New York Family’s May 2013 Issue

VID_3998 — Melissa Joan Hart; cover photo by Lindsay May for Classic Kids Photography

Features

A Total Sweet Hart
Everyone’s favorite teenage witch, Melissa Joan Hart is now a mom of three—and still a TV star with singular charm

Moms We Love
This year’s group of local mom heroes reminds us of the many ways to contribute to family life in the city

Hot Summer Programs For Cool City Kids
A preview of great children’s programs for summer fun and learning

When Day Is The Way
Many day camps now attract older campers who appreciate their mix of programs and attractions

Terrific Twosomes
Discover some of the city’s best mommy & me classes

Registry Rescue
Ten tips for taking the stress out of the baby checklist

Family Fun Guide

Ten Great Events For May
NYC wildflower week, all about frogs, block building galore, and more

Home & Away

Quality Time
Three whimsical springtime recipes for kids: Petite Watermelons, Rainbow Cookes, and Sweetie Pie Pie Pops

Travel
Where the wild trips are: America’s most underrated national parks

Columns

Editor’s Note
Big hug

Contests & Special Events
The New York Baby Show, Blackboard Awards, Ultimate Nursery Giveaway, and New York Family on Pinterest

It’s My Party
Birthday celebrations at FAO Schwarz, The Gaga Center, and All Souls

Kid Report
Two weeks at St. Jude Children’s Hospital turned an NYC Teenager into a dedicated advocate for its mission

Scoop
NYC’s newest kids’ gym, African-inspired fashion, delicious cupcake crawl, and more

LYSST
Pass these fabulyss Mother’s Day gift ideas to your partner—or just treat yourself!

Activity Of The Month
A writer reflects on some important life lessons that horseback riding taught her

A Special Place
With the addition of specialized programming for 3- to 5-year-olds, Gymboree is more popular than ever with city families

Growing Up
A prominent author finds the secrets of successful families in some unlikely places

The Last Word
Hoping mightily for a natural childbirth, a local mom labored through 20 hours of contractions before wrestling with a different choice

Young Actors at Strasberg

<p>Young Actors at Strasberg&nbsp;offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 &ndash;&nbsp;12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry &ndash;&nbsp;all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson!</p> <p>Young Actors&nbsp;Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in&nbsp;July and August.</p> <p><strong>About The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute:</strong></p> <p>Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.</p>

Speakitaly NYC

<p>SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp;</p> <p>Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge.</p> <p>Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts?</p> <p>Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"</p>

Treehouse Shakers

<div>Treehouse Shakers&rsquo; Branching OUT After-School program is for ages 12-14. This awarded program is for young people who identify as LGBTQIA+, or are seeking to become better allies. Branching OUT centers on discovering and exploring one&rsquo;s story and identity through an intentionally artist-led format. During our community-based program, young people will explore and reflect on their own story to create a larger, more meaningful experience, while gaining self-empowerment and gathering with like-minded peers. Through the guidance of our awarded teaching artists, young people will create narratives that will be turned into podcasts, dances, songs or poetry.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Young people have the opportunity to learn new art forms, work with professional artists, while building a meaningful community.</div>