What you need to know about ticks!

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

With summer starting it is worth talking about ticks. Lyme disease can be misdiagnosed, so if you have any of the symptoms (even if you don’t see a tick or bite), talk to your doctor. Be sure to read the PSP guide to what you need to know about ticks on the PSP website here.

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How To Talk To Kids About Death: Overview

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Dealing with Death

This is an overview from the 2018 talk, "How To Talk with Kids About Death" Park Slope Parents and Green-wood Cemetery co-sponsored. 

Presenters:

Amy Cunningham, The Inspired Funeral

Liana Smith-Murphy, Play, Child and Adolescent Therapist at BrooklynPlayTherapy.com

Age appropriate honesty is important. Kids know more than we think they do. If you’re not honest kids can come up with fantasized explanations of death (“I made grandma get sick and die”). Using concrete things like “X has died. Their body is no longer working” (rather than “Nana is ‘sleeping’” which can freak young kids out and lead to, “when is she going to wake up?”). You can also talk about your beliefs: “Our family believes that after someone dies you go to heaven.”

Let kids ask questions. Many adults have issues about talking about death so kids can believe it’s not okay to talk about being sad or the death. Everyone experiences death differently.

Read more...

Resources for Coping with Park Slope's Tragedy

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

For many, the crash at 9th Street and 5th Avenue on March 5th, 2018 was very emotional. For people on the scene it was even more traumatic.  We're working with some trauma and grief therapists (thanks to them for reaching out) to put together sessions that may help folks deal with the emotional aftermath of today's scene. Here are those resources:

Whether you were a witness, heard about it and were impacted, or had another experience that was retriggered by last week’s neighborhood (local? 5th Avenue?) tragedy, your feelings around this matter.

Below is a list of therapists who have offered support or have been listed as specializing in trauma/grief. We appreciate their stepping forward to help. (As a reminder—this is not an endorsement of any one therapist or approach to therapy.)

It's important to be supportive of the people who were there; it can help with their recovery.  We are going to gather a list of resources and post those as well.  

Please share these resources with your nanny-- some were at the scene and others know someone who has been impacted.

Resources about coping with this traumatic event:

• Guide to Helping Children Cope
• Coping after Traumatic EventsCoping after Traumatic Events
• Resources for Parents and Caregivers
• Seasame Street has great resources to help you help small children cope. 

Read more...

The Doughnut Fix Launch Party

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Events

Bring your child (8-years-old and up) to the Brooklyn Public Library to celebrate the publication of The Doughnut Fix, the first book in a fun new series by New York author Jessie Janowitz.
Meet the author and hear her read an excerpt from the book!

Enjoy hands-on activities!

There will be a book sale and signing!

Doughnuts will be served!

What: The Doughnut Fix Launch Party
When: Saturday, April 21st
Time: 1:00pm
Where: Brooklyn Public Library, Dweck Center

More Info HERE

This event is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Top Twenty Baby on the Beach Tips

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Traveling With Baby

Basics:
Swimsuit – depending on the age, either a float suit with adjustable buoyancy or “puddle-jumper” floaties
Rashguard – longer-sleeved suits that protect best from sun
Sun Hat – with tie and long back
Beach Towels (2/child) – reserve one for an end-of-the-beach-day-scrub
Sunscreen (check the use-by date and get a baby-friendly one)**
Swim diapers (even if kids don’t go in the water these are good)
Wipes
Water bottle/cup – Yeti or Thinkbaby make good ones
Washable Beach Bag with wet bags or large Ziplocs
Bucket – good for transporting items (including drinks and ice) to the beach and then for beach play 

Read more...

Stroller March Sunday!

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, News

Stroller March June 24th, 2018

NOTE DATE AND TIME CHANGE! Now Sunday @ 5pm!

RSVP HERE

TOP 25 TODDLER TOYS & ACTIVITIES

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

Looking for ideas for Toddler Toys and Activities? Here ya go (Courtesy of great discussions on some of our PSP Toddler Groups). Not a member and are a parent living in Brooklyn? Join PSP here!

ACTIVITIES

Use an old wallet stuffed with expired credit cards ­ take out and put back in, repeat indefinitely! 
Put some old toys out of sight - they'll usually show interest again after they’ve been on vacation for a week or two! 
A small wooden kitchen with doors – used or new, this is evergreen
A hand broom, Swiffer sheet, and a cordless vacuum cleaner
Any and all Read-Aloud Board Books.
A small Jar with a Treat Inside.
A Baby Piano/Xylophone
Any Activity Table or Box that comes apart and has lots of “things” on it to move and make noise with!
Put Duplo Pieces (or anything that will fit!) into an Empty Tea Tin and take them out again!
A small Tea Set.
Make your own Toddler Busy Board - here are some great ideas.

SPECIFIC TOYS

Pockets of Learning Quiet Book – Indestructible books great for toddlers
Soft foam magnetic letters for the fridge
Skip, Hop & Explore Animal Car – Any “pull back” toy
Oball Rattle & Roll – or any Oball toy
Read Aloud Songs – listen to the song and follow along in the book
Magic Music Cubes
Peek-a-Boo Tunnels
Pop Toobs! – continue to be fun for years to come
Funky Moon Light with remote control! 
Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Piggy Bank

Melissa & Doug gets lots of shout outs!

Play Cleaning Supplies
Door Puzzle with magnets
Shape Sorters

Unlimited Vacation Time Pros and Cons

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Working Parents

Motherless Mother Resources

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Dealing with Death

Motherless Mother Resources

Park Slope Parents has a Motherless Mothers group:

If you are not yet a PSP memer join us here

If you're already a member and would like to be added email

Website Resources

Theimaginarylibrary on Instagram is a 100 day project on grief and loss created by a woman who recently lost her mother.

Modern Loss is new website offering candid content, resources and community on loss and grief.

Articles shared by PSP members:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/21/style/how-to-overcome-grief.html

http://therumpus.net/2011/03/dear-sugar-the-rumpus-advice-column-67-the-black-arc-of-it/

https://alovelywoman.wordpress.com/2017/05/05/12-ideas-for-motherless-daughters-on-mothers-day/

https://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/10/23/opinion/sunday/children-dont-always-live.html

Why Grief Is A Series of Contractions and Expansions

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/art/read-youre-grieving/

http://www.ahaparenting.com/blog/letter-from-your-mother-mothers-day

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/mar/03/we-dont-lose-our-mothers-reality-more-violent-that-that

http://www.scarymommy.com/overcoming-waves-grief-when-youre-motherless-mother/?utm_source=FB

Heat Wave in the City! Cheap (or free!) Activities To Do With Kids of All Ages in NYC during the summer

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

In this article:

Outdoors:

Parks & Playgrounds

Ferries, Transport & Islands

Pools

Beaches

Zoos

Indoors:

Museums & Libraries

Local Businesses

Useful Resources:

From NYC.gov: Beat the Heat

Outdoor Activities:

Parks & Playgrounds

One parent says, "go to a Splash Pad or Playground with water features (the LeFrak Center in Prospect Park, Harmony Playground, Imagination Playground, Brooklyn Bridge Park)."

