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2019 / Archives for October 2019

Archives for October 2019

2015 Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway Part 1

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This year’s Holiday Gift Guide has something for everyone! We’re giving away over $1000 in prizes to 14 lucky winners throughout November and December.

ask amyAsk Amy Doll
SRP $120 • www.askamydoll.com

With natural-looking moving lips, blinking eyes and the ability to respond to language, Ask Amy is truly unique. The interactive doll is able to respond to a dozen verbal prompts and questions with varied answers, songs and stories.

 

dino combo

Animal Planet Interactive T-Rex & Discovery Dinopedia Book
SRP $49.94 • www.animalplanet.com • www.discovery.com

It’s one roaringly cool prehistoric package! The T-Rex features swinging head and tail action, motion active lights and sound, plus five touch points that trigger a variety of dino sounds. The Dinopedia book from Discovery’s unique “Opedia” series includes over 400 eye-popping color photos and hundreds of cool dinosaur facts.

 

MLP Canterlot Castle Playset

My Little Pony Canterlot Castle
SRP $79.99 • www.hasbrotoyshop.com

Create mystical, royal adventures in this incredible three-story castle! Venture up the grand staircase leading to a beautiful throne that can slide up and down between floors. Playset includes a special edition Princess Celestia pony figure, Spike the Dragon figure, tiara and themed accessories.

 

Play All Day Elmo

Play All Day Elmo
SRP $59.99 • <www.hasbrotoyshop.com

It’s the by the most exciting and playful Elmo to date! Featuring 150+ responses and eight games and activities that will keep little ones laughing all day long.

 

 

7-in-1 Multi-Cooker and Fryer-

T-Fal 7-In-1 Multi-Cooker & Fryer
SRP $99.99 • www.t-falusa.com

Time to get cooking! This multi-functioning product features seven versatile cooking functions, allowing the user to fry, braise, sauté, simmer, brown, boil / pasta, and keep food warm. The removable, dishwasher safe bowl with non-stick coating makes for easy clean up.

CLICK HERE to see Part 2 of our Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway


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Strategies to Help Kids Focus on Schoolwork

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Some youngsters experience difficulty when the time comes to focus on their schoolwork. Such difficulties may be linked to a variety of factors, and parents can be overwhelmed as they attempt to identify the root cause of their youngsters’ struggles in the classroom.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 6.4 million American children between the ages of four and 17 have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. ADHD most often occurs in children, and these children may have difficulty with concentrating, paying attention, staying organized, and remembering details. But not all children struggling to focus on their studies have ADHD. Parents who want to help their kids overcome their issues with regard to focusing can consider a host of approaches and strategies.

  • Speak with a qualified healthcare professional. Because ADHD is so common, parents should seek the opinion of a licensed healthcare professional to determine if their child has the disorder. According to the National Resource Center on ADHD (www.help4adhd.org), psychiatrists, pediatricians, neurologists, psychologists, and certain licensed counselors or therapists are qualified to diagnose ADHD. Determining if a child has ADHD is a great first step toward helping that youngster overcome his or her struggles in the classroom. A qualified healthcare professional can help develop a strategy to improve focus, and that may include prescribing medication to improve the child’s ability to concentrate.
  • Speak with your child’s teacher. Students who don’t have ADHD can still have trouble focusing on their schoolwork, and parents of such students may want to speak to their children’s teachers to solve the problem. Educators have significant experience dealing with students who have trouble focusing, and they may be able to make certain suggestions to help kids focus on their work.
  • Minimize distractions at home. Some kids may do well in class but find it hard to focus once they arrive home. That’s because home often has far more distractions than the classroom. Once the time comes for your child to do his or her homework, minimize distractions that can compromise his or her ability to focus. Turn off the television and take kids’ phones away if they have their own phones. During homework time, only allow them to use their computers for their lessons and not to connect with friends via social media. Parents also should make sure they aren’t the distraction. Let kids do their work in peace and quiet, offering to help if need be, but steering clear of kids work areas so they are encouraged to focus and not strike up conversations with mom or dad.
  • Make lists. Some kids focus better when they know exactly what they have to do. Encourage such youngsters to make lists of their assignments and check items off as they are completed. Checking items off can give kids a sense of accomplishment, which can motivate them to stay focused on their schoolwork going forward.
  • Encourage breaks. A breather every so often can help kids avoid growing tired. Make sure kids don’t take up another task, such as playing video games or watching television, during their breaks. But keep in mind that standing up every so often to walk around or get a glass of water can help them.

after school dance class
Read Next | Find Great After School Programs in Staten Island

Great Gifts for Dear Old Dad

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Fathers-Day

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and the time has come once again to begin searching for a gift for dear old dad. Father’s Day gift shoppers have long since abandoned the notion that a new necktie is what dad really wants, but finding a gift that expresses your love and appreciation for the old man can still prove somewhat challenging.

