We thought we were golden with our 3.5 year old’s sleep pattern: um, yeah, right! We have had lots of middle-of-the-night wakeups from nightmares and now- growing pains. When our son wails from the pain, I get it. I had them too.  But, what I don’t get is what they are and how to help him.

According to KidsHealth, growing pains usually happen when kids are between the ages of 3 and 5 or 8 and 12. Doctors don’t believe that growing actually causes pain, but growing pains stop when kids stop growing. By the teen years, most kids don’t get growing pains anymore.

What are the symptoms?
Most of the time they hurt in the front of the thighs (the upper part of your legs), in the calves (the back part of your legs below your knees), or behind the knees. Usually, both legs hurt.  Growing pains often start to ache right before bedtime. Sometimes a child can go to bed without any pain, but then might wake up in the middle of the night with their legs hurting. The best news about growing pains is that they go away by morning. MayoClinic reports that some children may also experience abdominal pain or headache during episodes of growing pains. Dr. Greene cautions that if the growing pains occur during the day, or there is limping, redness or any other complaints, you should see your pediatrician.

What causes growing pains?
Kidshealth reports that growing pains don’t hurt around the bones or joints (the flexible parts that connect bones and let them move) — only in the muscles. For this reason, some doctors believe that kids might get growing pains because they’ve tired out their muscles. When you run, climb, or jump a lot during the day, you might have aches and pains in your legs at night. Dr. Greene says the muscles or tendons are still a little too tight for the growing long bones. Muscle spasms lasting from 1 to 15 minutes cause the pain. Many of these children are unable to touch their toes with their fingertips without bending their knees.

How can you help with the pain?
Kidshealth suggests an over-the-counter pain medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Kids should not take aspirin because it can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.

There are three other things that might help you feel better:

1. placing a heating pad on the spot where their legs hurt
2. stretching their legs or having the child stretch like you do in a gym class
3. massage their legs

Dr. Greene suggests that during a pain episode, stretching the foot and toes upward will often resolve the muscle spasm. Gentle massage and moist heat over the painful spot can also help. In most cases the pain can be prevented with simple, daily stretching exercises. These exercises must be continued even after the pain subsides in order to keep the muscles and tendons relaxed and able to accommodate the next growth spurt. Some physicians recommend giving a glass of tonic water before bed. Though he has never seen any studies evaluating this suggestion, he does say that plenty of fluids should make cramping less likely.

A Child Grows, 2012. | Permalink | 8 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: growing pains, how to prevent, massage, preschool, symptoms of growing pains, teenager, Toddler, tween, what age get growing pains, what are growing pains, what causes growing pains

Chalkboard paint has gotten a color facelift! Though we love to draw on a chalkboard as much as anyone, having a wall of dark grey in a room can be a bit….drab.  Hudson Paint, a small paint manufacturer in the Hudson River Valley, has become the Pantone deck of chalkboard paint.  Now, any chalkboard can take on your color scheme. From pink to turquoise or an additional 28 saturated colors- you have a whole palette to choose from.

The owner of Hudson Paint and all his swatches.

Hudson’s chalkboard paint is a 100% acrylic color chalkboard that can be painted over wallboard, wood, plaster, masonite, MDF (Medium density fiberboard), primed metal, and wood.

Want to test out a small section before doing an entire wall? Mini Jake in Williamsburg is now carrying quarts so you can try any of the 30 colors for just $24.99 . You can do even smaller tests with the 8oz. containers for $9.99. If you need more wall coverage Mini Jake is happy to order you a gallon for $74.99. Now all you have to do is pick the color!

Details:
Mini Jake
178 North 9th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-782-2005

A Child Grows, 2012. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: can you get different colors of chalkboard paint, chalkboard paint, chalkboard paint for kids room, colors of chalkboard paint, hudson paint, where to get hudson paint

I know I’ve made about 4 of these car seat installation mistakes and I’m pretty sure that I’m not alone. In fact, I know I’m not: studies show that 82 percent or 9 out of 10 car seats are not installed and used correctly. Even more upsetting? Crashes are the leading cause of death for children from 3 to 14 years old. Suddenly, taking the extra 10 minutes to install a car seat correctly in a livery, taxi or your car seems absolutely worth it.

