The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has officially changed our lives. Between weeks-long school closures, social distancing, quarantining, working from home, home schooling, binge food buying and a never ending quest for toilet paper, this feels overwhelming.

This situation is certainly unprecedented and we are all taking things one day at a time. Our hope for our community is that we support one another, even from a distance, take the recommendations from our leaders seriously and stay positive.

The following resources have been shared with us and we thought it would be helpful to provide them to you as well.  As the situation continues to evolve, new resources will be introduced. We welcome your comments to provide our community with additional resources and will update this article on an ongoing basis.

For up-to-date information, you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter (most up-to-date) and Instagram.
​
Wishing everyone good health over this challenging time.

• CDC Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Coronavirus Page
• NY Governor Cuomo​ & Latest Case Numbers in NY
• Westchester County Coronavirus Page
• Check also your local town and school district websites as well for additional information

• Lohud is making local coronavirus coverage free to read
• News 12 Westchester

• The Childcare Council of Westchester is available to help parents find temporary child care, and all services for parents are free. Even if your school district or child care provider is not closed, the Council is urging parents to act now to prepare alternate arrangements, which may include things like a patchwork of care with family/friends and/or splitting child care duties with neighbors; hiring a nanny (do your due diligence as they are not covered under any regulations or oversight); or calling the Council for a list of OCFS-regulated child care programs/providers who may be willing to offer temporary care. Contact the Council at 914-761-3456 x140 and leave a message. Your call will be returned. NOTE: If your child or a family member is sick or has any possible exposure to #coronavirus, do not bring them to another child care provider until you receive proper guidance from the Department of Health. 

• WhizKidz Distance Learning & Virtual Tutoring sessions can help bridge the gap to ensure that your child doesn’t slide backwards in learning while out of school -- and that you don’t lose your sanity!Their tutors are available daily with flexible virtual-teaching schedules to meet the needs of at-home students and working-parents alike.  Phone: (914) 200-3512.
• Check your local library for free online resources and tutoring services. Due to the coronavirus, most libraries are closed, view the list of library closures on the WLS website. Please hold onto any library materials that are due; most libraries are forgiving fines during this period.
• New York Times: ​Home Schooling Tweens and Teens During Coronavirus Closings
• Check with your school for access to online learning resources.
• Distance Learning
  • The best educational apps for kids to game during coronavirus
  • Coronavirus closed schools. Here are online education classes for every age and grade​
  • 36 Free Educational Websites Parents Can Access While Schools Are Closed
  • Free Online Learning Links:
    • ST MATH: www.stmath.com
    • SCHOLASTIC: classroommagazines.scholastic.com
    • EDUCATION.COM: www.education.com
    • FUNBRAIN: www.funbrain.com
    • BRAIN POP: www.brainpop.com
    • DUO LINGO: www.duolingo.com
    • PRODIGY: www.prodigygame.com
    • MATH PLAYGROUND: www.mathplayground.com
    • PBS KIDS: pbskids.org
    • SPLASH LEARN: www.splashlearn.com
    • MATH GAME TIME: www.mathgametime.com
    • KHAN ACADEMY: www.khanacademy.org
    • DISCOVER MINDBLOWN: www.discoverymindblown.com
    • NASA KIDS’ CLUB: www.nasa.gov
    • AMAZING SPACE: amazing-space.stsci.edu
    • CODE ACADEMY: www.codecademy.com
    • CRASH COURSE ON YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com
    • WHO WAS? www.whowasbookseries.com
    • NAT GEO KIDS: kids.nationalgeographic.com
    • TIME 4 KIDS: www.timeforkids.com
    • SMITHSONIAN FOR KIDS: www.si.edu
    • HELLO KIDS: www.hellokids.com
    • VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS: virtual field trips

• Letter to Parents & Guardians  (from NYSDOH, NYSED)
• Be aware of false information circulating on the internet. Accurate and up-to-date information is available from the State Health Department at www.health.ny.gov/coronavirus or its hotline at 1-888-364-3065, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website and social media platforms at www.cdc.gov/COVID19
• How can I be tested for COVID-19? Upon a physician's order, New York State processes tests for COVID-19 at its state laboratory and has partnered with public and private labs to expand testing availability. In addition, New York's first drive-through COVID-19 mobile testing center is operational in New Rochelle. The mobile testing center is prioritizing tests for individuals that are part of the highest risk population. New Rochelle residents who would like to be tested can make an appointment by calling 888-364-3065.  
• Hotline Phone Numbers:
  • People under self-quarantine or exposure to known case, call (866) 588-0195
  • NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline (888) 364-3065
  • Westchester County COVID-19 Information Call 211
• American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations
• Hospitals in Westchester County
• The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
• Talking to Children about Social Distancing
• Is the Playground Safe from the Coronavirus?
• Self-Quarantine? Isolation? Social Distancing? What They Mean And When To Do Them

• PBS for Parents: ​How to Talk to your Kids about Coronavirus
• NPR: ​Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus
• NASP: ​Talking to Kids About Covid-19 - A Parent Resource
• Child Mind Institute: ​Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus
• UNICEF: ​How to talk to your child about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) 
• SAMHSA: ​Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
• AFSP: ​Protecting Your Mental Health During Corona Virusa
• SAMHSA: ​Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During
  Infectious Disease Outbreaks
• NBC News: ​How to talk to your kids (and ease their fears)
• New York Times: ​How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus
• New York Times: ​5 Ways to Help Teens Manage Anxiety About the Coronaviru​s
• Easter Seals: ​Coronavirus Social Story to use to explain the Coronavirus and school closures to children with Autism
• Understood.org: ​How to Talk About Coronavirus with Kids

I saw this post come through on Facebook from a friend and though this positive perspective was worth sharing...

