-old daughter used to be a good student, but in the last year, she always seems to be tired, and her FAMILY HEALTH grades have dropped considerably. I’m DR. PRAMOD NARULA, MD concerned that trouble sleeping might Chairman of Pediatrics be the root of the problem. The time she New York Methodist Hospital falls asleep varies a lot. Some nights, she’s out like a light, and other nights, she tosses and turns for hours before finally getting to sleep. Sometimes, she wakes up several times during the night as well. Could this be a serious problem? What should I do?

t any age, getting a good night’s sleep is important. A However, sleep is especially important during your child’s teenage years. The typical adult requires seven to eight hours of restful sleep every night to function best; an adolescent needs about nine. Unfortu- nately, the average American teenager gets far less than that, so your daughter’s situation is all too common. We still don’t understand exactly why humans need to sleep, but we do know the harmful effects sleep deprivation has on children, teens, and adults. Not getting enough sleep results in decreased ability to concen- trate and learn, impaired decision- making, forgetfulness, depression, and a host of other problems. All of these can have an impact on your daughter’s academic performance. It can be difficult to discern the cause of a teen’s sleep deprivation, especially during teenage years when varying amounts homework and studying can contribute to an inconsistent sleep schedule. Drink- ing caffeinated beverages late in the However, you should also be mind- Getting through high school is day, watching television, eating or ful of signs that your daughter may a daunting task for any teenager. using a computer close to bedtime have a significant sleep disorder, Working to help your daughter sleep can all hinder your daughter’s ability such as sleep apnea or insomnia. If better, and seeking professional help to fall asleep and stay asleep. It’s also you notice that she regularly skips a if necessary, will ensure that she is common for stress caused by the breath during sleep, has nightmares, armed with the good night’s rest emotional trials and tribulations that sleepwalks, or snores, a physician necessary for her to be at her best come with teenage years to have an who specializes in sleep problems is during the day. No amount of cof- impact on sleep, so working with her able to perform tests that can help fee, energy shots, or beverages that to help her manage any stress, or to determine if your daughter has claim to give you “wings” can com- seeking professional help if stress is a sleep disorder, and what steps to pensate for the effects of sleep de- a major concern, can be beneficial. take next. privation.

52 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 HEALTH 46313*4&-",&$".1 When too little sleep Make memories that last a lifetime. is a real big problem 0'' GPS'JSTU5JNF $BNQFST My 14 year-old daughter used to be a good student, but in the last year, FAMILY HEALTH she always seems to be tired, and her grades have dropped considerably. I’m An agency of DR. PRAMOD NARULA, MD concerned that trouble sleeping might Chairman of Pediatrics be the root of the problem. The time she New York Methodist Hospital falls asleep varies a lot. Some nights, XXXTVSQSJTFMBLFPSH((JOGP!TVSQSJTFMBLFPSH she’s out like a light, and other nights, she tosses and turns for hours before finally getting to sleep. Sometimes, she wakes up several times during the night as well. Could this be a serious problem? What should I do? t any age, getting a good night’s sleep is important. ( ( A However, sleep is especially BOE8&&,015*0/4 important during your child’s teen- (4$)0-"34)*14"3&"7"*-"#-&#"4&%0//&&%( age years. The typical adult requires (%*4$06/54(*7&/50'*3455*.&$".1&34( seven to eight hours of restful sleep every night to function best; an adolescent needs about nine. Unfortu- nately, the average American teenager gets far less than that, so your daughter’s situation is all too common. We still don’t understand exactly why humans need to sleep, but we do know the harmful effects sleep deprivation has on children, teens, and adults. Not getting enough sleep results in decreased ability to concen- trate and learn, impaired decision- making, forgetfulness, depression, and a host of other problems. All of Now Accepting Applications for 2013-2014 these can have an impact on your SPACE IS LIMITED! daughter’s academic performance. It can be difficult to discern the Introductory Tuition Price: $12,800 cause of a teen’s sleep deprivation, Includes: especially during teenage years when varying amounts homework  5 Full Days and studying can contribute to an  7 : 1 Child to Teacher Ratio inconsistent sleep schedule. Drink-  Extended Day Daily from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM ing caffeinated beverages late in the However, you should also be mind- Getting through high school is  Safe and Nurturing Environment day, watching television, eating or ful of signs that your daughter may a daunting task for any teenager.  Specialty Programs in Music, Art and Science using a computer close to bedtime have a significant sleep disorder, Working to help your daughter sleep can all hinder your daughter’s ability such as sleep apnea or insomnia. If better, and seeking professional help to fall asleep and stay asleep. It’s also you notice that she regularly skips a if necessary, will ensure that she is common for stress caused by the breath during sleep, has nightmares, armed with the good night’s rest emotional trials and tribulations that sleepwalks, or snores, a physician necessary for her to be at her best VISIT US at an Open House come with teenage years to have an who specializes in sleep problems is during the day. No amount of cof- impact on sleep, so working with her able to perform tests that can help fee, energy shots, or beverages that For more info, to help her manage any stress, or to determine if your daughter has claim to give you “wings” can com- visit www.StatenIslandAcademy.org seeking professional help if stress is a sleep disorder, and what steps to pensate for the effects of sleep de- The Academy is located at 715 Todt Hill Road, Staten Island, NY. a major concern, can be beneficial. take next. privation.

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 53 RELATIONSHIPS Dads & divorce II Kids still need a father’s love and attention his month, my column continues exploring the importance T of having fathers involved in their children’s lives and focuses on how to make this goal a reality with DIVORCE & some additional insight from Melissa Kester, founder of Madison Marriage SEPARATION and Family Therapy. LEE CHABIN, ESQ. Here are some dos and don’ts, especially for mothers and fathers: Dads: Recognize that your kids need you, regardless of what anyone else says. Only you can play this vital role. Don’t believe it? Take a parenting class. Find a support group for fathers. Read a book like Edward Tey- ber’s “Helping Children Cope with Divorce.” Stay away from people who tell you that fathers don’t matter. “Know the things you like to do with the children, and try to make the days you are with them special,” says Kester. “Having this valu- time than you do? Or put them to bed very threatened by divorce. able time with them is important; later? If so, how much does it matter? While very young children may children can carry that with them Consistency is good for children, but not remember it, “kids in that mo- throughout the week. But don’t avoid don’t underestimate their adaptabil- ment of divorce do have an aware- parenting responsibilities and disci- ity. Kids have different rules at school ness of something shifting that later pline to have fun, even though time than at home, and still others when could develop emotional triggers with the children may be limited.” playing with friends. If the differences that set in and stay,” explains Kes- Kester encourages parents to “use between you and your ex aren’t really ter. Having difficulty committing to technology” to be in contact, and go a problem, don’t make them one. an adult relationship, for instance, low-tech as well. (For example, put See to it that dad gets his parent- could be caused by a fear of aban- a note in a lunch bag.) Kester says, ing time, and let your kids know that donment stemming from a father’s “Find ways to be with your kids, you, as their mother, support him as departure in early childhood. even when not physically present.” a parent. Children need fathers as well as She notes that “living close to each Moms and dads: Work together to mothers. When both parents can other can allow children to see more figure out how to be the best parents keep their kids’ best interests in of each parent, which can be nice for you can be. When you have a problem mind, they can work together and the entire family.” with your ex, deal directly with him or make divorce as painless as possible Moms: Let your ex know that de- her and don’t involve the children. for their children. spite anger you may have toward him, Is communication between you two Contact Melissa Kester at (917) you welcome his involvement as the very poor? Be open to outside as- 488–6364, or on her website at www. children’s father. Maybe he failed as sistance: a mediator or therapist can madisonmft.com/contact.html. Read a husband; but that’s over. Being a help you listen to and understand her blog, Towards Healing, at http://to- father is an entirely separate, lifelong each other. wardshealing.net/tag/melissa-kester. job, and one that he can succeed at. Grandparents, friends, and oth- New York City- and Long Island-based Acknowledge that your ex prob- ers: Play a constructive role, if you divorce mediator and collaborative di- ably has some strengths and inter- can, to foster a role for dad. Like mom, vorce lawyer Lee Chabin, Esq., helps cli- ests to offer that you don’t. Maybe you don’t have to like him to do so. If ents end their relationships respectfully he loves sports, camping, and as- you can’t be helpful, butt out. and without going to court. Contact him tronomy, all of which put you to For everyone to keep in mind: at [email protected] or (718) sleep. Encourage him to share what See it all from the kids’ level. Young 229–6149, or go to http://lc-mediate. he loves, and help your children get children operate on a purely primi- com/home. the best from both of you. tive biological level, Kester says, and Disclaimer: All material is for informational pur- Remember that “different” doesn’t their responses are based on sur- poses only and does not constitute legal advice. Discuss your particular circumstances with a always mean “bad.” Does dad give the vival needs. Even as adults, part of legal professional before making important kids dinner and a bath at a different us remains at this level. Kids feel decisions is strongly encouraged. 54 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 RELATIONSHIPS ĂǇ ZŝĚŐĞ x ĂƌƌŽůů 'ĂƌĚĞŶƐ x WĂƌŬ ^ůŽƉĞ x tŝŶĚƐŽƌ dĞƌƌĂĐĞ

ŝŶ WĂƌŬ ^ůŽƉĞ Dads & divorce II 'ƌĂĚĞƐ ϭ Ͳ ϱ • ^ŬŝůůƐ Θ ĚƌŝůůƐ Kids still need a father’s love and attention • ^ĐƌŝŵŵĂŐĞƐ ŝŶ his month, my column contin- WƌŽƐƉĞĐƚ WĂƌŬ ues exploring the importance • dƌĂĚŝƚŝŽŶĂů ĚĂǇ T of having fathers involved in ĐĂŵƉ ĂĐƚŝǀŝƚŝĞƐ their children’s lives and focuses on ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ŐĂŵĞƐ͕ how to make this goal a reality with DIVORCE & some additional insight from Melissa ϱ >Kd/KE^ ĂƌƚƐ Θ ĐƌĂĨƚƐ͕ ĂŶĚ SEPARATION Kester, founder of Madison Marriage ǁĂƚĞƌ ƉůĂǇ and Family Therapy. ϭ 'Zd ^hDDZ͊ • ĂĐŚ ϮͲǁĞĞŬ LEE CHABIN, ESQ. Here are some dos and don’ts, es- ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĐŽŶĐůƵĚĞƐ pecially for mothers and fathers: &ůĞǆŝďůĞ ĂŝůǇ Θ tĞĞŬůǇ ^ĐŚĞĚƵůĞƐ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ͞tŽƌůĚ Dads: Recognize that your kids ƵƉ͟ ŵĂƚĐŚ ĨŽƌ need you, regardless of what anyone ĂŐĞƐ ϯ͘ϱ ƚŽ ϭϰ else says. Only you can play this vital ĨĂŵŝůǇ Θ ĨƌŝĞŶĚƐ͘ role. Don’t believe it? Take a parenting class. Find a support group for fathers. Read a book like Edward Tey- ber’s “Helping Children Cope with Divorce.” Stay away from people who tell you that fathers don’t matter. “Know the things you like to do with the children, and try to make ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂǇ͕ DĂǇ ϭϴ the days you are with them spe- /Ŷ WƌŽƐƉĞĐƚ WĂƌŬ͕ ďĞŚŝŶĚ ƚŚĞ WŝĐŶŝĐ ,ŽƵƐĞ͕ ϭ Ͳ ϰƉŵ cial,” says Kester. “Having this valu- time than you do? Or put them to bed very threatened by divorce. able time with them is important; later? If so, how much does it matter? While very young children may WĂƌĞŶƚƐ ĐĂŶ ŵĞĞƚ ƚŚĞ ŝƌĞĐƚŽƌ ĂŶĚ ƚĂůŬ ƚŽ ŽƵƌ ĂŵĂǌŝŶŐ children can carry that with them Consistency is good for children, but not remember it, “kids in that mo- ƐƚĂĨĨ͘ ŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ĐĂŶ ƉĂƌƚŝĐŝƉĂƚĞ ŝŶ ƐŽŵĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĨƵŶ throughout the week. But don’t avoid don’t underestimate their adaptabil- ment of divorce do have an aware- parenting responsibilities and disci- ity. Kids have different rules at school ness of something shifting that later ĂĐƚŝǀŝƚŝĞƐ ƉůĂŶŶĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƐƵŵŵĞƌ ϮϬϭϯ͘ pline to have fun, even though time than at home, and still others when could develop emotional triggers dƌĂĚŝƚŝŽŶĂů ŽƵƚĚŽŽƌ͕ ĨƵŶ͕ ƐƚŝŵƵůĂƚŝŶŐ ĚĂǇ with the children may be limited.” playing with friends. If the differences that set in and stay,” explains Kes- Kester encourages parents to “use between you and your ex aren’t really ter. Having difficulty committing to ĐĂŵƉ technology” to be in contact, and go a problem, don’t make them one. an adult relationship, for instance, ^ŽĐĐĞƌ Θ ŝƌĐƵƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĂůƚǇ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĐĂŶ ŝŶ ĂƌƌŽůů 'ĂƌĚĞŶƐ low-tech as well. (For example, put See to it that dad gets his parent- could be caused by a fear of aban- ďĞ ĞĂƐŝůǇ ĐŽŵďŝŶĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ dƌĂĚŝƚŝŽŶĂů ĂŵƉ 'ƌĂĚĞƐ W< Ͳ ϱ a note in a lunch bag.) Kester says, ing time, and let your kids know that donment stemming from a father’s KŶ tŚĞĞůƐ ƚƌĂǀĞů ĐĂŵƉ ĨŽƌ ŐƌĂĚĞƐ ϲ ʹ ϴ “Find ways to be with your kids, you, as their mother, support him as departure in early childhood. even when not physically present.” a parent. Children need fathers as well as >ĞĂĚĞƌƐŚŝƉ ǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ĨŽƌ ŐƌĂĚĞƐ ϵ Θ ϭϬ She notes that “living close to each Moms and dads: Work together to mothers. When both parents can other can allow children to see more figure out how to be the best parents keep their kids’ best interests in of each parent, which can be nice for you can be. When you have a problem mind, they can work together and the entire family.” with your ex, deal directly with him or make divorce as painless as possible Moms: Let your ex know that de- her and don’t involve the children. for their children. spite anger you may have toward him, Is communication between you two Contact Melissa Kester at (917) you welcome his involvement as the very poor? Be open to outside as- 488–6364, or on her website at www. children’s father. Maybe he failed as sistance: a mediator or therapist can madisonmft.com/contact.html. Read a husband; but that’s over. Being a help you listen to and understand her blog, Towards Healing, at http://to- father is an entirely separate, lifelong each other. wardshealing.net/tag/melissa-kester. job, and one that he can succeed at. Grandparents, friends, and oth- New York City- and Long Island-based Acknowledge that your ex prob- ers: Play a constructive role, if you divorce mediator and collaborative di- ŝƌĐƵƐ ^ŬŝůůƐ ůŽǁŶŝŶŐ DƵƐŝĐĂů EƵŵďĞƌƐ ably has some strengths and inter- can, to foster a role for dad. Like mom, vorce lawyer Lee Chabin, Esq., helps cli- ests to offer that you don’t. Maybe you don’t have to like him to do so. If ents end their relationships respectfully ^Ğƚ ĞƐŝŐŶ ^ŚŽǁ WƌŽĚƵĐƚŝŽŶ dƵŵďůŝŶŐ he loves sports, camping, and as- you can’t be helpful, butt out. and without going to court. Contact him dƌĂŶƐƉŽƌƚĂƚŝŽŶ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ĨƌŽŵ tronomy, all of which put you to For everyone to keep in mind: at [email protected] or (718) ĂĐŚ ϮͲǁĞĞŬ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĐŽŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ǁŝƚŚ sleep. Encourage him to share what See it all from the kids’ level. Young 229–6149, or go to http://lc-mediate. ŵŽƐƚ ƌŽŽŬůǇŶ ůŽĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ Ă ŐĂůĂ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĨŽƌ ĨĂŵŝůǇ ĂŶĚ ĨƌŝĞŶĚƐ͘ he loves, and help your children get children operate on a purely primi- com/home. the best from both of you. tive biological level, Kester says, and Disclaimer: All material is for informational pur- Remember that “different” doesn’t their responses are based on sur- poses only and does not constitute legal advice. Discuss your particular circumstances with a ƉĂƌŬƐůŽƉĞĚĂǇĐĂŵƉ͘ĐŽŵ always mean “bad.” Does dad give the vival needs. Even as adults, part of legal professional before making important ϳϭϴ͘ϳϴϴ͘ϳϳϯϮ kids dinner and a bath at a different us remains at this level. Kids feel decisions is strongly encouraged. May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 55 TECHNOLOGY Video game violence

