Staten Island Parent Magazine February 2020 by Staten Island Parent

February 2020

siparent.com

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

s e n i t n e ’ l a V Day

How to Manage Your Kids’ Expectations

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contents FEBRUARY 2020

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Roselle Farina Hecht EDITOR Jeannine Cintron PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Michelle Yannaco TRAFFIC DIRECTOR Heather Gambaro ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ilene Cohen, Janine Mulé Jodi Fatto

Anaya Passi, 4 years old

INFORMATION Advertising: 718.494.1932 Questions: info@siparent.com KEEP IN TOUCH

ILPM

Managing Kids’ Valentine’s Day Expectations It’s not always sweet for everyone.

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Mid-Winter Break Fun for All

The kids are off for a week -- what are your family’s plans for the break? We can help.

A Trip to the Indoor Water Park

One mom recounts her family’s first watery weekend excursion indoors.

Member of the Parenting Media Association (PMA)

raising kids 22 32 34 38 52

Six Important Dental Care Tips for Your Kids Dear Teacher: Real Advice from Real Educators The Social Media Apps You Need to Know About Low-Sugar Options For Kids Professional Services Guide

fun stuff 26 48

President’s Day Books for Kids Birthday Club

23-TIME AWARD WINNING MAGAZINE

Staten Island Parent is published 12 times a year. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. The publisher of this magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or writers.

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Family Calendar

A DAVLER MEDIA GROUP BUSINESS DAVID L. MILLER CEO

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Anaya Passi, 4 years

n Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day there are many red hearts, lots of chocolate, and no shortage of roses and stuffed animals. However, despite this, every year I find that for many kids and teens, Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day is more likely to bring tears and disappointment than to elicit smiles.

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Teaching Kids to Manage Valentine’s Day Expectations DR. SUSAN BARTELL

Long Island-based, nationally recognized child psychologist, speaker, and award-winning author. She authored The Top 50 Questions Kids Ask.

In many overpowering ways, retail businesses such as jewelry stores, flower shops, and greeting card companies perpetuate the expectation that Valentine’s Day will be a wonderful and magical occasion. While most adults are able to separate the hype from reality, kids and teens may not yet have developed this skill. They approach Valentine’s Day hoping and expecting that they will find love, receive an expensive or romantic gift, find an anonymous, heartfelt valentine in their locker, or experience a magical date. Younger kids may not be ready for ‘love’ yet, but they too have Valentine’s Day expectations. In fact, in elementary school, kids sometimes rate their own popularity based on how many Valentines they receive. Of course, there are a lucky few for whom these expectations are met. However, for the vast majority of kids, Valentine’s Cristiana Ullo, Day is disappointing and 8 months sometimes even emotionally painful (for example, when the guy a girl ‘loves’ gives a valentine to her best friend). Although the reality of Valentine’s Day is sometimes less fun than anticipated, there are important ways that you can help your child manage her expectations as well cope with any unavoidable disappointment. In fact, Valentine’s Day will of course not be the only disappointment that your child experiences in his life, so this is an opportunity to teach him important skills that he can use at other times.

STICK TO THE FACTS

Educate your child about how Valentine’s Day is an enormous

money-maker for retailers. Explain in age-appropriate terms the ways in which targeted advertising and the availability of Valentine’s products can make us believe that Valentine’s Day is much more important than we might have felt otherwise. Teach your child that in all cases, the goal of advertising is to try to sway our opinions.

LOVE YOURSELF

In advance of the big day, remind your child that not receiving a Valentine doesn’t mean she is less loveable than anyone else. Your worth is never determined by how others ‘rate’ you. Rather, true self-worth comes from within yourself.

THE GOLDEN RULE

Help your child to be thoughtful about distributing Valentines so that he doesn’t accidentally omit one or two people, resulting in hurt feelings. Inclusion is almost always a better choice than exclusion.

KEEP CALM

Remind your child that it is not appropriate to cry, yell, or throw a tantrum if she doesn’t receive an expected Valentine. Instead, it can be beneficial to discuss hurt feelings with a parent or other adult. Every child needs help learning how to keep hurt feelings in perspective and not overreact.

CARRY ON

If your child expresses disappointment about his Valentine’s Day, do your best to help him understand that Valentine’s Day is only a blip in time. Explain that there will be many, many other opportunities in life to give and receive real love and friendship. February 2020 • siparent.com 17

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events & news

Mid-Winter Break Guide Road trip ready? Check siparent.com/daytrips for tons of off-island mid-winter break ideas for your family! Check siparent.com/events for more activities at local libraries, museums, nature centers, the zoo & more!

LOCAL PROGRAMS

STATEN ISLAND ZOO February 19 & 20 Junior Zookeeper Days 614 Broadway Register at sizoo.org Have fun finding out what it means to be a keeper and learning about caring for animals all over the world. For ages Pre-K to 6th grade. Go online for pricing. GREENBELT NATURE CENTER February 18 The President and the War Horses at 10:30am Movie Matinee: “Wild Stallion of the Cimarron” at 12:30pm 700 Rockland Avenue Register at 718-351-3450 or naturecenter@sigreenbelt.org Get a lesson on our Presidents’ horses and real life war horses throughout American history. Weather permitting, meet a real NYC Parks horse! Then, listen to Spirit, the wild Kiger Mustang, tell the story of his life in the American West in an award-winning DreamWorks movie. Free program for kids 6+. STATEN ISLAND MUSEUM February 19-21 • 11am-3pm Imagination Studio: Marble Runs and Crazy Mazes 1000 Richmond Terrace statenislandmuseum.org Learn about motion and force by designing, testing and building marble runs and mazes. Use wooden materials of all shapes and sizes to construct creative, mind-bending mazes. Use your STEM skills to brainstorm, sketch, and test ideas. Play with scale and make a micro or mega maze! No prior experience necessary. Free with museum admission. STATEN ISLAND CHILDREN’S MUSEUM February 17-21 1000 Richmond Terrace sichildrensmuseum.org • Moonwalking Workshop: Monday at 12, 1:30 & 3pm, and on Thursday at 1:30 & 3pm. • African Drumming Workshop: Tuesday at 1, 2:30 & 4pm. • Cool School Holiday on Wednesday (free admission) • Black History Month Collaboration: Wednesday at 2 & 4pm. • Mardi Gras Celebrations and workshops all day Friday.

Naeyli Francia (and her duck friends) at Clove Lakes Park URBAN PARK RANGERS Register at nycgovparks.org or 718-967-3542 All About Owls February 17 at 1pm • Free Blue Heron Park • 222 Poillon Avenue Learn more about this special family of birds and the different types of owls. Lenape Bingo February 18 at 1pm • Free Conference House Park • Satterlee Street & Hylan Blvd. A fun afternoon of games and history about Native Americans.

FREE FUN AT THE LIBRARY!

