Newsflash

What you need to know about ticks!

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash

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

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How To Talk To Kids About Death: Overview

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash, Dealing with Death

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

Presenters:

Amy Cunningham The Inspired Funeral

Liana Smith-Murphy, play, child and adolescent therapist at BrooklynPlayTherapy.com

GW-kids-event

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

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

Resources for Coping with Park Slope's Tragedy

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash

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

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

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

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

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

Resources about coping with this traumatic event:

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

The Doughnut Fix Launch Party

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash, Events

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

Enjoy hands-on activities!

There will be a book sale and signing!

Doughnuts will be served!

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

More Info HERE

Donut Fix

This event is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Top Twenty Baby on the Beach Tips

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash, Traveling With Baby

beachsc

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

Stroller March Sunday!

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash, News

Stroller March June 24th, 2018

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

RSVP HERE

TOP 25 TODDLER TOYS & ACTIVITIES

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash

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

ToddlerToysmall

ACTIVITIES

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

SPECIFIC TOYS

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

Melissa & Doug gets lots of shout outs!

Play Cleaning Supplies
Door Puzzle with magnets
Shape Sorters

Unlimited Vacation Time Pros and Cons

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash, Working Parents

Unlimited Vacation Time Pros and Cons Compilation 2018

I was wondering if anyone actually has experience with "unlimited vacation". When I first heard of it on this list, I thought it was too good to be true, and I was right, at least according to this article I read:

https://medium.com/@wwalser/unlimited-vacation-is-a-dark-perk-and-you-should-use-that-to-your-advantage-f30495f0df23>

I am wondering on average how many vacations people actually end up taking. Anyone dared to take more than 4 weeks (real ones, not work-vacations) and not fear retributions.

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I worked in multiple companies that has such policy. The actual vacation length and frequecy culture varied from company to company and was just not clearly stated, one had to kind ask around to see what's appropriate. It varied from 2 weeks in a row being a very long vacation to 3 weeks + 2 weeks later in the year of being totally fine + some single days here and there.

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Our company went from unlimited vacation to 20 days annually, partially because there was the perception that the policy was being violated, or at the very least being taken advantage of disproportionately. We're a relatively small team so it felt like fairness was paramount to avoiding intra-office mutiny :)

I think the size of the team matters a lot, as well as cultural expectations (of course). We're part of an international company so in a sense it felt fair to mimic the parent company's vacation policy, but that doesn't really work in practice.

I much prefer mandatory office closures for certain periods. My last employer had an office closure the week between Christmas and New Year's, and the thing I liked most about it is that people tended to actually travel during that time, and it felt very much like school when they returned because everyone would share stories from their time off.

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Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts. What I am still unclear about is how this unlimited vacation policy is beneficial to the employee? It is sold as something cool but so far I haven't heard that it adds value compared to the traditional way of stating plain and simple what the vacation days are. So when I am considering joining a company, I have not seen reasons to believe that as a selling point, but rather, just yet another thing to have to deal with within a company culture I don't know yet.

I must be missing something here

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I like set vacation policies better, in theory . Devil is in the details. I just switched firms and my former firm cut me a check for the two weeks I hadn’t used. That meant I didn’t have a pay gap for the time I took between jobs. Very generous of them and since i’m a lawyer in a firm it wasn’t necessary since I wasn’t working at full capacity so I felt strange taking the accrued time (but didn’t complain). I’m in an area that gives 4 weeks of vacation and assumes we are working hard when not away. If I only got a week or two then I might prefer a more “honor” system type of vacation policy. And I wouldn’t abuse it. I don’t take 4 weeks off. I take about 2

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I'm currently interviewing and a few places mentioned their unlimited policy as a selling point. I would prefer a specific amount of days as well because you can get paid out when you leave.

I generally take at least 4 weeks throughout the year because that's what I've had so far at all my jobs and most of that is to visit family overseas.

If we got to the offer stage do you think this is something to bring up to let them know ahead of time? Since I won't know the culture and I don't want them to think I'm taking advantage once I accept.