nce school is out, many kids lence change as children mature. For s 5 S E THE%NTERTAINMENT3OFTWARE turn to video games to fill kids under 12 who are still develop- Rating Board guidelines. They aren’t O their extra free time. The ing a sense of right and wrong, it perfect, but their ratings will pro- question of what games are OK has makes sense to exercise tight control. tect kids from some of the most taken on new urgency in the past Seek out games that have educational violent games. (For an explanation year. A Harris Poll, taken after the value and, whenever possible, proof the ratings, visit www.ESRB.com.) shootings in Newtown, Conn., found social values. The non-violent games Supplement the ratings by talking to that more than half of all Americans section of CommonSenseMedia.org is other parents and reading reviews GROWING UP believe playing violent video games a good place to start. from organizations that respect the is linked to violent behavior. Around middle school, many values you are trying to instill in ONLINE Unfortunately, deciding which children, especially boys, will lobby your children. If you have doubts CAROLYN JABS games are unacceptable has the po- hard to play games that are popu- about whether a game is suitable for tential to create family conflict not lar with their friends. Although it’s your child, rent before you buy. only between parents and kids but tempting to ban certain games, that s 4E A C H HEALTHY CONFLICT RESOLU- also between spouses. The same approach doesn’t necessarily give tion. From a young age, help your Harris poll found that mothers were your son the tools he’ll need to eval- child express feelings and develop much more likely than fathers to uate games he encounters at the empathy for the feelings of oth- make rules about video games, per- homes of friends or, eventually, in a ers. Actively encourage your kids haps because they were less likely to college dorm room. Instead, talk to to resolve disagreements through be gamers themselves. your child about what he hopes to creative compromise. Teach them Many gamers believe that get from the game he wants to play. how to release anger and frustra- violent video games can be a A sense of camaraderie with friends? tion without violence. If your child healthy outlet for aggressive The thrill of doing something forbid- is having trouble resolving conflicts feelings. They point out that den? The challenge of conquering peaceably in real life, restrict access during the 20 years when video difficult obstacles? Have your child to video games. games have been popular, the make a case for why the game is a s%NFORCE TIME LIMITS 2ESEARCH rate of violent crime has actu- good way to spend his free time. suggests that the aggressive spill- ally decreased. Although it’s Then express your own concerns, over from video games is less serious true that most gamers do not being as specific as possible about when kids have the self-discipline to become criminals, it is also why a particular game worries you. step away from the game. Help your true that these decades have Does the game endorse gang culture child develop that kind of self-con- seen a rise in other types of ag- or criminal behavior? Promote use of trol by establishing time limits for gression, including bullying. drugs and alcohol? Include language video games. If necessary, enforce Dr. Craig Anderson, direc- that is coarse or obscene? Encour- the rules with parental controls. (A tor of the Center for the Study age disrespect toward women or detailed step-by-step guide to con- of Violence, in Ames, Iowa, be- minorities? Include violence that is trols for all gaming systems can be lieves the link between video unnecessarily brutal or gratuitous? found in the ESRB booklet, available games and aggression is indis- Talking through these issues won’t at http://tinyurl.com/5rwhuy.) putable. After analyzing 130 be easy and, in the end, you are Finally, it’s important to remem- research studies, he found likely to decide that certain games ber that the powerful teaching ca- conclusive evidence that ex- have no place in your home. Still, pabilities of video games can be posure to video game violence research suggests that the conversa- enlisted to promote cooperation and increases both aggressive tions are worthwhile, because they goodwill, instead of aggression and thinking and behavior — and help young people think critically mayhem. As an example, the award- reduces empathy and kind- about the content of video games winning Journey explores the human ness. and that, in turn, makes them less longing for companionship and pro- “All games teach something,” An- susceptible to their influences. vides a great game experience with derson observes, “and that ‘some- Here are other things parents can arresting graphics and Grammy-win- thing’ depends upon what they re- do at every age: ning music. If parents can encourage quire the player to practice.” s 0L AY GAMES TOGETHER WHEN YOU video game companies to develop At the same time, violence turns can. If you aren’t a natural gamer, more games like that, everyone in out to be surprisingly hard to define. let your child walk you through the the family will be happy! Is it harmful to have an avatar that game. Pay attention to things that Carolyn Jabs raised three computer- slays dragons with a sword? Is it are constructive — cooperation savvy kids including one with special damaging to pretend to be a football among players to get to a goal, strate- needs. She has been writing Growing player who flattens another player? gic thinking, or coordination. Notice Up Online for 10 years and is working What’s the effect of taking the point the effect that the game has on your on a book about constructive responses of view of a soldier shooting enemy child. Does he become animated, to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online. combatants? Obviously, the rules aggressive, confident, discouraged, com to read other columns. that make sense for video game vio- withdrawn? Copyright, 2013, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

56 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 TECHNOLOGY Video game violence nce school is out, many kids lence change as children mature. For s 5 S E THE%NTERTAINMENT3OFTWARE turn to video games to fill kids under 12 who are still develop- Rating Board guidelines. They aren’t O their extra free time. The ing a sense of right and wrong, it perfect, but their ratings will pro- question of what games are OK has makes sense to exercise tight control. tect kids from some of the most taken on new urgency in the past Seek out games that have educational violent games. (For an explanation year. A Harris Poll, taken after the value and, whenever possible, proof the ratings, visit www.ESRB.com.) Camp shootings in Newtown, Conn., found social values. The non-violent games Supplement the ratings by talking to that more than half of all Americans section of CommonSenseMedia.org is other parents and reading reviews Registration GROWING UP believe playing violent video games a good place to start. from organizations that respect the Ongoing is linked to violent behavior. Around middle school, many values you are trying to instill in ONLINE Unfortunately, deciding which children, especially boys, will lobby your children. If you have doubts Come CAROLYN JABS games are unacceptable has the po- hard to play games that are popu- about whether a game is suitable for join us for tential to create family conflict not lar with their friends. Although it’s your child, rent before you buy. Creative only between parents and kids but tempting to ban certain games, that s 4E A C H HEALTHY CONFLICT RESOLU- Movement, Yoga And also between spouses. The same approach doesn’t necessarily give tion. From a young age, help your Zumba Harris poll found that mothers were your son the tools he’ll need to eval- child express feelings and develop much more likely than fathers to uate games he encounters at the empathy for the feelings of oth- make rules about video games, per- homes of friends or, eventually, in a ers. Actively encourage your kids haps because they were less likely to college dorm room. Instead, talk to to resolve disagreements through NAEYC accredited. be gamers themselves. your child about what he hopes to creative compromise. Teach them Many gamers believe that get from the game he wants to play. how to release anger and frustra- Our Lady of Angels - 2nd Fl. - 4th Ave. bet. 73rd & 74th violent video games can be a A sense of camaraderie with friends? tion without violence. If your child healthy outlet for aggressive The thrill of doing something forbid- is having trouble resolving conflicts feelings. They point out that den? The challenge of conquering peaceably in real life, restrict access during the 20 years when video difficult obstacles? Have your child to video games. games have been popular, the make a case for why the game is a s%NFORCE TIME LIMITS 2ESEARCH rate of violent crime has actu- good way to spend his free time. suggests that the aggressive spill- ally decreased. Although it’s Then express your own concerns, over from video games is less serious true that most gamers do not being as specific as possible about when kids have the self-discipline to become criminals, it is also why a particular game worries you. step away from the game. Help your true that these decades have Does the game endorse gang culture child develop that kind of self-con- seen a rise in other types of ag- or criminal behavior? Promote use of trol by establishing time limits for gression, including bullying. drugs and alcohol? Include language video games. If necessary, enforce Dr. Craig Anderson, direc- that is coarse or obscene? Encour- the rules with parental controls. (A tor of the Center for the Study age disrespect toward women or detailed step-by-step guide to con- of Violence, in Ames, Iowa, be- minorities? Include violence that is trols for all gaming systems can be lieves the link between video unnecessarily brutal or gratuitous? found in the ESRB booklet, available games and aggression is indis- Talking through these issues won’t at http://tinyurl.com/5rwhuy.) putable. After analyzing 130 be easy and, in the end, you are Finally, it’s important to remem- research studies, he found likely to decide that certain games ber that the powerful teaching ca- conclusive evidence that ex- have no place in your home. Still, pabilities of video games can be posure to video game violence research suggests that the conversa- enlisted to promote cooperation and increases both aggressive tions are worthwhile, because they goodwill, instead of aggression and thinking and behavior — and help young people think critically mayhem. As an example, the award- reduces empathy and kind- about the content of video games winning Journey explores the human ness. and that, in turn, makes them less longing for companionship and pro- “All games teach something,” An- susceptible to their influences. vides a great game experience with derson observes, “and that ‘some- Here are other things parents can arresting graphics and Grammy-win- thing’ depends upon what they re- do at every age: ning music. If parents can encourage quire the player to practice.” s 0L AY GAMES TOGETHER WHEN YOU video game companies to develop At the same time, violence turns can. If you aren’t a natural gamer, more games like that, everyone in out to be surprisingly hard to define. let your child walk you through the the family will be happy! Is it harmful to have an avatar that game. Pay attention to things that Carolyn Jabs raised three computer- slays dragons with a sword? Is it are constructive — cooperation savvy kids including one with special damaging to pretend to be a football among players to get to a goal, strate- needs. She has been writing Growing player who flattens another player? gic thinking, or coordination. Notice Up Online for 10 years and is working What’s the effect of taking the point the effect that the game has on your on a book about constructive responses of view of a soldier shooting enemy child. Does he become animated, to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online. combatants? Obviously, the rules aggressive, confident, discouraged, com to read other columns. that make sense for video game vio- withdrawn? Copyright, 2013, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 57 ADVICE Getting a handle on non-probate assets

My parents have all of their assets bank during his lifetime, or in a will in joint accounts. Both of their names also identifying the account, bank- are on the deed to their apartment. ing institution, and change of ben- ASK AN The rest of their assets are in retire- eficiary. Although in trust for account ment accounts. Do they need a will? designations to a former spouse are ATTORNEY automatically revoked by divorce or ALISON ARDEN BESUNDER, here are two basic types of annulment, account holders should ESQ. assets when someone dies: certainly take steps to re-title the ac- T probate and non-probate. count or change the beneficiary to Probate assets are those that are avoid any potential disputes. distributed in accordance with the Another thing to consider when terms of a will, if any, or under the dealing with joint accounts are the laws of intestacy. Non-probate assets tax consequences. The Internal Rev- are those that pass by operation of enue Service presumes that 100 per- law to a designated beneficiary or a cent of a joint account between un- surviving joint tenant, regardless of married persons is includible in the what is stated in a will. estate of the first person to die. Non-probate property include bank The establishment of joint accounts In the example of the mother hold- accounts held jointly with rights of can transform otherwise straight- ing a joint account with her daughter, survivorship; “in trust for” accounts; forward estate administrations into assume that the daughter dies first, “payable on death” accounts; most complicated messes. So, for example, but the account consists entirely of IRA, 401(k), and 403(b) accounts; any assume a mother has a joint account mom’s funds. The full amount of the asset held in a revocable or irrevo- with her daughter, in which most of account will be taxable in the daugh- cable trust; and any jointly held real mom’s assets are deposited. Mom ter’s estate. property. dies. A second child challenges the Another dilemma is presented Structuring your assets as non- joint account, arguing that the sister when an asset passes outside of probate can sometimes allow money was put on the account solely for con- probate, but the estate owes estate to be distributed to a beneficiary with- venience purposes to help mom with tax as a result of the non-probate out waiting for the probate process, bill paying and other financial tasks. If distribution. Sometimes, a non-pro- but such assets can cause conflict proven, the presumption would be re- bate beneficiary is unwilling to vol- and litigation if not properly struc- butted and the remaining funds in the untarily contribute his fair share of tured. Usually bank accounts are joint account would pass to mom’s es- the tax liability. This could require opened or modified following a rou- tate (to be distributed by her will) and the executor to have to chase down tine exchange with a bank employee not to the surviving joint tenant. the joint account holder to get a pro- and not an attorney. Depositors are portionate contribution of the estate presented with a dense packet of ma- In trust for accounts tax liability, which would impose an terials that they “acknowledge” they In contrast to a joint account, an additional cost on the estate. The ex- read, but few do. in trust for account is essentially a ecutor or person acting as executor Contrary to popular opinion, joint revocable trust created by deposit. may be held liable for unpaid estate accounts are not immune from chal- Deposits in an in trust for account tax if he distributes assets to a ben- lenge by someone who can show are not completed gifts, and the de- eficiary of the estate before payment the account was not a “true” joint positor can modify, amend, or revoke of the New York State estate tax. account, but rather a “convenience the account, or change or delete the Non-probate assets are often cre- account.” A “convenience account” is beneficiary, during his lifetime, or in ated for convenience, but prove to one where deposits are made for the a will. be anything but convenient when convenience of the depositor, which The account may be revoked by the disputes arise. Take care to ensure do not affect title, are not deemed a depositor’s withdrawal of the account that the existence of non-probate gift of one-half of the deposit or any proceeds, in an acknowledged writ- assets is consistent with your inten- additions or accruals, and do not ing naming the beneficiary and the tions for how you want your estate to confer a right of survivorship. banking institution delivered to the be distributed.

