Brooklyn Family June 2011 Features 6 Challenging the ‘Sib Fib’ Why Sibling Rivalry Can Actually Be a Good Thing by Laura J

Needs FocusJune 2011 BROOKLYN SpecialFREE Family The Best Guide for Parents The sibling Bond It’s not just rivalry 8 costly mistakes Alerting special needs parents Survival guide to sleepovers

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over 20 activities under one roof -Swimming -Soccer -Rock Climbing -Ice Skating -Field Sports -Team Building -Theater -Gymnastics Making New Friends -Dance -Night Trips -Day Trips -Art and Much More! Brooklyn Family June 2011 Features 6 Challenging the ‘Sib Fib’ Why sibling rivalry can actually be a good thing By Laura J. Varoscak 12 The painted ponies Prospect Park’s historic carousel still spinning By Mary Tomasulo 16 8 costly mistakes Things to avoid when planning for your special needs child By Joseph P. Donlon, Esq. 18 Facing the stress Overcoming the challenges of raising a special child By Julia Garstecki 20 A double whammy When a second child is diagnosed with autism By Julianna Gil de Lamadrid 66 24 Sleepovers: The survival guide By Myrna Beth Haskell 26 Test-taking jitters columns Seven ways students can ease nerves and improve 8 Healthy Living test scores by Danielle Sullivan By Tutor Doctor 10 Newbie Dad 32 Best friends By Brian Kantz What to know before adopting a fluffy bundle of joy By Risa C. Doherty 14 Good Sense Eating 34 She’s having it all by Christine M. Palumbo, RD Mompreneur manages beauty biz and family 22 Our Relationships 36 The danger zone By Joan Emerson, PhD Alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix 28 Family Health By Reuel S. Amdur By Ronald Soave, DPM 51 42 The secret’s out 30 Parents Helping Parents The chorus of Staten Island’s PS 22 grapples with by Sharon C. Peters fame By Monica Brown 38 Twice the Advice by Jacqueline and Kerry Donelli 48 Follow your art The road to opening an art studio for children 40 Growing Up Online By Laura Varoscak-DeInnocentiis by Carolyn Jabs 44 Cinematters calendar of events by Laura Gray 51 Going Places 46 Lions and Tigers and Teens Take the family out and find out what’s going on By Myrna Beth Haskell in your town 64 It Figures By Cynthia Washam special sections 66 New & Noteworthy 32 19 Special Needs Directory The hottest new products

June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 3 Letter from the publisher Wonderful month of June une is a gorgeous ing farmers are bring- opportunities. I smell grilling on my ets carefully and are cautious in month. The days ing their goods into block almost every night and I’m their expenditures, waiting to see J are the longest so many communities certain it’s in everyone else’s neigh- how this economy will play out they are going to be and throughout NYC. What borhood also. and when the recovery will really the weather is typically a great partnership it I like June as a vacation month begin. ideal. It is the month I is and how beneficial it and lately we’ve been choosing to Maybe you have a recent gradu- was born in, the month is for all of us, farmers travel as soon as my daughter’s ate or a wedding in your family, or my daughter was born and city-dwellers alike. classes are over. It’s a good time maybe, like us, a family loaded with in, the month I got mar- Day camps are start- for this and we relish the change birthdays. June is a special month ried in, the month of ing up and the kids of scenery and pace. The rates to celebrate, and speaking of cel- our graduations, and are busy doing all the are lower and everything is less ebrations, happy Father’s Day to the month when school vacation great things of summer: swimming, crowded than it is later on in the all our dads! So many excuses and for our kids usually begins here in cycling, tennis, skateboarding, and summer. We appreciate the long reasons to have a party this month the city. just being outdoors a lot. The play- hours of daylight and get the most and I hope all of them will turn out June smells good. It has the won- grounds are full and the swings are out of the possibilities. I also like to be loads of fun. derful aroma of fresh flowers, clear flying high. That’s the best part of coming back to a full summer of Thanks for reading. Have a great skies, street fairs and barbecues. June, it’s not too hot and not too beach-going, and I’m an avid fan of month. The strawberries are in and so are cold and it’s easy to be just hanging our local beaches. the blueberries, and the greenmar- out. The beaches are open and the I don’t know what your summer kets all over the city are lively parks are welcoming the throngs of plans are, but I know that a lot of with great produce and the early families who have made it through people are sticking closer to home summer fruits and vegetables. How the long winter and are relishing than they have in the past. Many lucky we all are that our neighbor- the picnics, parties and cookout people are watching their pock- Susan Weiss-Voskidis, Publisher

Staff contact information

Publisher / Advertising / editoriAl: Advertising: Web or Print Address Susan Weiss (718) 260-4554 Family Publications New York/CNG Publisher / business MAnAger: [email protected] or 1 Metrotech Center North Clifford Luster [email protected] 10th Floor sAles MAnAger / Advertising: Brooklyn, NY 11201 Sharon Noble circulAtion sPeciAl AdMinistrAtive AssistAnt: (718) 260-8336 Tina Felicetti [email protected] www.webfamilyny.com sAles rePs: Laurie Falco, Linda Smith, Muriel Puder, Stephanie Stellaccio, Jay Pelc, editoriAl Andrew Mark (718) 260-4554 Production MAnAger: Keith Oechsner [email protected] Art director: Leah Mitch Production director: On Man Tse The acceptance of advertising by Family Publica Join the conversation on Facebook. lAyout MAnAger: Yvonne Farley tions New York does not constitute an endorse- Family Publications New York has been recog- Web designer: Sylvan Migdal ment of the products, services or information nized for editorial and design excellence by PPA. being advertised. We do not knowingly present grAPhic designers: Arthur Arutyunov, Family Publications New York is published Patty Coughlan, Mauro Deluca, Earl Ferrer any products or services that are fraudulent or misleading in nature. monthly by Family Publications New York/CNG. Subscription rate is $35 annually. Reproduction Editorial inquiries, calendar information, advertis- MAnAging editor: Vince DiMiceli of Family Publications New York in whole or part ing rates and schedules and subscription requests without written permission from the publisher is AssistAnt editors: Meredith Deliso, may be addressed to Family Publications New prohibited. All rights reserved. Copyright©2011 Courtney Donahue th York/CNG, One Metrotech Center North, 10 Readership: 220,000. 2010 circulation audit by CAC. coPy editor: Lisa J. Curtis Floor, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. cAlendAr editor: Joanna Del Buono Family Publications New York can also be contributing Writers: reached by calling (718) 250-4554, emailing Risa Doherty, Allison Plitt, Candi Sparks, [email protected] or by visiting our website, Mary Carroll Wininger webfamilyny.com

4 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 Aristotle Academy of Letter from the publisher Math and Sciences affiliated with St. John’s University Wonderful month of June Grades Pre-k to 8th une is a gorgeous ing farmers are bring- opportunities. I smell grilling on my ets carefully and are cautious in Free Universal Pre-k month. The days ing their goods into block almost every night and I’m their expenditures, waiting to see Now accepting extended Day Available J are the longest so many communities certain it’s in everyone else’s neigh- how this economy will play out applications they are going to be and throughout NYC. What borhood also. and when the recovery will really • Class sizes limited to 15 the weather is typically a great partnership it I like June as a vacation month begin. for the ideal. It is the month I is and how beneficial it and lately we’ve been choosing to Maybe you have a recent gradu- school year • Highly qualified teachers was born in, the month is for all of us, farmers travel as soon as my daughter’s ate or a wedding in your family, or 2011-2012 • A well rounded curriculum of my daughter was born and city-dwellers alike. classes are over. It’s a good time maybe, like us, a family loaded with academics, technology, sports & art in, the month I got mar- Day camps are start- for this and we relish the change birthdays. June is a special month • State Certified ried in, the month of ing up and the kids of scenery and pace. The rates to celebrate, and speaking of cel- our graduations, and are busy doing all the are lower and everything is less ebrations, happy Father’s Day to the month when school vacation great things of summer: swimming, crowded than it is later on in the all our dads! So many excuses and An environment fostering personal for our kids usually begins here in cycling, tennis, skateboarding, and summer. We appreciate the long reasons to have a party this month character, ethics and morals the city. just being outdoors a lot. The play- hours of daylight and get the most and I hope all of them will turn out June smells good. It has the won- grounds are full and the swings are out of the possibilities. I also like to be loads of fun. 1724 Avenue P. derful aroma of fresh flowers, clear flying high. That’s the best part of coming back to a full summer of Thanks for reading. Have a great Brooklyn, NY 11229 | skies, street fairs and barbecues. June, it’s not too hot and not too beach-going, and I’m an avid fan of month. 718.339.0280 The strawberries are in and so are cold and it’s easy to be just hanging our local beaches. Call, write or e-mail to request a brochure the blueberries, and the greenmar- out. The beaches are open and the I don’t know what your summer [email protected] kets all over the city are lively parks are welcoming the throngs of plans are, but I know that a lot of with great produce and the early families who have made it through people are sticking closer to home summer fruits and vegetables. How the long winter and are relishing than they have in the past. Many lucky we all are that our neighbor- the picnics, parties and cookout people are watching their pock- Susan Weiss-Voskidis, Publisher Summer is here, Staff contact information lets have some fun! Publisher / Advertising / editoriAl: Advertising: Web or Print Address Susan Weiss (718) 260-4554 Family Publications New York/CNG Publisher / business MAnAger: [email protected] or 1 Metrotech Center North Bonjour New York Clifford Luster [email protected] 10th Floor new york abc French Summer Camp sAles MAnAger / Advertising: Brooklyn, NY 11201 Sharon Noble circulAtion sPeciAl AdMinistrAtive AssistAnt: (718) 260-8336 July 5 to August 26 Tina Felicetti www.webfamilyny.com at PS 58 (Carroll Gardens) [email protected] H sAles rePs: Laurie Falco, Linda Smith, Fun, relaxed, and nurturing environment Muriel Puder, Stephanie Stellaccio, Jay Pelc, editoriAl H Lots of outdoor, engaging & fun activities: Andrew Mark (718) 260-4554 visual & performing arts, dance, team sports, Production MAnAger: Keith Oechsner water activities, field trips, hands on workshops, [email protected] field day games, board games... Art director: Leah Mitch H Exploration of the Francophone world Production director: On Man Tse H French language used in all the activities The acceptance of advertising by Family Publica Join the conversation on Facebook. H lAyout MAnAger: Yvonne Farley tions New York does not constitute an endorse- Accommodating hours Family Publications New York has been recog- H Web designer: Sylvan Migdal ment of the products, services or information Licensed by the NYC Department of Health nized for editorial and design excellence by PPA. H being advertised. We do not knowingly present We like to see a smile on every face every day grAPhic designers: Arthur Arutyunov, Family Publications New York is published Patty Coughlan, Mauro Deluca, Earl Ferrer any products or services that are fraudulent or Beginner French learners are welcome misleading in nature. monthly by Family Publications New York/CNG. Subscription rate is $35 annually. Reproduction Editorial inquiries, calendar information, advertis- MAnAging editor: Vince DiMiceli of Family Publications New York in whole or part ing rates and schedules and subscription requests without written permission from the publisher is AssistAnt editors: Meredith Deliso, may be addressed to Family Publications New prohibited. All rights reserved. Copyright©2011 Courtney Donahue th York/CNG, One Metrotech Center North, 10 Readership: 220,000. 2010 circulation audit by CAC. Ages 4-9 coPy editor: Lisa J. Curtis Floor, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. cAlendAr editor: Joanna Del Buono Family Publications New York can also be contributing Writers: reached by calling (718) 250-4554, emailing Risa Doherty, Allison Plitt, Candi Sparks, [email protected] or by visiting our website, Mary Carroll Wininger webfamilyny.com www.bonjourny.com [email protected] (917) 348-7959 June 2011 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 5 Parenting

ing their identities and find- children when they respect others’ ing their roles in the family. points of view. Cherish the special This internal struggle can lead bond they share, regardless of their to competition and jealousy. differences; they will, too. However, this rivalry provides the perfect opportunity Teach conflict resolution Challenging for children to examine their The more children talk through emotions and discover who their problems instead of fighting, they are. Working through this burying feelings or acting out, the process helps to shape their easier communication will become. identity. Living with a sibling provides end- What parents can do: sup- less opportunities to practice com- port your children individu- promising, cooperating and working ally, equally, and without as a team to achieve peace. Children the ‘Sib Fib’ judgment. are also in their home environment where they can test limits safely. By Laura J. Varoscak baby, displaying anger, regressing Boost self-image This gives them a chance to practice Why sibling or acting out in other ways — but I Healthy sibling relations “fighting fairly,” and provides good y 4-year-old son, Henry, was disappointed. I wanted Henry to contribute to a higher sense training for interacting with peers. rivalry can awaited the arrival of his embrace his brother wholeheartedly of self-worth and confidence. What parents can do: always start M brother for nine months. I from day one. Fortunately, this phase Compared to single children, by allowing siblings to work through did not plan for him to find out the was short, and by the next day, siblings tend to be more as- differences on their own. If they need actually be news so early, but an hour after tak- Henry was holding Charlie and help- sertive and take better care your involvement, teach them prob- ing a home pregnancy test, Henry ing to feed him — even if he vowed to of themselves. lem-solving techniques. Explain that pulled it out of the trash and ex- never to change his diaper! W hat pa rent s ca n do : sp end fair doesn’t always mean equal. Dis- a good thing claimed, “Two lines — you’re having The relationship Henry and Char- quality one-on-one time with cuss age-appropriate rules and ask a baby!” lie have developed during the past 11 your children. Siblings natu- your children to help you determine In the months that followed, months is a testament to the special rally strive for their parents’ what is fair. Set rules and enforce Henry had questions about his sib- bond siblings share. Brothers and sis- attention, which can lead to consequences. Be consistent. ling: Would it be a girl or a boy? ters will go through trials and tribula- disappointment and frustra- Did it pee and poop inside of me? tions throughout their lives, but the tion when there are others Influence positive behavior How would it come out? We talked, benefits of having a healthy sibling competing for the same thing Siblings shape each other in many read books, looked at pictures and relationship outweigh the challenges. at the same time. ways. As they get older, they develop observed my growing belly. Henry Most Americans have at least one their own lives away from home and couldn’t wait for his little brother to brother or sister. Siblings provide Increase emotional are more vulnerable to outside influ- come, and helped prepare for him one of the longest relationships an awareness ences. How a child acts in different with great anticipation and love. individual will experience, and the Children learn to identify social environments has a significant I delivered Charlie via C-section. complexity and permanency of this and manage their feelings by impact on his sibling’s behavior. It is Henry was at the hospital waiting connection creates intensity be- home, they will be more likely to prac- At first, Henry didn’t like his new little brother, but now, Henry and Charlie have interacting with siblings on not uncommon for younger children to meet his brother for the very tween siblings, bringing conflict as tice these traits themselves, which developed a healthy sibling relationship. a daily basis. The at-home practice to emulate older siblings. If they ob- first time. I looked forward to the well as comfort and joy. Parents will improve their relationships. helps them to express their emo- serve their big brother or sister en- expression on his face — the pride, want harmony between their sons Studies indicate that children who for them to participate in together. tions more appropriately when they gaging in negative behavior, chances joy and excitement. My expectations and daughters, but competition, jeal- Provide companionship have a strong connection with their are outside of the home environ- are, they will do the same. were shattered. Henry was not in- ousy and squabbling are all part Living with a playmate helps siblings are more likely to make and Encourage sharing ment. What parents can do: be aware of terested in seeing me, or Charlie. In of development, and should be ex- lessen feelings of boredom and lone- maintain quality friendships. Siblings are expected to share ev- What parents can do: acknowl- your children’s activities when they fact, he opted not to visit us during pected. Sibling rivalry can be an liness. Participating in common ac- What parents can do: practice erything from possessions and space edge and accept your child’s feel- are not at home. Know where they my four-day hospital stay. When we asset if parents understand the dy- tivities, as well as sharing individ- building effective communication to parental love. This concept is hard ings, and then help manage them ap- are and who they are with. Maximize were back home, Henry walked in namic and nurture their children ual interests, strengthens the bond skills, especially when problems to grasp by young children, but over propriately. Use words to help your positive influences as much as pos- and headed straight for his toys. He appropriately. between people. Spending time to- arise. This will prepare your child time, brothers and sisters learn the child identify the negative emotions sible. Let them know you care. didn’t even glance at Charlie. gether — playing, laughing, and jok- for interacting with peers and hope- importance of sharing, and use it to and discuss safe ways to express Parents of only one child — don’t It is normal for some children Healthy sibling relationships… ing — deepens the relationship and fully reduce potential conflict. their advantage when they partici- them. fret! Siblings may share built-in ben- to react this way — ignoring the contribute to overall well-being fosters trust. pate in household chores and respon- efits, but single children can learn Longitudinal studies reveal What parents can do: as children Decrease stress sibilities. Sharing also has its ben- Encourage respect many of the same skills with friends that strong ties between sib- grow older, life gets busier and sib- Close sibling relationships provide efits and joys: sharing family history Being part of a family means and extended family. A healthy so- lings during youth contribute lings often go their separate ways. protection and comfort, which can through memories and stories is an learning to love and respect oth- cial life develops if young children On the playground to social, emotional and physi- Reserve time for siblings to engage in help to reduce stress, especially dur- invaluable gift that lasts forever. ers. Over time, siblings learn to rec- have the opportunity to interact and What do you like most about your sibling(s)? cal health in adulthood. These meaningful activities together. ing difficult times. Research shows What parents can do: point out ognize and appreciate each others’ play with others of similar age early “We do things together — like go to the park and play with toys.” (Juan, findings are independent of in- that children who have supportive the benefits of sharing. Help your different perspectives. Sharing their on. This can be achieved through age 6) fluential factors such as birth Develop social skills brothers and sisters are less lonely, children set and respect personal lives with siblings naturally builds caregivers, play dates, play groups “They make me laugh when I’m sad or mad.” (Mo, age 7) order, age spacing, gender or Practicing important communica- self-conscious and fearful than chil- boundaries, then discuss why they acceptance, tolerance and empathy and preschool. Spending time with “No matter what, my sisters love me.” (Sophie, age 8) socioeconomic status. tion skills with siblings can help children without siblings. are important. in children. Consequently, this in- peers on a regular basis will teach “She keeps my secrets.” (Mia, age 9) What parents can do: be dren interact more effectively with What parents can do: when ap- creases their ability to help others sharing, empathy and conflict reso- “When I’m having trouble with something, my brother gives me advice or the best role model possible. peers outside of the home. Loving propriate, encourage your children Promote individuality and get along with people from dif- lution. The rewards of establishing tells me what to do.” (Ali, age 10) If your children observe gener- brothers and sisters begin new re- to rely on each other for emotional Comparison between siblings is ferent backgrounds. warm, loving relationships in child- osity, patience, and respect at lationships with positive attitudes. support. Suggest positive activities inevitable, because they are form- What parents can do: praise your hood will last a lifetime.

6 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 Parenting

June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 7 HealtH Time to play it safe How dangerous is your local playground?

ith school out this month, parks, schools and other recreation are a few primary safety hazards a chorus of “I’m bored” areas across all 50 states. It’s ini- that parents should look out for W will be heard throughout tiative, called National Playground when taking their kids to the play- our city as kids try to find activities Safety Week 2011, takes place each ground. The National Program for to fill their days. For many parents spring to bring awareness to the Playground Safety created a check- HealtHy and grandparents, the playground many safety hazards that disheveled list of things to be sure of to create a is nothing short of a lifesaver. Yet, playgrounds cause. Unfortunately, safe environment at playgrounds: living increasingly, many area playgrounds New York is not one of the states par- • Supervision Danielle Sullivan are posing safety concerns. ticipating in this initiative, but the or- Adult presence is needed to watch The National Program for Play- ganization hopes that will change. for potential hazards, observe, inter- ground Safety reports that each Annette Suarez hopes so, too. She cede and facilitate play when neces- year, “200,000 children are treated says her 2-year-old daughter, Kayla, sary. Strings on clothing or ropes for injuries sustained from unsafe was playing at a playground inside used for play can cause accidental playgrounds, and approximately 15 Marine Park in Brooklyn when she strangulation if they get caught on children are killed as a result of tripped over a protruding corner equipment. those injuries.” of a play-mat while running to the • Age-appropriate The organization’s goal is to swing set. Kayla fell directly on her All children should play on age- improve the safety and quality of face and knocked her two front teeth appropriate equipment. Preschool- backwards. ers, ages 2 to 5, and children ages “It was horrifying,” says Su- 5 to 12 are developmentally differ- arez. “She was screaming and ent and need different equipment there was blood everywhere. located in separate areas to keep the The dentist was able to save playground safe and fun for all. her two front baby teeth, but • F a l l surfacing she is afraid to go back to the Nearly 70 percent of all playground playground. And frankly, so injuries are related to falls, and what am I!” a child falls on can make a difference. Suarez says the play-mats Acceptable surfaces include loose-fill were not properly adhered materials, such as hardwood wooden and looked as though they fiber; shredded rubber; sand; pea came unglued, possibly due to gravel; and synthetic surfaces, such winter weather. as rubber tiles and mats; and syn- In addition, she says at least thetic poured surfaces. five other play-mats were trip- Playground surfaces should not ping accidents just waiting to be concrete, asphalt, grass, black- happen, but she hadn’t no- top, packed dirt, or rocks. ticed them until it was too • E q u i p m e n t management late. Check to make sure the equip- Play-mats can also become ment is anchored safely in the incredibly hot — long before ground, all equipment pieces are in summer officially starts. good-working order, S-hooks are en- The Indian Road Play- tirely closed, bolts are not protrud- ground at Inwood Hill Park in ing, and there are no exposed foot- the Bronx has play-mats that ings, etc. Thoroughly inspect your are heat traps. Parents who child’s playground before allowing go there have reported that a your child to roam freely. child burned his hands on the For more tips on safety on the mats when the temperature playground, check out playground- was just 66 degrees. safety.org. Moms and dads have be- Danielle Sullivan, a Brooklyn-born come so enraged over the mom of three, has worked as a writer playground’s safety condi- and editor in the parenting world for tions, they created a Facebook more than 10 years, and was recently page to alert other parents, honored with a Gold award for her grandparents, and caretak- health column by the Parenting Publica- ers. tions of America. Danielle also writes Besides play-mats, there for Babble.

