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.

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

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

Summer is here and it's time for three of our favorite Brooklyn 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 . 

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LGBTQ+ Family Friendly Events-- 2019 edition

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Holidays and Special Events

Here are our picks for Family Friendly PRIDE Events for June 2019

Kidding Around Family Pride Picnic

When: Saturday, June 29, 10am - 1pm

Where: On the High Line (16th Street to Gansevoort Street)

How Much: Free (Guests must register in advance here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kidding-around-family-pride-picnic-tickets-59243127790

What: A celebration of LGBTQ+ families and Pride through a summer festival with carnival-style games, face painting, a musical performance, and much more.

Youth Pride

When: Saturday, June 29, 10am - 1pm

Where: Central Park’s SummerStage

How Much: Free for the public under 21. There is a $10 registration fee for individuals 21+ (Guests please register in advance here https://2019-worldpride-stonewall50.nycpride.org/events/youth-pride/ )

What: A chance for young people to celebrate NYC Pride with their friends. Interactive Experiences, games and performances from Ava Max, DJ Nhandi, Deetranda, and many more!

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Reducing Plastic in Our Lives!

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

Here is some great advice for reducing plastic in our lives from PSP Members. Please feel free to email us with more ideas and we’ll add to this article!

Health/Lifestyle

• Switch from body/facial wash to bar soap.
• Use bar conditioner on your hair - mine has never looked better. 
• Use Tom’s bar soap for the kids.
• Buy plastic/packaging-free soaps at Lush
• We buy gallon bottles of California Baby hand soap and refill smaller bottles around the house.
• Switch to toilet paper that’s rated A on the NRDC list. 
• Find eco-friendly toilet paper and tissues: https://us.whogivesacrap.org
• Use Bamboo Toothbrushes
• For those who get their period, Thinx underwear are amazing.
• Switch to cloth napkins.

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2019 It's Sooo Hot 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

DRINK YOUR WATER FOLKS!  WATER YOUR TREES TOO!

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The 2019 Nanny Survey Results are In!

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Nanny 101, Nanny Surveys, Hiring a Nanny

The 2019 data is here! PSP conducted its 7th survey of employers who employ a nanny. These results are based on 870 parents from Brooklyn who employ live-out nannies who are not part of a nanny share.

IMPORTANT FINDINGS:

PAY**

$18.65 per hour for 1 child ($1.60 more than 2017)
$19.94 per hour for 2 children ($1.61 more than 2017)

Part-time nannies continue to make a higher hourly rate than a full-time nannies, paying a premium for fewer hours:
$19.78 per hour for 10-20 hours
$18.77 per hour for 40-50 hours

TIME OFF:

The average agreed upon days off is 13 days, while the reported days actually received is 21 days. (The vast majority of nannies are paid for all 21 days they receive off.)
Seven in ten (70%) let their nanny schedule time off at the nanny's discretion (something for which PSP advocates.)

RAISES & BONUSES:
The most common first year annual increase is $1 per hour.
Giving end of year bonuses continues to be standard, with 1 week's pay given the most common amount.
The average bump in pay when a second child arrives is $2 per hour. 

• Data includes nannies paid on and off the books. 
• Rates do NOT reflect Nanny Shares where a nanny takes care of kids from 2 families at the same time. 

NOT A MEMBER OF PARK SLOPE PARENTS? You're missing out!

If you're a parent in Brooklyn (almost half of all PSP members live outside Park Slope), Join Park Slope Parents today!

MORE: PSP RESOURCES TO HIRING A NANNY:

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2019 Rosh Hashanah & High Holiday Events

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Events, Holidays and Special Events, Misc Special Events

Park Slope Jewish Center

PSJC welcomes you and your family to join us for our youth and family services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur! Our open tent (literally!) service are open to the community and welcome your entire family from toddlers to teens a place to celebrate with singing, stories, and the shofar.  For service descriptions and times for all of our options from toddlers to teens to family services, please visit the websites below. Services are all located at 1320 8^th Avenue, at the corner of 8^th Avenue and 14^th Street in Park Slope.
Rosh Hashanah, September 30^th & October 1^st
https://www.psjc.org/event/rosh-hashanah-youth--family-services1.html

Yom Kippur, October 9^th
https://www.psjc.org/event/yom-kippur-youth--family-services1.html
 Registration is not required, but is requested to help with planning, but even if you decide to join us on the morning of, you're always welcome. Please contact Aileen Heiman, Director of Youth Education and Family Programming, at  , with any questions about accessibility or other needs. Shana Tovah! 

Kolot Chayeinu/Voices of our Lives:
We are excited to offer a new Youth and Family Service running simultaneous with our main services. This musical, interactive High Holy Days service is geared towards school-age youth. We welcome all families with younger children, though children ages 6 and younger must be accompanied by a responsible family member or adult. This will be a family-friendly space for all ages. 

Rosh HaShanah Youth and Family Service: 
Monday, Sep 30 11:00am-12:30pm

Yom Kippur Youth and Family Service: 
Wednesday, Oct 9 11:00am-12:30pm

Both services take place in the atrium of NAB Theater at City Tech - 285 Jay Street in Downtown Brooklyn

Brooklyn Heights Synagogue
 Community Family Services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Led by Rabbi Molly Kane
FREE and open to all. No ticket required
Monday, September 30^th | 2:00PM
Wednesday, October 9^th | 2:00PM
Services are located at Plymouth Church, 57 Orange Street

Congregation Beth Elohim
High Holy Days at CBE is a special time to reflect, rejoice, and connect. For families with toddlers, our interactive services for tots ages 0-4 and their parents are the perfect opportunity to come together during this meaningful time. And for families with special needs, please join us for a needs appropriate, sensory friendly High Holy Day experience.
 All Tots Services and the Special Needs Service are free and open to the public! For more information and our full schedule, visit https://cbebk.org/hhds/familyservices/
Services are located CBE, 274 Garfield Place
Shanah Tovah!

Kane Street Synagogue
High Holidays family services for kids of all ages and their families. Open to the community! Childcare and family services are included in synagogue membership. We ask non-members to purchase tickets for their family if they plan to us for family services and/or utilize childcare during the High Holidays ($50 for services and $18 for childcare). You can register at https://kanestreet.shulcloud.com/form/high-holidays-tix.

 For more information on all of our holiday programming, visit https://kanestreet.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/2016_HI-HOLIDAY-FAMILY-SCHEDULE-1.pdf

Union Temple

The High Holy Days are almost here! Union Temple invites you and your family to begin a new year with the sweetness of community. Union Temple’s Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur family services feature kid- and family-centered prayer, song, storytelling and connection to the values of these powerful days. There is no charge and all are welcome to any and all of our services, adult and kid alike. Just let us know that you’re coming at HHD.Union-Temple.org. Your email confirmation is your ticket; present it when you enter. One ticket is good for all services. Childcare is also available during all adult services. Please visit HHD.Union-Temple.org for the full schedule of services and more information.

ROSH HASHANAH (Monday, September 30) | 9:00AM
Services for 5 and under: 4th Floor
Services for 5+ and older: 3rd Floor 

YOM KIPPUR (Wednesday, October 9) | 9:00AM
Services for 5 and under: 4th Floor
Services for 5+ and older: 3rd Floor

Join the B’SHERT family for High Holiday Services! You do not need tickets for our children’s services.
Rosh Hashanah, Monday, September 30^th at 1:30PM
Yom Kippur, Wednesday, October 9^th at 1:15PM
Beth Shalom v’Emeth Reform Temple
83 Marlborough Road, Brooklyn, NY 11218 (at Church Avenue)

Romemu Brooklyn

Berkeley Carroll School
Romemu Brooklyn is pleased to host our second season of High Holy Days for 5780/2019.
Babysitting and youth programs are included at no additional charge for all service times. For information and to register, visit: https://www.romemu.org/about/brooklyn/hhdbk/

Flatbush Jewish Center
327 E. 5^th Street in Kensington
Welcome the new year with our Conservative egalitarian community. High Holiday tickets are included with FJC membership.
For non-members, tickets are $220, or $110 for Coop Hebrew School parents who are not FJC members. 
Rosh Hashanah Children’s Program, Monday, September 30^th at 10:00AM
Yom Kippur Children’s Program, Wednesday, October 9^th at 10:00AM

Bayridge Jewish Center
Free and all are welcome
Rosh Hashanah Services
Monday, September 30^th & Tuesday, October 1^st
10:00AM (ages 0+ - 5yrs); 11:00AM (ages 6 – 11yrs) 

Yom Kippur Children’s Services
Wednesdays, October 9^th
10:00AM (ages 0+ - 5yrs); 11:00AM (ages 6 – 11yrs)
 For information on our complete High Holiday schedule, visit http://brjc.org/wp-newsite/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/BRJCHIGHHOLIDAYSCHEDULE2019newimproved.doc2_.docxF_.docxF-1-1.pdf

Chabad of Windsor Terrace
1266 Prospect Avenue
Led by our experienced and energetic group leaders, we will provide fun and educational program for your children while you attend services. Children will enjoy age appropriate games, stories, discussions, prayers and songs. No membership needed. 
Rosh Hashanah Children's Program, Monday, September 30th and Tuesday, October 1st at 11:30AM

Doc Fox's Lessons for Better Communication

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Nanny Relationship Advice

Some of you might not know that Founder Susan Fox has her Ph. D. in Communication (from a gazillion years ago). She still teaches a graduate level Interpersonal Communication Course at NYU every so often and at the end of the semester I hand out a documnet called, "Doc Fox's Lessons for Better Communication."

When she mentions it to people they say they'd love to see it. So here it is; raw, un-prettied up, and for your knowledge. So come sit down and see what you might need from this and leave the rest. 

Favorite sayings:

"The only person who acts sensibly is my tailor. He takes my measure anew every time he sees me. Everyone else goes by their old measurements." George Bernard Shaw.

"You probably wouldn’t worry about what people think of you if you could know how seldom they do." Olin Miller

"Be Kind. You Never Know What Someone Is Going Through." Author Unknown

Doc Fox's Lessons for Better Communication

Perception, Emotions, and Listening 

• Remember that meaning is in the person, not the words. How you think something should be interpreted and how it is interpreted are two different things.