Baby Bodyguards, a professional baby proofing service based in Brooklyn, is an expert on our blog. This month they wrote to tell me that they are most concerned about improperly installed car seats. They do approximately 5  car seat installations a day and they notice the same errors time and time again. They listed them below so we can check ourselves against them. (I am currently guilty of #3, 5 AND 7.  I need to get on this today.)

If you want some visual help in checking your car seat installation, I found these videos very helpful. Do be careful: there are LOTS of youtube videos on “how to install a car seat” that are just plain wrong and dangerous.  If you want to be certain you installation is done right you can call Baby Bodyguards to do a car seat installation or call to arrange a free inspection at a DOT Child Car Seat Fitting Station. For Brooklyn it is at the Brooklyn Woodhull Hospital 760 Broadway, phone: (718) 963-6858.

Here are the most common mistakes they see:

1-Using LATCH in a center seating position when it is not allowed by the manufacturer – most vehicles do not permit you to install a car seat in the center, using the two inner LATCH anchors from the side seating positions. Check your vehicle and child restraint manuals. If nothing is specifically mentioned to allow it, don’t do it.

2-Using LATCH and a seat belt together – you must use one system or the other, not both. Either method is safe when used correctly, so go with the method that gets you the best install.

3- Using LATCH beyond the weight limit. LATCH is only good up to 40lbs unless otherwise stated in your vehicle or in the car seat manual. If the vehicle and car seat manuals defer to one another, err on the side of caution and assume a 40 lb limit.

4-Incorrect seat belt routing on a booster – make sure to read and follow the instructions for how to route the seat belt correctly over your child. Many boosters have arm rests that need the lap belt routed under them instead of over.

5- Loose car seat install – a car seat must be installed tightly enough that there is an inch or less of movement in all directions at the belt path when pushed or pulled on.

6-Incorrect belt path used on convertible seat install – you must use the belt path designated for the type of install you are doing. Usually the rear facing belt path runs under the child’s bottom/legs and the forward facing belt path runs behind their back.

7-Chest clip out of position (usually too low) – the chest clip should be at armpit level at all times.

8-Aftermarket accessories (head positioners, body padding/positioners, strap covers, hanging toys, under car seat mats/upholstery protectors, mirrors, suction cup window shades, seat belt tighteners/ratchets, bunting bags/liners, custom car seat covers, etc.) – if it did not come with your seat or is not specifically allowed by your car seat manual, don’t use it. The less “stuff” involved in your car seat install, the better. Nothing extra should go between the car seat and vehicle seat, the baby and the car seat, or the baby and the harness. Toys, mirrors, and window shades can come loose in a crash and injure passengers. Mats can interfere with an install. Many manufacturers will void the seat’s warranty if aftermarket products are used. There are no safety standards for these items, so even those that claim to be “crash tested” or “meet all federal safety standards” (there are none!) cannot be trusted as safe.

9- Not using the top tether anchor when the lower LATCH anchors are used for a forward facing seat – the top tether MUST be used when a seat is installed forward facing with LATCH.

10- Unfortunately the most common mistake we see, not by our clients, but just general observation, are parents riding around with babies/children with no car seat at all. I cringe every time I see this and just pray that child makes it through the early years without being subjected to a crash.

Related Articles

• Window Guards in New York City
• Alternatives to Teflon
• Baby Proofers in Brooklyn
• Do You Have Lead In Your Water?
• My Favorite Safest Cosmetics
• How Toxic Is Your Paint?
• Update On Lead Paint From A Parent
• Lead Paint- How Do You Know If You Have It?
• Organic Mattresses- More Research

Most of you have heard about Baby Bodyguards by now. First, they came and did an excellent “spec” on babyproofing our place, then they wrote a popular post on our blog about window guards for NYC, now they have been raved about on Park Slope Parents. They are getting lots of mainstream press as well.  The Baby Bodyguard family consists of hand picked Pediatricians, Nurses, Emergency Medical Technicians, Firemen, Contractors and Craftsmen, all of whom share the same passion for child safety.