Hours listed at siparent.com/ staten-island-libraries St. George Library 5 Central Avenue Mon 8-8 • Tues 8-8 • Wed 8-8 Thurs 8-8 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5 Port Richmond 75 Bennett Street Mon 10-6 • Tues 10-6 • Wed 10-6 Thurs 12-8 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5 South Beach 21-25 Robin Road Mon 11-6 • Tues 11-6 • Wed 11-6 Thurs 12-7 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5 Mariners Harbor 206 South Avenue 212 621-0690 Mon 12-8 • Tues 10-6 • Wed 10-6 Thurs 10-6 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5 Stapleton 132 Canal Street Mon 10-6 • Tues 12-8 • Wed 10-6 Thurs 10-6 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5 Todt Hill-Westerleigh 2550 Victory Blvd Sun 1-5 • Mon 10-6 • Tues 12-8 Wed 10-6 • Thurs 10-6 Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5

West New Brighton 976 Castleton Ave Mon 11-6 • Tues 11-6 • Wed 12-8 Thurs 11-6 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5 Dongan Hills 1617 Richmond Rd Mon 12-7 • Tues 11-6 • Wed 12-7 Thurs 11-6 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5 Great Kills 56 Giffords Lane Mon 11-6 • Tues 12-7 • Wed 12-7 Thurs 11-6 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5 Huguenot Park 830 Huguenot Ave Mon 11-6 • Tues 10-6 • Wed 11-6 Thurs 12-8 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5 New Dorp 309 New Dorp Lane Mon 10-6 • Tues 10-6 • Wed 10-6 Thurs 12-8 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5 Richmondtown 200 Clarke Avenue Mon 12-8 • Tues 10-6 • Wed 10-6 Thurs 10-6 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5 Tottenville 7430 Amboy Road Mon 12-8 • Tues 11-6 • Wed 11-6 Thurs 11-6 • Fri 10-5 • Sat 10-5

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raising kids Marco Giambrone happily awaiting to get his braces

whether or not it’s really needed. Too much fluoride can be harmful to your kid’s health. Therefore, make sure you are careful with the dosage of the supplement.

MAKE BRUSHING AND FLOSSING A REGULAR HABIT

DENTAL CARE TIPS FOR KIDS Good dental hygiene is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle BY DR. ANU ISAAC, DMD

Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.

t is very important to impart good oral care practices when your child is young. Let’s look at some must-know dental care tips to teach your kids.

AVOID DENTAL CAVITIES

Cavities are a result of bacteria building up in the mouth. The sugar in food and drinks turn into acid and dissolve the tooth, resulting in a cavity. Look for signs indicating cavities such as the presence of brown spots on your child’s teeth. Make sure their teeth are clean. You can opt for teeth whitening procedures too.

LIMIT SUGAR INTAKE

Kids love sugary food and drinks, but you must limit their sugar intake. Help them make healthy food choices. There is no need to eliminate sugary items from their diet altogether, but you should minimize the amount they consume. Avoid giving your kids soda and sweetened drinks. Try to keep sweet snacks between meals to the minimum. When your little one does have a sugary snack or drink, make sure they brush their teeth afterwards without fail. Limiting sugar intake will help in preventing tooth decay and cavities.

ENSURE KIDS GET ENOUGH FLUORIDE

Fluoride is important to kids’ oral health. It helps in reducing cavities in both primary and permanent teeth. Fluoride helps to make teeth strong by hardening the tooth enamel. You can find fluoride in drinking water. Make sure your water filters do not remove this fluoride. If your water does not contain fluoride, give your child an oral fluoride supplement. Before giving them the supplement, however, check with the dentist to determine

Make it very clear to the kids that they will not be let off the hook when it comes to brushing and flossing. Be consistent with this message, and convey that they do not have a choice in this matter. Be patient and help the kids get into the habit of brushing and flossing on their own. They might need your help until the age of 6. Make sure they learn the right brushing technique. Let your little ones choose their toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. This will excite and entice them to brush and floss without being asked. Reward them for brushing and flossing regularly. Make it a group activity and let them brush with you. They will be more likely to brush when everyone else is doing it.

INSIST ON A MOUTHGUARD WHILE PLAYING SPORTS

A major part of dental care is using a mouthguard while playing sports. It covers the teeth and gums, protecting the teeth from sports injuries. You can either buy a generic mouthguard from a store or talk to your dentist for a custom-fit mouthguard.

SCHEDULE REGULAR DENTAL VISITS

When you start taking your kid to the dentist regularly, it will become a normal event for them. Consistent dental visits and good oral hygiene will become a habit. Your child’s first dental visit should be after the first tooth appears. It may be tempting to reward your child when going to the dentist, but try not to do that. It projects the message that a dentist visit has to be endured. Rather, make it a part of a fun excursion where you go to the dentist, followed by the park, the movies, or any other fun activity. Teaching kids good oral hygiene from a young age will help them develop necessary oral practices. When dental care becomes a habit, they will have healthy teeth.

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PRESIDENT’S DAY BOOKS FOR KIDS The spotlight is on American History this month, so let story time inspire accordingly! Celebrate our founding fathers with these patriotic stories from Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing this President’s Day!

FILIGREE’S MIDNIGHT RIDE

Join Filigree, a five-pound Pomeranian, as he stows away on Paul Revere’s midnight ride in this first book of the At the Heels of History series, inspired by important events and told through the eyes, ears, and noses of dogs. By Pam Berkman and Dorothy Hearst Illustrated by Claire Powell (Ages 6-9)

PRESIDENTS

Fine artist Leah Tinari, turns her formidable and singular talents to the presidents of the United States. Each engaging portrait— and the accompanying facts— paint a powerful and playful picture of the presidents, introduce readers to the personable side of these leaders and make them more relatable, approachable, human, and even fun! By Leah Tinari (Ages 10+)

FIGHTING FOR THE FOREST

In an inspiring middle grade nonfiction work, P. O’Conell Pearson tells the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps—one of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal projects that helped save a generation of Americans.

OUR FLAG WAS STILL THERE

By P. O’Connell Pearson (Ages 10+)

From beloved author-illustrator Jessie Hartland comes a whimsical nonfiction picture book that tells the story of the American flag that inspired the poem and our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Jessie Hartland (Ages 4-8)

THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE PHOTO

Discover the incredible life of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet and the mastermind behind Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, in this fascinating picture book biography that’s perfect for fans of “I Dissent.”

By Alexandra Bye (Ages 4-8) (All ages)

DANCING HANDS

In soaring words and stunning illustrations, Margarita Engle and Rafael López tell the story of Teresa Carreño, a child prodigy who played piano for Abraham Lincoln.

By Rafael López (Ages 4-8)

YOU ARE HOME

Award-winning author and illustrator Evan Turk showcases the beauty and importance of the National Parks in this gorgeous picture book that takes readers on an amazing tour across the United States.

By Evan Turk (Ages 4-8)

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A FAMILY TRIP What to Expect at the Indoor Waterpark

BY MAY KATTARIA

By May Kattaria, a Staten Island mom of three who’s all about the frugal and fun!

The joys and chaos of a weekend getaway at an indoor waterpark… with kids. Wondering what to expect on your next trip? Here’s how my family’s first big adventure went down.