No birth is completely pain free, but luckily there are many options available today for women to manage discomfort during labor. Whether your preference is to go as natural as possible, or to opt for the peace of mind of safely monitored medication, consider these methods:

Breathing and meditation techniques. Going drug-free during labor may be the most painful, but bounce-back is quicker for the drug-free mom and there are no side effects to worry about. Consider a prenatal class that will review the pros and cons of the different pain management options available in case you find yourself changing your mind in the thick of it (it happens!). A prenatal yoga and meditation class can prepare your body physically for birth through a variety of stretching and strengthening poses, as well ways to help you use breathing techniques and visualizations to relax and calm the mind during labor. 

Nitrous Oxide. Yes, laughing gas! When mixed with oxygen at lower levels, nitrous oxide has analgesic and anxiety reducing properties that can distract you from the pain of childbirth. It’s safe for both mother and baby to use. It’s more common in Europe, but White Plains Hospital is one of the few hospitals in Westchester that offers this option to women. “It takes the edge off, helps to relax you,” notes Kerry Dineen, the hospital’s OB Navigator. “It works well for patients who don’t want pain medications, and those who labor so fast there isn’t time to administer an epidural.”

Analgesics. These drugs lessen pain without the loss of feeling or muscle movement. Typically narcotics, these drugs are usually given intravenously, and usually not an hour before you give birth because the side effects could make you groggy and your baby sleepy, making it more difficult to breastfeed – and look perky for those Insta snaps!

Epidural/Anesthesia. Administered via injection (usually around the spine) for the purpose of blocking nerve sensations, anesthetics prevent pain in one area of the body. They usually target the nerves that carry feeling to the vagina, vulva and perineum. There may be some loss of feeling in the lower part of your body, but you will remain awake and alert during the birth. 
It’s common to use a combination of the above during delivery. Working with your doctor, both before and after the birth, you can create a plan and outline what you are willing or not willing to be open to when the situation arises. Or, when you find yourself in the moment, you can do a total 180. As long as you are in a hospital with a skilled and compassionate labor and delivery staff, that honors your personal preferences, and uses evidence-based procedures, you and your baby will be in good hands no matter how you decide to help him or her enter the world.

Looking for swimming lessons or a competitive swim team? Look no further. Here's our list of  local pools offering aquatics programs  in Westchester County, NY. Included are dedicated swim program facilities, gyms with swim instruction, community centers and county and town resources. Now, let's dive in!

Swimming is not only a popular activity for kids, but it is also is a very beneficial one. For starters, learning to swim is essential for safety. According to kidshealth.org, drowning is the second most common cause of death from injuries among kids under the age of 14. Swimming lessons can provide must-have water survival skills training, starting as young as age one. 

Second, swimming provides a healthy level of physical activity for children. It can provide cardiovascular activity, a low impact workout and even help with chronic diseases and  mental health. Introducing your child to swimming at a young age will promote a healthy life.

​Third, swimming has social and emotional benefits. For little ones, a mommy or daddy and me class can be a bonding experience from child to parent, as well as an opportunity to make new friends. For competitive swimmers, it can instill the value of teamwork and individuality. Swimming can also improve overall mood, and help combat depression, according to the CDC.

These pools provide swim instruction for a variety of ages from learn to swim programs for infants and toddlers through teen competitive swim teams. Moms in the community recommend many of these programs, making them the gold standard for swim instruction.  Many facilities offer group and private lessons.
​

Condors Swimming
Westchester Community College (WCC), 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla, NY 

Empire Swimming- 2 locations
The Hackley School, 293 Benedict Ave, Tarrytown, NY
The Masters School, 49 Clinton Ave, Dobbs Ferry, NY 

​Goldfish Swim School
92 Triangle Center, Yorktown Heights, NY

Purchase College Aquatics
Purchase College SUNY Athletics , 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY 

Rivertown Aquatics
EF International Language School , 100 Marymount Avenue, Tarrytown, NY

Swimfinity Swimming Academy
55 Fields Lane, North Salem, NY

Swim Labs ⭐️ Mom Recommended
3 Westchester Plaza, Lower Level, Elmsford,  NY
​
Swim Tank ⭐️ Mom Recommended
2 locations 
120 Madison Street, Mamaroneck, NY
45 West Red Oak Lane, West Harrison, NY

Westchester Aquatic Club
College of New Rochelle Wellness Center, 215 Liberty Avenue, New Rochelle, NY

Conveniently located inside membership required gyms, these classes offer instruction to children at specific times when the pool isn't being used for members. In some cases swimming lessons are open to the public, not just members.
​

Club Fit- 2 locations
584 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY
​600 Bank Road, Jefferson Valley, NY

Level Fitness
872 Pelham Parkway, Pelham Manor, NY

Lifetime Fitness 
1 Westchester Pk Dr, Harrison, NY 10604

New York Sports Club - 3 locations with a pool
50 Hamilton St, Dobbs Ferry, NY
175 Huguenot St, New Rochelle, NY
4 City Pl, White Plains, NY 

Premier Athletic Club
2127 Albany Post Rd, Montrose, NY

Safe Splash Swim School at 24 Hour Fitness
887 Pelham Pkwy
Pelham NY 10803

Safe Splash Swim School at LA Fitness
77 Cole St., Space 1290
Yonkers NY 10710

Saw Mill Club 
333 North Bedford Road, Mount Kisco, NY
77 Kensico Drive, Mount Kisco, NY

Community centers offer swimming instruction in groups, semi-private and private formats.

