On Saturday, June 2, the Music Conservatory of Westchester will hold an immersive Open House for parents and their children to experience and understand the Suzuki philosophy of music education designed for young students ages 4 and up. The Open House will start at 9:30am with special musical performances from violin and cello Suzuki students on the front steps of the Conservatory, followed by open studio lessons at 11:00am, and a question and answer session at 1:00pm. 
​
Students in the Conservatory’s Suzuki Program study music with the belief that “Every Child Can” encouraging every student’s innate musical talents at an early age. The Suzuki philosophy extends to all ages and abilities, and the Conservatory’s program welcomes students of violin, viola, cello, and piano.

Try the Suzuki Program during the regular school year or over the summer. This summer, the Conservatory is offering a Suzuki Beginner Special for introductory lessons for young beginner students starting at age 4 in sessions from August 6th-10th and/or August 13th-17th. 

Come learn about the unique and proven Suzuki philosophy for learning to play a musical instrument on Saturday, June 2 at 9:30am.

Give your children the best possible start with music at the current ‘Best of Westchester’ Music Conservatory of Westchester, a musical community like no other. Visit www.musicconservatory.org for more information.

Suzuki Open House and Student Performance
Saturday, June 2nd, 9:30am
Music Conservatory of Westchester
216 Central Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
info@musiced.org

Sponsored Post
​
Lice Free Noggins is an all-natural head lice removal service. We provide families with a safe and effective alternative to head lice treatment. Our in-home lice removal service is discreet, efficient, safe for the whole family as well as cost effective.  

Check out these top FAQs to help dispel some lice myths.

How are head lice spread?
Head lice do not jump or fly, they crawl. In most instances, head lice are spread through direct head to head contact. The transfer of a louse is quick and only takes several seconds. It is also possible to catch lice from sharing personal objects, such as hair accessories, pillows and hats, although this transfer method is less frequent. A healthy louse is clinging on to an individual's hair as this is where their home is, and will not willingly leave to go onto an inanimate object. When a louse is found on an object, it is likely in the process of dying.

What kind of hair do head lice prefer?
Having a head full of hair makes an individual susceptible to head lice. A louse will not discriminate and will happily inhabit any types of hair - curly, straight, dyed, clean or dirty.

I heard that head lice like clean hair - is that true?
It is true that head lice prefer clean hair, only for one simple reason, it is more difficult for them to transfer and cling on to hair which is oily. However, once on a head, a louse will make a home in any type of environment, as long as there is enough hair to provide warmth for their nits to incubate.

Can I still have head lice if I dye my hair?
Head lice are resilient little buggers and can survive through most hair salon treatments. Having hair dyed does not make an individual resistant to head lice. However, the dye does color the nits, making them more difficult to identify visually. For those with recently dyed hair, a comb out check is always recommended for an accurate diagnosis.

Will a flat iron kill head lice?
Yes, and no. In theory, the extreme heat from the flat iron would kill live lice, if it was to come into contact with one. However, when such strong heat is applied to the head, a louse would quickly flatten against the scalp. This would prevent the iron from having direct contact with a louse, and therefore, would have no effect on eliminating head lice.

What is the best treatment for head lice?
There are no shortcuts to treating head lice. The most effective lice removal treatment involves a thorough, meticulous combing, using a professional stainless steel nit comb and a non-toxic, pesticide-free product. Over the counter medications, such as Nix and Nix, contain harmful ingredients, such as permethrin, which are not only ineffective due to lice developing a resistance to the medication, but also do not kill nits (eggs). As a matter of fact, there is no product on the market which is strong enough (toxic enough) to penetrate through the shell of a nit. If not properly combed out, the remaining nits start to hatch shortly after and the infestation continues.  This process leaves parents frustrated and confused and is usually when a lice professional gets called in.  Our lice removal process guarantees to leave no nits behind. Our comb out process removes each and every viable nit and louse.