Disclaimer: This column is provided by the Law Offices of Alison Arden Besunder P.C. and New York Parenting Media as a public service to inform readers of legal issues. It is not intended to advise. Since legal issues vary with an individual’s situation and needs, one should consult with an attorney. It is impossible to cover all aspects of the law in an article. Please be advised that the laws are constantly changing. The content in this article reflects the current law. Nothing contained in this article is intended as advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the firm. Individual consultation with an attorney is required to determine the specific facts and circumstances of any particular situation. A written retainer agreement between you and the firm is required before any attorney-client relationship may be created. Circular 230 Disclosure Notice: To ensure compliance with Treasury Department rules governing tax practice, we inform you that any advice contained herein (including in any attachment) (1) was not written and is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalty that may be imposed on the taxpayer, and (2) may not be used in connection with promoting, marketing or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed herein.

58 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 ADVICE UNION TEMPLE PRESENTS New Chef, New Menu! THE Come Together with Getting a handle on Family & Friends SPOT

2 Blocks from B. Bridge Pier 6 Playground 2 floors of Restaurant and PlayRoom non-probate assets 81 Atlantic Ave (@Hicks) 718-923-9710 Mon-Wed 10am—6:30pm, Thurs-Sun 10am — 8:30pm ShabboxShabbox Www.themoxiespot.com An exciting Shabbat program of movement, music, My parents have all of their assets bank during his lifetime, or in a will and storytelling for kids up to age 6. FREE! in joint accounts. Both of their names also identifying the account, bank- “Best Restaurant Play Room”- TimeOut are on the deed to their apartment. ing institution, and change of ben- This month’s theme: Strength NY Kids! ASK AN The rest of their assets are in retire- eficiary. Although in trust for account ATTORNEY ment accounts. Do they need a will? designations to a former spouse are Thursdays are FUN! automatically revoked by divorce or Concert & Balloon Twisting 4-6p, $15/family suggstd ALISON ARDEN BESUNDER, here are two basic types of annulment, account holders should May 4, 11 & 18 ESQ. assets when someone dies: certainly take steps to re-title the ac- 9:30 am – 11:00 am T probate and non-probate. count or change the beneficiary to DAYTIME EVENTS Probate assets are those that are avoid any potential disputes. Call or email to learn about all our kids and adults programs! Singalong Storytime Dance Around Sun. Singlong distributed in accordance with the Another thing to consider when Tuesdays, Mon/Wed/Fri, Thursdays, 11a Every Sun, 12:30p terms of a will, if any, or under the dealing with joint accounts are the 718-638-7600 laws of intestacy. Non-probate assets tax consequences. The Internal Rev- are those that pass by operation of enue Service presumes that 100 per- [email protected] EVENING EVENTS law to a designated beneficiary or a cent of a joint account between un- MarioKrt/Just Dance Friday Movies, 6:30p Family Disco Party surviving joint tenant, regardless of married persons is includible in the 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 6p Sunday Bingo, 6p 2nd Saturdays, 6p what is stated in a will. estate of the first person to die. Union Temple Non-probate property include bank The establishment of joint accounts In the example of the mother hold- - A Reform Jewish Congregation - Kid 2nd Floor Entry Fee: $5.00 for Singalongs, $2.50/child otherwise accounts held jointly with rights of can transform otherwise straight- ing a joint account with her daughter, 17 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11238 $5 max fee per family play fee, $2.50 play fee waived with each $15 food purchase survivorship; “in trust for” accounts; forward estate administrations into assume that the daughter dies first, FUN All Day: Toys, Art, Puppets, Games, Foosball, Computers! “payable on death” accounts; most complicated messes. So, for example, but the account consists entirely of IRA, 401(k), and 403(b) accounts; any assume a mother has a joint account mom’s funds. The full amount of the asset held in a revocable or irrevo- with her daughter, in which most of account will be taxable in the daugh- Dentistry for Adults cable trust; and any jointly held real mom’s assets are deposited. Mom ter’s estate. property. dies. A second child challenges the Another dilemma is presented Structuring your assets as non- joint account, arguing that the sister when an asset passes outside of and Children probate can sometimes allow money was put on the account solely for con- probate, but the estate owes estate Tracey H. Joseph, D.D.S., PLLC to be distributed to a beneficiary with- venience purposes to help mom with tax as a result of the non-probate out waiting for the probate process, bill paying and other financial tasks. If distribution. Sometimes, a non-pro- 'ENTLE &RIENDLYAND.UTURING#AREFOR9OUR&AMILY but such assets can cause conflict proven, the presumption would be re- bate beneficiary is unwilling to vol- and litigation if not properly struc- butted and the remaining funds in the untarily contribute his fair share of tured. Usually bank accounts are joint account would pass to mom’s es- the tax liability. This could require s3CHOOL&ORMS s7HITE&ILLINGS opened or modified following a rou- tate (to be distributed by her will) and the executor to have to chase down s%XTRACTIONS s3EALANTS tine exchange with a bank employee not to the surviving joint tenant. the joint account holder to get a pro- and not an attorney. Depositors are portionate contribution of the estate s&LEXIBLE0ARTIALS s.IGHTGUARDS presented with a dense packet of ma- In trust for accounts tax liability, which would impose an terials that they “acknowledge” they In contrast to a joint account, an additional cost on the estate. The ex- s$ENTURES s)MPLANTS read, but few do. in trust for account is essentially a ecutor or person acting as executor Contrary to popular opinion, joint revocable trust created by deposit. may be held liable for unpaid estate s4EETH7HITENING:OOM accounts are not immune from chal- Deposits in an in trust for account tax if he distributes assets to a ben- lenge by someone who can show are not completed gifts, and the de- eficiary of the estate before payment s3PECIAL!TTENTION4O.ERVOUS!ND!PPREHENSIVE0EOPLE the account was not a “true” joint positor can modify, amend, or revoke of the New York State estate tax. s(OUR2OOT#ANAL4REATMENT account, but rather a “convenience the account, or change or delete the Non-probate assets are often cre- account.” A “convenience account” is beneficiary, during his lifetime, or in ated for convenience, but prove to New Ultramodern Facility Conveniently Located At one where deposits are made for the a will. be anything but convenient when &LATBUSH!VENUEs3UITE! convenience of the depositor, which The account may be revoked by the disputes arise. Take care to ensure do not affect title, are not deemed a depositor’s withdrawal of the account that the existence of non-probate Flat (Philip Howard Apartments) Digital proceeds, in an acknowledged writ- gift of one-half of the deposit or any assets is consistent with your inten- Screen TV Xrays & additions or accruals, and do not ing naming the beneficiary and the tions for how you want your estate to 718-377-1319 Intraoral & Patient Camera confer a right of survivorship. banking institution delivered to the be distributed. Headset WWWBROOKLYNFAMILYDDSCOM Disclaimer: This column is provided by the Law Offices of Alison Arden Besunder P.C. and New York Parenting Media as a public service to inform readers of legal issues. It is not intended to advise. Since legal issues vary with an individual’s situation and needs, one should consult with an attorney. It is impossible to cover all aspects of the law in an article. Please be advised that the laws are constantly changing. The content in this article reflects the current law. Nothing contained WE SPEAK SPANISH in this article is intended as advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the firm. Individual consultation with an attorney is required to determine the specific facts and circumstances of any particular situation. A written retainer agreement between you and the firm is required before any attorney-client relationship may be created. Circular 230 Disclosure Notice: To ensure compliance with Treasury Department rules governing tax practice, we -OST-AJOR)NSURANCESAND-EDICAID!CCEPTED inform you that any advice contained herein (including in any attachment) (1) was not written and is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalty that may be imposed on the taxpayer, and (2) may not be used in connection with promoting, marketing or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed herein.

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 59 EDUCATION Limiting media use Dear teachers, their cellphones — either talking or tinue to do well. Looking at research As parents, my husband and I feel texting. And it is not just teens on on this topic online could help to reas- we should limit the amount of time cellphones — many young children SUREYOUABOUTYOURDAUGHTERSABILITY that our middle schoolers watch are also using them. Twenty percent to handle more advanced schooling. television, use a computer, iPad or of all third graders now have these You say that your daughter has iPod, play video games, and talk or phones. By the time children are in no issues. If this is really true, why text on their cellphones. How do we middle school 83 percent will have are you concerned about her abil- DEAR TEACHER go about doing this without seeming cellphones. Unfortunately, a consid- ity to cope well at school in the fu- PEGGY GISLER AND like mean parents? erable percentage of older children ture? Three years ago, you relied on MARGE EBERTS Dear parents, are using them during class time. THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS DECISION TO HAVE It is very popular for parents to You as parents can definitely have the child skip a grade, and it seems express concern about all the time an impact on how much time your to have worked out well. Retention their children spend using media. At children spend on media entertain- is rarely a good option, so why not the same time, not many are mak- ment. About one in three parents ask the new school to evaluate her ing a very serious effort to curb all have established rules. Setting rules academically to see if this grade place- this time. can reduce heavy media use as much ment is correct. You have the whole A study by the Kaiser Family Foun- as three hours a day. Here are some summer if she needs to catch up on popular rules: any skills. s . O MEDIA OF ANY TYPE AT meal times or during family The value of a good activities. teacher s . O 46SINCHILDRENSBED- Dear teachers, rooms. .OBODYFORGETSTHEGOODTEACHERS s0ARENTS KEEP THEIR CHIL- that they have had. Does having a DRENS I0ODS I0ADS AND CELL- good teacher give students a lasting phones during homework benefit? Who do students think the time. good teachers in their schools are? s ! LIMITEDAMOUNTOFCOM- Dear parents, puter and video game time. The benefits of having a good An excellent reason for teacher go far beyond the year or making rules is that the less more that students spend with that time your children spend teacher. In fact, having a truly excel- using media, the better their lent teacher actually leads, accord- grades are likely to be. ing to some research, to an increase in earnings later in life. Plus, good Worrying about teachers have students who are child’s skipping more likely to attend college — even a grade more highly ranked schools. Having dation showed that 8- to 18-year-olds Dear teachers, a good teacher is also linked to learn- spent more than a quarter of each My daughter is just 9 and finishing ing more and receiving higher test day using entertainment media. Ac- fourth grade. She started in a private scores in school. cording to this study, the most time kindergarten. Then the public school When asked about the good teach- is spent on viewing television, closely had her skip first grade and go into ers in their schools, students iden- followed by listening to music for second. We are ready to move again tified those with certain qualities. older teens. Plus, there is now media and wonder if we should hold her Believe it or not, the most mentioned multitasking, such as using the com- back in fourth grade. Is it too late to quality was classroom-management puter and listening to music and do this? Currently, she has no issues, skills. Apparently, students want watching TV and texting, which adds but we are worried about middle and teachers who can keep order. Other to the total time that children are in- high school. qualities the students listed were: volved with media content. It makes Dear parents, enthusiasm for the subject, a good you wonder when children have time 4HIS WILL BE YOUR DAUGHTERS THIRD sense of humor, and an ability to for other activities. change of schools. Admittedly, the explain clearly. Incidentally, most re- The Kaiser study also points out transition to both middle school and searchers believe that students do ac- that media use has really increased high school can be difficult for some curately identify the good teachers. in the past five years. This can be ex- students. Being able to survive and Parents should send questions and plained by the easy access children thrive in past changes is definitely comments to dearteacher@dearteacher. now have to mobile devices such as TOHERCREDIT.OONECANPREDICTTHE com or ask them on the columnists’ web- cellphones, tablet computers, and future and know if she will have trou- site at www.dearteacher.com. MP3 players. Just walk down the ble handling middle and high school. ©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2013. street and look at the people on Most students who skip a grade con- Distributed by King Features Syndicate