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recently visited a popular indoor waterpark resort in the Poconos with my kids, 10, 6, and 18 months. The excitement of 20-foot slides and buckets of water cascading down the larger-than-life Splash Playground had us in awe from the moment we walked into the resort, and the floor to ceiling window of the water park across from check-in had the kids ready to strip down to their bathing suits and run. As parents we are willing to pay for moments like this, so the average $400 a night water park stay has to score us some major brownie points with our kids. Granted $400 is, in my opinion, a pretty hefty

amount to put down for a single night. What I did, the frugal person I am, was purchase a Saturday night stay directly from the resort’s website and our Sunday night stay from Groupon. Not only was Groupon about $75 cheaper than the website but it also offered four tickets to mini bowling, mini golf, and laser tag. I simply explained that I had two reservations when checking in and asked to combine them so we wouldn’t have to change rooms. They were

person. Getting them for free with Groupon made me feel like a winner.

per adult and $16 per

child breakfast buffet on the main floor. We ate

price was to my pockets.

and laser tag was the

the resort for $35 per

easily passing up $23

as comforting as the

golf, mini bowling,

package available at

resort for breakfast,

where the food was just

from Groupon for mini

They have the same

ventured outside of the

at a nearby restaurant,

The tickets I snagged

highlight of our stay.

The next morning we

happy to accommodate us. Although check-in was at 4pm, my family didn’t arrive until 7pm. Yes, I am forever running late. Since the water park was open until 10pm we decided to dive right in and explore. I did not expect to be greeted by a strategically located, colorfully lit, full arcade. My kids were in a whirlwind, begging me for dollar to play every machine. Luckily they bought my “wallet is upstairs” excuse and we proceeded towards the heavily

chlorinated aroma. We scanned our wristbands at the gate and instantaneously it was 85 degrees, completely unbothered by the snow falling outside. Now where to park all our stuff? We opted to be near the hot jacuzzi rather then the wave pool, or the kiddie and big kiddie sections. It was well lit and near a swim-up bar with many employees around, so I rationalized this to be the perfect place where no one would steal my stuff. Because sure, we all know that hiding our stuff under a towel will outsmart any perpetrator At first my husband and I split up with the kids; he took the baby and went far right past the lazy river into her section. I

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raising kids took the other two towards all the geometrically attractive slides that can be seen from the highways nearby. As I reached the top step of the slide I realized two things; one, I am out of shape--no one should breathe this heavily, and two, there was barely a line or a wait for the slide. Apparently arriving in the evening means less people and less wait time. Score! By 11pm we are all showered and ready for bed. But we were STARVING! We called in to order pizza, which is literally your only option for food at that time. When placing my order, I was informed unsarcastically that there weren’t any more veggies but did I still want the veggie pie? I was too hungry to enjoy this irony so I just asked for a cheese pie. About 30 or so minutes later our pie finally arrived, looking and tasting like actual plastic. Maybe I am a spoiled Staten Islander, but it might have ruined pizza outside of NYC for me altogether. The next morning we ventured outside of the resort for breakfast, easily passing up the $23 per adult and $16 per child breakfast buffet on the main floor. We ate at a nearby restaurant, where the food was just as comforting as the price was to my pockets. If you aren’t a local you wouldn’t even know about this place, so shout out to the employee at the resort for recommending! On our way home we also found another out-of-the-way restaurant about five miles from the resort with mouthwatering cheesesteaks to die for. The tickets I snagged from Groupon for mini golf, mini bowling, and laser tag was the highlight of our stay. They have the same package available at the resort for $35 per person. Getting them for free with Groupon made me feel like a winner. We did all three activities one after the other. The mini golf was glow in the dark and each hole was fluorescently decorated with all types of animals from the jungle. The mini bowling was most enjoyed by my 18 month old. It was Goldie Locks perfect with 6 mini lanes spread across what would be three regular bowling lanes. Lastly - no one puts baby in a corner, except for Mommy so she gets to play laser tag. I logged into the free guest WiFi to offer up some distracting YouTube for the baby, then dramatically beamed my laser gun at every kid in sight. My team won. A victory for all parents, one might say. After that, the kids decorated some free cookies in the lobby while I gloated over my big laser tag win. Stepping off the elevator with prune-like fingers at the end the weekend, I’d truly come to appreciate the image of stomachdropping slides, the animal décor and the history lining the hallways. Moreover, I was glad I didn’t purchase the wristband designated for additional purchases. Instead we went out to eat and explore what the Poconos had to offer. But the biggest lesson of all? Never bring more than $50 to the arcade.

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Important Educational Questions EDUCATORS WEIGH IN ON CURRENT TOPICS

Experienced educators and authors Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts give solid advice about everything school and education-related. Read more Q & A on siparent.com/dearteacher Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com

QUESTION: My little boy is bright, but he is not doing at all well in school. Something is just not working for him. I hear about learning disabilities. Is it possible that he has one? Exactly what are learning disabilities, and where can I learn more about them? - Possible Learning Problem ANSWER: Learning disabilities are neurobiological differences in brain structure and/or function. These differences lead to problems with learning. New brain scanning techniques have enabled scientists to understand the underlying neural basis of learning disabilities. Children with learning disabilities are often just as intelligent or more intelligent than other children but have difficulty learning because their minds process words or information differently. Your son may or may not have a learning disability. Nevertheless, parents are often the first to notice the problems their children are having learning. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development lists these eight signs that a child may have a learning disability. • Difficulty with reading and/or writing • Problems with math skills • Difficulty remembering

• Problems paying attention • Trouble following directions • Poor coordination • Difficulty with concepts related to time • Problems staying organized1 You will get a very solid start to having reliable information about learning disabilities by visiting the website of the Learning Disabilities Association of America (ldaamerica.org). Not only can you learn there about the 13 categories of disabilities under the law, but you can also find out the signs and symptoms of each one as well as strategies that can be used to help children. In addition, this website lets you ask questions of experts and provides support as well as resources for parents of children with learning disabilities. Unfortunately, we must caution you that it is not always easy for parents of children with learning disabilities to get the help their children need and are entitled to receive without being very knowledgeable, proactive, and determined as schools often drag their heels in providing this help. Early diagnosis of a child’s learning disability and timely intervention by parents, teachers, or doctors can significantly improve the child’s self-esteem, academic achievement, and ability to