Other parks and playground suggestions:

Botanical Gardens - "is free on Tuesday and before noon on Saturday!"

Prospect Park -  "Pretend to be explorers in Prospect Park! As one parent shares: “One of my favorite free places to take my boys (2.5 and 4.5) is the woods in prospect park.  the whole east side of the park has random trails that are fun to get lost on.  I usually just let them lead the way and I follow.  Yes, sometimes we walk in circles but that's actually really fun when they realize that we've just come back to where we were.”

 Pier 6 -  “Pier 6 is awesome. Has super huge sand park, water area and climbing gyms.”

Battery Park City -  "I really like Battery Park City in the summer. There is so much there you can spend a whole day...the slides, the mini golf, the older playground with trapeze nets and interesting pedal horse toy, the poetry library, a cool Irish monument/installation, tribeca playground is well shaded and has water play and whole foods is a great place to eat. I always have a good time. Plus you are right on the water and can just feel the breeze."

Hudson south of 14^th Street - “If in Manhattan, playground on Hudson just south of 14th street is small but has nice playground, water, and sand combination (and free star gazing--saw Hugh Jackson there)

Coney Island - HERE is an article from a local mom shared about her trip to Coney Island.

Ferries, Transport & Islands

Staten Island Ferry - "The Staten Island ferry is free and, while not indoors, cool and comfortable, with great views. There's also the ferry to Ikea from lower Manhattan, or the bus to Ikea (Ikea has very cheap kids' meals)."

Governors Island -  "The ferry leaves from pier 6 in Brooklyn."

Roosevelt Island -  one parents recently took the tramway to Roosevelt Island and reported: “My daughter loved it.” This parent also shares that “no food is allowed at new FDR memorial.”

The Subway - "Also want to mention that for us, just riding the subways is a great way to stay cool and have fun.  My young son is completely entranced by the train and actually cries when we leave the subway platform."

Public Pools 

Go HERE for read more tips PSP about local pools and Brooklyn and be sure to check the NYC Parks website HERE for opening and closing times (often city pools close for an hour in the afternoon for cleaning).

 Beaches

Jacob Riis - "There's a whole food court complete with hammocks, tables with shade and bands/djs. A fun scene. Info here."

Brighton Beach - "I love Brighton Beach- easy drive, I always find parking, and have been taking my girl (now 8) almost since she was born"

Robert Moses Beach - "Robert Moses Beach is an hour away on Long Island but gorgeous and worth it. It had parking, showers, rentals for chairs and umbrellas and a concession stand. I just went Monday for the day. Sometimes a little traffic heading back of you leave between 5 and 6 but again worth it.

Rockaways (pictured) - "Easy access by the A train."

Zoos & Acquariums

Wildlife Conservation Society -  "My best recommendation for your kid's ages is to get a membership from WCS  - a membership to them gets you free admission to all the zoos in NYC and the aquarium. The Aquarium has parking and it is on the coney island walkway so you have beach (not the nicest beach in the world but suitable for a little running around and splashing) and an amusement park, plus the baseball field all nearby. The aquariums and the zoos all have indoor and outdoor spaces so you can get out of the heat. You can even take the kids to a 3D movie at the zoos. We are also members of the Natural History Museum - rain or heat - its a great place to skip the lines, let the kids wander, and learn a thing or two - from dinosaurs to space this is the best kids museum in the city. Most the big museums in NY are priced for SUGGESTED DONATION so feel free to pay what you can afford not what they ask. But the reason you get a membership is to skip the lines - and its worth every penny."

Indoor Activities

Museums & Libraries

Brooklyn Museum - Check out the free first Saturday events. One parent also suggestion the "Egyptian Collection at The Brooklyn Museum."

New York Transit Museum

Natural History Museum - “Go up to the Ross Terrace, where there are dancing fountains kids can play in.”

The Children's Museum of the Arts - "I am also a big fan of Childrens Museum of the Arts in Soho. It is not an affiliate of the above museums, so you pay per visit or can become a member. They have a very hands on art program. They also have free hands-on classes on Governor's Island (the calendar for governor's island - you get the ferry for free at the playground at the pier where Atlantic avenue ends)."

Brooklyn Children's Museum - "Get a membership to the Childrens Museums - now there are two Childrens museums in NYC - one is the Childrens Museum of Manhattan  and one is the Brooklyn Childrens Museum - they are both members of the same museum society so you should be able to buy one membership and go to Both BUT THAT IS NOT HOW IT WORKS - they have created a special exception so you cant use your card at both places BUT you can become a member of an affiliated museum - Like Port Discovery in Baltimore and then you get free admission to both NYC museums. You do not however get to skip the lines like members of the NYC museum can, and you dont get discounts on classes etc. But, it saves you money and gives you options. If you already had a membership in your old location, it may be valid here - I know we have used ours in Atlanta, Houston and CA."

Museum of Mathematics - 6th St btwn 5th/Madison - "Yes, many of the concepts would be lost on a toddler but it's an amazing place and there were so many fun things for my 18mo to do.  A plus is that Madison Square Park is just around the corner and on Tues/Thurs mornings (10:30AM) they host free kid concerts, art and more until Aug 8th.  We saw Recess Monkey last week and they were awesome! There's also a nice playground (w/overhead sprinkler!) in the park."

The Brooklyn Public Library - view what PSP members say about BPL here for the central branch, the Park Slope branch, and the Brooklyn Public Library Cafe!

More on PSP:  Kid Approved Art, Museum & Music Events 

Local & Private Businesses

Ikea - “Sounds odd, but if you can get there, there's a lot of good playing to be had in the kids' room vignettes and toy department, and the food is super cheap.” and another parent also suggests it for being "Cheap! Ferry! Kids' meals in the restaurant are seriously cheap (and even free on Tuesdays)."  And as another parent says, "there is plenty of space to play (and there is a child play area) in the IKEA in Red Hook, and its lovely to have lunch at the Fairway in Red Hook and then walk along the water to one of the near by Parks."

 Toys-R-Us - "Toys R Us Times Square (has an indoor Ferris wheel and life-sized T-Rex dinosaur, in addition to a train table and gigantic Barbie dollhouse)."

 Barnes & Noble - "has story times during the week."