A Child Grows, 2012. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: baby bodyguards car seat installation, baby proofing in brooklyn, baby proofing service in brooklyn, brooklyn, car seat installation check, car seat installation check in brooklyn, car seat installation check in nyc, car seat installation in brooklyn, car seat installation in nyc, car seat installer in nyc, child seat fitting station, do police officers check car seat installation, do precincts do car seat installation checks, DOT, DOT safety check, how to install a car seat, installing a car seat in a livery cab, installing a car seat in a taxi, latch system, manhattan, nyc

Nothing beats the cold more than a good movie and snuggling up to your …..baby, toddler or little kid!  If you love classic movies  and want to share them with your child in an actual theatre, then head out to the popular series Big Movies for Little Kids. This series, begun by two mothers, is meant to be totally casual: no one minds if your child bursts into tears or runs into the aisles. In fact, it’s downright expected.  Just make sure you arrive early as it often sells out. The Winter Season begins this Monday and debuts with favorite film, The Phantom Tollbooth.

The series is for ages 2 years and up at Cobble Hill Cinemas for $7 a ticket. All walkers need tickets and can be purchased ahead of time at www.cobblehilltheatre.com.

This Monday, Big Movies for Little Kids is serving up one of my childhood favorite books and films, The Phantom Tollbooth.  Animation master Chuck Jones made this children’s classic book come alive on the screen for all of children of the 70′s. (1970; USA; rated G; color animation; 90 minutes)
Upcoming Movies:

This Monday, January 23rd, Big Movies for Little Kids is serving up one of my childhood favorite books and films, The Phantom Tollbooth. Animation master Chuck Jones made this children’s classic book come alive on the screen for all of children of the 70′s. (1970; USA; rated G; color animation; 90 minutes)

Monday, February 13th, 4pm
BALTO

Monday, February 27th, 4pm
BUSTER KEATON SHORTS

Monday, March 12th, 4pm
PIPPI LONGSTOCKING

Monday, April 23rd, 4pm
CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

Monday, May 7th, 4pm
BARBAPAPA

Monday, May 21st, 4pm
SHAUN THE SHEEP

Monday, June 4th, 4pm
SECOND ANNUAL STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL

A Child Grows, 2012. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: big movies for little kids, Cobble Hill Cinemas, cobble hill theatre, movie series for brooklyn kids, movie series for parents in brooklyn, the phantom tollbooth

If your child can say  “nǐhǎo” and “gracias”, you  might not worry so much about them saying “please” and “thank you” in English.  This week and next, two language programs are offering the opportunity to give both Spanish and Mandarin a try with your tikes- for free!

Lango Kids NYC Free Trial Mandarin Class
It seems Mandarin classes are in great demand as Lango Brooklyn has added two additional classes for toddler/parents and for preschoolers. Classes start January 30. Here are the details for their free demos:
Free Demo:
Janaury 23, 2012
Toddler/Parent Demo: 9:30-10:15 am
Preschooler Drop Off Demo: 10:15-11am
Location:
Birthday Presence
182 8th Avenue (Between Garfield Pl and 1st St), Park Slope
Classes are scheduled to start the week of 1/30/12
Tuition:
Toddler/Parent $275 (10 classes + CD)
Preschool Drop Off $325 ( 10 classes + CD, book and online review portal)
Early Bird Discount: register on the day of trial classes and receive 10% discount
RSVP
to: langonewyork@gmail.com

Musica Para Mi’s Free Trial Music-in-Spanish Classes
Though I have never taken one of Gabriela’s classes, my friend on the UWS brought it up to me out of the blue one day, and I know it’s a popular class at GUMBO. Now might be a good time to try it out!
Free Demo:
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 10 – 10:45, & 11 – 11:45
Location:
Gumbo in Boerum Hill, 493 Atlantic Ave, Nevins/Third

Free Demo:
Thursday, Jan. 19, 11:30 – 12:15
Location:
Bija Kids in Clinton Hill, 900 Fulton, Washington/Waverly

RSVP
Please send an email at musicaparami@aol.com or call 718-643-6660 and be sure to include your phone number in case of last-minute changes. If you don’t see this in time to get in touch, just let the teacher that you saw this listing  on A Child Grows.