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LIPM form and maintain relationships. QUESTION: I think children in elementary and middle school are spending way too much time on homework. How much time should they be spending? Are there any shortcuts that they could use to lessen their time on homework? - Too Much Time ANSWER: How much time children should spend on homework is fairly well-established. Starting in first grade, they should spend about 10 minutes a night. Then for each successive grade, add another 10 minutes. Using this formula, a fifth grader should have approximately 50 minutes of homework, and a sixth grader an hour. How much homework children actually have depends on their individual teachers. Plus, many children have several teachers in middle school, so their homework load might be light or heavy. When middle schools have a homework policy, children are likely to have to spend the same amount of time on homework most nights. In elementary school and some classes in middle school, students often begin their homework assignments in class so teachers can be sure they understand what they need to do. If children use this time wisely, their homework time will be reduced. If you think that your children are spending way too much time on homework, talk to their teachers. They may have suggestions about ways this time can be reduced. There is also the possibility that a teacher does not realize how lengthy his or her assignments are. A homework contract definitely helps many students handle this task in an efficient way. You can download one from our Dear Teacher website. Here are some helpful tips to help children to learn to tackle their homework in a shorter time: • Teach them how to organize and tackle their homework. • Make sure they understand the assignment before they begin. • Make sure their homework spot has all the materials they will need. PARENTS: Your children are slightly more than halfway through the school year. Take the time now to evaluate exactly how they are doing. If they are having problems in any of their classes, there is still plenty of time to turn things around. Begin by talking to their teachers. Find out exactly what help is needed to get them back on track and where it will be available -- school, tutoring, learning center. QUESTION: I know that the second semester brings many standardized tests. How can I help my kids stay calm and focused? Do I need to do anything to help them prepare for these tests? - Want to be Ready ANSWER: First of all, you don’t want to stress your children out about standardized tests. You can help them avoid being tense by having them recall past academic successes so they will feel confident going into the tests. You don’t really need to do anything to help them prepare for these tests. This is their teachers’ job. February 2020 • siparent.com

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THE

SOCIAL MEDIA APPS

YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Your kids are constantly behind their phones, but what are they doing? BY KATHRYN SHERIDAN & MELISSA WICKES

Kathryn Sheridan & Melissa Wickes are NYMetroParents’ editorial staff. NYMetroParents is Staten Island Parent’s sister publication. Go to nymetroparents.com for more information.

Instagram, Snapchat, Kik, TikTok, House Party—the list goes on.

There are so many social media apps these days, it can be confusing, overwhelming, and stressful to keep track of what exactly your kids are doing behind their screens. To help keep things straight, here’s a comprehensive guide on the popular social media apps kids are using nowadays and how each of them work so you can decide what is and what is not appropriate for your kids.

SNAPCHAT

Snapchat is a way to stay in touch with friends that is more casual and fleeting than a permanent social media post. Users can take pictures and add captions, drawings, filters, locations, and stickers, and even gifs before sending them to specific friends or posting it for their whole friends list to see on their story for 24 hours. The user chooses the amount of time their friend will be able to view the snap (anywhere from 1 second to unlimited seconds) before it disappears. It’s important to encourage your kids to use good judgement when posting and sending Snapchats or screenshotting the Snapchats of others because nothing on the Internet truly disappears.

HOUSEPARTY - GROUP VIDEO CHAT

This app allows two to eight people to be in a video chat together at the same time, according to Common

Sense Media. You are able to lock a chat so no new people can join, but if someone who is not a direct friend joins an unlocked video chat, you will receive an alert. It is important for parents to note that users can take screenshots during the chat and there is no moderator because, like FaceTime, anything can happen in a live video chat.

GROUPME

GroupMe is a direct and group message service with no fees or limits. Users can send photos, videos, and calendar invitations. According to Common Sense Media, the app is best for older teens because the GIF and Emoji functions include some adult themes. Also noteworthy is that the app allows teens to be constantly connected, due to lack of limits or fees.

The most popular so TikTok is a video-sharin comedy, music, d anywhere from 5 second to Rafael Sales, data stra a social media creative a “challenges” that they see o their own version. Due to algorithm, the users feed interests, which is good if your child not viewing requires users to be receive a guard

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LIPM WHATSAPP

Similar to GroupMe, WhatsApp is a free, cross-platform messaging service allowing users to send texts, voice messages, make voice and video calls, share messages, documents, locations, and other media. The app is for users 16 and older.

DISCORD

Discord is free voice, video, and texting app for users 13 and older. It was originally created to unite users who love gaming, according to the app’s website, and it allows users to join a chat they’ve been invited to or to create their own to discuss games.

Users have a variety of security options such as choosing who can message them, who can add them as a friend, what servers they want to join, to block someone, and to scan and delete messages with explicit content.

KIK

This app is another free alternative to texting app built specifically for teens. There has been a lot of controversy and negative conversation surrounding the app regarding communication with strangers and covert marketing. The app has allegedly been used in high-profile crimes, including murder and child-pornography, according to Common Sense Media.

TikTok

ost popular social media app right now, a video-sharing app offering videos of medy, music, dance, and drama ranging from 5 seconds to 1 minute, according Sales, data strategist at Sparkloft Media, edia creative agency. Users often mimic that they see on the app and then post ersion. Due to the strength of the app’s the users feed is highly curated to their ich is good if you are concerned about d not viewing mature content. The app es users to be at least 13 years old and eceive a guardian’s approval if they are younger than 18.

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Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

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raising kids

SWEET TALK:

Low-Sugar Options for Kids

BY KINDERCARE VIA FAMILY FEATURES

any families start the new year as a time to reset their eating habits and focus on making healthier choices. As we head into February, adults aren’t the only ones who could use a menu refresh. Kids may also need to focus on healthier food choices. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed children consume an unhealthy amount of added sugar every day. Researchers found nearly all of the toddlers in their study ate an average of 7 teaspoons of added sugar daily – the equivalent of a candy bar. Additionally, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, excess sugar consumption can lead to an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. “Small children have small stomachs,” said Courtney Hines, a nutritionist for KinderCare Learning Centers, which care for more than 165,000 children around the country every day. “You want them to fill up on nutrient-dense foods, not empty calories in the form of added sugar. When children consume lots of sugar, their palates get used to overly sweet flavors. They may not accept other, less sugary flavors or learn to appreciate the natural sweetness of a piece of fresh fruit.” The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against the consumption of added sugar for children under the age of 2. Children ages 2-18 should aim for less than 25 grams, or 6 teaspoons, of added sugar per day. For families that want to cut down on the amount of added sugar in their diets, Hines recommends cooking more at home, relying less on processed, packaged foods and serving only water or milk for beverages. Consider these low-sugar ideas for meal and snack times to help control the amount of added sugar you and your family consume.

DIP SMART

Herbs, spices, citrus and fresh fruit add flavor without relying on the added sugars

found in many popular sauces and dips. Consider making your own low-sugar alternatives at home so your family can still enjoy favorite flavors like these: Ranch Dressing – In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper for a kid-tested, nutritionist-approved take on a favorite dip. Serve over salad or as vegetable dip. Honey Mustard – Popular on a variety of sandwiches and as a dip or salad dressing, combining plain yogurt with milk, honey and regular or Dijon mustard can create a more family-friendly version. Teriyaki Sauce – Perfect for serving with healthier options like lo mein, chicken wraps or fried rice, a homemade version can be created using water, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic powder and cornstarch slurry.

