Bethenny’s “Ultimate Mom” Tips

Don’t be a helicopter parent. Kids will develop more confidence in their own problem-solving abilities if they get a chance to figure things out themselves.

Don’t negotiate with terrorists. It’s okay for a child to be frustrated, but it’s not okay for a parent to give in every time a child shows the slightest displeasure about something.

Teach good hygiene. Every child should learn to wash her hands after playing or being out in the world and to touch her own face as little as possible.

Keep a regular schedule. Kids thrive on regularity, and if the days are usually the same then it’s extra fun when something special happens.

Never obsess about food. It’s insane and it teaches kids to overeat and panic and fear sharing and get emotional about food.

Parent on a budget. Too many toys are over-stimulating, and kids won’t appreciate them. Even if you do have a lot of toys, put most of them away and rotate them out…so old toys feel like new toys.

Schedule activities. Sign them up for things that interest them or that you think they would like, and get them outside as much as possible. Kids can’t get too much fresh air and sunshine.

But don’t overschedule. Kids need time to be creative and make up their own activities without defaulting to the easy way out, which is staring at an electronic device.

Never miss a meaningful moment. I’m a person who is always in a hurry, so this has been a big change for me, but I recognize how important it is to take those moments and cherish them. I know these moments with my daughter are fleeting, so I celebrate everything we do together.

Courtesy of Touchstone, a Division of Simon & Shuster, Inc.

To read our September 2013 cover interview with Bethenny Frankel, click here.

Friends Academy Summer Camps

<div>Our programs offer engaging and hands-on activities that give children the opportunity to learn, socialize and have lots of fun!</div> <p>The Explorers Program (Age 3 &ndash; Rising Grade 2)&nbsp;includes theme-based activities in addition to daily sports, swim sessions, and&nbsp;two weekly specialty classes. Our specialty classes include learning science, practicing gymnastics, fireless cooking, and more.</p> <p>The Trailblazer Program (Rising Grades 3-8) allows children the opportunity to develop new interests by selecting two different specialty programs of choice each week in addition to campus-wide activities and recreational swim sessions. Specialty classes include cooking, sports, app building, dance, chess, art and much more!</p>

STEAM Camp at the Cathedral School

<div> <p dir="ltr">STEAM Camp at the Cathedral School is an innovative summer day camp that welcomes all children rising to Kindergarten up to Grade 6. Blending craft, engineering, and technology, projects are designed to spark wonder in all of our campers. Campers also learn to design and prototype at our Innovation Lab equipped with 3D printers, laser cutter, robots, and other maker tech. When they need a break, campers are just steps away from our AquaZone for some refreshing splashes and water slide fun.&nbsp;</p> </div> <div> <p dir="ltr">STEAM campers are curious. They want to be makers, inventors, and problem solvers. Summer is a great time to tinker, explore, and play. Combining inventive hands-on projects with summer outdoor fun on our beautiful 11-acre campus, STEAM Camp is an ideal experience for all children in NYC. Come have a creative, whimsical, and STEAM-y summer with us!&nbsp;</p> </div> <div> <p dir="ltr">Choose one or both of our sessions:</p> </div> <div> <p dir="ltr">Session 1: Living Green with STEAM: Sustainable Design &amp; Engineering</p> </div> <div> <p dir="ltr">Session 2: Maker Park Adventures: Circuits, Coding &amp; Robotics</p> </div>

Laurissa Jane Music

<p>Laurissa Jane Music Studio is a dedicated institution that offers a solid foundation for students to explore the captivating world of music and arts. With experienced instructors, we offer private and group lessons in piano, voice, and guitar, for all ages and skill levels. We provide year-round training for renowned programs such as NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) and ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). LJMS runs an annual Summer Musical Theatre Arts Program from July-August which offers a creative environment for young individuals with a passion for acting, singing, and dancing. We are proud to serve the vibrant communities of Jamaica Queens and can also provide classes virtually. At LJMS, we firmly believe in the transformative power of the arts. Call us today!</p>