 Scholastic Store

World Financial Center - One parents describes how it "has lots of great restaurants and stores. Plus, they offer free arts programming."

 AMC Theaters - Go see a movie!  "AMC Theaters offer half-price movies before noon, every day. There are none in our neighborhood, but some in Manhattan are easily reachable."

Coffee shops and restaurants - see PSP reviews HERE for local restaurants and cafes. 

Further Reading:

Click HERE to read more reviews and recommendations on PSP about Play Spaces in Brooklyn

 Got a Teenager and looking for things to do?  Get some ideas HERE.

Photo credits: Staten Island photo via here: https://flic.kr/p/RJstjd, Rockaway photo via here: https://flic.kr/p/cgb9to, Natural History Museum via here: https://flic.kr/p/SaMwQp, all other photos via Pixabay

In this article:

Outdoors:

Parks & Playgrounds

Ferries, Transport & Islands

Pools

Beaches

Zoos

Indoors:

Museums & Libraries

Local Businesses

Useful Resources:

From NYC.gov: Beat the Heat

Outdoor Activities: 

Parks & Playgrounds

One parent says, "go to a Splash Pad or Playground with water features (the LeFrak Center in Prospect Park, Harmony Playground, Imagination Playground, Brooklyn Bridge Park)."

Other parks and playground suggestions:

Botanical Gardens - "is free on Tuesday and before noon on Saturday!"

Prospect Park -  "Pretend to be explorers in Prospect Park! As one parent shares: “One of my favorite free places to take my boys (2.5 and 4.5) is the woods in prospect park.  the whole east side of the park has random trails that are fun to get lost on.  I usually just let them lead the way and I follow.  Yes, sometimes we walk in circles but that's actually really fun when they realize that we've just come back to where we were.”

 Pier 6 -  “Pier 6 is awesome. Has super huge sand park, water area and climbing gyms.”

Battery Park City -  "I really like Battery Park City in the summer. There is so much there you can spend a whole day...the slides, the mini golf, the older playground with trapeze nets and interesting pedal horse toy, the poetry library, a cool Irish monument/installation, tribeca playground is well shaded and has water play and whole foods is a great place to eat. I always have a good time. Plus you are right on the water and can just feel the breeze."

Hudson south of 14^th Street - “If in Manhattan, playground on Hudson just south of 14th street is small but has nice playground, water, and sand combination (and free star gazing--saw Hugh Jackson there)

Coney Island - HERE is an article from a local mom shared about her trip to Coney Island.

Ferries, Transport & Islands

Staten Island Ferry - "The Staten Island ferry is free and, while not indoors, cool and comfortable, with great views. There's also the ferry to Ikea from lower Manhattan, or the bus to Ikea (Ikea has very cheap kids' meals)."

Governors Island -  "The ferry leaves from pier 6 in Brooklyn."

Roosevelt Island -  one parents recently took the tramway to Roosevelt Island and reported: “My daughter loved it.” This parent also shares that “no food is allowed at new FDR memorial.”

The Subway - "Also want to mention that for us, just riding the subways is a great way to stay cool and have fun.  My young son is completely entranced by the train and actually cries when we leave the subway platform."

Public Pools 

Go HERE for read more tips PSP about local pools and Brooklyn and be sure to check the NYC Parks website HERE for opening and closing times (often city pools close for an hour in the afternoon for cleaning).

 Beaches

Jacob Riis - "There's a whole food court complete with hammocks, tables with shade and bands/djs. A fun scene. Info here."

Brighton Beach - "I love Brighton Beach- easy drive, I always find parking, and have been taking my girl (now 8) almost since she was born"

Robert Moses Beach - "Robert Moses Beach is an hour away on Long Island but gorgeous and worth it. It had parking, showers, rentals for chairs and umbrellas and a concession stand. I just went Monday for the day. Sometimes a little traffic heading back of you leave between 5 and 6 but again worth it.

Rockaways (pictured) - "Easy access by the A train."

Zoos & Acquariums

Wildlife Conservation Society -  "My best recommendation for your kid's ages is to get a membership from WCS  - a membership to them gets you free admission to all the zoos in NYC and the aquarium. The Aquarium has parking and it is on the coney island walkway so you have beach (not the nicest beach in the world but suitable for a little running around and splashing) and an amusement park, plus the baseball field all nearby. The aquariums and the zoos all have indoor and outdoor spaces so you can get out of the heat. You can even take the kids to a 3D movie at the zoos. We are also members of the Natural History Museum - rain or heat - its a great place to skip the lines, let the kids wander, and learn a thing or two - from dinosaurs to space this is the best kids museum in the city. Most the big museums in NY are priced for SUGGESTED DONATION so feel free to pay what you can afford not what they ask. But the reason you get a membership is to skip the lines - and its worth every penny."

Indoor Activities 

Museums & Libraries

Brooklyn Museum - Check out the free first Saturday events. One parent also suggestion the "Egyptian Collection at The Brooklyn Museum."

New York Transit Museum

Natural History Museum - “Go up to the Ross Terrace, where there are dancing fountains kids can play in.”

The Children's Museum of the Arts - "I am also a big fan of Childrens Museum of the Arts in Soho. It is not an affiliate of the above museums, so you pay per visit or can become a member. They have a very hands on art program. They also have free hands-on classes on Governor's Island (the calendar for governor's island - you get the ferry for free at the playground at the pier where Atlantic avenue ends)."

Brooklyn Children's Museum - "Get a membership to the Childrens Museums - now there are two Childrens museums in NYC - one is the Childrens Museum of Manhattan  and one is the Brooklyn Childrens Museum - they are both members of the same museum society so you should be able to buy one membership and go to Both BUT THAT IS NOT HOW IT WORKS - they have created a special exception so you cant use your card at both places BUT you can become a member of an affiliated museum - Like Port Discovery in Baltimore and then you get free admission to both NYC museums. You do not however get to skip the lines like members of the NYC museum can, and you dont get discounts on classes etc. But, it saves you money and gives you options. If you already had a membership in your old location, it may be valid here - I know we have used ours in Atlanta, Houston and CA."

Museum of Mathematics - 6th St btwn 5th/Madison - "Yes, many of the concepts would be lost on a toddler but it's an amazing place and there were so many fun things for my 18mo to do.  A plus is that Madison Square Park is just around the corner and on Tues/Thurs mornings (10:30AM) they host free kid concerts, art and more until Aug 8th.  We saw Recess Monkey last week and they were awesome! There's also a nice playground (w/overhead sprinkler!) in the park."

The Brooklyn Public Library - view what PSP members say about BPL here for the central branch, the Park Slope branch, and the Brooklyn Public Library Cafe!

