Celebrate Lunar New Year in the Hamptons

Celebrate Lunar New Year in the Hamptons

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Lunar New Year — also called Spring Festival — is a lively, two‑week celebration that begins on February 17, 2026, ushering in the vibrant Year of the Horse, and culminates with the Lantern Festival on March 3. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to explore new traditions, enjoy creative activities together, and bring a little cultural magic to late winter in the Hamptons.

What Makes the Year of the Horse Special?

In the Chinese zodiac, the Horse symbolizes energy, adventure, independence, and forward motion — qualities kids can explore in everyday life. Parents can encourage children to set a “Year of the Horse” goal, like channeling their energy into a new activity or skill, practicing courage in small ways, and volunteering for a charitable cause to make a positive impact.

Fun Crafts to Do at Home

Bring Lunar New Year into your living room with craft‑based activities that are easy for even younger kids:

Paper Lanterns with a Horse Twist
Cut bright red and gold construction paper into strips or panels for a classic lantern shape. Fold and glue or staple the paper into a lantern, leaving space at the top to attach a handle. Decorate with horse silhouettes, stickers, or the number “2026” to celebrate the Year of the Horse. Add a ribbon or string at the bottom for extra flair, then hang your lanterns around the house for a festive display.

Zodiac Horse Masks & Puppets
Create colorful popsicle stick puppets or paper bag masks for the zodiac animals — including the horse, rat, snake, and others. Kids can decorate each animal with googly eyes, yarn, and markers, then use them to act out “The Great Race,” the traditional Chinese legend where the animals compete to earn their spots in the zodiac calendar. This adds a playful storytelling element and helps children explore qualities like energy, courage, and determination.

Calligraphy and Lucky Decorations
Use red paper to make simple “福” (fú, meaning “good luck”) signs or banners to hang in windows or doorways. Even if you spell letters in English, talking about the symbolism adds depth and curiosity.

DIY Red Envelopes
Traditionally, red envelopes (hongbao) are given to kids during Lunar New Year for good luck. Families can make their own envelopes and fill them with notes, stickers, money, or small surprises to share wishes for the year ahead.

Celebrate with Food

Food is a big part of Lunar New Year, with many dishes symbolizing something special. For instance, Chinese dumplings represent wealth and family unity. Set up a station with wrappers, veggies, and simple fillings, letting little hands help fold and form. Or try longevity noodles — chang shou mian — which represent a long, healthy life.

Events You Can Enjoy

While major parades and festivals aren’t typical in the Hamptons, but there are a few within an hour’s drive:

LIC Lunar New Year Celebration (Feb. 17–Mar. 3, 2026)
Long Island City hosts a two‑week celebration honoring the Year of the Fire Horse with 50+ community events, including cultural performances, special menus, themed promotions, and family‑friendly activities.

Lunar New Year Celebration at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum & Reichert Planetarium
On February 21, 2026, Centerport’s Vanderbilt Museum invites families to enjoy lucky foods, learn the art of paper lantern making, try your hand at Chinese calligraphy, and hope for a prosperous future with a few traditional good‑luck crafts.

Lunar New Year Program – Year of the Horse (Feb. 21, 2026)
At Connetquot River State Park Preserve in Oakdale, a family-friendly program includes a brisk nature walk, storytelling, and a presentation on Long Island’s equestrian history, plus traditional Lunar New Year‑themed snacks.

Wishing Your Family a Creative Year of Momentum

Shine encourages families to explore traditions, get creative with crafts, and savor time together this Lunar New Year — because winter blues are no match for learning and celebration. For more inspiration, drop by the Shine Studio in Bridgehampton or contact us to learn more about our Lunar New Year activities.

Random Acts of Kindness Day: 40 Easy Ideas for Kids

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Random Acts of Kindness Day: 40 Easy Ideas for Kids

Some days, someone’s crying because their banana broke. Someone else is yelling “MINE!” over a toy. And somewhere between the tears and the tantrums, you wish someone would refill your own cup.

So when Random Acts of Kindness Day rolls around each year on February 17, it’s a welcome reminder: even a tiny act of kindness — a shared snack, a helping hand, a kind word — can transform the mood of a hectic day for you, your kids, and for others.

What Is Random Acts of Kindness Day?

Random Acts of Kindness Day is a global celebration of small, everyday good deeds. The day gained popularity in the nineties as part of the growing “kindness movement,” encouraging people to make kindness more intentional, more visible, and more contagious.

The point was never to organize a grand stunt, but rather, to remind people that kindness can be quick, spontaneous, and part of normal life — like holding the door, leaving a note, helping a neighbor, or offering a compliment.

And for families? It’s a perfect opportunity to help kids practice something they’ll use their whole lives: noticing other people.

Because kids don’t just learn kindness when we tell them to “be nice.” They learn it when they see us do it in real life — when we thank the delivery driver, let someone merge in traffic, or take a deep breath instead of snapping when the line at the pharmacy is taking forever.

25 Random Acts of Kindness Day Ideas for Kids

Here are a few kid-friendly ideas to get you started.

Simple Kindness at Home

  • Let a sibling pick the bedtime story.
  • Help set the table.
  • Make a “thank you” card for a parent or caregiver.
  • Tell a family member you love them.
  • Work together to put toys away.
  • Make someone their favorite snack.
  • Say something kind like “You’re a great friend.”
  • Draw a picture for someone in your family.
  • Leave a sweet note on someone’s pillow.
  • Help feed a pet or refill their water bowl.