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style uniform. Suddenly, he was a player for the New York Mets wear- ing a pin-striped jersey with his Dressing up name and number on the back. And his imagination soared. For the rest of the summer, even Will his boys discover the fun? a f te r L i t t l e L e a g u e s e a s o n h a d e n d e d , my son would put on his jersey and few years ago, I had the In today’s age of electronics, baseball pants every single day and pleasure of accompanying where traipsing an avatar through pretend he was in the big leagues, A my mom and my aunt on a parallel universes is as easy as swinging a real bat outdoors and an tour of their childhood home. They pressing the “on” button, dress- imaginary one inside the house. We hadn’t been inside the place in de- up may sound quaint, but it also encouraged the whole thing by sup- Newbie DaD cades. A church owns the house sounds wonderfully refreshing. To plying miscellaneous sports gear Brian KanTz now, so it looks quite a bit different be a kid with an imagination — a real like batting gloves, wristbands and than it did when they were kids. imagination — is an awesome thing. face masks. My mom, the dress-up The living room serves as a Sunday Until recently, I was getting a little expert, sent her grandsons a couple school classroom, the dining room concerned that my two boys, of junior football uniforms, com- is a conference center, and the bed- ages 4 and 6, may have plete with helmets and shoulder rooms have been converted to office been a little pads. The boys began carefully and storage space. lacking in storing these precious “dress- Still, enough of the house’s origi- the imagina- up” items in a box nal character was left intact to spark tion depart- under the bed. some colorful memories — like the ment. They winter when they sprayed the base- just didn’t ment floor with a garden hose to make seem to an indoor ice rink (note to my boys: I be into know it’s a sweet idea, but don’t even the whole think about it!); the time their little brother was launched head- first from a rocking horse that he rocked on too fast; and some wonderful Thanksgivings, including imaginative that November day back in 19 … well, play thing. And they back when my mom was born. It was certainly weren’t fans of getting a thrill for me to hear all of those sto- dressed up, unless ringing a door- ries while standing in the house that bell for candy was part of the deal. was so integral to their lives. At their cousins’ house, where fun As we walked up the stairs make-believe costumes are readily to the second floor, my mom available, the boys scowl at the mere and aunt were immediately suggestion that they don a safari hat drawn to the giant, floor-to- and vest, or a hard hat and tool belt. ceiling cupboards that lined Not no way, not no how. the hallway. “Dress-ups!” The two boys were just not into Now, at nearly any time of day, the two joyfully said in dressing up, and it had me scratch- you can hear the sounds of sports- unison. My aunt opened ing my head. My brothers and I themed imaginative play in our one of the cupboard doors played cops-and-robbers and cow- house. It usually begins with the and explained boys-and-Indians when we were singing of the “Star Spangled Ban- how the sisters kids. We put on the costumes. We ner” (and the Canadian national an- used to keep became Superman and Captain them if they’re playing hockey). The their “dress- America when we wore our Un- anthems are then followed by the up” clothes in deroos (sing it with me: “Underoos introduction of the starting lineups that very spot. are fun to wear!”) and we were KISS and complete play-by-play calls of all They loved to play dress-up when we painted our faces white the action. and they had shirts, skirts, dresses, and cranked up “Rock and Roll All It’s very cute. pants, coats, hats, gloves and shoes Nite” on the record player. I remem- Now, I wouldn’t go and call their fit for a thousand adventures — a ber that being pretty silly and fun, sports uniforms “dress-ups” in front spot of tea with the Queen of Eng- and I didn’t want my kids to miss of them. That might ruin the whole land, dinner at the White House with out. thing. But I do tell them how much I the President of the United States, or Then, it happened. My older son love their little imaginations. an afternoon of being shipwrecked joined his first Little League team Brian Kantz always played the part on an island in the South Pacific. last year and was issued a uniform. of star-eyed guitarist Ace Frehley. Visit Whatever the occasion, the girls Not the generic red shirts and caps Brian online at www.briankantz.com could imagine themselves right in we were given as kids, but the real or drop him a note at thenewbiedad@ the middle of it, dressed the part. deal. A real Major League Baseball- yahoo.com.

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June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 11 around town & , ( 6 1 6FLHQFHLV&RRO H & K ( The painted ponies W BUUIFB &$50(/2 &260,& By Mary ToMasulo sel was built in 1912, go by too fast,” said &29( Prospect and has a stable of 53 the third grader, who atch a breeze during the hot carved horses, a lion, a calls the carousel the ) Park’s historic days of summer on a painted giraffe, a deer, and two perfect summer de- C pony as you ride ’round to dragon-pulled chari- light. ( : the sound of old circus tunes and are ots. It is also known Many Brooklyn / carousel still transported back to the glory days of for its Wurlitzer organ, residents who en- / 2 carnivals. which plays melodies joyed the carousel as Carmelo Piazza spinning Riding the bobbing horses on a that have been en- children now bring AKA: ‘Carmelo the Marshmallo carousel is a right of passage for chanting children and their kids to experi- w’ many kids, and the carousel in Pros- grown-ups alike for de- ence the ride. pect Park is the perfect opportunity cades. “It is a summer for your little ones to experience the Now, riders don’t tradition,” said one exciting hands–on beloved pastime. have to be knights rider. “We get here The Science Fellow for an Carousels originated during the to ride the jewel-clad early when there ar Join Carmelo After school classes are offered for 5–11 Crusades, when knights would pre- horses — but can pretend to be, or no lines, then visit the zoo. We can experience. pare for jousting tournaments by can be anything else going anywhere simply pack a picnic lunch, and we learning practicing on elaborately-dressed atop their leaping creatures. are set.” year olds and to our mini–scientists ages 3–4. e . We can mak wooden horses that would move up “I love the merry-go-round be- The carousel operated at Coney osmic Cove and down to simulate a real ride. cause I think, ‘I’m a cowgirl from the Island until it was brought to the rties happen at the C eird moving Mega They got the idea while in the Middle Wild West,’ ” said 9-year-old Jackie park in 1952. It was built by Russian- ur Science Pa work with w East, where locals played the game Mariano, who’s been riding the car- immigrant Charles Carmel, a master O “carosella,” or “little wars.” It was ousel since she was in diapers, and carver of the time who lived by Pros- silly putty and slime andM evenealworms! only a matter of time before music now brings her sisters to this magi- pect Park, and was inspired by the was put to the bouncing horses and cal place. nearby horse stable. the modern carousel was born. “We spin, laugh, then have ice In 1990, the Prospect Park Alliance Prospect Park’s historic carou- cream. The ride always seems to raised over $80,000 to restore the merry-go-round, which had begun to show its wear and tear. During the restoration, 20 layers of paint were : removed from the carousel, and its We Offer original colors were restored. In addition, more than 1,000 lights were Parties added, and iconic Brooklyn scenes Science were painted onto the ride. If you really, really like the ride, Science Camps you can even adopt a horse through the Alliance — with the cost of the ter School adopting going toward your horse’s Daily Af upkeep. or more info: To date, there are not many f Avenue golden-age carousels left standing. 300 Atlantic Of the 2,000 constructed in the NY 11201 early 1900s, only 200 remain intact. Brooklyn, The Carousel is located in the Children’s Corner of the park, by Lef- 718.722.0000 ferts Homestead and the Prospect Park Zoo. It is one of the few carou- 718.344.4631 sels that are wheelchair accessible. Carousel [In the Children’s Corner, by Lefferts Homestead and the zoo, in Prospect Park (718) 965-8999] Tickets $2 per person. Season runs from April .com 2 to Oct. 30, Thursday through Sunday, and holidays, noon to 6 pm. For more photos by heatherweston.com design by luistentindo

Photos by Tom Callan information, visit http://www.prospect- Round and round and round again! Hazel Jean Walloga, 2, and her dad Paul Ard have the time of their lives. park.org/visit/places/carousel. www.carmelothesciencefellow.com 12 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 & , ( 6 1 6FLHQFHLV&RRO H & K ( W BUUIFB &$50(/2 &260,& &29( ) ( / / 2 : Carmelo Piazza AKA: ‘Carmelo the Marshmallo w’

exciting hands–on The Science Fellow for an Join Carmelo er school classes are offered for 5–11 erience. Aft learning exp year olds and to our mini–scientists ages 3–4. e . We can mak osmic Cove Parties happen at the C eird moving Mega Our Science work with w silly putty and slime andM evenealworms!

: We Offer rties Science Pa Science Camps Daily After School or more info: f Avenue 300 Atlantic NY 11201 Brooklyn, 718.722.0000 718.344.4631

.com

photos by heatherweston.com design by luistentindo www.carmelothesciencefellow.com June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 13 HealtHy eating What kids eat & why

tarting in the womb, a strategies don’t necessarily mother’s influence on cause their children to over- S her child’s nutrition is eat or become picky eaters. irrefutable. Researchers are The researchers admit the discovering just how much parents’ urges may be in re- sway she has, along with sponse to eating habits their other influencers in a child’s children already have. world. • Mothers and friends. Good sense • Maternal personality. When a young child’s mother Mothers with many nega- is present, he tends to eat eatinG tive thoughts and feelings more nourishing foods than Christine M. PaluMbo, rD are more likely to give their when he’s with his friends. children unhealthy food, ac- In a study in the American cording to a 2009 study pub- Journal of Clinical Nutrition, lished in Maternal and Child boys and girls ages 5 to 7 Nutrition. The mothers who ate fewer calories from un- were emotionally unstable, healthy snacks and desserts anxious, angry, sad, had poor when their mothers were with self-confidence or a negative them, compared to when their view of the world, were far friends were alongside them. more likely to give their chil- their children eat whatever they • Grandma. Grandmoth- dren sweet and fatty foods. Yet there wanted tended to be permissive in ers can greatly influence the nutri- was no link between maternal per- their parenting styles as well. Par- tion environment of their preschool- sonality and the amount of fruit and ents who fell somewhere between aged grandchildren. In a Maryland vegetables a child receives. The re- permissive and authoritarian were study, grandmothers shaped their searchers suspect the moms may be those who set limits on their kids’ grandchildren’s fruit and vegetable trying to compensate for their nega- diets and enforced them through consumption by purchasing and tive emotions. more positive approaches, such as providing food for their daughters • Parenting styles. Parents with leading by example, to get their kids and grandchildren. However, grand- extreme parenting styles usually fail to eat well. This authoritative ap- mothers also reported consuming to serve as good dietary role mod- proach is the best way to influence less than the recommended daily els for their children, according to a child’s diet. amount of fruits and vegetables, Oklahoma State University research. • nagging. Mothers who pressure which suggests they might have a Parents who are strict in general their children to clean their plates negative effect on how much pro- also tend to have an authoritarian may help produce a fussy eater, duce their grandchildren eat. approach to their children’s eating, while tight control of what they eat • buying healthy foods, or not. such as banning certain foods or could make children prone to over- While parents prefer nutritious foods using pressure to get them to eat eating, according to a new study in for the entire family, their preference fruits and vegetables. On the other the Journal of the American Dietetic for healthy foods is about 50 per- hand, permissive parents who let Association. But parents’ mealtime cent weaker when they’re selecting products for the kids, rather than for themselves. The likely explanation Beef, wild rice and mushroom bake NUTRITION INFORMATION: (per is that parents give in at the grocery serving) 380 calories; 11 g fat; 86 store — or before they even get total recipe time: 1 to 1 and 1/4 hours. DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 375°F. mg cholesterol; 822 mg sodium; 36 there — compromising their prefer- Makes four servings Heat large, nonstick skillet over medium g carbohydrate; 2.1 g fiber; 35 g pro- ences based on what they believe heat until hot. add ground beef and INGREDIENTS: tein; 8.1 mg niacin; 0.4 mg vitamin their children will accept, according mushrooms; cook 8 to 10 minutes, 1 pound ground beef (90 percent to B6; 2.3 mcg vitamin B12; 4.9 mg to a study published in the Journal of breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and 95 percent lean) iron; 26.7 mcg selenium; 6.4 mg zinc. stirring occasionally. Remove drippings. Consumer Behavior. 8 ounces assorted fresh wild this recipe is an excellent source of tip: While you provide the food stir in rice, contents of seasoning packet protein, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin mushrooms (such as cremini, and tomatoes. spoon beef mixture your child eats, he decides what shiitake and oyster) or button B12, iron, selenium and zinc. into 2-quart baking dish. stir in water to eat and how much. Try to strike mushrooms, sliced amount indicated in rice package direc- COOk’S TIp: Cooking times are for a balance between strictness and 1 package (5.6 to 6.6 ounces) wild tions, plus 1/2 cup additional water. fresh or thoroughly thawed ground being overly relaxed. rice mix with seasonings Cover with aluminum foil. Bake in 375°F beef. Ground beef should be cooked Christine M. Palumbo, RD is an award- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, not oven 45 to 50 minutes or until water is to an internal temperature of 160°F. winning dietitian and mother of three packed in oil absorbed. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese. Color is not a reliable indicator. from Naperville, IL. She wishes she’d had Water Continue baking, uncovered, 5 minutes Recipe courtesy of the this knowledge when her children were 1/2 cup shredded italian blend cheese or until cheese is melted. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. preschoolers. Follow her on Facebook at Christine Palumbo Nutrition.

14 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 Summer at Summer Camp Jul. 25-aug. 19 Dancewave 2011 9 AM - 5 PM • Weekly Trips • Academic Integrated Sports • Research and Fun Projects • Arts and Crafts • Etiquette Lessons • Drama

121 Gravesend Neck Road

Summer Semester Jammin’ July for Kids & Teens July 5-July 28 • 4 Week Workshops • Broadway Dance Stars of Tomorrow (7-11 yrs old) • Ballet, Modern & Hip Hop (12+ yrs old) Are you pregnant, Toddlers & Kids Summer Jam June 28-July 28 • 5 Week Session but have no insurance? • Creative Movement (18-36 mos) DON’T FEAR, MPP is Available • Creative Ballet & Creative Modern (3-6 yrs) At Classes held at Dancewave Center and Old First Reformed Church in Park Slope EAST NEW YORK DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT CENTER Summer Dance Intensive Immerse yourself in dance in Brooklyn this summer! Medicaid August 15-26 Classes in Ballet, Modern, African, Jazz, Street Jazz, Flamenco, Belly Dance, Hip Hop, Tap and Partnering Prenatal Beginning/Intermediate Advanced Ages 10-18 By Audition Only Program Week 1: August 15-19 Ages 15 to 21 Week 2: August 22-26 August 22-26 at Old First Reformed Church in Park Slope, Brooklyn 2094 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11207 www.dancewave.org For information, please call our MPP DANCEWAVE 45 Fourth Ave at Dean St, Brooklyn, NY Representatives are available (718) 522-4696 • [email protected] 718-240-0469 June 2011 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 15 special needs 8 costly mistakes By Joseph p. Donlon, esq. Here’s how to make sure that he is not allow you to help your child Things to provided for in case something hap- after you are incapacitated or gone. e all hope to live long lives, pens to you. When your child requires — or is avoid when but sudden illness or acci- MIsTAKe 1: Disinheriting the likely to require — governmental W dents are impossible to child. Many disabled people rely assistance to meet his basic needs, predict, so it’s never too early to on Supplemental Security Income, you should consider establishing a planning for start making sure your loved ones Medicaid or other government ben- Special Needs Trust. will be taken care of when you’re efits to provide food and shelter. You MIsTAKe 2: Ignoring the special your special gone — especially if you have a child may have been advised to disinherit needs when creating a trust for the with special needs. your disabled child (the child who child. A trust that is not designed Unfortunately there are common needs your help most!) to protect with your child’s special needs in needs child mistakes people make when plan- that child’s public benefits. But these mind will probably render your child ning for the future that could cost a benefits rarely provide more than ineligible for essential benefits. The special needs child in the long run. subsistence, and this “solution” does Special Needs Trust is designed to promote the disabled person’s comfort and happiness without sacrific- ing eligibility. Special needs can include medical and dental expenses not covered by Medicaid, cutting-edge or non-traditional treatments or therapies, necessary or desirable equipment (such a specially equipped vans), training and education, insurance, transportation, and essential dietary needs. If the trust is sufficiently funded, the disabled person can also receive computers, books, games, vacations, movies, payments for a companion, and other self-esteem and quality-of- life enhancing expenses — the sorts of things you now provide. MIsTAKe 3: Creating a “generic” special needs Trust that doesn’t fit your child. Even some Special Needs Trusts are unnecessarily inflexible and generic. In most cases, an attorney with some knowledge of the area can prevent a trust from invalidating the child’s public benefits; however, many trusts are not customized to the child’s specific needs. As a result, the child fails to receive the benefits that the parents provided when they were alive. Another mistake is when lawyers put a “pay-back” provision into the trust, rather than allowing the re- mainder of the trust to go to others upon the death of the special needs child. These pay-back provisions are necessary in certain types of Special Needs Trusts — and not necessary in others. An attorney who knows when they should be used can save your family hundreds of thousand of dollars, or more.

16 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 A child without special needs can A Special Educator obtain more resources as he reaches adulthood, and can work to meet A Tutoring Service essential needs. Your special needs child may not have that opportunity. To Support & Assist Learning Disabilities MISTAKE 4: Procrastination. may be entitled to half of the funds Drawing by Martha Perske © 2007 www.PerskePrints.com Since no one knows when they and will not likely care for your will die or become incapacitated, special needs child. • Teaching Social & Communication Skills To Enhance it is important to plan for your spe- • W h a t if your child with the Life And Academic Success cial needs child early, just as you money dies or becomes incapaci- • Patient & Creative Teaching In A Customized And would for other dependents, such tated while your special needs child as minor children. Unlike other is still living? Will his or her heirs Non-Threatening Learning Environment beneficiaries, your special needs care for your special needs child child may never be able to com- as thoughtfully and completely as Tutoring Is Conducted One-To-One Or In Groups pensate for your failure to plan. your child with the money did? A child without special needs • W h a t if your child loses a law- A Customized Learning Program Is Developed can obtain more resources as he suit and has to pay a large judgment reaches adulthood, and can work or has other creditor problems? With Parents to meet essential needs. Your spe- The court will certainly require cial needs child may not have that your child to turn that money over • Social & Communication Skills • Academics opportunity. to his or her creditors. MISTAKE 5: Failing to invite When you create a Special Needs Families & Students Receive Continuous Progress Reports other people to contribute to the Trust, you protect all of your chil- Each Session Lasts One Hour trust. A key benefit of creating the dren. The trust facilitates easier trust now is that your extended record-keeping and allows your Mark Golubow - 718-622-3655 family and friends can make gifts other children to rely on the assis- [email protected] to the trust or remember the trust tance of a professional trustee, if Please visit - www.aspecialeducator.net as they plan their own estates. In needed. Siblings of a special needs addition to the gifts and inheri- child often feel a great responsibil- tances from other people who love ity for that child, as they have all of your child, you can leave your own their lives. When you provide clear assets to the trust in your will. You instructions and a helpful frame- BloCk can also name the trust as a ben- work, you lessen the burden on all eficiary of life insurance and retire- of your children and build a loving, InStItute ment benefits. involved relationship that benefits MISTAKE 6: Choosing the wrong your child with special needs. SChool trustee. During your life, you and MISTAKE 8: Failing to protect your spouse can manage the trust. the special needs child from pred- Programs for Preschool and School Age Children When you and your spouse are no ators. Thieves, con men and other with Disabilities 3-8 Years Old longer able to serve as trustee, the criminals look to take advantage of Full Day Classes person or persons you specify in those who are most vulnerable, like • Breakfast/Lunch • Transportation the trust instructions will become your special needs child. A child the new trustee, such as a profes- trapped in the system with precious • Applied Behavior Analysis • Enriched Curriculum sional trustee or a team of advi- little resources and without anyone (ABA) Program • Sensory Integration sors. Make sure that whomever you to look after his affairs can easily • Parent Workshops • Feeding Therapy choose is financially savvy, well- fall prey to these predators. When • Indoor Gym & Heated • Computers organized, and ethical. you establish a Special Needs Trust Swimming Pool • RN/LPN MISTAKE 7: Relying on your and properly structure your estate • All Therapies • Martial Arts other children to use their money plan to protect your special needs for the benefit of your special child, you ensure that your child • Fully Funded Services • Drama needs child. This can be a tem- will never be left alone, will always New Integrated Preschool/Child Care Program porary solution, such as during be provided for, and will always a brief incapacity, if your other have a trustworthy person — either Modern, Air Conditioned, Caring Learning Environment children are financially secure and a guardian or trustee, or both — State of the Art have money to spare. However, watching over him. Educational and Therapeutic Program because of the potential problems, Joe Donlon is an Estate Planning this solution will not protect your Attorney who has in-depth experience for Children with Special Needs child after you and your spouse working with parents who have a spe- Please Call for more information have died, or when siblings have cial needs child. He offers the free ar- 718-906-5400 their own expenses and financial ticle, “7 Key Questions Parents Should 376 Bay 44th Street priorities. For example: Ask About Special Needs Trusts.” To (Belt Parkway-Exit 5 at Bay Parkway—on water’s side) • W h a t if your child with the receive a free copy, send an e-mail to money divorces? His or her spouse [email protected].

June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 17 Special needS Facing the stress By Julia Garstecki cles her experiences with her daugh- sion by making self-care a priority. Overcoming ters. “All I Can Handle; I’m No Mother She focused on nutrition, and sought arenting a child with a disabil- Theresa” is funny, sad, and informa- the help of educated professionals. the challenges ity comes with its own set of tive. When asked what helped get Because she made time for herself, P unique frustrations: the level her through the worst of times, she she says, she had more energy and of exhaustion might be tripled; eval- said that there were moments in enthusiasm for her family. of raising a uations and assessments are often which all she could do was hope. Stagliano echoes Julie’s sentiment scary and stressful; and there may Kim suggests parents let their about needing to have a life. While special child not be one best way to move forward emotions take course; if you need taking an exercise class or going out with therapy. to cry, do it. It can be cathartic. She with friends might be best, that in- Fortunately, most mothers of chil- says she remembers feeling like a volves finding child care, which can dren with disabilities are positive, hamster on an exercise wheel. She be tricky. If the only option is watch- proactive, and energetic. They lead was exhausted, but knew that her ing a favorite television program, or girls needed care. There reading a good book, do it. To main- will not be an end to the tain the endurance necessary for demands, she says, so you raising a child with special needs, it’s need to learn to deal with important to lose yourself in another it. world from time to time. It’s in those To start, Stagliano sug moments that you might determine gests building a support what you need for yourself, whether system. it’s rearranging the therapy sched- Family members or ule, getting help with chores, or get- neighbors can offer love ting out of the house by yourself for and — hopefully — peri- an hour or two a week. There are also odic babysitting, but par- activities that your whole family can ents of special-needs kids enjoy, and they include special as- also need to find families sistance. One, Programs to Educate in similar circumstances. All Cyclists, helps individuals with Find national websites disabilities develop cycling skills for that provide information recreation, fitness and transporta- and research, as well as tion. You can also try horseback rid- ones that offer an online ing. Therapeutic riding facilities are community of parents common, and children who never whose needs mirror your thought to get on a horse are amazed own, and with whom you at the independence and enjoyment can chat. Look to see if riding can offer. So, explore the Inter- there are support groups net, ask questions, and keep an open near you. Through these mind. Finding a new family hobby websites and support can bring a feeling of accomplish- groups, you may also find ment, bonding and fun. therapy tips, nutrition and It won’t always be easy, but there diet information, and pos- is help. sible social outlets for you If you are struggling to find re- support groups, are activists in the and your family. sources, contact your school dis- special education community, and • Julie McAllister, a mother of one trict. Or, if the school cannot help are champions for their children. child with Asperger’s Syndrome and you, start making phone calls and However, even the most optimis- one child with food allergies, has had don’t stop until you find what you are tic of these mothers has struggled her share of depression. Before her looking for. with anxiety and worry at one time children were diagnosed, she says Kim Stagliano’s book, “All I Can Han- — or 100. Here are some suggestions she began to feel lonely, guilty and dle; I’m No Mother Theresa,” is available from parents who have been there isolated as she did her best to raise in bookstores now. You can also visit her — and what they’ve learned along her sons. There was very little sleep- website, www.kimstagliano.com. the way. ing going on at her house, she says, Julia Garstecki is a freelance writer • K i m Stagliano, a mother of three and between the exhaustion and her living in western New York. Her passion autistic daughters, is somewhat of sons’ mysterious meltdowns, McAl- for writing is second only to her passion an expert on the subject. She’s even lister rarely left her home. She says for her family. Contact her with your sto- written a book in which she chroni- she finally began to treat her depres- ries at [email protected].