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My experience with unlimited vacation is:

1. I am on the work-life team of our organization. Research shows that overall people do not take advantage of the policy and in fact overall people take LESS time then if there was a set policy. People NEED vacation to recharge and be productive but there is anxiety around what is the right amount of vacation to take? Most people err on the side of caution and take less in order to fit in with the culture.

2. My husband's company had unlimited vacation. Most people were taking 2 weeks or none. Some of the high powered workahaulics in the org of course are in senior management and they were not taking vacation. Employees took their cue from them and were not utilizing vacation. Now they have 4 weeks PTO and everyone uses it.

And just an FYI, many orgs KNOW that people will not use unlimited vacation but that it sounds great on paper to millennials for recruitment.

I have 4 weeks paid and 1 week personal and the week off between Christmas and New Year's and I use every minute of my vacation and am a really productive employee

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I’ve read analysis that agrees with the feedback above. Typically flexible vacation policies look good on paper but are less favorable for employees and save the employer money.

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We went from a policy of x number of days per year to unlimited. From a corporate perspective it was good because holding millions of dollars in cash is difficult. From an individual perspective (I looked at my days off) and I'm just at 4 weeks from before and after. I also happen to have taken two paternal leave, which for me was 8 weeks each. I had less time off before the policy, for reference.

It comes to how you manage the unlimited policy. I work for StreetEasy, part of Zillow Group, and I encourage people to take time off. Am appropriate work-life balance is encouraged.

I can't say that I've observed much of a difference, though I've seen that some are able to take 5 weeks now without much issue.

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I think it depends on the culture of the organization - at my company, people do indeed take 4 weeks or more of vacation. On top of the actual days off, this policy has affected the culture in that people feel comfortable working from home a lot. Now, when I consider other opportunities, if they offer 3 weeks of vacation, I feel very restricted.

As for how an employer benefits, they do not have to pay for any days not taken and given that empirically, people do not take a ton of time off, that means they're saving money.

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I second these comments (although I worked at the same company as her!). When I started there, I thought the unlimited PTO policy must be too good to be true, but in reality it turned out to be everything I would have hoped. It definitely varied by team but I'd say I took over 4 weeks every year, and one year was 6 weeks. They had a caveat that anything over 30 days in a calendar year was supposed to be approved by your manager's manager.

I'm sure it varied by team, but with a supportive and flexible manager (and after proving your value and working hard!) it was taken seriously and I never sensed any judgment. For a while I wouldn't even consider interviewing anywhere else that didn't have the same policy. At my new job, I have 3 weeks a year and the only way that works for me is with a very flexible culture around working remotely.

I hope to see more companies move in this direction!

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Motherless Mother Resources

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash, Dealing with Death

Motherless Mother Resources

Park Slope Parents has a Motherless Mothers group:

If you are not yet a PSP memer join us here

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

Website Resources

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

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

Articles Shared by PSP members

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

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

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

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

Why Grief Is A Series of Contractions and Expansions

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

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

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

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

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/surviving-the-grief-of-mothering_b_9757374.html

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

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash

In this article:

Outdoors:

Parks & Playgrounds

Ferries, Transport & Islands

Useful Resources:

From NYC.gov: Beat the Heat

Outdoor Activities:

manhattan-1674404 640

Parks & Playgrounds

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

Other parks and playground suggestions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ferries, Transport & Islands

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

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

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

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

young-swimmer-2494904 640

Public Pools

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

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Beaches

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

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

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

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

discus-fish-1943755 640

Zoos & Acquariums

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

Indoor Activities

natural-history-museum

Museums & Libraries

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

New York Transit Museum

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

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

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

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

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

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

popcorn-1433327 640

Local & Private Businesses

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

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

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

Scholastic Store

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

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

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

Further Reading:

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

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

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

In this article:

Outdoors:

Parks & Playgrounds

Ferries, Transport & Islands

Useful Resources:

From NYC.gov: Beat the Heat

Outdoor Activities:

manhattan-1674404 640

Parks & Playgrounds

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

Other parks and playground suggestions:

