| Thursday, November 15, to Tuesday, November 20, 2007 |
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A Note from New York Family's Editor:
As more and more affluent families stay in the city, many of them will face the exasperating and bedeviling question of whether there will be a spot in a private (or "independent") school for their children. And, indeed, the laws of supply and demand do seem to be kicking in: a number of prominent private schools received so many applications this fall that they simply stopped accepting new ones much sooner than anyone expected.So here's the question: will families who would otherwise prefer sending their children to private school feel comfortable sending their children to public school in the city? Or will a shortage of private school spots-not to mention their cost-become some kind of hedge on the growth of families hoping to raise children in the city? A brief plug for public schools: they don't have the dreamy amenities or the comforting teacher-student ratios, but there are lots of high-performing public schools with great teachers and principals, and students who look forward to school every day. For now at least, another great thing about raising kids in the city is that you don't have to abandon it to find a good education for your child. Regards, Eric Messinger (emessinger@manhattanmedia.com) |
 Parenting Tip
Whether or not you like sending out holiday cards, it sure is nice to have some great professional shots of your children (while they're still so adorable). This being family photo season, we figured we'd tip you off to a bunch of great photographers with whom we do a lot of work in the magazine and whom we warmly recommend: Heidi Green (heidigreen.com); Thaddeus Harden (thaddeusharden.com); Jennifer Lee (jenniferleephotography.com); Jordan Elyse (jordanelyse.com); Josh Leher (joshleher.com); Kids & Company, which is a division of Sarah Merians Photography (kidsandcophoto.com); Michael Jurick (jurick.net); and Paloma Sendrey (palomasendry.com). |
 Joy's Shopping Tips*
Shop Hop: The infamous Seventh on Sale is back. It's one of the largest sample sales, with savings of up to 70% off top designers. The sale helps raise money for people affected with HIV/AIDS. It starts with a gala opening on Nov. 15 at the Regiment Armory on 69th Street. The sale itself will be open to the public from Nov. 16 to 18 with a general admission fee of $20. There is also an online auction of goods starting Nov. 15 to Dec. 6 at www.7thonsale.ebay.com
Help Is On The Way: Sensible Sitters is a 24-hour babysitting service that offers reliable, educated college students who are CPR certified. You can review the potential sitters' resumes and interview them. Or you could just give 24 hours' notice and one of them will show up at your door. There is a one-time membership fee and a monthly maintenance fee in addition to the sitters' pay, but there are packages you can purchase. Contact info: 646-485-5121 or www.sensiblesitters.com.
Eat Out/Eat Smart: Mindful Menus are little cheat sheets on how to eat well nutritionally while dining out. The pamphlets tell you what substitutions to ask for, what to avoid and, most important, the healthy picks. The menus fit in any purse or wallet and offer ideas for restaurants from Chinese to Mexican. It was written by two nutritionists and sells for $25 at www.foodtrainers.net.
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 Activity Tips*
Birthday Cake for All! Sunday, November 18, marks the "unofficial birthday" for kids ages 0 to 6 at apple seeds, where they are throwing, with the help of Divalysscious Moms, a Happy Birthday to You Party with music, face painting, balloons, science fun, magic, arts and crafts and pizza. Different activities will be taking place in different parts of the playspace, and kids can blow out the candles on the cake together. Details: 3-6 pm. RSVP to rsvp@divalyssciousmoms.com. apple seeds, 10 West 25th Street, 212-792-7590, www.appleseedsnyc.com.
Ogre the Top. Calling all Shrek fans! Ever wonder where Shrek really came from? Head to the Jewish Museum to show kids how the character came to life from a picture book created by William Steig back in 1990. The new exhibit, From The New Yorker to Shrek: The Art of William Steig, features more than 190 of the renowned author and illustrator's original drawings, classic cartoons and vibrant watercolors. Details: Free with admission fee (Adults $12; free for children under 12). The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Avenue, 212-423-3200, www.jewishmuseum.org.
Fine-Tuned Kids. Is the love of classical music a taste that one develops later on in life? The Little Orchestra Society certainly doesn't think so. This weekend, the group will host Things That Go Bang, an interactive experience of classical music for children ages 3-5 in which kids learn all about rhythm and beat as they bang along on a range of percussion instruments and create their own unique music. Activities include a circle game, bang coloring and a symbols maze. Order tickets in advance. Details: Saturday, November 17: 10:30 am and 12 pm; Sunday, November 18: 1 and 2:30 pm.$40. Kaye Playhouse, East 68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues, 212-971-9500, www.littleorchestra.org.
*Activity Tips are from New York Family and GoCityKids.com. |
This Week's Bonus Tip
Tea for All. This weekend is the last opportunity for kids to witness the most elaborate flower show in The New York Botanical Garden's 116-year history. Kiku, meticulously cultivated Japanese chrysanthemums, will be on display through November 18 in a variety of shapes and vibrant colors.
Through Kiku for Kids, participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony or learn samurai sword fighting, storytelling and poetry, Japanese garden techniques and more. They will even be given a passport with stamps marking their excursion to "Japan." Details: Kiku for Kids is held Tuesdays through Fridays, 1:30-5:30 pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am-5:30 pm. Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road, Bronx, 718-817-8700, www.nybg.org.
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