18 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 Special Needs THE DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN SPEECH-LANGUAGE Directory HEARING CLINIC Block Institute inclusive community that helps children 376 Bay 44th Street feel powerful and confident as learners A STATE-OF-THE-ART CLINICAL FACILITY 718-946-9700 or www. and as social and emotional beings. At blockinstitute.org Toddler, half day and extended day programs are available (two through six LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY Providing special education and evalu- years). Rivendell School offers beauti- MAIN BUILDING - 2ND FLOOR ation service to children with special ful Montessori classrooms, an excellent CORNER OF DEKALB AND FLATBUSH AVENUES need, ages 3-8. The staff consists of student/teacher ratio, and a warm, NYS- certified Special Education/ Early cooperative atmosphere where children Childhood teachers, a variety of thera- A FULL RANGE OF DIAGNOSTIC AND learn to work and play. Shelly Wolf pist, and RN and LPN, and consulting THERAPEUTIC SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS Scott is the Admissions coordinator. developmental pediatrician. Free half OF ALL AGES: day Universal Pre-K program. Block s3PEECH ,ANGUAGEAND s"ILINGUAL3PANISH offers interim alternate bilingual place- • Speech-Language and • Bilingual Spanish A Special Educator (EARING%VALUATIONSHearing Evaluations AND2USSIANand Russian ments, before and after school care for Tutoring Service children ages 3-8, and nationally rec- •s!UDITORY PROCESSINGEVALUATIONS Auditory-processing evaluationss3LIDINGFEESCALE• Sliding fee scale Mark Golubow ognized nutrition programs. Approved •s/RAL MOTORTREATMENT Oral-motor treatment s(OURSFROMAMTOPM• Hours from 9:00 am 718-622-3655 or www. to accept A.C.D funding for the day •s&LUENCY Fluency STUTTERING SPECIALIST (stuttering) specialist s#ONTEMPORARYTREATMENTFORto 8:00 pm apecialeducator.net care. Approved by the NYS and NYC •s0OST STROKEREHABILITATION Post-stroke rehabilitation !UTISMDISORDERS A Special Educator is a tutoring service • Contemporary treatments Department of Health. that supports and assists individuals of all ages with learning disabilities, such For More Information or to Schedule an Appointment The Downtown as autism and ADD/ADHD, who have Please Contact: Brooklyn Speech- special social and academic needs. Jeri Weinstein Blum, Clinical Director At Language-Hearing Clinic A Special Educator emphasizes teach- 718-488-3480 Located at Long Island University, ing social and communication skills for corner of Flatbush and DeKalb individuals with learning disabilities in avenues, Metcalf Building, Second order to enhance their personal, pro- Floor fessional and academic lives. 718-488-3480 or www.brooklyn. We will work with parents and student liu.edu in improving the confidence and inde- Special Sprouts Provides state-of-the-art evaluation and pendence of individuals with learning treatment services seeing patients of disabilities by building essential social Serving families of children all ages who present a wide range of and communicative skills through a from 2.5 through 5 years old. communication disorders. Specifically, customized, structured and non – children are referred to the clinic who threatening learning environment. Center-based classrooms, have problems such as delayed devel- Our staff is available seven days a week SEIT and Related Services available. opment of speech and language, stut- at a convenient time and day for the tering problems and language-learning clients. We provide: disabilities. Adult clients include indi- • Full Developmental Evaluations viduals who suffer from communica- Special Sprouts • Special Instruction tion problems related to stroke, head 453 6th Avenue, in Park Slope • Speech/Language Therapy trauma and voice disorders as well as • Occupational Therapy those that stutter. Audiological services 718-965-8573 or www. include both hearing screenings in the specialsprouts.com • Physical Therapy community and complete hearing and Has been helping children with devel- • Counseling auditory processing assessments in our opmental challenges from the ages of audiological suite. three to five years for more than 15 aLL EvaLuaTIOnS anD SErvICES years. They offer a therapeutic nursery school with a small student-teacher arE PrOvIDED aT nO COST Rivendell School ratio, a full range of therapeutic ser- For more information, 277 3RD Avenue; Bet Carroll & vices, including speech therapy, occu- President Street pational therapy, and physical therapy, call Briseida or Eleanor at 718-499-5667, ext. 14 or www. as well as door-to-door transportation, 718-965-8573 rivendellnyc.org all at no cost to parents. In addition, A Montessori pre-primary inclusion they provide Special Education Itinerant Located in the heart of Park Slope school was founded in 1977 as The Teachers (SEIT) and related therapeutic Since 1988 Children’s House of Park Slope and services to children who attend general www.specialsprouts.com incorporated into Rivendell School in education settings. They service chil- 1998. Rivendell provides a respectful, dren from throughout Brooklyn. June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 19 Personal essay A double whammy By Julianna Gil news, “Your child is on the autism tions: No, he never looks at us when When a de lamadrid spectrum,” what are the chances that we speak to him. No, he does not this family will be given this news express his needs/wants. No, he does second child ately, we are seeing a lot more twice? When exactly does a family not like to play with us or his brother. attention in the media being have to be cautious of having more Yes, he does rock back and forth and L paid to the prevalence of au- children? flap his arms… is diagnosed tism. Those who are not affected My first son was diagnosed with There we were, faced with two by autism may skim through the Pervasive Developmental Disorder - boys, both diagnosed with autism. with autism news, recent findings, and fresh re- Not Otherwise Specified at the age of In as little time as it took for these search that is available to the autism 2. Like many families who are given professionals to observe my boys community, thinking, “What are the this diagnosis, our son went through and come to their conclusions, my chances that I or a loved one will ac- a stage of alarming regression in dreams for them had been taken tually be affected by this?” Sadly, the which his speech, along with his so- from me. answer to this question is given to us cial skills, drastically weakened. What kind of school will they end with every autism ad, commercial, Unlike with other families, my up in? Will they have girlfriends? Be statistic, book, article, etc.: “ONE IN son, at the age of 2, already had a married? Be able to work? Will they 150 CHILDREN,” or “ONE OUT OF 70 baby brother who was 8 months be dependent of me their entire lives? BOYS.” old. Truth be told, my 2-year-old Suddenly, I looked at them differ- So, when a family is given the should have been diagnosed months ently; as though I hardly ever knew prior to his second birth- them to be my own.I didn’t know day. I cannot say my hus- how to speak to them, how to relate band and I were in denial, to their needs. because we did not even Were they even listening to me? know what autism was, or Did they love me? Do they even know that our son truly had a who I am? problem at all. Along with I did my share of research, and comments from friends slowly, I began to accept the fact that and family who constantly I was given these two boys for a rea- said, “well, boys develop son. As I read about other families, slower than girls,” or “just I also began to accept the fact that give him time,” we sim- there was hope for my sons through ply thought he was going the intense early intervention they through a phase, and had were receiving. I went from a dark put off his evaluation for place in which I hardly knew my almost three months. own children to a place where I felt Battling with the idea comfortable knowing I would do ev- that something may in erything in my power to help them fact be wrong with him, develop and become all that I had we completely ignored the hoped they would be on the day they alarming delay his baby were born. brother exhibited. How To this day, three years after my could we have been so sons were diagnosed, I have devoted blind? We had a son who my life to their development and had developed typically the well-being of all who suffer from up until his regression, autism. My boys are strong, each with which to compare our in their own way, and they have en- youngest, and still, we had couraged me to be the same. Today, not addressed the fact that I study not only for their future, but our second born was com- also for the future of all the children pletely in his own world. who are, and will, be part of this At this point, denial had prevalence. I see the changes that set in. There couldn’t pos- intense intervention and — most sibly be two of them in importantly — love, has made on the family … could there? my boys, and it gives me nothing During our youngest son’s but hope for their futures. Every day evaluation, I felt my heart is a battle, but slowly, I am rebuild- drop as I answered the ing those dreams that were once psychotherapist’s ques- knocked down by a diagnosis.

20 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 Looking for fun Rivendell School provides a warm, with the kids? creative environment where children develop independence, respect for each other, and a lifelong love of learning. WIN TICKETS For you & your family (4) to local A Montessori inclusion school family friendly serving children two to six years old shows for more than thirty years. Visit our website 277 3rd Avenue www.webfamilyny.com (bet. Carroll & President Streets) and register to win 718-499-5667

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June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 21 Couples Affair to remember fter there’s been an affair, it’s or she loves, and the betrayed part- What enables the recovery of not unusual for a couple to ner is feeling totally devastated and some of this lost closeness is a new, A come in for counseling — as doesn’t know whether the trust can total openness between the couple. long as there is still love and commit- ever be there again. The betrayer must express remorse; ment between the couple, when pre- As the therapy begins, the partners be willing to answer any questions serving the marriage is important speak of an extreme relief over not about the affair in a non-defensive, and both want to work on recovery. keeping secrets anymore. Because patient way; and must make this con- Amazingly, I have seen that even both people often don’t understand versation available in a calm, caring Our with the pain present — ultimately, it themselves, they exhibit a willing- way. He must verbally recommit to if both want it — an affair can be a ness to figure out how something like the relationship, telling his partner relatiOnships catalyst for a new honesty and close- this happened. What slowly emerges why he still wants to be with her, and Joan EmErson, PhD ness between both people, and an is an awareness of feelings of having he must be prepared to say this not immense opportunity for the rela- unmet needs that were being kept just once, but on an ongoing basis. tionship to grow. How can this be? inside (that perhaps weren’t even at Atonement for this hurt is the betray- a conscious level), allow- er’s responsibility to communicate ing for a vulnerability and forevermore. hopes of getting them filled Finding a way to accept the apol- elsewhere. ogy and begin some sort of forgive- These painful feelings ness process is the task of the vic- can be attributed to a grow- tim. ing emotional isolation In order to move on, the goal must between the partners bebe to commit to honest communi- cause of demands of work, cation about what each person is children, money, or house- going through on a day-to-day basis. keeping — real distancing There has to be an acceptance that issues resulting in feelings there are two subjective realities, of loneliness, and not being and that is a tremendous relief for understood or valued. As both people, because they will be the partners talk about able to express their feelings and these feelings they were feel that they are being heard and keeping secret, even from understood. Both have to be willing themselves, and see that to listen to each other. the other person can lis- With no secrets about feelings, a ten and even be glad to be closeness can develop that enables a learning more about these couple to weather the storms ahead needs, a tremendous grati- and stay connected. Keeping feelings tude and appreciation can to oneself results in turning away, begin to grow. The strayer distancing, and thus, the danger of now has a new awareness giving up and looking elsewhere to I have heard researchers say that that, if he can communicate with his feel truly understood. Having a part- affairs happen in about 30 percent of partner more honestly and deeply, ner who can listen to you talking couples, and they often occur in the he can work toward getting his needs about your feelings — which aren’t first two years of the relationship. met within the relationship. And this easy for you to discuss and that you They have found the affairs don’t new, deeper connection will eliminate know are even a little crazy — cre- usually have to do with sexual sat- future vulnerability to temptations ates trust, and trust has been de- isfaction or because the person was outside of the relationship. scribed as the basic ingredient for going out looking for it, but happen The hard part, of course, is for success in a relationship. because an opportunity presented the victim of the affair to forgive and Affairs are probably the most itself. Affairs can range from using have the courage and willingness to painful thing that can happen in someone else as an emotional con- move on. After all, the victim was a committed relationship, but how- fidante, to sex talk over the phone having the same painful feelings of ever unbelievably, if an affair does or Internet, to actual meetings with disconnection, but didn’t stray from happen, there’s still hope. But both or without sexual consummation. the relationship. partners must be willing to work to Affairs can even happen in good Listening to the affair experts talk, understand what happened and to marriages. it seems to me that the painful feel- learn new ways to help the relation- When a couple comes to therapy ings from betrayal linger for long pe- ship grow. because of an affair, obviously, there riods of time, and the only way these Dr. Joan Emerson is a New York is anguish on both sides: the partner feelings can become more manage- psychologist who specializes in couples who strayed is distraught for having able is if the couple shifts to explor- therapy. Visit her website at www.Joan inflicted such pain on the person he ing lost warmth and connection. Emerson.com.

22 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 23 Parenting Sleepovers The survival guide

By Myrna Beth haskell After hosting several sleepovers for easy-to-clean tile or vinyl flooring, both my son and daughter, I’ve found prepare the floor with some plastic re you thinking of invit- that kids will respond well to rules if splash mats or drop cloths. ing several of your child’s you establish them right away. Hold Keep in mind that your child’s A friends over for a sleepover a “welcome meeting,” in which you friends may not know their way bash, but you are not sure you can tell the guests about all the great ac- around your house very well, es- handle all those exuberant and tire- tivities you have planned. Then, give pecially in the middle of the night. less kids for more than three hours? them a list of rules to follow. Make Place nightlights in bathrooms and It’s OK, sleepovers can be over- sure that they understand these are hallways to make your home easy whelming and exhausting. Let’s face YOUR rules, not your child’s. Tell to navigate when it is dark. It’s a it: they can be a downright night- them if things go well, you have a good idea to stock up on a few extra mare. It will take quite a bit of plan- special activity planned (this can be supplies, too. Make sure you have ning and forethought, but both you a blockbuster movie or a game with toothbrushes, pillows, and socks — AND your child’s friends can have a really cool prizes). in case one of the guests forgets to positive experience if you take the rule 2: Prepare your home and bring them. time to think things through before plan ahead Most parents agree that too much the first excited guest appears at Find a place in your home that free time is a recipe for disaster, so your door. will be suitable for several kids bunk- plan ahead. Make sure you have rule 1: establish the rules from ing out and playing group games. scheduled several controlled activi- the get-go This might be a playroom, or any ties besides dinner, cake and open- Sleepovers are different from large space with sparse furnishings. ing gifts. other parties hosted in your home in Remove any breakable or valuable rule 3: sanity is in the num- that the kids know their own parents items, so you won’t become a ner- bers won’t be picking them up until the vous wreck if a pillow fight ensues. Larger groups of kids tend to get next day. This gives them a “no holds Make sure that the eating area is more unruly. barred” attitude toward the night. properly protected. If you don’t have “I had 12 10-year-old boys for my son’s sleepover a few years ago,” re- calls Mary Kiernan, a mother of five. Kids have advice for kids “I bring a hidden snack.” “This was way too many. They were Evan, age 11, Narragansett, RI wild!” Kiernan suggests that the And for the kids, here’s some tips Most important thing to bring: keeping track of your stuff: maximum number should be about from kids across the country so “Bring money, just in case you “Make a list of what you are eight, including your own child. Most your first sleepover can be perfect: end up going somewhere like the bringing.” parents also agree an even number movies.” works best — to avoid the “odd-man- Ways to be prepared: Lauren, age 10, Hopewell Jct., NY Andrew, age 12, Hyde Park, NY out” scenario. “Make sure you get a good “Always label your things so A good rule of thumb is to invite night’s sleep the night before. You “Yourself! ” you’ll be sure it’s yours.” those children whose families you will be up late!” Spencer, age 11, Indianapolis, IN Emily, age 12, Portland, OR know. Many parents today are leery Trevor, age 12, Salt Point, NY “Bring cute pajamas!” Other: about sending their children to slee- Savannah, age 8, San Diego, CA “Bring your mom and dad’s cell- “Whenever I’m at a sleepover, I pover parties if they don’t know the phone numbers.” What to do if you don’t like the always tell myself to let NOTHING family. In order to avoid inevitable Samantha, age 8, Narragansett, RI food: get in the way of having a fun time. disappointment due to declined in- “Bring your favorite snack “If you don’t like the breakfast, You’re only a kid for so long, and vitations, put a message on the in- and make sure there is plenty to say you and your family have to go sleepovers are supposed to bring vitation such as, “Party continues share!” to your grandparents’ anniversary out the kid in you!” after 8 for those who would like to Dominique, age 7, Richmond, VA brunch.” Nicole, age 10, Cary, NC Morgan, age 14 – Indianapolis, IN sleep over.” This will enable guests to decline the sleepover part, but to

24 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 birthday cake, set up bowls of top- Kiernan suggests putting a movie pings for make-your-own-sundaes or in at the very end of the evening once make-your-own-cupcakes. You can the kids have prepared for bed. always put a candle on the birthday “The kids will be ready to relax,” child’s concoction! she claims. Make sure that the movie I made the mistake of not hav- is age-appropriate (when in doubt, ask ing enough drinks at my son’s first for permission from parents before- sleepover. Remember, popcorn and hand). Any type of calming activity chips are laden with salt. The kids will suffice late in the evening — just will be thirsty, so you’ll need to stock make sure you’ve completed all en- up on a variety of drinks that quench deavors that encourage hysterical en- thirst. thusiasm (such as piñatas) early on. Keep breakfast simple. Plan to separate groups of kids if Avoid making omelettes or scram- some seem to want to whisper and bled eggs, which only serve a few at a pass notes via a pen light while others time. Kiernan prefers pancakes and are ready to crash. At my daughter’s French toast to feed a large group. last sleepover, I separated them into “It’s easy to make, easy to keep two groups. The sleepyheads made warm, and you can make a large a beeline for the family room, while quantity for not too much money,” those who wanted to chit-chat re- she says. mained in the playroom. This seemed “I like to serve chocolate chip to quell any impending arguments. pancakes or M & M pancakes,” adds Rule 7: There’s got to be a morn- Castelonia. “The kids love anything ing after! with chocolate!” After a night of ghost stories, Don’t forget to check on food al- giggling and gossiping, your child’s lergies. As a mother of five children, bleary-eyed guests may not be ready Kiernan is all too familiar with al- to “get with the program” the next lergies. She says that it’s imperative morning. Here’s a perfect solution: that you ask parents ahead of time if a contest. Give your child’s guests a their children have food allergies. specified time to get dressed, clean “Always keep cereal on hand in up, and pack their things. Tell them case someone is allergic to eggs,” there will be a surprise treat if they she says. are successful. This may be a good Be prepared for the occasional time to give out goodie bags with a vegetarian, as well. Making sure you little something extra, such as en- have at least one meatless choice is ergy bars or drinks, because they not a difficult task, and it will save you will need the energy! join the festivities and celebrate with Crafts are enjoyable for any gen- the trouble of whipping something up Hopefully, you remembered to list your child early in the evening. der. The best crafts are those that if one of the guests is a budding vege- the pick-up time on the invitations, Rule 4: Activities make or break also serve as party souvenirs: tarian — I’ve had a few at my house! and to remind parents of this time a party • Photo frames (take a digital Quick food tips: when they dropped their children off It’s imperative that you have a list group picture, print and insert in • L e s s fuss is a must the night before. Castelonia suggests of various activities planned. each child’s custom frame). Glue • U s e paperware and paper table- that pick-up time be no later than “You have to plan lots of activi- magnets on back for bulletin boards cloths for easy clean up 11 am. “Most will be leaving to go to ties to wear them out,” says mom • P i l l ow cases, tote bags or T- • Provide a healthy-choice snack, other activities anyway,” she says. Christina Castelonia. However, for shirts — use fabric markers or paint such as carrots and dip Finally, when the last guest has indoor activities, she suggests any- to decorate (don’t forget the party • D o n’ t serve caffeinated items stepped out the door, grab yourself thing that will keep the kids calm. date and signatures of all those who close to bedtime (i.e. cola or choco- a cup of herbal tea and head for “For girls, painting nails and doing attended) late) the couch. This respite will be well hair always works,” she says. • Bookmarks or book bag chains Rule 6: Yes Virginia, there is a deserved! If you are having a sleepover for that celebrate the theme of the bedtime! For theme ideas, creative activities boys and you are worried about them party Uh-oh … it’s bedtime! Even for and other tips, check out these books: spending too much time in front of Rule 5: Fun food, happy campers the most organized party host or “Slumber Parties,” by Penny Warner the computer or video games, sched- You will probably be serving din- hostess, getting the kids to bed at a (Meadowbrook Press) ule some group activities. ner, snacks and breakfast, so the “respectable” hour can prove to be “52 Slumber Party Activities,” by Lynn Boys enjoy team activities, so or- food will play an important role in an insurmountable task. Castelonia Gordon (Chronicle Books, LLC) ganize a mystery game or sports making the party successful. remarks that although sleepovers “Slumber Parties,” by Brooks Whit- trivia game and break the kids up Mixing food and fun is always a can be some of the most talked ney (American Girl Library: Pleasant into teams. Kiernan also advocates hit. about celebrations, you have to have Company Publications) planning group activities. “I always do pizza,” says Kiernan. reasonable expectations about how Or, visit http://www.birthdayparty- “Charades and bingo are always a “I had the kids make their own indi- things will go. ideas.com/html/sleep_over.html for a hit,” she says. “Make sure you have vidual pizza at one of the parties and “That’s the price you pay. The list and detailed description of award- an alternative planned in case one or that made a great activity, too. The kids will be up late and cranky the winning sleepover parties for both boys two don’t want to play the game.” kids loved it!” In lieu of traditional next morning,” she warns. and girls. June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 25 Education Test-taking jitters By TuTor DocTor there while he takes the test, you are studygs.net, offers fruit and vegeta- Seven ways there in spirit. It is a simple gesture bles as a recommended option to re- est-taking can be stressful for that goes a long way toward com- duce stress. Avoid processed foods, students can both students and parents. forting your child. artificial sweeteners and foods con- T Most people are familiar with You can pack the kit in a colorful taining preservatives, as they are the butterflies that flutter up inside bag or box and even label it with the considered “stressful foods.” ease nerves your stomach before taking a test. student’s name. Inside the kit, place a • A physically fit is more likely to While it is normal for most students notebook (moleskin notebooks work be a good student: According to Les- and improve to experience some level of jitters great), a healthy snack (something ley Cottrell, an associate professor before and during an exam, it has small and tasty such as an apple), of pediatrics at West Virginia Uni- proven to become a real problem and a little bottle of aromatherapy versity, children’s physical fitness is test scores for others, affecting their scores so oil (I recommend lavender). associated with their academic per- much that the tests can’t be an indi- The notebook will help your child formances. Students who stay physi- work through his anxi- cally fit during the week generally ety. There are two ways experience better test scores. in which he can do this: • Getting enough sleep makes the • Wr i te down anxiet- mind work better: Many students ies before a test: A recent struggle to get adequate sleep at study in the journal Sci- night, but it is important that they ence explains that stu- try to get between seven and nine dents can greatly benefit hours. from writing down their “Sleep keeps students well- anxieties before tak- rested. It gives them a good atten- ing an exam. The study tion span, along with a more stable suggests that releasing mood, which increases concentra- anxieties onto paper will tion,” says psychologist John Mark- clear students’ minds ovich. Getting enough sleep at night during a test and help will help students focus while taking them to focus. tests. • C o u n te r apprehen- The aromatherapy bottle is to sions by writing down help your child activate his memory positive responses: In a and approach the test from a calmer guide to reduce dread perspective. before taking tests, It has been proven that essential Claire Stone, a Berkeley oils, such as lavender and rosemary, therapist, explains that can stimulate the brain and improve it is beneficial to write concentration and learning abili- positive responses to ties. Students can benefit by lighting the negative anxieties or a lavender candle while studying, thoughts that students which can help them retain informa- just wrote. This will en- tion before the test. sure that all the nega- Even if a child has the first-aid tives will be cleared from kit, he still needs to be prepared — students’ minds while and reparation for tests should be taking a test. a group effort. A student’s parents, The healthy snack is teachers and tutors should all work cation of the student’s ability. in the kit to remind your child not to together to set the student up for There are many techniques that take his test on an empty stomach. success. students can use to improve concen- There are a few reasons for this: Studying with a friend, when tration and ease their nerves, and • T h e r e is a correlation between possible, can help students better there are many ways in which you positive test scores and a healthy understand the material and learn can help them. diet: Students should be sure not from one another. The morning of the test, surprise to take an exam on an empty stom- Hopefully, these tips will get you your child with his own anxiety- ach, and should make sure that and your child on the path to better busting first-aid test kit. This is a they are eating the right foods. Joe results in test-taking. perfect way to start the day and Landsberger, creator of the Study For more helpful tips, visit www. show him that although you can’t be Guides and Strategies website, www. hometutorsnyc.com.