SWAP OUT SYRUP

Pancakes are a popular breakfast option at KinderCare centers and in many homes, but even the healthiest whole-grain pancake becomes a plateful of sugar if it’s doused in syrup. Hines recommends these toppings that are sweet and savory without the added sugar: • Nut butter or seed butter (such as peanut, almond or sun) and banana slices • Warm fruit compote (mix of warmed berries) • Applesauce (no-sugar-added variety) and cinnamon • Nut butter swirled into plain yogurt; mix in 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract to add a sweet flavor

SNACK SWEET

Opting for less added sugar doesn’t mean avoiding sweet snacks altogether. These alternatives can still help satisfy those cravings: • Applesauce with baked cinnamon pita triangles for dipping • Toast topped with nut or seed butter, smashed banana and sprinkle of cinnamon • Frozen fruit smoothies • Plain yogurt topped with granola, nuts, seeds or fruit • Apple slices with nut or seed butter

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family C A L E N D A R

events & news

Our February calendar features hundreds single day. Plan your whole month with us!

of events in Staten Island! There’s something for everyone, every

VICTORIAN VALENTINES

February 8 • 1-3pm Historic Richmond Town • 441 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 historicrichmondtown.org Hand craft delicate paper Valentines as the Victorians did! Enjoy festive refreshments, view real, old-fashioned valentines from the museum’s collection and create a unique piece of art fit for all the loved ones in your life. Take a moment to craft an additional home-made masterpiece to donate to the residents of the Silver Lake Specialized Care Center.

MARBLE RUNS AND CRAZY MAZES

MAPLE SYRUP SATURDAYS

TOP ! PICKS

February 19-21 • 11am-3pm Staten Island Museum • 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-727-1135 statenislandmuseum.org Learn about motion and force by designing, testing and building marble runs and mazes. Use wooden materials of all shapes and sizes to construct creative, mind-bending mazes. Use STEM skills to brainstorm, sketch, and test ideas. Play with scale and make a micro or mega maze! No experience necessary.

February 8 • 1-3pm Clay Pit Ponds • 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-605-3970 x201 nysparks.com Learn about the entire process of making maple syrup from tap to table. Hike the trails to find maple trees, drill holes, hang buckets, and collect sap. Wear snowboots, gloves, and a hat. Ages 5+.

CELEBRATE LEAP YEAR

February 29 • 11am-1pm SI Children’s Museum • 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 sichildrensmuseum.org It’s a rare opportunity to celebrate! Create a time capsule for the extra day added to the end of February every four years.

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LIPM SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Movie Matinee Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 8am • Free Snow Fun Days Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 9am • Free Heart String Art Home Depot All Staten Island Locations homedepot.com/workshops 9am • Free T.A.G. South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 10am • Free

Visual Arts Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 8am • Free w/admission

Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free

Preschool Storytime New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free

Performing Arts Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 12pm • Free

Free Parents & Family Substance Abuse Support Group Christopher’s Reason Recovery Center 521 Arthur Kill Rd, 3rd floor 7pm • Free

LiteracyINC: Story Hour Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Game On Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Toddler Open Play Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 •10:30am • Free Toddler Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 11:15am • Free

Tot’s Time at the Museum SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 10am • $6 plus admission Tot Time Tuesdays Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 • 10am • Free

Scissors Skills for Preschoolers Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 4pm • Free

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5

Performing Arts Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free

Tot’s Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 10am • $6 plus admission

Color Lounge South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 11am • Free

Infant Lapsit Storytime Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free

Family Art Workshop: Snow Globes Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 1pm • Free w/admission

Itty Bitty Storytime Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11:15am • Free

Maple Syrup Saturdays Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 1pm • Free

Crafty Storytime Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3:15pm • Free

Visual Arts Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/admission Game On Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 1pm • Free Cinema Saturdays! Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 2pm • Free

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Groundhog Day at the Staten Island Zoo Staten Island Zoo 614 Broadway 718-442-3100 7am • Free

Groundhog Day – February 2 Super Bowl Sunday – February 2 Valentine’s Day -February 14 President’s Day – February 17

Toddler Time Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 • 11:30am • Free Baby Space Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 12:15pm • Free Books and Art South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free Monday Mix Up Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free

Baby and Toddler Playtime Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free Toddler Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 11:15am • Free Drawing Club Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3:15pm • Free Craft Time Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 • 3:30pm • Free

Family Storytime New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free Wednesday STEAMDay Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free Anime & Manga Club South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 5pm • Free

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Tot’s Time at the Museum SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 10am • $6 plus admission

Details on these events can be found on SIPARENT.COM/EVENTS Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

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events & news CloseKnit Noble Maritime Collection 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-447-6490 2pm • Free

HEART STRING ART

Youth Tech Club Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free/must register

February 1 • 9am-12pm Home Depot All Staten Island Locations homedepot.com/workshops

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Wii Love Gaming! Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 8am • Free Baby Lapsit New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 10:30am • Free

Create a loving memory with your child at the Heart String Art Workshop. As you help your child piece together the symbol of Valentine’s Day, they will develop hands-on skills by sanding, nailing, painting and more. Celebrate the moment as your child makes a unique keepsake. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron and a commemorative pin while supplies last.

South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 11:15am • Free Baby Space Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 12:15pm • Free Valentine’s Day Craft South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free Monday Mix Up Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free

Preschool Storytime & Craft Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free

South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 10am • Free

Preschool Open Play Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 11am • Free

Performing Arts Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free

Storytime Playspace Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11:15am • Free

Color Lounge South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 11am • Free

Visual Arts Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free w/admission

Tot’s Time at the Museum SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 10am • $6 plus admission

Toddler Storytime New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 11:30am • Free

Sensory Storytime Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11am • Free

Performing Arts Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 12pm • Free

Tot Time Tuesdays Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 10am • Free

Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 3pm & 4pm • Free

Sensory Playdate Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11:15am • Free

Lego Hour Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free

Con Edison Second Science Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 12pm • Free w/admission

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Visual Arts Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 8am • Free w/admission Snow Fun Days Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 9am • Free T.A.G.

Maple Syrup Saturdays Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 1pm • Free Victorian Valentines Historic Richmond Town 441 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 1pm • Free w/ admission Get Crafty Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue

212-621-0690 1pm • Free Cinema Saturdays! Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 2pm • Free

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Toddler Time Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 8am • Free Toddler Storytime & Craft Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free Toddler Open Play Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 • 11am • Free Toddler Storytime with Police Officers Louise & Tammy Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free Toddler Time

Free Parents & Family Substance Abuse Support Group Christopher’s Reason Recovery Center 521 Arthur Kill Rd, 3rd floor 7pm • Free

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Baby and Toddler Playtime Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free Toddler Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 11:15am • Free Preschool Storytime New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free LiteracyINC: Story Hour Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free Game On Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue

Details on these events can be found on SIPARENT.COM/EVENTS Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

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LIPM 212-621-0690 4pm • Free

SNUG HARBOR’S WORM SHOP

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Tot’s Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 10am • $6 plus admission Bird and Nature Walk: Wolfe’s Pond Park Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 10am • Free Infant Lapsit Storytime Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free Itty Bitty Storytime Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11:15am • Free Crafty Storytime Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3:15pm • Free Family Storytime New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free Anime & Manga Club South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 5pm • Free

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13

February 18 • 4pm Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 nypl.org

Let worms convert your food scraps into compost for your plants. Learn how to set-up, care for, harvest and use vermicompost from a worm bin. For ages 5 and up.

Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 8am • Free Valentine’s Day Party! Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free Storytime Playspace Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11:15am • Free Toddler Storytime New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 11:30am • Free Valentine’s Day ShopRite Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 3pm • Free w/admission

Valentine’s Day Party South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free

Valentine’s Day ShopRite Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission

Crafty Cooking Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Wii Love Gaming!