Kindness in the Neighborhood

  • Hold the door open for someone.
  • Wave and say hello to a neighbor.
  • Pick up litter during a walk.
  • Put a sign in your front window that says “Have a great day!”
  • Bring in a neighbor’s package or newspaper (with permission).
  • Offer to help someone pick up or carry in groceries.
  • Make cookies or muffins and share with someone nearby.
  • Paint kindness rocks with inspiring messages to leave at a local park.
  • Help a neighbor shovel snow, brush off their car, or salt the walkway.
  • Leave a cheerful note on a neighbor’s door.

Kindness at School or Activities

  • Write a note to a coach.
  • Send a “thank you” video to a teacher.
  • Compliment a classmate (“I like your shoes!” works every time).
  • Invite someone to play who seems left out.
  • Share crayons, markers, or supplies.
  • Let someone go first in line or on the playground slide.
  • Thank the bus driver with a small treat.
  • Help a classmate with homework or an assignment.
  • Include someone in a game or activity who usually sits alone.
  • Bring a snack to share with the class.

Kindness Out in the World

  • Donate books or toys your child has outgrown (let them choose what to give).
  • Place an encouraging bookmark in a library book for someone to find.
  • Make cards for a nursing home, children’s hospital, or community group.
  • Pay for the food or drink order of the person behind you in line.
  • Leave a thank-you note for your mail carrier or delivery person.
  • Pick up litter at a local park or playground.
  • Compliment someone at a store (“I like your shoes!” or “Nice backpack!”).
  • Collect gently used clothes or blankets to donate to an animal shelter.
  • Leave quarters at a laundromat with a little note saying, “For you—enjoy!”
  • Drop off a small plant or flowers at a random door with a note: “Have a nice day.”

The Real Goal: Raising Kids Who Notice People

Random Acts of Kindness Day is ultimately about building a family habit of looking around and asking: “How can we make someone’s day easier?”

Because even the smallest act — a smile, a shared toy or snack, or a thank you — reminds kids that they have the power to make the world better.

And that’s a lesson worth practicing.

Choose one small act of kindness to try today, and if you feel like sharing, tag @ShineNYC on Instagram so we can celebrate the good happening in our community.

20 Things to Do With Your Kids Before They’re 20

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There’s a reassuring truth modern parenting research keeps confirming: it’s not the number of hours you spend with your kids that matters most—it’s how you show up in the moments you do have.

A 2025 study on parental time use found that children benefit most from engaged, intentional interaction—not more time spent in the same space, at the same time.

Before they turn 20, your kids will absorb lessons everywhere: classrooms, friendships, failures, screens, and the wider world. But the experiences that shape their confidence, resilience, and sense of belonging often happen quietly—during ordinary moments when they feel seen, heard, and valued.

You don’t have to plan bigger vacations or bucket experiences. You can simply choose attention over distraction, curiosity over routine, and connection over perfection.

Here are 20 meaningful activities worth doing with your kids before they’re 20—small, doable moments that build trust, perspective, and lasting connection.

Connection & Belonging

1. Create a one-on-one ritual.
Whether it’s a weekly walk around the neighborhood, a Saturday morning coffee date (hot chocolate works too), a short drive to grab ice cream, or a late-night check-in over a board game, predictable 1:1 time tells them, “This time is just for you.” Make it consistent enough that they can look forward to it and feel seen.

2. Tell them stories about your own childhood—especially the messy parts.
Share times you got in trouble at school, struggled with a hobby, or had an awkward moment with friends. Include the lessons learned or how you handled it. Seeing that mistakes are normal—and recoverable—helps them accept their own stumbles without shame.

3. Let them talk without fixing.
When they complain about a rough day, a tricky friendship, or a stressful assignment, resist the urge to jump in with solutions. Ask open-ended questions: “How did that feel?” or “What do you think you might try next?” Feeling heard builds confidence faster than advice ever could.

4. Laugh hard together.
Create inside jokes, play silly games, tell ridiculous stories, or even have a bad-movie night where you both critique over-the-top plots. Unfiltered laughter and shared silliness become emotional anchors they carry into adulthood.

5. Apologize when you get it wrong.
Whether you raised your voice, forgot a commitment, or misunderstood them, saying “I’m sorry” models accountability. Follow it with a short explanation and a plan to do better. This teaches that respect goes both ways and that everyone—parents included—can make amends.

Confidence & Independence

6. Let them order their own food.
Whether at a restaurant, café, or even a takeout window, letting them choose—and place—their own order gives them a small but powerful sense of voice and independence.

7. Give them real responsibility.
Instead of just chores, let your child plan a weekly meal, lead pet care, or help manage family tasks like homework scheduling, gift shopping, or choosing a weekly activity.

8. Let them try something they’re not great at.
Kids build resilience by tackling challenges like a new sport, an instrument, or a tricky art project—where effort matters more than instant success.

9. Support them through failure without rescuing.
Stay close. Ask questions like, “What did you try first?” or “What might you do differently next time?” Let them do the learning—whether it’s missing a goal in soccer, flubbing a science experiment, or struggling with a math problem. Avoid jumping in to fix it; guide them to problem-solve on their own.

10. Teach them how to advocate for themselves.
Practice speaking up with teachers about a confusing assignment, asking coaches for more feedback on drills, or requesting a group member to pull their weight. Later, model how to communicate professionally with employers or mentors about needs, responsibilities, and boundaries.