YMCA 
New Rochelle- 50 Weyman Ave, New Rochelle, NY
Rye- 21 Locust Ave, Rye, NY
Tarrytown- 62 Main St, Tarrytown, NY
White Plains- 250 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY
​
JCC of Mid-Westchester 
999 Wilmot Rd, Scarsdale, NY

Shames JCC on the Hudson
371 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY

YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester
515 North Street, White Plains, NY

Some towns and public schools also have indoor pools available to residents. These can be a more affordable option.  Check your local school district and town recreation department for details. In the summer, many towns offer swimming lessons at outdoor pools.

Westchester County offers a swim program through Westchester Parks.
Westchester Parks Learn To Swim Program (Outdoor)
Saxon Woods Pool, White Plains
Tibbetts Brook Pool, Yonkers 
Playland Pool, Rye
Willson's Woods Pool, Mount Vernon

Did we miss any? Tell us in the comments below! Happy swimming!

Palisades Center is among the top ten most visited malls in America! Conveniently located just across the Governor Mario M. Cuomo bridge, Palisades Center, is a four-level shopping and entertainment extravaganza located in Rockland County. The mall offers over 200 stores, 16 sit-down restaurants, a bowling alley, ice rink, the world's tallest indoor ropes course, comedy club, and more! If you are looking for entertainment, they have you covered.

​Read on to discover things to do with Westchester kids at Palisades Center. You can also see upcoming events on their website.

Palisades Center
1000 Palisades Center Dr, West Nyack, NY

Hello February. Check out these kid-friendly events coming up in Westchester County, NY. This month we celebrate Black History Month, Lunar New Year, Valentine's Day and begin maple sugaring! There are also plenty of indoor shows, arts and science events to enjoy.

For more ideas, check out our indoor fun guides:

• Indoor Play Spaces, Arcades, Trampoline Parks, Adventure Centers & More ​
• Museums & Aquariums
• Art Centers, Classes, Drop-In Studios & More 
• Music Classes, Centers & More
• Ice Skating in Westchester County & Nearby

And if that isn't enough, you can find a full listing of things to do this weekend, recurring events and other upcoming events on our Community Calendar. Events are free to add so we encourage our readers and local businesses to post great family events.

Printmaking Workshop: Honoring Black History Month
Sat Feb 15th 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Avenue Yonkers, NY

Black History Collage Craft
Wed Feb 19th 2:00pm - 3:00pm
The Field Library Children's Room, 4 Nelson Ave, Peekskill, NY

Addy’s Quilt celebrating African-American History Month
Sat Feb 22nd 11:00am - 12:00pm
​Girl AGain, 4 Martine Ave, Store 2B, White Plains, NY

Lunar New Year Festival at HR
Sun Feb 9th 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, NY

Teatown Hudson River EagleFest
Sat Feb 8th 9:00am - 4:00pm
Croton Point Park, 1A Croton Point Ave, Croton-On-Hudson, NY​
​
Maple Sugaring at Rye Nature Center- also on Feb 29th
Sat Feb 8th 1:00pm
Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Rd, Rye, NY

Sugaring Stories and Craft
Sat Feb 8th 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Muscoot Farm, 51 NY-100, Katonah, NY

GNC February Events
Sun Feb 9th - Sat 29th 
Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd, Scarsdale, NY

NY Metro Reptile Show
Sun Feb 9th 9:00am - 4:00pm
Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave, White Plains, NY
​
Tappin' the Trees
Sun Feb 9th 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Muscoot Farm, 51 NY-100, Katonah, NY 1

Primitive Sugaring
Sat Feb 15th 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Muscoot Farm, 51 NY-100, Katonah, NY
​
Daddy & Me Animal Show
Sat Feb 22nd 9:15am - 10:30am
Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Rd, Rye, NY

​Sugaring
Sunday, February 16, 2020 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Saturday, February 22, 2020 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Sunday, February 23, 2020 1:00-3:00 pm
Saturday, February 29, 2020 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm
Muscoot Farm, 51 NY-100, Katonah, NY

Maple Sugar at Home with GNC
Mon Feb 17th 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd, Scarsdale, NY
​
Maple Sugaring at Rye Nature Center
​Sat Feb 29th 1:00pm
Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Rd, Rye, NY
​

American Girl Valentine’s Day Craft
Sat Feb 8th 12:00pm
GirlAGain, 4 Martine Ave, Store 2B, White Plains, NY

Valentine's Day Craft
Wed Feb 12th 4:00pm - 5:00pm
The Field Library Children's Room, 4 Nelson Ave, Peekskill, NY
​
Valentine's Day Laser Cutting with Glowforge Workshop
Thu Feb 13th 4:30pm - 6:00pm
The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Rd, Rye, NY