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

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

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

32641939260 72b1ed23f2 z

Ferries, Transport & Islands

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

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

young-swimmer-2494904 640

Public Pools

7391651508 543f7c3e19 z

Beaches

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

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

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

discus-fish-1943755 640

Zoos & Acquariums

Indoor Activities

natural-history-museum

Museums & Libraries

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

New York Transit Museum

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

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

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

popcorn-1433327 640

Local & Private Businesses

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

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

Scholastic Store

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

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

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

Further Reading:

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

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

How to End the Summer with a Splash

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash

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

1.websitepage.2.splash

Things to do in and around NYC

Walk around the Lullwater at Prospect Park

1.websitepage.2

Lullwater.Summer

Get water squirters and have a water fight

Visit a playground with a water feature (Imagination Playground, 3rd Street or Harmony Playground)

Harmony Playground

Look for bats at dusk by the Prospect Park baseball fields
Head to one of the Farmer’s Markets around the hood and make dinner
Watch the sunset together as a family (Red Hook, Bear Mountain and Coney Island all have great views)
Swim at one of the local pools or take a trip to Bear Mountain pool

Things to do anywhere

Blow bubbles or make giant bubbles (find the recipe for giant bubbles below)
Get the kids out of bed early in the morning and go to the beach to watch the sunrise (Coney Island works!).

1.websitepage.bubble

Go through your photos. Print out great ones to put up on the walls. Create an online album and print one out for each of your kids so they all have their own copy.
Have an End of Summer Celebration and come up with some lifelong traditions (using some of the ideas above).
Start a gratitude routine. Go around the room (dining table, campfire, etc.) and say what you are thankful for. You can start with “I’m grateful,” “I’m thankful” or “I appreciate” and choose anything about your life, family, friends, or summer highlights. Put these in a jar and read them at the end of the year.
Have an "I’m excited for" routine where you can express what things you are looking forward to in the future.

OH! And square up with Summer Camp Counselors if you want to thank them for their hard work!

With school on the horizon
Talk about the upcoming school year to make the transition easier. Discuss with your kids how they'll make new friends, go to fun playdates, and have a great school year. If you have a PreK or Kindergartener there are dedicated groups on PSP with meetups by school. See our Tips for the First Day of School (including preparations!)

*Giant Bubble Recipe

1 cup Simply Dawn (not concentrated- very important!). some of the bodegas have this as does Home Depot (a big one cheap!)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp powered J Lube (maybe something you have on hand will work?) You can order this on Amazon (I don’t know of a local resource)

Giant Bubble Wand
Wooden dowels (our local hardware stores have these but so do Lowe’s and Home Depot)
String- baker’s twine works, but cotton clothe’s line works really well if you take out the center.
Rubber bands to attach string to the end of the dowels.

There are 3 basic types of wands on THIS page.

HAPPY END OF SUMMER!

1.websitepage.GAPbubble

Fall and Halloween Events -- 2018 Edition

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash

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

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

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

78th Precinct’s Halloween Haunted House
When: Thursday, October 26-Monday, October 30, 4pm to 9pm
Where: 65 6th Avenue, Park Slope/Prospect Heights
How Much: Free
What: The 78th Police Precinct’s chilling, third annual Halloween Haunted House here. This is a scary, things jump out at you kind of experience, not for the faint of heart or young of spirit (or me!).

Saturday October 27th, 2018

2018.GhoulsandGourds.BBG

Ghouls & Gourds

Where: Brooklyn Botanical Garden (has three entrances: 150 Eastern Parkway, 455 Flatbush Avenue, 990 Washington Avenue)
When: Saturday, October 27, 2018 12 –5:30 p.m.
How much: members and kids under 12 free, tickets $10-15
What: Enjoy spectacular shows and weird workshops, meet local authors and illustrators at the book barn, and join in on the day’s grand finale: Brooklyn’s wackiest costume parade, featuring colossal puppets, giant drums, and stilt dancers.

2018.prospectparkhauntedwalk

Halloween Haunted Walk & Fair @ Prospect Park --- CANCELLED

Brooklyn BOO! Prospect Park After Party at City Point.

Where: Citypoint, 445 Albee Square West, Downtown Brooklyn
When: Saturday, October 27,2018 2 – 5 pm
How much: free but registration is recommended
What: Costume contest, photo booth, pumpkin patch, Nail Art, Face painting and more!