Curiosity & Growth

11. Read the same book and talk about it.
Choose a novel, biography, or even a graphic novel. Instead of quizzes, have conversations like, “What would you have done in that character’s shoes?” or “Which part surprised you most?” Let your discussions spark deeper thinking and opinions.

12. Let them teach you something they love.
Whether it’s playing a Roblox game, explaining a Pokémon card strategy, or demonstrating the latest TikTok dance craze, letting them guide you validates their interests and builds their confidence in expertise.

13. Explore places outside your routine.
Go beyond the usual park. Visit a science museum, a historical neighborhood, a local library event, or a botanical garden. Let them ask questions, notice details, and reflect on what’s different or inspiring in each new environment.

14. Learn a skill together.
Try cooking a new cuisine, fixing a leaky faucet, skateboarding, knitting, or even learning Spanish phrases. Shared growth creates bonding, allows you to model perseverance, and gives them hands-on confidence.

15. Encourage questions you don’t have answers to.
When they ask things like “Why do some animals hibernate?” or “How do astronauts go to the bathroom in space?” respond with curiosity: research together, hypothesize, or admit you don’t know. Modeling curiosity shows it’s okay not to have all the answers.

Perspective & Purpose

16. Volunteer together.
Sign up for a community clean-up, help at a food pantry, or visit an animal shelter. Discuss what you notice, how people benefit, and how small efforts create real impact. Experiencing empathy first-hand is far more memorable than lectures.

17. Talk openly about money and values.
Discuss budgeting while grocery shopping, what to tip at a restaurant, how much to donate to charity, or the difference between wants and needs. Share personal reasoning behind decisions to instill thoughtful financial habits.

18. Ask big questions.
Prompt reflections like, “What would you do if you had no fear?” or “Who do you admire and why?” Encourage journaling or discussions over a walk—emphasize exploration over pressure.

19. Help them reflect on who they’re becoming—not just what they’re achieving.
After a school project or sports game, ask, “What did you learn about yourself?” or “How did you handle setbacks?” Focus on resilience, curiosity, empathy, and integrity rather than just grades or trophies.

20. Let them know—often—that they don’t have to earn your love.
Say it out loud: “I love you because you’re you, not because of what you do.” Remind them in small ways through hugs, notes, or quiet check-ins. This foundation of unconditional love fosters security and confidence in everything else they do.

How Parents Create Space For What Matters

Connection doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from creating space—in your schedule, in your routines, and in your attention. A few small shifts can open the door:

  • Block connection time like an appointment. Let your child know you’ve set aside short, protected windows for walks, drives, bedtime check-ins where you want their full attention, which prepares your child to engage and signals that this time matters.
  • Choose places that invite presence. Some moments of connection happen during the day to day, but others may require stepping out of your usual environment—into nature, a yoga studio, a café, or an art center—to help everyone slow down and reset.
  •  Lower the bar for what “counts.” Connection isn’t a project. It’s often a conversation in the car, a shared laugh, or sitting side-by-side without distraction.
  • Notice before you plan. Pay attention to when your child opens up, when they linger, when they seem most themselves—and start by making space there.

At Shine NYC, we help families create room for these moments—not through rigid rules or packed calendars, but through themed parties, classes, workshops, and open play time that helps you reserve more intentional time while your kids are still young.

Why January Feels So Hard for Parents and How to Reset Without Reinvention

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January has a reputation for clarity. A clean calendar. A fresh start. A sense that — finally — you can catch your breath and approach life with more intention.

But for many parents, the pace shifts in January. Tempers feel shorter. Kids seem restless, overstimulated, or resistant to the simplest requests. You may find yourself pushing through the days rather than savoring them — or feeling ready to move forward.

If that sounds familiar, there’s nothing wrong with you — and nothing broken about your family. January is a harder month than we give it credit for. It’s a season of recalibration, asking us to settle back in, reconnect with structure, and rediscover steadiness after a stretch of life that was full-on, in every sense of the word.

The Emotional Aftermath No One Talks About

Even when it’s joyful, December is full. Schedules are disrupted, routines loosen, emotions run high, and expectations — both internal and external — are everywhere.

January arrives immediately afterward and asks us to reset without rest.

Parents are expected to return to structure, productivity, and patience just as energy dips. Kids are expected to head back to school with focus, emotional regulation, and cooperation after weeks of stimulation and flexibility. And everyone is doing this during the darkest, coldest stretch of the year.

What we often interpret as “January misbehavior” or “parenting failure” is usually just nervous systems recalibrating — temporary, human, and entirely okay.

Why the Pressure to “Start Fresh” Backfires

The new year brings an unspoken message: Now is the time to fix everything.

Better routines. Better boundaries. Better communication. Better versions of ourselves.

But reinvention requires clarity and energy — two resources in short supply in January. When parents push for major changes too quickly, kids sense it. They may resist not because the changes are wrong, but because the pace feels overwhelming.

What families usually need in January isn’t a reboot. It’s stability with compassion.

What Kids Are Responding To Right Now

Children don’t experience time the way adults do. They don’t see January as symbolic. They feel it physically and emotionally in the shorter days, colder weather, less movement, and fewer spontaneous joys. Add in the abrupt return to expectations, and many kids respond with irritability, withdrawal, or increased neediness.

What helps most right now:

  • Predictable rhythms, even if they’re imperfect
  • Emotional availability without urgency
  • Fewer lectures, more listening
  • Gentle structure instead of rigid control

Kids don’t need parents who have everything figured out. They need parents steady enough to stay connected and help them reset.

