April 2015 Table of Contents

The April 2015 issue of NYMetroParents features our birthday party planner, with advice and resources for hosting the perfect celebration for your child. Plus, you’ll find tips on making the most of your child’s preschool years, advice on modern RSVP rules, an photo essay by a local stay-at-home dad, a special on autism awareness, and much more!

April 2015

Birthday Issue

FEATURE ARTICLES

	Modern RSVP Rules When it comes to attending parties, most guests forget to respond to invites in a timely manner, or even at all. Here are six modern RSVP rules for invitation etiquette, and three things for hosts to remember.
	They Did It at Camp Discover the benefits of summer camp, and how sending kids to summer camp can help them form new interests, gain new experiences, and learn new skills.
	Autism Awareness Special April is Autism Awareness Month. Learn about the importance of social connection for those on the autism spectrum, find tips on what to do when your family doesn’t believe your child’s diagnosis, and discover everything you need to know about the ABLE Act.
	Girl Scout Cookies for Everyone Try these recipes for gluten-free, vegan Girl Scout-style cookies at home, including Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs. You won’t believe how close the taste comes to the real deal!

BIRTHDAY PARTY PLANNING GUIDE

Birthday Party Resources in the New York City Area
Our comprehensive guide features party entertainment, party stores, venues to host the party, and everything else you need to help you plan the perfect birthday celebration for your child.

FUN & ACTIVITIES

Family Activities Calendar
Search our calendar to find fun and low-cost things to do across the NYC area. In April, you’ll find egg hunts everywhere, Earth Day festivals in many communities, Disney Live shows in several counties, outdoor events to celebrate spring, and much more!

Also see: Top 100 Things to Do this Spring in the NYC Area

Family Outing: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
A visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum is a must-do at least once with your kids. Here’s how to make the most of your visit to these iconic, historic landmarks.

Where-To Guide: Zoos, Gardens, and Nature Centers
Find petting zoos, arboretums, nature preserves, farms and public gardens, all packed with fun nature activities for the whole family. Let your little ones loose to try their hands at zoo feedings and touch tanks, explore wooded trails, and learn about exotic plants. The spring season is the perfect time to explore the outdoors.

ADVICE & CONNECTIONS

	The Best of the Rest of the Web From the April 2015 issues of NYMetroParents comes a selection of funny and thoughtful quotes about allowing swear words, transferring the heat of a relationship to bonding over children, and the cure-all hug from a child.
	NYMP Q&A: How to Make the Most of Your Child’s Preschool Years An early childhood education expert shares preschool pointers, from assessing potential preschools and what makes a good preschool teacher to the advantages of preschool and how to prepare your child for the preschool setting.
	From the Apple to the Tree: How a Daughter’s Asperger’s Diagnosis Affected Family Bonds Amy Gravino was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at the age of 10, in the early 1990s when the diagnosis was misunderstood or even unheard of. She reflects on how it affected her childhood relationship with her parents.
	The Sweet Life: Precious Moments from a Stay-at-Home Dad A Brooklyn stay-at-home dad shares cherished memories of days at home with his young daughter in a photo essay of fatherhood.