More on PSP:  Kid Approved Art, Museum & Music Events 

Local & Private Businesses

Ikea - “Sounds odd, but if you can get there, there's a lot of good playing to be had in the kids' room vignettes and toy department, and the food is super cheap.” and another parent also suggests it for being "Cheap! Ferry! Kids' meals in the restaurant are seriously cheap (and even free on Tuesdays)."  And as another parent says, "there is plenty of space to play (and there is a child play area) in the IKEA in Red Hook, and its lovely to have lunch at the Fairway in Red Hook and then walk along the water to one of the near by Parks."

 Toys-R-Us - "Toys R Us Times Square (has an indoor Ferris wheel and life-sized T-Rex dinosaur, in addition to a train table and gigantic Barbie dollhouse)."

 Barnes & Noble - "has story times during the week."

 Scholastic Store

World Financial Center - One parents describes how it "has lots of great restaurants and stores. Plus, they offer free arts programming."

 AMC Theaters - Go see a movie!  "AMC Theaters offer half-price movies before noon, every day. There are none in our neighborhood, but some in Manhattan are easily reachable."

Coffee shops and restaurants - see PSP reviews HERE for local restaurants and cafes. 

Further Reading:

Click HERE to read more reviews and recommendations on PSP about Play Spaces in Brooklyn

 Got a Teenager and looking for things to do?  Get some ideas HERE.

Photo credits: Staten Island photo via here: https://flic.kr/p/RJstjd, Rockaway photo via here: https://flic.kr/p/cgb9to, Natural History Museum via here: https://flic.kr/p/SaMwQp, all other photos via Pixabay

How to End the Summer with a Splash

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

We’ve got a few more weeks of summer; let’s make it the best of it! Here are some ideas to make it great.

Read more...

Fall and Halloween Events -- 2018 Edition

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

Here's a sampling of the local events happening around Brownstone Brooklyn. (Are we missing something?  Email us at .)

Want to go apple or pumpkin picking? Check out PSP-member recommended destinations here

Looking for apple & pumpkin picking destinations that are public transportation friendly? Check out these PSP-member tips here

Read more...

2018 Holiday Tips Survey: The Results are IN!

Details

Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Holidays and Special Events, Gifts and Tipping, Christmas

Here are the key findings from the 2018, 7th annual Park Slope Parents Holiday Tips Survey in which Brooklyn residents report their upcoming end of year gifts to service providers, nannies, and teachers.

Read more...

The Park Slope Parents Gratitude Jar

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

The Park Slope Parents' Gratitude Jar overflowed in 2018!

We wanted to take a minute to thank the community and some of our great members individually for a FABULOUS 2018. We've got another year of spirit and fun in store for our community in 2019!

JOIN US!  If you're not a member yet, let this gratitude list help you decide if you want to be part of our vibrant community!

What are we grateful for? 

PSP Members!

Read more...

2019 Martin Luther King Day of Service Events

Details

Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Events

Events, education, movies and playlists related to Martin Luther King's Birthday, January 21st, 2019. 

Events

MLK Day By The Park Event
Monday, January 21st
11:00am - 2:00pm
Polo Cafe, 883 8th Avenue
The program is free and open to the public with an emphasis on children.  We are looking to highlight the human struggle and equality of ALL people as Dr. King spoke about. Guest speakers, books, and participants will create a big mural.

MLK Day at BCM - I Have a Dream Celebration
Monday, January 21st
10:00am - 5:00pm
Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave (At St Marks Avenue), Brooklyn, NY
A celebration of the life and legacy of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A full schedule of activities will soon be released on the Facebook event page.

Repair the World - Family Meal Packaging for Brooklyn Community
Monday, January 21st
10:00am - 11:30am
Repair the World NYC, 808 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Kids and parents from all over New York will come together to prepare and package about 3,750 meals per shift to be delivered throughout the Brooklyn community. See website for other MLK volunteer opportunities.

MLK Day of Service at Park Slope Jewish Center
Sunday, January 20th
10:30am - 2:00pm
Park Slope Jewish Center, 1320 8th Ave, Brooklyn, NY (corner 14th St.)
Projects and activities for ALL ages: cooking, soup-kit and PB&J assembly lines, book drive, clothing drive, advocacy, arts/crafts, knitting, etc., to benefit Brooklyn Legal Aid, the Brooklyn Family Justice Center, CHIPS, God's Love We Deliver, HIAS, and more. Stories and songs for preschoolers starting 10:30am.

BAM 33rd Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, January 21st
10:30am - 1:30 pm
Artists, activists, civic leaders, and community members come together in the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House to honor the legacy and share the dream of Dr. King. This event is free and sign-language-interpreted.
Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Storytelling and Music Event
Mon Jan 21, 2019
11:00am to 3:00pm
Grace Reformed Church, 1800 Bedford Avenue (corner of Bedford and Lincoln Rd.)
Free
This volunteer-run event includes a reading of Show Way by award-winning Brooklyn author Jacqueline Woodson about Underground Railroad, as well as music performances, and activities and crafts for children, and a complimentary lunch at noon. Greenlight Bookstore is a partner on this event.

 Little Essentials MLK Family Volunteering Day
Monday, January 21st
10:00am - 12:00pm or 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Basement of Tribeca Pediatrics, 15 Warren St, New York, NY
Parents can volunteer at the Tribeca warehouse with their children (over 10 years old) or help sort and organize donations to go to needy families.
Due to limited space, 2 time slots are offered and each accommodates 10 people total. 
Please use the link to fill out the volunteer form and your participation will be confirmed via email. 
For questions, email Zakiyyah at   or call 646-850-3611.

Freedom Songs & Stories
Monday, January 21st
12:00pm - 4:00pm
Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park, 101 East Dr, Brooklyn, NY
Masterful storyteller, Tammy Hall, will be telling diverse tales from around the world creating a rich, Martin Luther King Jr. Day experience for all.
(Free, but space is limited. The link to register can be found on the website)
 

Kid friendly movies:

• Our Friend, Martin (can be found on youtube)
• Ruby Bridges
• The Watsons go to Birmingham
• The Color of Friendship
• And the Children Shall Lead (Ages 9+)
• Hidden Figures (Ages 10+)
• Remember the Titans
• Selma
• Hairspray
• 42 (Biopic about Jackie Robinson)
   

 Educational Videos on YouTube:

The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - MLK Day! (Animated)
History of the Civil Rights Movement
The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. by Kid President
Civil Rights and the 1950s: Crash Course US History #39

As our own Nancy McDermott says in her PSP blog post The Arch of the Moral Universe: MLK Day:

Let us remember and believe that "The arch of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward Justice". . Let us remind ourselves and tell our children how much has changed --still changing since the days when Martin Luther King's speeches sent chills down the spine of a nation. Most of all, let us take heart in the fact that great and just ideas endure in history and that we can make them a reality. Martin Luther King understood this better than anyone.