A More Sustainable Reset

Instead of asking, “What needs fixing?” January is a better time to ask, “What needs softening?”

Here are five ways to reset that support your family without pressure:

1. Choose one area to stabilize.

Unlike our work life, stabilization in our home lives isn’t about improving or optimizing the whole system — it’s simply intended to make life a little smoother where it feels hardest.

This might look like:

  • Aiming for quiet mornings rather than fast
  • Reducing after-school expectations for a few weeks
  • Allowing flexible routines for when homework gets done
  • Adding more predictability to transitions, even if they’re not perfect

It helps to think of stability as less about “efficiency” and more about lowering friction so everyone can exhale.

2. Protect your own energy deliberately.

Overcoming seasonal burnout requires an open mind.

Consider:

  • Saying no to one obligation that drains more than it gives
  • Letting something be “good enough” instead of done right
  • Asking for help sooner rather than powering through
  • Creating a small buffer for yourself at the beginning or end of the day

Your presence is shaped by your energy. Protecting it isn’t selfish — it’s foundational.

3. Normalize sharing feelings to create household solidarity.

January can feel heavy without a clear reason, especially for kids who don’t have language for it yet.

You might say:

“This time of year is hard for a lot of people.”

“It makes sense that you’re feeling a little off right now.”

“We’re all getting back into rhythm together.”

Naming the experience reduces shame and helps kids feel less alone in their feelings.

4. Replace urgency with curiosity.

When behavior feels challenging, urgency often sneaks in:

We need to stop this. Fix this. Change this.

Curiosity sounds much different:

  • “What might they be needing right now?”
  • “Is this about exhaustion, pressure, or something else?”
  • “What’s harder for them this month than usual?”

Curiosity slows the moment down, and that pause creates more change than pressure.

5. Create one reliable point of connection.

Connection doesn’t have to be constant to be powerful. It just needs to be dependable.

This could be:

  • A weekly walk, drive, or coffee date
  • A consistent bedtime check-in or question
  • A shared routine that belongs only to you and your child
  • A small ritual everyone knows they can count on
  • Time spent together, playing a game your child really values

When life feels uncertain, reliability builds emotional safety, and that safety supports growth.

January Isn’t for Chasing Someone New

January is for rekindling who you already are: A parent who cares deeply. A family that adapts. A household learning — imperfectly — how to move forward together.

Real growth rarely begins with dramatic change. It starts with awareness, patience, and the willingness to move at a human pace.

Shine supports your family’s journey by introducing enriching, playful learning experiences that naturally foster growth. From hands-on art workshops and Little Luminaries language classes to customized day camps and theatre programming, Shine helps kids — and the families around them — discover, create, and reconnect with their inner light.

Resets like this let your kids — and you — learn, play, and reconnect at a comfortable pace, rather than chasing perfection or bigger changes.

Resolutions Your Kids Can Make – and Keep – in 2026

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By mid-January, most adults have already loosened their grip on New Year’s resolutions. For kids, that drop-off can happen even faster—not because children lack motivation, but because many resolutions rely on executive-function skills like impulse control, introspection, and future thinking that are still developing well into adolescence.

Research consistently shows that kids are more likely to follow through when goals are small, specific, emotionally meaningful, and supported by adults. In other words: fewer goals, less pressure, more practice.

As Dr. Laura Markham emphasizes, self-discipline isn’t something children “have” or “don’t have,” but a skill that develops over time with guidance and practice. Resolutions help nurture that skill by letting kids experience success in keeping them.

By upgrading everyday routines into joint resolution exercises, parents can help kids score small successes, build confidence, and tackle resolutions that are realistic and rewarding.

Resolution #1: Try One Hard Task for a Month

A “hard task” may be learning a piano piece, swimming without a float, writing a short story, reading for 30 minutes a day, or finishing a LEGO build without quitting.

Angela Duckworth’s research on grit emphasizes that perseverance grows when children engage in deliberate practice for a limited time, not endless pressure. Starting with a month provides a long enough runway to feel progress—without overwhelming.

What to say as a parent:
“You don’t have to love it. You just have to try.”

What kids learn:

  • Effort changes ability.
  • Discomfort doesn’t mean failure.
  • Quitting isn’t the same as stopping intentionally.

Resolution #2: Practice Fixing Mistakes (Not Avoiding Them)

Many kids avoid challenges because mistakes feel personal. A powerful resolution is learning how to repair and rebound.

This might look like:

  • Apologizing when they hurt someone
  • Giving the next practice their all after losing a game
  • Asking for help instead of melting down

Psychologist Dr. Ross Greene notes that “kids do well if they can.” When kids seem “challenging,” it’s usually because they’ve encountered a skills gap and don’t know how to handle it. Practicing repair builds emotional regulation and resilience far more effectively than insisting on “better behavior.”

Parents can think of this resolution as a weekly reflection, not a daily task:
“What was one thing that didn’t go well this week? What did you do next?”

What kids learn:

  • Mistakes are survivable.
  • Relationships can be repaired.
  • Effort counts more than outcome.

Resolution #3: Do One New Thing Each Month

Novelty builds confidence – especially when the stakes are low.

Trying one new thing a month could be:

Child development research shows that varied experiences help children discover intrinsic motivation – the kind that lasts longer than rewards or pressure. When kids sample activities without commitment, they learn who they are.