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Visual Arts Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 8am • Free w/admission Performing Arts Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 12pm • Free Sea Shanty Session Noble Maritime Collection 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-447-6490 2pm • Free

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Tot’s Time at the Museum SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 10am • $6 plus admission

Youth Tech Club Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free/must register

132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 2pm • Free

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 9am • Free T.A.G. South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 10am • Free Performing Arts Studio: Dance, Play Circle and Move with Your Imagination! SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free Color Lounge South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 11am • Free Maple Syrup Saturdays Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 1pm • Free Glass House Tour Snug Harbor Cultural Center 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-425-3504 1pm • $10

Visual Arts Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 • 8am • Free w/admission

Game On Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 1pm • Free

Movie Matinee Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 8am • Free

Black and Blue Oceans South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 1:30pm • Free

Snow Fun Days Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center

Cinema Saturdays! Stapleton Library

Story Time & Art Workshop: Shirley Chisholm SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free w/admission Toddler Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 11:15am • Free Moonwalking Workshop SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 12pm • Free w/admission Free Parents & Family Substance Abuse Support Group Christopher’s Reason Recovery Center 521 Arthur Kill Rd, 3rd floor 7pm • Free

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Tot’s Time at the Museum SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 10am • $6 plus admission Tot Time Tuesdays Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 10am • Free Performing Arts Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free w/admission Preschool Picassos Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free

Details on these events can be found on SIPARENT.COM/EVENTS Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

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events & news Toddler Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 11:15am • Free

GROUNDHOG DAY

February 2 • 7am Staten Island Zoo 614 Broadway 718-442-3100 statenislandzoo.org

African Drumming Workshop SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/admission Drawing Club Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3:15pm • Free Preschool Storytime New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free LiteracyINC: Story Hour Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free Game On Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free Snug Harbor’s Worm Shop Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 4pm • Free

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Tot’s Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 10am • $6 plus admission Cool School Holiday SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 10am • Free Marble Runs and Crazy Mazes Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 11am • Free w/admission Infant Lapsit Storytime Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free Itty Bitty Storytime Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11:15am • Free Black History Month Collaboration Project

With a prediction success rate of 80% — tops among groundhogs — Chuck will once again astound with both his accuracy and affection. The ceremony begins at 7am and Chuck will predict at 7:30am. Admission is free.

Mardi Gras Celebration: Mask-Making Workshop and Parade SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 3pm • Free w/admission Creative Movement SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 3pm • Free w/admission

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Visual Arts Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 8am • Free w/admission Snow Fun Days Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 9am • Free

SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/admission

Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free/must register

Crafty Storytime Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3:15pm • Free

Midwinter Recess BINGO Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free

Family Storytime New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free Anime & Manga Club South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 5pm • Free

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Wii Love Gaming! Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 8am • Free Preschool Storytime & Craft Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free

Tot’s Time at the Museum SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 10am • $6 plus admission

Marble Runs and Crazy Mazes Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 11am • Free w/admission

Storytime Playspace Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11:15am • Free

Moonwalking Workshop SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission

Toddler Storytime New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 11:30am • Free

Craft Time Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 3:30pm • Free

Mardi Gras Celebration: Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 12pm, 1pm & 2pm • Free w/admission

Youth Tech Club

T.A.G. South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 10am • Free Performing Arts Studio: SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free Color Lounge South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 11am • Free Music and Movement Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11:15am • Free Maple Syrup Saturdays Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 1pm • Free Super Science: Biochemistry Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 1pm • Free w/admission Tech Zone Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 1pm • Free Cinema Saturdays! Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 2pm • Free

Details on these events can be found on SIPARENT.COM/EVENTS Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

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LIPM SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23

3K & PRE-K FOR ALL: PROGRAM INFO & REGISTRATION

Visual Arts Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 8am • Free w/admission

February 29 • 2-5pm SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 sichildrensmuseum.org

Performing Arts Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 12pm • Free

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Toddler Time Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 8am • Free

Play in the exhibits and learn about Universal 3K & Pre-K programs starting in the fall 2020.

Toddler Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 11:15am • Free Baby Space Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 12:15pm • Free

Baby and Toddler Playtime Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free

Crafty Storytime Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3:15pm • Free

Toddler Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 11:15am • Free

Family Storytime New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free

Preschool Storytime New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free

Anime & Manga Club South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 5pm • Free

LiteracyINC: Story Hour Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free

Monday Mix Up Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free Free Parents & Family Substance Abuse Support Group Christopher’s Reason Recovery Center 521 Arthur Kill Rd, 3rd floor 7pm • Free

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Tot’s Time at the Museum SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 10am • $6 plus admission Tot Time Tuesdays Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 10am • Free

Storytime Playspace Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11:15am • Free Toddler Storytime New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 11:30am • Free

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29 Movie Matinee Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 8am • Free

Toddler Storytime & Craft Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free Toddler Open Play Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 11am • Free

10:30am • Free

Game On Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Tot’s Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 10am • $6 plus admission Infant Lapsit Storytime Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 11am • Free Itty Bitty Storytime Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11:15am • Free

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Snow Fun Days Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 9am • Free T.A.G. South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 10am • Free Performing Arts Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free Celebrate Leap Year SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free w/admission

3D Printing Club Great Kills Library 56 Giffords Lane 718-984-6670 3:30pm • Free/must register

Maple Syrup Saturdays Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 1pm • Free

SAGE Story Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission

3K & Pre-K for All: Program Info & Registration SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/admission

Freestyle Paint Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Wii Love Gaming! Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 8am • Free

Art in the Park: Knitting Crafts Clay Pit Ponds Visitors Center 2351 Veterans Rd W 718-967-1976 3pm • Free Masters of Illusion St. George Theatre 35 Hyatt Street 718-442-2900 8pm • Pricing online

Preschool Open Play Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636

Details on these events can be found on SIPARENT.COM/EVENTS Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

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fun stuff

Have your cake and eat it too!

BIRTHDAY Sign Up FREEBIES siparent.com/birthdayclub

on your big day! FREE KIDS MEAL

AT WENDY’S (Staten Island only) 1761 Forest Avenue • SI, NY 10303 1661 Hylan Boulevard • SI, NY 10305 26 Richmond Hill Road • SI, NY 10314 6420 Amboy Road • SI, NY 10309 25 Putnam Street • SI, NY 10312 300 Bay Street • SI, NY 10301

FREE JUNIOR CONE WITH SPRINKLES AT EGGER’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM 1194 Forest Avenue • SI, NY 10310 • 718.981.2100 441 Carke Avenue • SI, NY 10306 • 718.280.1142

FREE $5 BONUS PLAY & 250 TICKETS AT iPLAY AMERICA 110 Schanck Road, Freehold, NJ 07728-2938 732.577.8200