Victorian Valentine Tea & Craft Workshop
Sat Feb 15th 11:00am - 3:00pm
Horace Greeley House, 100 King Street Chappaqua, NY

​Story & Craft
Fri Feb 7th 11:00am - 11:45am
The Field Library Children's Room, 4 Nelson Ave, Peekskill, NY

Open House + FREE Workshops
Fri Feb 7th 4:00pm - 7:00pm
One River School - Hartsdale, 112 S Central Ave, Hartsdale, NY

​Free Crafts for Kids at Lakeshore Learning Scarsdale- free weekly event, here's what is coming
Sat Feb 8th 11:00am - 3:00pm
Lakeshore Learning Store, 969 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale, NY

Shadowbox Paper Pelicans Workshop
Sat Feb 8th 12:30pm - 3:30pm
The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Rd, Rye, NY

​Family Studio: Art & Science Projects at the Hudson River Museum- repeats Saturdays and Sundays, get the details here
Saturdays & Sundays 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, NY

Make a Penguin with Polymer Clay Workshop
Sat Feb 8th 2:00pm
The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Rd, Rye, NY

Science Sunday: Chromatography
Sun Feb 9th 11:30am - 2:15pm
Westchester Children's Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY
​
The Symphony of Westchester Young Artist Showcase
Sun Feb 9th 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Christopher J. Murphy Auditorium - Iona College, 715 North Ave, New Rochelle, NY
​
Science Sunday
​Sun Feb 16th 11:30am - 2:15pm
Westchester Children's Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY

Flip Flop Circus
Sun Feb 9th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

The Royal Hanneford Circus
Sat Feb 15th - Mon 17th 
Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave, White Plains, NY

The Music of Queen for Kids
Sat Feb 15th- two show times
Garcia's at the Capitol Theater, 149 Westchester Ave, Port Chester, NY
​
Playtime at The Palace Mr. Fish "Fabulous Forces"
Sun Feb 16th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT
​
Ice Town Frost & Flames at Ridge Hill
Sun Feb 16th 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Ridge Hill, 1 Ridge Hill Boulevard, Yonkers, NY
​
The Music of Grateful Dead for Kids
Sat Feb 22nd- two show times
Garcia's at the Capitol Theater, 149 Westchester Ave, Port Chester, NY
​
MUMMENSCHANZ: you & me
Sun Feb 23rd 3:00pm
The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road Purchase, NY
​
​Air Play
Fri Feb 28th 7:00pm
The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY
​
The Spinning Tales of Peter Pan and Cinderella on Ice
Sat Feb 29th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT
​
The Music of the Beatles for Kids
Sat Feb 29th - two show times
Garcia's at the Capitol Theater, 145 Westchester Ave, Port Chester, NY]

Pete The Cat
Sat Feb 29th 11:00am - 2:30pm
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck, NY

February Break Class: Music & Art to Warm the Heart
Mon Feb 17th - Fri 21st 
The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Rd, Rye, NY

February Break Class: Making Miniatures Week
Mon Feb 17th - Fri 21st 
The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Rd, Rye, NY

February Break Class: Drawing, Painting, and More Week
Mon Feb 17th - Fri 21st 
The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Rd, Rye, NY

February Break Class: Ceramics Week
Mon Feb 17th - Fri 21st 
The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Rd, Rye, NY

Challenge Camp Open House
​Sun Feb 9th 2:00pm - 4:00pm
The Leffell School, 555 W Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale, NY
​
Mommy & Me Mondays
February Dates: 3, 10, 24
Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Rd, Rye, NY

Summer Programs Open House at Music Conservatory of Westchester
​Wed Feb 12th 6:30pm - 8:30pm &  Wed Feb 12th 6:30pm - 8:30pm 
Music Conservatory of Westchester, 216 Central Ave, White Plains, NY
​
Artistree/Emelin President's Week Musical Theatre Camp-Wicked
Mon Feb 17th 8:00am - Fri 21st 9:00am
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln map 

February Vacation STEM Pop-Ups
Tue Feb 18th 9:00am - Fri 21st 12:00pm
Mamaroneck Avenue School, Mamaroneck Ave S, Mamaroneck, NY

Good Deed of the Month Club: "Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch"
Sat Feb 22nd 11:00am - 11:30am
Westchester Children's Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY
​
Zombies 2 Event at The Westchester
Sun Feb 23rd 2:00pm - 4:00pm
The Westchester, 125 Westchester Ave, White Plains, NY

Hip Hop & Salsa Dance Lesson Fundraiser
Sun Feb 23rd 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Infinite Motion Studio, 76 Main St, Tuckahoe, NY

The arrival of a baby is a roller coaster ride for all parents.  At the beginning, the thought of leaving the house to go to the pediatrician can be a full day endeavor. Parents wonder how they’ll ever get their tired selves, AND their baby, AND all their STUFF (and there’s just so much stuff!) out the door and to their final destination. While daunting for sure, parents quickly realize that at some point, they do need to go out for the day, or even travel for longer. (If the thought of this sounds insurmountable to you right now, bookmark this post and come back when you’re ready!)  If you are ready for the adventure, read on for the top tips for sleep on the go!