Resources for Cancer Warriors

Details

Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Health & Illness Support

From support groups, organizations, and websites dedicated to coping with cancer, here are resources to be a warrior!

NOTE: We also have a Cancer Goddesses group on Park Slope Parents. If you're not a member yet, JOIN HERE. If you are already a member, send us an email at .

Image courtesy of Sydney Rae via Unsplash

Mentoring Resources

1. Imerman Angels. “Having a mentor from Imerman Angels was so helpful - I met someone who was a survivor of the same kind of cancer that I have and she ended up becoming a very close friend. She also encouraged me to communicate my needs to my family and friends because otherwise they often would not intuit them - she was quite right.”

Support Resources

1. Stupid Cancer. “Stupid Cancer is a cancer support group for young adults - nationwide with a lot of tools and events.”

2. Cancer101. “Check out Cancer101. It was created to help the newly diagnosed manage the impact of the disease and help them navigate through the questions that they have and the resources available.”

3. Facebook. “Facebook is a good start. There are FB online communities that support patients suffering from just about everything. Throughout that community you can ask and find local in-person groups and other resources. NYS has organizations like Parent to Parent that are amazing resources for families. NJ should have non-profit organizations that will help with mental health, peer support, transportation and many other services.”

4. Gilda's Club. “Gilda’s Club is an incredible resource offering free support for cancer patients and their families. All the branches throughout the US operate independently you will have to find one close to you. The NYC branch is very active.”

5.Summer Hope Foundation. “Summer hope does "hope baskets" that are personalized baskets intended to bring joy to people with cancer. They are free and really, really nice.”

6. Friend’s Health Connection. “A non-profit called Friend’s Health Connection is based in NJ and the idea is to connect sick patients with fellow patients who are similar age, ailment, gender etc. who they can relate to since they are both sharing similar experiences.”

7. Unconditional Healing. Unconditional healing is essentially about finding sanity, compassion, and connection during adversity. The tendency during health crises is to isolate and to live in your head, always problem-solving and Catastrophizing. This is the website to the group.

8. Stages of the Cancer Journey:  A great overview of the different stages of feelings, family communication and outcomes of the cancer process. 


Other Resources on Park Slope Parents

1. Resources to talk to a child or teen about cancer

2. Support Groups for Coping with Cancer

3. How a child's class can help a student sick with cancer

Diet Resources/Advice

1. Supplements. “I would not recommend any supplements while under treatment unless cleared by your doctors. Find someone who’s an expert at side effects from chemo and radiation. For supplemental support you might try finding a naturopath doctor who specializes in cancer treatment. They would work with your doctors (if the oncology doctors are willing) to support with nutrition, herbs etc. In my experience it is out of pocket but perhaps they could work out a payment plan (or you could gift a couple of sessions?) There are a lot of foods patients can’t tolerate while undergoing chemo so be patient but persistent. This is where an expert comes in because they know what to try and what will not interfere with medication.”

“Decreased appetite is a hallmark of chemotherapy as is weight loss. I recommend voicing concerns about it to the nurses at the infusion center, they should have a dietician on staff that would be able to help and/or be able to help themselves. That being said, protein supplements are wonderful, simple extremely nutritious foods, easy to chew and not overly fragrant are helpful. Ensure is frequently given in the hospital. If decreased appetite continues to be an issue look into/ask your provider about Miranol, it is an appetite stimulant frequently prescribed to Oncology pts. Beef liver pills are amazing as well, they aren’t given in the hospital but can help with anemia.”

“Medical marijuana is supposed to be the most effective treatment for appetite in cancer patients and I believe there are other potential benefits that are probably worth researching. However, I know marijuana is approved as a treatment for leukemia in the state of New Jersey and shouldn't be discounted.”


2. Herbs. “If you want to go in the herbal direction, there is a class of plants called "nourishing" (nettles and red clover are two great ones). They are full of protein and easy on the system. You can make a medicinal strength tea that steeps overnight and you sip them all day instead of water. Here's a link to instructions from a very well-respected herbalist”

3. Nutrition Drinks+. “I'd say yes, anything to get calories. My son lost so much weight early on that the hospital started giving him nutritional drinks until he couldn't stomach them anymore.  Think high fat, high nutrient foods like avocados, rice pudding, ice cream, milk shakes, nuts and nut butters, adding butter and cream to foods.”

 “I saw a nutritionist for weight gain and was told that the Boost Plus has the highest calories and was told that these are the easier/most painless nutritional drinks to drink because they are not too filling.”


4. Corrine Furnari. “If you can afford to visit Corrine Furnari in the city, I highly recommend her for nutritional information. She will also tell you it's important to supplement with organic milk whey (Warrior Whey) because it helps to keep mass on while also fighting cancer.”

5. Milk. “We learned that milk and lactose-based food can be very bad as milk makes mouth sores that some people get from chemo much worse.”

 

Miscellaneous Advice and Resources

1.Nancy Keene. “Nancy Keene is an excellent resource for leukemia information, and her book 'Childhood Leukemia: A Guide for Families, Friends, and Caregivers' is particularly helpful in covering pretty much any aspect of the illness and treatment.”


2. American Cancer Society. “There are some interesting resources on the American Cancer Society website.”

3. The Truth About Cancer. “Watch The Truth About Cancer. It's incredibly informative, and chock full of information, and a must watch for anyone thinking about cancer.”


4. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. “I've watched the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society really grow so I'd start with them. They seem to have a support line too. There is so much that is out of your control as a cancer patient and it’s really hard on young adults who are trying to find their own identity, etc.”

5. Advice. “1. Stay away from the internet. The worst thing my I did was to look there. Now is not the time to look there, there will be time to look and research web but not now! 2. Let someone close deal with the doctor appointments. You need time to digest your diagnosis you don't want to be stressed about the appointments. 3. Let other people in your family help, let them cook and let them clean, they need it and you need it. 4. If you have children let other people help you with them. 5. Talk to someone who went through it to help navigate your feelings and fears. 6. Ask for help 7. Sleep and, if you need to, take pills to help you with your anxiety 8. It is rough...it is rough on everybody in your family. Take a deep breath and then another one and then another one...one at the time."

6. Jeannine Walston. "An interesting article on the stages of cancer. I thought the information surrounding the diagnosis was particularly helpful. I know some of these things rang true for me." 

Valentine's Day is coming! Here's how to pamper the parents in your life!

