Babies and beyond

This issue has a focus on two things in particular that tie into each other sooner than you’d think: babies and preschool, and there’s no better time than July to be considering where you might elect to begin early childcare. It’s a great time to investigate and explore the possibilities as you perhaps think about fall and enrollments in programs.

You’d think that babies wouldn’t necessarily conjure up preschool, but they do, and even if you’re going to stay home and be the primary care giver (which is getter rarer and rarer an option for a lot of Moms), before you know it, the time will pass and you will be needing to find a playgroup or a Mommy class or some kind of socializing program that begins the process of adjusting your child to the world at large.

I always say that perhaps the most important responsibility anyone will ever take on comes with no training and we are expected somehow inherently to know how to be a good parent. No time in our parenting experience is more daunting in this regard and shocking than in those weeks after we bring home a new baby. This tiniest of creatures (more tiny than we could ever have imagined), who hardly sleeps and doesn’t let us sleep either, can be more work and cause more feelings of inadequacy than you’ve ever experienced before.

In New York City, with so many of us not being near our parents or siblings, and possibly having moved here from other places, we are not able to rely on their experience and expertise, and support groups with other parents are not only helpful but rather essential. Forming bonds with others will not only help you determine your “new normal,” but also be a great way of establishing early on playgroups for your baby and future friends and buddies.

I often miss having a baby and find myself continually melting when I see babies on the street or out shopping. Watching their personalities emerge after weeks of basic stuff like crying, sleeping and nursing is a gift and a privilege. Suddenly, there is a person, and that person comes with nuance and temper and all that goes into the formation of a whole individual. What a miracle!

School’s out and vacations are here and camp and summer programs. The days of summer pass all too quickly and suddenly we’ll be getting ready for school again and all that fall schedules require, so we have to enjoy these weeks to the fullest. Make sure to put sunscreen on your kids and don’t forget those sunglasses. Enjoy the beach or the country or whatever family outings/picnics you have planned.

Have a great 4th of July and thanks so much for reading.

Relevant Directory Listings

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SKATEYOGI

<p><span style="caret-color: #500050; color: #500050; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; background-color: #ffffff;">Discover the joy of skateboarding! Offered at both their original Prospect Lefferts Gardens location and their brand-new space on the Williamsburg Waterfront (N 9th St @ Kent), SKATEYOGI Summer Camp welcomes anyone ages 7-13 from absolute beginners to experienced skaters in a fun, creative environment. Campers are exposed to both outdoor skating on daily trips to nearby parks and indoor ramp practice. Their low student-to-teacher ratio ensures plenty of personal attention. They also offer a shorter afternoon mini-camp at both of these locations for younger skaters ages 5-7. Rental gear is included for camps held on-site at SKATEYOGI. For more experienced skaters ages 9-15, their Urban Shredders program offers daily adventures at skateparks and skate spots around Downtown Brooklyn. </span></p>

Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp

<p>Aviator Sports Summer Day Camp offers five daily rotating activities such as swimming, ice skating gymnastics, rock climbing, parkour, indoor/outdoor turf, and courts plus more in its ample 175,000 sq. ft. facility and 35-acre outdoor area. Aviator Summer Camp also offers off-site and on-site field trips such as a day at Green Meadows Farm, Launch Trampoline Park, and a Brooklyn Cyclones game. The summer camp runs from 9 am-5 pm with early drop off and late stay available. Bus transportation is also available throughout Brooklyn. Lunch and an afternoon snack are included. Sign up by February 28th to receive up to $300 off camp with early bird discounts.</p>

Play On! Studios

<p>Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games!</p> <p>Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun!</p> <p>Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show!</p> <p>During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we’ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us.</p> <p> </p>