Can I have head lice if I don’t itch?
Absolutely! One of the most common assumptions which I hear is that, if an individual does not itch, then they surely do not have head lice. This is incorrect. Feeling itchy is an allergic reaction to the saliva of a louse. Although most people do develop a sensitivity to their saliva, for some, it may take as long as 4-6 weeks before a reaction occurs while for others, it may never develop. If a household member is diagnosed with head lice, it is important to check the rest of the individuals who reside in the same home, regardless of whether they itch or not. By skipping this step, the likelihood of spreading lice within the household members remains.
 
Our Process
Upon arrival, our highly trained lice experts would carefully diagnose head lice and/or nits (eggs), apply our natural, pesticide-free lice removal treatment and begin a meticulous elimination process.  After removing all viable lice and nits, our staff would educate you and your family on how to delouse the home and prevent a future re-infestation. Our lice team are dedicated to taking the stress out of head lice removal and are known for making the process fun for kids. We guarantee, after just one treatment provided by our expert lice team, there will be no lice or nits left behind.


Why spend hours at a lice salon waiting for your turn?  Our in-home lice treatment option provides an opportunity to continue with regular home activities after being checked and/ or treated.  We charge an affordable flat rate based on length of hair. Many lice removal services charge by the hour, which can add up rather quickly. We never charge hidden fees - no travel fees, no holiday fees, no evening or weekend fees. We have successfully treated thousands of families in New York City and are now offering our lice removal services in Westchester.

Lice Free Noggins
Professional In Home Head Lice Removal Services
914-218-6390

If you haven’t secured your plans for summer camp yet, it’s time to get them buttoned up! This summer, families near Greenwich, CT and Bronx, NY have six award-winning ESF camps to choose from, with over 60 activities for every age and interest!
 
ESF Camps is pleased to offer Westchester NY Moms readers an opportunity to win a week of ESF Camp at one of their premier campuses.  Read on to learn more about ESF Camps and enter below for your chance to win!

ESF is hosting tours by appointment. RSVP today!

• Tuesday, May 15th at Riverdale Country School – RSVP here Can’t join us on May 15th? Call 718-432-1013 to schedule a personal tour.
• Tuesday, May 22nd at Greenwich Academy – RSVP here Can’t join us on May 22nd? Call 203-869-4444 to schedule a personal tour.

What do your kids want out of summer camp?
Michael Rouse, the co-founder and Executive Director of ESF Camps, and his staff know — because they’re always looking for something new and interesting for today’s kids and teens.  

“We’re really trying to create programs that are cutting-edge for children — the best on the planet,”Rouse said. “We do that with every single program we offer, in every single age group.”

Every year, there’s a new program, or a slightly different take on a tried-and-true idea. That’s how ESF has come to offer everything from day camp for 4-year-olds to business camps for teens (with technology, science, and the arts in between).

Mindful of the trust parents put in the camps, ESF has made a huge commitment to safety. The all-adult staff is trained every year on the latest skills and information. Have a child with a food allergy? They’re welcome at ESF: allergists often recommend the camps, which are welcoming and accommodating.

Even the car line is down to a science. “We’ve been doing this for 35 years, and we try to raise the bar every year,” Rouse said.
 
Not only are they efficient, they are diverse in their approach to providing different opportunities depending on their age group. Investing in children over time is part of their secret to raising leaders.
 
Note: Programs vary by ESF Camp location.

Mini Camp (Preschool) and Day Camp (Rising Pre-K– 3rd Grade)
These traditional camps are perfect for the youngest campers, starting at age 3 and running through third grade. It’s summer camp the way you remember it: swimming, arts & crafts, sports, science, camp performances, and action-packed, non-stop fun.

This camp is the foundation for your child’s future at ESF Camps. It’s here that kids begin to practice the 8 ESF Virtues, including the value of kindness, teamwork and community — and the joy that comes with it.

“At age 4, they begin to be the leader of their Tribe,” Rouse said. “In addition to having the time of their lives, they are discovering new passions and learning life skills that they will bring to the classroom in the next school year.”