Spooktacular
When: Sat Oct 27th, 11am - 2pm
Where: Audubon Center, Carousel, Lefferts Historic House, NethermeadPs 282, 180 6th Ave
Get your costumes on and join us at PS 282 for an afternoon of Halloween fun! A sizzling BBQ by one of our fabulous chef dads will entice visitors young and old with burgers, hotdogs and corn, a variety of spooky treats will be available at the cake stall and all children will love the carnival Halloween themed games in the gym, getting their faces painted and rocking out in our costume parade and dance party!
For older children looking for a fright, we are unveiling a frightening spooky room and for the little makers we have a place to chill-out and craft.
Great way to escape the cold, have fun for the whole family and get in the mood for Halloween while supporting our lovely school, can’t wait to see you there!

Beyond x Industry City: Kids' Halloween Parade
When: Saturday, October 27, 10am to 4pm
Where: Industry City, The Frying Pan Wheelhouse, Courtyard 5-6
How Much: Free
What: Beyond and Industry City's second annual Kids' Halloween Parade...

Kids’ Halloween Parade & Trick-or-Treat

When: Saturday, October 27, 11:30 am to 3pm
Where: Industry City
What: Not one but two parades at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. Playhouse, arts and crafts, face painting and trick or treat at the food mall.

Sunday October 28th, 2018

18th Annual Fort Greene Park Halloween Festival
When: Saturday, October 27, 11:30 am to 3pm
Where: Fort Greene Park, Fort Greene (Central Lawn)
How much: Suggested $5 donation per day of event entrant.
What: The 17th Annual Fort Greene Park Halloween Festival. Rides, games, prizes, face-painting, crafts, live music, and more!

Pumpkins, Pirates, Pizza and Parades! The PSP Halloween Costume Contest and more!
Where: The Old Stone House & Washington Park
When: Sunday, October 28, 2018 12:00 p.m.–3:30:00 p.m.
How much: free to enter the halloween contest, pumpkins and pizza pay as you go.
What: Wear your Halloween costume, with prizes for best in show! Plus, paint pumpkins and make pizza in the Old Stone House outdoor oven. The day will end with a mini-parade around the park with band Paprika; great for little ones who can’t make the larger parade on the 31st whch starts at 6:30!

Sean Casey Animal Rescue's Howl-o-ween Block Party
When: Sunday, October 28th, 12pm-5pm
Where: 153 East 3rd Street, between Caton Ave & Ft Hamilton Pkwy, Windsor Terrace (the entire block!)
How Much: Free
The animal rescue's 11th Annual Howl-o-ween Bark Block Party presents games, crafts, DJ, live entertainment, raffles, animal welfare information booths and pet adoptions. Costume contest and howling contests for kids and dogs. Sign up begins at noon for contests.

Pierrepont Playground Halloween Parade
When: Sunday, October 28, 10am
Where: Pierrepont Playground, Pierrepont Place, Brooklyn Heights
What: An annual Halloween parade followed by a bake sale, crafts, and playground fun!

The 20th Annual Great PUPkin 2018
When: Sunday, October 28, 11:30am to 1pm
How Much: $10 registration fee per dogWhere: Fort Greene Park (at Washington Park), Fort Greene
What: Fort Greene Pups' 19th annual Great PUPkin—”Brooklyn’s largest and most outrageous dog costume contest." Watch cutie pattutie dogs compete for one of ten Great PUPkin rosettes with prizes donated by local businesses.

Final Artwork.Take2

Park Slope Civic Council's Annual Children's Halloween Parade

When: October 31, 2018 at 6:30
Where: Parade Start 14th Street and 7th Avenue, ending at the Old Stone House at Washington Park on 5th Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets.
How Much: Free
What: Children of all ages, including the young-at-heart, are welcome to join in the largest children's Halloween parade in the United States. Please let the paraders pass and join at the back!

BAMBoo!
When: October 31, 2018 4pm - 7pm
Where: 30 Lafayette Ave between Ashland Pl and St. Felix St
How Much: Free
What: This is a Ft. Greene based Halloween block party. Family-friendly music and mischief kicks off at 4pm!

