Archives for 2019

2018 Halloween TV & Movie Schedules

October 28, 2019 By Michelle Yannaco

Cozy up on the couch with some popcorn (or candy corn, if you’re feeling festive) and catch a family friendly flick this October! Here’s the spook-tacular TV lineup for 2016. Be sure to check back for updates and new schedules as they become available.

(formerly ABC Family)

Monday, October 1

5pm ParaNorman
7:10pm The Nightmare Before Christmas
8:50pm Hocus Pocus
12am ParaNorman

Tuesday, October 2

5pm The Nightmare Before Christmas
6:30pm Hocus Pocus
8:30pm Disney•Pixar’s Monsters University
12am Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Wednesday, October 3

4pmWilly Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
6:30pm Disney•Pixar’s Monsters University
9pm Monster House
12am The Final Girls

Thursday, October 4

5pm ParaNorman
7pm Monster House
9pm The Addams Family (1991)
12am Teen Spirit

Friday, October 5

12:30pm The Parent Trap (1998)
3:30pm Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
6:10pm The Addams Family (1991)
8:20pm The Goonies
12am The Breakfast Club

Saturday, October 6

7am The Parent Trap (1998)
10:10am Monster House
12:20pm Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
2:50pm The Haunted Mansion (2003)
4:55pm The Goonies
7:35pm Hocus Pocus
Freeform Premiere 9:45pm Maleficent
Freeform Premiere 11:50pm Warm Bodies

Sunday, October 7

7am Monster House
9:10am Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
11:40am The Haunted Mansion (2003)
1:50pm Alice in Wonderland (2010)
4:25pm Hocus Pocus
6:35pm Maleficent
Freeform Premiere 8:40pm/7:40c Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
11:20pm Dark Shadows (2012

Monday, October 8

4pm Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
6:30pm Dark Shadows (2012)
9pm The Addams Family (1991)
12am Clue (1985)

Tuesday, October 9

3pm Jurassic Park (1993)
6pm The Addams Family (1991)
8pm Mrs. Doubtfire
12am Warm Bodies

Wednesday, October 10

3pm The Lost World: Jurassic Park
6pm Mrs. Doubtfire
9pm Hocus Pocus
12am ParaNorman

Thursday, October 11

4:30pm ParaNorman
6:40pm Hocus Pocus
8:50pm Despicable Me
12am The Boxtrolls

Friday, October 12

2pm The Boxtrolls
4:10pmc Disney’s Bolt
6:20pm Despicable Me
8:30pmc Disney’s Frozen
12am Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Saturday, October 13

7am ParaNorman
9:05am Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame
11:10am Disney’s Bolt
1:15pm The Nightmare Before Christmas
2:50pm Hocus Pocus
5pm Disney’s Frozen
7:25pm Disney Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
9:30pm Disney Pixar’s Monsters University
12am The Addams Family (1991)

Sunday, October 14

7am Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
9:30am The Nightmare Before Christmas
11:10am The Addams Family (1991)
1:15pm Hocus Pocus
3:25pm Disney Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
5:30pm Disney Pixar’s Monsters University
Freeform Premiere 8pm Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
Freeform Premiere 9pm Hotel Transylvania
11pm The Parent Trap (1998)

Monday, October 15

4pm ParaNorman
6pm Hotel Transylvania
8pm The Parent Trap (1998)
12am Monster House

Tuesday, October 16

3:30pm Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
4:30pm Monster House
6:30pm Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
8:55pm Hocus Pocus
12am Disney’s Mulan

Wednesday, October 17

2pm Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
4:30pm Disney’s Mulan
6:30pm Hocus Pocus
8:30pm Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
12am The Addams Family (1991)

Thursday, October 18

4pm Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
6:30pm Dark Shadows (2012)
9pm The Addams Family (1991)
Freeform Premiere 12am/11c Maggie

Friday, October 19

3:30pm Dark Shadows (2012)
6:10pm The Goonies
8:50pm Hotel Transylvania
12am Monster House

