How To Handle an Open House With Your Kid!

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash

Sponsored by:

True story. A client told us that her 6-year-old son once put his dirty shoes all over a white couch at an open house. She was convinced that she lost the bid on the house because of her son’s behavior. We don’t think that’s why she lost the bid. But, there are some surefire ways to make house-hunting with your kids a better experience for everyone! Here are our favorite tips:

1. Don’t bring the kids. Just kidding. Sort of. If there is any way you can call in a childcare favor when you’re looking at real estate, do it. Remember, this is an investment of YOUR time into what is potentially YOUR largest investment. Try to spring for a babysitter!

2. Kids are people too. Introduce yourself AND your children to the agent when you sign in, if you are not with your own agent. If they’re old enough, have your children introduce themselves.

3. Please carry your little ones. If you have toddlers, try to keep them in arms. Injuries at an open house are bad news for everyone. This is not the place to empower your child or be charmed by their cuteness. Please leave strollers outside and folded if possible. The broker and the sellers worked very hard to make the place look good.

4. Give kids a job. Engage them in the process. They may not want to at first, but pretty soon they’ll get into it. You can create a checklist of items your family is looking for: Window in the bathroom? Good spot to put the kitty litter? Outlets for computers? Please only allow pencils for any written work and supervise children all times. Little ones should never be more than a few feet away from you at an open house. Remember, this is a quick visit! You can always come back for a longer private viewing if you like the property.

5. Find a comfy spot and ask the broker if your child can sit with a book or some other form of entertainment. (If it’s digital, make sure there are headphones.) If you’ve brought snacks or a drink – or if there are snacks on-site – please don’t wander through the property eating or let your children do this. Try to do all your consuming in one spot. Preferably the kitchen!

Alexandra Saghir and Tyson Lewis are community-based real estate agents (and Park Slope Parents!) who tirelessly educate, empower, and advocate for their buyers, sellers, renters, and landlords. Their 15 years of house-hunting experience and knowledge will help you and your family win your dream home.

Park Slope Parents Weekly Roundup!

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash

PSP Events for this week: Highlights from March 11th-16th!

captain-marvel-poster

See our FULL CALENDER

PSP Tabletop Game NightPSP Tabletop Game Night

Tuesday, March 12th

Time: 7:00pm - 11:00pm

Where: The Douglass, 149 4th Avenue

Wills & Estate Planning Workshop

Wednesday, March 13th

Bill Cahill calms your nerves and tells you how to begin!

Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm, 336 3rd Street

Cost: $20.00, no refunds

Grandparents Meeting

Thursday, March 14th

10:00am

Where: Palo Santo Restaurant, 652 Union Street, between 4th and 5th Ave.

Email for more information

PSP Moms Movie Night: Captain MarvelPSP Moms Movie Night: Captain Marvel

Thursday, March 14th

Showtime: 7:15pm; Doors open: 6:45pm

Where: Nitehawk Cinema Prospect Park

PSP Brit Pack Meet-up

Thursday, March 14th

Time: 6:30pm

Where: The Douglass, 149 4th Avenue

Top Ten Tips for Taking Your Kids to a Show!

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash

Sponsored by: Disney’s PJ Masks Live! Save the Day: King’s Theatre, March 30th & 31st.

Top Ten Tips for Taking Your Kids to a Show!

1. Expose children early to age-appropriate shows. Children’s theater opportunities are available in all five boroughs. Check out this page on our website to get started.

2. Keep your expectations low. For some children, sitting still and being quiet is difficult and can lead to fussy behavior. If you get frustrated or angry, they won’t want to go again.

3. Choose aisle seats when possible. If your child is uncomfortable, nervous, or needs to go to the bathroom, you won’t be disturbing the whole row if you need to get up a few times.

4. Know when to leave or take a break. Lots of theater spaces have lobbies, large rest rooms, and lounges. If the weather is good – and the ushers will let you come back in – take a 5-minute breather outside.

5. Try to familiarize children with the story, characters and/or music beforehand. Children are more likely to be patient, relaxed, and excited when they know what to expect. Knowing the music is always rewarding holds interest longer. Some children find mascots or performers in full costume frightening. Try to prepare them ahead of time if your show involves full-body costumes.

6. Be prepared! Find out the running time and if the show is age-appropriate in advance. Get there early to avoid bathroom lines and enjoy exploring the whole theater space before the show starts. Explain about applause (it can be loud and scary for some kids) and intermission. Most importantly, tell them that there’s no talking during the show unless it’s interactive.