A Child Grows, 2012. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: brooklyn, classes in Brooklyn, free trial classes free demo classes, free trial mandarin class, lango kids nyc, language class for kids in brooklyn, language class in brooklyn, mandarin class in brooklyn, music class in brooklyn, musica para mi, musica para mi reviews, nyc, spanish class, spanish class for kids

Sharpen your pencils, get out your walking shoes and get ready for the kindergarten application season! It’s not fun, but by the end of it, hopefully you will be happy with where your child ends up.  Here’s the scoop!

The kindergarten application period is open from January 9, 2012 through March 2, 2012. Visit the Kindergarten Admissions page for more information.  Visit the Calendar and Events page to see important dates and deadlines in the kindergarten admissions process. If you are looking for admission info for Pre-K- go here.

Kindergarten Admissions for September 2012
The kindergarten admissions process is school based, but there is a standard timeline for all schools and there are citywide guidelines for eligibility and admissions priorities. Families must submit an application for kindergarten admission, even if they are applying to their zoned school.

How to Apply
During the kindergarten application period (January 9 – March 2, 2012), visit your zoned school and any other school(s) of interest for which you are eligible to fill out an application.  Bring your child’s birth certificate or passport, and two documents which provide proof of residence. You can find a list of acceptable documents for proof of residence on our Registration Information page.

How to Find Your Zoned School
You can use the School Search tool to find your zoned school. Click here for instructions. If you have further questions, call 311.

Admissions Priorities
Zoned schools will give priority to students who live in that zone, as they have in the past. Schools will make assignments according to the following priorities, listed from highest to lowest:

1. Zoned students with a sibling who will be in grades K-5 at the school in 2012-2013;
2. All other zoned students;
3. Students residing in the school’s district but outside the school’s zone, with a sibling who will be in grades K-5 at the school in 2012-2013;
4. Students residing outside of the school’s district with a sibling who will be in grades K-5 at the school in 2012-2013;
5. All other students residing in the school’s district but outside the school’s zone;
6. All other students.

More Information
For more information about kindergarten admissions, please call (718) 935-2009 or email ES_Enrollment@schools.nyc.gov.

A Child Grows, 2012. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: admission for brooklyn schools, application for kindergarten, brooklyn, brooklyn public schools, doe kindergarten dates, how to apply for kindergarten, how to find your zoned school, kindergarten in brooklyn, nyc kindergarten, what school am I zoned for nyc, zoned school

Joseph Lentol, Marty Markowitz, Julia Dawson (Co-Founder) and Carey Balogh (Co-Founder) at ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday at new playspace Frolic

With the grand opening of Frolic! today in Williamsburg, you have even more options for indoor play this winter.  Located in the new condominium building, The Edge, Frolic has the advantage of lots of space (approximately 5,000 square feet), ground floor access and ample stroller parking.

The soft opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was on Saturday (pictured above), where member-families got to be among the first to check out the much-talked about elements that make Frolic different: the interactive VW bus, interactive video wall installation, stage, ticket booth and best of all to some- the coffee lounge.

Want to check it out? Frolic! will offer Preview Passes for first-time visitors only (with advance reservations) to try out the space for a cost that will be applicable to membership if purchased within one month of visit.  Beginning today (January 9th) visit Frolic! in person to schedule a date for a Preview Pass as a limited number will be allotted each day.  As of now, they will only be accepting Preview Pass reservations in person.  Frolic! does not offer pay per play.

