| Wednesday, March 19, to Tuesday, March 25, 2008 |
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A Note from New York Family's Editor:
A Taste for Violence: My son, who just turned 4, is a big fan of Jetix, the "Toon Disney" network that specializes in action-oriented, slam-bang fare like "Power Rangers Jungle Fury" and "Jackie Chan Adventures." I've tried to put up some resistance, earnestly telling him that the shows have too much violence. But he would put up much stronger resistance. "I like violence," he'd respond, with a 3-year-old's habit of emphasizing his point by saying it over and over. "I like violence!" "I like violence!" I decided not to draw a line in the sand on this one, partly because we have good limits around his total TV time and also because when I was a kid, I liked cartoon-y violence too. But I have exacted one compromise. I've taught him to use the word "action" instead of "violence." So now at least when I try to push some sappy educational-minded fare like Playhouse Disney's "Higglytown Heroes" and he objects, he'll say, "I like action!" "I like action!" I'm hoping that any admissions directors and other "evaluators" he encounters in the next few years will like the sound of that better.
---Eric Messinger
(emessinger@manhattanmedia.com) |
 Parenting Tip
The Music in Me: Learning to play a musical instrument should not be a chore or an obligation, but--let's face it--it often becomes one. You know the pattern: parent picks the instrument, child takes lessons, happily at first, then obligingly, then reluctantly, if at all. But there are better ways to encourage a child's music education--and most of them involve giving children a little more room to express their preferences. On the most creative end of the spectrum is a program called Music House, in which learning about music and your preferences in instruments is part of the process. We like to tell people about Music House (www.nycmusichouse.org) because we like the program, but also because we think that, at the least, it encourages parents to think more intently about music education and its possibilities. (Reader alert: yes, our editor sends his 7-year-old daughter to Music House.) |
 Joy's Shopping Tips*
Dress Up the Nursery: The new book "Nursery Style" can show you how to create a stylish children's room on any budget. Written by design experts Serena & Lily, this book will walk you through the process of design, color, and placement of furnishings. The photographs are charming and inspirational. Enjoy! "Nursery Style," by Serena Dugan and Lily Kanter; $29.95. Available at: www.barnesandnoble.com.
A Drive Down Memory Lane: Drive-in theaters are almost a thing of the past, but from now until the end of March you can watch classic and contemporary films in the comfort of a Ford Falcon convertible at DRV-IN, Manhattan's only rendition of the American classic. Families can book the car (for up to six people), select a movie from the space's extensive library, and watch the film--projected onto a big screen in front of the car--from the comfort of the convertible. A three-hour booking is $75, which includes movie rental and popcorn. Several slots through March 31 are available. Grand Opening, 139 Norfolk Street, www.139norfolk.com.
A Sweet Announcement: Tired of the same old baby announcements, not to mention how long it takes to receive them? Babyish will create an unforgettable note made out of sugar cookies. The announcement contains two cookies: one, shaped like a onesie, will list the name, date of birth, and weight of the baby; the other, shaped like a baby bottle, announces whether It's a boy! or It's a girl! The cookies are available in shades of pink or blue for $8.50 a set. Available at: www.weddingish.com.
*Joy Sherwood is the Style Director of New York Family. She can be reached at jsherwood@manhattanmedia.com. |
 Activity Tips*
Easter Egg Hunt: On March 22, kids can enjoy the Easter season with a traditional egg hunt in the beautiful garden of the Bartow-Pell Mansion. Along with the hunt, some refreshments, and a cool arts and crafts table, the Easter Bunny himself will be present, ready to pose for pictures. BYOB (bring your own basket). Details: 10:30 am-1 pm; $12 for children, free for adults. Bartow-Pell Mansion, 895 Shore Road, Bronx, 718-885-1461, www.bartowpellmansionmuseum.org.
Easter Festival: Trinity Wall Street and the South Street Seaport are hosting an Easter celebration full of games, crafts, treats, and live music on March 22. And no festival would be complete without a few good Easter egg hunts, so put on your sleuthing shoes! Details: 12-4 pm; free. South Street Seaport, 210 Front Street at Beekman Street, 212-SEA-PORT, www.southstreetseaport.com.
The Circus Returns: Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey presents"Over the Top," the 138th incarnation of The Greatest Show on Earth! The circus spectacular--running until April 5--features flying dogs, prancing elephants, Bengal tigers, a motorcycle on a high wire, a rare double-decker trapeze act, Chinese acrobats, and more. Arrive one hour before showtime for a free, interactive preshow. Details: $15-$154.50, children under 2 free (on an adult's lap). Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, www.thegarden.com.
*Activity Tips are from New York Family and GoCityKids.com. |
This Week's Bonus Tips
New York Family Fashion Week: We're hosting a fun and festive Fashion Week (free and open to the public) with two children's fashion shows featuring designer clothing from Best & Co., SCOOP, Submarine, Threads, and many others. The kids' beachwear show is April 7 from 10:30 am-noon at The Ludica Sales and Design Center (1235 Lexington Avenue at 84th Street), and the springwear show is April 10 from 10:30 am-noon at The Rushmore Design Gallery (422 West 70th Street). The events will also feature wonderful goodie bags with treats from giggle, Let's Dress Up! and others. The first hundred people to RSVP will be eligible for a FREE FAMILY CARRIBBEAN VACATION to be raffled off at both events. To RSVP, email Stephanie Musso at smusso@manhattanmedia.com.
Coming Up Rosie: Take in a show with "Really Rosie," a children's musical based on the books of Maurice Sendak and set to the music of Carole King. It tells the story of Rosie, who decides to enliven a slow summer day in her Brooklyn neighborhood by convincing her friends, the Nutshell Kids, to audition for what she promises will be an Oscar-winning movie about her life. Details: Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 am through April 6. $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Atlantic Theater Company, 336 West 20th Street, 646-216-1190, www.atlantictheater.org. | |
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Special Family Deals & Promotions
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EBL Coaching offers one-on-one and small group academic skills instruction in reading, writing, reading comprehension, math, organization, and study skills. They use research-based, multi-sensory techniques, including the Orton Gillingham method. Specific programs for students with ADD and learning disabilities are also available. |
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The Poppyseed Pre-Nursery
Where BIG things are happening for little people...
Receive $25 off for first-time enrollees
Music, Art, Gym and Play!
Mommy and Me classes for Babies, Toddlers, 2's or 3's
424 West End Ave at 81st St. (212) 877-7614
Gail Ionescu, MSW Director
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PLANNING A BAR MITZVAH FOR YOUR FAMILY?
Click here for your free copy of Mitzvah Magazine - the ultimate guide for savvy and sensible party planning advice and perspective.
Mitzvah Magazine is a biannual glossy magazine that helps parents navigate the whole Bar and Bat Mitzvah experience, honoring the importance of the spiritual passage while also providing savvy and sensible party planning advice and perspective.
New York Family Club members can get it for free by using this purchase code: NYFC.
Brought to you by New York Family
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