Saturday, October 20

7am Monster House
9:05am ParaNorman
11:10am Hocus Pocus
1:20pm The Goonies
4pm The Nightmare Before Christmas
5:35pm Hotel Transylvania
7:40pm Hocus Pocus
9:50pm The Addams Family (1991)
11:55pm The Haunted Mansion (2003)

Sunday, October 21

7am ParaNorman
9am Spooky Buddies
11:05am Hocus Pocus
1:15pm The Haunted Mansion (2003)
3:20pmThe Nightmare Before Christmas
5pm The Addams Family (1991)
7:05pm Hocus Pocus
9:15pm Maleficent
11:20pm Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

Monday, October 22

4pm Maleficent
6:10pm Hocus Pocus
Freeform Premiere 8:20pm The Witches of Eastwick
12am Warm Bodies

Tuesday, October 23

4pm Hocus Pocus
6:10pm The Witches of Eastwick
8:50pm The Addams Family (1991)
12am Monster House

Wednesday, October 24

4pm Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
5pm Monster House
7pm The Addams Family (1991)
9pm Hotel Transylvania
12am Spooky Buddies

Thursday, October 25

4pm Jurassic Park (1993)
7pm Hotel Transylvania
9pm The Haunted Mansion (2003)
12am The Final Girls

Friday, October 26

12:30pm Jurassic Park (1993)
3:35pmThe Lost World: Jurassic Park
6:40pm The Haunted Mansion (2003)
8:50pm Hocus Pocus
12am Teen Spirit

Saturday, October 27

7am Dark Shadows (2012)
9:40am Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
12:20pm The Addams Family (1991)
2:30pm Hocus Pocus
4:40pm Disney Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
6:50pm Disney Pixar’s Monsters University
9:20pm Hotel Transylvania
11:25pm Disney Pixar’s Toy Story of TERROR!
11:55pm ParaNorman

Sunday, October 28

7am Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
9:40am The Addams Family
11:50am Hocus Pocus
2pm Disney Pixar’s Toy Story of TERROR!
2:30pm Disney Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
4:35pm Disney Pixar’s Monsters University
7:05pm Hotel Transylvania
9:10pm Hocus Pocus
11:20pm The Goonies

Monday, October 29

4:30pm The Goonies
7:10pm Disney’s Big Hero 6
9:20pm 25th Anniversary Release – The Nightmare Before Christmas
12am The Addams Family (1991)

Tuesday, October 30

2:30pm Disney’s Big Hero 6
4:40pm Hocus Pocus
6:45pm The Nightmare Before Christmas
8:25pm Disney Pixar’s Toy Story of TERROR!
8:55pm The Addams Family (1991)
12am Warm Bodies

Wednesday, October 31

7:30am Hocus Pocus
11am/10c Disney Pixar’s Toy Story of TERROR!
11:30am Decorating Disney: Halloween Magic
Hocus Pocus Marathon
12:30pm Hocus Pocus
2:40pm Hocus Pocus
4:45pm Hocus Pocus
6:50pm Hocus Pocus
8:55pm Hocus Pocus
12am Hocus Pocus

PBS Kids Halloween Specials and Episodes

Ready Jet Go
Premieres October 15, Streams October 15
“That’s One Gigantic Pumpkin, Jet Propulsion!” – The kids are attempting to grow prize-winning pumpkins in the back yard. Jet gets carried away and uses his Bortronian Grow-Lamp to grow a huge pumpkin. Now they just have to get his enormous pumpkin downtown to win the contest!

Wild Kratts: Creepy Creatures
Premieres October 22, Streams October 22
The Wild Kratts aren’t too sure what to do for Halloween. Should they go trick or treating or just have a Halloween party? The Kratt bros decide that the best thing to do is to discover some new “creepy cool” creatures. Heading off to find these new animal friends, Martin and Chris don’t realize that Zach and the other villains have come up with a plan to ruin Halloween. Can the Wild Kratts defeat the villains and still celebrate Halloween?