26 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 The School For Professional Dance Training Video Fairy Princess Dance Camp Dance Camp for where children and grown-ups learn and play together An enchanted session of Dancing,Creative Movement, Pre-teens For 8 months - 3 1/2 years Tumbling and Arts & Crafts - The latest music presented with favorite and dance trends RegisteR Now foR summeR aNd fall PRogRams fairy tale theme. Ages 4 to 9, make for lots two 3 week sessions, 10am of fun in this Brooklyn Heights Location Park Slope Location - 1:30pm two to 4 days a summer dance 250 Cadman Plaza West 8th Ave. & 14th Street week, starts July 5th session! Teen and Adult Summer Classes Join Us For Fun • Ballet • Pointe • Jazz • Hip Hop • Tap • Contemporary • Bellydance • Arts & Crafts “Just For Me” • Breakdance • Flamenco • Body Workout • Pilates • Yoga • Music • Stories • Creative Movement 2½ - 3½ • Playtime SUMMER DANCE • Narrow Age Spans Separation Program INTENSIVE FOR • Maximum 10 Children Per Class Partial Separation Classes PRE-TEENS AND TEENS • 1 1/2 Hour Classes • Professional Staff Also Available at BDC1 Session includes BALLET, MODERN, Infant Classes (Parent & Child) and ABC Enrichment JAZZ, TECHNIQUE & REPERTORY. July 12th through July 28th. Classes Also Available Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10 to 2 For Information Call 1-800-404-2204 or 516-433-0003 BDC1-2106 West 6th St. (2nd floor) • 718-996-0319 Or Log Onto Our Website: www.justweetwo.com BDC2-6720 20th Avenue • 718-256-5320 Other Locations: Bayside, Plainview, Manhasset, Greenwich, & North Stamford, CT www.TheBrooklynDanceCenter.com

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June 2011 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 27 HealtH Nailing this down Family HealtH What’s causing your child’s foot problems? Ronald Soave, dPM My child came home from a school Chairman of Podiatry, new field trip complaining of pain in his big York Methodist Hospital toe. I looked at it, and it was very swol- len and red. He wore shoes all day, so I am wondering what caused the swelling and how to treat it and prevent it from recurring.

t is likely that your child has onychocryptosis. While that I sounds obscure, it is the medical term for what would otherwise be referred to as an ingrown toenail, which is quite common among older children and teens. The big toe is most likely to develop the condition, although any toe can be affected.

Ingrown toenails usually develop when people wear tight-fit- ting shoes or trim their toenails too close to the skin. In both of these situations, pressure is put on the To treat the condition, you can This is a surgical procedure that toenail, which, as you know, is al- give your child pain relievers such removes part of the ingrown toe- ways growing. as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to nail. As a result, the toenail grows offset the pain. In some cases, the ingrown toe- under the nail fold instead of grow- As for dealing with the toenail nail may become infected, and this ing outwards. In addition to tight itself, soaking the affected toe in will require antibiotics to prevent shoes and nails cut too short, ex- warm water for 10 to 20 minutes, the spread of infection to other cessive sweating can also contrib- twice a day, should help the toe parts of the body. ute towards the formation of in- grow out properly. To prevent ingrown toenails from grown toenails because it softens You can also try placing a bit of forming and coming back, cut your the skin surrounding the nails, cotton or dental floss under the child’s nails straight across and be making it easier for the nail to in- edge of the toenail to encourage it sure not to cut them too short. Fol- flame or puncture the skin. to grow properly. lowing these steps and checking The symptoms are fairly clear If none of these treatments seem to see that your child’s shoes fit and include pain, swelling, ery- to work, your child’s pediatrician properly (neither too loose nor too thema (redness) and sometimes or podiatrist can perform a partial tight), will make ingrown toenails even drainage of pus. lateral nail avulsion, if necessary. old news.

28 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 June 2011 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 29 Parenting Should the family dog share the bed?

Parents helPing Parents Sharon C. PeterS, Ma

Dear Sharon, Our 5-year-old son sleeps with our dog every night (a loving and tender Irish setter). We’re concerned that he is too dependent on him for company and will not be able to sleep alone in the coming years. What do you think?

Dear parents, sleep alone — even though there are Most children develop an interest When I first saw your question, I many reasons it might be best for in their own physical space and per- happened to be with a 22-year-old him to do so. sonal autonomy, especially as they friend of mine who loves animals, Many parents to whom I speak get close to adolescence. As children particularly dogs. Her reaction to have to sort through if, how, and grow in size and emotional under- your concern was, “I have a 25-year- when to have their children sleep by standing, a pet — such as an Irish old friend who sleeps with his dog. themselves when there is resistance setter — who climbs into bed every He loves his dog. It’s great to love to doing so. Oftentimes, music, soft night can start to take up too much your dog.” I generally agree that it blankets, favorite stuffed animals, physical space or be “troublesome” is wonderful for children and adults or siblings become sleepmates to fill in other ways. to love their pets. I, too, know many the void and help with the transition Parents of a child of any age should people who sleep with their animals to sleeping alone. It is also common probably be concerned if their son and enjoy doing so. that pets help provide company to or daughter is relying on a pet for It is also true that many people, a “lonely” child and help him sleep extensive companionship during the children and adults, would rather not through the night with some much day, when ongoing relationships with sleep by themselves. I have rarely appreciated company. friends and adults should be primary met a young person who chooses to It is difficult for parents to remem- to a young one’s social life and overall ber that children develop in stages. development. Sharon C. Peters is a mother and director of Parents helping Parents, The interests and levels of indepen- If a child’s connections with their 669 President St., Brooklyn (718) 638-9444, www.PhPonline.org. dence of a 5-, 10- and 15-year-old parents and other children are going If you have a question about a challenge in your life (no issue is too big child are very different. As little ones well, then I believe that sleeping with or too small) e-mail it to Dear Sharon at [email protected]. get older, their needs at night (and his beloved dog at night is probably during the day) change a great deal. fine.

30 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 Couples Counseling Joan Emerson, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist

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June 2011 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 31 pets Best friends By Risa C. DoheRty pet to your family, there are several time. To set the tone, the dog should What to factors to consider. always enter the house after the uring my junior year of col- humans. know before lege, my roommate brought practice D home a kitten, which I If you’re considering a new pet, Responsibility named Tess, after the title character acclimate your children to the idea Having a pet is a big responsibility, adopting that of the 1979 Roman Polanski movie. of being around and caring for an- and, as such, the duties should be Although I never had a pet before, I imals. Dr. Susan Bartell, a family carried out by the whole family. Ex- attempted to adapt to the new little psychologist, suggests pet sitting pecting a child to shoulder the entire fluffy bundle creature cohabiting with me — mov- for a friend before introducing your burden of pet ownership is unfair and ing swiftly across my furniture, set- new addition into your home. I also unreasonable, warns Bartell. of joy tling on top of any open book I was suggest encouraging your children “Kids are just not responsible reading, and shredding entire rolls of to volunteer at a local pet shelter. enough, [however] well-intentioned,” paper towels when she felt she had (But first, check to see if your chil- agrees Hirschegger. been left home alone for too long. dren meet the age requirement, and Still, with some guidance, chil- After two months, my roommate make sure you are comfortable with dren who are allowed to care for decided that Tess was not worth the extent of the commitment re- pets are given an early opportunity half the cost of her food and kitty lit- quired.) to contribute to the family. ter and wanted to get rid of her. Beware, though, that even in fami- But it was too late for me. I al- set guidelines lies in which parents are diligent ready loved her. So I kept the kitten Each breed or type of pet will about children regularly helping to — and dumped the roommate. need to be handled in a certain way. care for a pet, kids’ time is much Later, I married a dog person. Since our dachshund was small and more limited by the time they reach Years after Tess was gone, and our needed to be lifted and carried in middle school. Their free time is nuclear family seemed complete, he a particular manner, we taught our quickly consumed with homework, suggested we get a dog, like his children to handle him carefully. sports, and after-school activities. family had done when he was grow- Children also have to be taught that ing up. I was not about to become certain foods, like chocolate, can be Costs mother to a canine that was large dangerous to dogs. Different breeds Caring for a dog or cat can become enough for a toddler to ride on will have various temperaments and expensive. In addition to the cost of (complete with doggie smell), but needs, so it will involve some re- food, kitty litter, or dog licensing when my then 6-year-old daughter search in advance. fees, there are bills for ongoing vet- asked for a dog that would “stay erinary care, and the possibility of a puppy,” my husband and I com- training great expense if the animal becomes promised, and we got a miniature It seems simple and straightfor- ill. Worm, flea, and other medica- dachshund. ward, but it is not. I recommend that tions will also need to be purchased Milton has always been a families unfamiliar with dog han- and administered. source of unbridled joy for dling be sure to learn how to best Keep in mind that most animals our family. He has a special manage a new dog, whether by hir- need to be groomed and bathed, relationship with my children ing a private trainer, reading books, whether that involves buying your — who literally grew up with or researching online. We hired a own supplies to routinely upkeep him, and my daughter has al- dog trainer to help us understand your pet, or paying a professional ways referred to him as her how to manage Milton. groomer to do the job. Teeth and “younger brother.” Dogs are pack animals, so when nails also need to be maintained. Plus, Despite some initial trepi- they are first brought into a new dogs need to be boarded when a fam- dation, I was in favor of intro- home, they need to understand their ily goes on vacation. If you are lucky ducing the furry bundle of joy position in the family hierarchy. enough to have a friend who will take into our family. I understood They need to know that they are care of your dog for free, you can that bringing home a pet was not higher in importance than even avoid the boarding fee, which can not exactly like bringing home their smallest human counterpart, run from $20 per day in a local kennel a cuddly stuffed animal. because if this order is not estab- to $30 per day for the neighborhood Veterinarian Ann Hirscheg- lished, a seemingly sweet and tame dogsitter, to $80 per night for the suite ger equates adopting a pet dog could nip a child. in Barkingham Palace in Port Wash- with adding “an additional Milton’s trainer also warned ington. Boarding, for dogs with medi- Milton, the author’s miniature child, especially [if you bring against allowing a dog to walk his cal issues, starts at $180 per night. An- dauch shund, is now an important home] a puppy.” owner. I see dogs leading their own- other option is to stay at a pet-friendly member of the family. So, if you’re considering adding a ers around my neighborhood all the hotel, but there can be extra fees and 32 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 some pets do not travel well. Cats¬ — and some breeds of dogs — are a little less work when it comes to grooming, as they are mostly self- cleaning, much like Milton and my kitchen oven. However, even with the expense and responsibility, most pet owners will tell you the experience is worth it and that their pet is a family member. Pets and kids Having a pet can be a great experience for children. A pet can provide an only child with additional companionship, or, as in my family, can provide a child with someone younger to boss around. Pets also help children grow emotionally. For example, a child learns tenderness when she cares for a small pet, says Dr. Nina Malik, a veterinarian. She says a child also learns about experiencing the different stages of life through her pet, as the animals often join families as kittens or puppies, and share their middle and golden years with the same family. “Children learn how to attach, how to love, and to lose,” Malik explained to me. This could prepare the child for later in life, when she may have to cope with the loss of a family member, or a friend who moves away. Also, a 2002 article in the Journal of American Medicine referenced a study that showed babies who live in a home with two or more pets may be less likely to develop allergies to pets. There is, of course, always the possibility of sibling rivalry. A child Masson. In his book,” he captures is too great, much like my college can get jealous when her parents the indescribable sense of elation a roommate. Bartell points out that a need to devote time to caring for an Expecting a child dog exhibits whenever his favorite child may get attached to a pet more animal, or, more often, a pet could to shoulder the human appears. quickly than an adult, and if parents have a hard time adjusting to the in- Despite their stubborn indepen- hastily rush to adopt and then change troduction of a new baby. entire burden of pet dent streak, I believe cats experience their minds, the child may experience love, too. They may be more subtle, a rollercoaster of emotions. Unconditional love? ownership is unfair but they also let their owners know I am in no way trying to discour- Many people believe that pets can when they are ready for company. age you from adopting a cute, furry offer their owners unconditional love. and unreasonable. A child’s dog can undoubtedly be- friend for your tyke; but I am recom- In his book, “Dogs Never Lie About have like president of her fan club. mending that you go in with your Love,” psychoanalyst Jeffrey Mous- Who wouldn’t want a creature that is eyes open. Pets are accepting of saieff Masson adamantly asserts that dogs merely have a natural loyalty always available and appears to think their owners, warts and all, and this dogs indeed feel love. Stanley Coren to their pack members for survival. you are the greatest all the time? can be reassuring, even to a socially takes a somewhat different approach “[Dogs] are loyal to those they sur- • • • well-adjusted kid. in his book, “How Dogs Think,” advo- vive alongside,” explained Fennell. When you decide to make an ad- To help select the right pet for your cating what he calls “classical con- “This shouldn’t be interpreted as dition to your family, make sure that family visit petfinder.com. ditioning,” by way of hand-feeding a devotion.” this is truly what you want. It can For more information on children dog to teach him love. While some veterinarians deny be difficult for a child if her parents and pets, visit www.aspca.org/pet-care/ Jan Fennell, author of “The Dog that dogs can experience such a adopt a pet, and then decide to give kids-and-pets and www.petco.com/ Listener,” assured me via e-mail that human emotion, I tend to side with the pet away because the expense caresheets/dog/Dog_ChildSafety.pdf.

June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 33 Careers She’s having it all

ompreneur” Eva As Paris, she attended Mompreneur mar has created an the Sorbonne Univer “M opportunity for her sity and completed manages self to balance the two most impor a Masters at ESSEC tant parts of her life: running her Business School. It own business and spending plenty was while in the City beauty biz of time with her family. of Lights that Asmar Asmar has combined the experi took an interest in and family ence she earned in the beauty biz cosmetics, and soon, — as global product manager of established herself L’Oreal and The Body Shop — with as a cosmetics indus her passion for women’s rights and try leader, with high the environment, to create her own ranking positions at line of beauty products for moms Yves Rocher, L’Oreal, and babies. and later, The Body She conceived the line, called Bi Shop. onee OrganicCertified Maternity As her work ex Skin Care, when she and her hus perience grew, so band, Georges, were living in Phila did her ideas for delphia, and he was attending women’s products. business school. Preg During her time nant with their at The Body Shop, first child, she quit her commitment to her position safety and women’s at The Body rights strengthened, Shop to pursue Eva Asmar with her son Gabriel. as well. She felt that her dream. No (At left) Her Bionee cosmetics line. products should one knows have safe, natural in the effects eled to France gredients and support fair trade. pregnancy to find ingredi Now, her brand has been organi can have on a ents, create and callycertified and received numer woman’s skin test formulas, ous safety and quality certifications and hair quite and network with from top organizations in Europe, like — well — cosmetic indus Australia and the U.S. a pregnant try professionals. Asmar set out to make sure that woman, and Asmar quickly realized When her son, Gabriel, was born, so women have access to effective, safe, how important it was to have prod was her beauty line. natural, and green beauty products ucts that could safely cater to moth As important as work is to Asmar, for themselves and for their babies. ers both during and after pregnancy, her family is even more so. That’s Now, she encourages other women as well as to their babies. why she made sure that she can run to create their own employment “I felt that there was not enough her line from her home on Manhat model that gives them the life they out there and not enough good tan’s Upper West Side, where she want. quality products that were offered can care for her son and work on “We really want to encourage for women expecting children, and expanding her business. women and young moms,” she says. for the children as well,” explains “It was, and still is, and will be, “No one should have to give up one Asmar. very important for me to be inde or the other. You have to give your She knew that above all else, her pendent and be my own boss, and self what’s important to you.” products had to be effective, safe, choose the time I want to give to my As a result of her labors, her line natural, and green. child and to my job,” explains Asmar. has developed eight Bionee prod “During my pregnancy, I learned “I can go to the park with him and ucts, with 11 more on the horizon a lot about safety,” she says. “Every then work when he sleeps. I do work — and Asmar has a new baby on the thing you put on your skin gets into late, but I have flexibility, which is re way, too! She set out to make sure your bloodstream, and you have to ally, really important.” that no matter how well her business be careful about what you use, es Born in Poland, Asmar has lived did, she stayed a dedicated mom. pecially during pregnancy and for all over the world, including Ger Mission accomplished. newborns.” many, France, the United Kingdom, For more information and to buy Asmar and her husband trav and the United States. While living in products, visit www.bionee.com. 34 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 www.joesmusiccenter.org Joe’s M ic Music Less us s! ons for All Age

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June 2011 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 35 HealtH The danger zone By Reuel S. AmduR facial characteristics. Fetal Alcohol with the spectrum, according to Dr. Alcohol and Spectrum Disorder covers a broader Russell Kirby, professor and Marrell ho is advocating for chil- range, including people with some, endowed chair in the Department of pregnancy dren affected by Fetal Al- but not all, of the markers of the Community and Family Health at the W cohol Spectrum Disorder, spectrum. The disorder is perhaps University of South Florida in Tampa, a condition that is perhaps the most the most common birth defect, and FL. Misdiagnosis is common, espe- don’t mix common birth defect, but one that some 10 to 12 percent of all children cially for minority children, as doc- also could be easily prevented? Most are affected to the extent that they tors are often likely to not recognize often, it is the adoptive parents of require special education, accord- the facial characteristics correctly children with the disorder, and they ing to Bruce Ritchie, moderator of because of lack of sufficient experi- are tirelessly working for not only Faslink Fetal Alcohol Disorders Soci- ence with such children, especially better education about the condi- ety based in Bright’s Grove, Ontario, native Indians. tion, but better rights for those chil- Canada. “Many people don’t recognize that dren and adults affected as well. The disorder can involve birth their children have the problem,” Fetal Alcohol Spectrum, caused defects of many organs, such as the says Johnna Breland, a Decatur, AL, by a woman drinking alcohol while heart, fingers and toes, kidneys, and woman who, with her husband, has pregnant, is identified by the pres- a cleft palate, among others. About adopted a number of disabled chil- ence of three factors: growth prob- a quarter of the children affected by dren, including some with Fetal Al- lems, brain damage, and certain Fetal Alcohol Spectrum are mentally cohol Spectrum Disorder. deficient, and while most children Failure to identify and treat Fetal with the disorder have intelligence Alcohol Spectrum Disorder early in the normal range, the condition and appropriately can mean that is the number one cause of mental the person may be permanently lost. deficiency. While some may require lifelong sup- They are also likely to have poor port of one sort or another, many judgement, including poor moral can become functioning members of judgement, poor memory, and diffi- society in appropriately supervised culty managing money and time. As settings. However, if they do not a result, they are easily led astray, get help early, they risk a lifetime and many get in trouble with the of legal and personal difficulties. In- law. Psychological difficulties they carceration and homelessness are face include depression, panic at- common. tacks, schizophrenia and Attention The good news is that Fetal Alco- Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Many hol Spectrum Disorder is 100 percent students with these conditions are preventable. Put simply: pregnant suspended or expelled from school women should not drink alcohol. because of their behavior caused by “Alcohol exposure in the first these conditions. three months is more apt to have Education for children with Fetal effects on the embryo,” says Kirby. Alcohol Spectrum Disorder needs “Most basic structures of the body to take into account some common are basically formed in the first 10 to difficulties they have: difficulty in 12 weeks of pregnancy.” transforming words into actions; dif- Even mild alcohol use at any ficulty in generalizing, and hence, stage in the pregnancy may be risky. a tendency to repeat mistakes; dif- Drinking later in pregnancy could ficulty organizing one’s time; easy have other serious effects, such as over-stimulation; misreading cues smaller size at birth and greater risk from other people, and consequent of mental deficiency. difficulties in relating to them. Un- If your child, biological or ad- fortunately, schools often lack the opted, has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum skilled teachers and other personnel Disorder, you may want to join with to meet these children’s needs. other parents in advocating for bet- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum cannot ter screening, appropriate special be diagnosed at birth, but rather education, and better public educa- only when the infant or child fails tion. to meet certain milestones, or ex- Reuel Amdur is a social worker and hibits certain behaviors associated freelancer living in Quebec, Canada.

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June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 37 Parenting At what age can a child be left alone? dear Twins, to my husband’s job transfer, and we My boyfriend, “Dan,” has a 7-year- have a new, 3-month-old baby. I’m a old daughter. I agreed to watch her stay-at-home mom and very happy, twice the recently. There is a gym on the third and we have wonderful neighbors. floor of our apartment complex, However, one neighbor keeps asking advice which I decided to go to for about a me to watch her 1-year-old for “just Jacqueline and half hour. I made sure his daughter a few minutes” while she runs to the Kerry donelli was all set in the apartment on the store to get some formula, etc. These couch with her computer. In any “few minutes” stretched into hours, case, Dan’s ex-wife called while I then into half days, and finally into was gone and found out her daugh- whole days. What should I say to ter was there by herself, and all hell her? She is really taking advantage broke loose. Now, he’s furious at me of me! because she is fighting for full cus- Jacqueline says: Yes, she is tak- tody and accusing Dan of being unfit ing advantage of you. The question to have a child! If I am in the building, is: why are you letting her? The next is it OK to leave a child in the apart- time she asks you to watch her kid, ment? Or did I make a disaster?! simply say “no.” If she asks why, tell Kerry says: I think the mother is boys at school. Fortunately, one of her it is because she is taking advan- overreacting, but nonetheless, you the teachers took notice and reported tage of you. still shouldn’t have left the child out of it to the principal, and the boys were Kerry says: Tell her you are un- your sight, even in the same building. expelled for a period of time. Unfor- able to watch her child as you are so A half hour is plenty of time to do dam- tunately, the same two boys hang busy, you barely can keep an eye on age — she could have let in a stranger, out at the school after classes and your OWN. Leave it at that. I’ve said started a fire, or hurt herself. Allow her in our neighborhood, and continue it before, and I’ll say it again: no one to bring her computer games and toys to taunt our son — and now it’s get- can take advantage of you unless to the gym with you next time. ting worse. Should my husband go to you let them. Jacqueline says: In any custody their homes to speak to their parents, . . . proceeding, the most important pri- should we report it to the school, or dear Twins, ority is the welfare of the child. Dan’s should he attempt to speak to those My 12-year-old daughter is very ex-wife is using her own personal boys? Those boys don’t respect au- bright and gets excellent grades agenda to attempt to get custody thority at any age. Our son is terrified in school (no brag, just fact). How- of the child. I’m assuming Dan has to leave the house. We’re considering ever, she tells me that the boy who not done this type of thing before — moving over this! sits next to her is constantly cheat- and now she’s blaming him for your Jacqueline says: Of course your ing and copying her answers on mistake. Nonetheless, this one-time husband should speak to the parents tests that are given in class. She incident is not going to be enough to of the bullies. (And you could do the says she tries to hide her paper, give the ex full custody. She has to same, by the way.) Furthermore, you but somehow he manages to see demonstrate that her ex-husband is should report it to the school and most of the answers, and receives a disaster. To answer your question, the police. What are you waiting for a much higher grade than he de- many state agencies have published — your son to get hurt? Bullying is serves. She’s afraid to report him, guidelines as to what age is appropri- a serious issue. Do everything you because she says he’s a “real tough ate for a child to be left alone; most can to prevent this from getting any kid.” What should she (or I) do? recommend 12 years of age. worse. Your son’s well-being is de- Jacqueline says: Call the teacher . . . pendent on your next actions. and explain exactly what you said dear Twins, Kerry says: I totally agree. You to us. Be clear that your daughter is Our 13-year-old son is a little and your husband should report it to afraid of him. I’m sure the teacher chubby, and is being bullied by two the parents AND the principal. Tell will take appropriate measures. them that if these boys don’t stop Kerry says: I disagree — no need bullying your son, you will take it to to start a war. Instead, have her tell Jacqueline and Kerry donelli, twin sisters, are multiple award winning the furthest extent of the law. Bully- the teacher that she would rather filmmakers. They are currently getting their Masters in Mental Health and ing is a serious issue. not say names, but she suspects have a radio show on WBcr-aM also called, “Twice the advice” — where one twin gives advice and, often, the other completely disagrees! Please . . . a fellow student is cheating and e-mail them at [email protected]. dear Twins, would like to move her seat during We just moved to a new city due testing.