Rocky Horror Picture Show Live Karaoke Revue and Halloween Extravaganza presented by The Occasionalists
Where: The Bell House
When: Weneday, October 31, 2018 Doors at 7pm, Show at 8:00
How much: $12/$15 day of show - VIP tickets available.
What: A 21 and over benefit for The Center for Anti-Violence Education. Every year, on Halloween, The Occasionalists do a special Rocky Horror Picture Show live karaoke night in which they play two complete live karaoke sets of the movie soundtrack with singers from the audience doing all the lead vocals. In between the two sets, they have a costume contest with some great prizes and there is also a raffle in which one can win, among other things, two round-trip airfares. To make the show even more fun, we have NYC RHPS who are the longest running group of Rocky Horror shadow casters (the people who act out the movie in front of the movie) who perform with the clips. Last but not least, the show is a benefit show for The Center for Anti-Violence Education, a Park Slope-based organization that "develops and implements comprehensive violence prevention programs for underserved individuals and organizations. https://caeny.org. The band proudly donates all proceeds to CAE.VIP package includes open bar (beer, wine and well cocktails) from 7 -9pm and a gift bag.

The Intellectual Vitamin for Kids: Dual Language Preschool

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash, Being a Parent

Holiday Happenings 2018

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):.Have another holiday event to add? Email for review. Scroll to the bottom for Photos with Santa!

DykerHeights.Website

Photos with Santa Clause at the Old Stone House

Saturday, December 8th
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.

Klezmer Hanukkah Party
Saturday, December 8
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/events/klezmer-hanukkah-party-2/

5th Annual Fort Greene Park Holiday Tree Lighting (Changed from 12/2)
Sunday, December 9nd
4 - 5:30pm
NEW LOCATION! The lighting this year will take place at the northwest corner of Fort Greene Park, near the Myrtle Ave & St Edwards St entrance.
Free hot cocoa and cookies, live music meet Santa and MORE!
http://myrtleavenue.org/event/5th-annual-fort-greene-holiday-tree-lighting/

Chanukah Village in Park Slope
Sunday, December 9
3 PM – 4:30 PM
For one day only, 5th Avenue in Park Slope will be transformed into a magical Chanukah Village! Free but please RSVP here.

Borough Hall Christmas Tree Lighting
Wednesday, December 12th
5:30 – 6pm
In front of Borough Hall in the Plaza
Holiday refreshments and musical entertainment at the annual tree lighting at Borough Hall Plaza on Wednesday, December 12 from 5.30 to 6 PM.
http://www.brooklyn-usa.org/event/christmas-tree-lighting-2/

Santa at Greenwood Park
Saturday, December 15th
Greenwood Park, 555 7th Avenue
Free
1 – 5:00pm

Santa on 5th Ave in Park Slope
Saturday, December 15th
Du Jour Bakery
Free
3 – 4:00pm
Santa will be visiting with a Christmas tree, reindeer, Mrs. Claus and Elf! Carolers along 5th and Dean from 3pm – 5pm as well.

Santa on 5th Ave in Park Slope
Saturday, December 15th
4:30 – 5:30pm
Pure Bistro
Free
Santa will be visiting with a Christmas tree, reindeer, Mrs. Claus and Elf! Carolers along 5th and Dean from 3pm – 5pm as well.

Christmas Caroling around Park Slope!
Saturday, December 15th
4:30 – 6:30pm
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!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 up 7th St to 8th Ave, along 8th Ave to 8th St, down 8th St, and then back 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 Andrea Robinson at ."> . Hope to see you there!

Santa at Greenwood Park
Saturday, December 22nd
Greenwood Park, 555 7th Avenue
Free
1 – 5:00pm

NEW YEAR'S EVE FIREWORKS
Ring in the New Year in Prospect Park! Join Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and Prospect Park Alliance to start off 2019 with a spectacular firework display and live music.