This is where Shine NYC naturally fits in – not as a promise of mastery, but as a place to try. Camps, courses, and workshops give kids structured novelty with support, which is exactly the combination that will help them keep this resolution.

What kids learn:

  • Curiosity is an engine for learning.
  • New doesn’t mean scary.
  • Interests can change—and that’s okay.

Resolution #4: Talk About Feelings Once a Week

Emotional literacy grows when kids have predictable, low-pressure moments to reflect. Weekly check-ins—during a walk, at bedtime, or over a snack—are far more effective than constant emotional coaching.

Studies in child psychology show that naming emotions helps children regulate them later. But timing matters: kids open up when they feel safe, not interrogated.

Parents might try a simple question:
“What was something that felt hard this week?”

What kids learn:

  • Feelings aren’t emergencies.
  • Adults are safe to talk to.
  • Reflection builds self-awareness.

What Helps Kids Stick With a Resolution?

Once an idea’s selected, parents can support a resolution by keeping these concepts in mind:

  • Time-bound goals beat ongoing ones. “Every day” is abstract. “Once a week” or “for one month” feels possible. Once the first milestone’s reached, a new one can be set.
  • Identity matters. Kids stick with goals that help them see themselves differently (like “I’m someone who tries”) rather than goals that focus on outcomes (like “I’ll get straight As on my spelling tests.”)
  • Adult scaffolding is key. Children are more likely to succeed when adults co-regulate – reminding, practicing, and adjusting expectations – and model what success looks like.
  • Repair matters more than perfection. Confidence grows not from never making mistakes, but from recovering from setbacks and gaining the ability to influence one’s environment. Kids sometimes need a reminder that following through after forgetting a resolution matters more than perfection.

The Real Goal of Kids’ Resolutions

The point isn’t follow-through for its own sake.

It’s helping kids experience:

  • “I can try.”
  • “I can mess up and recover.”
  • “I can finish something hard.”

Those lessons last longer than January – and they’re the kind that quietly shape who kids become. If your child keeps one resolution this year, that’s no small win. That’s growth.

10 Fun & Mindful Ways to Keep Kids Engaged This Holiday Season (Without Screen Overload)

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December is a whirlwind: parties, school breaks, holiday crafts, and yes… the endless question of “What can I do now?” from our overstimulated kids. Between juggling work, holiday errands, and family time, it can feel impossible to keep everyone entertained without leaning on screens.

The good news? With a little planning and creativity, this season can be joyful, connected, and surprisingly calm. Here are 12 ideas to keep kids aged 2–12 happily engaged – and maybe even teach them a little mindfulness along the way.

1. Holiday Crafts

Toddlers and preschoolers love simple, tactile projects: pinecone ornaments, handprint snowflakes, or modeling clay decorations. Older kids may prefer the challenge of mini gingerbread houses or DIY holiday cards for relatives.

2. Storytime with a Twist

Transform classic holiday tales into interactive adventures by downloading a few free scripts. Ask questions, act out parts, or let kids create alternate endings. It’s a fun way to spark imagination—and sneak in cozy reading time.

3. Mindful Moments

December can feel hectic. Introduce simple mindfulness exercises like “holiday breathing” (inhale for four, exhale for four) or a gratitude jar. Even 2–5 minutes of calm can help kids—and parents—reset before the next round of festivities.

4. Family Movement Breaks

Bundle up and go for a winter walk, a neighborhood scavenger hunt, or a backyard snow game. For indoor days, try kid-friendly yoga or dance parties. Moving together burns energy, lifts moods, and keeps everyone healthy.

5. Acts of Kindness

Encourage giving back with age-appropriate projects: packing small care boxes for neighbors, making cards for nursing homes, or donating toys, framing them as ways to share time, talent, and treasure.

6. Baking & Kitchen Fun

Mixing, measuring, and decorating holiday treats is a screen-free delight. Toddlers can stir, older kids can handle cookie cutters, and everyone gets to enjoy the tasty results. Bonus: it’s a practical—and delicious—way to encourage following instructions and teach patience.

7. Music & Movement

Sing, dance, or even make DIY instruments from household items. Holiday music can spark joy, encourage coordination, and turn a living room into an instant family stage. Who knows—Santa might even bring a karaoke machine this year!

8. Puzzle & Game Challenges

Board games, card games, and puzzles keep kids engaged for longer stretches and teach patience, strategy, and cooperation. Rotate a few favorites each week to keep excitement high.

9. Holiday Nature Hunts

Explore local parks or even your backyard for seasonal treasures: pinecones, acorns, or winter berries. Collect items for crafts or decorations, or simply enjoy the fresh air. Nature walks also help kids notice small details and develop mindfulness.

10. Quiet Corner Kits

Create a small “calm corner” with coloring books, fidget toys, and a cozy blanket. Kids can retreat here when overstimulated, helping them regulate emotions independently.

December doesn’t have to be all chaos and defaulting to screen time. With small intentional moments, you can help your kids feel engaged, connected, and mindful—while keeping your sanity intact.

If your kids are really begging for screens, they might just be craving some mindless downtime—and that’s okay. Consider joining in and finding ways to make it a learning and bonding experience.

Here’s to a festive season filled with creativity, movement, and mindful moments—because the best holiday memories are made together. Keep shining.

Beyond the Toy Box: Meaningful Holiday Gifts for Kids That Last Longer Than the Wrapping Paper

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If you’re a parent, you already know what’s coming: the holiday avalanche of plastic pieces, toys that blink and buzz, and boxes that somehow take up more room than the toy itself. It’s sweet, it’s generous – but it’s also… a lot.