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June 2011 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 39 Technology Keeping vacation photos G-rated

ummer vacation photos used forward photos of naked boys. they feel if the photo gets forwarded GrowinG Up to mean snapshots of kids Technology that will allow parents to one person, or 1,000 people, or S posed in front of landmarks to preview photos before children 10,000 people? What if a pedophile or goofing around with cousins at a send them is likely to be available by gets hold of the picture and puts it online family reunion. Only a decade ago, the end of the year. For this summer, on a website? What if the photo is Carolyn Jabs parents knew exactly what photos parents will have to talk — often — seen by the principal at school, the their kids took — if only because the about what kinds of photos kids are pastor at church, younger siblings, camera was family property and par- allowed to take and share. or older relatives? Making these con- ents had to pay to have the photos Here’s what you need to know: sequences vivid makes it less likely developed. • start young. Middle school stu- that a teen will impulsively send a Now that cameras are embedded dents seem to be at especially high compromising photo. in most cellphones, children can risk for sexting, perhaps because • Explain legal issues. Sending take — and distribute — photos they are just discovering their own sexual photos of someone under 18 sexual feelings and they crave the fits the legal description for distribu- attention of the opposite sex. Girls, tion of child pornography. Police and in particular, may consider using an prosecutors vary a great deal in how intimate photo as a way of showing stringently they enforce the law. As a boyfriends how much they care. In result, many teens don’t understand one of the most thorough studies the legal risk they incur if they press of sexting to date, researchers from “forward” on a racy picture. Be sure the Crimes against Children Center your child knows that some young at the University of New Hampshire people have been prosecuted and la- pointed out that a large proportion beled as sex offenders, a designation of the pictures involved in sexting that can have lifelong consequences. are taken and sent voluntarily by Even if your child would never children as young as 9. send a sexually explicit photo, he • Have repeated conversations. may receive one from peers. Encour- Young people are growing up in a aging kids to report such messages highly sexualized culture. The mes- puts them in a conflicted position. sage that sexting is cool comes from No teen wants to be responsible for music videos, and even an ad that getting a friend in trouble. You can, aired in last year’s Super Bowl. Por- however, make it clear that your child nographic images are less shocking can do something positive simply by without any consultation with par- because they are so readily available deleting the photo. Sharing sexually ents. As a result, many young people online. Most young people have seen, explicit photos may actually make already have embarrassing and po- or at least heard about, sexual photos your child an accessory to a crime. tentially risky photos posted on so- of their peers, so they often start with Pressing “delete” is a small kindness cial networking sites and stored in a “no-big-deal” attitude. Parents will to the young person foolish enough to the cellphones of friends — and even need to talk about this topic often to distribute the photo in the first place. strangers. During the summer, when convince them otherwise. Lectures Like any discussion with teens some kids are bored and less super- are pointless. Instead, take advantage about sexuality, conversations about vised, the odds of making mischief of news reports about sexting to start sexting can be awkward. It’s also with a camera increase. open-ended conversations. natural for parents to think their The thought that some of a child’s • Predict consequences. Adoles- own children couldn’t possibly be in- vacation photos might be provoca- cents are not developmentally ready volved. The truth is that even “nice” tive — or even nude — is understand- to think carefully about how today’s kids get involved in sexting, so par- ably distressing to parents. Teens, impulse may lead to future prob- ents need to be proactive. Talking to however, aren’t as appalled as they lems. They need adults to help them children now makes it less likely they ought to be. One in four teens has anticipate potential difficulties cre- will share summer vacation photos participated in “sexting” and even ated by sexual photos. Talk your that will haunt them when they go more have seen or forwarded photos. child through various scenarios. If back to school in the fall. Both genders are involved, though a relationships breaks up, how will Carolyn Jabs, MA, is the mother of girls suffer disproportionate conse- the partners feel about sexy pictures three computer-savvy kids. quences because boys rarely store or they’ve sent to each other? How will © 2011, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 41 Profile The secret’s out The chorus of By Monica Brown regg Breinberg is battling a Staten Island’s cold. While the PS 22 chorus G director is escorting me into the school, he lets it slip that he was PS 22 grapples out sick earlier in the week — but today is different. with fame “Today is chorus day,” he says, with a hoarse laugh. “And I can’t miss that.” We head to the auditorium, tucked away in the back of the Graniteville school, where he gradually begins to teach the kids how to hit a high note in a new song they’re working on. This prompts “Mr. B,” as the kids call him, to remind them that he’s not feeling 100 percent today, and that he expects them to work as hard as he is. He plays the notes again on the piano, taking them through the rou- tine one more time. Sopranos and altos finally find synergy, hitting the notes together, perfectly. The result is breathtaking harmony. Breinberg is pleased. To call him dedicated would be a gross understatement. Now in his 12th year at the school (11 direct- ing the chorus), Breinberg seems to bring his A-game to every facet of his job. He’s part music instructor, part composer, and part motiva- AP/Bebeto Matthews tional speaker. Greg Breinberg, center, is surrounded by fifth grade members of the PS 22 Chorus. “Remember, you have to believe to achieve,” he reminds the students “I knew from the get-go. I knew The 2009-2010 group was invited during practice, something special was going on in by Billboard magazine to perform for pushing them to hit this auditorium,” says Breinberg. Beyonce and Lady Gaga at an awards the high notes. “We always used to say our chorus ceremony. The PS 22 chorus was the best-kept secret on Staten It also performed for President has hit several high Island. And now the secret’s out in a Obama at the White House Tree notes over the years. major way.” Lighting in 2009, and, in February Breinberg catapulted of 2010, sang with the musical group the 2006-2007 school Singing with the stars Celtic Woman at Radio City Music year chorus into In- The 2007-2008 chorus performed Hall. ternet stardom, after at a sold-out concert for the New This year’s chorus — among posting some videos Zealand band Crowded House, and other highlights — was invited on a Tori Amos fan several members were featured on to perform at the 83rd Academy page. Celebrity gossip the children’s show, “The Electric Awards. The students followed that blogger Perez Hilton Company.” with a post-Oscar show for Oprah picked up the videos, The following year, the chorus per- Winfrey, alongside singer Katy Perry.

AP/Amy Sancetta word spread, and the formed on “Good Morning, America,” The chorus is currently nominated The chorus got the chance of a lifetime when it walked kids quickly became VH1, and at Madison Square Garden, for a Best Fan Cover award for the the red carpet and performed at the 2011 Academy an overnight sensa- singing with R&B artist Rihanna and MTV Video Music Awards. Awards in Hollywood. tion on YouTube. Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks. The chorus continues to be fea- 42 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 tured on several national news and have that contingent of people who music networks, and according aren’t going to get it, or that won’t to its blog, its videos have been be responding to it the way you Register watched more than 31 million thought they would. There’s a yin times. and yang, you can’t expect to just NOW! The chorus meets twice a week get all accolades in life.” during school hours to practice. The “publicity machine,” as There is an audition process to se- Breinberg calls it, “could shut down lect the best talent each year, and tomorrow. It’s not why we do what anyone who watches them in ac- we do,” he says. tion can’t help but be captivated. “There’s an energy to these kids, For the love of music Join us for a week of fun & learning to their singing,” says Breinberg. The kids seem to agree. For Acting, Singing and Dancing “There’s a unique sound. For pub- many of them, music may just be Boys & Girls 4 - 16 years. lic school kids — fifth graders, not a way of life that will continue to trained — it’s pretty impressive, take center stage in their lives, well July 25th & August 8th-Brooklyn Heights the sound that they get.” after they graduate this June. Bri- Call: 718 - 852 - 3208 anna comes from a musical family, www.StageCoachSchools.com/brooklynheights Publicity machine and says she’s been singing for as Breinberg is making sure the long as she can remember. A soft- [email protected] world knows it. spoken violin player, Brianna says He spends a good portion of she and her family members are no Enroll NOW! - For Weekend Classes every day returning e-mails, field- strangers to performing on stage. Enrollment is now open for the Fall Term ing phone calls, and blogging — “We’d be at family gatherings beginning on September 10th and that’s on top of his daily du- and my grandpa would start sing- ties as chorus director. (He also ing,” she says. “Block parties, res- World’s Largest Part Time teaches daily music classes to the taurants — he’d sing Beatles songs Theatre Arts Schools fourth and fifth graders who are and he’s always invited my brothers not in the chorus.) and me to come sing with him.” CT NOW! CE! A Clearly, heading to Hollywood Abigail S., an alto, says her fam- DAN was the experience of a lifetime ily sings, too, and plays a bunch SING! Theatre Arts Schools for these kids, but on top of all the of different instruments. She likes Stagecoach hype and national attention, some dancing, and says of her life after of them will tell you that their fa- the Oscars, while “more people vorite part of the whole trip came know us now,” nothing much has smack in the middle of the actual changed outside of school — in- KID’S EAT FREE EVERY NIGHT! performance. It’s their love of sing- cluding her relationships with her Enjoy an Dinner Entrée or Special ing, of music, of performing, that friends. get a Free Kid Combo, Pizza, Pasta or Mac & Cheese they say they will always remember. “Everything’s exactly the same. Every Day after 5:30pm The song that was chosen for them It’s not like there’s any jealousy or — “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” anything,” she explains. “We can Restaurant & — was, they tell me, perfect. pretty much just hang out and be “It’s a really strong song,” says friends, like before.” THE Play Space Brianna C., a soprano. “It’s really Ah, the innocence of youth. down to earth, and you can really The students had been wooed feel the words.” and surrounded by movie stars on Being “down to earth” is a con- the red carpet. They were hounded cept these 10-year-olds seem to be by fans wanting their pictures and SPOT familiar with. And that’s the way autographs (including while they 81 Atlantic Ave (@ Hicks) 718-923-9710 Breinberg wants it. He says he tries were in the airport bathroom com- Serving Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner on Two Floors Mon-Wed 10am– 6:30pm, Thurs—Sun 10am—8:30pm hard to prepare them for the price ing home from the West Coast), of fame. There have been less- but, with a humility that some than-flattering comments about adults couldn’t embrace, it seems 2 Blocks from Bklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 Playground their performances, including one these kids never lost sight of the by talk show host Andy Cohen, big picture. who issued a brief tongue-lashing “I consider us a whole group FUN EVENTS DAYTIME shortly after their Oscar perfor- doing this together,” says Abigail. mance ended. (Cohen later apolo- “Sometimes people feel bad be- Singalong w Lloyd Storytime w Emily Dance w Nat Sunday Singalong gized for his comments). cause they’re cut from the cho- Tuesdays, 11a Mon/Wed/Fri, 12p Thursdays, 11a 12 Noon, 1st & 3rd Suns Breinberg takes it all in stride, rus. But I feel like they’re still a and says he tries hard to teach part of it, because we’re represent- them to do the same thing. ing them. We’re representing the EVENING “I try to tell them, and this is whole school.” Beatles RockBand Night Family Disco Party Nintendo Wii Night the God’s honest truth, that you A high note, indeed. 3rd Saturdays, 6p haven’t made it in this life until you Monica Brown is a television news 1st Saturdays, 6p 2nd Saturdays, 6p have haters,” he says. “When you’re anchor who lives on Staten Island with Plus Friday Free Movie Night, & Sunday Bingo doing something that’s powerful, her husband and two children. She Evening Activities are all Free, Child Fee is $2.50/child M-F 10am—5:30 pm that’s unique, that is going to make can be reached at monicaldbrown@ FUN All Day Long: Toys, Art, Games, Puppets, Foosball, Computers! people take notice, you’re going to gmail.com. Visit www.themoxiespot.com for More info

June 2011 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 43 EntErtainmEnt Feuding gnomes attempt teamwork Gnomeo and Juliet Rated G

ike many kids, your son is Mr. Independent. He L refuses help on every project, whether it’s home- Laura Gray work, hobbies or chores. But when he decides to build a treehouse — by himself — he discovers he may have bitten off more than he can chew. Still, he insists on completing the project alone. You keep an eye on his progress from behind the kitchen curtains. It’s hard not to step in when his cre- ation sags, then drops to the ground, yet again. As Juliet and Gnomeo celebrate with their friends Nanette and Benny. the day turns to dusk, your son admits defeat. The next day, a discussion about cooperation. liet marry with both their families you offer, once more, to help. This Then, play “Team Us!” from our present. time, your son accepts your offer. Play Together activity to show how By day’s end, he has a sturdy new teaming up can bring success. talk together treehouse to enjoy. Based loosely on Shakespeare’s We never learn why the gnomes He learns that, together, we can classic play, “Gnomeo and Juliet” hate each other — and some of accomplish a lot more than we can features gnomes from warring “fam- them don’t seem to know why, ei- apart. It’s a lesson learned, as well, ilies” who live next door to each ther. What are some of the negative by the feuding yard gnomes in “Gno- other. Like their cranky homeown- effects of their fighting? How does it meo and Juliet,” now available on ers, they look for any opportunity to nearly cost Juliet her life? DVD. Watch it with your family and “one-up” their nemeses. They race Gnomeo doesn’t know that Juliet use our Talk Together ideas to start lawn mowers, spray-paint graffiti on is a red gnome when he first meets each other’s homes, and lob insults her. How does he discover her true at one another. identity? How does this affect his Play together: team us! But when blue gnome Gnomeo feelings for her? What do you think meets the beautiful Juliet, who is would have happened if he told his You will need: player on each team. Explain to from the family of red gnomes, he mother about Juliet right away? • Blindfolds players that they will have to help is smitten. Despite their differences, Why does Benny order the Ter- • Obstacle course items, such their blindfolded partner maneu- the two sneak off to spend time to- rafirminator online? When does he as a Hula Hoop, jump rope and ver through the obstacle course gether, with help from Featherstone, realize he made a mistake in pur- bell using only spoken instructions — a one-legged pink plastic flamingo. chasing the mower? Head outside to an open area no hands-on help allowed! The war heats up when the blue What makes Lord Redbrick, Ju- where you can set up an obstacle Time teams as they attempt to gnomes attack the red family with liet’s father, and Lady Blueberry, course. Some ideas for the course go through the course as quickly a super lawnmower called the Ter- Gnomeo’s mother, decide to end are: have players crawl through (and as safely) as possible. Mix rafirminator. The monster machine their long-standing feud? How do the the Hula Hoop, walk along a jump up the course and let blindfolded goes berserk and begins destroy- gnomes react? What happens when rope on the ground and ring a players try to get through the ing everything in both families’ gar- they decide to work together, rather bell. course by themselves with no dens. The gnomes soon realize they than against each other? Do not let players see the guidance. They will see the differ- must work together to restore their Missed a Cinematters column? Visit course before the game begins. ence it makes to work together to homes — something that would be us at Facebook.com/Cinematters and Pair players up and blindfold one accomplish a goal. nearly impossible on their own. The read recent articles for your family’s next feud is ended, and Gnomeo and Ju- film adventure! © 2011, Cinematters.

44 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 SAINT SAVIOuR ELEMENTARy SCHOOL 701 Eighth Avenue Brooklyn Ny 11215 718-768-8000 • www.stsaviourschool.org

Saint Saviour Elementary School is delighted to announce the expansion of Our Nursery Program for 3-Year-Olds Our Nursery classes take place in recently renovated rooms fully equipped with age-appropriate materials. Professional teachers develop a child-centered curriculum which give children the opportunity to play, explore and learn in a nurturing environment. We offer a choice of full or part time programming. Limited spaces are available. Come tour our school. For more information please call Maura Lorenzen, Principal at 718 768-8000.

June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 45 Parenting Lazy days of summer

icture ther: Your teen is resume,” says Carole Jabbawy, Ed.D, mum, a required placement test, or sprawled out on the couch founder and director of Internship documents their high schools needs P with a bag of Doritos in hand Connection in Newton, MA. “Teens to submit before applying. watching MTV. What’s wrong with gain career exposure, which will be ther picture? Do you envision your- very helpful in sorting out a college Volunteer! self being frustrated by your teen’s major.” Volunteers are rarely turned away laziness all summer long? Teens who plan to seek employ- — especially in a down economy. Relaxation after a stressful and ment right after high school will also Plus, teens can feel good about mak- Lions and frenzied school year is probably benefit from field experiences like: ing a difference. much needed; but, after a few days of • Resume building “It’s wonderfully satisfying to vol- tigers and rest, your teen should start thinking • Exploration of interests unteer for an organization that you about taking advantage of her free • Making “connections” in a spe- care about,” agrees Jabbawy. teens time and expanding her horizons. cific industry Teens should search for positions Myrna Beth haskell Jobs are scarce these days, and • Setting oneself apart from the that will help guide them toward many internship opportunities are crowd their long-term goals. For example, filled in late winter. However, it’s not aspiring veterinarians should find a too late for your teen to plan a con- Opportunity knocks position at an animal shelter. structive summer. Small businesses, hospitals, “An internship or volunteer expe- churches, and nursing homes are al- rience begins the process of creating Do ‘something’ ways looking for extra help, and usu- a professional network and can lead Teenagers who volunteer, work, ally welcome teen applicants. For last- to a paid position,” says Jabbawy. or taking classes, get noticed by gminute opportunities, it’s best for college admissions officers — and teens to canvas their neighborhoods entrepreneurship future employers. and ask about positions in person. It’s never too late to start your “An internship or volunteer expe- “While June may be too late for own business! Possible entrepre- rience is the first step to building a some internships, non-profits are neurial ventures include lawn mow- still quite busy in June and July,” ing, house painting, caring for pets says Jabbawy. “Late spring is a busy while people are on vacation, fixing time for fundraising events and extra neighbors’ computers, or cooking hands are always welcome.” for the elderly. Teens can distribute Finding a paying job for the sum- fliers around their neighborhoods to mer at this late date might be difficult; get the word out. Still stumped for however, motivated teens can still ideas? Try these websites: find openings. Full-time employees www.dosomething.org often have vacation plans, so part- www.volunteermatch.org time positions become available. “Business owners tell me that they tips and tales don’t have enough time in the day “Senior citizen centers are always to keep up with social networking,” looking for teens to volunteer to help Jabbawy explains. “They would love serve lunch meals and clean up.” a teen to work on a project promot- Tracy Critelli-MacQueen, Glen Oaks, NY ing their business through Facebook, “Our church has a vacation bible blogging or Twitter.” school and we’re always looking for And summer colleges classes are teen members to help, even if it’s always an option. last minute.” “Universities will allow prospec- Beth Ackerman, Staatsburg, NY tive students to enroll in summer courses right up until the first day Share your ideas of class,” explains Jim Sirianni, PhD, Upcoming topic: Your teen didn’t assistant dean and director of sum- make varsity – alternatives to keep mer college at Stanford University. him playing? “Students should check with multiple Please send your full name, ad- institutions in their area to see when dress, and brief comments to myr- summer classes begin.” [email protected], or visit www. Many colleges offer competitive myrnahaskell.com. scholars programs, academic camps Myrna Beth Haskell is a feature writer or traditional classes that high and columnist specializing in parent- school students can take in the sum- ing issues and child and adolescent mer. It’s imperative that students development. She is the mother of two check to see if there is an age mini- teenagers.