Details:
Frolic!
34 North 6th Street (between Kent Avenue and the East River)
Brooklyn, NY 11249

Hours Open 7 days a week
Monday to Friday: 9am – 6pm (Thursday: 9am – 7pm)
Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 10am – 2pm

Directions By Subway:
L train to Bedford Avenue stop

By Water-Taxi:
East River Ferry to North 6th Street/North Williamsburg stop

Here are the details on what they offer for membership, classes and parties:

MEMBERSHIP:
Frolic! offers a membership-based indoor playground for ages newborn through six.  We offer three levels of annual membership with the option to pay on a monthly billing schedule (or pay upfront for added savings).  Annual membership packages start at $69 per month and include the entire immediate family plus caregiver(s).  There is no additional cost for more than one child.  Final days to receive our pre-opening offer of $100 off first year membership ends January 9th.  Sign up online with a $100 down payment at: http://www.frolicplayspace.com/membership.html

All Frolic! members have access to our 1,500 sq ft customized indoor playground and private coffee lounge seven days a week.  Members also have access to a variety of daily activities exclusive to members of all ages at specified times throughout the week, such as our customized video installation Creature Symphony, Open Gym, Members Meetup, Members Only Drop-off and Storytime.  See detailed descriptions and weekly calendar.

CLASSES:
Frolic! offers unique and custom classes to both members and non-members in music, art, dance/tumbling, language and yoga.  Exciting classes include Little Rock-its (our original Frolic! music program created by Tim Kubart of Tim and the Space Cadets featuring a live 3-piece band in every class), AudraRox Musical Theater, Super Hero Adventure!, Paint it Black…or Blue or Yellow! and Bilingual Birdies in French/Spanish.  We are extending our pre-opening offer of $50 off each semester class for early online registration until January 9th.   Click on the class calendar link to register online here.

Class participants and their caregivers also have access to the Frolic! private coffee lounge before and after scheduled class (note indoor playground use is reserved for members).

Frolic! ‘All Access’ and ‘I’m With The Band’ members receive 10% off each semester class (plus ‘I’m With The Band’ members receive one FREE Little Rock-its 15-week semester class per year).  If you sign up online before January 9th for the $50 early registration discount, we will honor an additional 10% off on top should you register for one of those two membership levels once we open.

The Winter 2012 class semester is 15 weeks beginning on January 16th and runs through April 28th (with 2 make-ups permitted within semester).  Language classes are 13 weeks and Parent & Baby Yoga, Mommy/Daddy Loves Babysitter Yoga and Prenatal Yoga classes are drop-in with the purchase of a 5-class card.

We are offering Little Rock-its classes for mixed ages at 6:15pm on Thursdays and 10am on Saturdays with working parents in mind.  If you are interested, please note these classes are filling up fast!

As we are unable to hold demo classes due to the close timing of our opening and Winter 2012 semester start date of January 16th, we will guarantee a 100% refund after the first class and 50% refund after the second class for this Winter 2012 semester only.  No refunds will be granted after the third class.

PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS:
Frolic! offers one-on-one music lessons in guitar, drums and piano in our Frolic! music studio also beginning January 16th for 15 weeks (ages 5 and up is recommended).  A concert performance will be held at the end of the semester for friends and family.  Please e-mail musiclessons@frolicplayspace.com to sign up and also to hear about our ‘meet and greet’ the week of January 9th with our teachers.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES:
Frolic! would love to host your birthday party!  We offer unique themes to customize your experience at select times on Saturdays and Sundays.  We are now accepting reservations starting in February (January is already booked).  See more information on Frolic! birthdays here.

A Child Grows, 2012. | Permalink | 3 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: 34 north 6th street, brooklyn playspace, condo building, frolic, indoor play space, indoor play space in brooklyn, kid activities in winter in nyc, play space in brooklyn, play space in nyc, playspace in brooklyn, playspace in williamsburg, the edge, what to do in the winter in brooklyn

“Small hands can bring big changes.” It’s the perfect time of year for your kids to see how true that statement is.  From making cards to holding someone’s hand, there is great potential to make a difference.  We found some wonderful opportunities for your family to help out this holiday season.