Pinkalicious & Peterrific
Premieres October 22, Streams October 22
“Pink or Treat” – A huge storm has knocked out Pinkville’s power lines just days before Halloween! It looks like the holiday will be canceled — that is unless Pink-a-girl and Pirate Peter can find a way to save the day!
“Berry Scary” – Pinkalicious, Peter, Rafael, and Frida are off to collect berries for their homemade smoothies. But when they arrive at the community garden, they find birds have eaten almost all the berries! To keep the birds away, the kids build a scarecrow – but will it be scary enough?

Returning Favorites

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot about Halloween!
Airs October 19 and 29, Streams October 12

Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest!
Airs October 19, 21 and 30

Arthur & the Haunted Tree House
Airs October 25 and 30, Streams October 26

Halloween-themed episodes from PBS KIDS favorites will also be streaming all month long on PBS KIDS digital platforms.

PBS KIDS Family Night Schedule – These specials will air on the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and live stream in October.

Super Spooky Halloween Marathon
Airs/streams October 19, 20, 21

DINOSAUR TRAIN “Haunted Roundhouse/Big Pond Pumpkin Patch”
SPLASH AND BUBBLES “Yuck or Treat/The Thing From Above the Reef”
NATURE CAT “Runaway Pumpkin/Lady Bug Tough”
ODD SQUAD “Haunt Squad/Safe House in the Woods”
READY JET GO! “That’s One Gigantic Pumpkin, Jet Propulsion!”
WILD KRATTS “A Bat in the Brownie”
WORDGIRL “Tobey’s Tricks and Treats/Escape Wham”
CYBERCHASE “The Halloween Howl”

Halloween Double Feature
Airs/streams October 26, 27, 28

ARTHUR AND THE HAUNTED TREE HOUSE
WILD KRATTS: CREEPY CREATURES

This Is How to Talk about Political Disagreement with Kids

October 28, 2019 By Katie Bugbee

The other day, my stepdad was walking my two children to school when my 5-year old daughter turned to him out of the blue and said “Are you going to vote for Donald Trump?”

Then my 7-year old son, who gets amped by any talk of competition, piped in and said “Or, do you want Hillary to win?”

He dodged the questions, asking them what they thought, but concerned he had broken some parenting rules, he texted me a few minutes later: “The kids asked me about Trump! How do you keep politics away from them?”

“I don’t” I replied with a smile.

My kids don’t watch the news. But with the signs on people’s lawns, radio commentary they hear in the car, and their eavesdropping on adult conversations, kids know there’s a fierce national competition in the works — and they want to know all about it.

Talking to kids about politics can open a huge can of worms. They don’t typically forget – or drop – conversations. They often want to know more and why/why not and ask you simple questions that seem impossible to explain. But at the same time, it’s a great way to discuss the life outside of their bubble. They hear about so much in school. They are surrounded by more media and information than we are even aware – and they need a safe, comfortable place to learn, question and feel some understanding.

Read Next | How to Talk to Your Kids About Racism

Here are some important things to remember:

Stay neutral. Personally, I want to raise free-thinkers. Kids who will vote for the issues they feel are important, and not who their parents want to win. My kids do know who I want to be president, but I’m trying to impartially share both points of view and let them decide who would get their vote.
Encourage solutions. There are certain topics kids might understand, at the very basic level: Immigration, health care, gun restrictions, and school funding could be some you could synthesize and explain very simply. Here’s the problem…what would you do if you were President?
Challenge their thoughts. In our car, kitchen counter or dining room table – wherever these conversations occur – there are no wrong answers, only challenging questions. When one child says that every American should be able to go to any doctor for free, I tell them I love that idea, but ask how the doctor would make money. And when their very naïve retort is that doctors would work for free, I encouragingly say it’s a great concept – but ask how the doctor would pay for their own house and for their kids’ activities. I’m not trying to be a huge pain in their side, but it’s important for them to understand how much thought and compassion needs to go into solving these problems.
Try to avoid the ugly. Literally. We’ve heard the candidates name-calling, mocking and speaking about each other negatively. Personally, I’m hoping to keep this away from my kids as much as possible because I don’t want them seeing that any “name-caller” is a well-regarded adult with (possible) power. But they ultimately hear everything at school, and my response is something like: sometimes when people really want to win, they get really mean. Some people think this is funny — and some people think that this is horrible. What do you think?
Talk values. As complicated as politics are, it’s a great opportunity for you to teach both individual and family values. You might have a child who thinks entirely differently than you do – and that’s okay. Those are his or her values. But it’s still important to model what your values are as parents—as a family, and even if your political views differ, how some values can still unite you.