46 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 SAINT SAVIOuR d Mon ELEMENTARy SCHOOL oo te 701 Eighth Avenue Brooklyn Ny 11215 w s d s i o “Educating and nurturing the minds, hearts r and souls of students for over 100 years.” M i nursery - 8tH Grade

For more information or to schedule a tour Call 718-768-8000 or visit our website at www.stsaviourschool.org Pre-School & Kindergarten Summer Program Transportation Available Maura Lorenzen, Principal Gail Harvey, Assistant Principal 2825 Bedford Avenue • 253-3242 Marcia McKenzie, Director of Admissions at Glenwood Road

The Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts The Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College is an exciting, nurturing environment where children can develop their skills and a life-long love for music, theater and dance. SUMMER 2011 G Theater Classes G Beginner to advanced instrument and voice lessons G Creative Arts Program for ages 3–5 for children and adults G G Dance Classes for ages 3 & up Jazz Improv and Chamber Music programs for children and adults *Suzuki Programs for Violin, Cello, Recorder, and Flute – please call for an interview for the 2011-2012 school year* END OF YEAR CONCERT OPEN TO ALL – JUNE 18 Please call 718-951-4111 for information on classes and registration or visit our website www.bcprepcenter.org The Brooklyn College Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts 234 Roosevelt Hall, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11210

June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 47 Arts educAtion

tention to attend art school with her friends and family. Concerned about her daughter’s financial security and future as an artist, her mother did not support her decision, but Holliday followed her heart and left Beloit for Corc- Follow your art oran. During Holliday’s junior year, she By Laura Varoscak- busy in The Art Room, they have the children was inevitable for Holliday, majored in mixed-media sculpture. The road to DeInnocentIIs flexibility to exercise their imagina- but her road to The Art Room had a Inspired by New York artist Joseph tions and the freedom to experi- few detours. Cornell, she focused on assemblage, opening an oxy Robots dripping with wet ment, which boosts confidence and Growing up as the only child of and graduated with a Bachelor of paint welcomed me to The Art creativity.” a single mother in Washington DC, Fine Arts. B Room, a fine arts school for When the children are busy in she enjoyed a childhood filled with In September 1996, Holliday and a art studio for children ages 3 and up in Bay Ridge, The Art Room, they have the flexibil- friends and activities, including bal- friend, whom she had nannied with Brooklyn. The boxy inventions — as- ity to exercise their imaginations and let and art classes. during college, decided to combine children semblages of cups, bottle caps and the freedom to experiment, which “I always loved art, but as a kid, their love of kids and art, and started other recycled materials — are now boosts confidence and creativity. I never really thought about what I a children’s art school in a small, free from their maker’s little hands While Holliday values introspective wanted to do in life,” she remembers. converted garage in Washington. and stand proud and beautiful. quiet time in her studio — which Holliday and her mother decided she Named Fingers at Play, the school The art teacher, Leigh Holliday, she calls “painting from the heart” would study psychology at Beloit began with a single student, but after cleans up from her last class, cheer- — she also encourages peer interac- College in Wisconsin, as she had al- a year and a half, expanded into a fully wiping paint from the table. As tion and support as an open outlet to ways been a good listener and friend, commercial space. Holliday enjoyed an artist and instructor of young connect art and life. and enjoyed being with people. seven successful years at Fingers At children, Holliday values exploration Holliday believes that art is an in- While there, Holliday spent most Play — which is still open and thriv- and process over finished product, valuable tool in helping kids develop of her time painting and drawing, ing today — before deciding to fol- but can’t deny that her students do a strong sense of self. A black-and- and pursued other creative inter- low her heart once again. This time, create some amazing work. white photo hanging on the wall in ests, like ceramics and photography, she left for New York with the man Holliday believes children are in- a large oval frame captures a young while her psychology books began with whom she had fallen in love. trinsically curious and drawn to ex- artist donned in a paint-splattered to gather dust. By the end of her first For years, she worked in the bank- ploration. Working with different ma- smock in front of her work. The year, Holliday had created an im- ing industry and, later, with a real terials in an open, nurturing environ- little girl in the photo is Holliday at pressive art portfolio, which led to a estate developer, but Holliday felt ment allows them to expand their 3 years old. It was her love of art pivotal decision in her life. she had lost her positive spirit and unique perspective of the world. — and kids — that helped her make Without telling anyone, Holliday creative energy. “Children experience mental, several important decisions that ulti- organized her portfolio and applied “I thought the stress of my last physical and tactile stimulation mately shaped her life and put her in to the Art Institute of Chicago and job was going to kill me. I was losing while they create, which is why art a position to inspire others with her Corcoran College of Art and Design myself, but it was the push I needed. is essential to their development,” artistic talent. in Washington. Both schools ac- It was time to take a risk.” Holliday explains. “When they are Opening a fine arts school for cepted her, and she shared her in- This low point in her life became another critical turning point, which led Holliday back to her passion for cizing them, which can be detri- are working, instead of impatiently children and art. Holliday’s advice for parents mental to their self-esteem and jumping to what comes next. Holliday’s fiance, Justin, encour- say “yes” to the mess: As a is one of the most precious gifts a personal growth. Value art: As a parent, it’s im- aged her to open another art school. teacher, Holliday often observes parent can give. emphasize process, not prod- portant to show your child your While taking a walk in Bay Ridge, parents who worry too much appreciate your child’s work uct: Holliday says she notices some enthusiasm for art. Take your kids she passed a vacant storefront for about the messiness of art. They “as is”: When it comes to making parents caring too much about to museums, and discuss the art rent just a few blocks away from her do not allow art projects at home, art, there is no right or wrong way. the finished product, instead of you see. Learn about different art- apartment. She saw this as a good artist, teacher and business owner is tally immersed in working with glue. Art teacher Leigh Holliday in a paint- which can hinder kids’ creativity, It is common for adults to point out appreciating the process behind ists together. Engage in conversa- omen, and took a leap of faith again. a testament to how art can empower Her hands were covered with it. She splattered smock at age 3. even when they are in a place “mistakes” in their children’s art the creative work. The greatest tions about how you and your kids Using the same model as Fingers someone to make great changes. was in heaven. “That’s what it’s all where splattering paint all over the work: “The sky is blue, not green.” rewards in the studio come when see the world, and respect each At Play, Holliday opened The Art Allow your children’s ideas and in- about,” Leigh says, “losing yourself table is acceptable. “You made the hands way too big.” children freely experiment and dis- other’s differences. Room in June of 2010 to nurture kids’ terests to inspire them. By meet- in a lot of messy fun.” While you do not want your “You forgot to add a tail.” cover new ways of interacting with Set aside time to do art projects natural love and need for artistic ing kids where they are, instead of The Art Room [8710 Third Ave. in little one painting on your leather This kind of criticism not only the materials without getting dis- together — such as taking a walk expression. where you want them to be, you will Bay Ridge, (347) 560-6572]. couch or kneading clay into your disrupts the creative process, but tracted by how the end result will with a few pieces of chalk and Holliday, 38, is currently enjoying help them to develop richer, more Laura Varoscak-DeInnocentiis is an carpet, there are ways to safe- can also discourage kids from turn out. Concentrating too much drawing pictures on the sidewalk. the fruits of her labor. The corporate meaningful life experiences. educator and freelance writer. Her ar- guard your home against damage. wanting to work on art projects on the product takes away from Be open to different ideas and world is behind her, although she By the time my interview is over, ticles appear regularly in Brooklyn Fam- And cleaning the kids is as easy as altogether. Young people are con- the value of working in the mo- enjoy the process. Get messy and says she appreciates the lessons she the robot sculptures have dried ily Magazine and have won editorial turning on the shower. Allow chil- stantly constructing new ways ment and experiencing the media. have fun. Invite friends over for an learned from the experience. Now, and Leigh enthusiastically prepares awards from Parenting Publications of dren to cover their hands in glue of viewing themselves and the Holliday stresses a process- art party. Sign up for an art class. she is free to focus on her true pas- to display them in the window of America. She holds master’s degrees and paint their bodies with wash- world around them. Embrace their oriented perspective. She encour- Teach children that art is an im- sion: introducing young people to The Art Room. She smiles, recall- in writing, education and psychology. able, non-toxic paints. Encourag- uniqueness and individuality. By ages students to slow down and portant part of life by helping them art. ing the artists and their creative Varoscak-DeInnocentiis lives in Bay ing unbridled, creative expression judging their works, you are criti- focus on the step on which they to experience it firsthand. Holliday’s personal journey from a experiences. She describes a little Ridge, Brooklyn, and is the proud mom young, messy painter to a successful girl who had her tongue out, to- of two sons, Henry and Charlie.

48 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 tention to attend art school with her friends and family. Concerned about her daughter’s financial security and future as an artist, her mother did not support her decision, but Holliday followed her heart and left Beloit for Corc- oran. During Holliday’s junior year, she majored in mixed-media sculpture. Inspired by New York artist Joseph Cornell, she focused on assemblage, and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. In September 1996, Holliday and a friend, whom she had nannied with during college, decided to combine their love of kids and art, and started a children’s art school in a small, converted garage in Washington. Named Fingers at Play, the school began with a single student, but after a year and a half, expanded into a commercial space. Holliday enjoyed seven successful years at Fingers At Play — which is still open and thriv- ing today — before deciding to follow her heart once again. This time, she left for New York with the man with whom she had fallen in love. For years, she worked in the bank- ing industry and, later, with a real estate developer, but Holliday felt she had lost her positive spirit and creative energy. “I thought the stress of my last job was going to kill me. I was losing myself, but it was the push I needed. It was time to take a risk.” This low point in her life became another critical turning point, which led Holliday back to her passion for children and art. Holliday’s fiance, Justin, encouraged her to open another art school. While taking a walk in Bay Ridge, she passed a vacant storefront for rent just a few blocks away from her apartment. She saw this as a good artist, teacher and business owner is tally immersed in working with glue. Art teacher Leigh Holliday in a paint- omen, and took a leap of faith again. a testament to how art can empower Her hands were covered with it. She splattered smock at age 3. Using the same model as Fingers someone to make great changes. was in heaven. “That’s what it’s all At Play, Holliday opened The Art Allow your children’s ideas and in- about,” Leigh says, “losing yourself Room in June of 2010 to nurture kids’ terests to inspire them. By meet- in a lot of messy fun.” natural love and need for artistic ing kids where they are, instead of The Art Room [8710 Third Ave. in expression. where you want them to be, you will Bay Ridge, (347) 560-6572]. Holliday, 38, is currently enjoying help them to develop richer, more Laura Varoscak-DeInnocentiis is an the fruits of her labor. The corporate meaningful life experiences. educator and freelance writer. Her ar- world is behind her, although she By the time my interview is over, ticles appear regularly in Brooklyn Fam- says she appreciates the lessons she the robot sculptures have dried ily Magazine and have won editorial learned from the experience. Now, and Leigh enthusiastically prepares awards from Parenting Publications of she is free to focus on her true pas- to display them in the window of America. She holds master’s degrees sion: introducing young people to The Art Room. She smiles, recall- in writing, education and psychology. art. ing the artists and their creative Varoscak-DeInnocentiis lives in Bay Holliday’s personal journey from a experiences. She describes a little Ridge, Brooklyn, and is the proud mom young, messy painter to a successful girl who had her tongue out, to- of two sons, Henry and Charlie.

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Parents Helping Parents, 669 President Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215 718-638-9444 [email protected] www.phponline.org

50 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 Going Places

Long-running Storytime: Moxie Spot, 81 Atlantic Submit a listing Ave. between Hicks and Henry streets; Going Places is dedicated to (718) 923-9710; themoxiespot.com; bringing our readers the most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, comprehensive events calendar noon, $2.50. in your area. But to do so, we need your help! “Play it Safe”: PS 3 The Bedford All you have to do is send Village School, 50 Jefferson Ave. near your listing request to calendar@ Franklin Avenue; (212) 724-0677; www. cnglocal.com — and we’ll take shadowboxtheatre.org; Wednesday, care of the rest. Please e-mail June 1, 10:30 am; $10 ($15 at the door). requests more than three weeks A puppet and people musical address- prior to the event to ensure we ing safety issues. For children, ages 3 to have enough time to get it in. 7, presented by the Shadow Box Theater. And best of all, it’s FREE! Movie night: Moxie Spot, 81 Atlantic Ave. between Hicks and Henry streets; Children 18 months to 2 and one-half (718) 923-9710; themoxiespot.com; Fri- years participate in interactive activities days, 6:15 pm, Free. with their caregivers. Shorts and a full length family-appropriate movie. “Wizard of Oz”: Puppetworks, 338 Sixth Ave. at Fourth Street; (718) 965- Dinosaur display: American Mu- 3391; www.puppetworks.org; Satur- seum of Natural History, Central Park days and Sundays, 12:30 and 2 pm, West at 79th Street in Manhattan; (212) Now – Sun, Aug. 21; $8 ($7 child). 769-5000; www.amnh.org; Daily, 10 Adapted for marionettes by Nicholas am–5:30 pm, Now - Jan. 2, 2012; $24 Coppola. ($18 students, $14 children). Children learn about the largest dinos, Science power hour: Prospect Park the long-tailed sauropods, by examining Audubon Center, Enter park at Lincoln the innovative model. Road and Ocean Avenue; (718) 287- 3400; www.prospectpark.org/audu- Pre-school story time: Pacific Li- bon; Saturdays and Sundays, 1–2 pm, brary, 25 Fourth Ave. at Pacific Street; Now – Sun, June 26; Free. (718) 638-1531; www.brooklynpublicli- Children join with a naturalist for cool brary.org; Fridays, 10:30 am, Now – Fri, activities and experiments. July 1; Free. Classic books and songs. Arts and crafts: Prospect Park Audu- bon Center, Enter park at Lincoln Road “Brooklyn Shtetl”: Rohr Jewish and Ocean Avenue; (718) 287-3400; Center, 541 Myrtle Ave.; (215) 704- www.prospectpark.org/audubon; Sat- 2205; [email protected]; www. urdays and Sundays, 2–3 pm, Now – hadasgallery.com; Daily, 1–6 pm; Now – Circus is afloat! Sun, June 5; Free. Thurs, June 30; Free. Children make projects using natural Jewish art gallery, Hadas, hosts the tep right up and take a seat bet Sisters, Tanya Solomon, Will materials. exhibition “Brooklyn Shtetl” by painter at the center ring as “Show- Shaw, Aerial Emery — all the Ali Spechler. The featured artwork ad- boat Shazzam,” the little way from Quebec, and the clas- Nature crafts: Prospect Park Audu- dresses the diversity within the Jewish S bon Center, Enter park at Lincoln Road big top at sea, takes over the Wa- sic clowning of Josephine, direct culture. and Ocean Avenue; (718) 287-3400; terfront Museum and Showboat from Paris. www.prospectpark.org/audubon; Sat- Arts and crafts: Pacific Library, Barge to the delight of children “Showboat Shazzam” at the urdays and Sundays, 2–3 pm, Now – 25 Fourth Ave. at Pacific Street; of all ages. Waterfront Museum and Showboat Sun, June 26; Free. (718) 638-1531; www.brooklynpub- The Waterfront Museum brings Barge [290 Conover St. at Reed Children make fun projects. liclibrary.org/branch_library_detail. back good, old-fashioned, family Street in Red Hook, (718) 624-4719], jsp?branchpageid=265; Fridays, 4 pm, Tutoring: Rugby Library, 1000 Rugby Now – Fri, June 24; Free. fun with a different show every June 5, 19 and 26 at 1 and 4 pm. Rd. at Avenue H; (718) 566-0054; Children make a fun project. Sunday that is chock full of clas- Also, [Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6 www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; Satur- sic circus artistry, juggling and off of Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn days, 2:30 pm, Now – Fri, June 24; Free. Blooming Babies: Brooklyn Chil- acrobatics galore. Heights], July 24 at 1 and 4 pm. Tick- Black United and Proud of Our Heri- dren’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at This summer’s international ets $15, $10 in advance. For tickets, tage offers homework help for students St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735-4400; in grades one through six. www.brooklynkids.org; Saturdays and roster of talent includes Adam call (877) 238-5596. For info, visit Sundays, 11:30 am, Now – Sun, June Kapilow, Megan & Marui, the Sor- www.waterfrontmuseum.org. Bingo night: Moxie Spot, 81 Atlantic 26; Free with museum admission. Continued on page 52 June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 51 Going Places

Continued from page 51 567-2806; www.brooklynpubliclibrary. Ave. between Hicks and Henry streets; org; Wednesdays, 4 pm, Now – Wed, (718) 923-9710; themoxiespot.com; June 22; Free. Sundays, 6-7:30 pm, Free. Children make homemade projects. Prizes and fun for the whole family. Reading is fun: Sheepshead Bay Baby story time: Greenlight Book- Public Library, 2636 E. 14th St. at Shore store, 686 Fulton St. between S. Elliott Road; (718) 368-1815; www.brooklyn- Place and S. Portland Avenue; (718) publiclibrary.org; Wednesdays, 4 pm, 246-0200; greenlightbookstore.com; Saturdays, 10 am, Wed, June 1 – Sat, Sundays, 11 am, Now – Sun, June 26; July 9; Free. Free. Teens and children earn free books by Toddlers listen to stories and songs. reading. Arty facts: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Dance-around: Moxie Spot, 81 At- Eastern Pkwy. at Washington Avenue; lantic Ave. between Hicks and Henry (718) 638-5000; www.brooklynmu- streets; (718) 923-9710; themoxiespot. seum.org; Sundays, 11 am and 1:30 com; Thursdays, 11 am, $2.50. pm, Now – Sun, June 26; $10 per family ($5 for gallery/studio families and Story and crafts: Pacific Library, 25 members). Fourth Ave. at Pacific Street; (718) 638- 1531; www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; Children, ages 4-7, explore the exhib- Thursdays, 3:30 pm, Now – Thurs, June its and enjoy a family activity in this 90- 30; Free. minute program. Children create art projects based on Story play with First RIF: Gerritsen stories. Beach Library, 2808 Gerritsen Ave. between Bartlett Place and Gotham Av- Tween time: Sunset Park Library, enue; (718) 368-1435; www.brooklyn- 5108 Fourth Ave. between 50th and publiclibrary.org; Mondays, 11 am, Now 51st streets; (718) 567-2806; www. – Mon, June 27; Free. brooklynpubliclibrary.org; Thursdays, 3:30 pm, Now – Fri, July 1; Free. Children up to 5 years old play with toys, hear stories and earn free books by Read, play games and listen to music. reading. After-school homework help: Chess: Bay Ridge Library, 7223 Ridge Cortelyou Library, 1305 Cortelyou Rd. Blvd. between 72nd and 73rd streets; at Argyle Road; (718) 693-7763; www. (718) 748-5709; www.brooklynpub- brooklynpubliclibrary.org; Thursdays, liclibrary.org/branch_library_detail. 3:30 pm, Now – Thurs, June 23; Free. jsp?branchpageid=265; Mondays, 3:30 ‘Dream’ in the park Provided by trained adult volunteers. pm, Now – Thurs, June 23; Free. Tween time: Mapleton Library, 1702 For all ages. ith puppets, construc- play and stumble upon a battle 60th St. at 17th Avenue; (718) 256- Singalong: Moxie Spot, 81 Atlantic tion vests and hard between the King and Queen of 2117; www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; Thursdays, 4 pm, Now – Thurs, June Ave. between Hicks and Henry streets; hats, it’s a Shakespeare the Faeries. W 30; Free. (718) 923-9710; themoxiespot.com; comedy like you’ve never seen it The free, outdoor perfor- Read, play games and listen to music. Tuesdays, 11 am, $2.50. before. mances run throughout June. Come clap, dance, sing or just watch! In what’s become a summer Stick around after the show for Story time: Brownsville Public Library, Story play with First RIF: Pacific tradition, Prospect Lefferts Gar- children’s activities or bring a 61 Glenmore Ave. at Stone Avenue; Library, 25 Fourth Ave. at Pacific Street; dens Arts’ annual production of swimsuit to splash in the dragon (718) 498-9721; www.brooklynpublicli- (718) 638-1531; www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; Wednesdays, 3 pm, Fridays, “Daydream” — an adaptation of fountain. 10:30 am, Fri, June 3 – Fri, July 1; Free. brary.org; Tuesdays, 2 pm, Now – Tues, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” — “Daydream” at the Imagination June 28; Free. From birth to 5 years, finger play and returns to Prospect Park’s Imagi- Playground in Prospect Park [Enter Children up to five years old play with songs. toys, hear stories and earn free books by nation Playground. at Ocean Avenue, (718) 393-7733], In the reworking, a crew of Saturdays at 11 am and Sundays at Homework help: Sunset Park Public reading. Library, 5108 Fourth Ave. at 51st Street; 2 pm from June 4-26. Free. For more construction workers wander (718) 965-6533; www.brooklynpublicli- Arts and crafts: Leonard Library, 81 into Prospect Park to rehearse a info, visit www.plgarts.org. Devoe St. between Manhattan Avenue brary.org; Mondays and Wednesdays, 4 and Leonard Street; (718) 486-3365; pm, Mon, June 6 – Wed, June 29; Free. www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; Tues- For children of all ages. 253-4409; www.brooklynpubliclibrary. 1531; www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; days, 3:30 pm, Now – Tues, June 21; Read and play: Flatlands Public Li- Free. org; Wednesdays, 3:30 pm, Now – Wednesdays, 3:30 pm, Now – Wed, Wed, June 29; Free. June 15; Free. brary, 2065 Flatbush Ave. at Avenue P; Toddler time with First RIF: For children up to 18 months. (718) 253-4409; www.brooklynpublicli- Brooklyn Heights Library, 280 Cadman Reading is Fun: Flatbush Public Li- brary.org; Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 1 Plaza W. at Tillary Street; (718) 623- Arts and crafts: Sheepshead Bay brary, 22 Linden Blvd. at Flatbush Av- pm, Tues, June 7 – Wed, June 29; Free. 7000; www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; Library, 2636 E. 14th St. at Shore Road; enue; (718) 856-0813; www.brook- For children birth to 5 years old. Wednesdays, 1:30 pm, Now – Wed, (718) 368-1815; www.brooklynpublicli- lynpubliclibrary.org; Wednesdays and brary.org; Wednesdays, 3:30 pm, Now Thursdays, 3:30 pm, Wed, June 1 – BoCoCa Arts Festival: (917) 499- June 29; Free. 5762; [email protected]; – Wed, June 22; Free. Thurs, June 30; Free. Children 18 to 36 months engage in www.bococaartsfestival.com; $18 ($15 interactive play and hear stories. Children make homemade projects. Children read to earn free books. in advance). Babies and books: Flatlands Library, Game day: Pacific Library, 25 Fourth Arts and crafts: Sunset Park Library, A 10-day festival at various locations. 2065 Flatbush Ave. at Avenue P; (718) Ave. at Pacific Street; (718) 638- 5108 Fourth Ave. at 51st Street; (718) Continued on page 54 52 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 FREE for Kids ® at UNION TEMPLE A Class Above. Guaranteed.™ FAMILY SERVICE & POTLUCK DINNER Friday, June 3 at 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Snacks at 6:00. Music-filled, kid-friendly Shabbat service at 6:30. Then meet and greet other families at a Pot Luck dinner. Can’t cook? We think store-bought is delicious, too. Monthly, every first Friday. 24 years of success TOT SHABBAT Our cOre prOgrams are: Friday, June 17 at 4:00 p.m. Singing, dancing, and a little Hebrew for toddlers, preschoolers, and Reading • Math • WRiting • Study SkillS their adult guests. Monthly, every third Friday. Our reading program’s format is the one selected by the NYC Board of Ed. Union Temple of Brooklyn Our beginning reading program is open to 5-year-olds and up. 17 Eastern Parkway Across from We offer test prep for SAT, TACHS, the Brooklyn Public Library SSHSAT, ISEE, SSAT, and GED. at Grand Army Plaza 718-74-TUTOR 718-638-7600 Bay Ridge Center • 7811 3rd Ave. • Brooklyn www.uniontemple.org Bringing 24 years of success to Brooklyn [email protected]