• People don't MAKE YOU feel anything. You are reacting to them, their words, and their behavior. Rather than "you make me feel X," use your "I" language and say, "I feel X when you…." Likewise, you don’t make other people feel anything. (Don’t mention this in the middle of a heated discussion.)

• Give people the benefit of the doubt and realize that you're likely to assume something bad happens to you because of external sources and something bad happens to others because of internal reasons.

• Don't 'half' or pseudo-listen. Folding clothes and talking is one thing; reading email and trying to talk isn't really the best use of anyone's time. If you aren't able to give a person your full attention, tell them "I can give you my undivided attention at another time (hopefully offering another time). Right now isn't a good time."

• Avoid using “should” have, “would” have, “ought” to, never and always.

• Practice listening. Get out of your head and do more than hear- embrace. It takes energy and time so listen when you can do it mindfully.

Communication Skills

• Communication is NOT a natural ability. You can always be a better communicator. 

• Ask, "What do you understand?" rather than "do you understand?" Likewise, ask "what about that makes sense?" rather than "does that make sense?"

• Paraphrase by saying "what I think I hear you saying is…."  and ask, "is there anything else?" when you are talking to someone, especially about a serious matter.

• Don't “ASSUME” (assuming makes an ASS out of U and Me) and can lead to misunderstandings.  Perception check, "you did/said X, which made me think Y, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't misreading what you did/said."

• Ask, "Is this a good time to talk?" when you start a conversation. 

• When turning down an invitation say, "but I'd love to be invited again so please ask" if, in fact, this is the case.

• If you're not willing to say it to someone's face, don't write it in an email. Especially don't write it in an email to someone ELSE.

• Take your time answering requests and making decisions (if you have time); you'll be glad to have the time to make an informed decision and give a thoughtful response. 

• Don’t use a personal conversation as a way to self-promote.

• If you are about to write/do something out of anger/frustration/fear; STOP. Write it, let it sit until you've had a good night's sleep. Send it to yourself as a nudgemail and give it some time to rest.

• Set limits if you have a deadline at the outset of a conversation or meeting. Say, "I need to be somewhere else at X so we need to wrap things up by Y."

• Apologize, expressing remorse, acknowledge of wrongdoing, accepting responsibility, and offering to repair. 

Read more...

Fall and Halloween Events -- 2019 Edition

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Events, Holidays and Special Events

It was a great Halloween! Next year Halloween is on a SATURDAY!  Fun to come!  Make sure to join Park Slope Parents to be up on all of the action!

Here are some PHOTOS of the Parade:

Susan Fox Photos 

Don Wiss Photos

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Dating Apps (sigh): A Discussion From Our Single/Divorced/Separated Group

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Separated/Divorced Parents

So you’re looking to enter (or re-enter) the exciting world of dating! It can certainly be daunting, but just know— all of us at Park Slope Parents are rooting for you! Here is some handy advice for navigating those pesky dating apps. 

Here’s the original question:

Hi Fellow SDS-ers,

I am ready to start dating again, and realize that I probably have to use the dreaded apps. I'm in my mid-30's and looking for both short-term fun and a long-term relationship, primarily with cis-men. What I *don't* have is much free time (I have sole custody of my 2-year-old and work full-time). Ideally I'd like to meet guys with kids who will be understanding of my time constraints. 

What apps have you all found tolerable? Also, do you mention your children in your profile? I want to be honest about being a solo parent, but I have been warned that pedophiles will sometimes seek out single moms on these sites in order to gain access to their children (shudder). What are your safety tips?

Thanks for your input!

We’ve compiled and organized  the answers below.

Advice from our members about dating in general: 

Read more...

SURVIVING THANKSGIVING

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Holidays and Special Events

How to survive the Thanksgiving Holidays

There's a not so funny joke that goes like this:

"Why your family is so good at pushing your buttons?"

"Why?"

"Because they installed them!"

So as you go into the holidays next week (I’m giving you a week to prepare) try to remember that it took years to learn those now-instant knee-jerk reactions to the crazy things that your family does. I don't know about you, but it's hard not to turn into the 13 year old runt of the family when I'm around them.

Partners? You have the fun task of being between a rock and a hard place. You're "damned if you do and damned if you don’t." If you criticize your 'in-laws', you're screwed. If you don't criticize your in-laws (and god forbid talk about how their side of the story may make sense) you're also screwed.

So---Here are some tips that you and your partner can use to keep the peace during the Holidays, adapted from this Jezebel article "Social Minefield: How You (and Your Partner) Can Survive Thanksgiving with the Family."

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Ways to Give 2019

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Holidays and Special Events, Donations

Giving is a great way to help those who need a hand up this holiday season. We have many ways to help, including gift drives, warm winter wear drives and more.  For any of the great drives below, feel free to organize a toy drive with your office or your baby group!  Have a holiday party potluck and have people bring gifts to donate.

Share these drives with work colleagues, block associations, or on social media. Every little bit helps!

The 2019 Little Essentials' Toy Drive

Suport Little Essentials Holiday Toy Drive and shop their Holiday Wish List on Amazon at from November 18th to December 2nd.

DETAILS: Select the gifts and send to the address near the top of the page: Little Essentials c/o Tribeca Pediatrics' Gift Registry Address

Little Essentials is a PSP favorite not-for-profit partner. They are a community response to a community need, helping families with children under 5 who live at or below the poverty line. PSP has  worked with them for 7 years, ever since founder and Ft. Greene mom Sandie Trombert had her living room chock full of donated items from her baby group friends to distribute to people less fortunate.

Deadline: December 20th

2019 Sheltering Arms Winter Wonders Gift Drive

Use Sheltering Arms Gift Registry for gifts ideas that kids and teens would love to open this holiday season.

Working with Foster Care, and with feedback from our youth 13+ , we decided to provide older youth with gift cards. We kindly ask that families consider donating gift cards (which can be found on the Amazon wishlist) to help us ensure our youth can purchase what they need/want. We have approximately 90 youth who are 13 years old and over. Of course, there is a need for gifts for children of all ages so we would be grateful to receive any gift that your families choose to donate. 

After making your gift, please fill out their online Donation Form - found at https://forms.gle/F5VxBdjZvCGZYVWB8  if you need a tax letter.

• Select Sheltering Arms’ Gift Registry Address for the shipping address

•  Enter your name, your Organization’s name if applicable, your contact information and the name of the Wishlist you chose your gift(s) from

  • E.g. 2019 Winter Wonders - Foster Care in the 'Gift Message' field.

  • If you're donating several gifts from the same wishlist, you only have to enter this information once on the first item listed in checkout

Questions? Contact Diana Ortiz at or (212) 886-5771.

Deadline: Thursday, December 5th (EXTENDED)

Lantern Winter Gift Drive 2019

More than 23,000 children age out of the US foster care system every year.
After reaching the age of 18, 20% of the children who were in foster care will become instantly homeless.

Lantern Community Services champions the independence and well-being of New York City youth who are threatened with homelessness.

This holiday, many of our youth don’t have families to turn to at all.

With your help, we’ll make sure that every single one of them receives a gift.

Each gift on their Amazon Wishlist is only around $20. 

Please consider donating to our Amazon Wishlist

Or, gifts may be mailed to: 

Lantern Community Services Holiday Gift Drive

c/o Karisa Antonio

494 8th Avenue, 20th Floor

New York, NY 10001

 Lantern is a 501(c)3 tax exempt nonprofit and we would love to give you a letter acknowledging your donation for your tax records. To receive a tax letter, go here  and fill out their form.

 Questions?    

Donate to the 31st Annual New York Cares Coat Drive!

For the last 31 years, New York Cares has channeled the generosity of our city into our annual Coat Drive. Last year we distributed our two millionth coat, and this year our goal is to collect 100,000 new or gently used coats for New Yorkers in need in partnership with social service agencies, public schools, transitional housing shelters, and other nonprofit organizations. 

You can donate new or gently used winter coats at a variety of locations citywide, including any NYPD precinct or our warehouse in Midtown (located at 157 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001). You can also start a collection, or help us purchase new coats at wholesale prices by texting “COAT” to 474747. Every $20 donated will keep a fellow New Yorker warm this winter. The Coat Drive is a proud tradition that shows what New York City is really about: giving back to the community by looking out for one another ❤️

Learn more about the Coat Drive on our website:https://www.newyorkcares.org/coat-drive.

If you have any questions please email us at or call us at (212) 402-1103.

PS 321 COAT DRIVE

December 2-6 coats will be collected in the school entrance (180 Seventh Avenue_.The coats will be distributed to families in need through St. Mary's Episcopal Church.

Shot's for Tots Toy Drive

November 29-December 22(Confirmed date)
Butter & Scotch
818 Franklin Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11225
O:347.350.8890
W: butterandscotch.com
A box will be located in the space to collect toys and a shot is offered for each patron that brings in a new toy."

2019 Holiday Guide to Tree Lightings, Caroling, Santa Photos and More!

Details

Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Holidays and Special Events

Here are all the great holiday happenings in Brooklyn and beyond this season. Also check out our article about Where to See Christmas Lights (including Dyker Heights). Holiday window displays run until the new year!

New Year’s Eve Events

New Years Eve at Grand Army Plaza

Tuesday, December 31st, 2019

10:30 pm

Join Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and Prospect Park Alliance  for Brooklyn's most spectacular New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration at Prospect Park's iconic Grand Army Plaza. This free event includes live entertainment by Brooklyn’s own Quintessential Playlist, followed by fireworks at the stroke of midnight. This family-friendly fireworks display, now in its 39th year, attracts tens of thousands of revelers to Prospect Park, making it one of the city's most popular celebrations.

Brooklyn Bridge New Year's Eve

Tuesday, December 31st, 2019

Take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge and see the fireworks from the bridge!