Stick to Your Schedule
Whether your schedule is focused around feedings (for babies 4 months and under), or based on nap times (for babies 5 months and older), the key to peace of mind is having a schedule and sticking to it.  Do your best to maintain this schedule no matter your location. Particularly if there are other family members around when you travel (think adoring grandparents who want nothing more than to play with your kids and nothing less than for them to nap!), it’s ok to ask them to honor your baby’s sleep needs. Your children will be happier when better rested, and will give bigger smiles for all the pictures.


Recreate your Home Environment
To the best of your ability, it’s helpful for children if we can recreate their home environment for sleeping. Babies sleep best in a dark, quiet environment and there are some great baby products to help you on the go. If your children sleep with white noise, you can buy a portable white noise machine, or simply download a white noise app onto your phone. Babies accustom to sleeping in dark environments will benefit from a travel black out shade, or in a pinch, you can hang a sheet or towel over a window (put the tacks in the top of the window sill so they’re hidden!). And make sure you bring your baby’s sheets, and swaddle blankets or sleep sacks so they can enjoy the comforts of home while they sleep.


Accept Imperfection
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, sticking to a schedule is impossible. The airline schedule may not be accommodating and if traveling between time zones, you’re all sure to be a bit off.  Similarly, your baby may or may not sleep well on the go. There’s only so much we can do to create a healthy sleep environment on an airplane or in the car. Just be prepared to ride the wave and regroup when you land. Keep in mind that if your baby is well rested 99% of time time, they should be able to more easily tolerate a bumpy travel day. Once you reach your final destination, do your best to apply the tips above and enjoy a change in scenery. 
​

Written by Lauren Lappen, Certified Sleep Consultant and co-founder of Wee Sleep Solutions.  As a mom of daughters Ellie and twins Rebecca and Kira, Lauren recognized the importance of self-care and sought to instill healthy sleep habits in her children so that she could ensure her own rest and be at her best as a parent, wife and friend.   
 
Lauren studied under Deborah Pedrick, a pioneer in the field and founder of the Family Sleep Institute (FSI) and International Association of Child Sleep Consultants. She is thrilled to be able to educate families on the importance of sleep and to empower parents with the knowledge and ability to teach their kids to love sleep as much as her girls do!

Every season comes with its own specific set of safety concerns. Winter is no different, when people across the county have to contend with colder weather and close quarters. This is especially true up here in the Northeast, where winters can be particularly cold (and let’s face it, feel way too long).
 
To stay safe all winter long, it’s important that you and your family approach things as a team. And keep in mind the following safety tips:
 
Keep an Eye on the Air
 
With all the windows in your house closed against the cold, there will be less opportunity to naturally bring in fresh air or vent any harmful gases. But you can still keep your indoor air clean with:

• Carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure that you have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home to monitor for that harmful, odorless gas. 

 

• Air purifiers. Allergens, cooking odors and other airborne particles can also get trapped inside. Installation of a good air purifier will help reduce the bad things floating through the air, and can help everyone feel healthier. 

 
Check Your Heat Sources
 
To combat the cold, you probably have things in place inside to stay warmer. Routine maintenance and monitoring will help make the use of such methods safer.

• Fireplaces & other open flames. Never leave any fire unattended. Before going to bed or leaving the house, make sure everything is out and cold.

 

• Space heaters. As supplemental heating devices, space heaters can be quite useful and cost effective. However, certain models can pull a lot of electricity. So, be sure to keep an eye on them and the outlet into which they're plugged.

 

• Air filters. If you have a central heating system or furnace, be sure to check and replace the system's air filters regularly for the most efficient and clean use. (And cleaner air, as a bonus.)

 
Winterproof Your Car
 
Your need to drive probably doesn't stop just because the weather is bad. But before heading out, and especially before going on any longer trips, some automotive prep is a good idea.

• Check tires. Depending on the road conditions, you want to make sure that you have the right kind of tires (all-weather, snow and ice, etc.), and that they are inflated to the recommended pressure. Bring chains, if needed.

 

• Check fluids. Gas is pretty obvious. But you should also check the oil, antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid levels. 

 

• Road trip kit. If you end up stuck in an inconvenient location, you can hold out for a while with water, snacks, and a couple of blankets. A folding shovel, kitty litter or gravel, road flares, cell phone signal booster, and portable cell phone charger can help you get out of your predicament.

​Prepare for Power Outages 
 
Snow, fallen tree limbs and skidding cars have a tendency to compromise electrical lines in the wintertime. But, while certainly inconvenient, temporary power losses do not have to fill you with fear. Just make sure you're prepared with:
 

• Alternate light & heat sources. Just in case, it's smart to have a stash of candles, a lighter/matches, and flashlights/lanterns (with fresh batteries) available.

 

• Non-perishables. Stock up ahead of time with provisions that don’t require refrigeration or cooking. Drinking water, canned goods, and some of your family's favorite bagged snacks are essential. 

 

• Games, books & other entertainment. Yes, you can survive without TV or the internet. And you show your kids just how much fun boardgames, playing cards or reading a real book can be.

 

• Team up with neighbors. Power outages, especially ones that go on for a while, can potentially compromise your security. Communicating with neighbors, or even having a formal neighborhood watch in place, can help you all keep an eye out for each other.

 
Not too hard, really. Best of all, by working together your family will stay safer, and might even have fun in the process.