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Holidays and Special Events

Treat yourself or the Valentine in your life with these Park Slope Parents Membership Discounts!

Membership Discounts: Pampered Parent

Strengthening Relationships: Valentine's Day Ideas

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Holidays and Special Events, General Parenting Advice

VALENTINE'S DAY IS COMING

Parenting puts a lot of pressure on a relationship, even a good one. With this in mind, here’s a short list of things to do to strengthen relationships. Make these things priorities starting this Valentine's Day (if you haven't already)!

Date Night: If you can swing it, get out alone with your partner.  There are good reviews of Date Night Restaurants on the Park Slope Parents website.

Recharge: Send your partner out to get recharged, or recharge yourself. The Pampered Parent recommendations page has massage therapists and other services to help. These folks give PSP discounts on pampered parent services. It doesn’t have to cost a lot.  For dads, getting out and playing poker, going to Dad 411, or meeting up with other dads in your monthly or seasonal group are great ways to recharge. We also have an article on avoiding Parental Burnout .

Consider Therapy. This can be hard when you have limited time and young kids, but it can save a marriage. We have this list of Couple’s Therapists and Counseling. If you’ve got issues that start with you, or if your partner doesn’t want to attend, consider going to individual therapy. 

Read books about Relationship Resilience and do workbooks together. Parenting can stress relationships.  The big names in couple’s therapy right now are John Gottman (The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work) and Sue Johnson (Hold Me Tight and Emotionally Focused Therapy) but don’t discount oldies but goodies like Harvell Hendrix (Getting the Love You Want, Imago Therapy) and simplified but useful constructs like Gary Chapman (The 5 Languages of Love are: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, physical touch; quiz here.)  

Cuddle without expectation of sex. Be explicit that you just want to cuddle (and mean it). 

Have sex.  Schedule it if you need to. I’ve talked to many moms who feel like sex was a hassle, but they were always glad they did it afterward. If you’re co-sleeping, try a new place like a shower with the lights off. (We started a Sex after Kids Survey years ago; a Babeland/Park Slope Parents initiative that we never followed through with—maybe we need to dust that off!)

Practice Gratitude, especially with your partner. Have a Gratitude Jar (or text each other 3 things each day). Write 3 things that you are grateful for each day and re-visit them regularly. Especially tell each other what you appreciate about them.

Take charge when your partner needs a break. One friend said that the best thing her husband did was to put a beer in her coat pocket and tell her to go take a walk in the park when she was totally overwhelmed. 

Do more little things. Texts for no reason, flowers just because, notes on the bathroom mirror, phone calls.  Little things can do a lot to help a relationship. Put the dishes away, fold the laundry, offer to make dinner… do things that aren’t typically “your” tasks. 

Laugh more. Surround yourself with more comedy and less tragedy (including your steaming binges).  Share funny jokes and cartoons and reflect on funny times together. 

Practice Active Listening. Remember, it’s NOT about the nail.  This takes energy and time.

Watch things together. Co-viewing creates a shared history that helps couple's bond. 

This is a snapshot of some of the things that I discuss in my NYU Interpersonal Communication graduate class. 

So that’s some relationship help for ya. We also have this article: Wisdom/support for serious marital rough patch

Dr. Susan Fox

Ph. D. 1994, UCSB, currently NYU Adjunct

Founder, Park Slope Parents

Time and Sanity Saving Tips for Parents

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Working Parents, Working Parents

Do you ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day? Trying to balance cooking, cleaning, and parenting in general is not an easy task. The good news is that you are not alone! The Park Slope Parents Working Moms group had a discussion of how to make life less hectic. We have compiled the helpful tips and advice on how to balance it all while still finding time for yourself.

Read more...

2019 SIPPY TIPS FROM THE PSP HIVE

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Category: Newsflash

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

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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!
   
   
4. OXO Tot Transitions Straw Cup with Removable Handles – Spill-proof and leak-proof for easy drinking.
   
   
5. Philips Avent My Bendy Straw Cup – A short straw bottle that promotes natural swallowing.
   
   
6. 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.
   
   
7. 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.

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

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Events

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

Read more...

Park Slope Parents Weekly Roundup!

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

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

See our FULL CALENDER

PSP Tabletop Game NightPSP Tabletop Game Night

Wills & Estate Planning Workshop

Read more...

The Proud Tree - Giving with Boundaries

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Category: Newsflash

There is a debate about the story "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein. Should people be self-less and give and give or have boundaries?  Katie Deutsch has written this response to Shel's book from the perspective that perhaps it's okay to set boundaries and not give until you have nothing left.

---------------------

The Proud Tree - Giving with Boundaries

Written by Katie Deutsch, A response to Shel Silverstein

There once was a Tree and she loved a Boy.
The Boy gathered her leaves, made crowns to wear, and play king of the forest.
He climbed her branches, ate her apples, and the Tree was happy.

But the Boy grew older and visited less often.
One day the Boy came back and the Tree said, ‘Come boy, climb up my branches.’
The Boy wasn't having it, ‘I don’t want to climb your branches, I need money, I want to sell your apples at the market.’
The Tree thought about this for a moment. “Boy, I love to make you happy, and my apples are delicious. Take this harvest and in the spring I’ll grow more."
The Boy gathered all the apples from the Tree, and made a pretty penny at the market.

Years passed, and the Boy came back to the Tree, and the Tree was happy to see her friend. “Boy, come taste my delicious apples!”
But the Boy was somber, “I don’t want your apples, I need a house for a family.”
“I don’t have anything to help with that,” sighed the tree.
The Boy blinked a few times and gulped. “You could give me your branches, that way I could build a house.”
The Tree was shocked. These branches grew her delicious apples, were the home of countless birds and squirrels. Strong and plentiful for all children to climb.
“No. You are being selfish, and I don’t like the assumption that you own my branches to do whatever you wish.”
The Boy shrugged and walked away sheepishly.

Many years later, the Boy came back.
“What is wrong Boy, you look so sad! Come sit and talk to me, share your problems.”
The Boy started to cry, “I am so sick of the world. It is so hard and it always challenges me. I wish I had a boat, so I could sail away and find peace. Give me your trunk so I can find an escape.”
Once again, the Tree was surprised and sharply spoke to the Boy, “The world will always challenge you, it doesn’t stop. And running away won’t solve your problems, only create new ones. And besides, your family needs your love and support.”
The Boy grew angry, threw up his hands, stomped away from the tree and disappeared.