New Year's Eve with the New York Philharmonic

Tuesday, December 31st, 2019

7:30pm

Living legend and multi-award winner Stephen Sondheim’s oeuvre takes center stage at the New York Philharmonic’s New Year’s Eve concert, featuring Tony Award winner Katrina Lenk (The Band’s Visit) — soon to star in Company — and music from Company, Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park with George, Sweeney Todd, and more. Ring in 2020 with the Philharmonic and the music of this American master!

Coney Island New Years Eve Fireworks Celebrations

Tuesday, December 31st, 2019

Midnight.

Fireworks at midnight.

Other FAMILY New Year's Ideas

• Have a party! Party hats and poppers are a must.  Make glittery slime! Have celebration mocktails (don't forget the umbrella). Have goodie bags for every hour up until the new year with something fun!
  Get glow sticks to add to the fun. Oh! Make the party have "faux" ball drop time (e.g. 8pm, "Happy New Year"). Set alarm clocks, phones, and watches to all go off at an earlier time. That  way kids feel like they get an experience of New Year's without having to deal with "too little sleep" fallout.

• Create a playlist of the year's favorite songs and play it on the drive home from vacation, at your New Year's Eve party, or any time.

• Review the year.  Look at photos from the last year, talk about the highlights and plan more fun for the next year.  If you have a gratitude jar, read the last year's entries

• Start a Gratitude Jar. Write down the things you were grateful for over the past year.

New Year’s Day 

Going to start new year's resolutions? Start small rather than big sweeping changes. It also takes an average of 21 days to have a new behavior become a habit so be patient and give yourself a LOT of encouragement.

 Plan your Photos With Santa

The Old Stone House Photos with Santa Fundraiser (co-hosted by Park Slope Parents)

December 14th from 10am - 12pm

The Old Stone House (5th Ave between 3rd and 4th Streets). 

Santa Claus is coming to town on December 14! From 10 am – Noon Santa will be making a pit stop in Park Slope; join us for a seasonal photo session with professional photographer Marc Goldberg.
We’re co-hosting the day with the Old Stone House and the Park Slope Fifth Ave BID. There will be crafts and hot cocoa to keep everyone cozy while Marc takes photos on a first-come-first-served basis.
For $10, each family will receive a water-marked portrait from Marc, he will also have all of the photos available for purchase on his website and visitors are welcome to snap their own keepsake selfies.
If you would like to support family programming like this all year round, become a member of the Old Stone House & Washington Park for $35 and get your photo session for free!

Photos with Santa at Items of Interest

Park Slope

Saturdays and Sundays  November 23rd – December 22nd

Macy’s Santaland at Herald Square

November 29th – December 24th

Reservations only now, and you get there and still wait, but the Santaland keeps folks occupied. It's still a great tradition.

Free Santa pic @ Bed Bath Beyond Industry city

Dec7/8th 

Times available on EventBrite

From PSP member: “I just signed up on eventbrite, the Industry City Bed Bath Beyond is having  a free photo with Santa at their Winter Wonderland. You can sign up for a time slot on eventbrite for Dec 7th/Dec 8th.  :)”

Santa Photos at Kings Plaza

Daily from Now – December 24th

Reserve your spot online. 

EVENTS THAT HAVE PASSED

Christmas Eve

Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestraat All Saints' Episcopal Church

Tuesday December 24th, 2019

9 pm: Free Holiday Concert

10 pm: Christmas Eve Eucharist featuring ALJO

Grammy-award winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra will return to the home parish of its director, Arturo O'Farrill, on Christmas Eve. The ALJO's unique blend of big band jazz, Latin musical culture, and virtuosic performance shines in the setting of this historic Park Slope church building. Arturo and the ALJO offer this free holiday concert as a gift to the community and perform as part of the Christmas Eve service. All are welcome.

For more info see http://www.allsaintsparkslope.org/

All Saints Church Christmas Eve Services

• 4pm Family Eucharist
• 9pm Arturo O'Farrill Christmas Concert
• 10pm Festival Eucharist

All Christmas Eve services include candlelight & Holy Communion

Church of the Holy Apostles

Tuesday December 24th, 2019

4pm

Holy Eucharist

Christmas Concert, Pageant, and candlelighting.

Park Slope United Methodist Church 

Tuesday December 24th, 2019

4pm

Christmas Eve Service 

Christmas Day 

All Saints Church Christmas Service

10:00 a.m. Feast of the Nativity w/ Carols - Nave

Weekend of November 29th, 30th, and December 1st

The Fifth Avenue Tree Lighting 

November 30th, 2019

5th Ave and 4th St

4pm -6pm, tree lighting at 6 pm

Music by Dr. Alex – a Park Slope kid and parent musician

Carolers from Park Slope Conservatory. Santa will go out in a vintage car before arriving at the tree lighting. Stilt walkers and steel drummers from Tropical Fete. Bubbledad. Arts and crafts with Puppetry Arts. Treats from Down to Earth Markets & Insomnia Cookies. TD Bank table with giveaways and hot chocolate.

CLICK OUR READ MORE TO PLAN AHEAD FOR THE COMING WEEKS!

Events December 2nd through December 8th

Dyker Park Tree Lighting

December 4

6:30 pm

Dyker Park @86th St and 14th Ave

2nd Annual Tree of Angels Tree Lighting Ceremony

December 5 

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

In front of Borough Hall in the Plaza

Tree Lighting @ Shore Road Park Gazebo

December 5 

6:30 pm

Shore Road Park Gazebo @ 90th St and Shore Road

Christmas Tree Lighting @ Grand Army Plaza

December 5th

5 pm

This year, the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Christmas Tree will be lit on Thursday, December 5 at 5 pm at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch at Grand Army Plaza. The tree will remain lit 24/7 in red lights—the only such tree in NYC—until January 2019. This annual tradition of displaying the Christmas Tree and Nativity Creche brings the spirit and joy of the Christmas season to Prospect Park and the Brooklyn community.

DUMBO Holiday Tree Lighting

Thursday, December 5th

4pm – 7pm (tree lighting at 6pm sharp)

Pearl Street Triangle 

https://dumbo.is/lighting-the-tree

Tree Lighting at Investor's Bank-- Dyker Heights Branch

December 6

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

7414 Dyker 13th Avenue  

Osborn Plaza Tree Lighting

December 6

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Osborn Street and Belmont Ave

Santa, Hot Cocoa, Caroling, and more!  

Thomas Greene Park Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, December 6th
Park is located in Gowanus at 3rd Avenue and Douglass Street.

 Santa in North Slope 

Saturday December 7th, 2019

2-4 pm 

Santa will be walking the Avenue from Dean to The Old Stone House from 2-4pm. Come find him get a candy cane and a photo!

Organized by the 5th Avenue BID. 

SinterKlass- St. Nicolas Day

Saturday, December 7th

1pm – 4pm

Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum (5816 Clarendon Road)

Santa Claus will ride in on horseback at 2:30pm and photos with Santa. (for a fee)

Santa comes to the other 5th in Park Slope

Saturday, December 7th 

2pm – 4pm

5th Ave, from Dean to The Old Stone House.

Santa will be walking the Avenue from Dean to The Old Stone House from 2-4pm. Come find him get a candy cane and a photo!

Jingle Fest! Holiday Concert & Cookie Swap

Saturday, December 7th

3pm-- 5pm

3pm Concert

All Saints' Episcopal Church (286-88 7th Ave at 7th Street, Park Slope)

Join the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music for a joyful holiday family concert followed by our fourth annual cookie swap. Bring a batch of your favorite cookies to exchange and get one FREE ticket per family.

Ticket includes cookies, cider, hot chocolate and a photo op with Santa!

Carroll Park Holiday Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 7th, 2019

6 – 7pm

4:30 PM -  5:30 PM

Friends of Carroll Park will sing songs and light the Christmas trees.

Louis Valentino, Jr. Ballfield

Christmas Tree Lighting at Greenwood Park 

Saturday, December 7th

4 pm, Tree Lighting at 6:30 pm 

Greenwood Park, 555 7th Avenue

5th Annual Fort Greene Park Holiday Tree Lighting  (Changed from 12/2)

Sunday, December 8 @ 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Fort Greene Park – Myrtle & St Edwards Entrance, 282 Myrtle Avenue

Gather with neighbors for the annual event that is full of holiday cheer, including:

☕  FREE hot cocoa, cider & cookies from local Myrtle Ave restaurants

Events December 13th through December 15th

CAMBA Tree Lighting @ the Armory Shelter

Thursday, December12 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
CAMBA Women's Shelter, 1402 8th Avenue, South Slope
Sing songs, drink hot cocoa, eat cookies, watch the lighting of the armory decorations and enjoy the beauty of the armory.

Santa at the Atlantic Terminal Mall|
Thursday, December 12th, 5pm - 7pm
139 Flatbush Avenue
 Life-size snow globe photo op, live music, selfies with Santa, Winter Wonderland community art & much more!

Weekend of December 13th, 14th, and 15th

Brooklyn Borough Hall Tree Lighting 

Wednesday, December 11th

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Holiday refreshments and musical entertainment at the annual tree lighting.

Borough Hall Plaza

Sing-A-Long Movie Spectacular @ PS 282

Wednesday, December 11th

5:30 pm - 8 pm

Proceeds go toward enrichment programs

180 6th Avenue

Photos with Santa Claus at the Old Stone House

Saturday, December 14th

10am – 12pm

The Old Stone House, 5th Ave between 3rd and 4th Streets

Join Park Slope Parents, the Old Stone House and the Park Slope 5th Avenue BID for our 4th annual photo session with Santa, in partnership with Park Slope Parents and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID. Photographer Marc Goldberg will make his professional photos available on his website for purchase, and you’re welcome to snap your own photo as well.

Santa in Center Slope 

Saturday December 14th, 2019 

2-4 pm

Catch Santa shopping from 9th Street to The Old Stone House. Come find him and get a candy cane and a photo!

Organized by the 5th Avenue BID. 

Merry On Myrtle Winter Festival 

Saturday, December 14th

12-3pm 

While holiday shopping, enjoy live ice sculpting, music, crafts for kids, and more seasonal fun in the Myrtle Avenue Plaza. All activities are FREE.