By Katie Bugbee, Care.com Senior Managing Editor, www.care.com

Bridging the Gap Between School and Home for Special Needs Kids

October 28, 2019 By Michelle Yannaco

There is one absolute when it comes to special-needs children: Every child’s diagnosis, therapy plan, and prognosis is different, and can evolve differently over the years.

There is another absolute, since 1976: Under terms outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, each child who is determined to have special needs and is given an IEP, or Individualized Education Program, has the right to a free and appropriate public school education, just like any student.

That second absolute, however, represents a broad umbrella under which to shelter some 6,429,431 special-needs children, ages 3 to 21, in the U.S. (The figure dates from the fall of 2012 and comes from the US Department of Education.)

Determining just what is “appropriate” for all, as required by law, can be a tall order, and many Staten Island parents faced with this puzzle, say they’ve learned one thing — especially parents of youngsters who are placed in District 75 schools or programs. In New York City, schools in this district cater specifically to the more seriously disabled.

“Listen to the therapists and teachers, but if you know your child, do the best you can to get what you need. If they try to take something away from you, don’t let them,” said one mother from Eltingville whose 7-year-old son is currently in a 6:1:1 classroom operated under the auspices of District 75. His mom says he falls into the middle of the autistic spectrum. His twin sister is in a mainstream classroom elsewhere.

“Parents are the boss of their kids” said West Brighton mom Angela Quinn, who spent years advocating for her children. Her two daughters are on opposite ends of the autistic spectrum and are now 32 and 33 years old. One is enrolled in a day care program at On Your Mark and lives at home; the other has a college degree in literature, lives in her own house, just bought a new car and works as a para at P.S. 37 in Great Kills. “If your kids need it (special kinds of services), they should get it. You don’t have to settle for what the Department of Education tells you. Go with your gut. Fight for it.”

Standing firm and advocating for your child is admirable, and in many cases essential, say those with knowledge of the special-needs community. But according to Laura Kennedy, director of the Early Childhood Direction Center (ECDC) on Staten Island, “it’s really about communicating” when it comes to making progress on the goals outlined in the child’s IEP.

Kennedy cites a fellow ECDC staffer as the source of a quote she hears repeatedly: “Your child is in Ireland at home and Bermuda at school,” if there is no communication.

To facilitate this communication, the New York City Department of Education sets aside time for parent-teacher conferences for all students, including those in District 75. The fall conferences for District 75 students are just around the corner — on Tuesday, Nov. 15 (day hours) and Wednesday, Nov. 16 (evening hours).

Kennedy acknowledges that “it can be difficult” to stay on the same page, but she says that, especially with students in District 75 schools, “there can’t be a one-time meeting. Parents must be familiar with the IEP goals. Teachers must know the triggers — what causes negative and positive behavior,” in addition to being versed in an individual child’s IEP.

Talking is a must, say the pros.

The mom from Eltingville says she goes to the conferences in each of her children’s schools. She said that parent-teacher conferences are similar in that both of her children are 7 years old. But, when it comes to her daughter, “they’re more about education — about what she is doing in class, where she needs help, how she’s behaving.”

In terms of her son, “the conference focuses on if he’s meeting his goals, what would be a good idea to try. Is it going well? Is his IEP correct? Maybe you could try harder at home because we’re working at this in class. It’s a lot about follow-through,” she explained.