More years passed, and the Boy came to visit once more, but this time he was an old man. The Tree welcomed him with open branches, calling out, “Hello old friend, it has been a long time.”
The Boy looked up at the beautiful apples, the majesty of her branches, marveled at her strong trunk and weeped, “Thank you for your strength, and thank you for your wisdom. I wanted everyone to bend to my will, but life doesn’t work that way.”
The Tree beamed with gratitude, “Yes, Boy, true friendship and love are built on boundaries. I’m glad you found peace. Come, sit down and rest."

Copyright 2019 by Katie Deutsch

Posted with permission by Katie Deutsch

Spring is Here! Find Bunny and Earth Events

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

GREAT events coming up for bunny-ears-friendly Easter, Passover, and Springtime events. 

Second Chance Toys

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Donations

Earth Day is April 22^nd and we have a way to SAVE THE PLANET ONE TOY AT A TIME!  Second Chance Toys rescues gently used toys for children in need.

Kidville Park Slope

808 Union Street, Brooklyn

April 15^th – 20^th, 2019

Monday- Friday, 9am – 6pm

Saturday 9:15am – 3:30pm

Over the past 15 years Park Slope Parents has supported drives for Toys for Tots , Hurricane Sandy Relief, LGBTQ teens in crisis, CHiPS food drives, Little Essentials baby/toddler clothing/gear drive and much more. 

Spring in the Slope: 2019 Edition

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

Spring has sprung in Brooklyn! 

Some of the prettiest trees are peppered through NYC, along with PSP favorites Green-wood Cemetery and Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

The PSP Gardening Group is meeting next Saturday, May 4th, for a Plant and Pot Swap. 

ENJOY!

Cherry Blossoms on 10th Street near 7th Avenue.

Tulips on 3rd Street near 7th Avenue. 

A newly planted Carroll Gardens window box.

Six Questions Parents Should Ask When Choosing a Pediatrician

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Category: Newsflash

Sponsored by: 

The pediatrician's office can be a vital source of education, support, and guidance in the first years of your child's life, and beyond. 

Getting to know your child's physician is an important first step in your parenting journey. Aligning with your doctor's practice style, care philosophy, and overall personality is essential.

To help you make the best choice possible, here are six important questions parents should ask their when choosing a pediatrician.

1. What is the provider’s practice style?

Every provider has a different style in how they practice. It’s important that the doctor’s care and communication style aligns with your temperament so you can both get on the same page about important health topics.

If the doctor-parent relationship feels supportive and positive, your pediatrician can be your go-to health coach for all your child’s healthcare needs.

2. What is the philosophy around vaccines?

With the rise of preventable childhood illnesses, such as the recent measles outbreak, it is commonly held that vaccines are an urgently important way to ensure our children do not catch a preventable illness.

Many doctors stand with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) in believing that childhood vaccines are highly beneficial and safe, and suggest that families follow the CDC guidelines regarding recommended immunizations and vaccine timing.

If you wish to vaccinate your child with a different schedule by delaying certain vaccines, your doctor should work with you on an approach that meets your values and goals.

3. Does my baby need a pediatrician or can my whole family see one provider?

Pediatricians specialize in babies and kids only, while Family Medicine Providers can care for the whole family. Both are great options. By meeting both Pediatricians and Family Medicine Providers, you can figure out what the best match is for you and your child.

Family Physicians will often see patients as a family. This gives them a clearer picture of the overall physical/mental/emotional dynamic of the family which can contribute to the overall wellness of a child.

4. What if my baby needs care and the doctor is not available?

It's not possible to expect your child’s personal pediatrician to be available 24/7. So, it's important to know who will be caring for your child when their doctor is out.

Emergencies happen and it’s good to know what happens when the office is closed. What is the access to care on the weekends or after hours? Are there 24/7 services available like Virtual or Telemed? Is there an emergency doctor on call at all times?

5. What advice do you have on helping my child to sleep?

Your doctor should put your baby's needs first, but also consider the parents’ needs. Are you night owls? Do you have flexible daytime schedules, or do you leave the house for a 5:00am commute? Are you experiencing any postpartum mental health issues exacerbated by sleep deprivation? Your pediatrician should work with your family to meet your sleep goals in a way that complements your parenting style and lifestyle.

6. What if I want to minimize the amount of medication my child is prescribed?

Having a flexible provider who is willing to work with your priorities is helpful in creating the best treatment plan for your child. Establishing trust early on can reassure you that your pediatrician will both address your concerns and always keep your child’s best interests in mind.

One Medical is a membership-based practice focused on making exceptional care more accessible for real life. Offering same or next-day appointments with family practitioners and pediatricians, online appointment scheduling, secure messaging with your provider, and 24/7 virtual care so you can always get help. One Medical’s family practice offices have kid-approved waiting areas, diaper changing tables in restrooms, a Nurture Room for breastfeeding and stroller parking. One Medical makes sure every aspect of their client’s experience is easy and stress-free. Brooklyn Pediatric Open Houses are May 21st and June 18th.

Making the Best Family Memories

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

Article sponsored by:

How do we make the best memories for our children? Is it always the exotic vacation or lavish gift that becomes indelible? Or are the best memories sometimes the simple shared moments that happen in the breaths we take in our busy lives? Creating funny characters and voices while reading to our kids. Making pancakes for dinner or doing wild dance parties in pajamas. Here are some unique ways we can create wonderful memories throughout our children’s lives.

Un-Holiday Traditions
Whatever your holiday traditions are, we’re sure you do them just right! You are the dreidel diva, the valentine artisan, the fireworks master. Beyond those sturdy roles, though, there may be a favorite annual experience you could transform into a singular family tradition, whether on the water, on the diamond, in the heavens: a visit to the dragon boat races in Queens, with some delicious dumplings; a trip to Coney Island for a Cyclones game; a solstice journey to Midtown to see Manhattanhenge. Name your own. It can evolve into a shared lifelong family rite.

Family Sport
There is no guarantee that your kids will be into the same sports you are, but you've got a better shot if you build slowly and stay open to their feedback. The idea is to ward off whining, frozen-footed flailers and cultivate the ski buddies of your dreams. Take lessons together – golf, tennis, skiing, skating, swimming – and show them that lifelong learning includes the body as well as the mind. Stop along the way to watch some ants, dip your toes in a stream, or, literally, smell the roses. We’ve heard about some smart (and well-prepared) parents who created a “magic mountain” by hiding sweets and tiny gifts along the route of a challenging hike. The children were amazed – and into hiking.

Thanksgiving Every Sunday
Almost every family talks a bit about gratitude on Thanksgiving. Some don't wait for November, saying a prayer every night or on one night before dinner. All are beautiful traditions. If you don't already observe such a ritual, why not make one out of a weekend meal? It doesn't even have to be about gratitude – you can make it whatever you want. Some families call it the GFQ – the Great Family Question. The question, or item, can change weekly so it doesn’t get boring. Guess what Mom had for lunch, recount the week's funniest moment, or tell everyone your favorite new word. Kids remember these weekly conversations, and they offer time for reflection in our busy lives.