Multi-Sport Camp (Rising 1st – 9th Grade)
It’s so common these days for kids to focus in on a sport at an early age, but research shows that can lead to overuse injuries and burnout. Children who play more than one sport stay healthier, physically and mentally.

ESF’s Multi-Sport camps give kids the chance to learn and play 10 sports weekly, and two to three each day. That means they can try a new sport — and, maybe, discover they love it. From baseball and basketball to lacrosse and soccer, multi-sport camp provides rising first through ninth graders with top-notch instruction and skill development. Campers are grouped by rising grade levels into divisions called Conferences. They discover their inner athlete through game play, instructional clinics, tournaments, and more.

The coaches use sports to keep building character, including fostering trustworthiness, effort, accountability, leadership, and teamwork.
​

Senior Camp (Rising 4st – 10th Grade)
This camp, for rising fourth through 10th graders, is all about what ESF calls “True Life Adventures.” Senior Camp broadens the horizons of the older camper. It’s what kids this age are looking for — and need as they become more and more independent. From comic book design to digital photography and building a carnival from the ground up, these campers continue to learn teamwork, positivity and grit, and to embrace the community around them.

Campers work through team challenges, but keep things light with dance parties and daily swimming. Senior camp has leadership and service opportunities, but still lets kids play gaga, try an American Ninja Warrior course, and cheer their friends through camp competitions.
​

Specialty Major Camps (Rising K-9th Grade)
These specialty camps let kids pick a “major” and then drill down into a subject, and the range is enormous.

Science camps include exclusive partnerships with the Franklin Institute. Technology camps feature NEW and enhanced curriculum and program offerings uniquely designed through a new partnership with BSD (Build Something Different). Programs give campers a chance to dig into 3D game design, coding, and robotics, engineering and more!
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ESF’s Junior Business Academy, which has an exclusive partnership with the Jack Welch Management Institute, gives campers the opportunity to create their own business in just one week! For rising fifth through eighth graders, business camp helps build the entrepreneurial spirit, and further cements the values of respect, resilience, and trustworthiness by providing campers with a tool belt to be successful.

Tennis Camp (Rising 1st– 10th Grade)
This is how ESF got its start, way back in 1982, and it’s still a cornerstone today. Budding players — whether they’re beginners or experts — get high-quality instruction, practice, and match play. Kids can swim daily if they want, and play “Grand Slam” tournaments weekly!

Ready to register, or want to know more? Get to know ESF Camps’ staff and programs in person at their open house.

ESF is hosting open houses with tour sessions:

• Saturday April 21st  at Greenwich Academy - Sessions 1:00pm, 2:15pm and 3:30pm
• Sunday April 22nd at Riverdale Country School - Sessions 1:00pm, 2:15pm and 3:30pm

 
Parents and children are welcome to meet with counselors and learn more about ESF’s exciting summer offering. RSVPs are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are always welcome!  You can also visit ESF’s website and use our amazing program finder to discover the perfect fit for your child, or call us at 800-529-CAMP (2267). 
 
WIN IT: We’re giving away a week of ESF Camps at Greenwich Academy or Riverdale Country School to one lucky winner! To enter, complete the form below and comment on this post with your preferred ESF Camps program before 4 pm on Friday, May 4th We’ll pick a winner at random.

​NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

1. PROMOTION PERIOD. Promotion begins from April 13, 2018, 8:00 AM (EST) (“Promotion Period”). All entries must be received by May 4, 2018, 5:00 PM (EST) to be eligible for that day’s drawing.
2. HOW TO ENTER: To enter, complete the form above and comment on this article with your preferred ESF Camps program. No purchase necessary.
3. ELIGIBILITY: Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Employees of Sponsor, its affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising, and promotion agencies and their immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of each are not eligible to participate.
4. WINNER SELECTION: One winner will be drawn from all entries received during the announced Promotional Period using a randomized computer numerical system, random.org, from among all eligible entries received during the Giveaway. Winners will be emailed directly.
5. WINNER NOTIFICATION AND RESPONSE: The selected winner will be contacted via email at the conclusion of the Promotional Period. A response is required within 6 hours. If no response is received in that time, the selected winner will forfeit their prize and another winner will be selected at random from the list of eligible participants and notified. Subsequently selected winners will also have a 6 hours period to respond. By submitting your email address to this giveaway you agree that ESF Camps may email you with regards to this giveaway and their summer programs.
6. PRIZE APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUE: One week of ESF Camps at Greenwich Academy or Riverdale Country School, valued at approximately $685-$845 (Does not include Club OT or lunch program. Does not include Optional Bus Transportation at Riverdale Country School).
7. TAXES. All federal, state and/or local income and other taxes, if any, are the winner’s sole responsibility.
8. ODDS OF WINNING. The odds of winning this promotion depend on the number of eligible entries.
9. DELIVERY. Winner will be able to claim their prize through direct contact with ESF Camp’s representatives.