From Classon Ave to Washington Park 

Caroling with All Saints Church Park Slope

Saturday, December 14th

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!  Join us for an afternoon of caroling.

Meet and practice (and have a snack!) from 4:30-5 at All Saints Church undercroft (on 7th Ave near 7th St, at the sign for “Park Slope Center for Successful Aging.”) We’ll leave at 5 to carol in a few spots around the neighborhood, then return to the church around 5:45-6 to warm up with some hot chocolate.

Please let us know if you plan to attend by RSVPing to "> .

Jingle Bell Jamboree

Saturday, December 14th 

7 pm 

After a 4 year hiatus, the annual Park Slope family concert and sing-a-long is returning to Old First Church in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Klezmer Hanukkah Party

Saturday, December 14th

3:30-5:30pm

BKCM Concert Hall (58 7th Ave at Lincoln Pl.)

Co-hosted by Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and Congregation Beth Elohim. Get into the Hanukkah spirit with our Community Klezmer Band featuring renowned Klezmer artists, as well as Klezmer song and dance leaders. Warm up with latkes, Hanukkah crafts, and more!

Tickets here: https://bkcm.org/event/klezmerhanukkah19/

Winterfest 2019

Saturday, December 14th

11am - 4pm

Brooklyn Friends School, 375 Pearl Street

Crafts and workshops suitable for all ages!

Holiday Market at P.S. 118

Saturday, December 14th

11am - 5pm

Inside P.S. 118 at 211 8th St. and 4th Ave.

Holiday shopping season is here--and we've got the perfect gift for everyone on your list! Join us at the second annual PS118 Holiday Market on Saturday, December 14, from 11 am to 5 pm, at PS118 (on 8th Street between 4th and 5th Avenues). During this fabulous, festive event, each floor of our school is transformed: The cafeteria becomes a delightful café and all the other floors are filled with children's activities, crafts, jewelry, and more (all for sale!) So much shopping! Proceeds benefit PS118.

2nd Annual Brower Park Library Winter Festival

Saturday, December 14th

11am - 4pm

Brower Park Library, 725 St. Marks Avenue

The event includes a special story time, an art workshop, and a special visit (and photo opportunity) with Santa.  Hot cider and donuts will help us celebrate the holidays. Come kick off the winter season with us!

The Great Christmas Tree: A participation play for children.

11 am, Saturday, December 14th

12 pm, Sunday, December 15th

119 14th St, Brooklyn

$8 

Matt Heaton's Holiday Hootenanny

Sunday, December 15th

11am

Jalopy Theater, 315 Columbia

$10-15 

Matt Heaton’s Holiday Hootenanny is a dance-filled, laugh-laced concert for the whole family. With his band the Outside Toys, Heaton performs hits from his shiny new album “Snow Day!” (Because nothing says holidays like fiddle drenched honky-tonk numbers, retro hi fi guitar stylings, and a rock solid rhythm section.)

PSJC Chanukkah Party

Sunday, December 15th

3-5 pm

1320 8th Ave
Start the celebrating early with crafts, high stakes dreidel games, donut making, a sing-a-long with PSJC holiday favorite Abe, and much more! Wear your favorite Chanukkah sweater, pajamas, or other apparel and enter the raffle for tasty treats.

Sign up to join the fun at https://www.psjc.org/event/psjc-hanukkah-party.html or just show up on Sunday!

Events December 16th through December 22nd

Holiday Sing-a-long and Fundraiser!  

Tuesday December 17th 
10:00 am
Da Nonna Rosa, 140 7th Avenue
Suggested donatation: $20
Fundraiser to benefit CHiPS, a local soup kitchen, and Little Essentials! 

HOLIDAY CAROLING with Brooklyn Conservatory 

Fri., December 20 
6:30 pm
Start at 58 7th Avenue, set off around planned routes around Park Slope
A beloved Brooklyn Conservatory tradition--holiday caroling! Please join us as we spread cheer throughout the neighborhood. FREE. All ages, voices, faiths welcome, and no caroling experience is necessary.
RSVP and info here.

Santa in South Slope 

Saturday December 21st, 2019

2-4 pm 

Shopping with Santa in South Slope from to 18th St in a vintage car then walking from 18th to The Old Stone House 2-4pm come get a candy cane and take a photo.

Organized by the 5th Avenue BID. 

Christmas Caroling and Services at Holy Apostles

Saturday December 22st, 2019

4 pm 

Church of the Holy Apostles

612 Greenwood Ave

Lend you voice and join us on Sunday, December 22nd at 4pm for our annual neighborhood Christmas caroling. We will begin on the steps of the church and travel on foot together.

Looking for ways to give this season? Check out the Park Slope Parents supported Holiday Drives (with a few others we found!)

What are we missing? Email " style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> with more ideas.

Membership Perks

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

Here are the PERKS to your Park Slope Parents membership!

Not a PSP member and are a parent in Brooklyn?  Join here.

If you’re a business and you want to become a Membership Perks Provider and give discounts to our members, please click here.

Download/print your membership card and have it handy to redeem your membership perks. Step-by-step instructions here.

DOWNLOAD the image to your phone. Make it a favorite so it’s easy to find. Also keep a copy keep a copy on the desktop for easy access.
PRINT the card. Select “wallet” as the print option.

To see all of our perks in one place, click here!

 Follow our new Park Slope Parents Perks Instagram, where we will feature these discounts in daily posts and stories. 

Perks for Kids

 
Perks for Health

Perks for Adults

Perks for House and Home

 Perks for Businesses and Services

Perks for Baby Birthing

2019 Holiday Tips Survey: The Results are IN!

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

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

• Gifts for K-12 teachers have risen. The amount people are giving to K-12 teachers is up from last year. The most frequently given amount to these teachers is $50 this year, up from $25 last year.
• Tips to neighborhood service providers are down from prior years. Reported tips for supers, door security, occasional babysitters, and more are down from last year.
• NYC urban living has its costs. Having a full-time nanny, dog walker, parking attendant and living in a doorman building with a super will cost you around $1800 in tips if you gift this year's average. 
• Folks are showing gratitude with more than just money. One in three (32%) are giving something more than cash (homemade cookies, treats, wine) to their service providers.
• Almost all employers with nannies plan on giving a monetary bonus this year (97%). Three in four (77%) give a week’s pay as a bonus.
  • Caveat: If your nanny hasn’t been working a year then you can give less, (e.g., ½ week’s pay if they’ve worked only 3 months) but do let the nanny know if you plan on giving more next year.
  • ALSO: Don’t assume a week off without pay is something that your nanny will appreciate. Unless otherwise discussed when you hired your nanny, giving the nanny the week between Christmas and New Year without pay is frowned upon. Most would rather work for pay than miss out on money to support their family.
• Daycare and preschool teachers feel the gratitude.Typical monetary gifts for both head and secondary teachers is $50. Unlike K-12, parents typically give separately with only two out of three (68%) giving an individual gift only.
• Power in (organized) numbers. Eight in ten (80%) parents with kids in K-12 students contribute to a class gift.
• Thank everyone. A kind gesture to the folks that support your life (e.g., crossing guards, lunch staff, accountants, after school staff, tutors, and therapists) is always appreciated!

DETAILED FINDINGS:

Personal Neighborhood Service Providers:

Daycare, Preschool, and K-12 Teachers

• Almost everyone (88%) contributes to a combined class gift to K-12 teachers. Some parents use websites and apps like Frumus, Venmo, Payit2 and Signup Genius to organize and pool donations.

Is it against the DOE policy to give teachers’ gifts? It is NOT the case that Department of Education K-12 teachers cannot receive gifts. Department of Education policy states: “Teachers may accept class gifts as long as parents are not asked to contribute more than a small amount of money towards the gift and all parents are given an opportunity to sign the card, whether or not they contribute to the gift.” However, be reasonable—extravagant gifts could get your teacher in hot water!

*Learn more about holiday gifts for teachers, including do’s and don’ts, in the Park Slope Parents’ article: How to Thank Teachers at the Holidays & End of the Year.

Nannies

• ALL of the respondents (100%) are using the holidays as an opportunity to give a yearly bonus or gifts.
• 83% of employers give amounts incremental to a week’s pay. Of these, 77% give a week’s pay, 22% give two week’s pay, and 2% give three week’s pay.
• The average end-of-year bonus a nanny will receive is $688.
• Almost half (46%) of Brooklyn families with a nanny also give a non-monetary purchased gift as well as a bonus.  More than 20% also give a homemade gift. 

Has your nanny worked for less than a year? If a nanny has worked for less than a year but more than three months, most employers give at least a half-week of pay. Make sure to inform your nanny that you intend to give a full-week’s pay next year, if things work out. Also, if you give bonuses on anniversaries rather than the end-of-year, remind them of that timeline.   

Since newer nannies (those who have worked less than three months) may feel left out without a bonus, we suggest giving a bonus worth about 2-3 days pay. Again, make sure to give an explanation of your reasoning, and tell them what they can expect next year. Clarity about when your nanny can expect raises and bonuses is key.

As always, a heartfelt note with sincere gratitude (maybe a list of specific things you appreciate) always warms the heart and makes folks special and thanked. (Feel free to do that to EVERYONE in your life!)

METHODOLOGY:
Park Slope Parents collected 482 responses from December 1 - December 9th, 2109 via an online survey program (surveymonkey.com). The survey was distributed online through the Park Slope Parents website, their email groups and social media outlets, online blogs, and other online parenting/ neighborhood groups (Yahoo! Groups, FaceBook, Groups.io and more). The results are based on tips and gifts in Brooklyn only.