This year, many parents are craving gifts that feel lighter, more meaningful, and a little easier to live with. Gifts that spark curiosity instead of clutter. Gifts kids can grow into, return to, and remember. From family experiences to tools that inspire independence, these gifts give kids what they really want: joy, connection, and room to grow.

1. Experiences That Make Memories

Kids may forget what was under the tree last year, but they’ll never forget ice skating under a sky full of stars. Experiences are the ultimate “non-toy” gift – fun now, and unforgettable later.

In the East End, a few can’t-miss experience gifts include:

Buckskill Winter Club (East Hampton)

The Buckskill Winter Club typically opens in late November and runs through early March, offering public ice-skating sessions, hockey clinics, and figure skating programs. Kids can drop in for a casual skate or build real skills with weekly lessons.

Why parents love it: No screens, fresh air, and an easy way to burn energy all winter long. A pass also means fewer “Can we go today?” debates — if the rink is open, you can go.

Good for: Ages 4+, siblings, and high-energy kids.

Children’s Museum of the East End (CMEE)

A CMEE membership doubles as a gift for kids and their parents. Memberships usually include unlimited admission, discounts on classes, camps, and special events, and early registration for popular programs. The museum’s exhibits are hands-on and imagination-forward — from the market and shipyard to the art studio and “CMEE Playland.”

Why parents love it: It’s the perfect winter and rainy-day destination, and kids won’t age out too quickly — it’s ideal for toddlers through early tweens.

Good for: Ages 1–11, and anyone who likes play that’s purposeful.

Adventure Paddleboards (Sag Harbor)

Gifting surf or paddleboard lessons in December may feel unexpected, but it gives kids something to look forward to once summer hits. Adventure Paddleboards offers private and small-group lessons, summer programs, and equipment rentals. You can gift a single lesson, a multi-lesson package, or a voucher they can redeem during the warmer months.

Why parents love it: It’s active, confidence-building, and gets kids outside in a way that feels very “Hamptons summer.” Plus, the anticipation is half the fun — wrap a beach towel or a pair of flip-flops with the gift card for a sweet reveal.

Good for: Ages 6+, adventure-seekers, and kids who love the water. Wrap it creatively: print a “ticket” and tuck it into a box with something small and related (like a snorkel mask, a seashell, or a waterproof disposable camera).

Other options include passes or memberships to: The Long Island Aquarium, The Parrish Art Museum, or South Fork Natural History Museum (SoFo) — perfect for stress-free days spent together.

2. Subscriptions That Keep Giving

The beauty of a subscription is that it extends the joy well past the holiday season.

  • Book-of-the-Month boxes for young readers: Literati and Bookroo ship a box of age-appropriate books to your home, bringing monthly mail excitement.
  • Magazine subscriptions — Highlights, Kazoo, Honest History, or National Geographic Kids — gives kids something new to talk about besides gaming.
  • Monthly craft and science boxes: KiwiCo has kits for ages 0-12+ themed around play, art, geography, crafting, engineering, and design. Everything is included in the kit and activities are easy enough for kids 8+ to do on their own.
  • Global culture subscription box: Each monthly Little Passports kit (ages 3–8) delivers books, toys, stickers, and crafts centered on a new country, sparking curiosity and teaching kids about geography, culture, and science through fun, hands-on activities—making learning exciting all holiday season.

3. Gifts That Inspire Connection

The best gift is often time spent together, laughing, learning, or trying something new.

  • A family movie or board game night basket: Fill a festive basket with a board game or movie, cozy blanket, and popcorn, plus a note promising an evening of “no phones, no schedules, just us.” For convenience, you can even pre-build one from sites like UncommonGoods or Etsy.
  • A DIY kit to do together: Choose a hands-on project like candle-making, building a terrarium, or painting ornaments, available at Target. DIY kits provide all the supplies, but the real gift is the shared experience and lasting memories.
  • Escape room and puzzles: From printable escape kits and board games to puzzles that demand patience and spatial reasoning — these games are perfect for building connection, collaboration, and problem-solving as a family.

4. Meaningful Keepsakes & Comfort Gifts

Even physical gifts can carry deep meaning when picked with care. Here are a few ideas — and some specific suggestions to make shopping easy.

  • A cozy reading–nook setup: Create a little haven for together-time with a reading tent or nook, a soft blanket, and a few cherished books from BookHampton.
  • A journal or memory‑box set: Something to preserve memories, thoughts, and milestones — a gift that lasts longer than the present moment.
  • A photo album or framed keepsake: A tangible way to relive favorite summer moments or everyday joy.
  • A mini “Mindful Moments” basket: Combine little tools for calm and self-care into a thoughtful gift that encourages peace and reflection.
    • Plant seeds of calm during a hectic season with a kid‑friendly mindfulness journal, yoga mat, soothing essential oils or linen spray, a soft eye pillow, and a handwritten note about the value of quiet moments.

5. The Gift of Learning, Skill-Building, and Discovery: Shine Classes

And then there’s the gift that blends it all — creativity, connection, and community. On the East End, where winter slows everything down just enough to savor the small moments, the most meaningful presents aren’t things you buy, but experiences that help kids grow.

Shine’s winter classes and workshops are designed exactly for this kind of holiday magic. Whether your kids love art, cooking, STEM, nature walks, dancing, or acting, Shine offers hands-on programs that let kids explore, make a mess, try something new, and build confidence along the way. Families can drop in, play, and leave the clean-up to someone else — a gift in itself.