“It’s absolutely valuable twice a year,” she went on. “When you have a teacher who communicates with you, you may see a need for a therapy when the teacher doesn’t think the child really needs it.” She finds the give-and-take useful, and says she reviews her son’s IEP before each parent-teacher conversation.

“He’s always had very good teachers and very knowledgeable teachers. I really get a sense of how he is in the classroom and whether I can put him in a less restrictive environment,” she acknowledged. To date, she’s chosen to keep him where he is.

One Dongan Hills mother, who has a 9-year-old boy enrolled in a District 75 school, says she doesn’t make a habit of attending parent-teacher conferences. “I don’t take the IEP to the conferences,” she admits.

However, because she drops off and picks up her son, “I am so hands-on with him at the school. I speak to the paras in the room and the teacher. I get all the information, or I say what I want to say when I want to say it to them — and you get your answers.”

“I might go to one parent-teacher conference, but there’s nothing that’s going to be said that I don’t already know,” she explained.

“Most parents are not prepared,” however, she said. “Especially the new ones.”

According to two former District 75 principals, who asked not to be named, parents of each District 75 student should be given a five-page “Parents’ Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.” The document is courtesy of the city’s Department of Education and is distributed to help “foster active engagement between parents and schools…”

Some schools also distribute a one-page advisory titled “IEP Meeting Checklist for Parents.” This is a way of keeping track of the various steps involved in entering the special-needs system and developing an IEP that’s on target and free of error.

The mother in Dongan Hills said she receives the “Parents Bill of Rights and Responsibilities” every year, and she got the IEP checklist.

“Yeah, it’s helpful. Well, not really. But it’s helpful for somebody who’s new,” she said. In general, she added, “special-ed parents, it’s a totally different life.” You’re feeling your way.

For another Eltingville mother who has two 13-year-old children in two different District 75 schools and with very different IEPs, parent-teacher conferences are a time to discuss therapy. “They (the schools) seem to always lack the therapists we need. There have been a couple times we’ve gone until the month of November without services. Parents must ask themselves and the teachers: Are the mandates being filled?”

“I have no complaints with the teachers my kids have now. But teachers are limited in what they can do,” she said.

She added this piece of advice: “If you’re not sure what’s written on the IEP, get an advocate. Don’t just sign your name. You have to be sure what’s written on the IEP. The wording must be exact. If, in your gut, your child isn’t ready to have therapy removed, don’t let it happen.”

All said parent-teacher conferences had some value, though.

Mrs. Quinn and the others agree, the teachers are not the stumbling block. “I never had a problem with the schools themselves. The teachers knew my kids. Yes, they go over the IEP. Are they making their goals? Is there anything the parent wants the teachers to work on? It’s so different between each kid,” she said.

“There could be more services, but the public education system hasn’t failed me,” said the first mom from Eltingville.

Here are some good questions to ask:

Here are 10 questions parents should ask during parent/teacher conferences, according to Advocates for Children of New York. The full list is available from the Early Childhood Direction Center on Staten Island.

Is my child working to his ability?
Do you grade homework assignments?
What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses?
What can we do to help develop our child’s weak areas?
What are my child’s academic talents?
What is my child like in class?
What is my child’s learning style?
How does my child behave in the classroom, cafeteria, etc.?
Does my child seem happy in school?
What can I do to support my child’s learning at home?

By Marjorie Hack, a Staten Island writer

Holidays on Staten Island: Deck the Halls or Bah Humbug!

October 28, 2019 By Christine Albano

With promotions starting as early as September and continuing with post-holiday sales, retailers are offering consumers plenty of opportunity to spend more than ever on holiday gifts.

Christmas shopping in July? Or battling the crowds after Thanksgiving?

Are you saying Bah Hum Bug before Thanksgiving, or are you decking the halls after Halloween?

Staten Island parents are divided in the unofficial debate over the appropriate timing of the holiday shopping season. Some, like Priscilla Carles-Glantz of Port Richmond, welcome early holiday shopping because it avoids last-minute pressure and offers convenience, availability and selection, and promotes an overall positive atmosphere.