​Written by Erica Maltz, Founder & CEO of WhizKidz Tutoring LLC.
​Parenting is hard.  Parenting a kid who struggles with executive function skills is very hard.  Living as an individual whose executive function skills are lacking is no picnic either. You might be thinking: this phrase executive function skills is all abuzz lately, but what the heck are they anyway? Let’s break it down.
​

What are Executive Function Skills?

A child who is struggling with executive function might have trouble controlling emotions or make impulsive decisions. He might have trouble following multi-step directions, listening, or paying attention. You may hear from his teacher and see at home that he has trouble organizing himself to start an assignment or task, much less complete it.
 
If your child has EF struggles, school mornings can often feel like a disaster.  Are you having to constantly question your child: Do you have your homework? Your lunch? Your instrument? Your backpack? And then still receive a phone call from him at school having forgotten something?  Then, of course, the famous internal struggle follows – do you bring it or let them “learn the lesson the hard way”?  
 
Do you find that when you give your child two step directions: brush your teeth and get dressed, for example, you’ll find them 15 minutes later with one sock on, staring aimlessly into their closet, thinking about what is happening after school?
​

How can you help your child? ​

There are things that we can do as parents to help our children– and if that is not working, then there are professionals, like those at local Westchester County EF coaching expert WhizKidz Tutoring, who can help work with your child and YOU to best help and strategize ways to learn executive functions.

There are some easy (and fun!) ways for parents to help their children to strengthen their working memory.  A few examples: 

• Card games like Crazy Eights, Uno, Go Fish, and War.
• Strategy games like crossword puzzles, Sodoku, Jigsaw Puzzles, Concentration, Chess, Memory.  Remembering the rules of the games can be challenging for kids with EF issues and great practice for them.
• Repetition/fluency of math facts and letter/sound recognition for younger kids using flashcards or apps like Quizlet.
• Mnemonic Devices, like the Method of Loci, can be made a fun game at home – have the child look around a room and memorize what objects are present, close her eyes and recall what she saw.
  ​
  

Parents can help children who struggle with emotion regulation and impulsivity in a variety of ways:

• Do an emotion vocabulary study with your child where they label their emotions.
• Emotion reflection cards ask a child to recall an extreme emotion, label it, and reflect on their response.  And yes, Amazon sells them here: Mood-Cards.
• Emoji Cue Cards are a fun and easy way to help younger students assign their feelings about school, academics, chores, and tasks at home. Yep, Amazon sells them too! Click HERE to see them.
• Model positive emotion regulation to your child during role-play scenarios or in daily life situations - children mostly learn this skill from observing how we react, anyway!
• Set intentions - and write them down - to create clear goals to accomplish during the day.
• Practice mindfulness and meditation activities using apps like Calm or Headspace.

 
Organizational skills are key for any child struggling with executive functions. A few ideas:

• Keep a large desk calendar and desk organizers to help older children.
• Post a daily schedule in your home on a large dry erase board. 
• Have clear and consistent routines and procedures that offer structure in place as often as possible.  They will not only help your child, but make things much easier for you!
• Homework charts or planners from school with columns showing subject, task, and materials can be manipulated to add “materials packed in backpack” and “materials turned in.”  
• Put backpacks in the same place - by the front door - every night, packed and ready to go.  You will be thankful for this in the morning!

 

 Task Completion is another area of struggle for kids with EF trouble.  

• Have your older child create a checklist for a homework routine (look at planner, gather materials needed, break the assignments into smaller pieces, etc).  You can either have the checklist on a large dry erase board in the area where your child does homework, or simply type, print, and have it laminated.  Give it to your child at the beginning of daily homework time to make sure that routines are smooth and consistent.
• Timers are very helpful for children to foster their time management skills. Consider setting a timer for short breaks between tasks to keep them focused and motivated (think: work for 20 minutes, break for 5).
• Velcro Task Calendars are helpful with younger children. You can also get crafty and create a door hanger that has tasks to complete with clips that move from one side to the next when the task is completed.

Should you call in a professional?

If you’re finding that these strategies are not making the cut in affecting real change, you may need an Executive Function Coach who can help your child get organized.  Take a look at this helpful list of observations and concerns of children who may lack executive function skills by the National Center for Learning Disabilities to help decide whether or not you should call in a professional:
 


​
In the past six months my child has... 

• had difficulty paying attention 
• been easily distracted 
• required many reminders to stay on task 
• had difficulty setting goals 
• struggled with making decisions 
• had trouble identifying where to start on assignments 
• focused on either details or the big picture at the expense of the other 
• had difficulty getting started on tasks, often seems to procrastinate 
• struggled to comprehend how much time a project will take to complete 
• taken longer than peers to complete homework and other tasks 
• needed numerous prompts from adults to stay on task 
• lost track of time or assignment due dates 
• forgotten to turn in completed work 
• struggled with keeping track of needed materials; often leaves materials at home or school 
• found checking his/her work very difficult (and may not do it at all) 
• had trouble following multiple-step directions 
• forgotten what he/she is saying or doing in the middle of a task 
• forgotten the details of a text while reading or soon after finishing 
• gotten frustrated with changes in schedule or usual routines 
• had difficulty shifting from one activity to another (especially when the rules/task demands change) 
• struggled with shifting between information that is literal vs. figurative, past vs. present, etc. 
• gotten stuck on parts of tasks and can’t move forward 
• had difficulty controlling impulses—will say or do things without thinking about them first 
• been easily frustrated 
• often spoken out of turn and/or interrupted others’ conversations​

​WhizKidz Tutoring can help

At WhizKidz Tutoring, we get calls for EF Coaches + Math support, EF Coaches + ELA support, EF Coaches with all homework and school help, and just plain old EF Coaches who help with the four areas described above.  We hire professionals who can do it all as well as those with specific niches. Our coaches are NYS Certified Teachers, many of whom have special education degrees and almost all have at least one Masters Degree (if not 2 or 3!).  They are full time educators spending real time in schools and also serve private clients to help kids get organized, boost confidence, raise grades, and enjoy school. What are some of the strategies we use?
 