FREE $5 POWER CARD

y p p a H ! y a d h t Bir

AT DAVE AND BUSTERS 2655 Richmond Avenue • SI, NY 10314 929.464.2700 FEBRUARY 1 Stephanie Brandi Foye Jimmy Wepy Tyler Hummler Bella Weinerman Victoria Lamberti Carmen Spurrell Alexandra Mauro Riley Corson Robert Ralph Russo Rebecca Stengle-Wilson Patricia Aponte Kylie Olivia Norman Michael Casale Shannon Riley Carter Ogbu FEBRUARY 2 James Phelan Gianna Phelan Angeliah Negron Dominic Hughes Abigail Harlow Angeliah Negron Dominic Hughes Zacari Kizer Gabrielle Peragine Landon Zeng FEBRUARY 3 Sergio Rigau Jr. Tiffany Bonello Andrew Zuppardi Heavenlia Janvier Justin Levine Juan Carlos Robles-Corona George Elkik Giavanna Anwar Corey Newell-Hopkins

Kyle Kavanagh Luna Velasquez Raina Garcia Amiya Harris FEBRUARY 4 Gabrielle Cestone Joseph R. Thompson Jr. Amanda Guarino Silvia Sereno Hiba Ahmed Blake Benevento Samantha Smith Alyssa Bavaro FEBRUARY 5 Fatima J. Gonzalez Olivia Frances DePeppo Lori Caban Mariham Tharwat Leilani Jenkins Jason Anzalone Matthew Tzur Mirai Adame Gracie Abel Emily Sciusco Nadia Delvois FEBRUARY 6 Catherine Mignano Bashkim Ardolic Chioma Agu Nicole Buccellato Kevin Schoenau Nicholas Dropp Elizabeth Maira FEBRUARY 7 Dominick Maruffi

Noah Samuel Liebman J.D. Overton Xavier Gonzalez Stefania R. Santoro Gabrielle Darretta Arianna Monteleone Alexandra Velez FEBRUARY 8 Robert Butler Ashley Lambert Gianna Clarke Gabrielle Morri Kyle Taylor Jacob Alvarez Jake Terzo Amy Bautista Justin Crespo FEBRUARY 9 Dennis Mitchell Giada Gagliardotto Susan Borazzo Byrant Sandiford Caleb Larsen Pedro Rivera Dominic Acevedo Naeyli Francia Caleb Larsen FEBRUARY 10 Maliyah A. Greene Kerri McCarthy Kristen Ann McGill Jason Young Gia Reyes Roshan Mathew Alexandra Nat Bajek Kristinia Lamberti

Nicholas Barbieri Lily Olsen Ryan Milone Rivka Steinherz Michael O’Leary Juliana Rae Melisi FEBRUARY 11 John Castelucci John Rutherford Katie Schoenau Gianna Borriello Ayana Angell Aiden Ciero Liam Morales Aza Villodas Halle Marie Nova Isabella Carrescia Aiden Briggs Theresa Diaz FEBRUARY 12 Salvatore Polemeni Joseph Sciarrone Hunter Pesin Lisa Lamberti Ryan Rocchio Kassandra Mojica Sasha Tolbert-Francis Kailani Collado Kassandra Mojica Violet Rivera FEBRUARY 13 Omar Hegazy Olivia Becker Julianna Milillo Joel Rivera Rebecca Holzer

Alishah Warraich Sophia Deserto Brianna Sampson Joseph Turturro Dominick Capuano Kaitlyn Hebner FEBRUARY 14 Linda Newman Elliot Taylor Ryan Angelica Reyes Maxwell Roach Salvatore Isolda Sophia Esposito Teddy Novick Sabrina Velez

LIPM Kalvin Ball Isabella Delahanty Nicolette Brancoccio Carter Eisenberg Nathaniel Gomez FEBRUARY 17 Michael JoyceKaitlin Jennifer Arroyo Joseph A. Temperino Jr. Samantha Taylor Slovitz Michelle Piazza Joseph DePalo Alyssa Sperrazza Connor Higgins Marianna Goriva Nia Sanders Julian Munoz FEBRUARY 18 Kate Hagen Kendall Savino Adrian Rzonca Gia Koppie Christina Losinno Christian Wikande Jenna Hershkowitz Daniel Palmeri Sydney Eil Emmett McCoyDickerson Lily Cammarata FEBRUARY 19 Gabriel Todd Lanette Batts Anaya Fieros Joseph Vann Jordan Clanton Emily Retino Jade Yu Joseph Gottlieb Juan Diego Cordova Tyrese Tucker Devon Nieves Henry Cartier Blake Breland FEBRUARY 20 John Chernack Nadia Chernack Francesca Saccomagno David Kurbalidze Joe Lamberti Paulie Battipaglia David Ginsburg Oliver Rijo Christina Mangia

FEBRUARY 15 Joseph Di Leo Joseph Anthony Guarnieri Michael Joyce Chris Best Brianna Osorio Alyssa Cianfrone Ralphie Cimmino

FEBRUARY 21 Andrew Snyder Lauren Marino David Kholodovsky Christena Armento Victoria Lopez Tyler Wise Lucas Gasparino Joseph DiStefano Mya Vasquez-Ortiz

FEBRUARY 16 Melanie Akilova Amber Rose McBryer Tyler David Antoinette Lamberti Anthony Sercia Joseph McDonough Alexandra Nonnenmacher Isabella Delehanty Antonio Bordwick Aria Brousseau

FEBRUARY 22 George Lambert, Jr. Grace Paulina Tabora Nicholas Medordi Connor Kealy Sienna GallegoMontantine Haelee Chan Pamela Aliotta Mikayla Prather Matteo Herrera Olivia Rijo

Aviana Noia Giuliana Boffa FEBRUARY 23 Sanuli Dharmawardena Samantha Sicari Sabrina Mogollon Jenna Labarbera Michael Vergo Olivia Medordi Brandon Gentner Isabella Tadros Leigham Guzman Zhyier Jenkins FEBRUARY 24 Alexis Rivera Daniel Agarunov Jose Carlos Aguilar Jr. Antonio M. Antonaros Matthew Marino Christopher Zandler Vincent Villani Sean Keag Hunter McCarthy Anthony Del Re Lucas Jiminez Shardasza Johnson FEBRUARY 25 Anthony R. Cassieri Lawrence Frank Joseph Pellegrino Daniel Guariglia Daniel Dewakumara Giselle Rau Giavanni Esposito Luis Rios Hallie Roteman Kayla Ortiz FEBRUARY 26 John Marsh, Jr. Francesca Delapi Nicholas Garcia Jessica Paoli Ava Valenti Meaghan Viviani Julia Jamrog Makai Jenkins Julia Jamrog FEBRUARY 27 Nina Russo Jordan Hafiz Thomas Mantellino Dominique Litrell Lauren Minks Amaya Lewis Hunter Mahoney Sydney Calabrese Dominique Litrell Benjamin Mailloux FEBRUARY 28 Joseph Lipari James Lipari Nicholas Casuccio Victoria Rymer Jordan Roman Jordana Roman Andrew Trapani Cristina Mogollon Diandre Green Ayden Villodas Ta’Jon Duncan Kelton Cheuk FEBRUARY 29 Joseph A. Toto Daniel Korenski

Please present this page. Good only for birthday club members on this list. Offer valid for the month. Call before to check availabilty.