June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 53 Going Places

Continued from page 52 Children make projects. Wii and Nintendo: Moxie Spot, 81 Knitting: Jamaica Bay Public Library, Atlantic Ave. between Hicks and Henry 9727 Seaview Ave. at Rockaway Park- streets; (718) 923-9710; themoxiespot. way; (718) 241-3571; www.brooklyn- com; Saturday, June 18, 6 pm; Satur- publiclibrary.org; 4 pm; Free. day, July 16, 6 pm; Saturday, Aug. 20, 6 Teens get help with projects. pm; Saturday, Sept. 17, 6 pm; Saturday, Oct. 15, 6 pm; Saturday, Nov. 19, 6 pm; Saturday, Dec. 17, 6 pm; Saturday, Jan. Thurs, June 2 21, 6 pm; Saturday, Feb. 18, 6 pm; Sat- Gaming: Clarendon Public Library, urday, March 17, 6 pm; Saturday, April 2035 Nostrand Ave. between Farragut 21, 6 pm; Saturday, May 19, 6 pm; Sat- and Glenwood roads; (718) 421-1159; urday, June 16, 6 pm; Saturday, July 21, www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 3:30 6 pm; Free. pm; Free. Prizes, games and food. Play Wii with friends. Camp Friendship: Brooklyn Mu- Film screening: Leonard Public Li- seum, 200 Eastern Pkwy. at Washington brary, 81 Devoe St. between Manhattan Avenue; (718) 638-5000; info@camp- Avenue and Leonard Street; (718) 486- friendship.net; www.brooklynmuseum. 3365; www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; org; Daily, 8 am; Wed, June 29 – Fri, 3:30 pm; Free. Aug. 26; $1,000 for 9-week session. Children, ages 6 and up, enjoy a kid- Fast-paced, fun filled and fully friendly flick. Interactive. Homework help: New Utrecht Public Park play: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Old Library, 1743 86th St. between Bay 16th Fulton St. at Furman Street; (718) 802- and Bay 17th streets; (718) 236-4076; 0603; www.nycgovparks.org; Thurs- www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 3:30 days and Fridays, 11 am–7 pm, Thurs, pm; Free. July 7 – Fri, Aug. 26; Free. Weekend to remember For children of all ages. Fun for the whole family. he Revolutionary and Civil terschool Orchestras Symphonic Teen time: Bushwick Public Library, wars are more than just Band, and even the firing of an 340 Bushwick Ave. at Seigel Street; Fri, May 27 chapters in a history book authentic 1863 Civil War cannon. (718) 602-1348; www.brooklynpubli- T cllibrary.org; 4 pm; Free. Books, games Shakespeare festival: IS 201, 8010 this month. Festivities on Sunday include and music with friends. 12th Ave. at 80th Street; (718) 833- On June 4 and 5, the New a parade and raising of the New 9363; 9:45 am– 1:30 pm; Free. Utrecht Reformed Church hosts Utrecht Liberty Pole — just like Gaming: Cortelyou Public Library, Students perform the Bard’s most re- “Liberty Weekend,” two days of they did it in the 1700s! 1305 Cortelyou Rd. at Argyle Road; nowned plays, dress up in period cloth- reenactments, cannon fire, film “Liberty Weekend” at New Utrecht (718) 693-7763; www.brooklynpublicli- ing and step back in time. (Rain date screenings and concerts. Reformed Church [84th Street and brary.org; 4 pm; Free. 6/10/11). On Saturday, there’ll be mov- 18th Avenue in Bensonhurst, (718) PlayStation and Wii. ies, lectures, Civil War re-enac- 256-7173], June 4 from 10 am-4 pm Reading time: Mapleton Public Li- Sat, May 28 tors, exhibits, a rare tour of the and June 5 at 12:30 pm. Free. For brary, 1702 60th St. between 16th and Planting party: Lefferts Historic colonial-era New Utrecht Cem- info, visit www.historicnewutrecht. 17th avenues; (718) 256-2117; www. brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 4 pm; Free. Homestead, 452 Flatbush Ave. between etery, a performance by the In- org. Empire Boulevard and Eastern Parkway; Tweens enjoy books and games with (718) 789-2822; www.prospectpark. their friends. org; 1–4 pm; Free. An annual street fair extravaganza. world of natural science with hands on Inventing Brooklyn: People, Places Till the soil, plant seed potatoes and activities. and Progress: Brooklyn Historical So- then churn some butter. Planting party: 1–4 pm. Lefferts His- ciety, 128 Pierrepont St. at Clinton toric Homestead. See Saturday, May 28. Babies and books: Bushwick Public Rolie Polie Guacamole: Gumbo, Street; (718) 222-4111; http://www.art- Library, 340 Bushwick Ave. at Seigel 493 Atlantic Ave. between Nevins Street Walk2011.com; www.brooklynhistory. Street; (718) 602-1348; www.brooklyn- and Third Avenue; (718) 855-7808; org; 5:30–7:30 pm; Free. Wed, June 1 publicllibrary.org; 1 pm; Free. 4–4:45 pm; $18 ($2 siblings, free for Art exhibit opening party. adults). Explorers Club: Rubin Museum of Children up to 18 months old and Art, 150 West 17th St., between 6th their caregiver/parent. Rock, sing and dance with kids band. Fri, June 3 and 7th avenues in Manhattan; (212) Family story tours: Rubin Museum 620-5000 X 344; www.rmanyc.org; 11 First RIF: Bedford Public Library, 496 of Art, 150 West 17th St., between 6th Sun, May 29 Franklin Ave. at Fulton Street; (718) am–noon; $10 per child/adult pair ($5 and 7th avenues in Manhattan; (212) 623-0012; www.brooklynpubliclibrary. Street festival: Eighth Avenue, be- for members; $5 for each additional 620-5000 X 344. www.rmanyc.org; org; 11 am; Free. tween 39th and 49th streets; (718) child). 3:30–4:15 pm; $10 per child/adult pair Children from birth to five years. 444-6028; [email protected]; 10 Children, ages 3-5, learn about every- ($5 for members; $5 for each additional am–6 pm; Free. thing from the tallest mountains to the child). Teen time: McKinley Park Public Food, vendors, games, a visit from deepest seas. Pre-registration required. Children, ages 5 and up, accompa- Library, 6802 Ft. Hamilton Pkwy. at the North Shore Animal League and the Little Scientist: Brooklyn Children’s nied by an adult partake in an interactive Ovington Avenue; (718) 748-8001; FDNY Fire Safety house. Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. walk through the museum. www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 3 pm; Free. Eighth Avenue Spectacular: Marks Avenue; (718) 735-4400; www. Arts and crafts: Crown Heights Pub- Books, games and music. Eighth Avenue between 39th and 49th brooklynkids.org; 11:30 am–12:30 pm lic Library, 560 New York Ave. between streets; (718) 444-6028; info@street- and 2:30–3:30 pm; Free with museum Maple Street and Lincoln Road; (718) Fun Fridays: Eastern Parkway Public fairsny.com; www.streetfairsny.com; 10 admission. 773-1180; www.brooklynpubliclibrary. Library, 1044 Eastern Pkwy. at Kingston am–6 pm; Free. Children five and older investigate the org; 3:30 pm; Free. Avenue; (718) 778-9330; www.brook- 54 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 Going Places lynpubliclibrary.org; 4 pm; Free. Transit Museum, Boerum Place at Franklin St.; (718) 383-0096; www. Saturday, June 4. Children of all ages enjoy PlayStation, Schermerhorn Street; (718) 694-1600; wordbrooklyn.com; 4 pm; Free. “Showboat Shazzam”: Waterfront anime and Wii. http://www.artWalk2011.com; www. With Laura Lee Gulledge. mta.info/mta/museum; Noon–5 pm; Museum and Showboat Barge, 290 Teen time: Pacifi c Public Library, 25 Free. afro-Latin culture: Brooklyn Mu- Conover St. at Reed Street; (718) 624- Fourth Ave. at Pacifi c Street; (718) 596- seum, 200 Eastern Pkwy. at Washington 4719; www.waterfrontmuseum.org; 1 Also, two-for-one admission into mu- 4114; www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 4 Avenue; (718) 638-5000; www.brook- and 4 pm; $15. seum. Part of Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk pm; Free. lynmuseum.org; 5–11 pm; Free. Target 2011. The little big top at sea hosted by Share books, games and music. First Saturdays explores culture, art, the Waterfront Museum and Showboat Kids ﬁ lm fest: indieScreen, 289 Kent music and performances. Also featuring Barge, featuring a variety of circus per- Ave. between South First and South the fi lm “Adios Momo.” formers from around the globe. sat, June 4 Second streets; www.kidsfi lmfest.org; 1 “Daydream”: Imagination Play- pm; $10 (free children 12 and under). Batter Up!: Brooklyn Children’s Mu- sun, June 5 seum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks ground, Prospect Park, Ocean Avenue Films are rated G for all ages and con- Avenue; (718) 735-4400; www.brook- at Lincoln Road; (718) 393-7733; www. sist of short animation and narrative Children’s workshop: Noon–5 pm. lynkids.org; 1:30–2:30 pm; Free with plgarts.org; 11 am; Free. selections. New York Transit Museum. See Satur- museum admission. Adaptation of “A Midsummer Night’s day, June 4. invisible Dog Children’s art Dream”. Children, ages 4 and up, learn about Workshop: Invisible Dog, 51 Bergen Kite Festival: Citistorage, 5 N. 11th America’s favorite sport, baseball. “mi bebe es un heroe”: Repertorio St. between Boerum Place and Smith St. at Kent Street; kezia279@yahoo. Espanol, 138 E. 27th St. in Manhattan; Street; (347) 981-4186; http://www.art- com; Noon–5 pm; $1. “Daydream”: 2 pm. Imagination Play- ground, Prospect Park. See Saturday, (212) 225-9920; www.repertorio.org; Walk2011.com; www.theinvisibledog. Go fly one and help raise much June 4. Noon; $12. org; 1–3 pm; Free. needed funds for PS 132. Entertainment Bilingual puppet show that teaches Part of Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk 2011. provided by The Hungry Marching Band the importance of love and family val- and Audra Rox. mon, June 6 Summer Solstice at Stonehenge: ues. For children ages 2 and up. Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Bridge Park Family Fes- Read and play: Greenpoint Public Film screening: McKinley Park Pub- Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks Avenue; tival: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6, Fur- Library, 107 Norman Ave. at Leonard lic Library, 6802 Ft. Hamilton Pkwy. (718) 735-4400; www.brooklynkids. man Street and Atlantic Avenue; http:// Street; (718) 349-8504; www.brooklyn- at Ovington Avenue; (718) 748-8001; org; 2:30–3:30 pm; Free with museum www.artWalk2011.com; www.brook- publiclibrary.org; 10:30 am; Free. www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; Noon; admission. lynbridgepark.org; 1–5 pm; Free. For children from birth to five years; Free. Children, ages 6 and up, learn about Part of Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk 2011. playtime for children with and without Suitable for all ages. the ancient location. disabilities. invisible Dog Children’s art Children’s workshop: New York Creativity workshop: WORD, 126 Workshop: 1–3 pm. Invisible Dog. 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June 2011 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 55 Going Places

Continued from page 55 Nostrand Ave. between Farragut and Babies and books: Mill Basin Public Glenwood roads; (718) 421-1159; www. Library, 2385 Ralph Ave. at Veterans Av- brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 3 pm; Free. enue; (718) 241-3973; www.brooklyn- Teens watch episodes of their faves. publiclibrary.org; 1 pm. Reading is Fun: 3 pm. Brownsville Children to 18 months old and their Public Library. See Wednesday, June 1. caregiver/parent hear stories, listen to songs and rhymes. Chess: Crown Heights Public Library, 560 New York Ave. between Maple Gaming: Kings Highway Public Library, Street and Lincoln Road; (718) 773- 2115 Ocean Ave. at Avenue R; (718) 1180; www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 339-2783; Http://www.brooklynpubli- 3:30 pm; Free. clibrary.org; 3:30 pm; Free. Beginners welcome. Teens play Wii and PlayStation 2. Creative writing: McKinley Park Dance time: Coney Island Public Li- Public Library, 6802 Ft. Hamilton Pkwy. brary, 1901 Mermaid Ave. at West 19th at Ovington Avenue; (718) 748-8001; Street; (718) 265-3220; www.brooklyn- www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 3:30 publiclibrary.org; 4 pm; Free. pm; Free. Play twister, make lanyards and dance. Teens get helpful hints. Game day: Borough Park Library, Reading is Fun: 3:30 pm. McKin- 1265 43rd St. between 12th and 13th ley Park Public Library. See Wednesday, avenues; (718) 437-4085; www.brook- June 1. lynpubliclibrary.org; 5 pm; Free. For all ages. Creative writing: Jamaica Bay Public Library, 9727 Seaview Ave. at Rockaway Tues, June 7 For tiny cinephiles Parkway; (718) 241-3571; www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 4 pm; Free. his film festival is for the Children can meet the people Toddler time: Sunset Park Public Li- Teens get helpful hints. brary, 5108 Fourth Ave. at 51st Street; kids. behind the movie magic during (718) 965-6533; www.brooklynpublicli- On June 4, the Brook- a Q&A with the directors and Kids Korner: Clinton Hill Public Li- T brary, 380 Washington Ave. between brary.org; 10:30 am; Free. lyn Film Festival presents its sev- actors, as well as a director’s in- Lafayette and Greene avenues; (718) Children 18 to 36 months along with enth annual “kidsfilmfest,” which teractive workshop following the 398-8713; www.brooklynpubliclibrary. caregiver/parent enjoy finger play and promotes children’s filmmakers screenings. stories. org; 4:15 pm; Free. and educates young movie-goers Brooklyn Film Festival’s “kidsfilm- Children play games, watch movies Toddler time: Ulmer Park Public Li- about the art of film production. fest” at indieScreen (285 Kent Ave. and make art projects. brary, 2602 Bath Ave. at 26th Avenue; The program will be tailored at South Second Street in Williams- (718) 265-3443; www.brooklynpublicli- for children of all ages (films will burg, no phone), June 4 at 1 pm. Thurs, June 9 brary.org; 11 am; Free. For children 18 be rated “G”), consisting of nu- Tickets are $10, free for children 12 to 36 months. merous short animation and nar- and younger. For info, visit www. Avery Johnson: Brooklyn Public Library’s Central branch, Flatbush Av- First RIF: New Utrecht Public Library, rative films from five countries. kidsfilmfest.org. enue at Eastern Parkway in Grand Army 1743 86th St. between Bay 16th and Plaza; (718) 230-2100; www.brooklyn- Bay 17th streets; (718) 236-4076; publiclibrary.org/branch_library_detail. www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 1:15 jsp?branchpageid=265; 10:30 am; Free. pm; Free. and Leonard Street; (718) 486-3365; Wed, June 8 www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 3:30 The Nets coach reads to kids as part Children, from birth to 5 years, enjoy Explorers Club: 11 am–noon. Rubin pm; Free. of the library’s Summer Reading Kickoff. stories and play time. Museum of Art. See Wednesday, June Children get together and play classic Summer reading kickoff: East Flat- Summer Solstice at Stonehenge: 1. bush Public Library, 9612 Church Ave. at Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 board games. Little Scientist: 11:30 am–12:30 pm East 96th Street; (718) 922-0927; www. Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks Avenue; Arts and crafts: McKinley Park Pub- and 2:30–3:30 pm. Brooklyn Children’s brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 2 pm; Free. (718) 735-4400; www.brooklynkids. lic Library, 6802 Ft. Hamilton Pkwy. Museum. See Wednesday, June 1. org; 2:30–3:30 pm; Free with museum Sign up for the challenge; fun and at Ovington Avenue; (718) 748-8001; admission. Babies and books: 1 pm. Bushwick games. www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 3:30 Children, ages 3 and up, learn about Public Library. See Wednesday, June 1. Summer reading kickoff: Ger- the ancient location. pm; Free. ritsen Beach Public Library, 2808 Ger- Babies and books: Borough Park For children ages 5 and up. ritsen Ave. between Bartlett Place and Gaming: Homecrest Public Library, Library, 1265 43rd St. between 12th and Gotham Avenue; (718) 368-1435; 2525 Coney Island Ave. between Gra- Gaming: New Utrecht Public Library, 13th avenues; (718) 437-4085; www. www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 2 pm; vesend Neck Road and Avenue V; (718) brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 1:30 pm; 1743 86th St. between Bay 16th and Free. 382-5924; www.brooklynpubliclibrary. Free. Bay 17th streets; (718) 236-4076; Children of all ages sign up for the org; 3:30 pm; Free. Songs and rhymes for babies up to 18 www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 3:30 challenge, enjoy activities and receive a Teens enjoy PlayStation, Wii and other months and caregiver/parent. pm; Free. free book. electronic games. Resume writing: Brooklyn Public Children of all ages play electronic and Summer reading kickoff: New Chess: Kings Highway Public Library, Library’s Central branch, Flatbush Av- board games. Utrecht Public Library, 1743 86th St. 2115 Ocean Ave. at Avenue R; (718) enue at Eastern Parkway in Grand Army between Bay 16th and Bay 17th streets; 339-2783; Http://www.brooklynpubli- Reading is Fun: Rugby Public Library, Plaza; (718) 230-2100; www.brooklyn- (718) 236-4076; www.brooklynpublicli- clibrary.org; 3:30 pm; Free. publiclibrary.org/branch_library_detail. 1000 Utica Ave. at East 49th Street; brary.org; 2 pm; Free. For all ages. jsp?branchpageid=265; 3 pm; Free. (718) 566-0054; www.brooklynpublicli- Children of all ages sign up for the For teens and adults. Helpful hints. Gaming: Leonard Public Library, 81 brary.org; 3:30 pm; Free. challenge, enjoy games and arts and Devoe St. between Manhattan Avenue Teens earn free books by reading. Anime: Clarendon Public Library, 2035 crafts. 56 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 Going Places Summer reading registration: brary. See Thursday, June 2. ette and Greene avenues; (718) 398- Body Sculpt’s eighth annual children’s Bedford Public Library, 496 Franklin 8713; www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; fair offering archery, hula hoop, ten- Ave. at Fulton Street; (718) 623-0012; Tween time: Jamaica Bay Public Li- 4 pm; Free. nis, fencing, dance, golf, jump rope, brary, 9727 Seaview Ave. at Rockaway www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 3:30 Read, play games and listen to music. volleyball and more. There will also be pm; Free. Parkway; (718) 241-3571; www.brook- screenings, nutrition clinics and weight Sign up for the 2011 challenge and lynpubliclibrary.org; 4 pm; Free. Fun Fridays: 4 pm. Eastern Parkway counseling. enjoy games. Children, ages 9 to 12, play games, Public Library. See Friday, June 3. do crafts and get together with their Community Awareness Day: PS Twilight trivia: New Utrecht Public friends. Teen time: 4 pm. Pacific Public Li- 170, 7109 Sixth Ave. at 71st Street; Library, 1743 86th St. between Bay 16th brary. See Friday, June 3. (718) 748-0333; afigueroa9@schools. and Bay 17th streets; (718) 236-4076; Reading time: 4 pm. Mapleton Public nyc.gov; 10 am–2 pm; Free. www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 3:30 Library. See Thursday, June 2. Camping: Salt Marsh Nature Center, Families may obtain information on pm; Free. 3302 Ave. U; (718) 421-2021; 7 pm; programs available. Free. Teens test their knowledge about the Fri, June 10 Health fair: Fort Greene Park Visitor vampire trilogy. Food and tents provided. Family lim- Teen time: 3 pm. McKinley Park Pub- ited to four participants. Register in Center, Enter park at Myrtle Avenue Gaming: 3:30 pm. Clarendon Public lic Library. See Friday, June 3. advance. and Washington Park; (718) 250-8344; Library. See Thursday, June 2. www.tbhc.org; 10 am; Free. Danette Vigilante: Red Hook Public Spring celebration: Kumble The- Screenings, face painting, and Film screening: 3:30 pm. Leonard Library, 7 Wolcott St. between Richards ater at Long Island University, DeKalb giveaways. Public Library. See Thursday, June 2. and Dwight streets; (718) 935-0203; and Flatbush avenues; (718) 488-1624; www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 3:30 Renegade Craft fair: McCarren Homework help: 3:30 pm. New [email protected]; www.brooklyn. pm; Free. liu.edu/KumbleTheater; 8 pm; $25 ($15 Park, Bedford Avenue at North 12th Utrecht Public Library. See Thursday, Street; www.nycgovparks.org; 10 am–8 Author reads from her book “The children 12 and under). June 2. pm; Free. Trouble with Half a Moon.” For teens. Modern dance performed by Dance- Handmade goods, crafting work- Arts and Crafts: Flatlands Public Li- wave’s pre-professional youth company. brary, 2065 Flatbush Ave. at Avenue P; Philosophy group: New Utrecht shops, food and beverages. Public Library, 1743 86th St. between (718) 253-4409; www.brooklynpublicli- Health fair: House of the Lord brary.org; 4 pm; Free. Bay 16th and Bay 17th streets; (718) Sat, June 11 236-4076; www.brooklynpubliclibrary. Church, 415 Atlantic Ave. at Bond For children of all ages. Boys and Girls High org; 3:30 pm; Free. Sports expo: Street; (718) 596-1991; holchealth@ya- School, 1700 Fulton St. at Utica Avenue; hoo.com; www.holcnj.org; 11 am–5:30 Teen time: 4 pm. Bushwick Public Li- For adults. Topics vary week to week. pm; Free. brary. See Thursday, June 2. (718) 346-5852; jjudson.bodysculpt@ Teen time: Clinton Hill Public Library, gmail.com; 10 am–4 pm and 1–3 pm; Screenings and children’s events. Gaming: 4 pm. 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June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 57 Going Places