 
Photographs courtesy of ESF Camps.

Sponsored Post

Love My Shoes is a new and upcoming shoe boutique located in the heart of Bronxville, NY.  Their styles feature trends for women, comfort and fit for guys and reliable shoes for kids.  The store is freshly remodeled with over 2,000 square feet of high end touches without the high end price tag on the styles.  

The Love My Shoes owners has family history in the business, the Great Grandfather of the founder started as a cobbler which then evolved into a shoe store and sparked the interest of the owners today.  

The passion for name brand shoes with style and comfort holds true at Love My Shoes.  They only sell top brands and trends that keep you coming back.

Customer service is also priority at Love My Shoes, each customer is treated like family.  They ensure that finding the perfect shoe with the best fit is a fun and easy shopping experience.  They carry a great range of sizes and widths that you cannot find at other stores.  Their buyers watch trends closely to make sure you get what is hot!

Love My Shoes carries a long list of brands including Sorel, Toms, March Fisher, Dansko, Frye, Dolce Vita, Ugg, North Face, Cole Haan, Johnstone & Murphy, Steve Madden, Timberland, Merrell, Birkenstock, Sam Edelman, Asics, Hunter and many more.  The price points range from $50-$350+.

Love My Shoes is a shoe store for the entire family located at 65 Pondfield Road, Bronxville, NY.  Stop in today and see a great selection of shoes and accessories and say hello to the friend staff. Website is  www.lovemyshoesco.com

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Why is it that we moms put ourselves last? I am including myself in this category. Whether it’s about our health, careers, friendships – we put kids, errands, even laundry ahead of taking a moment to breathe and focus on ourselves.  Yes, even laundry! Makes me feel like that proverbial hamster on a wheel.

When I had my first son, Jonah, my mom came to stay with us, which was a godsend. One of the first pieces of advice she shared was to feed yourself first before you feed the baby. You need sustenance, strength, energy, and clarity before you can offer it to anyone else. Common sense, but I needed this pointed out to me.

I followed her advice during this phase and promptly set it aside, jumped on the hamster wheel, and here we are today. I know it’s not just me. I see it in my circle of friends and now in my work with the many talented women I meet. Women who took a career break to nurture others – their children, their aging parents, their spouses etc. The thought of nurturing yourself and your dreams is put on the back burner. Until one day, when you set that intention to make a change and take one small step.  This could mean signing up for a yoga class or having a coffee date with a friend every Friday, or even scheduling 30 minutes with yourself to read. When it comes to your career, for many in our community, the one small step was coming to a Vermilion event or telling a friend that they want to get back to a career.

So, bringing this full circle for you and the next chapter of your career. What do you want in the next chapter of your career? Is it re-entering the paid workforce? Is it starting a business? Or perhaps, making a career change. Have you given it some thought and attention? And what have you one to achieve this goal?

As I tell my kids, you don’t have to have all the answers. But, it all starts with curiosity and setting an intention for yourself. Next? Surround yourself will people that will support your goals. Finally, take one small step, learn from it, and repeat.

Wherever you are in your journey, from just thinking about what to do, to career discovery or conducting an active job search – join us at the Art of Career Re-Entry Conference on March 29. We have designed a day of inspiration AND action just for you. Need more motivation? See all details here.