7. Bring an intermission treat! If possible, avoid expensive concession stands and long lines by stashing some small treats in your bag before you leave. As soon as intermission starts, get kids to stretch their legs and, if it’s safe, to run up and down the street outside. Fast walking to the bathroom together is also fun game – try to beat the crowds.

8. Some parents give children a small treat just as the show begins. This creates automatic happy associations and is also relaxing. If you do this, let your child know that this is the only treat until intermission. Otherwise, fervent whispered requests will commence halfway through the first act!

9. Most theaters have booster seats - but they go quickly! As soon as you see the usher or ticket taker, ask where the booster seats are. A good view and clear sightlines can really “boost” your child’s live entertainment experience. If there are no boosters, create one out of coats and bags.

10. If kids are fidgeting or moving around, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re bored! As long as they’re not being disruptive, try to not to interpret their jiggles too deeply and make sure you have a good time too!

After a “heroic” opening weekend, PJ Masks Live is soaring into a five-month tour of North America, playing 100+ cities with a brand-new show, PJ Masks Live! Save The Day. This dynamic, fully-immersive production is based on Entertainment One’s top-rated animated series, airing daily on Disney Junior. The 90-minute show for pre-school-aged children lands in Brooklyn on March 30th & 31st for four performances at Kings Theatre.

This Saturday-- The Park Slope Parents Members Only Kids Clothing, Gear, and Maternity Swap

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash

boys-and-girls-summer-clothes

When: Saturday, March 2nd, 2019
Time: 10:00AM - 12:30PM
Where: All Saints Church 463A 7th Street, entrance on 7th Street (the Park Slope Senior Center)

How much and details:

$5.00/member - only payable at the door
You must be a PSP member (we will be checking at the door). Not a PSP member?
- Join
- Renew

What to bring:

Please bring swappable kid clothing/books/gear for ages newborn-10 years. If you wouldn’t give it to your finicky in-law, don’t bring it to the swap.
Maternity items (especially work clothes)
Nursing and feeding items
Breast pumps, bottles, baby carriers
Bouncy seats, belly bands, unused pacifiers
NO toys please
If you just want to drop stuff off, that's allowed-- anything not swapped will be donated.

Know someone who is not a member and would like to come? Tell them to sign up and become a member to start enjoying events like these and more! http://bit.ly/JOINPSP

Heads up:

PREEMIE clothes
---0 - 6 months***NEW
---6 - 12 months***NEW
---12 - 18 months
---18 - 24 months
---2 & 3 year olds
---4 & 5 year olds
---5 - 8 year olds
---8-10 year olds

***NEW Please presort MATERNITY clothes as well. We're going to have a more organized section for those clothes!
---Maternity S
---Maternity M
---Maternity L

Can't come and want to donate? DROP OFF DONATIONS to us at one of two drop off points Monday– Friday (please no large items), 9am - 9pm

NORTH Slope Drop off:
190 Garfield Place (between 6th & 7th), apt 5E (please text Jeff at 917-685-8250 to double check availability)

SOUTH Slope Drop off
438 12th Street (between 7th and 8th) doorman there between 9am – 9pm.

NIGHT BEFORE Drop Off can also drop off from 6pm - 8pm on Friday Night. You can drop off, pay your $5, and skip the line if you prefer. 463A 7th Street, entrance on 7th Street (the Park Slope Center for Successful Aging)

Frequently Asked Questions:

2019 SIPPY TIPS FROM THE PSP HIVE

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash

SIP SIP HOORAY! Someone asked fellow members for recommendations of the best sippy cup. Here are the top winners!

sippycupmunchkin2

Munchkin Click Lock Weighted Straw Cup – Recommended by the parent of an 8-month-old who is holding and drinking from it by themselves. This cup is described as leak-proof and the weighted straw allows for tipping while drinking.
Think Baby Thinkster Straw Bottle – Another favorite brand with a spill-proof straw that doesn’t leak in bags. They will also donate 10% of the profit to a foundation of your choosing.
Pura Kika Straw Bottle – A plastic-free bottle that grows with your kid. This bottle was recommended by a parent who has had the same bottle for 3 years!
OXO Tot Transitions Straw Cup with Removable Handles – Spill-proof and leak-proof for easy drinking.
Philips Avent My Bendy Straw Cup – A short straw bottle that promotes natural swallowing.
The First Years Take & Toss Spill-Proof Straw Cups – A pretty indestructible, easy to clean cup that a 3-year-old can’t even get the lid off of. However, these cups were not made for transportation as they will leak around the straw when thrown in a bag.
Munchkin Sippy and Straw Lids for Miracle 360 Cups & Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup – This combination also came recommended and helps with the transition to straw and open cups.