WhizKidz Coaches
All WhizKidz EF coaches implement the following:

1. Homework charts AND study skills priority charts to keep track of assignments, exams, and manage multi-subjects.
2. Minimize clutter and create clearly defined areas in the workspace at home.  
3. Set up weekly schedules with daily and weekly goals.
4. Scaffold learning to move students towards strong understanding with temporary support.
5. Practice and implement repetition of facts.
6. Conference with students.
7. Seek to understand the accommodations and modifications given to students with 504s and IEPs AND teach students to self-monitor progress goals for their IEPs.
8. Help students manage emotions and impulsivity.  Mindfulness and meditation activities are often part of sessions.
9. Success through the productive struggle where the students “fail” under a controlled setting, allowing them to practice regulating their emotions. Coaches also model positive emotion regulation to the student during role-plays or modeling.
10. Check ins!  Coaches check in with students (or parents for younger clients) during the week via text and email.  They will also help set up reminders in phones or calendar apps for older students.

 
WhizKidz EF Coaches & Math 

• Coaches center around giving students concrete anchoring in manipulatives before stretching them to abstract thought.  When they move into abstract thought, they can rely on the concrete examples or the visual image in their minds of the concrete example.
• When students are performing operations with decimals, coaches have them use graph paper to help students align numbers.
• They use patty paper to teach transformations.
• Coaches create foldables for notes.  Students will take more ownership in their notes and tend to use them more than when simply writing in a notebook.

 
WhizKidz EF Coaches & ELA

• Coaches help with the entire process of writing from prewriting to drafting, revising, and editing.  Many of our EF Coaches who specialize in writing are one or more of the following: Windward/PAF trained, Orton Gillingham and/or Wilson’s trained or certified, literacy specialists with training and practice in The Writing Revolution and Teacher’s College Reading & Writing Project.
• Coaches use clear prompts and methods to help students keep organized.
• Writing is broken down into pieces. (i.e. writing topic sentences and practicing repeatedly)
• Coaches use sentence frames, continually scaffolding until the student can write the full sentence without prompting.
• Coaches use graphic organizers, break down writing into small chunks, use sentence starters, reminders, conferences, and modeling.

And, if you’re finding those aren’t enough, then there are professionals at WhizKidz Tutoring who can work one-on-one with your child - and you! - to help them manage life and school in a productive, confidence boosting, fun way.

It's showtime! This winter we have a lot of family-friendly shows coming up for Westchester kids. The Royal Hanneford Circus, Peter Pan & Cinderella on Ice and Pout-Pout Fish, to name a new. Book your tickets in advance before they are sold out.

Did we miss one? As always, you can find a full listing of things to do this weekend, recurring events and other upcoming events on our Community Calendar. Events are free to add so we encourage our readers and local businesses to post great family events.

​Rosie Revere, Engineer
Sat Jan 18th
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck

Pete The Cat
Sat Feb 29th
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck, NY

The Spinning Tales of Peter Pan and Cinderella on Ice
Sat Feb 29th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT​

The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites
 Sun Mar 1st 
The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY

The Pout-Pout Fish 
Sat Mar 28th
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck

Seussical the Musical​
Sat Jan 18th - Sun 26th 
Play Group Theatre, 1 N Broadway #111, White Plains, NY

Peekskill Middle School Drama Club's Disney's Frozen Jr. Sneak Peek
Sat Jan 18th 2:30pm - 3:30pm
The Field Library Children's Room, 4 Nelson Ave, Peekskill, NY

Legally Blonde, The Musical
Fri Jan 24th - Sat 25th 
Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main St, Irvington

Random Farms Kids' Theater presents Urinetown
Fri Jan 24th - Sun 26th 
Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St, Tarrytown, NY

1 2 3 Andres
Sat Mar 14th
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck

Treehouse Shakers: The Boy Who Grew Flowers
Sun Mar 22nd 3:00pm
The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY

​The Amazing Max
Sun Jan 26th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

Garry Krinsky Toying with Science
Sat Feb 1st 
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck, NY

Flip Flop Circus
Sun Feb 9th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

The Royal Hanneford Circus
Sat Feb 15th - Mon 17th 
Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave, White Plains, NY

Playtime at The Palace Mr. Fish "Fabulous Forces"
Sun Feb 16th 
The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT

MUMMENSCHANZ: you & me
Sun Feb 23rd 
The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Road Purchase, NY

Air Play
Feb 28th 
The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase, NY

The Peking Acrobats
Sun Mar 29th
Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln, Mamaroneck

Dinosaurs, planets, trains, masterpieces, sharks, illusions, ice cream, water experimentation... these are just a few things your child can experience and learn about at nearby museums and aquariums in Westchester County, NY.