Remember, no one can do this for you, but you. I think it’s time to set the hamster free.

RSVP Here & Use this Special PROMO CODE to save 50% off: https://bit.ly/2IGvNkY

​Anju Kurian is a Westchester resident, former stay at home mom, and social entrepreneur. She, along with Anne-Barbara Lemmens co-founded Vermilion Talent based on their experiences in re-entering the workforce after a career break. Vermilion leads women to the next chapter of their career with confidence, inspiration, and happiness. Vermilion offers compelling content, coaching, community, and connections with companies.

Visit us at www.vermiliontalent.com
Curious about how we do what we do? Watch our video!

Spring is upon us and the spring cleaning itch may be as well. Here are 5 ways to get your home organized, looking great and clutter free! 

Donating your gently used items benefits everyone. First, your used, or in some cases unused, clothing and other household items can make a real difference to someone less fortunate. Second, you help the environment by diverting your things away from the landfill. Third, donations are tax deductible. 

Family Services of Westchester makes donating your stuff easy. Donate children’s clothing to The Sharing Shelf, who will ensure it is given to local families in need. Specifically, they collect and distribute new and gently used clothing in sizes from newborn through XXL, for children and teens from infancy through age 19. They also accept  gently worn or new shoes, strollers, pack-n-plays and new school supplies. Donate at 47 Purdy Avenue, Port Chester (near Costco and the Port Chester movie theater) or for more information contact Deborah Blatt, Program Coordinator at 914-305-5950 or email thesharingshelf@fsw.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters in Westchester accepts all kinds of donations- everything from clothes to toys, strollers to furniture. Check out their full list of acceptable items. You can schedule a pick up with just a few days notice online (even from your phone, that is how I did it!) or you can drop off at one of many convenient Westchester County locations. See the details or schedule a pick here. No need to be home for the pickup.

Another idea is to donate used American Girl Dolls to GirlAGain, a local non-profit organization dedicated to developing job skills for young women with autism. They accept donations of good condition American Girl brand (and Pleasant Company) dolls, doll clothing, furniture, accessories and books. Bring or mail to GirlAGain, 4 Martine Ave, White Plains, NY 10606. For more information visit their website.

Another way to free up some much needed space in your home is to resell or recycle items you no longer need through consignment. This can earn you a little bit of cash, while making them available at a bargain to someone who wants them. 

The Be Green Consignment Sale
Dates TBD
Purchase College Athletic Facility, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase, NY
Sign up to consign your items as part of the annual spring Westchester Be Green Consignment Sale. They accept clothing, sports equipment, baby & toddler equipment, toys and more. Register in advance on their website.

​Once Upon A Child, 2 Convenient Locations
Scarsdale - 455 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale, NY, phone: 914-874-5535
Somers - 80 Route 6, Baldwin Place, NY, phone: 914-621-0003
Once Upon A Child is a wonderful consignment store. Each site is individually owned and operated. The concept of the store is that each location buys and sells gently used children’s items including clothes, shoes, toys and more. All locations feature unique items sold in their surrounding neighborhoods. From strollers to baby carriers these stores have so much individuality to offer.

The Preppy Turtle 
2 Depot Plaza Suite, Bedford Hills, NY , phone: 914-666-8500
The Preppy Turtle is a consignment boutique that serves the needs of women and children looking for clothing at bargain prices. The Preppy Turtle buys and sells clothing, shoes and handbags, as well as toys, books, and gift items for infants to teens. Toys, books, gift items, and certain non-seasonal clothing are accepted year round. The Preppy Turtle features a mix of new and barely used items. If you are interested in donating clothing items make sure to check out their Consignment Calendar on the Homepage as they only season items during a specific date range.

Organizing can be a great way to clean up your home without purging. You can check out Real Simple or Pinterest for great organization ideas or you may want to consider bringing in some help.

If you would like to hire an expert, check out Let's Sort It Out, who can transform your home into a more functional, relaxed, organized space. You can also find a number of other local organizers in our Directory in the "Organizing and Interior Design" sub-category. 