ABOUT PARK SLOPE PARENTS

• Park Slope Parents (PSP) is a community in Brooklyn, NY of more than 7,000 local families who offer each other support and community throughout the parenting experience.
• PSP online resources include a public website with member reviews and parenting advice, online forums including an Advice List (exchanging information about parenting and community issues), a Classifieds list (a local buy/sell/trade group for swapping kid gear and finding nannies), and a Career Networking Group which connects parents to jobs and professional resources. It also has over 100 subgroups including pregnancy and new parent, dads, working moms, bilingual, LGBTQ, industry-related career, cooking, gardening, allergy, vegetarian and more.
• PSP offers offline, in-person events including parenting workshops, clothing swaps, community fundraisers, and networking events.
• PSP also partners with nonprofits such as the Brooklyn Family Justice Center, Little Essentials, Sheltering Arms, and Lantern Community Services to provide donations to those in need.
• PSP also sponsors community events such as the Celebrate Brooklyn Concerts, Prospect Park Alliance events, and more
• Park Slope Parents is open to all parents in Brooklyn and requires an annual membership fee of $50 ($45 for renewals) to support ongoing services (like this Holiday Tips Survey). Membership includes discounts to more than 500 local products and services.
• Parents in Brooklyn can apply for membership here: https://parkslopeparents.clubexpress.com/

PSP Members-Only Kids Clothing, Gear, and Maternity Swap!

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Category: Newsflash

Please join us for the PSP Members-Only Kids Clothing, Gear, and Maternity Swap!

This is our most beloved event of the year! NEW Extended Hours!

When:   Saturday, March 7th
Time:    10:00AM - 2:30PM
     Last entry at 2:10PM
Where:  All Saints Church, 463A 7th Street, entrance on 7th Street (the Park Slope Senior Center)
Cost:     $5.00/member - only payable at the door

Download/Print your membership card as it is REQUIRED to enter: Here’s how: http://bit.ly/MembershipCard_DL

IF YOU NEED TO, RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP HERE. 

NOT A MEMBER?  Sign up and become a member to start enjoying events like these and more! http://bit.ly/JOINPSP

​

Read more...

IMPORTANT: Coping, Connection and Strength with Park Slope Parents

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Category: Newsflash

Given these current uncertain times, we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the severity of not just the health concerns around coronavirus but also the emotional fallout. We will leave the dissemination of medical information to the best resources (CDC, NYC.gov, WHO, DOE), but we did want to highlight some of the more emotional aspects of the spread of COVID-19 and what you can do to mediate it.

There’s a ton of uncertainty right now… which can be stressful and emotional. Worrying about elderly relatives and immunocompromised family members and friends is real. There is also a lot of concern about possible school closures, financial repercussions, travel plans, working situations, and childcare issues. This stress can impact our mood, health, and interactions with others. 

We need to be diligent with our hygiene to protect ourselves and others... this takes extra work. This includes staying home when you or your kids are sick; washing your hands; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; conscientious cleaning; and not shaking hands. These measures, albeit necessary, take extra time and attention in our already busy lives and can add an emotional toil as well.

You and your kids may be disappointed and sad… and that’s understandable. Local as well as school events are being cancelled, some schools have closed, and there may be family trips, parties, and meetups you’re not attending. While it’s important we keep people safe, and not the end of the world to skip an event, know that not interacting with friends and family can upset kids (and grown-ups). Acknowledging our own disappointment and our kids’ disappointment is part of this coping.

What can we do to get through these stressful times?

Read more...

Your Nanny and COVID 19: Thoughts from our Park Slope Parents Members

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Category: Newsflash

As Brooklynites practice hand washing, social distancing, and working from home, many families are wondering: how do I compensate my nanny? A question posted to our Advice List got quite a few responses. It seems that, for those who can afford it, paying your nanny full-time and keeping the channels of communication wide open is the current standard. 

Circumstances making it hard pay your nanny? Consider posting on the PSP Classifieds. Here’s how to post for your nanny, and also how to find a nanny. Due to current and impending school closures, there may be an influx of people looking for childcare; you may have just what they need! Nanny shares are also a great option, so check our PSP Guide to a Successful Nanny Share. If we come together as a community, we can help each other out! 

Hand in Hand also has a great article you should look at: How to be a Fair Employer During the Coronavirus Crisis in New York

THE QUESTION:

“Is anyone else thinking about how to compensate childcare providers who will not be able to work due to the outbreak? Our beloved nanny travels an hour and fifteen minutes on the train to be with us each day, which is seeming like a worse idea with every passing hour. I make the same commute in the opposite direction (go fig) and have just been given leave to work remotely. We offer our nanny paid sick days, aid vacation, and paid holidays, but the impending shutdown of schools, public transit, etc, could go on for quite some time. I know we're not the only people caught on the horns of this dilemma. What are other families thinking and doing regarding compensation?”

THE ANSWERS:

“We will be paying our caretaker full pay for as long as this is happening. We had a small discussion on hands washing, no feeding with fingers and such, to even asked for a change of outfit everyday upon entering doors. 

I work fully from home with own brand, and Depending on my husband's work situation, we will most likely first reduce her days or hours, so that she can avoid rush hours with crowds. Will also need to play by ear, if she ends up staying home completely, she will and must be paid full. “

“I have a playgroup assistant that works with me and nanny's for one of our students as well.  Both the family and I are planning to pay her indefinitely. If it costs us to tighten our belts we feel it's our duty. I especially feel if we are getting paid, we have no cause to stress someone further right now financially. 

It's likely I might lose money in this but it won't stress me as much as it would her.” 

“We will also be paying our nanny in full in the event she needs to reduce hours/can’t come in to work. Our offices aren’t closed, but my husband and I have some flexibility to work from home. Whatever happens with our work, we’ll be paid, and it’s only fair that she is too. No one should have to worry about losing their income because of something like this.” 

“We’ve started to pay for her to come to/from work by uber or other car service. Have also talked about focusing on outdoor activities rather than play dates. Told her we have supplies for her in case she needs at home. Suggested having the kids remove their clothing at our front door from school and change right away. Bringing purell everywhere. And added more frequent disinfecting of our house.“

“We are paying full time even though she can’t come bc of the virus. Also paying our house cleaner even though we’re not having her come in either. I feel pretty passionately about this. It’s a crazy time, usual rules of sick days etc aren’t applying at my job and i couldn’t stomach not doing it for her.”

“I can imagine that parents who own small businesses or might not get paid to work from home could find it hard to pay a nanny. In that case, reach out on PSP! I’m a physician who has to keep working and my husband might be working from home— an impossibility if our school and daycare close and he has a 4 and 1 yo underfoot. Families like ours might need a temporary nanny until things return to normal and perhaps it could keep another family’s nanny relationship going.”

“I told her there was a very high likelihood that I would send her home next week and that tomorrow I’ll pay her 2 weeks ahead just in case. She already works 8-4, slightly off rush hour, but since I’ve been working from home this week I’ve relieved her an hour early in the hopes of giving her an emptier subway. But once I take over care of the kids, obviously I won’t be “working” from home, so it’s just all going to suck big time.”

“I’m not making her come here if things are all closed down in the city. It’s not good for her and it’s not good for us. Paying all along though. I’m also paying our usual cleaning lady even though I have cancelled. This time will be so hard for individuals working gig to gig.”  

Have A Nanny? Here's some HELP in getting through Coronavirus

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Advice - Health and Healing, Nanny 101

Denise and Samantha, 2004

Below is a letter from our Founder and President, Susan Fox, posted to our Listserv and shared here for the benefit of our community.

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Hey All,

I’ve been in touch with the folks from the Carroll Gardens Nanny Association. They had a meeting with nannies who are part of their organization. I wanted to share some of their concerns, as well as some issues that have come up on Park Slope Parents:

• Will I be paid if my employer deems that I shouldn’t come to work? How about if I don’t think it’s safe to come to work?  Will pay come out of my paid time off (if I have any to begin with) or vacation time? 
• Will my employer pay for transportation (uber, lyft) if they don’t want me to travel on the subway?  Will they pick me up if they have a car?
• If my employer-family self-quarantines will I also be expected to self-quarantine?  
• If I’m working for two families part-time, how will I be expected to cover more hours for one or both families due to kids being home from school? Is a nanny share a possibility and how will that work?
• Is it reasonable to be asked to bring a change of clothes to my employer’s house and shower when I get to work?
• Will the family have food in the house so I don’t have to go out and get groceries?
• If schools closes, is it okay for me to bring my child to work?  How will I get to work?  Will I be expected to pay for my travel if I have to bring my child?
• What happens if my family is unable to pay me because of their own loss of work?  Are they going to help me find a new job if they can no longer afford to pay me? What will happen?
• If I’m asked to take care of another family’s children along with my current family am I allowed to say, “no”? Will I be compensated?
• If schools close and I’m taking care of more children than usual will I get a break?
• What happens if I get sick but have no paid time-off saved? Will I still get paid?
• How will I be compensated if I am asked to work additional hours for my family (part time to full time, more overtime hours)?
• Will I be expected to take care of a child with coronavirus? How will I be protected?

Here are some best practices for keeping good lines of communication open and strong relationships:

• Employers, please initiate the conversation. It’s hard for employees to initiate discussions about pay, so help by making the first move and not leaving that burden on your nanny. If any of the concerns above may apply, discuss them with your nanny.
• Have a daily check-in with your nanny about the latest information and any changing plans (keeping kids home, leaving the city, working from home).
• If you can, reassure your nanny that you have plans to continue to pay your nanny. There’s a lot of fear right now around money and if you can help allay those fears you’ll keep tensions down in the family. If you are planning on working from home and will likely shorten the nanny’s work day, give reassurance that the nanny will continue to get paid.
• Talk about how you will negotiate home/work/life if the nanny is there at the same time as parents who typically aren’t there (this is new territory).
• If you predict that you may not be needing your nanny for a few weeks because of self-quarantine, please pay your nanny in advance.
• Talk about policies around play dates, contact with friend, and good hygiene practices so everyone is on the same page.
• Discuss how emotions are heightened right nowand try to offer reassurances and gratitude. This is a tough time. Share the Park Slope Parents message: Coping, Connection, and Strength we posted on Thursday.
• If you predict needing to let your nanny go because of finances, talk through the possibility of having your nanny take a pay cut. Some may be willing to take a temporary pay cut (and maybe fewer hours if your home) in order to keep a great family to work with. 
• If you’ll need to help your nanny find a new job, here is how to Post A Recommendation about Your Nanny on the Classifieds.  
• Help your nanny with technology so they can stay in touch with you (and their family members). Install Zoom, or other skype-type apps (Duo?) on their phones and computers so that they can stay in touch. While it may be in your best interest to have you nanny stay home, it's a disruption to your child's routine and they may miss your nanny.  Staying in contact might help with all the changes everyone is going through. Remember, it's great to have mom and dad home, but staying connected to your nanny is a good idea too!
• Remember that your nanny has a family of their own they may be worried about... ask them about how they are doing. It's easy to get caught up in our own issues (telecommuting, cancelled vacations, work, fear of COVID-19 at daycares, schools, and activities), but know that your nanny is dealing with a whole set of circumstances you may not know about. How is their home life and family?
• Work together so your nanny's needs are also being taken into consideration.  While we discussed whether a nanny can bring their child to work, also make sure that there are not other extenuating circumstances that need to be thought through.  If your nanny is afraid to lose their job because they might want to take care of a sick relative, help them not make choices they may regret. 
• If you're in a nanny share, make sure to connect with everyone about best decisions for folks.  (Do this with the technology you set up above.) There may need to be some give and take depending on preferences at this time.