60 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 EDUCATION Limiting media use Dear teachers, their cellphones — either talking or tinue to do well. Looking at research As parents, my husband and I feel texting. And it is not just teens on on this topic online could help to reas- we should limit the amount of time cellphones — many young children SUREYOUABOUTYOURDAUGHTERSABILITY that our middle schoolers watch are also using them. Twenty percent to handle more advanced schooling. television, use a computer, iPad or of all third graders now have these You say that your daughter has iPod, play video games, and talk or phones. By the time children are in no issues. If this is really true, why text on their cellphones. How do we middle school 83 percent will have are you concerned about her abil- DEAR TEACHER go about doing this without seeming cellphones. Unfortunately, a consid- ity to cope well at school in the fu- PEGGY GISLER AND like mean parents? erable percentage of older children ture? Three years ago, you relied on MARGE EBERTS Dear parents, are using them during class time. THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS DECISION TO HAVE It is very popular for parents to You as parents can definitely have the child skip a grade, and it seems express concern about all the time an impact on how much time your to have worked out well. Retention their children spend using media. At children spend on media entertain- is rarely a good option, so why not the same time, not many are mak- ment. About one in three parents ask the new school to evaluate her ing a very serious effort to curb all have established rules. Setting rules academically to see if this grade place- Serving Tri-State Area this time. can reduce heavy media use as much ment is correct. You have the whole (Specializing in Hampton Parties) A study by the Kaiser Family Foun- as three hours a day. Here are some summer if she needs to catch up on popular rules: any skills. s . O MEDIA OF ANY TYPE AT meal times or during family The value of a good activities. teacher s . O 46SINCHILDRENSBED- Dear teachers, rooms. .OBODYFORGETSTHEGOODTEACHERS s0ARENTS KEEP THEIR CHIL- that they have had. Does having a DRENS I0ODS I0ADS AND CELL- good teacher give students a lasting phones during homework benefit? Who do students think the time. good teachers in their schools are? s ! LIMITEDAMOUNTOFCOM- Dear parents, puter and video game time. The benefits of having a good An excellent reason for teacher go far beyond the year or making rules is that the less more that students spend with that time your children spend teacher. In fact, having a truly excel- using media, the better their lent teacher actually leads, accord- grades are likely to be. ing to some research, to an increase in earnings later in life. Plus, good Worrying about teachers have students who are child’s skipping more likely to attend college — even a grade more highly ranked schools. Having dation showed that 8- to 18-year-olds Dear teachers, a good teacher is also linked to learn- spent more than a quarter of each My daughter is just 9 and finishing ing more and receiving higher test day using entertainment media. Ac- fourth grade. She started in a private scores in school. cording to this study, the most time kindergarten. Then the public school When asked about the good teach- is spent on viewing television, closely had her skip first grade and go into ers in their schools, students iden- followed by listening to music for second. We are ready to move again tified those with certain qualities. older teens. Plus, there is now media and wonder if we should hold her Believe it or not, the most mentioned multitasking, such as using the com- back in fourth grade. Is it too late to quality was classroom-management puter and listening to music and do this? Currently, she has no issues, skills. Apparently, students want watching TV and texting, which adds but we are worried about middle and teachers who can keep order. Other to the total time that children are in- high school. qualities the students listed were: volved with media content. It makes Dear parents, enthusiasm for the subject, a good you wonder when children have time 4HIS WILL BE YOUR DAUGHTERS THIRD sense of humor, and an ability to for other activities. change of schools. Admittedly, the explain clearly. Incidentally, most re- The Kaiser study also points out transition to both middle school and searchers believe that students do ac- that media use has really increased high school can be difficult for some curately identify the good teachers. in the past five years. This can be ex- students. Being able to survive and Parents should send questions and plained by the easy access children thrive in past changes is definitely comments to dearteacher@dearteacher. now have to mobile devices such as TOHERCREDIT.OONECANPREDICTTHE com or ask them on the columnists’ web- cellphones, tablet computers, and future and know if she will have trou- site at www.dearteacher.com. MP3 players. Just walk down the ble handling middle and high school. ©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2013. street and look at the people on Most students who skip a grade con- Distributed by King Features Syndicate

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 61 PARENTING Family & technology What’s the number one rule for all parents?

Dear Dr. Karyn, all their friends (as they see it) may courages our kids to use technology I’m feeling really conflicted about have this gift of social media — it as a tool to enhance current com- technology and raising my teens. My doesn’t change the fact that technol- munication instead of being the only kids act like it’s their right to have ogy is a privilege. form of communication they have technology and social media, and as I love using metaphors, and I often with others. DEAR a parent, I don’t know how I should find that comparing technology to Do random check-ups respond. What are the basic rules we driving is a great illustration of this While some parents may snoop DR. KARYN should teach our kids? principle for kids. or read their kids social media with- DR. KARYN GORDON Driving a car is a privilege, not out permission (which can impact Dear Parent, an automatic right. We need to be a their trust levels) — I recommend Should parents embrace technol- certain age, be properly trained, and that parents let their kids know in ogy or fight it? As a parenting expert follow the rules of the road, or that advance that occasionally you will who has specialized with Generation privilege will be taken away. The dif- be reading their tweets, Facebook Y (13 to 32 year olds) for the last ference here is that with driving there posts, etc. This way you are being 17 years — this is one of the most is a test (written and road), a training honest with what you are doing (ex- common questions I’m asked when manual, strict rules, and speed limits tremely important in a healthy par- that are all established for us. With enting relationship) while making technology, the rules are left to the sure your kids are staying within the parents to decide and teach. It’s un- guidelines. I compare it to driving fair for parents to assume that kids and speeding. We all know what the know what the rules are if we are speed limits are (or least we ought not clearly telling them in advance. to), but knowing that the police may They can’t read our minds. Parents show up at any time on the road need to explain to their kids what helps to make sure we are staying the consequences will be if they step within those boundaries. Knowing outside those limits! that these random check-ins may So let’s keep it simple. What are happen at any time will help our kids three great tips and rules that kids in their decision-making! need to follow to keep this privilege? Recently, I went for lunch with Here are my top three: my best friend from high school, Use it only for positive or neu- who has now started a social media tral comments business helping small companies to While I love technology as a com- embrace technology. A parent of two munication tool, I strongly believe teens, she shared with me how she that it should only be used for posi- established a one-year training pe- tive or neutral comments. Discuss- riod for her daughters. She let them ing or criticizing others with the know that she would be regularly speaking at various parenting con- intent to harm them (ie. cyber-bul- reading their posts to make sure ferences across the country. So what lying) should be a zero-tolerance they were appropriate. She was also is the number one rule for all par- item. In addition, if people have a very clear that if they stepped out- ents? Teach our kids that technology disagreement, technology is not the side of their boundaries, they would is a privilege, not a right. best tool to use when trying to re- lose the privilege for one week. Overall, I’m a big fan of technol- solve it, because it limits our use of I find teens extremely reasonable ogy! It’s an amazing tool that, when non-verbal cues and body language, when adults are clear with expecta- used responsibly, allows families to which make up 93 percent of our tions and any consequences. The connect more efficiently and more communication! This often results in key is that we need to teach our kids often. (Just today, I spoke to 500 high posted comments being misunder- HOW to use this tool. And if they school students, and one teen said stood or misinterpreted. For resolv- are being responsible with it, let’s he tweets with his grandpa, his men- ing disagreements, I still recommend reward them! tor, every day!) face-to-face communication! Dr. Karyn is a best-selling author of I don’t think it should totally re- Talk only to those you know “Dr. Karyn’s Guide To The Teen Years” place face-to-face communication, Most of us already know this tip, (Harper Collins), motivational speaker, which is a skill that I recommend but it is a critical one from a safety parenting expert specializing in Gen Y parents ensure they still teach their perspective. Teach your kids that (13 to 32 year olds), TV personality, and kids. The key is to regard ourselves they should only connect online with founder of dk Leadership. Visit www. as their technology teachers, and people that they already know. This dkleadership.org and follow @DrKaryn- instruct our kids that even though one just makes sense, and it also en- Gordon on Twitter.

62 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 PARENTING

Camps inside Camps insideMay 2012 BROOKLYN MayFREE 2012 Family & technology FamilyQUEENS FREE WhereFamily Every Child Matters What’s the number one rule for all parents? Where Every Child Matters If you like Dear Dr. Karyn, all their friends (as they see it) may courages our kids to use technology KidsKids I’m feeling really conflicted about have this gift of social media — it as a tool to enhance current com- technology and raising my teens. My doesn’t change the fact that technol- munication instead of being the only RockRock! ! the magazine kids act like it’s their right to have ogy is a privilege. form of communication they have Music,Music, dance,dance, technology and social media, and as I love using metaphors, and I often with others. theatertheater && moremore DEAR a parent, I don’t know how I should find that comparing technology to Do random check-ups DR. KARYN respond. What are the basic rules we driving is a great illustration of this While some parents may snoop MiracleMiracle you’ll love should teach our kids? principle for kids. or read their kids social media with- moms DR. KARYN GORDON Driving a car is a privilege, not out permission (which can impact moms Dear Parent, an automatic right. We need to be a their trust levels) — I recommend BigBig the site. Should parents embrace technol- certain age, be properly trained, and that parents let their kids know in bad ogy or fight it? As a parenting expert follow the rules of the road, or that advance that occasionally you will bad who has specialized with Generation privilege will be taken away. The dif- be reading their tweets, Facebook bulliesbullies Y (13 to 32 year olds) for the last ference here is that with driving there posts, etc. This way you are being Find us online at www.NYParenting.com 17 years — this is one of the most is a test (written and road), a training honest with what you are doing (ex- Find us online at www.NYParenting.com common questions I’m asked when manual, strict rules, and speed limits tremely important in a healthy par- that are all established for us. With enting relationship) while making technology, the rules are left to the sure your kids are staying within the parents to decide and teach. It’s un- guidelines. I compare it to driving fair for parents to assume that kids and speeding. We all know what the know what the rules are if we are speed limits are (or least we ought not clearly telling them in advance. to), but knowing that the police may They can’t read our minds. Parents show up at any time on the road need to explain to their kids what helps to make sure we are staying the consequences will be if they step within those boundaries. Knowing outside those limits! that these random check-ins may So let’s keep it simple. What are happen at any time will help our kids Check us out! three great tips and rules that kids in their decision-making! need to follow to keep this privilege? Recently, I went for lunch with Here are my top three: my best friend from high school, Use it only for positive or neu- who has now started a social media tral comments business helping small companies to While I love technology as a com- embrace technology. A parent of two munication tool, I strongly believe teens, she shared with me how she that it should only be used for posi- established a one-year training pe- NYParenting.com tive or neutral comments. Discuss- riod for her daughters. She let them ing or criticizing others with the know that she would be regularly speaking at various parenting con- intent to harm them (ie. cyber-bul- reading their posts to make sure ferences across the country. So what lying) should be a zero-tolerance they were appropriate. She was also is the number one rule for all par- item. In addition, if people have a very clear that if they stepped out- ents? Teach our kids that technology disagreement, technology is not the side of their boundaries, they would is a privilege, not a right. best tool to use when trying to re- lose the privilege for one week. Overall, I’m a big fan of technol- solve it, because it limits our use of I find teens extremely reasonable ogy! It’s an amazing tool that, when non-verbal cues and body language, when adults are clear with expecta- used responsibly, allows families to which make up 93 percent of our tions and any consequences. The connect more efficiently and more communication! This often results in key is that we need to teach our kids often. (Just today, I spoke to 500 high posted comments being misunder- HOW to use this tool. And if they school students, and one teen said stood or misinterpreted. For resolv- are being responsible with it, let’s he tweets with his grandpa, his men- ing disagreements, I still recommend reward them! tor, every day!) face-to-face communication! Dr. Karyn is a best-selling author of Where every family matters and where I don’t think it should totally re- Talk only to those you know “Dr. Karyn’s Guide To The Teen Years” place face-to-face communication, Most of us already know this tip, (Harper Collins), motivational speaker, which is a skill that I recommend but it is a critical one from a safety parenting expert specializing in Gen Y New York parents ﬁnd help, info and support. parents ensure they still teach their perspective. Teach your kids that (13 to 32 year olds), TV personality, and kids. The key is to regard ourselves they should only connect online with founder of dk Leadership. Visit www. as their technology teachers, and people that they already know. This dkleadership.org and follow @DrKaryn- instruct our kids that even though one just makes sense, and it also en- Gordon on Twitter.

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 63 PARENTING Saving on the prom dug out a faded Polaroid photo great ways teens can save and still nails and make-up at home. Be sure of my first prom the other day. look fabulous while garnering special to practice for the big day so you I I thought it might jar memories memories that will last a lifetime. know the look is right for you. This of how things were done back then. site has some great tips and photos: I am smiling and wearing a long, Six areas to find www.beautyriot.com. white gown embellished with pink, savings Transportation embroidered flowers. My boyfriend Tickets Deals on limos are hard to find in is in a tux. We are standing next to a Besides thinking ahead and setting the spring (peak prom and wedding LIONS AND dilapidated, brown Ford Pinto — the a budget to pay for tickets, students season). So, skip the limo and dare ones that used to catch fire! My hair should explore fund-raiser contests to be different. Clean up a friend’s TIGERS AND is typical of how I always wore it. at their high schools. Sometimes, top classic car and ask an older sibling Perhaps I spent some extra time on sellers get free tickets. Perhaps the (tips provided) to play the role of TEENS it, but I definitely didn’t go to a salon. prom committee offers discounted limo driver. Dress up a large van that MYRNA BETH HASKELL My nails resemble painted stubs. (I tickets to students who work at the can fit twelve of your friends. Spruc- bit them fiercely in my teen years.) prom. Another possibility: ask your ing up the family car and adding I don’t remember the prom being guidance counselor if free tickets are some fresh flowers to the interior is a major expense, at least not to the offered to students who can demon- a great idea as well. extent that is seems to be today. strate financial need. Flowers Honestly, prom expenses don’t have Attire Opt for inexpensive flowers — to be equivalent to root canals or Students don’t have to pay full skip the roses — for corsages and weekend getaways. Here are some price to look stunning! boutonnieres. Crafty teens should Browse through pre-season sales consider making their own corsage to find discounts for spring. The inter- or boutonniere (Informative video: net is also a great place to find deals http://video.about.com/prom/Make- — check out eBay and Craigslist. Your-Own-Prom-Corsage.htm). Bet- Renting prom dresses is also com- ter yet, cut fresh flowers from your mon and can be done online (check own garden. out www.renttherunway.com). Photos Search for consignment boutiques Schools can receive discounts on that host “exchange programs.” (Stu- the cost of professional photos if they dents trade in used gowns and pur- use the same photographer for year- chase a gently used one for a fraction book or senior portraits. Choose one of the original cost.) friend to purchase the “table photo,” Students in need: Operation Prom then scan and make copies for ev- (operationprom.org) offers free eryone. Bring your own camera and gowns to students in need and part- share photos with friends. ners with some tuxedo companies to give tuxedos to boys as well. Stu- Tips and tales dents fill out an application, which is “My daughter and her friends approved by a school counselor or often had their hair done at a salon, social worker. There are several lo- only to hate it, rip it out, and do it cations in the New York City area. themselves before leaving for the For the guys: Purchasing a tuxedo prom.” might be an affordable option since Liz Martens, Salt Point, NY rentals have gotten so costly. Check out department store sales (i.e. JC- Share your ideas Penney sells tuxedo separates that Upcoming topic: Did your teen are very affordable when coupled have any problems with “piercing?” with additional coupons). If renting, Or send piercing safety tips. look for stores that offer discounts Please send your full name, address, to local schools. and brief comments to myrnahaskell@ Accessorize for less: Borrow for- gmail.com, or visit www.myrnahaskell. mal accessories from a friend or com. relative. Myrna Beth Haskell is a feature writer, Personal grooming columnist, and author of, “Lions and Ti- Some salons offer group discounts gers and Teens: Expert advice and sup- or reduced prices for those who port for the conscientious parent just like allow photographs to be taken for you” (Unlimited Publishing LLC, 2012). advertising or training purposes. Of For details, visit www.myrnahaskell. course, another option is to do hair, com. Also available at Amazon.com.