If you are looking for a total playroom makeover, check out Learnique's Design-to-Learn service. They can help you to create livable, learnable spaces for your family at home. Design-to-Learn combines interior design principles and organizational systems with a full understanding of child development. The results are learning spaces uniquely inspired and fun for the whole family. 

Okay, so this one sounds pretty obvious. But a little elbow grease and some clorox can go a big way. Cleaning encompasses a lot of things, everything from standard house cleaning, to season carpet or furniture steam cleaning, outdoor power washing, window cleaning, car washing & detailing and more.

If you're not up for doing all of this work yourself, check out some of the local services in our Directory in the "Cleaning" sub-category or Submit a Request. Hint: when submitting a request, try putting in your budget and desired date to find available local businesses who can work within your timing and budget. Goodbye cobwebs, crumbs and stains! 

Let's face it, sometimes things are just junk. Broken, torn or simply worn out. If that is the case and you have something big you want disposed of you may need some help. If you want to hire someone, there are plenty of handymen and junk removal companies in our Directory in the "Moving" or "Contracting, Renovation, Home Repair" sub-categories. Or of course, Submit a Request. Sure beats carrying it all yourself!

Wishing all of our readers a happy spring! 

Sponsored Post

​Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions about STEM is that it is too challenging, or too hard to break into -- that getting your kids involved requires buying a big, expensive 3D printer or having the background to give them an advanced understanding of artificial intelligence or machine learning. Actually, such thinking couldn’t be further from the truth!
 
Here are a few ways you can spark your child’s interest in STEM at home, along with some tips on how to take those interests to the next level!
 
Get Started with Online Courses
If your child would prefer to learn to code, use Photoshop, or build a website from the comfort of home, there are a variety of fun and effective online STEM learning platforms. Get started with the free Code.org tutorials! Code.org features fun, valuable tutorials across a number of topics and activities. CodeAcademy, Khan Academy, and Scratch all provide excellent online learning options as well.
 
Create Excitement Close to Home
Getting kids involved in STEM could be as easy as heading down to your local library or museum, or participating in STEM activities and programs those organizations are offering. Find a STEM museum near you!
 
Maker Faires serve as collaborative showcases for passionate creators of all ages. Find a Maker Faire near you and ignite your child’s imagination. They’ll discover one-of-a-kind tech inventions and interact with talented, inspirational innovators.

Have Fun and Learn with STEM Toys
These toys aren’t just fun -- they also provide hours of STEM educational value!
 
Cozmo is your child’s AI companion with a mind of its own! Cozmo relies on your child to keep it going by feeding its basic needs through maintenance, care, and play! The bot progresses with each interaction. What makes this even greater for STEM learning is that Cozmo maker, Anki, has also released a new Code Lab, giving kids access to Cozmo’s core functionality, which can be controlled through visual programming or Python for more advanced learners.
 
Another excellent STEM toy option is littleBits, offering easy-to-use electronic building blocks that teach children the basics of electrical engineering! If your kids like Star Wars, check out the littleBits Droid Inventors Kit, which allows students to learn circuitry and motors to power their very own Star Wars droid.
 
If that sparks an interest, check out iD Tech summer courses featuring Cozmo - Code-a-Bot: AI and Robotics with Your Own Cozmo - and littleBits--CreationLab: Inventing and Coding with littleBits.

Become the Student
If you give your kids the chance to teach or talk to you about what they’re learning, the odds of them wanting to learn more and retaining what they learn increase. You don’t have to leave the house to spark or enhance STEM learning, and you don’t need anything “extra” here -- simply have a conversation based on the things they are already doing. Add these tips to those above:

• When you give your child STEM toys to play with, play alongside them. Ask questions!
• If your child is working through online tutorials, hold them accountable for the time they’re spending and ask for updates, progress reports, and more.
• And of course, video games can be mindless at times, but with some conversation and questions, they can be the valuable tools you read about previously.