You might try:

  • Cooking classes and kits: Combine Shine’s Kitchen Stars sessions with a stop at Loaves & Fishes Cookshop for kid-friendly cookbooks and tools. Together, they help aspiring young chefs build confidence in the kitchen.
  • Art classes and materials: From blocks and fashion design to sensory bins and science projects, Shine has a class for every interest. Combine with one of our customizable craft bags to show kids their creativity is worth the investment.
  • Music classes and instruments: Music classes and instruments: Global, Chinese, and Spanish cultural classes all include music or Sing and Shine is all about music and movement. You might also combine a gently used instrument from Gold Standard with one of Shine’s flexible online music courses for ukulele, guitar, bass, piano, or drums.

Frame these as “starter kits” for discovering and cultivating potential passions by including a note: “You’ve got the gift — now go grow it.”

Parents can give a class series, camp session, or gift certificate — a perfect present that’s screen-free, sensory, and social. Kids walk away with more than something new to play with; they gain a skill, a spark, a circle of friends, and a sense of pride.

Reach out to our program coordinators to learn more.

Give the Gift of Wonder

This holiday season, think beyond the toy aisle. Give your kids something they’ll remember – something that lights up their world, not just the living room. Whether it’s a membership, a creative class, or a simple day spent together, the best gifts don’t just fill time – they fill hearts.

What to Do if Your Child Is Obsessed with a TV Show

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Every parent has lived through it: the theme song on repeat, the quotes at dinner, the insistence on watching just one more episode. When your child becomes obsessed with a TV show, it can be equal parts adorable and exhausting. But the good news—according to child psychologists and mental health professionals—is that “show obsessions” are normal, developmentally useful, and often temporary. With a little guidance, you can harness the interest while keeping screen time healthy.

Why Kids Get So Attached to a Show

  • Predictability feels safe.

Young children especially thrive on repetition. According to a report in The Conversation, children “have a lot to learn about themselves and the world.”

With repeat viewings, the predictable storylines, familiar characters, and recurring themes immerse kids in a “make-believe world that provides comfort,” helping them process real world stressors.

Rewatching the same show can feel especially comforting during times of rapid development or transitions.

  • Characters become “practice friends.”

From ages 4–12, children often model behavior after fictional characters through parasocial relationships — one-sided emotional connections that support social and emotional growth.

As researchers note, parasocial connections allow children to “simulate how they might feel and react in the situations in the stories from a position of safety,” fostering empathy, perspective-taking, and personal growth.

“These connections can lead to a variety of outcomes ranging from improving school readiness to enhancing psychological well-being” because they give children safe opportunities to practice social skills and self-regulation

  • Identity building peaks in later childhood.

For children ages 9–12, a favorite TV show can become part of their identity—much like a beloved hobby or sports team.

Around age 11 (girls) or 12 (boys), frontal gray matter peaks, often showing up as greater self-awareness, experimenting with independence, and more complex moral reasoning.

The maturing prefrontal cortex improves planning, decision-making, and self-reflection, while synaptic pruning strengthens frequently used neural pathways.

Highly attuned to social and emotional cues, tweens often latch onto shows that reflect independence, belonging, or humor. Characters that mirror their experiences “help teenagers build their identity,” offering symbolic tools to project, reflect, and construct personal narratives.

Repeated viewing provides a predictable space to rehearse social interactions, reflect on choices, and explore values and identity through beloved characters.

When It’s Normal — And When to Look Closely

A strong interest in TV is usually not a problem if your child can:

  • Pause or transition away from the show with reasonable support
  • Engage in other activities (play, schoolwork, social time)
  • Talk about the show without becoming distressed
  • Follow reasonable screen-time limits

Remember, like all things, this too shall pass. A 2025 article in Communication Theory notes that “after an initial effect-sensitive period, media effects stabilize,” meaning the impact of repeated exposure is likely to level off rather than continue strengthening.

Kids tend to grow out of them as developmental needs shift, school demands increase, or new interests emerge. Most show phases burn out in weeks or months — especially if you’re offering structure and variety.

However, take a closer look if the obsession:

  • Replaces sleep, meals, or social interaction
  • Comes with personality change or distress and meltdowns when the show is unavailable
  • Escalates during times of anxiety, bullying, or major family stress
  • Includes content that is too mature or dysregulating

Mental health professionals note that intense interest in a TV show often spikes during periods of stress, boredom, or upheaval. As Associate Professor Michael Noetel explains, “We sometimes give children screens when they’re struggling, but doing so seems to make them struggle more.”

A comprehensive review of 132 longitudinal studies found that higher screen use can worsen social-emotional problems – like anxiety or depression – which then drives children back to screens as a coping mechanism.

Noetel and his co-researchers argue this creates a vicious cycle: while screens may feel like a safe emotional retreat, they can also interfere with learning, sleep, play, and face-to-face relationships – the very things that help kids build real resilience.

Strategies to Keep the Obsession Healthy

As Neuroscience News notes, “While repetition is beneficial, it’s important to ensure it doesn’t overshadow other vital activities.” Here are a few steps you can take to strike a balance.

  • Build healthy limits without shaming the interest

Avoid dismissing or mocking the obsession. Instead try:

  • “I love how creative Bluey makes you.”
  • “You can tell Avatar really inspires you.”
  • “Let’s save the next episode for tomorrow so we have plenty of time.”