Stockings with Care
Stockings with Care works with coalitions that assist families either living in homeless shelters or who are in jeopardy of becoming homeless and can not afford to celebrate their holiday. Social workers at each of these coalitions work with the parents to make their wish lists. These lists are passed on to Stockings with Care. Through the generosity of our individual Santas, private and corporate donors and a small army of volunteers, we make sure that every child gets at least two things on their list and that each child has at least three gifts to open on Christmas morning. Thousands of gifts are wrapped and delivered to the parents, empowering them to create magic for their kids.is an organization in Manhattan that gives presents to children living in homeless shelters.  You and your children can help wrap presents for the children. For more information go here.

Park Slope Presbyterian Church Meals
The PSPresbyterian is providing meals to residents at Bishop Boardman Apartments on Christmas Eve. Contact Shay Roedemeier to sign up for what dish you will bring. They will bring their contributions to Bishop Boardman (8th Ave between Windsor Pl and 16th St) at 11AM on Christmas Eve to begin plating the food and delivering to the apartments. This is an excellent service opportunity for kids! 174 Prospect Park West (b/w 12th and 13th Streets) Brooklyn, NY 11215

Food Pantries for Holiday Dinners and Help
I did a post on where to volunteer for Thanksgiving at Brooklyn food pantries. These food pantries also need help during the winter holidays- stocking, sorting, serving, setting tables and putting smiles on visitors’ faces. You can call your nearby food pantry to see how your family can help them. The full list of them is here.

We found some opportunities at Lutheran HealthCare.
A neighborhood institution since 1883, the Lutheran Medical Center expanded in order to provide support services to families, seniors, home care and more in Southwest Brooklyn.  They need help year-round too and if you are interested in options to volunteer without family, there are additional programs.

1. Reach Out and Read – Parents and their kids ages 14 and over can serve as storytime volunteers with the pediatric literacy program based in 5 of their family health centers.  Please contact Liz Berger at 718-630-7175 for more information.
2. Services for Older Adults – Parents and children of all ages would be welcomed to make cards and visit homebound senior citizens. Visits would need to be coordinated with the program due to staff supervision issues.  For more information, please contact Sr. Fran Picone at 718-630-8302 for more information. (We did this last year with the whole family. My husband brought his guitar, PA and microphones and he and the kids sang songs for 30 minutes to the senior citizens in their cafeteria. It was, hands down, one of the best experiences we have ever had as a family. It was super easy to coordinate too.)
3. Warren Street Center for Children and Families – their day care, preschool, and after-school program would welcome volunteers.  Please contact Nikki Cosby at 718-237-9578 for more information.
4. Lutheran Medical Center – The main hospital’s volunteer department would be happy to accept greeting cards or toys for their patients.  More extensive volunteering would be limited to kids ages 14 and up.  For more information, please call Mary Hetherington at 718-630-7296.
5. Toy Drive – If you are interested in donating a toy please call Orianne at 718-630-7171.

Lutheran Family Health Centers
6025 6th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11220
718-630-7171

A Child Grows, 2011. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: christmas volunteer, family to volunteer, family volunteer, holiday volunteer, lutheran healthcare, lutheran hospital, lutheran medical center, park slope, reach out and read, sunset park, toy drive, visit hospital patients, visit senior citizens, where to volunteer in brooklyn

I’m pretty sure you aren’t thinking about summer camp yet, but Curious Jane , a popular summer program for girls, wants to help you with your winter camp plans! If you have a daughter that might be interested in making toys, trying a trapeze, building a catapult or making bath bombs, get your mouse ready!  The Curious Jane Winter Field Trip Series are open for registration. These unique workshops are great opportunities for girls to create and support one another. Our friends at Shiny Brite Things loved the summer program for their daughter so much that they nudged Curious Jane’s founder to start a winter program too.

To Register: Download their registration form and email it to casey@curiousjanecamp.com. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can pay by credit card or check. Or you can register over the phone at 718.369.6320.
Transportation: For many field trips, they provide subway transportation to and from their Brooklyn Workspace; please note times and call with any questions.