“Why shouldn’t we have more of a season with so much positivity around,” she said as she shopped at the Staten Island Mall on Labor Day with her 19-year-old daughter Katie.

She said retail therapy spreads holiday cheer.

“You can say it’s commercialized, but we are in a society right now where there is so much stress in our world that to have a little merriment – to have Santa here and to have a Menorah there – I think it’s wonderful,” Mrs. Carles-Glantz, who is from an interfaith family, explained.

As a busy mom of three, Mitzi Rivera of South Beach prefers to start shopping in October when her kids are back to school.

“When the holidays come, you don’t have time,” she said as she pushed her seven-month-old daughter through the mall recently while her 13-year-old and 11-year-old were at home.

Meanwhile, other parents feel rushed and overwhelmed by the thought of Christmas shopping before the arrival of the two other major holidays, they said.

Fran Molinari of New Dorp feels the commercialism of the holiday season bombards parents too early – she prefers to shop closer to the start of each holiday season.

“I only have one child, but I think for people with more than one it’s got to be hard,” she said as she shopped with her five-year-old daughter.

She is among the more traditional parents who like to celebrate each holiday as it arrives.

Yolaina Condreras of Dongan Hills refuses to shop for Christmas right after Labor Day while the weather is still warm. Shopping after Thanksgiving suits her needs. “I think everything starts to early,” she said with her tween daughter in tow.

The Staten Island Mall officially transitions into holiday mode on November 1, according to general manager Jim Easley.
“We like to get out ahead of the curve,” he told Staten Island Parent.

Even though customers snarl about it starting too early year after year, he said Chicago-based mall owner, General Growth Properties, wants to accommodate early bird shoppers or those planning to be out of town for the holidays.

“Christmas is a fun time of the year,” Easley said. “We are hoping for a great holiday season and we hope to get people [to shop] as early as possible.”

The Dasaros of Great Kills are among those who snub the idea of Christmas shopping months in advance – they start December 1 and do some Internet shopping to avoid feeling too frazzled by the advanced retail frenzy.

“You get some people who go Christmas shopping in July and they are done in October,” Stefanie Dasaro said, with her five-year-old son and 18-month-old daughter by her side at the mall.

“You start panicking earlier than you have to because you start seeing everything out, meanwhile, you have four months to do it,” she added.

Her husband, Mike, agrees retailers push the holiday season way too early. “With kids it’s the worst because you don’t know their sizes,” especially with unexpected growth spurts, he explained.

He says the couple considers shopping on Black Friday, but reconsiders that morning due to the excessive crowds.
Whether they shop early or later in the season, the parents we spoke with said they generally let Grandma and Grandpa purchase the gifts of their choice.

Ms. Rivera maintains a general rule – she buys the toys, while her family buys clothes. Ms. Condreras said her family typically forgoes her suggestions and buys her daughter what they want and can afford.

Mrs. Molinari recommends some gift items now that her daughter is a little older, but mostly lets her family play Santa. “I like people to have fun with it, so I don’t push too much,” she said.

Meanwhile, other families have the best of both worlds – families who are more practical and over the top.
Mrs. Dasaro’s parents make monetary deposits in her kids’ bank accounts, while her husband’s parents are more extravagant.

“Literally, you go there and you’re buried,” she said.

“His family is all about the excitement,” which includes giant piles of gifts, Mrs. Dasaro said.

But, she won’t limit her in-laws because she wants to preserve the joy of Christmas – even if that means Grandma and Grandpa started shopping in July to do so.

“It’s got to be all about ‘Santa Claus’ … they tell us to bring both cars,” Dasaro noted.

While it may be too rushed for some, Mrs. Carles-Glantz said the early holiday season contributes to the nation’s economic health and promotes family bonding.

“We are kind of in a recession right now, so it helps out the stores as well,” she said. “The longer it goes on the better.”

“I think it’s a positive thing for the economy, socially, and family-wise,” Mrs. Carles-Glantz added.