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raising kids Are you seeking out nearby resources in legal services, speech development, therapy or other specific need? These local professionals will aid you on your journey. ATTORNEYS FERSCH LLC

11 Broadway, Suite 550 New York, NY 10004 212.422.2660 www.pffamilylaw.com Familylaw@pffamilylaw.com Facebook & Twitter: @FerschLLC

Fersch LLC practices exclusively in matrimonial and family law. We handle cases in NYC courts, as well as Long Island and Westchester. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and determined advocates for our clients. We provide care and attention to clients and their families of all income levels and serve all of NYC & surrounding areas.

KURT T. RICHARDS, P.C. Attorney at Law 1200 South Ave, Ste 201 • SI, NY 718.720.1000 • www.krichardspc.com

Divorce, Family Court, Child Custody, Spousal & Child Support, Domestic Violence, Adoptions, Name Changes, Annulments, Separation Agreements. Free Consultation for Divorce Actions. 24 Hour Phone Service.

MUSIC SUZANNE ODESSA 917.797.9681 musik2kids@gmail.com

Piano lessons for all levels and all ages. Specializing in toddlers & preschoolers. Personalized instruction.

ORTHODONTICS SALVATORE R. INDELICATO, D.M.D., P.C. 444 Huguenot Avenue • SI, NY 10312 718.967.5213 • www.bracesbydrindelicato.com

Orthodontic Specialist. Mini & Clear Braces, Invisalign, Digital Scanner, Free Consults. Gentle, personal, quality care for children/adults. American Assoc. of Orthodontists & Diplomate of American Board of Orthodontics Member.

PSYCHOLOGY BLUE SKIES PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES, P.C. 710 Forest Avenue • 10310 347.464.5550 • BlueSkiesPsychological.com

Providing counseling, medication management and psychological testing to the Staten Island community in a warm & welcoming environment. We also assist those seeking OPWDD eligibility, permanent guardianship, testing accommodations, etc. Accepted insurances listed on our website.

PSYCHOTHERAPISTS Offering hope to individuals & families whose lives have been turned upside-down

STATEN ISLAND YMCA COUNSELING SERVICE by addiction. We treat families, not just individuals. Services: Individual, Group & SOUTH SHORE CENTER 3911 Richmond Avenue • 718.948.3232 Open Intake Hours available 6 days a week ymcanyc.org/locations/counseling-service NORTH SHORE CENTER 285 Vanderbilt Avenue • 718.981.4382

Family Counseling, a Little Steps program for children coping with a loved one’s addiction, Intensive Outpatient Treatment, Medication Assisted Treatment, Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders including on-site psychiatric services, Crisis Intervention, Assessment & Referral Services, Anger Management for youth/adults, Parenting Skills classes, FREE Narcan training/kits, Immigrant Resource Center including English as a Second Language Classes. Financial Assistance.

ANGELA CAPECE, LMHC

Anxiety, depression and relationship issues can range from restricting to debilitating. If you are eager to free yourself from long-standing unhelpful behaviors, then psychotherapy can help you find the answers you seek and the tools you need to promote growth and change in your life. My initial goal is to provide you with confidential and personalized therapy to begin your journey to emotional well-being. In my therapeutic work, I incorporate facets of my professional career which have included positions in educational and clinical sectors. In working with you, I will draw these diverse experiences in order to provide you with a culturally sensitive treatment plan.

NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor Specializing in Anxiety, Depression, Family Conflict, Couples Counseling, Self-Esteem, Stress Reduction and Management. 917.636.3256 • acapece810@gmail.com By Appointment • Day and Evening Hours

MICHAEL DESIMONE PH.D, LCSW

Helping Adults, Children and Adolescents with Anxiety, Fears & Worries, Anger, 175 Burbank Ave, 10306 • michaeldesimonetherapy.com Depression, Grief/Sadness, Insecurity, Shyness, Self- Esteem, Relationship Problems, Private, Comfortable & Confidential. 718.650.9000 • michael.w.desimone@gmail.com

SPEECH PATHOLOGY / THERAPY QUALITY CARE SPEECH CENTER, INC.

Randi Pino M.A., CCC-SLP/TSHH, Director 3767 Hylan Blvd, 10308 • qualitycarespeech.com 718.605.4301 • qualitycarespeechcenter@gmail.com

NYS Licensed Speech Pathologists. OT & PT; Evaluation & Treatment of Pediatric Speech, Language, Feeding, Oral, Fine & Gross Motor Disorders; PROMPT; Russian Bilingual Services; State-of-the-Art Sensory Gym; Dept of Ed Provider (CPSE & RSA); Primary Designation for PT; Top Tier for Speech & OT.

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LIPM SPEECH PATHOLOGY PRECARE SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY, PC 718.259.4001 1829 Richmond Rd SI, NY 10306 3099 Coney Island Ave Bklyn, NY 11235 www.slpmd.com

SANDRA MAZZUCCO M.A., C.C.C.-SLP Annadale Town: 465 Belfield Ave North Shore: 1076 Forest Ave 718.815.6024

CLAIRE GUTTSMAN M.A., C.C.C. - SLP

NYS Licensed Speech Language Pathologist. Evaluations & Therapeutic Intervention for Children & Adults, PROMPT Trained, Oral Motor & Feeding Therapy, Specializing in Fluency. ASHA Certified. Nationally certified professional providing quality evaluations & treatment of adults & children for over 40 yrs. Services: public speaking classes, accent reduction, corporate speech pathology & lecturing. Approved NYC Dept. of Ed. Provider. (CPSE & RSA)

1076 Forest Avenue (Corner of Manor Road) 718.447.5501

SOUTH SHORE SPEECH PATHOLOGY

A team of professionals evaluate, diagnose & treat patients with communication disabilities, such as articulation disorders, phonological awareness, apraxia, dysarthria, feeding, traumatic brain injury, speech issues from hearing loss, auditory processing disorders, receptive/expressive delays, impaired language, voice disorders, jaw instability, stuttering/cluttering & lisps. If your child is experiencing issues with fluency (stuttering/cluttering), articulation, apraxia (motor planning for sound), oral-motor weakness, feeding or swallowing issues or receptive & expressive language delays, our certified speech language pathologists can work with your child to improve these issues.

520B Bloomingdale Rd • Staten Island, NY 10309 718.608.1508 • southshorespeechtherapy.com

Evaluation & treatment of pediatric speech & language, fine & gross motor delays & disorders; Dept. of Ed. CPSE & CSE Tertiary Designation; Most Insurance Accepted. Homecare & School Services Offered.

Kids can play and participate in fun activities, while parents meet exhibitors. Enjoy activities such as face painting, art projects, sports, dance, music, martial arts, and lots of play time!

SUNDAY THE

OF MARCH COLLEGE STATEN ISLAND

Staten Island Parent Magazine February 2020

Articles inside

Family Calendar

Birthday Club

Dear Teacher: Real Advice from Real Educators

Six Important Dental Care Tips for Your Kids

The Social Media Apps You Need to Know About

Low-Sugar Options For Kids

President’s Day Books for Kids