Don't you love these girls' faces?! Goo yuck!

Workshop: Soft Toy Design
Saturday December 17th and Sunday December 18th, 1-4pm

In this special focus of Toy Design, girls create their own stuffed creatures out of soft materials. They learn about character development and how to express personality traits visually using specific shapes and colors. They learn simple hand stitching techniques to make their shapes and how to add unique details. Just in time for the holiday season, this workshop is perfect for homemade gift-giving!
Ages: 7 to 11. Limited to 8 girls.
Cost: $60 ($45 for a sister or friend). Includes all project supplies and a snack.
Location: CJ Workspace, 530 3rd Avenue, 4R (bt 12th and 13th Streets) Brooklyn

Take Flight at Trapeze School New York in Manhattan!
Sunday, January 22nd (12–4:15 for transportation from Brooklyn; 1:15-3:15 if joining us there)

Build your daughter’s sense of confidence and adventure with a flying trapeze class! Girls will take a 2-hour lesson, beginning with safety instruction. They will learn how to do a knee-swing, a flip dismount and, if they feel ready, to catch or be caught. Enrollment is limited so that everyone gets plenty of time on the swing.
Ages: 8 to 11. Limited to 12 girls.
Cost: $125 ($95 for a sister or friend). Includes 2-hr private class and subway transporation
Location: Trapeze School of New York, 518 West 30th Street (bt 10th and 11th Avenues)
And don’t forget: Parents must sign a consent waiver prior to the trip (we will email this to you). Socks are required; girls should wear stretchy clothes; long pants, like leggings, are ideal. Bring a water bottle and light snack.

Grab a tool and build something! at Makeville Studios in Gowanus
Sunday, February 12th (12:30–3:30 to walk from our Workspace; 1-3pm if joining us there)

Makeville is a professional woodshop with classes for amateurs to professionals. During this private workshop, girls will learn out to safely use hand saws, power drills, hammers, files, rasps, and other tools to construct their own pieces. Possible take-home projects may range from keepsake boxes (with an optional secret compartment!) and working catapults to step stools and small table lamps.
Ages: 8 to 11. Limited to 10 girls.
Cost: $65 ($50 for a sister or friend). Includes 2-hr private class and take-home project.
Location: Makeville Studios, 119 8th Street, Studio 208 (bt 2nd and 3rd Avenues) Brooklyn
And don’t forget: Girls should wear comfortable sneakers or boots, keep long hair tied back and leave dangling jewelry at home.

Workshop: Spa Science
Saturday February 18th and Sunday February 19th, 1-4pm

Learn the secrets of your favorite spa concoctions! From goat’s milk lip-balm and magic moisturizers to bubbling bath bombs and purifying mud masks – these recipes hold plenty of science discoveries. They also draw from two of our camp favorites – Lab Science and CJ PJ Day!
Ages: 7 to 11. Limited to 8 girls.
Cost: $60 ($45 for a sister or friend). Includes all project supplies and a snack.
Location: CJ Workspace, 530 3rd Avenue, 4R (bt 12th and 13th Streets) Brooklyn

Whip up sumpin’ tasty at The Brooklyn Kitchen in Williamsburg!
Sunday, March 11th (11:45–3:15 for travel from CJ Workspace; 12:30-2:30pm if joining us there)

The Brooklyn Kitchen is a local culinary hot-spot selling gourmet goodies, cookware and meats from The Meat Hook, an in-house butcher counter. They also offer a wide range of classes in a dedicated cooking space. During their own class, girls will learn about local and seasonal ingredients, why these foods are good for you, and how to prepare them. Then they’ll cook a veggie dish from scratch and sample it! Plus, they’ll take a tour of the store and stop by The Meat Hook to learn from the butchers. Girls are grouped by age and given food prep and cooking challenges that meet their ability levels.
Ages: 5 to 11. Limited to 10 girls.
Cost: $65 ($50 for a sister or friend). Includes 2-hr private class and subway transportation.
Location: The Brooklyn Kitchen, 100 Frost Street, Brooklyn
And don’t forget: If you’re picking up your daughter from this event, come early to grab fixings for a delicious Sunday supper from one of Brooklyn’s premier food shopping destinations.