Oftentimes, the best gifts are the ones that fulfill a need or want, and Father’s Day gifts are no exception. The following are a handful of Father’s Day gift ideas for dads whose hobbies run the gamut.

The Sports Nut

Dads who can’t get enough of their favorite teams would no doubt appreciate some new gear or even tickets to see their favorite teams play. Since 1999, Staten Island has been home to the minor league team, the Staten Island Yankees. If you opt to buy tickets to a ballgame, make it a family affair, as dad would no doubt appreciate an afternoon at the ballpark with his kids and/or grandkids. For a father who no longer lives in the market where his teams play, consider purchasing a streaming service or television package that allows him to see his favorite team no matter where he’s living.

Read Next | Strategies to Help Kids Focus on Schoolwork

The Movie Mogul

Some dads simply can’t get enough of the silver screen, and a streaming service that allows dad to watch many of his favorite movies on demand from the comforts of home might make the perfect gifts for film-loving fathers. Services like Netflix and Amazon Prime offer hundreds of titles, and monthly or yearly subscriptions cost relatively little money. If Dad is the type who prefers seeing movies on the big screen, gift certificates redeemable at a local movie theater is a welcomed treat.

The Outdoorsman

Fathers who love the great outdoors might appreciate some new camping gear, a new fishing pole or even some comfortable hiking boots. When shopping for the outdoorsman in your life, consider which outdoor activity is his favorite (i.e., boating, fishing, kayaking, etc.) and try to find the latest useful gadget or newest product made for such enthusiasts. If you don’t share the same passion for the great outdoors and are hesitant to buy something you’re unsure about, a gift certificate to an outdoorsman or sporting goods store will suffice.

Read Next | Finding My Way Back to Fine

The Doting Grandfather

Some men simply want to spend more time with family, especially grandfathers who never tire of afternoons with their grandchildren. If dad has retired and moved away, a trip to see his grandkids might make the ideal gift this Father’s Day. Arrange the dates with mom so you are not surprising dad with a trip at a time when he already has plans, and make sure to schedule some fun activities for those days when dad is in town.

Father’s Day is a time each year when dads are told how much they are loved and appreciated. This year, a gift that implies both those sentiments is sure to make dad smile.

after school dance class
Read Next | Find Great After School Programs in Staten Island

Miles and Miles of Milestones

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What doctors and child development experts refer to as “developmental milestones” are just specific things that most children can do by a certain age. Children reach milestones in many areas – in how they play, learn, speak, and act. These milestones act as checkpoints in a child’s development and give parents and professionals a general idea of what to expect your child to be able to do at a given age.  From the very start, young children are aware of their surroundings and interested in exploring them.  Even from early infancy, babies are active learners, gathering and organizing knowledge about their world and learning about themselves.

All children develop at their own pace, so it is impossible to tell exactly when your child will learn a new skill, but developmental milestones will serve as a guide to indicate when particular skills are generally achieved. There is a “range of normal limits” for reaching milestones, and during this timeframe professionals can predict when most children will learn different sets of skills.

Milestones develop in a sequential fashion which means that a child will need to develop some skills before he or she can develop another. For example, children must learn to sit before they can learn to stand. Each milestone that a child acquires builds on the last milestone achieved. Not reaching a milestone at all, or not reaching one within the range of normal limits, can be indicative of a developmental delay in a particular area.

There are different types of developmental milestones – physical (fine and gross motor), cognitive, social/emotional and communication/language skills.

Physical milestones

pertain to the development of both gross (large) and fine motor skills. The large motor skills are usually the first to develop in a young child and are used in sitting, rolling over, crawling, standing and walking. The fine motor skills develop later and require greater precision for tasks such as picking up small objects (like Cheerios), and holding spoons and crayons.

Read Next | 5 Milestones Kids Should Ideally Hit Before Kindergarten

Cognitive milestones

refer to the child’s ability to think, to learn and to solve problems. Very young babies learn by tracking things as they move with their eyes, and by turning towards sounds that they hear. Slightly older babies learn about cause and effect – for example, that pressing a button on a toy makes it light up and make noise. By the time a child is 2 years old, he or she can usually point to pictures in a book and label the picture, while a 4 year-old can be expected to have basic counting skills.