Here are some things I’ve sent before—in case you missed them…

• How to be a Fair Employer During the Coronavirus Crisis in New York, including information on how to work from home without micromanaging your nanny, helping your nanny feel safe, and making sure your housecleaner has enough income to survive.
• Your Nanny and Covid19: Thoughts from our Park Slope Parents Members which includes paying housecleaners, working things out with your nanny in a share, and doing right by your nanny.
• And another link to Guidance on Coronavirus Resource & Employment Protections (useful to you if your work and to your nanny):  

REMINDERS:

If you have a Nanny Work Agreement that stipulates a certain number of hours paid per week, you will be expected to pay your nanny for those hours. Check the contract. If you know you will not be able to pay your nanny; you’ll need to give notice sooner than later if you’re not going to be able to pay so they can look for other work.  If you’ve been paying on the books your nanny can earn unemployment.

If you don't have a work agreement there are still laws protecting your nanny. Even if you have not been paying on the books a nanny can file for unemployment and NYS Paid Family leave.

If you have any other questions or concerns let me know. We are discussing the best ways to help set up other childcare options (people who might need extra childcare) but we're just not there yet. Also let me know if this is helpful! I need feedback right now on how best channel my energies to help folks!

Susan Fox
Founder, Park Slope Parents

The Top Seven Questions to Ask Any Dual Language School

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

Sponsored by: LEEP Dual Language Academy

At a dual language school, students study a language other than English for a portion of their school day. Some academic subjects are taught only in that other language.

This approach is rising in popularity, but the term “dual language” can describe a wide range of programs. If you’re interested in giving your child all the benefits of learning in two languages, make sure to ask a prospective dual language school these key questions.

1. Is it really immersion?
Dual language schools are designed to immerse students in the “target language” for a portion of the day. Whatever the schedule, it takes discipline for teachers to keep classes from slipping back into English during those times.

Ask how much time the school actually spends in the target language.


2. Where did the teachers learn the target language?
It’s helpful to have teachers who grew up speaking the language, and it’s even better if they come from different regions or countries. When students hear a range of accents and vocabulary from their teachers, they can develop a deeper appreciation of language nuances and cultural differences.

Ask where the teachers learned the language, and whether your child will be exposed to different accents, vocabulary, and traditions.


3. What’s the balance of students?
Most dual language schools are designed for diversity, with students who already speak the target language learning alongside students who are brand new to it. Still, some dual language schools struggle to attract a balanced enrollment based on local demographics or community perceptions.

Ask if your child will be learning with, and from, a linguistically diverse group of peers.

4. How was the curriculum selected?
Language acquisition is exciting, but a great dual language school has to first be a great school, with reliable systems to help all students learn all subjects.

Ask a technical question—for example, how the school selects its curriculum, or which subjects are taught in which language—and listen to whether the answers, like the school, have a careful, intentional design.


5. How does the school measure language gains?
It’s surprising how many dual language schools give formal assessments only in English. Dual language schools should also have some way of measuring students’ progress in the target language to ensure students graduate with real fluency.

Ask how the school measures achievement in the target language.


6. Are the school leaders focused on dual language?
Teaching in two languages matters to almost every aspect of a dual language school, from hiring to scheduling to procurement. When dual language is a “program” or “strand” within a larger campus, there’s a risk it will become an afterthought.

Ask currently enrolled families whether they feel the dual language program is a priority at the school.


7. Does the school communicate effectively with families?
Parents often wonder if they will need to speak the target language in order to help their child. The answer is no—as long as the school and its teachers are intentional about communicating with families.

Ask parents at the school whether language ever gets in the way of their ability to support their child’s progress. It shouldn’t!

LEEP Dual Language Academy is a Spanish-language immersion charter school in Sunset Park, Brooklyn (CSD 15), with school bus service available from Park Slope and other Brownstone Brooklyn neighborhoods. Give your child the challenge and benefits of learning another language – apply for K-2 by April 1. LEEP Academy will expand to K-5 with possible extension to K-8. Authorized by NYS Board of Regents.

THE BIG LIST OF SOCIAL CONNECTION RESOURCES

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Health and Healing Splash, Advice - Activities

It might feel tough to keep connected when you’re at home. You might not know what to do with yourself, or feel lost. Maybe we can turn those feelings into something better, a day of reflection, home activities, or a call to (virtual) action! We’re currently compiling a list of resources for these times of social isolation connection. We’re talking virtual sing-a-longs, crafts, health resources, breathing videos, yoga classes, as well as links to lists compiled by others. 

Below are five of our favorite online activities. For more info, find our MASTER LIST here, and don’t forget to email "> if you have suggestions about helpful videos, upcoming virtual events, volunteer opportunities, etc.  

WE LOVE YOU BROOKLYN! 

• Master List of Social Connection Resources

• Master list of educational resources, from Member Christie Megill

• Master list of online concerts, music lessons, and sing-a-longs

SING WITH SUZI LIVE Online Show Facebook at 4pm (ET) - FREE

$5 tips graciously accepted athttps://paypal.me/singwithsuzi/5. and/or Venmo @Suzi-Shelton-Mitri

Join Suzi (and her special guests) for an intimate performance from her living room to yours. Silliness, musical fun and dancing too! Just open up her Facebook page at 4pm and enjoy! Message Suzi during the show to hear your special requests. You don't know what's going to happen until you tune in...

NEW INITIATIVE: OPERATION FEEL GOOD! (KID-FRIENDLY HELPING!)

SNAPSHOT:  Make 1,000 "Happy Cards" and "Happy Letters" to the residents at local nursing homes and senior centers

DROP OFF 1. 438 12th Street (doorman; 8am-10pm)   

If you are willing to be a drop-off place in another neighborhood let me know!

DEADLINE: Friday, March  27th @ 5pm

REMINDER: Practice safe hand-washing before creating the cards!

GUIDELINES:  Fold over a piece of paper, draw some pictures and say something nice and Voila! (If you want to have kids write a letter that works too!). TAKE A PHOTO OF YOUR CHILD WITH THEIR CARD and send it to me at ."> .

RULES:  There are no rules!  No message is too silly, no picture too crazy.  Let your kids be creative and do whatever they want!

Trusty Sidekick is pleased to offer FREE streaming of our archival videos for your family to enjoy over and over again!

As theater artists, we always prefer to be in the room with our audience…But until that’s possible again, we’re devising ways to engage in art and community from afar and to provide you with adventurous, bold content — right in your living room!

We’re kicking things off with SHADOW PLAY (Ages 2+) Have you ever wondered what happens to your shadow while you sleep?

Keep checking back in; more videos will be added here soon!

We hope you enjoy this playdate! And please, spread the word and share with loved ones!

LUNCH DOODLE with Mo Willems

Mo Willems invites YOU into his studio every day for his LUNCH DOODLE. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together.

CINCINNATI ZOO HOME SAFARI

While the Cincinnati Zoo is closed and kids are home from school, let us help make your children’s hiatus from school fun and educational. Join us for a Home Safari Facebook Live each weekday at 3pm EDT where we will highlight one of our amazing animals and include an activity you can do from home.

[Special] Update from PSP Headquarters: It's going to be OK!

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

Hey All,

Thought I would pop in and give an update on life here at the PSP headquarters. I had a lot of time to think on my whirlwind drive to Ann Arbor, Michigan to pick up my daughter. I wanted to give some ramblings about the state of the world according to me.

1. Holy Cow there were lots of trucks on the road!  I found it really reassuring that there were lots of people delivering supplies. It lessened my feelings that all the store shelves will be emptied forever. 

2. The break from the media was super useful at clearing my head. Not being bombarded with all the media was like removing a huge heavy backpack.  I’ve gone on a media diet that contains just essential news, fun videos that make me smile, and connections to people who are adding positively to the situation.

3. Stay connected. Zoom just may be what will get us through the next few weeks.We’ve had some great remote meetings, and it’s just nice to hear other voices and experiences.  Eighty-two Dads played online poker on Tuesday. The PSP Crafting group Zoomed last night and it was fun to look at people’s projects (waiting on the wet felting geode project) and do something together. We’re rolling out baby group meetups today. If you want to be connected, write and we’ll make something happen. Phone a friend and stay connected. 

4.Everyone has a different way of dealing with things and we need to keep that in mind and open our hearts to be more compassionate than we ever have.I’ve decided that the whole toilet paper mayhem is really about control-- people needing to feel like they have some sense of power over the situation. Other people need to lash out occasionally to let off some of their tension. (Don’t worry, I’m not taking it personally when it’s directed at me.)  When I finally got in the rental car to pick up my daughter 620 miles away I had a brief, hard cry, and then I was much better.  