64 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 PARENTING Like Us on Saving on the prom dug out a faded Polaroid photo great ways teens can save and still nails and make-up at home. Be sure of my first prom the other day. look fabulous while garnering special to practice for the big day so you Practical Solutions that Strengthen I I thought it might jar memories memories that will last a lifetime. know the look is right for you. This Relationships at Home of how things were done back then. site has some great tips and photos: to WIN I am smiling and wearing a long, Six areas to find www.beautyriot.com. white gown embellished with pink, savings Transportation www.phponline.orgwww.phponline.org embroidered flowers. My boyfriend Tickets Deals on limos are hard to find in tickets or is in a tux. We are standing next to a Besides thinking ahead and setting the spring (peak prom and wedding LIONS AND dilapidated, brown Ford Pinto — the a budget to pay for tickets, students season). So, skip the limo and dare “Short Stories” about Parenting TIGERS AND ones that used to catch fire! My hair should explore fund-raiser contests to be different. Clean up a friend’s is typical of how I always wore it. at their high schools. Sometimes, top classic car and ask an older sibling prizes “Common Sense” Tips Perhaps I spent some extra time on sellers get free tickets. Perhaps the (tips provided) to play the role of view a short video TEENS it, but I definitely didn’t go to a salon. prom committee offers discounted limo driver. Dress up a large van that Topical and Ongoing Workshops MYRNA BETH HASKELL My nails resemble painted stubs. (I tickets to students who work at the can fit twelve of your friends. Spruc- bit them fiercely in my teen years.) prom. Another possibility: ask your ing up the family car and adding Visit us at our Individual Appointments I don’t remember the prom being guidance counselor if free tickets are some fresh flowers to the interior is find a list of upcoming parent workshops a major expense, at least not to the offered to students who can demon- a great idea as well. NYParenting page www.facebook.com/parentsbrooklyn extent that is seems to be today. strate financial need. Flowers Honestly, prom expenses don’t have Attire Opt for inexpensive flowers — and register to win read the monthlyhttps://twitter.com/ParentsHelpingP parenting tip and respond to be equivalent to root canals or Students don’t have to pay full skip the roses — for corsages and weekend getaways. Here are some price to look stunning! boutonnieres. Crafty teens should toParents a brief Helping survey Parents, 669or Presidentsend a St., quick Brooklyn, comment NY 11215 Browse through pre-season sales consider making their own corsage to find discounts for spring. The inter- or boutonniere (Informative video: 718-638-9444 net is also a great place to find deals http://video.about.com/prom/Make- "ROOKLYNPHP GMAILCOMsWWWPHPONLINEORG — check out eBay and Craigslist. Your-Own-Prom-Corsage.htm). Bet- Renting prom dresses is also com- ter yet, cut fresh flowers from your Parents Helping Parents, 669 President Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215 718-638-9444 [email protected] www.phponline.org mon and can be done online (check own garden. Attention All Writers! out www.renttherunway.com). Photos We’re looking for personal essays Search for consignment boutiques Schools can receive discounts on that host “exchange programs.” (Stu- the cost of professional photos if they dents trade in used gowns and pur- use the same photographer for year- about you, your family and life chase a gently used one for a fraction book or senior portraits. Choose one of the original cost.) friend to purchase the “table photo,” in your community. Students in need: Operation Prom then scan and make copies for ev- (operationprom.org) offers free eryone. Bring your own camera and gowns to students in need and part- share photos with friends. Partner with us and share your ners with some tuxedo companies to give tuxedos to boys as well. Stu- Tips and tales stories and your memories. dents fill out an application, which is “My daughter and her friends approved by a school counselor or often had their hair done at a salon, social worker. There are several lo- only to hate it, rip it out, and do it Email [email protected] to cations in the New York City area. themselves before leaving for the For the guys: Purchasing a tuxedo prom.” have your piece included in our might be an affordable option since Liz Martens, Salt Point, NY rentals have gotten so costly. Check magazine and on our website. out department store sales (i.e. JC- Share your ideas Penney sells tuxedo separates that Upcoming topic: Did your teen are very affordable when coupled have any problems with “piercing?” with additional coupons). If renting, Or send piercing safety tips. look for stores that offer discounts Please send your full name, address, to local schools. and brief comments to myrnahaskell@ Accessorize for less: Borrow for- gmail.com, or visit www.myrnahaskell. mal accessories from a friend or com. relative. Myrna Beth Haskell is a feature writer, Personal grooming columnist, and author of, “Lions and Ti- Some salons offer group discounts gers and Teens: Expert advice and sup- or reduced prices for those who port for the conscientious parent just like allow photographs to be taken for you” (Unlimited Publishing LLC, 2012). advertising or training purposes. Of For details, visit www.myrnahaskell. course, another option is to do hair, com. Also available at Amazon.com.

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 65 ADVICE

FAMILY JOURNAL ROBERT MORTON

Teach teens to save Dear Mr. Morton, Encourage her to buy some used rapidly growing group of bank- Our teen, age 16, earns money by jeans at the thrift shop, then rip, ruptcy filers. By the way, Manning babysitting. Trouble is, she spends tear, and fade them in the washer. authored the book, “Credit Card her money like a drunken sailor on They’ll look right off the shelf from Nation.” I guess they didn’t learn a weekend furlough. Designer jeans Roberto Cavalli’s boutique. good money management as teens. and tennis shoes are in for her! Any In an age where our government But, hope lurks on the horizon! thoughts on how we can teach her to can’t even save Social Security and According to a recent Seventeen be thriftier? — Frustrated Parents Medicare, it may be difficult to magazine poll, teens are shopping teach her how to save. smarter: 55 percent wait for items Dear Frustrated Parents, Try to reason with her, but the to go on sale, half make fewer “im- America’s 16 million teens used only thing she may want to save pulse purchases,” and 42 percent to spend more than $93 billion is an hour during daylight sav- do comparison shopping for best each year, but in today’s economy, ings time. Teens crave the feeling prices. Only 22 percent said the the “Fly Now-Pay Later” era is of- of independence, and her making economy had no affect on their ficially terminated in many house- money and spending it on her own shopping behaviors. holds. may be a strong drive. Robert Morton is a former school I would teach your teen to save You’re not alone! Robert Man- psychologist and adjunct professor in the more before she ends up flying by ning, several years ago, cited young School of Leadership and Policy Studies the seat of her high-priced jeans. adults under age 25 as the most at Bowling Green State University.

66 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 ADVICE NEW YORK SPECIAL CHILD

Summer/Early Fall 2011 LONG ISLAND SPECIAL CHILD NEW YORK FREE SPECIAL CHILD Trusted since 2008 www.NYParenting.com 5 myths Fall/Winter 2011–2012 RoutinesNEW YORK aboutFREE bringSPECIAL CHILDﬁtness beneﬁtswww.NYParenting.com & autism FAMILY Celebrating Informing & Enriching Five JOURNAL Y e a r s “Special Needs” ROBERT MORTON in print ! Positive Families throughout behavior support NYC & Long Island Cultivating winningOptimistic attitudesparenting The power of music For more information about distribution or

Summer/Early Fall 2011 LONG ISLAND FREE how to get your free copy, please Fall/Winter 2010/2011 LONG SPECIALISLAND CHILDFREE www.webfamilyny.com e-mail us at [email protected]. SPECIAL CHILD5 myths w w w .NYParenting Routines.com about bring ﬁtness Visit us online at beneﬁts & autism WWW.90ARENTINGCOM Tips to ,IKEUSONOUR&ACEBOOKPAGE .90ARENTING organize 8 your child ORFOLLOWUSON4WITTER Teach teens to save Take charge Dear Mr. Morton, Encourage her to buy some used rapidly growing group of bank- Creating an IEP Our teen, age 16, earns money by jeans at the thrift shop, then rip, ruptcy filers. By the way, Manning Cultivating babysitting. Trouble is, she spends tear, and fade them in the washer. authored the book, “Credit Card winning her money like a drunken sailor on They’ll look right off the shelf from Nation.” I guess they didn’t learn attitudes a weekend furlough. Designer jeans Roberto Cavalli’s boutique. good money management as teens. To advertise your business and or services and tennis shoes are in for her! Any In an age where our government But, hope lurks on the horizon! School blues thoughts on how we can teach her to can’t even save Social Security and According to a recent Seventeen Overcoming anxiety CONTACTUSAT OR be thriftier? — Frustrated Parents Medicare, it may be difficult to magazine poll, teens are shopping teach her how to save. smarter: 55 percent wait for items E MAILUSATFAMILY CNGLOCALCOM Dear Frustrated Parents, Try to reason with her, but the to go on sale, half make fewer “im- America’s 16 million teens used only thing she may want to save pulse purchases,” and 42 percent to spend more than $93 billion is an hour during daylight sav- do comparison shopping for best each year, but in today’s economy, ings time. Teens crave the feeling prices. Only 22 percent said the the “Fly Now-Pay Later” era is of- of independence, and her making economy had no affect on their ficially terminated in many house- money and spending it on her own shopping behaviors. holds. may be a strong drive. Robert Morton is a former school Family Publications New York/CNG I would teach your teen to save You’re not alone! Robert Man- psychologist and adjunct professor in the -ETRO4ECH#ENTER.ORTH TH&Ls"ROOKLYN .9 more before she ends up flying by ning, several years ago, cited young School of Leadership and Policy Studies sFAMILY CNGLOCALCOM the seat of her high-priced jeans. adults under age 25 as the most at Bowling Green State University.

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 67 TEENS

The pain of rejection It ﬁgures BY CYNTHIA WASHAM Rebuilding confidence after a college says no

igh school seniors can’t you are with the results, getting a re- college was looking for, but I may be help but feel defined by the jection or at least a wait list (if you are no worse than the person that does. COOKIE COUNT H universities or colleges we luckier) is inevitable. Know that you In life, we are defined by our per- apply to. And our aspirations are as aren’t alone. sonality, our own ability, and our will Years since Oreo cookies were fragile as glass castles, teetering on I have had my share of both col- to carry on in times of hardship. If we invented. A TEEN’S TAKE the brink of our wavering destiny. lege rejections and wait lists. Both can look past the obvious (like our 100: AGLAIA HO All it takes is one click of a mouse results were equally painful to take. career choices, what college we go Cost for a pound of and those dreaded words, “We are Rejections made me question my self- to, how much money we make, etc.) sorry, but we are unable to offer you worth and shook my confidence. Wait and realize our own self-worth, we 30 cents: Oreos in 1912. a place in our class” to shatter those lists, on the other hand, left me lost will emerge stronger than ever. Then, delicate hopes. in a purgatory of uncertainty. Either when life throws us more curveballs, Online cost for a pound from Yet, the broken shards of our con- way, I was disappointed in myself, we can hit them out of the park with $2.98:Walmart in 2012. fidence and pride can be picked up. trying desperately to understand why pride. All wounds can and will heal with I was rejected or wait listed. Why We need to be positive. I am proud Approximate number of Oreo cookies Nabisco has produced time. Knowing how to deal with col- didn’t I stand out? Why didn’t this col- of my achievements and I am excited 500 billion: worldwide. lege rejections may actually be the lege want me? Why do I have to wait to go to college in the fall. However, path to eventual success. again? Wasn’t three months of waiting I cannot lie to myself and say that I The college application process enough? What can I do about it? am 100 percent happy with my col- grows more competitive every year. Nevertheless, once the initial shock lege results. Still, I can choose to be Percent of homemade Number of different images of the fictitious Betty From my own experiences, it seems died down, I came to see this experi- optimistic. Instead of fretting over 50: cookies that are 8: Crocker that General Mills has used since her like everyone has a good SAT score, ence in a new light. The college ap- what you don’t have, what should chocolate chip. creation in 1936. a remarkable grade point average, plication process can be cruel for have happened, what you wish could an amalgamation of extracurricular students who are merely 17 and 18 be, you should be happy with what activities, and lots of ambition. Re- years old. As teens, we want all the you have. Be grateful for your accep- gardless of what college accepts you, answers — or at least just a reason tances. These are the schools that no matter how satisfied or unsatisfied why. We also yearn to change our situ- realize your potential. ation. We have been taught our entire Just remember, there is always lives that our fate is not written for us. someone who has it worse than you. We make our destiny and choose our Even though I wish and pray that my own lives. wait list schools might give me a call MUMS’ Unfortunately, the application pro- in June, currently, I’m focusing on cess goes against all we want to be- the schools that appreciate me. I am lieve in. A simple, generic rejection let- thankful for some amazing scholar- ter doesn’t leave us with a plausible, ships these schools have offered me specific reason, other than “we re- and fortunate enough to have some SUMS ceived many applications.” Decisions great options. are final. Nothing we do can change And life doesn’t end here. Although a rejection. Hence, we have to stop college may seem like our future, we Years, starting in 1906, that it took asking why, and come to accept the are still teens with a lot ahead of us. 3: Mother’s Day founder Anna Jarvis decision. There is no point to search You can still change your future. Do of Philadelphia to persuade nearly all 46 for answers or speculate, for we will not fall prey to “senioritis.” Keep work- states to observe the holiday. never learn the real reason behind ing hard in preparation for college. I the decision. believe that everything happens for College decisions definitely took a reason, whether it is to point us in a a toll on my self-esteem. For me, the new direction or to make us stronger. Years after it became a national hardest part was feeling like I de- We can’t control every single thing in holiday, in 1914, that Jarvis filed served better and that I was misun- life, but there is plenty that we can. If 9: derstood by colleges. It was easy to we take advantage of those that we and lost a lawsuit to stop the over- feel victimized. Nevertheless, slowly, can alter, we can still make our des- commercialization of Mother’s Day. I have recovered. I am still the same tiny our own. College is undoubtedly person and I am not defined by what a huge part of our future, but it isn’t college I go to. If someone gets into our whole life. a better college than me, it doesn’t Aglaia Ho is a 17-year-old student from Percent of Mother’s Day cards absolutely mean I am any worse than Queens who enjoys writing. Her work has 83:bought by daughters. that person. (I’ll admit that sometimes been published in Creative Kids, Skipping it feels like it does.) I could just be un- Stones, Daily News-Children’s Pressline, lucky, or I might not fill the niche that and The State of the Wild. Sources: World of Wonder, Delish.com, New York Post, Walmart.com, Best-ever-cookie-collection.com, Real Simple, Mothersdayworld.com, Mindbodythoughts.blogspot.com