Social and emotional milestones

pertain to a child’s ability to express their own emotions and to respond to the social interactions they have with other people. For example, a 6 month-old child should begin to recognize familiar faces and a 2 year-old should be starting to play with other children.

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Communication and language milestones

refer to the child’s verbal and non-verbal communication skills. For example, a 1 year-old may be waving bye-bye while a 5 year-old may be speaking in complex sentences and telling simple stories.

What if my child does not meet a developmental milestone?

Remember that that each child is an individual and may meet developmental milestones a little earlier or later than other children his or her age. It is important for parents to remember that development is a process and NOT a race, and parents do not need to “rush” their child to the next milestone. It is also important for parents to remember that developmental milestones are guidelines and NOT deadlines. However, if you feel that your child has not met one or more milestones within the appropriate range of time, do not hesitate to ask a professional about your concerns. Your child’s doctor, a pediatric nurse, a child psychologist, or behavior specialist are all trained in child development. There are also many other child specialists who are trained in specific areas of development who can be consulted for help about your child’s development. These include speech pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, and audiologists.  If you are concerned that your child may not be meeting his or her developmental milestones, you should talk to your pediatrician or call 311 for more information on the Early Intervention Program in NYC, which is available to help children from birth through age 2 who may be experiencing developmental delays.

By Helen E. Murphy, Ph.D., BCBA-D for Thursday’s Child, Inc.

three kids at preschool
Read Next | Learn about All the Best Pre-school or Daycare Centers on Staten Island

2018 Summer Reading Programs

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It’s no easy task to keep your kids reading regularly (or at all)  once school is out for  summer. While some kids are natural readers, others may need a little extra motivation to crack open a book during the break. So here’s a list of reading programs that offer up incentives for logging some serious summertime reading hours.

NYPL Summer Reading 2018 – Libraries host books clubs all summer long, and individual library branches each throw their own Summer Reading Kickoff Parties. Here’s the 2018 lineup for the Staten Island library branches:

Dongan Hills Library • June 12, 3:30pm
Born To Read! Library Rock! Born To Read is a Bruce Springsteen-like high energy performance about why libraries rock! The show engages children with songs, comedy, bubbles, music technology and is crafted to inclusive for children of all ages including children on the Autism Spectrum. The show is a great time for parents, teachers and caregivers to have fun at the same time. Presented by Turtle Dance Music.

Great Kills Library • June 21, 3:30pm
Our shows incorporate sing-a-longs, movement, imagination and dramatic play. All of the songs inspire immediate participation. The children will grow like trees, sing like birds and dance like robots. Filled with non-stop action and hip-shaking music, the children and families will be thrilled! Best for ages 0-8 years old with parent/caregiver. Presented by Preschool of Rock.

Huguenot Library • June 19, 3:30pm
Whole new set of games! Just as fun as the first one! Includes small prizes for all the kids who attend! For children of all ages. Presented by Pete and Chris.

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Mariner’s Harbor Library • June 28, 3:30pm
Whole new set of games! Just as fun as the first one! Includes small prizes for all the kids who attend! For children of all ages. Presented by Pete and Chris

New Dorp Library • June 28, 1pm
Music and Movement celebrating NYC history, parks, people, and, of course, Urban Cowpokes! Whimsical and musical, fun for children ages 0-8 with their parents and grandparents who will love the playful lyrics and “New Yorkified” adaptations of the classic cowboy songs of the silver screen. Hopalong Andrew adapts the classic cowboy songs to reflect life as an urban cowpoke. This program’s built-in activities to encourage participation and interaction, creating a fun and positive space to play, sing and rhythm training.

Port Richmond Library • June 28, 1pm
Come to the Port Richmond Library and join us for our Summer Reading Kick Off Celebration. Enjoy a Balloon Sculpture Giveaway, Children’s Craft, Face Painting, Music Challenge, Refreshments, & Raffle Giveaways 1 PM: Children’s Craft & Raffle Tickets 2 PM: Balloon Sculptures & Face Painting 3 PM: Music Challenge & PIZZA Party 4 PM: RAFFLE Giveaways!