5. People are losing work hand over fist. Think about folks like your nannies workers, house cleaners, and dog walkers. I’m also assuming that other folks such as nail salons, hairdressers, personal trainers, tutors, music teachers, massage therapists (who am I forgetting?) are hurting. Some services can be done remotely, others can’t.  If you can, spot them extra cash, maybe buy a gift certificate for future use or just give them an out of the blue tip. If there’s a virtual tip jar, give if you can. I’m figuring out how best to keep PSP members on board (and thanks for the suggestions and for those of you who want to support a fellow PSP member, stay tuned)—but know that if your finances are tight that you’ll always be welcome on PSP! Some of the local businesses have put out a letter about trying to stay afloathere.

6. Many of us are in dogpaddle mode, not swim mode, with schoolwork for their kids.  I was on a Zoom with two teachers yesterday… they are working as fast as they can to get remote learning up and running for next week.  You do not have to become a homeschool teacher overnight, finding the best, age appropriate, math curriculum so that your child doesn’t fall behind.  Screen time until next week for sanity’s (and productivity’s) sake will not turn your kids brains into mush. 

7. This is a time to bond. Cooking together, playing games, co-viewing movies, taking walks together (yes, even in the rain) will help your family grow closer. It’s also important to each other distance, even in the hard to do close quarters.  Longer showers, baths, sleeping in later, one more episode of ____ (Daniel Tiger, Stranger Things, Care Bears) can go a long way toward being closer from a distance.

8. We’ve got to do our best to keep everyone safe. Only going out to stores when you absolutely need to, keeping safe distance from other people, avoid playgrounds, stay home if you’re sick, and keeping your hands washed will do a lot to help the spread of COVID-19.   I know there are essential people who have to work and their nannies are part of that mix. Remind your nannies to not congregate with others, keep playdates out of apartment hallways, and take extra precautions traveling throughout the city.

9. I’ve got to remember to move. Sitting in a car for 2 days and being holed up in one room isn’t fun or conducive to staying in shape.  A dance party and yoga is definitely in order today to keep my body active. There are lots of videos on YouTube you can access (some great ones for meditation as well) if money’s tight.

10. I’m finding the few things that I need to feel sane.  For some reason having honeycrisp apples in the house makes me feel like I’ll be able to get through anything. Someone I talked to yesterday ordered lots of her favorite tea so she could hunker down and feel sane. If you can find those few things that can help make you feel comfortable, make that happen. Someone posted this great resource for dealing with the anxiety.  

11. We all just need to breathe.We will get through this. It will get better. There are reports out of China that things are stabilizing (whew!), stores are opening, and that the number of cases is dropping. I’m holding on to this news tightly, knowing that while we may be in for some rough roads in the short term, things long term are promising!

12. Keep our local restaurants running.  Restaurants are hurting, so do your best to keep them coming. Some restaurants are delivering cocktails too (though be careful here). Delivery folks can use an extra big tip too.  I know NYC is working to help out small businesses, but we can do help in small ways too.

13. If you can, donate to our important not-for-profit organizations. Someone mentioned that we all may get a check from the government. If you know that you are still getting paid take some of that money and donate it to the organizations most hard hit. As someone on the list said, “spread the wealth, not the virus.”

14. PSP is continually trying to find the BEST ways to help. We’ve posted lots ofresources on the website, posted reminders about talking to your nanny, and are setting up Zoom Rooms to keep us all connected. We’re working on scavenger hunts, meditation sessions, pediatrician webinars, massage classes, and more.  If there are things that we can do, let us know!

15. I feel hopeful. Today is the first day of spring and while it’s rainy, that rain is helping make the flowers grow.  The number of people doing wonderful things to keep people connected (seeMutualAidNYC for example), fed, healthy, highlights the goodness in people. Our medical professionals are super-heroes. There are Quarantunes, people giving their music, dance, and expertise to the world right now. There’s a 6:30 Rooftop singalong (songslisthere) we should all join in on.

It may suck for a while, but then it will be okay. Looking forward to the time we can get together and have a PSP picnic in the park.  It will happen. And I’ll be there with my giant bubbles!

Susan Fox 

Park Slope Parents 

PSP Presents: Ask the Experts

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash, Health & Illness Support

PSP is helping get out the latest COVID 19 information to people with our Ask The Expert series. These are Q & A sessions with our members, posted to Youtube. See below for our videos thus far. 

Ask the Pediatrician, with Dr. Philippa Gordon. 

Ask the OBGYN, with Dr. John Brennan.

Delivery and Infancy during COVID-19: Top Tips from Experts

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

The current coronavirus crisis is a constantly moving target, with information and official guidance seeming to shift by the hour. Now more than ever, expectant New Yorkers are in need of reliable advice on how best to promote safety and health during the delivery process and the immediate days after. We hope these questions and answers from Jaqueline Worth, MD, and Julie G. Capiola, MD, IBCLC—sourced from a recent webinar hosted by boober founder Jada Shapiro—will be a source of reassurance during these uncertain times.

Please note: Information is changing daily regarding hospitals and policies. Please check with your birthing hospital and pediatrician for the most up to date information.

PRE-DELIVERY

Q: How should I handle prenatal physician visits? Are they still happening in person?

A: Dr. Worth recommends limiting nonessential visits, and is offering telemedicine for any patients who don’t feel safe coming to the office. She is providing urine dipsticks for patients and recommending that they have a blood pressure cuff and other instruments on hand to check their vitals. One thing that’s not possible remotely is checking the fetal heart rate, so Dr. Worth is advising patients to track fetal movement and using the results as a surrogate for healthy fetal status.

Q: Looking toward a potential shortage of hospital beds, should I consider being induced or scheduling a c-section?

A: It’s a reasonable question—should I just get it over with before things get worse? In making this decision, consider that induction does almost always expose a patient to a longer time in labor in the hospital (20+ hours), while a c-section is the fastest way to give birth but does expose a patient to a longer recovery time in the hospital.

Q: Am I more susceptible to coronavirus because I’m pregnant?

A: There’s no evidence that expectant parents are more susceptible to the virus or that it can be passed to the baby while pregnant.

Q: If I’m currently trying to get pregnant, should I stop?

A: It’s a good idea to delay a few weeks—just a brief pause—and then reassess.

DURING DELIVERY

Q: Are non-birthing partners being allowed into the delivery room?

A: This isn’t currently true at Dr. Worth’s hospital, but some hospitals are restricting who is allowed into the delivery room to guard against the spread of COVID-19. We have to accept this fact in the context of a public health emergency, and trust that the experts are doing what is necessary to protect us. Protocol is updated day to day, so check with your hospital.

Q: What are the options for virtual support during childbirth?

A: People may not realize that there’s such a thing as virtual doula care, but there certainly is, and boober is currently advising all clients to adopt it. Remember that, at this point, the guidance is to avoid other people completely. Having your doula in the delivery room via FaceTime, or even just being able to call them on the phone, can be a huge help.

Q: Regarding staffing and specifically the presence of nonessential staff in the delivery room, how are hospitals implementing safety protocols?

A: Dr. Worth reports that hospitals are trying to minimize the number of people in the room, both to keep parents safe and to reduce the risk for staff. If a birthing parent is COVID-positive, there would be an extra deep-cleaning protocol for the room.

POST-DELIVERY

Q: During and after delivery, will I have to be moved into a different hospital or otherwise adapt to a diminished number of rooms?

A: Dr. Worth has not heard anything about this possibility. There seems to be an effort to find additional spaces for coronavirus patients (e.g., Governor Cuomo has called for the Javits Center to be used as a field hospital) so that those in the hospital for reasons other than COVID-19 do not have to be displaced.

Q: We’ve heard it’s best to limit the time spent in the hospital. Are you discharging birthing parents earlier than usual?

A: Dr. Worth is trying to send people home a day early: one day post-birth for vaginal births, and two days post-birth for c-sections.

Q: What testing needs to be done on the baby, and how does early discharge affect testing plans?

A: If the baby is medically clear and needs to be discharged prior to 24 hours of life, then they still need to receive the New York State Newborn Screen and a congenital heart disease test in a timely fashion. Check with your doctor to see if they can receive these tests in your pediatrician’s office rather than in the hospital post-birth.

Q: Are hospitals reducing the number of shared recovery rooms to mitigate COVID-19 spread?

A: Dr. Worth has not heard anything about this possibility, but her hospital is having all babies rooming in.

Q: Will I have to be separated from my baby if I test positive for COVID-19?

A: The Royal College of London is not currently recommending separation. COVID-19 is not present in the breastmilk, so transmission would be through respiratory droplets. If the birthing parent tests positive, options would include breastfeeding with increased hygiene precautions (handwashing, mask) and pumping milk to be fed to the baby by a healthy individual. Regardless, parents should continue breastfeeding even if they test positive. The antibodies in the breastmilk will help protect the baby.

INFANCY

Q: How concerned should I be about newborns catching COVID-19?

A: In general, babies and children under 20 years have fared well with the virus. That said, a recent study showed a higher incidence of severe and complicated cases in the under one year population. However, some of the cases in that study were only presumed COVID-19; the babies might not even have had it, or they might have had it in addition to other respiratory problems affecting that age group, such as RSV. Bottom line: Play it safe and keep your under-one-year-old extra protected.

Q: What do I do if I think my newborn might be sick?

A: If a baby is under four weeks of age and has a fever, they must go to the hospital. That has always been true, regardless of COVID-19. Similarly, issues such as poor feeding, lethargy, and jaundice call for immediate care. To qualify as having a fever, a baby’s temperature must be 100.4°F or 38°C. Please use a rectal temperature for babies under two months of age in order to ensure the most accurate reading.

Q: Is it safe to use ibuprofen to treat COVID-19 symptoms?

A: At this time, the WHO has retracted their earlier statement that described increased risks associated with using ibuprofen to treat COVID-19. Dr. Capiola reminds you that the fever itself is not the problem (unless your baby is under eight weeks); rather, the fever is part of our body’s natural response to fighting an infection. If ibuprofen helps to make your feverish child more comfortable, then use it, but don’t feel like it’s crucial to bring that number down.

Q: Should I bring my infant in for their regularly scheduled early doctor’s visits?

A: The American Academy of Pediatrics stated this week that children up to four years old need to continue with their regularly scheduled early well visits, and especially their vaccinations. (The last thing we need is a pertussis epidemic on top of a COVID-19 pandemic). Older kids’ check-ups can be more optional or conducted via telemedicine.