Photos with Santa

MacysSanta.2005

Photos with Santa at Items of Interest in Park Slope
Thursdays – Sundays November 29th – December 23rd

Macy’s Santaland at Herald Square
November 23 – December 24th
Reservations only now, and you get there and still wait, but the Santaland keeps folks occupied. It's still a great tradition.:

Santa Photos at Kings Plaza
Daily from November 8th – December 24th
Reserve your spot online:

Older Events:

Winterfest 2018
Saturday, December 1st
11am - 4pm
Brooklyn Friends School, 375 Pearl Street
Crafts and workshops suitable for all ages

Holiday Market at P.S. 118
Saturday, December 1st
11am - 5pm
Inside P.S. 118 at 211 8th St. and 4th Ave.
Kids’ crafts and activities, delectable treats, and unique holiday gifts from 50+ vendors. Family fun that supports local artists, businesses, and students!

SinterKlass- St. Nicolas Day
Saturday, December 1st
1 – 4pm
Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum (5816 Clarendon Road)
Santa Claus will ride in on horseback at 2:30pm and photos with Santa (for a fee)

Meet Santa on Flatbush Avenue (Ditmas Park)
Saturday, December 1st
11 – 2 PM
815 Flatbush Ave
Santa, Caribbean holiday music, goodie bags for kids (while supplies last), fresh cookies provided by McDonald's at 943 Flatbush, and fun! Hosted by Church Avenue Business Improvement District and Flatbush Avenue BID (SHOP LOCAL!)

Santa on 5th Ave in Park Slope
Saturday, December 1st
3 – 4:30pm
Prospect Bar & Grill
Santa will be visiting with a Christmas tree, reindeer, Mrs. Claus and Elf! Carolers along 5th and Dean from 3pm – 5pm as well.

Jingle Fest! Holiday Concert & Cookie Swap
Saturday, December 1, 3-5pm
3pm Concert, 4pm Cookie Swap
All Saints' Episcopal Church (286-88 7th Ave at 7th Street, Park Slope)
$15 ticket includes refreshments and Santa photo op! | Kids 2 & Under Free | Bring a batch of cookies to exchange and get one free ticket!
Tickets here: https://bkcm.org/events/holiday-concert-cookie-swap/

Kane Street Synagogue Chanukah Party

Sunday, December 2nd
10:30 am – 12 pm
236 Kane Street
$20/family (All are welcome!)
Featuring crafts, cookie decorating, games, and a live musical performance by Shira and Friends! Ages 1-5.

BIG BKLYN Hanukkah Fest
Sunday, December 2nd
2 -5pm
City Point
Celebrate the first night with City Point + The Forward. Dreidel making, puppets, dancing, music, photos with a mensch on a bench and, of course, and LATKES!
FREE and everyone is welcome!

PSJC Hanukkah Party
Sunday, December 2nd
3:00PM - 5:00PM
1320 8th Avenue (at 14th Street)
Fun for children of all ages!
Suggested donation $5/person or $20/family. Visit our website (https://www.psjc.org/event/hanukkah_party) to let us know you are coming or for more information on other upcoming programs!
Light up your Hanukkah at PSJC! Join us for crafts, donut decorating, latkes pajama contest, professional face painting, and more! Plus a donut eating contest, sing-a-long, and candle lighting for the first night.

Brooklyn Artic Adventure (and Virtual Santa)
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays November 24th through December 24th
12 – 9pm
CityPoint |
Virtual Reality Experience. Ages 6 and up.

First Night: Menorah Lighting in DUMBO

Monday, December 3rd
5 - 6pm (lighting at 5:15)
Pearl Street Triangle
Free treats, dreidels, and menorash for all.

Light Up the Holidays at MetroTech
Monday, December 4th
5pm
MetroTech Commons in Downtown Brooklyn.
Celebrate with Santa, live reindeer, and performances by Brooklyn Ballet + Brooklyn Music School.

DUMBO Holiday Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 6th
4 – 7pm (tree lighting at 6pm)
Pearl Street Triangle
https://dumbo.is/hosting/2018-dumbo-holiday-tree-lighting

CAMBA Holiday Tree Lighting and Sing Along
Thursday, December 6th
6- 8pm
This is a fun local event put together by the folks who oversee the women's shelter at the Armory. Hot chocolate, cookies, performances and more!
1402 8th Ave, Park Slope Armory, 8th Ave between 14th and 15th Streets

Thomas Greene Park Holiday Tree Lighting
Friday, December 7th
4 – 6pm
Santa Clause and a big tree! What more could you want!
Gowanus at 3rd Avenue and Douglass Street.