A Child Grows, 2011. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: brooklyn day camp, brooklyn summer camp, curious jane, curious jane summer camp, curious jane winter field trips, day camp for girls, park slope camp, park slope day camp, preschool day camp in brooklyn, summer camp for girls, summer camp in brooklyn

If you are looking for reasonably-priced tickets to dance, theatre and music, some of the best deals around can be had at Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College. Thanks to big corporation sponsorship (Target for the family series), seats are available for less than a movie ticket price. $7 for a Nutcracker performance? You got it- and it’s not just inexpensive, it’s actually a good production. Tickets sell fast- and not only for the Nutcracker- so you need to buy far in advance. We have laid out the whole family season for you here, but don’t forget to check out the adult productions too. It’s fairly easy to get to Brooklyn College:  they are located one short block from the junction of Flatbush and Nostrand Avenues, a major public transportation hub.

The Colonial Nutcracker
Date: December 11, 2011
Time: 2:00  PM
Single Ticket: $7
An annual holiday favorite at Brooklyn Center, Dance Theatre in Westchester performs a narrated version of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet set in wintry colonial Yorktown. This Target FamilyFun Series performance is recommended for ages four and up. Running time 2 hours 15 minutes including intermission.

Clifford the Big Red Dog™ — Live!
Date: January 8, 2012
Time: 2:00  PM
Embark on a whole new adventure with loveable Clifford, the big red dog with the heart of gold.  Based on the classic children’s books by Norman Bridwell, this brand new musical is full of memorable songs and fun choreography celebrating the timeless values of sharing, respect, and cooperation.  This Target FamilyFun Series performance is recommended for ages four and up.
Single Ticket: $10

Hot Peas ‘N Butter
Date: January 29, 2012
Time: 2:00  PM
Single Ticket: $7
Even if your kids don’t like vegetables, they won’t be able to resist Hot Peas ‘N Butter!  This children’s musical group combines an interactive, invigorating approach to performance with multicultural music, blending jazz, R&B, folk, rock and Afro-Caribbean tunes that will have your kids dancing in the aisles. This Target FamilyFun presentation is recommended for ages four and up.

The Beauty of Ballet
Date: March 11, 2012
Time: 2:00  PM
Single Ticket: $FREE
Join students and faculty of the world-famous School of American Ballet (the official academy of New York City Ballet) in this program illustrating the process by which talented youngsters develop into accomplished classical ballet dancers.  Your children will watch a “class” where training exercises and steps are demonstrated, and also enjoy excerpts from famous ballets.  Presented in collaboration with the School of American Ballet, this free event is recommended for ages four and up.  No tickets will be issued — seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale
Date: April 22, 2012
Time: 2:00  PM
Single Ticket: $7
When a great African king desires a wife, Mufaro’s two daughters are invited to meet him.  Both are beautiful, but does either have the inner beauty of a potential queen? Told through African dance, drumming, narration and song,  this musical celebrates goodness, generosity, and kindness of heart.  A Target FamilyFun Series event recommended for ages six and up. This dramatization is being performed by permission of the John Steptoe Literary Trust.

Cinderella
Date: May 20, 2012
Time: 2:00  PM
Single Ticket: $7
American Family Theater’s award-winning production bursts with excitement, fantasy and song as it tells the classic tale of a lowly servant girl whose one wish is to attend the royal ball.  With the help of her friend Mortimer Mouse and a magical fairy godmother, her dreams come true and, as in all good fairy tales, everyone lives happily ever after!

A Child Grows, 2011. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: american family theater cinderella, brooklyn center for performing arts, brooklyn college theatre, cinderella at brooklyn college, clifford play, hot peas n butter, live of clifford, mufaro's beautiful daughters, the beauty of ballet, the colonial nutcracker, the nutcracker, the nutcracker at brooklyn college, theater at brooklyn college, walt whitman theatre