By Christine Albano, a Staten Island-based freelance writer and mother of three who can frequently be found at the mall on Christmas Eve scrambling for last-minute gifts.

CLICK HERE to head over to our Holiday Happenings section!

Surviving the Holidays From Your Kitchen

October 28, 2019 By Staten Island Parent Staff

As much as everyone loves the holidays and the traditions they bring with them, nothing strikes fear into a host’s heart as much as trying to get hot food on the table and making everything look clean. One place which most people love looking in is the kitchen, and this also happens to be the most messiest place. So make sure to get your kitchen cabinet painted, along with a thorough clean-up done before your guests get to say anything. Let’s be realistic, your dining room is not the set of a Hallmark channel TV special. You don’t have a cast and crew designing, cooking, and strategically placing everything out for you. So let’s try to find a way to have a peaceful celebration without wishing the guests would all go home before they even arrive.

Start with the guest list

Write the names down of everyone you are inviting. Be sure to include yourself in the count. Did you include boyfriends/girlfriends, new babies, and anyone else who might sneak up on you?

Try to be realistic regarding the space you have at the table to accommodate chairs, dishes, utensil, glasses, etc. for everyone you are inviting.

Create the menu

Take a good look at the guest list and take note of food allergies and preferences. Did your niece come home from college a vegetarian? Is that little nephew gluten-, nut- or dairy-free? If you are not sure, make a phone call to find out rather than assume. It could be the difference between a thoughtful, successful holiday and an epic fail!

Next, take a good look at your kitchen. Planning the menu includes considering stovetop and oven space to prepare appetizers while cooking the main course and all those sides.

I love preparing room temperature appetizers such as antipasto, veggie dips, and cheese platters that I can set the up in the morning, wrap and refrigerate, and just unwrap and set out when guests arrive.

Make a shopping list AND STICK TO IT

I find the biggest mistake home cooks make is overbuying. If you make your shopping list one or two weeks in advance, you will likely still have your rational brains in your head. If you wait until the day before, or go to the store without a list, you will be standing in the aisles throwing stuff in your basket out of fear of not having enough food.

Tip: I write down every ingredient for every recipe. Then I clean out my cabinets and refrigerator. You probably already have three jars of Tabasco sauce, at least one horseradish, and plenty of olives. Check expiration dates. To make the shopping experience easier, break down your list into categories such as produce, dairy, etc. so you can breeze through the supermarket.

I always buy extra dish detergent, dishwashing powder, steel wool pads, toilet paper, paper towels, butter, and milk, to avoid any crisis on the big day.

Let them bring cake

When people ask me what they can bring, I always say dessert. Don’t be shy; be specific so you don’t end up with three pumpkin pies and nothing else. My mother-in-law loves to bring the Jello, and my sister-in-law makes a mean cheesecake…done!

Buffets are your friend

Chafers will not cook food for you, but they will have all your food hot at the same time. You can buy aluminum chafers almost anywhere. Just make sure the water pan fits the rack and the food pans fit in the water pans. Buy them all in the same store or buy them as a complete set. Don’t forget the sternos! The typical 7 ounce gel can burns for about 2 hours.
The aluminum pans also stack well in your refrigerator, so when you have completed a dish, you can cover it and store it pretty easily.
Tip: The chafers work best when you start with hot water in the water pans and the food is at least pre-heated. Allow at least an hour for the food to warm up and don’t be afraid to stir things up to allow the heat to get to all of the food.

Take a moment for yourself

Every once in a while, take a look around and remember why you are doing this. You are creating memories for your family, it doesn’t get better than that. Happy Holidays!