68 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 TEENS

The pain of rejection It ﬁgures BY CYNTHIA WASHAM Rebuilding confidence after a college says no igh school seniors can’t you are with the results, getting a re- college was looking for, but I may be help but feel defined by the jection or at least a wait list (if you are no worse than the person that does. COOKIE COUNT H universities or colleges we luckier) is inevitable. Know that you In life, we are defined by our per- apply to. And our aspirations are as aren’t alone. sonality, our own ability, and our will Years since Oreo cookies were fragile as glass castles, teetering on I have had my share of both col- to carry on in times of hardship. If we invented. A TEEN’S TAKE the brink of our wavering destiny. lege rejections and wait lists. Both can look past the obvious (like our 100: AGLAIA HO All it takes is one click of a mouse results were equally painful to take. career choices, what college we go Cost for a pound of and those dreaded words, “We are Rejections made me question my self- to, how much money we make, etc.) sorry, but we are unable to offer you worth and shook my confidence. Wait and realize our own self-worth, we 30 cents: Oreos in 1912. a place in our class” to shatter those lists, on the other hand, left me lost will emerge stronger than ever. Then, delicate hopes. in a purgatory of uncertainty. Either when life throws us more curveballs, Online cost for a pound from Yet, the broken shards of our con- way, I was disappointed in myself, we can hit them out of the park with $2.98:Walmart in 2012. fidence and pride can be picked up. trying desperately to understand why pride. All wounds can and will heal with I was rejected or wait listed. Why We need to be positive. I am proud Approximate number of Oreo cookies Nabisco has produced time. Knowing how to deal with col- didn’t I stand out? Why didn’t this col- of my achievements and I am excited 500 billion: worldwide. lege rejections may actually be the lege want me? Why do I have to wait to go to college in the fall. However, path to eventual success. again? Wasn’t three months of waiting I cannot lie to myself and say that I The college application process enough? What can I do about it? am 100 percent happy with my col- grows more competitive every year. Nevertheless, once the initial shock lege results. Still, I can choose to be Percent of homemade Number of different images of the fictitious Betty From my own experiences, it seems died down, I came to see this experi- optimistic. Instead of fretting over 50: cookies that are 8: Crocker that General Mills has used since her like everyone has a good SAT score, ence in a new light. The college ap- what you don’t have, what should chocolate chip. creation in 1936. a remarkable grade point average, plication process can be cruel for have happened, what you wish could an amalgamation of extracurricular students who are merely 17 and 18 be, you should be happy with what activities, and lots of ambition. Re- years old. As teens, we want all the you have. Be grateful for your accep- gardless of what college accepts you, answers — or at least just a reason tances. These are the schools that no matter how satisfied or unsatisfied why. We also yearn to change our situ- realize your potential. ation. We have been taught our entire Just remember, there is always lives that our fate is not written for us. someone who has it worse than you. We make our destiny and choose our Even though I wish and pray that my own lives. wait list schools might give me a call MUMS’ Unfortunately, the application pro- in June, currently, I’m focusing on cess goes against all we want to be- the schools that appreciate me. I am lieve in. A simple, generic rejection let- thankful for some amazing scholar- ter doesn’t leave us with a plausible, ships these schools have offered me specific reason, other than “we re- and fortunate enough to have some SUMS ceived many applications.” Decisions great options. are final. Nothing we do can change And life doesn’t end here. Although a rejection. Hence, we have to stop college may seem like our future, we Years, starting in 1906, that it took asking why, and come to accept the are still teens with a lot ahead of us. 3: Mother’s Day founder Anna Jarvis decision. There is no point to search You can still change your future. Do of Philadelphia to persuade nearly all 46 for answers or speculate, for we will not fall prey to “senioritis.” Keep work- states to observe the holiday. never learn the real reason behind ing hard in preparation for college. I the decision. believe that everything happens for College decisions definitely took a reason, whether it is to point us in a a toll on my self-esteem. For me, the new direction or to make us stronger. Years after it became a national hardest part was feeling like I de- We can’t control every single thing in holiday, in 1914, that Jarvis filed served better and that I was misun- life, but there is plenty that we can. If 9: derstood by colleges. It was easy to we take advantage of those that we and lost a lawsuit to stop the over- feel victimized. Nevertheless, slowly, can alter, we can still make our des- commercialization of Mother’s Day. I have recovered. I am still the same tiny our own. College is undoubtedly person and I am not defined by what a huge part of our future, but it isn’t college I go to. If someone gets into our whole life. a better college than me, it doesn’t Aglaia Ho is a 17-year-old student from Percent of Mother’s Day cards absolutely mean I am any worse than Queens who enjoys writing. Her work has 83:bought by daughters. that person. (I’ll admit that sometimes been published in Creative Kids, Skipping it feels like it does.) I could just be un- Stones, Daily News-Children’s Pressline, lucky, or I might not fill the niche that and The State of the Wild. Sources: World of Wonder, Delish.com, New York Post, Walmart.com, Best-ever-cookie-collection.com, Real Simple, Mothersdayworld.com, Mindbodythoughts.blogspot.com

May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 69 CalendarMay Photo by James Racioppi

hildren will delight in Carlo and its Donkey Machine to the ee- Collodi’s “1882 Adventures riness of the undersea world where Marionettes C of a Marionette, Pinocchio,” the whale lives. at Puppetworks in Park Slope, now The puppet show is suitable for through Aug. 18. children 3 years and older. string the fun at The classic children’s tale about “Pinocchio” on Saturdays and a puppet that wants to be a real boy Sundays at 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm, is directed by Nicolas Coppola and now through Aug. 18. Tickets are Puppetworks features traditional hand-carved $8 for children and $9 for adults, wooden marionettes, an original and $7 for groups of more than 20. song score, the Blue Fairy, and a Reservations are suggested. real live actor in the role of Strom- Puppetworks-Park Slope [338 Sixth boli the Puppet Master. Six colorful Ave. at Fourth Street in Park Slope, scenes created by James Racioppi (718) 965–3391; www.puppetworks. range from visions of Boobyland org].

70 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 Calendar and family expo filled with informative workshops, demos, chances to play and Submit a listing raffle prizes. Going Places is dedicated to “Pistachio, a Brooklyn Girl Made bringing our readers the most of Trash”: The Farmer Feeds Us All at comprehensive events calen- the Imani Garden, 87–91 Schenectady dar in your area. But to do so, Ave.; 11 am–4 pm; Free. we need your help! Our recycled hero Pistachio saves the Send your listing request to world from the bad guy of useless gar- brooklyn[email protected] bage. Rhyming, singing, and lots of fun — and we’ll take care of the rest. for children 3 to 8 years old. Please e-mail requests more than three weeks prior to the Subway Safari: New York Transit event to ensure we have enough Museum, Boerum Place at Schermer- time to get it in. And best of all, horn Street; (718) 694–1600; www. it’s FREE! mta.info/mta/museum; 11:30 am; $7 ($5 children 2–17 and seniors). Children 5 years old and younger hear Fri, April 26 stories and make fun crafts. NYC Maps: New York Transit Mu- Project Green: Herbert Von King seum, Boerum Place at Schermerhorn Cultural Arts Center, 670 Lafayette AVe. Street; (718) 694–1600; www.mta.info/ at Tompkins Avenue; (718) 622–2082; 9 mta/museum; 1:30 pm; $7 ($5 children am – noon; Free. 2–17 and seniors). Enjoy a day of environmental friendly There are 24 subway lines in over 200 projects and performances. bus routs in New York City. Children 3 Singalong with Jarrod: Greenlight years old pick a favorite and draw their Bookstore, 686 Fulton St. at S. Portland; own. (718) 246–0200; greenlightbookstore. Open auditions: Brooklyn Friends com; 2:30 pm; Free. School, 375 Pearl St.; www.sab.org/au- Greenlight troubadour Jarrod leads ditions; 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm; Free. children in 40 minutes of favorite songs For children 6 to 10 years old at the and stories. For children 6 weeks to 3 ballet school. The auditioners will look years old. for children that are interested in pursu- Tot Shabbat: Bay Ridge Jewish Cen- ing focused ballet training at the School ter, 405 81 St.; (718) 836–3103; office@ of American Ballet. Boys should wear bayridgejewishcenter.org; bayridgejew- shorts and t–shirts and girls should wear ishcenter.org; 5–6 pm; Members: free bathing suits or leotards. Pre–registra- Non–members: $5, family. tion suggested. Join The Bay Ridge Jewish Center for Benefit concert: Zion German Evan- a Tot Shabbat introduction for children gelical Lutheran Church, 125 Henry St.; ages 4 and younger. (718) 852–2453; tidingsofzion@gmail. com; www.ziongelc.org/en/index.html; Sat, April 27 3 pm; $5–$10. Family Day: Red Hook Recreation Kids for Kids Benefit Concert is a vocal Center, Bay St. and Henry Street; (718) and instrumental performance by local

722–3211; 8 am–4 pm; Free. Photo by Robert Etcheverry kids for local kids affected by pediatric cancers. Activities include fitness, board games, billiards, and more. “Dreamers Anonymous”: Art South Oxford, 138 S. Oxford St. at Han- Book fair: Barnes and Noble, 267 Acrobatic dancers son Place; showtix4u.com; 6:30 pm; $20 Seventh Ave. at Sixth Street; (718) 832– ($10 children, seniors and students). 9066; barnesandnoble.com; 9 am; Free. A new play written and performed PS 9 is hosting its annual fund-raiser. soar at BAM by The Miracle Project New York at Ex- Sakura Matsura: Brooklyn Bo- treme Kids and Crew. It is the story of tanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., ou’ll go over the wall after ties through soaring gymnastics 9 people who come together through at Eastern Parkway; (718) 623–7220; watching Mur-Mur (The and air-bound ballet. performance. www.bbg.org; 10 am–6 pm; $20 ($15 Wall) at the Brooklyn The production, presented by students and seniors, free for members Y Academy of Music on May 18. DynamO Theatre, a renowned in- Sun, April 28 and children under 12). Mur-Mur (The Wall) is a re- ternational company, is just per- The annual weekend festival cel- Sakura Matsura: 10 am–6 pm. ebrates Japanese culture and the rite of markable work of acrobatic cho- fect for children 7 and older. Brooklyn Botanic Garden. See Saturday, Spring, features over 60 performances, reography that reveals a world Mur-Mur (The Wall) on May April 27. and a host of hands–on workshops. of humor, innocence, and discov- 18 at 11 am and 3 pm. Tickets Orienteering: Fort Greene Park Visi- ery through friendship. Two teen- are $12. Baby expo: MS 126, 424 Leonard St.; tor Center, Enter park at Myrtle Avenue (347) 915–3850; info@brooklynbaby- age couples and a pesky younger BAM Fisher [321 Ashland Pl. at and Washington Park; (718) 722–3218; fest.com; www.brooklynbabyfest.com; brother, use minimal language Lafayette Avenue in Clinton Hills, 1 pm; Free. 11 am; $15. and unleash their acrobatic abili- (718) 636–4129; www.bam.org] Hiking program for light, moderate Brooklyn BabyFEST is a baby shower Continued on page 72 May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 71 Calendar