Q: Can healthy, asymptomatic grandparents and family members visit my newborn?

A: At this point, the official recommendation is that people over 70 should not leave the home, and nonessential social interactions should be limited as much as possible. It’s best for grandparents and family members to visit virtually during this time.

For more support, check out boober’s COVID-19 resources and virtual doula services, or email Jada at " style="color: purple;"> . Here is a link to boober’s upcoming virtual classes. 

Jaqueline Worth, MD, Physician and Author @Village Obstetrics and Village Maternity, graduated from The Brearley School, Bryn Mawr College, and Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. She has been an obstetrician for nearly twenty years, and has delivered thousands of babies. Her practice, Village Obstetrics, is dedicated to working with women to achieve a safe birth that meets their individual needs. She is also a co-founder of and co-physician at Village Maternity, a collaborative physician-midwife practice in downtown Manhattan and soon, Park Slope. She is the proud mother of two young women, lives in New York City, and spends much of her time delivering babies and witnessing the miracle of life at Mount Sinai Hospital. She is the co-author, along with Adrienne L. Simone, MD, and Danielle Claro, of The New Rules of Pregnancy, available on Amazon. The book is the 2019 National Parenting Product Award Winner.

Julie G. Capiola, MD, IBCLC, Pediatrician and Lactation Consultant @Premier Pediatrics and The First Month, completed her residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital, where she was awarded the prestigious Morris Krosnick, M.D. award. This award is given annually to the senior resident who best exemplifies the qualities of caring, compassion, dedication, and the pediatrician whom you would most like to take care of your own children. She has been in practice for 12 years is also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

Jada Shapiro is the founder of boober, where parents find expert in-person doulas, lactation consultants, and other maternal care providers. She also founded Birth Day Presence, NYC's top childbirth education and doula training center. A doula, childbirth educator, lactation counselor, mother and step-mother, she has assisted hundreds of births, taught thousands of families about childbirth, consulted about birth and lactation on major motion pictures, and regularly offers her expertise to media outlets like the New York Times and Today.

Delivery and Infancy during COVID-19: Expert Tips

Details

Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

The current coronavirus crisis is a constantly moving target, with information and official guidance seeming to shift by the hour. Now more than ever, expectant New Yorkers are in need of reliable advice on how best to promote safety and health during the delivery process and the immediate days after. We hope these questions and answers from Jaqueline Worth, MD, and Julie G. Capiola, MD, IBCLC—sourced from a recent webinar hosted by boober founder Jada Shapiro—will be a source of reassurance during these uncertain times.

Please note: Information is changing daily regarding hospitals and policies. Please check with your birthing hospital and pediatrician for the most up to date information.

PRE-DELIVERY

Q: How should I handle prenatal physician visits? Are they still happening in person?

A: Dr. Worth recommends limiting nonessential visits, and is offering telemedicine for any patients who don’t feel safe coming to the office. She is providing urine dipsticks for patients and recommending that they have a blood pressure cuff and other instruments on hand to check their vitals. One thing that’s not possible remotely is checking the fetal heart rate, so Dr. Worth is advising patients to track fetal movement and using the results as a surrogate for healthy fetal status.

Q: Looking toward a potential shortage of hospital beds, should I consider being induced or scheduling a c-section?

A: It’s a reasonable question—should I just get it over with before things get worse? In making this decision, consider that induction does almost always expose a patient to a longer time in labor in the hospital (20+ hours), while a c-section is the fastest way to give birth but does expose a patient to a longer recovery time in the hospital.

Q: Am I more susceptible to coronavirus because I’m pregnant?

A: There’s no evidence that expectant parents are more susceptible to the virus or that it can be passed to the baby while pregnant.

Q: If I’m currently trying to get pregnant, should I stop?

A: It’s a good idea to delay a few weeks—just a brief pause—and then reassess.

DURING DELIVERY

Q: Are non-birthing partners being allowed into the delivery room?

A: This isn’t currently true at Dr. Worth’s hospital, but some hospitals are restricting who is allowed into the delivery room to guard against the spread of COVID-19. We have to accept this fact in the context of a public health emergency, and trust that the experts are doing what is necessary to protect us. Protocol is updated day to day, so check with your hospital.

Q: What are the options for virtual support during childbirth?

A: People may not realize that there’s such a thing as virtual doula care, but there certainly is, and boober is currently advising all clients to adopt it. Remember that, at this point, the guidance is to avoid other people completely. Having your doula in the delivery room via FaceTime, or even just being able to call them on the phone, can be a huge help.

Q: Regarding staffing and specifically the presence of nonessential staff in the delivery room, how are hospitals implementing safety protocols?

A: Dr. Worth reports that hospitals are trying to minimize the number of people in the room, both to keep parents safe and to reduce the risk for staff. If a birthing parent is COVID-positive, there would be an extra deep-cleaning protocol for the room.

POST-DELIVERY

Q: During and after delivery, will I have to be moved into a different hospital or otherwise adapt to a diminished number of rooms?

A: Dr. Worth has not heard anything about this possibility. There seems to be an effort to find additional spaces for coronavirus patients (e.g., Governor Cuomo has called for the Javits Center to be used as a field hospital) so that those in the hospital for reasons other than COVID-19 do not have to be displaced.

Q: We’ve heard it’s best to limit the time spent in the hospital. Are you discharging birthing parents earlier than usual?

A: Dr. Worth is trying to send people home a day early: one day post-birth for vaginal births, and two days post-birth for c-sections.

Q: What testing needs to be done on the baby, and how does early discharge affect testing plans?

A: If the baby is medically clear and needs to be discharged prior to 24 hours of life, then they still need to receive the New York State Newborn Screen and a congenital heart disease test in a timely fashion. Check with your doctor to see if they can receive these tests in your pediatrician’s office rather than in the hospital post-birth.

Q: Are hospitals reducing the number of shared recovery rooms to mitigate COVID-19 spread?

A: Dr. Worth has not heard anything about this possibility, but her hospital is having all babies rooming in.

Q: Will I have to be separated from my baby if I test positive for COVID-19?

A: The Royal College of London is not currently recommending separation. COVID-19 is not present in the breastmilk, so transmission would be through respiratory droplets. If the birthing parent tests positive, options would include breastfeeding with increased hygiene precautions (handwashing, mask) and pumping milk to be fed to the baby by a healthy individual. Regardless, parents should continue breastfeeding even if they test positive. The antibodies in the breastmilk will help protect the baby.

INFANCY

Q: How concerned should I be about newborns catching COVID-19?

A: In general, babies and children under 20 years have fared well with the virus. That said, a recent study showed a higher incidence of severe and complicated cases in the under one year population. However, some of the cases in that study were only presumed COVID-19; the babies might not even have had it, or they might have had it in addition to other respiratory problems affecting that age group, such as RSV. Bottom line: Play it safe and keep your under-one-year-old extra protected.

Q: What do I do if I think my newborn might be sick?

A: If a baby is under four weeks of age and has a fever, they must go to the hospital. That has always been true, regardless of COVID-19. Similarly, issues such as poor feeding, lethargy, and jaundice call for immediate care. To qualify as having a fever, a baby’s temperature must be 100.4°F or 38°C. Please use a rectal temperature for babies under two months of age in order to ensure the most accurate reading.

Q: Is it safe to use ibuprofen to treat COVID-19 symptoms?

A: At this time, the WHO has retracted their earlier statement that described increased risks associated with using ibuprofen to treat COVID-19. Dr. Capiola reminds you that the fever itself is not the problem (unless your baby is under eight weeks); rather, the fever is part of our body’s natural response to fighting an infection. If ibuprofen helps to make your feverish child more comfortable, then use it, but don’t feel like it’s crucial to bring that number down.

Q: Should I bring my infant in for their regularly scheduled early doctor’s visits?

A: The American Academy of Pediatrics stated this week that children up to four years old need to continue with their regularly scheduled early well visits, and especially their vaccinations. (The last thing we need is a pertussis epidemic on top of a COVID-19 pandemic). Older kids’ check-ups can be more optional or conducted via telemedicine.

Q: Can healthy, asymptomatic grandparents and family members visit my newborn?

A: At this point, the official recommendation is that people over 70 should not leave the home, and nonessential social interactions should be limited as much as possible. It’s best for grandparents and family members to visit virtually during this time.

For more support, check out boober’s COVID-19 resources and virtual doula services. Here is a link to boober’s upcoming virtual classes. Please email Jada if you need help now: 

Jaqueline Worth, MD, Physician and Author @Village Obstetrics and Village Maternity, graduated from The Brearley School, Bryn Mawr College, and Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. She has been an obstetrician for nearly twenty years, and has delivered thousands of babies. Her practice, Village Obstetrics, is dedicated to working with women to achieve a safe birth that meets their individual needs. She is also a co-founder of and co-physician at Village Maternity, a collaborative physician-midwife practice in downtown Manhattan and soon, Park Slope. She is the proud mother of two young women, lives in New York City, and spends much of her time delivering babies and witnessing the miracle of life at Mount Sinai Hospital. She is the co-author, along with Adrienne L. Simone, MD, and Danielle Claro, of The New Rules of Pregnancy, available on Amazon. The book is the 2019 National Parenting Product Award Winner.

Julie G. Capiola, MD, IBCLC, Pediatrician and Lactation Consultant @Premier Pediatrics and The First Month, completed her residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital, where she was awarded the prestigious Morris Krosnick, M.D. award. This award is given annually to the senior resident who best exemplifies the qualities of caring, compassion, dedication, and the pediatrician whom you would most like to take care of your own children. She has been in practice for 12 years is also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

Jada Shapiro is the founder of boober, where parents find expert in-person doulas, lactation consultants, and other maternal care providers. She also founded Birth Day Presence, NYC's top childbirth education and doula training center. A doula, childbirth educator, lactation counselor, mother and step-mother, she has assisted hundreds of births, taught thousands of families about childbirth, consulted about birth and lactation on major motion pictures, and regularly offers her expertise to media outlets like the New York Times and Today.