By Evelyn Rogers, owner of A Taste of Honey Caterers, Inc. • tasteofhoney.com

5 Tips to Safeguard Kids’ Digital World

October 28, 2019 By Michelle Yannaco

computer kids — Parents know there are some parts of the Internet they don’t want kids exploring

Many parents struggle with the fine line of being a helicopter parent versus giving their children freedom to explore the benefits of the Internet. But, they have reason to be anxious. In one study widely cited in the media, 42% of Internet users ages 10 to 17 said they viewed porn online in the past 12 months. And 66% of kids who said they saw porn online said they saw it accidentally, according to a 2007 study by the University of New Hampshire. Pornography is just one concern. There are hundreds of thousands of opportunities for children to encounter age-inappropriate content online.

With so many great technology choices, kids have plenty of online options to keep them busy, whether for entertainment or academic research. However, from gaming consoles to smartphones to laptops, any WiFi device in a home with a web browser, even a visiting friend’s computer, can be used to access content that parents do not want their children viewing. Learn more about AdvancedTelecomSystemsLLC and their benefits.

Here are some great tips for keeping kids safe online all year long.

#1 – Talk with your kids!

The dangers of the Internet are very real, but arming your kids with knowledge can be one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. These should be very age-appropriate discussions. For instance, for a 5-year old you can give instructions as simple as, “If you see someone without their clothes on, turn the computer or device off immediately and come get mom or dad.” Or, “If you see someone being mean to someone else, make sure you show a grown up.” As your kids get older, the discussion can change accordingly. But starting the discussions early is important. You can choose – you can teach your kids – or else the Internet can teach them!

Read Next | I Caught My Child Watching Porn

#2 – Install filtering at the network level.

A step up from installing filtering software on individual devices, parents can now manage everything connected to their home WiFi so they don’t have to worry about inappropriate content leaking through.

#3 – Make sure that Internet usage is done in the open.

Make sure that family computers are located in high traffic areas. Make sure that laptops and tablets are not used in bedrooms or private parts of the house. This keeps kid’s online activities open for discussion and much easier to keep an eye on.

#4 – If chores aren’t completed change your WiFi key and don’t give it to the kids until those chores are done!

With most routers, this is a very simple task that can be done in a few minutes and can be a very effective way to motivate kid to get chores or homework or whatever finished.

Read Next | The Top 10 Staten Island Parks

#5 – Make sure you have all of your kid’s social media passwords and check their social media accounts regularly.

If kids know you are looking at what they are doing on the different social media platforms, they will be much less likely to be talking to people they shouldn’t or taking part of cyberbullying or other behaviors that they know you wouldn’t approve of. This is a digital world now – so be a part of their digital lives!

Provided by Spencer Thomason, CEO of Clean Router, one easy to solution to protect every device in your home • www.cleanrouter.com

2018 Halloween TV & Movie Schedules

PBS Kids Halloween Specials and Episodes

This Is How to Talk about Political Disagreement with Kids

Bridging the Gap Between School and Home for Special Needs Kids

Holidays on Staten Island: Deck the Halls or Bah Humbug!

Surviving the Holidays From Your Kitchen

Start with the guest list

Create the menu

Make a shopping list AND STICK TO IT

Let them bring cake

Buffets are your friend

Take a moment for yourself

5 Tips to Safeguard Kids’ Digital World

#1 – Talk with your kids!

#2 – Install filtering at the network level.

#3 – Make sure that Internet usage is done in the open.

#4 – If chores aren’t completed change your WiFi key and don’t give it to the kids until those chores are done!

#5 – Make sure you have all of your kid’s social media passwords and check their social media accounts regularly.

Staten Island Parent

Important Links

Get Weekly Activities Emailed To You

Archives for 2019

PBS Kids Halloween Specials and Episodes

Start with the guest list

Create the menu

Make a shopping list AND STICK TO IT

Let them bring cake

Buffets are your friend

Take a moment for yourself

#1 – Talk with your kids!

#2 – Install filtering at the network level.

#3 – Make sure that Internet usage is done in the open.

#4 – If chores aren’t completed change your WiFi key and don’t give it to the kids until those chores are done!

#5 – Make sure you have all of your kid’s social media passwords and check their social media accounts regularly.

Staten Island Parent

Footer

Important Links

Get Weekly Activities Emailed To You