Continued from page 71 Blooming Babies: 11:30 am. Brook- and vigorous hikers. Wear comfortable lyn Children’s Museum. See Friday, May shoes or boots and pack a water bottle 3. and light snack. Art workshop: Ground Floor Gallery, NYC Maps: 1:30 pm. New York Transit 343 Fifth St. at Fifth Avenue; 1–5:30 Museum. See Saturday, April 27. pm; Free. “The Gruffalo”: Kingsborough Com- Lori Nelson helps children make a cre- munity College, 2001 Oriental Blvd. at ative Mom’s day button for their favorite Oxford Street; (718) 368–5596; www. mom. onstageatkingsborough.org; 3 pm; $12. Windows of the elevated trains: The Tall Stories Theater Company 1:30 pm. New York Transit Museum. presents the story of the mouse and See Saturday, May 4. hungry animals. The Brooklyn Dance Festival: 2 “Dreamers Anonymous”: 6:30 and 6 pm. The Actors Fund Theater. See pm. Art South Oxford. See Saturday, Saturday, May 4. April 27. Swing Along Broadway: Our Wed, May 1 Lady of Perpetual Help auditorium, 5902 Sixth Ave. at 59th Street; (718) Pet–a–Pet: Brooklyn Children’s Mu- 259–2772; 3 pm; $12 ($5 teens; Chil- seum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks dren free). Avenue; (718) 735–4400; www.brook- Presented by the Regina Opera lynkids.org; 11:30 am; Free with mu- Company. seum admission. Meet and greet an animal friend and Shabbos fun “Pearl”: 5 pm. Kumble Theater at investigate their habitat and diets. then Long Island University. See Friday, May create an animal artwork. Suitable for ake a leap “Out of the Shab- Families with little ones can 3. children 5 years old and younger. box” for fun-filled morn- listen to stories, music, and more ings of storytelling, music, with Julie, Jay, and Shawn. May Day: Grand Army Plaza, Union T Wed, May 8 and more at Union Temple on Out of the Shabbox is free at Street between Flatbush Avenue and Sunset Park Rec- May 4, 11 and 18. 9:30 am to 11 am on May 4, 11, Little Red’s Hood: Prospect Park West; (718) 857–1343; reation Center, Seventh Ave. at 43rd Out of the Shabbox is the bor- and 18. [email protected]; www.donna- Street; www.cityparksfounction.org; 10 henes.net; 6:30 pm; Free. ough’s newest drop-in family pro- Union Temple [17 Eastern Park- am; Free. Join with Mama Donna Henes in this gram for children up to 6 years way in Prospect Heights, (718) 628– Puppet Mobile presents the retelling celebration of all things Mother Earth. old. 7600; www.uniontemple.org] of the classic Little Red Riding Hood with Please wear white, bring seeds and lots an updated twist. In this modern ver- of spirit. Meet at the fountain. RSVP sion, Little Red is smart, savvy and a city requested. Sat, May 4 admssion. slicker who is too focused on her smart View the many faceted glass scenes phone to worry about that mean old big Fri, May 3 Hot Breakfast Buffet: Kingsbor- that adorn the subway walls and then bad wolf Wulfric who is just a misunder- ough Community College, 2001 Orien- “In the Garden”: BAM Fisher, 321 cretate your own window design. For stood lupine with a sweet tooth. tal Blvd. at Oxford Street; (718) 368– children 5 years old and up. Ashland Pl. and Lafayette Ave.; (718) 5000; [email protected]; www. Pet–a–Pet: 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. 636–4129; www.bam.org; 10:30 am onstageatkingsborough.org; 9:30 am. We Build NY: New York Transit Mu- Brooklyn Children’s Museum. See and 1 pm; $12. Enjoy a free breakfast and schmooze seum, Boerum Place at Schermerhorn Wednesday, May 1. Co production of Teatro Paraiso some of Community Education Council Street; (718) 694–1792; www.mta.info/ Antzerkia and Theatre de la Guimbarde. 21’s elected officials, parent–teacher as- mta/museum; 2–4:30 pm; Free with The show mixes video, shadow play and sociation presidents, parent coordina- Museum admssion. Thurs, May 9 drawing to create an interactive universe tors, and principals. RSVP at CEC21@ Just for tweens – budding sketch Little Red’s Hood: 10 am. Sunset for children 1 to 4 years old. schools.nyc.gov. artists use software to create big city Park Recreation Center. See Wednesday, sketches and computer assisted designs. Blooming Babies: Brooklyn Chil- “In the Garden”: 10:30 am and 1 May 8. For children 9 years and older. Registra- dren’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at pm. BAM Fisher. See Friday, May 3. St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735–4400; tion requested. Blooming Babies: 11:30 am. Brook- Fri, May 10 www.brooklynkids.org; 11:30 am and “Pearl”: 2 and 7:30 pm. Kumble The- lyn Children’s Museum. See Friday, May 2:30 pm; Free with museum admission. ater at Long Island University. See Fri- Little Red’s Hood: 10 am. Sunset 3. Children 18 months and 2 and 1/2 day, May 3. Park Recreation Center. See Wednesday, May 8. years learn about patterns. Tide Mill workshop: Proteus Gow- The Brooklyn Dance Festival: The anus Interdisciplinary Galltery, 543 “Pearl”: Kumble Theater at Long Is- Actors Fund Theater, 60 Schermerhorn I Love My Mommy: Brooklyn Chil- Union St. at Nevins St.; proteusgow- land University, DeKalb and Flatbush av- St.; (718) 640–1843; 8 pm; $25 ($15 dren’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at anus.org; 1–4 pm; Free. enues; (718) 488–1624; www.brooklyn. students). St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735–4400; liu.edu/KumbleTheater; 7:30 pm; $40 Children learn about Brouwer’s Mill, www.brooklynkids.org; 11:30 am–12:30 built in the mid–17th century. Cutting edge New York dance compa- ($30 students with ID). nies perform diverse styles. p–m and 2:30–3:30 pm; Free with mu- Suite Roots LLC presents the life story Windows of the elevated trains: seum admission. of the legendary Pearl Bailey, starring New York Transit Museum, Boerum Sun, May 5 Children celebrate the wonderful Jennie Harney as Pearl Bailey, Brandon Place at Schermerhorn Street; (718) women in their lives with stories, sing- Cordeiro, William Joseph Lewis, Thad- 694–1600; www.mta.info/mta/mu- “In the Garden”: 10:30 am and 1 ing, and creating special gifts. For chil- deus McCants and Baakari Wilder. seum; 1:30 pm; Free with Museum pm. BAM Fisher. See Friday, May 3. dren 5 years and younger. 72 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 Calendar Sat, May 11 urday, May 11. Learn to ride: Carroll Park, Court St. at President Street; http:://www.nycgov- Wed, May 15 parks.org; 10 am–1 pm; Free. Pet–a–Pet: 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Urban rangers help your child pedal Brooklyn Children’s Museum. See off in this bike riding class for children. Wednesday, May 1. Bring your own bike and helmet. Kid Zone: New York Transit Museum, Thurs, May 16 87 E. 42nd St. at Park Avenue; (718) 694–1792; www.mta.info/mta/mu- Fun night: Brooklyn Children’s Mu- seum; 11 am–4 pm; Free with museum seum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks admssion. Avenue; (718) 735–4400; www.brooklynkids.org; 4 pm; Free. Join in for fun and games at Vander- It’s free and it’s every third Thursday bilt Hall at Grand Central Station to say of the month. Explore and have a lot “Happy Birthday.” of fun. Freshwater fishing: Prospect Park Audubon Center, Enter park at Lincoln Fri, May 17 Rd. and Ocean Avenue; (718) 287– 3400; www.prospectpark.org/audubon; A Night at the Museum! Slee- Noon; Free. pover Program: American Museum Urban rangers teach children the skills of Natural History, Central Park West required to be an A–one angler. at 79th Street; (212) 769–5200; www. amnh.org; 6 pm–9 am on 5/18; $129 Transit time capsules: New York per person. Transit Museum, Boerum Place at In this popular program, guests ex- Schermerhorn Street; (718) 694–1600; plore the halls of the Museum, including www.mta.info/mta/museum; 1:30 pm; the Spitzer Hall of Human Origins, Cull- Free with museum admission. man Hall of the Universe, and the Hall of Children 5 years and older explore the Saurischian Dinosaurs, where they will two bluebird cars on the museum’s plat- Photo by Vicki Zoller find the 65–million–year–old T. rex. Then form level that traveled to the Worlds they settle down beneath the 94–foot– Fair in Queens and learn about the long blue whale in the Milstein Hall of Westinghouse Time Capsules which are By George, Burns Ocean Life, around the African elephants meant to stay closed for 5,000 years. in the Akeley Hall of African Mammals, We Build NY: 2–4:30 pm. New York lan Safier is George Burns The adaptation of the Rupert or at the base of a volcano in the Got- tesman Hall of Planet Earth. Transit Museum. See Saturday, May 4. in “Say Goodnight Gra- Holmes multi-media production cie” at On Stage at Kings- is a one-man play that traces Catalyst: BAX – Brooklyn Arts Ex- I Love My Mommy: Brooklyn Chil- A change, 421 Fifth Ave.; (718) 832–0018; dren’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at borough on May 19. the comedian’s life from child- www.bax.org; 8 pm; $5. St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735–4400; George Burns and Gracie Allen hood on the Lower East Side of Culminating dance performance fea- www.brooklynkids.org; 2:30–3:30 pm; were the comedic dynamic duo Manhattan in vaudeville to his turing student and director of choreog- Free with museum admission. of the last century. George was al- later years with Gracie Allen and raphy with special guest performance by Children celebrate the wonderful ways the straight man to Gracie’s beyond. BAXco Youth Dance Company. women in their lives with stories, sing- ditzy persona. “Say Goodnight Gracie” on May ing, and creating special gifts. For chil- In this tribute to the legend- 19 at 3 pm. Tickets are $20. Sat, May 18 dren 5 years and younger. ary comic, Alan Safier brings the On Stage at Kingsborough–Kings- quintessential straight man and borough Community College [2001 Learn to ride: Owl’s Head Park, 68th Sun, May 12 comedic genius of George Burns, Oriental Blvd. at Oxford Street in St. and Colonial Road; www.nycgov- parks.org; 10 am–1 pm; Free. Block party: Brooklyn Children’s Mu- cigar chomping and all, to the Manhattan Beach, (718) 368–5596, Urban rangers teach children how seum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks stage once again. www.onstageatkingsborough.org]. to pedal off. Bring your own bike and Avenue; (718) 735–4400; www.brook- helmet. lynkids.org; 11:30 am; Free with museum admission. www.prospectpark.org/audubon; 1 pm; Story, song and dance: Waterfront “Mur–Mur” (The Wall): BAM Fisher, Children of all ages let their imagina- Free. Museum and Barge, 290 Conover St. 321 Ashland Pl. and Lafayette Ave.; (718) 636–4129; www.bam.org; 11 am tion soar as they explore an assortment Urban rangers lead children over Pier 44; (718) 625–0080; www.brrokly- of blocks to build with. and 3 pm; $12. 8 years old and adults on a canoe nartscouncil.org; 2–4 pm; Free. DynamO Theatre presents this remark- adventure. Presented by the Brooklyn Arts Coun- The Trummytones: Littlefield, 622 able work of acrobatic choreography. Degraw St. between Fourth and Fifth cil, Harborlore helps families celebrate Transit time capsules: 1:30 pm. Suitable for children 7 years old and up. avenues; (718) 855–3388; www.little- Mother’s Day with visiting a barge fieldnyc.com; 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm; New York Transit Museum. See Satur- docked in Red Hook’s Buttermilk Chan- Math mania: Brooklyn Children’s $12 ($10 for children). day, May 11. nel. Also mom and daughter team Annie Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Special concert featuring Vinny Noble Fantasia’s day out: Brooklyn Chil- and Taseen Ferdous perform a Bangla- Marks Avenue; (718) 735–4400; www. and his incredible group of musicians dren’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at deshi kolshi (water vessel) dance. James brooklynkids.org; 11:30 am; Free with museum admission. performing kindie Ska music. Ska fans St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735–4400; Lovell tells the Garifuna initiation story will enjoy this once–in–a–lifetime event. www.brooklynkids.org; 2 pm; Free with about Supnik and Dean Maitland offers How high can you count? Children 2 water songs from Grenada. to 5 years old discover the joys of math. Basic canoeing: Prospect Park Audu- museum admission. bon Center, Enter park at Lincoln Road Children of all ages visit with the resi- I Love My Mommy: 2:30–3:30 pm. Meet the author: New York Transit and Ocean Avenue; (718) 287–3400; dent 21 foot yellow Burmese python. Brooklyn Children’s Museum. See Sat- Continued on page 74 May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 73 Calendar