Continued from page 57 Museum of Art. See Wednesday, June “Daydream”: 11 am. Imagination 1. Playground, Prospect Park. See Satur- day, June 4. Little Scientist: 11:30 am–12:30 pm and 2:30–3:30 pm. Brooklyn Children’s Movie time: Brooklyn Children’s Museum. See Wednesday, June 1. Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735-4400; www. Babies and books: 1 pm. Bushwick brooklynkids.org; 11:30 am–12:30 pm Public Library. See Wednesday, June 1. and 2:30–3:30 pm; Free with museum Chess: Dyker Public Library, 8202 13th admission. Ave. between 82nd and 83rd streets; Children, ages 5 and younger, watch (718) 748-6261; www.brooklynpublicli- children’s stories on the screen. brary.org; 3 pm; Free. “The Butt Book”: Barnes and Noble All ages welcome. Park Slope, 267 Seventh Ave. at Sixth Arts and crafts: Clarendon Public Street; (718) 832-9066; Noon; Free with Library, 2035 Nostrand Ave. between museum admission. Farragut and Glenwood roads; (718) Author Artie Bennett reads from his 421-1159; www.brooklynpubliclibrary. classic “behind” book. org; 3:30 pm; Free. Film screening: Noon. McKinley Park Children of all ages make fun projects. Public Library. See Saturday, June 4. Arts and crafts: 3:30 pm. Crown Sun tales: Brooklyn Children’s Mu- Heights Public Library. See Wednesday, seum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks June 1. Avenue; (718) 735-4400; www.brook- Creative writing: 3:30 pm. McKin- lynkids.org; 2:30–3:30 pm; Free with ley Park Public Library. See Wednesday, museum admission. Magical exhibition June 8. Children, ages 3 and up, explore ancient Egypt. he magic of “Harry Potter” worn at the Yule Ball. Enter the Kids Korner: 4:15 pm. Clinton Hill Public Library. See Wednesday, June 8. Cake Contest: IKEA Brooklyn/IKEA comes to life in this new Quidditch area and toss a quaf- waterfront, 1 Beard Street; (718) 789- T exhibition at the Discovery fle, pull your own mandrake in Travis Nichols: WORD, 126 Franklin 1746 or (718) 622-2492; kristenlagrua@ Times Square museum. the herbology vignette, encoun- St.; (718) 383-0096; www.wordbrook- gmail.com; www.relayforlife.org/ You and your little Hogwarts ter Buckbeak the hippogriff and lyn.com; 7 pm; Free. ikearedhookny; 5–6:30 pm; Free. fan can explore more than 200 even a giant Acromantula spider. Author of “The Monster Doo- Best Birthday Cake in Brooklyn Con- authentic costumes and props The only thing missing is Daniel dle Book” will also be giving doodle test to take place on the IKEA water- demonstrations. front. Sponsored by Fairway Market. from the popular films, displayed Radcliffe himself! in settings inspired by the sets. “Harry Potter: The Exhibition” at Thurs, June 16 Sun, June 12 While touring the exhibition Discovery Times Square [226 W. 44th space, you can even discover St. between Seventh and Eighth av- Nature class: Brooklyn Children’s Renegade Craft fair: 10 am–8 pm. iconic items such as Harry’s orig- enues in Manhattan, (866) 987-9692], Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. McCarren Park. See Saturday, June 11. inal wand and eyeglasses, the Ma- now through Oct. 5. Tickets $25, Marks Avenue; (718) 735-4400; www. Scavenger Hunt: Fort Greene Park rauder’s Map, Gryffindor school $22.50 for seniors, $19.50 for children. brooklynkids.org; 2:30–3:30 pm; Free Visitor Center, Enter park at Myrtle Av- uniforms as well as costumes For info, visit www.discoverytsx.co. with museum admission. enue and Washington Park; (718) 723- Children, 3 and older, learn about the 3218; 1 pm; Free. Grassland National Park in Canada. Follow the clues to hidden treasures. classic tic-tac-toe game. Chess: 3:30 pm. Kings Highway Public Arts and crafts: Bushwick Public “Daydream”: 2 pm. Imagination Play- Library. See Tuesday, June 7. Library, 340 Bushwick Ave. at Seigel Game day: 5 pm. Borough Park Li- Street; (718) 602-1348; www.brooklyn- ground, Prospect Park. See Saturday, brary. See Monday, June 6. Arts and crafts: Leonard Public Li- June 4. publicllibrary.org; 3:30 pm; Free. brary, 81 Devoe St. between Manhattan For children of all ages. Tues, June 14 Avenue and Leonard Street; (718) 486- Mon, June 13 3365; www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; Gaming: 3:30 pm. Clarendon Public Toddler time: 11 am. Ulmer Park 3:30 pm; Free. Library. See Thursday, June 2. Read and play: 10:30 am. Green- Public Library. See Tuesday, June 7. Children make fun projects. point Public Library. See Monday, June Film screening: 3:30 pm. Leonard 6. Story time: Borough Park Library, Arts and crafts: 3:30 pm. McKinley Public Library. See Thursday, June 2. 1265 43rd St. between 12th and 13th Park Public Library. See Tuesday, June 7. Toddler time: 11 am. Gravesend Pub- 3:30 pm. New avenues; (718) 437-4085; www.brook- Homework help: lic Library. See Monday, June 6. Utrecht Public Library. See Thursday, lynpubliclibrary.org; 3 pm; Free. Gaming: 3:30 pm. New Utrecht Public Library. See Tuesday, June 7. June 2. Babies and books: 1 pm. Mill Basin Toys and stories for babies up to 5 Public Library. See Monday, June 6. years old. Arts and crafts: Homecrest Public Li- Arts and crafts: Homecrest Public Li- brary, 2525 Coney Island Ave. between Arts and crafts: Bedford Public Li- brary, 2525 Coney Island Ave. between Gaming: 3:30 pm. Kings Highway Gravesend Neck Road and Avenue V; brary, 496 Franklin Ave. at Fulton Street; Gravesend Neck Road and Avenue V; Public Library. See Monday, June 6. (718) 382-5924; www.brooklynpublicli- (718) 623-0012; www.brooklynpublicli- (718) 382-5924; www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 4 pm; Free. Hollywood Squares: Coney Island brary.org; 3:30 pm; Free. brary.org; 4 pm; Free. Public Library, 1901 Mermaid Ave. at Children make a gift for dad. Children of all ages enjoy gaming, Teens make a gift for dad. West 19th Street; (718) 265-3220; projects and reading. Teen time: 4 pm. Bushwick Public Li- www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 4 pm; Wed, June 15 brary. See Thursday, June 2. Free. Gaming: 3:30 pm. Homecrest Public Children compete for prizes in this Library. See Tuesday, June 7. Explorers Club: 11 am–noon. Rubin Gaming: 4 pm. Cortelyou Public Li- 58 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 Going Places brary. See Thursday, June 2. Day project. 126 Franklin St.; (718) 383-0096; www. June 4. wordbrooklyn.com; 1:30 pm; Free. Teen time: 4 pm. Clinton Hill Public Reading time: 4 pm. Mapleton Public With Lilit Marcus. Family day: Herbert Von King Park, Library. See Thursday, June 2. Library. See Friday, June 10. Lafayette Avenue at Tompkins Avenue; [email protected]; www. Fun Fridays: 4 pm. Eastern Parkway “Winged Migration”: Brooklyn Sun, June 19 nycgovparks.org; 3 pm; Free. Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. Public Library. See Friday, June 3. Entertainment featuring Black Girls at St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735-4400; Archaeology adventure: Fort Teen time: 4 pm. Pacific Public Li- Rock, a multi-faceted youth enrichment www.brooklynkids.org; 5:30–7 pm; Greene Park Visitor Center, Enter park brary. See Friday, June 3. Free with museum admission. at Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park; and mentoring service to girls. (718) 722-3218; 11 am; Free. Children of all ages watch the movie. Camping: Fort Greene Park Visitor Banners and Cranks festival: Center, Enter at Myrtle Avenue and Sift through sand and learn about the Brooklyn Bridge Park, Old Fulton Street Kristen Balouch: WORD, 126 Frank- Washington Park; (718) 722-3218; 7 different methods that scientists use. at Furman Street; www.nycgovparks. lin St.; (718) 383-0096; www.word- pm; Free. org; 4–8 pm; Free. brooklyn.com; 7 pm; Free. Father’s Day: Prospect Park Audubon Food and tents provided. Family lim- Center, Enter park at Lincoln Road and Great Small Works presents puppets Author of “The Little Little Girl with ited to four participants. Register in Ocean Avenue; (718) 287-3400; www. and musicians for a an evening of stories the Big Big Voice.” advance. prospectpark.org/audubon; Noon–5 and songs. pm; Free. Fri, June 17 Sat, June 18 Make a craft out of recycled materials Mon, June 20 Arts and crafts: Gerritsen Beach and then enjoy a sing-a-long. “Daydream”: 11 am. Imagination Public Library, 2808 Gerritsen Ave. be- Read and play: 10:30 am. Green- Playground, Prospect Park. See Satur- “Showboat Shazzam”: 1 and 4 tween Bartlett Place and Gotham Av- point Public Library. See Monday, June day, June 4. pm. Waterfront Museum and Showboat 6. enue; (718) 368-1435; www.brooklyn- Barge. See Sunday, June 5. publiclibrary.org; 3 pm; Free. Puppetry arts show: Barnes and Toddler time: 11 am. Gravesend Pub- Catapult craze: Brooklyn Children’s For all ages. Noble Park Slope, 267 Seventh Ave. at lic Library. See Monday, June 6. Sixth Street; (718) 832-9066; Noon; Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Teen time: 3 pm. McKinley Park Pub- Free. Marks Avenue; (718) 735-4400; www. Babies and books: 1 pm. Mill Basin lic Library. See Friday, June 3. Children of all ages enjoy a show and brooklynkids.org; 1:30–2:30 pm; Free Public Library. See Monday, June 6. with museum admission. Craft day: Red Hook Public Library, books. Gaming: 3:30 pm. Kings Highway 7 Wolcott St. between Richards and Children, ages 5 and older, learn Film screening: Noon. McKinley Park Public Library. See Monday, June 6. Dwight streets; (718) 935-0203; www. about the military invention. Public Library. See Saturday, June 4. brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 4 pm; Free. “Daydream”: 2 pm. Imagination Play- Game day: 5 pm. Borough Park Li- Children of all ages create a Father’s Sign Language Storytime: WORD, ground, Prospect Park. See Saturday, Continued on page 60

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June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 59 Going Places Continued from page 59 nal or sketchbook. lynpubliclibrary.org; 4 pm; Free. Reading time: 4 pm. Mapleton Public brary. See Monday, June 6. Children explore projects from around Library. See Thursday, June 2. Wed, June 22 the world. Tues, June 21 Explorers Club: 11 am–noon. Rubin Kids Korner: 4:15 pm. Clinton Hill Fri, June 24 Public Library. See Wednesday, June 8. Toddler time: 10:30 am. Sunset Park Museum of Art. See Wednesday, June “Bessie’s Big Shot”: Brooklyn Public Library. See Tuesday, June 7. 1. Bridge Park, Old Fulton St. at Furman Street; www.nycgovparks.org; 10:30 Little Scientist: 11:30 am–12:30 pm Thurs, June 23 Gaming: 3:30 pm. Homecrest Public am; Free. Library. See Tuesday, June 7. and 2:30–3:30 pm. Brooklyn Children’s Butterfly workshop: Brooklyn Museum. See Wednesday, June 1. Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. Root for Bessie in this variety show. Chess: 3:30 pm. Kings Highway Public at St. Marks Avenue; (718) 735-4400; Teen time: 3 pm. McKinley Park Pub- Babies and books: 1 pm. Bushwick Library. See Tuesday, June 7. www.brooklynkids.org; 1:30–2:30 pm; lic Library. See Friday, June 3. Public Library. See Wednesday, June 1. Free with museum admission. Gaming: 3:30 pm. Leonard Public Li- Movie time: Bedford Public Library, Babies and books: 1:30 pm. Bor- Children, ages 4 and up, learn brary. See Tuesday, June 7. 496 Franklin Ave. at Fulton Street; (718) ough Park Library. See Wednesday, how caterpillars turn in to beautiful 623-0012; www.brooklynpubliclibrary. Arts and crafts: 3:30 pm. McKinley June 8. butterflies. org; 3:30 pm; Free. Park Public Library. See Tuesday, June 7. Gaming: 3:30 pm. Clarendon Public Chess: 3 pm. Dyker Public Library. See Kid friendly selections. Library. See Thursday, June 2. Gaming: 3:30 pm. New Utrecht Public Wednesday, June 15. Philosophy group: 3:30 pm. New Library. See Tuesday, June 7. Film screening: 3:30 pm. Leonard Chess: 3:30 pm. Crown Heights Public Utrecht Public Library. See Friday, June Public Library. See Thursday, June 2. Teen time: Bedford Public Library, Library. See Wednesday, June 8. 10. 496 Franklin Ave. at Fulton Street; (718) Homework help: 3:30 pm. New Creative writing: 3:30 pm. McKin- Teen time: 4 pm. Clinton Hill Public 623-0012; www.brooklynpubliclibrary. Utrecht Public Library. See Thursday, ley Park Public Library. See Wednesday, Library. See Friday, June 10. org; 4 pm; Free. June 2. June 8. Books, games and music with friends. Fun Fridays: 4 pm. Eastern Parkway Teen time: 4 pm. Bushwick Public Li- Reading is Fun: 3:30 pm. McKin- Public Library. See Friday, June 3. Scrapooking: Red Hook Public Li- brary. See Thursday, June 2. ley Park Public Library. See Wednesday, brary, 7 Wolcott St. between Richards Writing workshop: Barnes and No- June 1. Gaming: 4 pm. Cortelyou Public Li- and Dwight streets; (718) 935-0203; ble Park Slope, 267 Seventh Ave. at Sixth brary. See Thursday, June 2. www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; 4:30 Arts and crafts: Jamaica Bay Public Street; (718) 832-9066; 5 pm; Free. pm; Free. Library, 9727 Seaview Ave. at Rockaway Tween time: 4 pm. Jamaica Bay Pub- Teens get helpful hints from author Teens begin work on a summer jour- Parkway; (718) 241-3571; www.brook- lic Library. See Thursday, June 9. Continued on page 62

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June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 61 Going Places

Continued from page 60 Marks Avenue; (718) 735-4400; www. Library. See Tuesday, June 7. ley Park Public Library. See Wednesday, Sarah MacLean. brooklynkids.org; 1:30–2:30 pm; Free June 8. with museum admission. arts and crafts: 3:30 pm. Leonard Public Library. See Tuesday, June 14. Kids Korner: 4:15 pm. Clinton Hill Children, ages 4 and older, learn all sat, June 25 Public Library. See Wednesday, June 8. about the span. arts and crafts: 3:30 pm. McKinley Film screening: Noon. McKinley Park Park Public Library. See Tuesday, June 7. Public Library. See Saturday, June 4. thurs, June 30 mon, June 27 Gaming: 3:30 pm. New Utrecht Public arts and crafts: Gravesend Public Read and play: 10:30 am. Greenpoint Library. See Tuesday, June 7. sun, June 26 Library, 303 Ave. X between West First Public Library. See Monday, June 6. annual avenue m mardi Gras: Stories in the Garden: Hoyt Street and West Second streets; (718) 382- Avenue M between East 13th Street and Toddler time: 11 am. Gravesend Pub- Garden, Hoyt Street and Atlantic Av- 5792; www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; Ocean Avenue; (718) 444-6028; info@ lic Library. See Monday, June 6. enue; (718) 237-0145; cusackart@aol. 3 pm; Free. streetfairsny.com; www.streetfairsny. com; 7 pm; Free. Children make fun projects. Gaming: 3:30 pm. Kings Highway com; 10am–6 pm; Free. Public Library. See Monday, June 6. RiF Teens: 3 pm. Dyker Public Library. Avenue M is holding their annual Wed, June 29 See Thursday, June 16. “Mardi Gras” that will include an ap- Hollywood Squares: 4 pm. Coney Is- Explorers Club: 11 am–noon. Rubin pearance from the North Shore Animal land Public Library. See Monday, June 13. Gaming: 3:30 pm. Clarendon Public Museum of Art. See Wednesday, June 1. League and the FDNY. Library. See Thursday, June 2. Game day: 5 pm. Borough Park Li- Little Scientist: 11:30 am–12:30 pm Colonial living: Fort Greene Park Vis- brary. See Monday, June 6. Film screening: 3:30 pm. Leonard itor Center, Enter park at Myrtle Avenue and 2:30–3:30 pm. Brooklyn Children’s Public Library. See Thursday, June 2. and Washington Park; (718) 723-3218; Museum. See Wednesday, June 1. tues, June 28 Homework help: 3:30 pm. New 11 am; Free. Babies and books: 1 pm. Bushwick Utrecht Public Library. See Thursday, Take a trip back to 1776 and play Story time: 3 pm. Borough Park Li- Public Library. See Wednesday, June 1. June 2. games, enjoy a cookout and make a brary. See Tuesday, June 14. candle. Chess: 3 pm. Dyker Public Library. See Teen time: 4 pm. Bushwick Public Li- arts and crafts: 3:30 pm. Bedford Wednesday, June 15. brary. See Thursday, June 2. “Showboat Shazzam”: 1 and 4 Public Library. See Tuesday, June 14. pm. Waterfront Museum and Showboat arts and crafts: 3:30 pm. Crown Gaming: 4 pm. Cortelyou Public Li- Barge. See Sunday, June 5. Gaming: 3:30 pm. Homecrest Public Heights Public Library. See Wednesday, brary. See Thursday, June 2. Library. See Tuesday, June 7. June 1. Build a bridge: Brooklyn Children’s Reading time: 4 pm. Mapleton Public Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Chess: 3:30 pm. Kings Highway Public Creative writing: 3:30 pm. McKin- Library. See Thursday, June 2.

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June 2011 • BROOKLYN Family 63 It figures By Cynthia Washam DaD’s Data

Percent of dads who say Percent of people who 84:moms are treated better 39: consider Ben Stiller the best on Mother’s Day than dads are on celebrity dad. Father’s Day. Percent who consider Brad 25: Pitt their favorite.

Percent of an more than 30: average man’s 312 million: sperm that’s normal and healthy. Number of hits from Googling “mother.” Less than 10: Percent of normal, healthy sperm in 270 million: triathlete males, presumably from miles Number from Googling “father.” spent on a bike saddle in tight shorts. travel trivia Percent who consider family 67: vacation a time for “fun, action and adventure.”

Percent who consider it a time 18: for “rest and relaxation.”

Percent of parents who say 39: they would take their children out of school for a family vacation.

Percent who say they would 11: never do that.

Percent of parents who say 43:their kids are very involved in planning family vacations.

Percent who say the adults 11: decide when and where to go.

Sources: PRweb.com, Parentdish.com, babytalk, Mayoclinic.com, Urology Times, DisneyFamily.com, Familyvacationcritic.com

64 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 ~ party planners ~ Rico The Clown Happy Henry Award-winning Balloon Art & Entertainment “The Wizard/Magician Clown” Magician As seen Close Up Magic on TV at its very finest Comical Nerd • Hands-on Magic Todd Neufeld ! • Balloon aniMals • Magic • Balloon Sculpting Rico is a featured entertainer • Face Painting • Comedy • Roasting University • illusions and Hundreds Professor of 1-212-748-9798 oF costuMe cHaracters • Educational Shows Birthdays, Bar Mitzvahs, christenings, Speech and (800-505-8947) • Adults/Kids Communication 1-800-505-TWIST children’s and adult Parties www.twistedballoon.com Corporate aCCounts welCome [email protected] seen 718-434-9697 • 917-318-9092 on 917-617-3698 ! HBo www.HappyHenrytheWizard.com

Finally in New York! Jane Stratten presents Unique Kids Baking Party Penny and the Puppettes Kids will love it and no mess! • Baking & Decorating Cookies • Making Chocolate Candies • Making Their Own Goody Bags

CATERING FOR THE KIDS & THE ADULTS TOO Memorable, Interactive Musical Puppet Shows (camps, schools, birthday parties, festivals, libraries) Also, Special Shows for One and Two Year Olds! CALL TODAY: 917-640-3373 We bring the show to you! 917-474-9364 www. pennyandthepuppettes.com EMAIL: [email protected] Best Clowns Clowns • Costume Characters All At A ReAsonAble PRice Princess Parties • Magicians (718) 441-5764 (718) 441-7796 Face Painters • Balloon Art www.allinoneentertainment.com Clowns • Magicians • Cartoon Characters Caricaturists • Toddler Games Brand New DJ Service • Arts & Crafts PARTY ROOM All Types of Bounce • Face Painting Sand/ Cotton Candy & More w/Soft Play Area Spin Art • Balloon Artists Private Events • and much more!!! 1-800-75-CLOWN or 212-614-0988 WEEkdAy SPEciAl STArTS AT $ 00 Bi-Lingual Performers Available * Private & Corporate Events 90 All Boros, L.I. & Westchester 95-25 Jamaica Ave, Woodhaven, NY 11421

What do you do before the cake has been served & the presents opened? PuPPies brought to your next birthday... Havin’ a party Really, Really Fun 9520 ave. L, Brooklyn Real Live Puppies Totally Interactive • Magicians • Clowns • Face Painters • 100s of Costume Characters To Choose From Great for ages 1½ to adults • Balloon Animals & Sculptures call 718-258-2342 $ Mention this ad & get 10 off any show to book your next puppy party Serving families in our communities since 1984 See the puppies at 718-251-0500 • www.havingaparty.com . www.PuppyParadise.com

To place an ad in this section, please call 718.260.2587

June 2011 • BROOKLYN FamiLY 65 New & Noteworthy

The bow show This is the how-to for hair. Learn how to make boutique bows, baby clips, tutus, braided barrettes and more with these online tutorials. Birdsong Bows has 20 guides to making fun or fancy accessories for your little girl, niece or granddaughter, complete with easy-to-read descriptions and plenty of photos. Geared towards beginners, you can make crafting hair accoutrements an engaging activity with your child, or a new hobby all to yourself. Bows for beginners bundle packages, $35. For info, visit www.etsy.com/people/birdsong- bows.

which Snyder ‘Zoo’ story has found to Hop to it be successful Butts are so useful — not with his own With a name like Hug- only do they enable us to sit, daughter. gyBunny, you know these they can even teach us how In addition clothes are soft and com- to draw! to providing fortable! The new activity book “Ev- step-by-step This line of Peruvian Pima erything Butt Art at the Zoo” instructions for cotton baby clothes is just teaches children ages 4 and sketch i n g 15 zo o that, in a variety of styles, in- older the core principals of animals, “Every- cluding sleeveless onesies, step-by-step drawing. And thing Butt Art at T-shirt onesies, long sleeve every drawing originates from the the Zoo” offers unique facts about onesies, skirt onesies, rompers, clas- and bananas, frogs, and this kanga- outline of — yes — a butt. each of the characters alongside sic gowns, and convertible gowns, roo romper. There’s also, of course, This creative and educational colorful illustrations your own child as well as footsies, blankets, hats, a gown with a bunny printed on the activity book by Brian Snyder and will be making in no time. and bibs, with as many precious front — and back. illustrator Alexis Moniello is de- “Everything Butt Art at the Zoo,” screen-printed images, including Girl romper by HuggyBunny, $36. For signed to encourage young artists $9.95. For info, visit everythingbuttart. hummingbirds, butterflies, monkeys info, visit www.huggybunny.com. with a fun and effective technique, com. Word up ‘Bugs’ to be released During your next fam- “Bugs” for sale! frontman and solo artist before mak- ily road trip or play date, Favorite kids musician Mister ing the transition to family music. little wordsmiths looking to G has a new record “Bugs” features mu- pass the time have a fun new ready to infest your sical styles that bounce game. zipper up the pouch. CD player just in time engagingly from blue- From the makers of Bananagrams The first person to score for summer BBQs and grass to bossa nova, comes ZIP-IT, a two-player cross- 10 points shouts, “ZIP-IT!,” and wins pool parties. ska to folk and rock. word race that can be played any- the game. A follow-up to his The song themes vary time, anywhere, in as little as 20 Geared towards players ages 7 beloved 2009 album from world travels to seconds. and up, ZIP-IT features 24 high-qual- “Pizza for Breakfast,” a shark in the bath- To play ZIP-IT, each person takes ity letter cubes packaged in a unique “Bugs” features 13 origi- tub to annoying sib- 12 cubes and races to form his own cloth pouch with scoring zippers, so nal songs by Mister G — lings and, of course, crossword grid using any side of everything you need to play is — lit- aka Ben Gundersheimer, bugs! the cubes. The first player to use all erally — in the bag. a critically acclaimed singer-song- “Bugs” by Mister G. For info, visit his cubes calls, “ZIP!,” and scores ZIP-IT, $14.95. For info, visit www. writer who spent 20 years as a rock www.mistergsongs.com. a point by moving his or her own bananagrams.com.

66 BROOKLYN Family • June 2011 PARK SLOPE  WINDSOR TERRACE  BAY RIDGE  CARROLL GARDENS

Park Slope Day Camp June 29 - September 2 Program & Activities End of Summer Mini Camp  Free morning transportation from  Pee Wee, Junior, Middle and Senior most Brownstone Brooklyn Camp for campers entering Pre-K August 29 - September 2 neighborhoods. through 6th grade. 5 days of trips & activities based in Park Slope.  Door to door transportation available  Cirque d’Ete for grades Pre-K - 5 from most other Brooklyn locations. featuring acrobatics, circus skills, clowning and more.  Very flexible registration; extra long season and accomodating hours.  On Wheels: travel camp for campers entering grades 6 - 8 features daily  Outdoor, fun, stimulating programs and overnight trips. for campers ages 3.5 to 14.  Leadership Experience for teens

entering grades 9 & 10

New Soccer Camp Now Hiring

Want your child to bend it like Beckham while still Experienced Staff Welcome. having fun? For children Apply Online. entering grades 1 - 5. Co-ed.

718-788-PSDC (7732)  www.parkslopedaycamp.com .

SUMMER’S HERE AND WE’VE GOT AWESOME CAMPS FOR KIDS AND YOUR VALUE PASS TO SUMMER FUN! New Skills New Thrills YMCA Branches

New Friends Brooklyn Bedford-Stuyvesant (718) 789-1497 YMCA Camp. Dodge (718) 625-3136 Flatbush (718) 469-8100 It's what kids want Greenpoint (718) 389-3700 N. Brooklyn (718) 277-1600 for summer. Prospect Park (718) 768-7100 Park Slope Armory YMCA (212) 912-2580

Hurry! It’s not too late to register. Space is still available!

...AND OUR SLEEPAWAY CAMPS

New York YMCA Camp (Huguenot, NY) (845) 858-2200

Call (212) 630-YMCA or visit ymcanyc.org for more information.

Financial assistance available. Come In. Be Cool. “Summer Membership” offer is valid on new memberships at YMCA of Greater New York locations only. The offer runs from May 14, 2011, to June 27, 2011. “Summer Memberships” are valid from date of registration through September We’ve got your Value Pass to Summer Fun! 5, 2011; Family Membership includes 1 or 2 adults with children under 18 years of age all living in the same household; must be paid in full at time of registration; cannot be combined with any other offer; and are non-transferable. Valid Just $200 for an adult, or $275 for the whole family! photo ID is required. Park Slope Armory YMCA, Ridgewood YMCA and Flatbush YMCA do not offer a swimming pool. Some pricing exceptions apply. Ask about our Summer Membership Special and get connected with Y Personal Fitness!