 
This role reversal will encourage kids to take ownership of their learned topics, and empower them as the “expert” who can’t wait to teach mom and dad something new!
 
If you do send them off for a week or two at a STEM camp like iD Tech, fully vest yourself in the experience. Have a conversation about what course they want to attend, and talk about how
learning those skills will better prepare them for school and future careers. Once camp is
over, talk about next steps with your child, and what the next stop along their coding, game
development, robotics, or design pathway might be, and how to best get there.
 
After camp, you can supplement your child’s learning with additional resources, like live, one-on-one college advising sessions with iD Tech instructors (certified by Synocate, a leader in college prep). In these sessions, students can spend an hour (or more) diving deep into high school course recommendations, the college application process, career paths, and more, all with experienced, passionate, tech-savvy iD Tech instructors who have gone through it themselves and are eager to share their knowledge.

More about iD Tech
Exclusive to Westchester NY Moms readers, receive $75 off when you register with code WNYMOMS18 before 5/31/18!
 
Why iD Tech?
iD Tech has been the #1 summer STEM program for 20 years, with 350,000 students passing through their programs.
 
Students ages 7-18 learn to code, design video games, produce videos, mod Minecraft, create with Roblox, engineer robots, model and print 3D characters, work with AI and machine learning, build laptops, learn about cybersecurity, and more!
 
Programs are held at 150+ locations nationwide, with many convenient to Westchester residents, including Manhattanville, Sarah Lawrence, and Fairfield University, and others nearby at NYU, Columbia, NYIT, Marymount Manhattan, and SUNY New Paltz.
 
iD Tech students often go on to launch startups, found nonprofits, and land dream internships and jobs at companies like Facebook and Google. Get inspired by these awesome success stories.
 
Different program options include iD Tech Camps (weeklong, co-ed, 7-17), Alexa Café (weeklong, all-girls, 10-15), and iD Tech Academies (2-week, teen-only, 13-18).
 
Courses sell out quickly, so get started today. Visit the iD Tech website or call (888) 709-8324 for personalized course recommendations.​

By Lauren Lappen, Certified Infant and Child Sleep Consultant at Wee Sleep Solutions
​
The dreaded daylight savings is upon us! We "spring forward" this Sunday, March 11th at 2:00 am. It often feels like we just recovered from one time change, and another is approaching.  So what can we do to help our kids adjust to this change (and keep our sanity!)?

In an ideal world, we could to begin to shift our children’s schedules a week ahead of time. Every few days we’d move their sleep and mealtimes by 15 minutes, so by the time daylight savings hits, they’ve already adjusted. Despite this being the “official recommendation” for a smooth daylight savings transition, I’ve yet to meet one person to actually do it (myself included with my own kids!).  The world outside our homes doesn’t accommodate such a gentle shift; school starts when school starts and you need to get to work on time, not 15-45 minutes late. 

Never fear! Here are some tips to help your children adjust to the new time.

Expose your children to lots of sunlight during the day.  Our circadian rhythms align with the sun, so exposure to natural light helps our bodies adjust to the appropriate time.

Now that it’s lighter later, children often protest going to bed when the sun is up.  About 30 minutes prior to bedtime, dim the lights to help the body transition to nighttime.  Room darkening shades can really help with this, too.  Keep the environment calm, and quiet before bed to get children relaxed and ready to sleep. 

​Stick with your bedtime routine.  If you don’t have a bedtime routine already, now is a great time to start. Children thrive on routines, so having one can be incredibly helpful to give structure to the time before bed.  A quiet routine is calming to them and helps them relax and ease into bedtime. It can be as simple as pajamas on, brush teeth, read a book/sing a song, lights out.  Don’t make it overly complex. You want this to be replicable daily, and easily done by a babysitter in your absence.  

Minimize exposure to electronics at least an hour prior to bedtime. This is true all year round, but especially now when we’re trying to help kids adjust to daylight savings time. Electronic screens emit a blue light that mimics a bright, sunny sky and tricks the body into thinking it is daytime. The result of this is that melatonin, the hormone that helps induce sleep, is suppressed, making it more challenging to fall asleep.