Break the Rules
Even babies (especially babies?) are thrilled when social norms are broken. You start singing and your six-month-old thinks it’s hysterical. Anytime you can safely break the rules and create your own unique family moment automatically becomes a magical memory. Making a big sheet cake that everyone gets to eat with their hands. Putting your clothes on backwards or having magic carpet rides on the floor with towels. Letting all the stuffed animals sit on the stoop to watch the world go by and painting the walls with finger paints before they get repainted. Camping out on the living room floor. Once, on a vacation, we drove to our rented house with a stuffed animal under each windshield wiper taking in the scenery. The kids still talk about it.

Buck Hill Falls is a haven for families seeking a unique sense of community connection with recreational amenities and social experiences. Nestled in 4500+ acres of old growth forest in the Pocono Mountains, Buck Hill has a 27-hole golf course, youth summer camp, ten tennis courts, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, two lawn bowling greens, 40+ miles of hiking, snowshoeing, and biking trails, 2+ miles of fly fishing streams, and over a dozen other four-season recreational offerings. 

Stoop Sales, Block Parties, & Bikes! The PSP Guide to Pre-Summer Fun.

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Category: Newsflash

Spring has sprung and it's time for three of our favorite Brooklyn springtime traditions: Stoop Sales, Block Parties, and Bike Rides.

Here is some great wisdom on all three of those perennial BK topics. Have fun! Sell some stuff! Boogie down your block! Enjoy the breeze on your back as you bike with your BFFs. 

STOOP SALE INFO: 

Check out these informative guides to making stoop sale exchanges GREAT:
- The PSP Guide to buying great stuff at Stoop Sales.
- The PSP Guide to hosting a Stoop Sale.

Email your Stoop Sale info to the on Thursday and we'll post it, and also pull together a summary to send out to folks - weather willing of course.

BLOCK PARTY INFO:

Check out different ways to make your BLOCK PARTY GREAT! This page also includes fun ideas for kids at block parties. If you give us a heads up, Park Slope Parents will try to stop by with some Giant Bubbles! Email . 

BIKING INFO: 

 Here are the RULES OF THE ROAD for bikers from the DOT. 

Here’s a list of BIKE TIPS from the DOT. This page includes: 

· Bike Maps 

· Bike Map App 

· Bike Network & Stats 

· Bike Parking 

· Bike Safety 

· Bikes in Buildings 


Have you heard about the 
Leading Pedestrian and Bicycle Interval Pilot Program - aka "LPI?" 
Here's the scoop: 

NYC DOT is conducting a pilot program to allow cyclists to proceed during a Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI). DOT is installing temporary signage at intersections that already have an LPI. With these signals, people on foot are given advanced time ­­of seven to eleven seconds ­­to cross before drivers may proceed through the intersection or make turns through crosswalks. Cyclists will still be legally required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Pilot locations will include intersections along Atlantic Avenue, 4th Ave, and Smith Street in Brooklyn as well as Roosevelt and 34th Avenues in Queens, and 2nd and 9th Avenues in Manhattan. Here's a full list of Leading Pedestrain Interval locations.

NYC DOT distributes up to 325,000 copies per year of the New York City Bike Map, which contains the most important rules of the road highlighted in the Bike Smart Guide. Bike Smart: The Official Guide to Cycling in New York City is a helpful handbook with information on making your cycling safer and easier, including tips on using newer bike facilities such as protected lanes and bike boxes.

Helmets
Everyone should wear a helmet while riding. DOT fits and gives away the official New York City bicycle helmet at events throughout the city. Call 311 to schedule a fitting. In order to receive a helmet you must: be present, learn how to properly fit and wear a helmet, and sign a waiver (a parent or legal guardian must sign for children under 18). Find the next helmet fitting on the Events Calendar

DOT's 'Don't Be A Jerk' bike safety campaign humorously highlights the essential dos and don’ts of safe, responsible biking. According to DOT's 2010 Sustainable Streets Index, commuter cycling increased 262% in New York City from 2000 to 2010. With more bikes on the road, smart cycling is even more crucial to making New York City's streets safer for everyone using them.
Learn more about DOT's bike Safety Campaign: Don't Be a Jerk!

NYC Biking Laws:

Cyclists have all the rights and are subject to all of the duties and regulations applicable to drivers of motor vehicles. Here's a complete list of New York City bicycle rules.

Here are the basics:  
Ride in the street, not on the sidewalks (unless rider is age 12 or younger and the bicycle's wheels are less than 26 inches in diameter). 

• Ride with traffic, not against it. 

• Stop at red lights and stop signs. Obey all traffic signals, signs and pavement markings, and exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, motor vehicles or other cyclists. At red lights, wait for the green unless you see a sign that says “BIKES USE PED SIGNAL.” 

• Use marked bike lanes or paths when available, except when making turns or when it is unsafe to do so. If the road is too narrow for a bicycle and a car to travel safely side by side, you have the right to ride in the middle of the travel lane. Bicycling is permitted on all main and local streets throughout the City, even when no designated route exists. 
• Use a white headlight and a red taillight, as well as a bell or horn and reflectors. Safety Tips 
• Ride in a straight line, obey traffic signs and signals, and do not weave in and out of traffic. Riding predictably reduces your chances of a crash with a motor vehicle. 
• Look, signal and look again before changing lanes or making a turn. Establish eye contact with drivers. Seeing a driver is often not enough. Make sure drivers see you before executing a turn or riding in front of a turning car. 
• Watch out for car doors. Be prepared for the possibility that a car door may be opened in your path. When possible, leave room between yourself and parked cars (4 feet is generally recommended) so that you can avoid a door that opens unexpectedly. 
• Stay visible. Wear brightly colored clothing for daytime riding. At night, use reflective materials and lights. 

• Use your bell. Your bell alerts drivers, pedestrians and other cyclists to your presence, it is required by law. 

• Don't wear earphones. By law you may wear one earbud, but keeping your ears clear is a much safer choice. 

• Wear a helmet. Helmets are required by law for children age 13 or younger and working cyclists, helmets are a good idea for cyclists of all ages. 
For Children on Bicycles 
• Children under age one cannot be carried on a bicycle. 

• Children must be carried in a properly affixed child carrier. 


Now go forth and sell on your stoop, party on your block, and bike the neighborhood!

Ready, set, swap! March 2nd is the PSP Member Kids Clothing Swap

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Parent Category: About Park Slope Parents

Category: Events, Newsflashes, Newsflash, News

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:

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