Richmond Town Library • June 26, 3pm
Born To Read! Library Rock! Born To Read is a Bruce Springsteen-like high energy performance about why libraries rock! The show engages children with songs, comedy, bubbles, music technology and is crafted to inclusive for children of all ages including children on the Autism Spectrum. The show is a great time for parents, teachers and caregivers to have fun at the same time. Presented by Turtle Dance Music.

South Beach Library • June 15, 2:30pm
Encounter hawks, owls, falcons or other species up close as we explore the adaptations of these winged wonders and examine the mechanics behind bird flight! Touch raptor artifacts such as talons, skulls, and feathers. A lucky volunteer may even get to help with some of the demonstrations. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Limit to 25-75 participants only. Presented by New Canaan Nature Center.

St. George Library • June 26, 1pm
Get your dancing shoes on and get ready to celebrate summer with a fabulous Summer Dance Party featuring the limbo, freeze dance and so much more. Mr. Patrick will supply the music, the silly puppets and the Hawaiian leis; all you have to do is dance and be ready for some fabulous fun! Best for babies 0-10 years old with their parent/caregiver. Presented by Music with Patrick.

Stapleton Library • June 7, 10am-5pm
A full day of celebrations featuring: Preschool Storytime, The Dewey Decibels (Stapleton Library Band), Welcome Ceremony, Art Event, The Mighty String Demons Musical Performance, Author Event with Eric Velasquez, Bobaloo’s Music and Storytelling Performance, The Art of Beatboxing, Music & Jam Session with Caroline Cutroneo, The Music, Bubble, and Comedy Show: Born to Read! Libraries Rock, and The Amazing World of Animals.

Todt Hill/Westerleigh Library • June 12, 4pm
This Summer we’ll bring families on an out-of-this-world experience where we teach new vocabulary related to Jungle Animals, Body Parts, Making New Friends, Fruits, and Going to the Beach!!! The curriculum is fun and engaging for kids of all ages and their parents. All teachers are native Spanish speakers who play guitar, percussion, and use puppets to teach in the most engaging way! Live music is the best way to learn! Families get to bond through an intergenerational bubble dance party extravaganza at the end of each class. And it is so much more than just a language program!!! Bilingual Birdies celebrates Latin culture in a time that is very important to embrace diversity.

Tottenville Library • June 6, 4pm
Born To Read! Library Rock! Born To Read is a Bruce Springsteen-like high energy performance about why libraries rock! The show engages children with songs, comedy, bubbles, music technology and is crafted to inclusive for children of all ages including children on the Autism Spectrum. The show is a great time for parents, teachers and caregivers to have fun at the same time. Presented by Turtle Dance Music

Read Next | Double Blessings: What It’s Like Having Twins

West New Brighton Library • June 18, 3:30pm
Whole new set of games! Just as fun as the first one! Includes small prizes for all the kids who attend! For children of all ages. Presented by Pete and Chris

Dates are subject to change. Please call ahead to confirm.
Click here for hours and locations of all Staten Island Library branches.

NYPL Build a Better World Through Reading Summer Reading Challenge – Kids can write a book review for a chance to see the Yankees, meet a player, and take a bow on the field at Yankee Stadium! Deadline July 31

Staten Island Borough President’s Summer Reading Challenge
Stay tuned for more info!

Total Fitness Challenge
Stay tuned for more info!

Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program – Kids fill out the Summer Reading Journal and earn a free book from Barnes and Noble Reading Journal List.

Scholastic A Magical Summer of Reading Summer Reading Challenge – Kids can read and log minutes all summer, unlock stories and earn rewards, enter to win free books, and help set a new reading world record.

Chuck E. Cheese Reading Rewards – Kids win 10 free tokens for filling out the reading rewards calendar at Chuck E. Cheese.

Sylvan Book Adventures – Kids can read books, take quizzes, and earn prizes for their reading success.

Reading Rewards – Parents can set up their own Reading Rewards program to get their kids reading. Kids read and log their minutes, and parents can decide the perfect reward for reading. The site offers up ideas for for rewards like a day out with mom or a movie with a friend.

Food Network’s Chopped is Casting Kids of All Ages!

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Chopped-logo

How would you like to see your child compete in a hugely popular cooking show on TV? The Food Network is now casting the most talented kid chefs around the country!

Does your kid cook like a professional chef? Food Network is in search of young culinary masterminds between the ages of 9 and 17 who have what it takes to compete on Chopped. If your child is a culinary prodigy that can take the heat in the kitchen and the competition, then complete the application today.

Click here for more information.

Good luck! We know the young chefs of Staten Island chefs will “chop” the competition!

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