Carroll Park Holiday Tree Lighting
December 7th, 2018
6 – 7pm
Friends of Carroll Park will sing songs and light the Christmas trees.
Louis Valentino, Jr. Ballfield

2018 Holiday Tips Survey: The Results are IN!

Details: Parent Category: Newsflashes; Category: Newsflash, Holidays and Special Events, Gifts and Tipping, Christmas

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

2018HolidayTips

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 $1900 extra if you tip the average amount as holiday gifts this holiday season.
Show gratitude with more than just money. One in three (34%) are giving something more than cash (homemade cookies, treats, wine) to their service providers. As is human nature, appreciation and recognition feel wonderful so going beyond a monetary gift is always appreciated.
More than 9 in 10 (93%) nannies receive a monetary bonus around the holidays. The standard holiday bonus is a week’s pay.
- Caveat: If your nanny hasn’t been working a year then you can give less (e.g., ½ week’s pay if they 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. If they are available to work - and you give them time off without pay - most would rather work for pay than miss out on money to support their family.
Daycare and preschool teachers feel the gratitude. The most frequent monetary amount for head teachers is $50 and $25 for secondary teachers. Unlike K-12, parents typically give separately with two out of three (67%) giving an individual gift only.
Power in (organized) numbers. About nine in ten (88%) parents with kids in K-12 students contribute to a class gift. The most frequently given amount to these teachers is $20 but 45% give more than that amount (most frequently $25 or $50).
Thank the little people. A kind gesture to the folks that support your life (e.g., crossing guards, lunch staff, accountants, after school staff, tutors, and therapists) need to feel appreciated too!

DETAILED FINDINGS:

Personal Neighborhood Service Providers:

Home Related Providers	Average Tip/Gift	Mode*
Superintendent	$122	$100
House Cleaner	$109	$100
Daytime Doorman	$106	$100
Dog Walker	$100	$100
Occasional Babysitter	$121	$100
Nighttime Doorman	$80	$50
Porter	$70	$50
Hair Stylist	$60	$50
Parking Attendant	$51	$40
Package Delivery (non-USPS)	$28	$20
USPS Mail Carrier	$25	$20
New York Sanitation Department Garbage/Truck Recycling	$24	$20
TOTAL	$896	--

*most frequent amount

Daycare, Preschool, and K-12 Teachers*

Almost everyone (88%) give as part of a class gift to their K-12 teachers. Some parents use websites and apps like Frumus, Venmo, Payit2 and Signup Genius to organize and pool donations.

Type of Teacher	Average Tip/Gift	Mode*
Preschool/Daycare Head Teacher	$62	$50
Preschool/Daycare Secondary Teacher	$51	$50
K-12 Teacher*	$40	$25
Special Services Teacher	$36	$25
Afterschool Service Providers	$29	$20

*most frequent amount

Is it against the DOE to give teachers’ gifts? NO. The Department of Education K-12 teachers can 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.” Gifting too much, however, could get your teacher in hot water so avoid that!

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

Nannies

Virtually everyone (98%) use the holidays as an opportunity to give a yearly bonus or gifts.
80% of employers give amounts incremental to a week’s pay. Of these, 84% give a week’s pay, 15% give two week’s pay, and 1% give three week’s pay.
The average end-of-year bonus a nanny will receive is $765.
Almost half (47%) of Brooklyn families with a nanny also give a non-monetary purchased gift as well as a bonus.

Nanny Situation	Average Amount 2018	Average Amount 2017	Average Amount 2016
Full time (over 40 hours/week) (54% of respondents)	$1083	$1032	$969
Part-time (16-40 hours) (21% of respondents)	$530	$551	$540
Part-time (up to 15 hours) (25% of respondents)	$198	$215	$284
OVERALL Average for Nanny	$765	$762	$760

Range $50 - $4000

METHODOLOGY:

408 responses were collected from November 16 - December 5th, 2018 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. 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 6,500 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 75 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 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 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 curated local products and services.
WE'RE EXPANDING! ALL arents who live in Brooklyn can apply for membership here: http ://parkslopeparents.clubexpress.com/