| Wednesday, January 9, to Tuesday, January 15, 2008 |
A Note from New York Family's Editor:
Inspired by the smackdown in New Hampshire, I was curious to what extent my children had any knowledge of politics and presidents. I asked my son, who will be four in March, who the President of the United States is, and I got the best possible answer: "Spiderman!" My daughter, who will be eight in May, knows more, but not that much more. Is she ready to hear about what a historic moment this is in our electoral politics, with both a woman and an African-American as leading candidates for the presidency? I'm not sure, but I intend to find out. If you are not familiar with it, there's a wonderfully informative and very funny children's book about the Presidency called, "So You Want To Be President." It might be interesting to explore the book with your child and relate it to this political season--and what all the candidates (not just Senators Clinton and Obama) have (and don't have) in common with their predecessors.
---Eric Messinger
(emessinger@manhattanmedia.com) |
 Parenting Tip
Golden Years: The next time you read a book with your child, consider taking a trip down memory lane and unearthing one that was a favorite of yours as a kid. If you need a little inspiration, check out "Golden Legacy," a beautifully illustrated book that celebrates the 65th anniversary of Golden Books--those children's classics with the distinctive spines. It's filled with old photographs, drawings, and letters (including a 1933 request to Walt Disney offering a half-cent royalty per book for the use of the character of Mickey Mouse). Or, track down some of Golden Books' classic tales, such as "The Poky Little Puppy," available online at www.randomhouse.com/golden. |
 Joy's Shopping Tips*
Into The Wild Blue Yonder: There's no greater thrill for a child than to orchestrate the soaring loops (and fiery crashes) of her own remote controlled toy. The Flytech Dragonfly by wowwee uses no propeller; instead, it just flaps its wings like a real bug. It only weighs 1 ounce, so it's light and cannot do much damage. The eyes turn on by LED, and a single charge will get you 10 minutes of flight time. $49.99. Available at www.toysrus.com.
Crocadoodle-doo! From the beloved Crocs comes a new, innovative way to personalize your own shoes. Crocadoodles allow you to color directly on your Crocs to create your own, one-of-a-kind customized shoe. An assortment of washable paint pens come in colors of fuschia, lime, and blue, and washable markers in blue, red, and black. There is also a stencil set and sponge in the kit. $14.99. Available at www.crocs.com.
Private Viewing: Group tours at a museum can often be uninspiring: between trying to hear the leader and listening to the questions of the other members, the fun and education can get lost. But Artmuse offers personal art instruction through its private museum tours for children. Tours are offered at most museums and galleries in Manhattan, and all sessions include an art project. The fee is $50 for a child/parent combo, with a minimum of six children. Definitely a great birthday party activity! Sign up at www.artmuse.com.
*Joy Sherwood is the Style Director of New York Family. She can be reached at jsherwood@manhattanmedia.com. |
 Activity Tips*
Skateaway: If you like ice skating, you've probably been to the Chelsea Piers or Wollman rinks--but did you know about Central Park's "secret" skating spot? Then get to Lasker Rink, located at the northern end of the Park and overlooking the beautiful Harlem Meer. Lasker is less crowded and cheaper than the other two rinks, and it has two separate oval rinks: one for high school hockey teams and one for everyone else. Details: located Mid-Park between 106th and 108th Streets. $4.50 admission, $4.75 skate rental. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 10 am-3:45 pm, Tuesday 10 am-3:30 pm, 8-10 pm, Friday 10 am-10 pm, Saturday 1-10 pm, Sunday 12:30-4:40 pm.
Japanese New Year: On Sunday, come celebrate the Japanese New Year with the Japan Society's family celebration. There will be activities for parents and children of all ages, including kite making and flying (takoage), New Year's calligraphy (kakizome), fukuwarai (funny face game), and traditional rice pounding (mochi-tsuki). Also featured will be lion dancing (shishimai) with live taiko drumming and traditional dancing. Details: Sunday, January 13, Session 1: 2-3 pm and Session 2: 3-4 pm (both sessions are identical). Tickets are $20 for a family (up to 5); $15 for families with at least one Japan Society member. Located at 333 East 47th Street. Call the box office at 212-715-1258.
Show Biz: The Peoples Improv Theater is hosting an open house this weekend to showcase its new kids' and teens' improv classes. Families can stop by to visit the theater, sample some of the games and exercises offered in the classes, and talk to the kids/teens program coordinator and instructor, as well as PIT's managing director. Details: Saturday, January 12, 10 am-noon. PIT Theater, 154 West 29th Street, 2nd Floor, 212-563-7488, www.thepit-nyc.com.
*Activity Tips are from New York Family and GoCityKids.com. |
Bonus Tips
Events From Moms' Groups Around Town: On Tuesday, January 15, Baby Bites NYC is hosting an event for expectant moms about nutrition during pregnancy, featuring Karen Gurwitz, author of "The Well Rounded Pregnancy Cookbook," as well as a New York City pediatrician. Details: 6-8 pm. Moon Soup, 1059 2nd Avenue at 55th Street, $35 in advance, $45 on the day of the event. For more info or to RVSP, contact laura@babybitesnyc.com or visit www.babybitesnyc.com.
Camp Countdown: Now that winter has settled in, it's time to turn our thoughts to something more pleasant--summer! Namely, the hikes, games, and play for kids (and the peace and quiet for parents) that come with summer camp. To get some info on the best camps and programs in the city and beyond, come to one of New York Family's ever-popular camp fairs on February 2 and 3. Details: Saturday, February 2, St. Jean Baptiste High School, 173 East 75th Street. Sunday, February 3, Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 7 West 83rd Street. To register, go to www.blackboardcamps.com/register.php.
Getting Ready For The Big Day! If you or any parents you know have children who will be having their Bar or Bat Mitzvah in the coming years, New York Family is producing a wonderful biannual publication called Mitzvah that covers the full range of the experience, from the important aspects of the spiritual journey to savvy tips on party planning and present shopping. You can purchase the publication at www.manhattanmedia.com/subscribe.php, and New York Family Club members can get it for free by using this purchase code: NYFC. The magazine also can be found for free at stores around town, including Lester's, All Dressed Up, and Berkley Girl. |
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