Continued from page 73 Build a birdfeeder: Salt Marsh Museum, Boerum Place at Schermer- Nature Center, 3302 Avenue U; (718) horn Street; (718) 694–1600; www. 421–2021; 1 pm; Free. mta.info/mta/museum; 1:30 pm; Free Children learn how to use differ- with museum admission. ent materials to help out our feathered Stephen Savage, the author of Little friends get food. Tug, will be on hand to read his book to Junior Engineer: Clocks: New children of all ages. York Transit Museum, Boerum Pl. at We Build NY: 2–4:30 pm. New York Schermerhorn Street; (718) 694–1600; Transit Museum. See Saturday, May 4. www.mta.info/mta/museum; 1:30 pm; Free with museum admission. Catalyst: 8 pm. BAX – Brooklyn Arts Children over 4 years of age learn all Exchange. See Friday, May 17. about the clocks at Grand Central Ter- minal and learn about “Jake the Clock- Sun, May 19 meister” and design their own version. “The Sound of Music”: Brooklyn We Build NY: 2–4:30 pm. New York Center for the Performing Arts at Brook- Transit Museum. See Saturday, May 4. lyn College, 2900 Campus Rd., between Amersfort and Kenilworth places; (718) Sun, May 26 951–4500; www.brooklyncenteronline. org; 1 pm; $15. Happy birthday Cookie Monster: This sing–along version with subtitles al- 11:30 am–12:30 pm and 2:30–3:30 pm. Photo by Christopher Duggan lows the whole audience to exercise their Brooklyn Children’s Museum. See Satur- vocal chords. Brush up on “Climb Every day, May 25. Mountain” and “My Favorite Things.” Egg-citing Junior Engineer: Clocks: 1:30 pm. Inside outside: New York Transit Mu- New York Transit Museum. See Satur- seum, Boerum Place at Schermerhorn day, May 25. Street; (718) 694–1600; www.mta.info/ mta/museum; 1:30 pm; Free with mu- presentation Mon, May 27 seum admission. After reading the Inside–Outside book atched” cracks its ing tale that is told through move- Medal day: Brooklyn Children’s Mu- of New York City, children 5 years and shell at the Ailey Stu- ment, handcrafted puppets, visu- seum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks older create their own ideas about sub- dio Theater on May als, and music. Avenue; (718) 735–4400; www. “H brooklynkids.org; 11:30 am–12:30 pm way travel. 9, 10, 16, 17, and 19. Staged in an intimate setting, and 2:30–3:30 pm; Free with museum Fish tales: Pier 2, Emmons Ave. at E. A newly hatched chick is met young audience members are admission. 26th Street; (718) 625–0080; brookly- by a feisty old rooster, a wob- encouraged to interact with the Explore the importance of community nartscouncil.org; 2–2:30 pm; Free. bly calf learning to walk, dancing newborn animals— toddlers imi- helpers, especially the role of soldiers. Bay Improvement Group and the chicks, a lamb, and a host of baby tate their favorite farm animal, ba- Children 5 years old and younger say Brooklyn Arts Council presents storytell- birds. bies enjoy the animal sounds and thank you to a special person and deco- ing, music and an open mic. Written and directed by Mara textures, and preschoolers and rate a medal to take home. “Say Goodnight Gracie”: On Stage McEwin and performed by the older children delight in learning at Kingsborough, 2001 Oriental Blvd. at Treehouse Shakers, “Hatched” about farm life, storytelling, lively Tues, May 28 Oxford Street; (718) 368–5596; www. is the story of an infant critter music, and dance. Pet–a–Pet: 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. onstageatkingsborough.org; 3 pm; $20. emerging from the shell at sun- “Hatched” on May 9,10,16, 17 Brooklyn Children’s Museum. See Alan Safier as George Burns in this rise to discover the strange and and 19 at 11 am. Tickets are $20. Wednesday, May 1. Broadway tribute to the entertainer. busy world of life on an American The Ailey Studio Theater [405 W. family farm. 55th St. at Ninth Avenue in Midtown, Fri, May 31 Tues, May 21 Children from infant to six (212) 715–1914, www.treehouseshak- years old will enjoy this endear- ers.com]. Shakespearean Festival: Dyker Parade meeting: US Army Garrison Heights Intermediate School IS 201, Ft. Hamilton, Bldg. 219 Grimes Road; 8010 12th Ave. at 80th Street; (718) (917) 664–8850; 11 am; Free. 833–9363; 9:45 am – 2 pm; Free. Calling all veterans, bands, civic SUBO building, 2705 Campus Rd. at E. Grand Re–Opening: New York The 10th annual event features a groups, schools, corporate groups and 27th Street; (718) 642–8512; bfssac@ Aquarium, 602 Surf Ave. between W. performance of a “Midsummer Night’s church groups – meetings will be held yahoo.com; 9 am–2:30 pm; $12 (Free Eighth and W. Fifth streets; (718) 265– Dream” and a medieval fair. for those wishing to march in the 146th for non–professionals). 3448; www.nyaquarium.com; 11 am–4 A Night at the Museum! Slee- Kings County Memorial Day Parade. For For families, advocates, agencies and pm; General admission. those wishing to attend please register pover Program: 6 pm–9 am on 6/1. friends of individuals with developmental by calling Anthony Giovinco. After a long winter the Aquarium is American Museum of Natural History. disabilities. Must register by May 13. re–opening. See Friday, May 17. Wed, May 22 Happy birthday Cookie Mon- Sat, May 25 ster: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Sat, June 1 Pet–a–Pet: 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks Avenue; Brooklyn Children’s Museum. See Learn to ride: McCarren Park, Bed- YAI’s Central Park Challenge: Wednesday, May 1. ford Ave. at 112th Street; www.nycgov- (718) 735–4400; www.brooklynkids. Central Park, The Naumburg Bandshell, parks.org; 10 am–1 pm; Free. org; 11:30 am–12:30 pm and 2:30–3:30 72nd Street; (877) YAI–WALK; yai.org/ Urban rangers teach children how pm; Free with museum admission. cpc; 9am– noon; Race is $20 if register Thurs, May 23 to pedal off. Bring your own bike and Celebrate Cookie’s happy day and before May 5th; after May 5, $30. Resource fair: Brooklyn College helmet. enjoy cookies and milk in his honor. Join the movement —5K competitive 74 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 Calendar run, 3K fundraising walk, children’s play Audubon Center, Enter park at Lincoln area and races —and show your support Rd. and Ocean Avenue; (718) 287– for a world that embraces differences. 3400; www.prospectpark.org/audubon; Children can participate in the Jr. All– Thursdays and Fridays, 1–2 pm, Thurs, American 50 yard dash and all are wel- May 2 – Sat, June 15; Free. come to enjoy the Play Area, complete A naturalist leads children and fami- with face painting, sand art, dancing, lies around the center, where they learn live music, games and more. Registration about what’s all around the park. takes place at the event and includes access to Play Area and 2013 Central Park Tales of wonder: Brooklyn Children’s Challenge t–shirt for $10. Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735–4400; www. Red Hook Fest: Louis J Valentino Jr. brooklynkids.org; Thursdays, 3:30 pm, Park and Pier, Coffey St. at Ferris Street; Thurs, May 2 – Thurs, June 13; Free with (845) 661–5480; jon.w.mayer@gmail. museum admission. com; 12 –7 pm; Free. Children 5 years old and younger “Rebuild, Restore, Rebirth, Resilience travel to far away places by using their after Sandy” is this year’s theme. Dance, family friendly activities, music and a tal- imagination and listening to tales from ent contest. around the world. Diorama Workshop: The Brooklyn “Dream Girls”: Gallery Players, 199 Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont St. at 14th St., between Fourth and Fifth av- Clinton Street; proteusgowanus.org; enues; (212) 352–3101; galleryplayers. 1–4 pm; Free. com; Thursday, May 2, 8 pm; Friday, Families learn about the borough’s May 3, 8 pm; Saturday, May 4, 8 pm; past and present and then make their Sunday, May 5, 3 pm; Thursday, May 9, own diorama. 8 pm; Friday, May 10, 8 pm; Saturday, Kindie merry, May 11, 2 pm; Sunday, May 12, 3 pm; City Stomp: Washington Park at the Thursday, May 16, 8 pm; Friday, May 17, Old Stone House, Fifth Ave. at Fourth 8 pm; Saturday, May 18, 2 pm; Sunday, Street; www.spokethehub.org; 4–6 pm; May 19, 3 pm; $18 ($14 seniors, $14 Free. musical journey Children, 12 and younger). City Stomp, that high energy band, Award winning musical production performs classic children’s songs with a indie rocker Oren Etkin his other musical friends on a trip comes to Brooklyn. bopping, stomping, and revved up beat. steps out and about, lead- through Harlem, Cuba, France, ing children on a merry New Orleans, and beyond. Show for kids: Union Temple, 17 K Eastern Parkway; 4th Floor; (718) 638– Long–running musical journey in “Timbalooloo” Oren Etkin’s Timbalooloo on on May 11 at the Tribeca Perform- May 11 performance at 1:30 pm. 7600; [email protected]; The Butterfly Conservatory: www.uniontemple.org; Saturday, May ing Arts Center. Tickets are $25. American Museum of Natural History, 4, 9:30 am; Saturday, May 11, 9:30 am; Central Park West at 79th Street; (212) Etkin presents a lively jazz con- BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Saturday, May 18, 9:30 am; Saturday, 769–5200; [email protected]; www. cert created especially for the Center [199 Chambers St. at West June 1, 9:30 am; Saturday, June 8, 9:30 amnh.org; Daily, 10 am–5:45 pm; Now under 12 set, featuring Clara the Street in Tribeca, (212) 220–1459, am; Saturday, June 15, 9:30 am; Free. – Mon, May 27; Suggested admission Clarinet, Big Mama Tuba, and all www.tribecapac.org]. Out of the Shabbox’s programming $19, $10.50 children, $14.50 seniors features Avodah Dance’s Julie Gayer Kris and students. , Backyardigan Live!’s Shawn Shafner The annual exhibition, “Tropical But- Pinocchio: Puppetworks, 338 Sixth 3:30 pm, Wed, May 1 – Wed, June 12; and Ruach Rocker Jay Rapoport. Interac- terflies Alive in Winter” returns and cel- Ave. at Fourth Street; (718) 965–3391; Free with museum admission. tive and fun filled programming where ebrates its 15th year. www.puppetworks.org; Saturdays and Discover how diverse life is under the families come together to sing, dance, Dance and Chinese language Sundays, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm, Now sea. Suitable for all ages. and tell stories. classes: Spoke the Hub, 748 Union through Sun, Aug. 18; $9 ($8 children). History in your hands: Lefferts St.; Near Sixth Avenue; laurel.project@ Natures Helpers: Prospect Park For children ages 3 years old and up. Historic Homestead, 452 Flatbush Ave. gmail.com; www.laurelproject.com; Audubon Center, Enter park at Lincoln The classic story comes to life on the between Empire Boulevard and East- Fridays, 3:45 – 5:45pm, Now – Fri, June Rd. and Ocean Avenue; (718) 287– puppet stage. ern Parkway; (718) 789–2822; www. 14; $405/season. 3400; www.prospectpark.org/audubon; Thursdays and Fridays, 1–2 pm, Thurs, prospectpark.org; Saturdays and Sun- The Laurel Project is New York City’s TheatreSports: Gallery Players, 199 May 2 – Sat, June 15; Free. days, 1–2 pm, Sat, May 4 – Sun, June premiere Chinese enrichment program. 14th St., between Fourth and Fifth av- Families are encouraged to take part 23; $3 (Children free). Children train through two languages: enues; (212) 352–3101; galleryplayers. in a tour of the park and help keep it Mandarin and the universal language of com; Sunday, April 28, 12 pm; Sunday, Children learn how to process wool clean, gloves, bags and trash grabbers dance. May 19, 12 pm; Sunday, June 16, 12 into yarn, card, spin, and use a drop pm; $10 (Parents free). provided. spindle and even make a felt ball to take Music for city kids: Caribou Baby, Freestyle Repertory Theatre is bringing Animal encounter: Prospect Park home. 272 Driggs Ave.; (347) 460–2229; info@ improv to a new level and adding chil- Audubon Center, Enter park at Lincoln cariboubaby.com; www.cariboubaby. Ride the Carousel: Prospect Park dren to the mix. Groups of teens chal- Rd. and Ocean Avenue; (718) 287– com/products/music–for–aardvarks– Audubon Center, Enter park at Lin- lenge each other to create scenes on the 3400; www.prospectpark.org/audubon; and–other–mammals–with–audrarox– coln Road and Ocean Avenue; www. spot. Come with your children and have Thursdays and Fridays, 1–2 pm, Thurs, inc; Saturdays, 10am, Now – Sat, June prospectpark.org/audubon; Thursdays as much fun as they do. May 2 – Sat, June 15; Free. 15; $275. – Sundays, 12–5 pm, beginning Mon, Children meet Snappy the turtle and Come join in the fun at Music for Creatures of the Sea: Brooklyn May 27; $2 per ride. meet with staff to learn about the ani- Aardvarks classes with AudraRox Inc. Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. Yeah it’s open; the beautiful 101- mals at the park. Suitable or families with children ages at St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735–4400; year old ride is up and running for all to birth to 5 years. www.brooklynkids.org; Wednesdays, Nature on the Go: Prospect Park enjoy. May 2013 • BROOKLYN Family 75 theMarketplace

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May 2013 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 77 New & Noteworthy BY LISA J. CURTIS Dreaming Beary tired Recommended for children ages for two three months and up, Sleepy Bear by You may not be Jellycat London is a small, pajama- able to treat her to clad plush bear (made of polyester a weekend in Paris, with polyester fill and plastic beads but at least she’ll feel inside for weight), who comes in his as cute as Audrey own matchbox-style bed. His snug- Hepburn in “Cha- gly bedding includes a pillow and rade” when you give blue blanket trimmed in the same her BedHead’s new transportation-themed fabric of his Eiffel Tower pajamas PJs. This compact toy — measur- for mom (and baby!) ing just 9 inches — is the perfect — the perfect gift for a choice for your little globetrotter’s bunny, this small marvel is a dream first Mother’s Day. next flight. (Jellycat also makes a come true. The pattern of these Sleepy Bunny, with a pink blanket.) Sleepy Bear by Jellycat London, $29, 95 percent cotton and five Whether you choose the bear or www.yoyo.com. percent Spandex sleep sets feature purple flowers and towers against a dreamy field of aqua, evok- on a typical ing the sweetness of a sunny Spring White noise baby book, day in the City of Lights. BedHead inviting a par- offers this print in traditional pa- Hits by Jack and Meg White, ent to write in jama for mom in a wide array of such as “Seven Nation Army” their child’s sizes and in other styles, such as for kids and teens.) Mom may not and “Icky Thump,” have been rock star stage chemise, robe, and camisole with get much sleep, but at least she’ll translated into soothing instru- name, instru- pants. The baby tee and pant set is look tres chic. mental tunes by performer ment of choice, available in sizes 3–6 months, 6–12 Eiffel Tower Stretch Baby Tee and and producer Steven Charles rock star move, months, 12-18 months, and 18–24 Pant Set, $42, and Eiffel Tower Classic Boone in Rockabye Baby’s latest rock star demand, etc. This CD is a months. (And if baby has grown a Stretch Women’s PJ Set, $140, www. CD, “Lullaby Renditions of the White sweet baby shower gift, but we’re bit, there are also short sleeve sets bedheadpjs.com. Stripes.” keeping ours. We’ve already decided The sounds of the duo’s guitar that this album and our family car and drums are born again as softer, “are going to be friends.” gentler songs through xylophone, “Lullaby Renditions of The White Sheep thrills woodblocks, and bells. The CD’s Stripes,” $16.98, www.rockabyebabye- enclosed booklet is a hilarious riff music.com. F e a t u r i n g c l e v e r w o r d - play, sweet illustrations, and a delightful surprise ending, Mike Demers’s Make some time for Mom debut children’s book, “Fooling Ewe,” is a re- Moms are always watching the long it has it been since the freshingly original story clock, and this Benbini watch last nap, the last dose of set in a classic barnyard. has lots of features that make medicine, or how much The woolly protagonist, keeping the business of time the kids have Ewe, is bored by the daily mothering on track from spent watching TV or drudgery of grazing grass the time they’re born playing video games. and longs to frolic. Ewe until you send them It will even keep track dons disguises to fool the to college. It has ar- of time-outs! The Ben- farm’s fellow tenants, like rows on its bezels bini’s comfortable de- Chicken, Pig, and Horse, ders and adhere to schedules, and to help keep track of sign makes it easy to but Mother Ewe — holding a mug their parents, who sometimes for- elapsed time as well slide on, and it won’t of coffee in one of many amusing get that their responsible sheep as a left-right switch scratch baby. Available drawings by Todd Finklestone — do deserve time to enjoy a little to help nursing moms in white, gray-rasp- admonishes her for neglecting her independence and a lot of laugh- remember where the berry, and melon, this grazing. ter and play. next feeding is coming is a tool whose time The story resonates with duti- “Fooling Ewe” by Mike Demers from. When the kids get has come. ful little readers who know the (Service Bar Books, $16.95), www. older, it offers a stylish way Benbini Watch, $99, frustrations of having to follow or- amazon.com. to make sure you know how www.benbini.com. 78 BROOKLYN Family • May 2013 angel face

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Some children who had employer-based health insurance coverage within the past six months may be subject to a waiting period before they can enroll in Child Health Plus. This will depend on your household income and the reason your children lost employer-based coverage.