I can finally see the signs of spring ahead. And boy, am I looking forward to “springing” ahead. What a cold winter we have had! I don’t know about you, but I am ready to pack the ski boots, jackets, gloves, and hats away.
March is a very special month to me because — not only is it my birthday month — it’s also National Women’s History Month. I know my boys are learning about this in school; however, it gives me a reason to open up a deeper conversation with them about amazing, historical women. To me, all of us moms are making history!
Yes, March is still a very cold month, and moms are always asking me for fun things to do close to the city. Recently, my family visited Medieval Times in New Jersey. As we drove up to the castle, I knew we were in for quite the experience. The unique combination of a medieval banquet and thrilling jousts between knights on horseback captured the imagination of all ages, especially that of my boys and husband. Medieval Times is an exciting, family-friendly dinner attraction inspired by an 11th-century feast and tournament. Guests are served a four-course banquet (and, yes, you eat with your hands) and cheer for one of six knights competing in the joust and other tests of skill. It’s a super fun experience and only eight miles outside of the city. Your kids will thank you for taking them on this fun adventure.
Medieval Times [149 Polito Ave. in Lyndhurst, NJ, (866) 543–9637, www.medie
I always love to tell you about exciting new openings around the city. I recently was introduced to the new preschool on the Lower East Side, Evolution Enrichment Center. Not only is the Lower East Side one of the coolest neighborhoods to go out in at night, the neighborhood has really become very popular with families. The brand-new school is geared toward children ages 2 to 5. It has its own enrichment program and after-school program for children up to age 14. It also has wonderful partnerships with the non-profit Russian-American School of Ballet, as well as Krav Maga Center of America. Children get an introduction to everything from science to art within the sprawling 15,000-square-foot space. Your kids can learn Mandarin, chess, yoga, and ballet, as well as many other amazing activities.
Evolution Enrichment Center [38 Delancey St. #2, between Forsyth and Elridge streets on the Lower East Side, (212) 375–9500, www.evolu
There’s a new book that’s taking parents by storm: “The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who are Grounded, Generous and Smart about Money” by Ron Lieber (personal finance columnist for The New York Times). This new #FabULyss book explores how money smarts can be a helpful tool in raising good kids. Parents everywhere are buzzing about it.
Please join the #DivaMomsBookClub on Tuesday, March 3 for this very important book signing and reading with Lieber. I promise that you will leave this event more knowledgeable and feeling good about starting conversations about money with your children.
Book Club meeting on March 3, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. RSVP@
Join the #DivaMomsBookClub at Kumon, the world’s largest after-school math and reading program, for another #FabULyss event with Tova Klein, the director of the Barnard College for Toddler Development and associate professor of Psychology. We will have a book signing and question-and-answer session with Klein about her amazing book that is now in paperback, “How Toddlers Thrive.” She’s distilled these decades of experience with parents and children ages 2 to 5 into a book that gives you the tools you need to enjoy your interactions with your toddlers, and at the same time, sow the seeds for a lifetime of success.
Tova Klein book signing and Q & A at the Midtown East Kumon Center (962 First Ave. between E. 53rd and E. 52nd streets in Midtown East, www.divam
As the weather starts to get warmer, parents are always asking me about amazing sports programs for their children. One that both of my boys personally loves is the NY Sluggers, teaching baseball the right way, that has the most #FabULyss after-school baseball programs. Every Friday afternoon starting in April in Central Park children ages 5 to 8 will learn the game of baseball as they teach them the proper throwing and hitting mechanics, fielding positions, catching, and base running. I promise your boys will love this baseball program! Best baseball coaches in New York City!
NY Sluggers. For more information, call Coach Brett at (917) 301–4295 or e-mail bhb42
Have a #FabULyss March! I cannot wait for the flowers to start blooming in Central Park. Spring is one of my favorite seasons.
Lyss Stern is the founder of DivaLysscious Moms (www.divam