If all else fails, find a big mug and fill it with coffee. I’m sure you’ll be in good company!

Lauren Lappen is a Certified Sleep Consultant and co-founder of Wee Sleep Solutions.  As a mom of daughter 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!

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Bariatric surgery enables overweight and obese people the chance to achieve significant and long term weight loss. By reducing the stomach’s storage capacity, which limits food intake, you feel full much sooner. The result is long-term weight loss that can lead to a happier and healthier you.
 
There are many benefits to Bariatric surgery, some of the most notable include:
 
Joint Pain Relief
Excessive weight puts a lot of stress on your joints and causes damage over time which leads to pain. Significant weight loss could elevate pain, allow people to stop using pain medications and become more mobile.
 
Blood Pressure
Reduced weight can improve your risk of heart disease and stroke. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels are usually reduced after weight loss helping patients return to better overall health.
 
Depression
People with excess weight may find it difficult to participate in certain activities. Losing excess weight leads to increased activity and helps improve a person’s emotional health as well.
 
“Bariatric surgery gives patients the best chance at maintaining their weight loss over time, and that plays a significant role in a patients overall health.” - Jonathan Arad, MD, Bariatric Surgeon.
 
Improved sleep, better outcomes from Type 2 diabetes and reduce risk of many other medical conditions are all additional benefits of bariatric surgery. If you are looking to losing weight and reduce or reverse the health risks associated with excessive weight or obesity, bariatric surgery may be right for you. 
 
For more information click here: http://www.riversidehealth.org/SpecialtyServices/BariatricSurgery.aspx
or call 914.964.4DOC to make an appointment.

Where can Westchester kids stay active this winter? Check out some of these favorites from Westchester moms. Did we miss something? Tell us in the comments.

You can also visit our Community Calendar for a full listing of upcoming events. Or to see a comprehensive list of all local venues, programs, resources and more, check out our free Business Directory. Lastly, if you have not already joined our e-mail list, join now for free! Enjoy!
  
Jump or Bounce
Our moms suggest Bounce U in Elmsford, Rockin' Jump in Mount Kisco or Yonkers at Ridge Hill, Sky Zone in New Rochelle or Bounce! in Valley Cottage. Check bounce times and age restrictions and book in advance. 

Batting Cages
Get swinging at Sportime USA in Elmsford or Proswing in Port Chester.

Skydiving
Get your heart pumping with  indoor skydiving at iFly Westchester. For ages 3 and up!

Rock Climbing
Kids can experience the thrill of indoor rock climbing at the Cliffs of Valhalla, The Rock Club in New Rochelle, SportimeUSA in Elmsford or at  Rockin' Jump in Yonkers.

Bowling
Check out Bowlmor in White Plains, Cortlandt Lanes in Cortlandt Manor, Homefield Bowl in Yonkers, Rock N'Bowl at FunFuzion in New Rochelle or Spins Bowl at Grand Prix in Mount Kisco.

Cars
Kids atleast 48" tall can go racing in go karts at Grand Prix in Mount Kisco.

Swimming
Go for a swim or take a class at an indoor pool a local gym or community center. Try  Swim Labs in Elmsford or Swim Tank in Harrison or Mamaroneck. Lifetime Fitness in Harrison has an incredible pool and fantastic children's programs for members. You can also check out the New York Sports Club (NYSC) in Dobbs Ferry, New Rochelle or White Plains, Club Fit in Briarcliff or Jefferson Valley, the Saw Mill Club in Mount Kisco. Kinetic Sports Club in Pelham has a water park for members! Community Centers include the YMCA in New Rochelle, Rye, Tarrytown, White Plains or Yonkers or the JCC in Scarsdale. Some towns also have indoor pools available to residents. Additional pools that offer swim instruction are listed in our directory.

Sports Classes
Get sporty by registering for a class at The House of Sports in Ardsley, A Game Sports in New Rochelle or Kinetic Sports Club in Pelham.

Did we miss something? Tell us your favorite place to keep your kids active indoors!