When the weather is not conducive to outdoor activities, museums and aquariums are a hands-on, real-life way to engage your child in learning and fun. Museums are always changing exhibits so there is always something new to see. With some of the best museums in the world in our backyard, we are very fortunate. Kids can enjoy playrooms, maker labs, world-renown art and science exhibits, touch tanks, planetariums and so much more.

One concern parents have about museums is that they can get expensive. Here are some ideas to keep costs low, while keeping your child's spirits high!

Here are some tips to enjoy museums without breaking the bank:

• Become a Museum Member- Museums offer memberships which can be cost-effective if you plan to visit multiple times in a year. This can be huge if there is a museum nearby that your child enjoys again and again. There are typically other perks to memberships like special exhibit access, food & parking discounts and guest passes.
• Invest in a Reciprocal Membership- Reciprocal memberships give you free or discounted admission to a number of attractions, which is a great way to see a lot on a budget. For example, The Association of Children's Museums Reciprocal Network gives discounted admissions to a vast list of member museums across the US and Canada- a great way to see a lot, especially when traveling. Learn more about  reciprocal programs and see a comprehensive list here.
• Visit your library- Did you know that local Westchester County libraries offer museum passes that provide free or discounted admissions to local museums in Westchester, Connecticut and New York City? Offers vary by library so contact yours and find out what's available.
• Museums for All- Through Museums for All, people receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to more than 400 museums throughout the US.
• Do Your Research to Find Freebies- Many museums offer free admission to young children. Must Read: Keep Your Money: How to Get in Free at 20 NYC Museums. And even better, here is a list of 19 Awesome Museums in NYC That Are Totally Free.

Hot off the press!

The only borough in New York City without a children’s museum will be getting one this year. The Bronx Chidren's Museum will be geared toward young children, especially those children and families who are not typically able to visit a museum.

The Museum of Ice Cream opened in late fall 2019 and features imaginative, multi-sensory installations that bring to life guests’ delightful dreams: savor the sweetest treats on a floating table, slide down an epic three-story slide, see a spectacular hall of giant scoops, and follow the sound of a buzz that will lead you to a giant “Queen Bee hive. Tickets include ice cream tastings and signature treats.

Open until April 2020, the Sloomoo Institute is a sensory playground centered around slime. The unique museum provides an engaging slime experience with a variety of textures, colors and consistencies that evoke joy and excitement. From a slime step-and-repeat to a slime waterfall, and everything in between, this is worth checking out before it is gone!
​

Experience under the sea attractions at these aquatic-centered destinations.

​The Hudson River Museum is small, but offers weekend programming for children including art & science projects as well as planetarium shows. Children can learn about the Hudson River with a beautiful view.

Not To Miss: Kids Week Feb 15-22 at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum! During Kids Week, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in dozens of fun-filled activities, live animal shows, hands-on workshops, performances, special guests, 3D experiences and interactive demonstrations that the whole family will enjoy.  All Kids Week activities are free with Museum admission.

Moms in the community love the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT, featuring  75 live exhibits featuring more than 2,700 marine animals of 300 species. Plus plenty of room for young children to play and explore.

If you have not been to Coney Island to the New York Aquarium, it is worth the trip! The aquarium was completely rebuilt after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and offers an incredible experience-- see the sharks!

According to the Association of Children's Museums, "Children’s museums are places where children learn through play and exploration in environments designed just for them. Reflecting their diverse communities, children’s museums create playful, interactive learning experiences. In an increasingly complex world, children’s museums provide a place where all kids can learn through play with the caring adults in their lives."

​Opened just a few years ago, the nearby Westchester Children's Museum is a smaller museum comparatively, but a great destination to spend a couple of hours. They offer offer drop-in science, engineering, arts, and crafts programs throughout the week. Coming soon: a bunch of brand new exhibits, including a whole Makerspace dedicated to older children ages 7 and up that will feature woodwork and other more complex STEAM activities, as well as a Shadow Puppet Theater, a Sound Room, and a new Gift Shop, to name a few.

Moms in our community love Stepping Stones in Norwalk, CT. There is so much to touch and explore for young children including the energy lab, tot town and color coaster. Just outside is a beautiful playground with a lighthouse and small spray area, if you visit on a beautiful day.

Children's museums in general offer a lot of drop-in and scheduled programming so it is worthwhile to check their websites and plan your visits accordingly. Which is your favorite?

If you are looking for a local science museum that is not too far, we recommend checking out the Hall of Science in Queens. There are 450 exhibits, events, and workshops.

​If you are willing to venture into Manhattan, then you will want to go to the Museum of Natural History, the largest natural history museum in the world. Dinosaur and space-loving youngsters will be in heaven!

If you are interested in local history, you could visit on the of historic sites in the river towns. They are open seasonally and offer child-friendly events and programming, it's best to check their websites in advance for the optimal time to visit.

Budding artists and creative minds can get inspired at these art museums. Offering camps, events, special programming and more, these destinations are more than just spectator experiences.

If you have a child who is curious about firefighting, trains or math, these museums are for you!

Did we miss any? Please tell us in the comments below!
​