Affirm the enthusiasm while guiding boundaries. Kids are far more cooperative when they feel respected.

  • Set a predictable screen-time structure.

Kids cope better with limits when they’re clear and consistent. Developmental experts suggest:

  • A daily screen-time window
  • Special “show days” if needed (e.g., weekend mornings)
  • A visual schedule for younger kids

Predictability prevents power struggles and helps kids mentally prepare for transitions. Simple rules might be “no TV before lunch,” “hour on, hour off,” or “no TV after 7pm.”

  • Use the show as a jumping-off point for offline play.

Instead of fighting the obsession, channel it.

  • Preschoolers: Act out scenes with toys, draw characters, build settings out of blocks
  • Elementary-age: Encourage fan art, stories, Lego builds, pretend play, or themed activities
  • Tweens: Try cooking a recipe from the show, making a parody, choreographing a dance, or creating an “inspired-by” craft

Building the bridge to the real world supports imagination, motor skills, and creativity—and helps the interest move beyond passive watching.

  • Watch an episode together (sometimes)

Co-viewing helps you:

  • Understand the storylines
  • Spot themes your child might be relating to
  • Model critical thinking (“Why do you think she did that?” “Is that something you’d try?”)
  • Redirect inappropriate content

You don’t need to sit through every episode — just enough to stay plugged in.

  • Notice what your child gets out of the show

A child psychologist’s favorite question is: What need is this show meeting?

  • Comfort?
  • Humor?
  • A sense of mastery?
  • Connection with peers?
  • Distraction from stress?

Once you understand the “why,” it’s easier to offer alternatives that meet the same need—without endless episodes.

  • Offer competing activities — not punishments

When a child is deep into a show, a vague “go play” rarely works. Instead offer easy “on-ramps”:

A well-timed alternative can break the binge cycle naturally and restore balance.

The Bottom Line

A TV show obsession is usually a sign that your child is curious, imaginative, and looking for connection—not that something is wrong. With a mix of structure, empathy, and creativity, you can support the interest while keeping screen habits balanced. And who knows? Their latest obsession might even spark a skill, passion, or hobby that lasts long after the show leaves your living room.

Celebrate National Black Cat Day with Simple Paper Crafts

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For centuries, black cats have prowled the edges of our stories and imaginations. In medieval Europe, they were feared as companions of witches, thought to carry spells or bad luck. Sailors, on the other hand, believed black cats brought fortune aboard ships, and in Japan, a black cat crossing your path is also seen as a sign of good luck. Across cultures, sleek, shadowy felines are cloaked in myth and mystery, evoking both curiosity and caution.

Why Black Cats Deserve a Day

Beyond the tales, black cats are just like any other kitty: playful, curious, and sometimes a bit mischievous. October 27th marks National Black Cat Day, a day that raises awareness to the low adoption rates for black cats.

At Shine, we love turning myth into learning — and black cats are a purr-fect muse for October fun. Halloween crafts featuring black cats offer a playful, imaginative way for kids to get into the spirit of the season.

Black Cat Craft Ideas for Kids

Try these simple black cat crafts this October:

Paper Plate Black Cats

Start by painting a paper plate black. Next, cut out a circle for the head, pointy ears, a tail, and whiskers from black construction paper. Alternately, you can make whiskers and tails out of pipe cleaners. Glue on googly eyes and a tiny pink pom pom nose for a finishing touch. Not only is this craft fun, but it also encourages spatial thinking and dexterity.

Paper Plate Black Cat - Crafts by Amanda - Paper Plate ...
Image Source: CraftsByAmanda.com

Black Cat Luminaries

Cut a circle “moon” shape in the front of a paper bag. Glue yellow or orange tissue paper inside the bag to cover the opening. Next, cut out a black cat silhouette from construction paper and glue it in front of the moon. Add eyes, whiskers, and a nose if you’d like. Place a battery tea light inside and watch your cat glow! This craft helps kids practice cutting and layering while creating a cozy Halloween decoration.

Image: BarleyAndBirch.com

Black Cat Paper Craft

Paint a cardboard tube black and letting it dry. Next, cut out a cat head, tail, and ears from black construction paper. Glue the head to the top of the tube and the tail to the back. Use paint to add yellow eyes, a pink nose, white whiskers, and a mouth. Decorate with a tiny bow or sparkly paper collar for extra charm. This easy recycled craft helps kids build fine motor skills while sparking creativity.

Black cat paper roll craft, use the printable template to get the outline to make this cute black cat craft for halloween #halloweencrafts #paperrollcrafts #blackcat #animalcrafts #cardboardtube #cardboardcraft #halloween #kidscrafts
Image: TheCraftTrain.com

Celebrate Creativity This Fall


National Black Cat Day is the perfect reminder that October can be full of imagination, play, and discovery. If you’d rather skip the supply runs and cleanup, stop by Shine in the Hamptons instead.

Shine’s art classes, workshops, drop-ins, and events give budding creators (ages 2–12) the chance to explore mixed media, seasonal themes, and hands-on projects—all while discovering the pure joy of making something their own.

Learn more about the Studio.

Apples Everywhere! Easy Recipes For Your Fall Orchard Haul

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Fall in New York means apple season. If your family has a trip planned to the orchard (or just comes home with a big bag from the farmer’s market), chances are you’ll end up with more apples than you know what to do with. The good news? Apples are the perfect ingredient for kid-friendly kitchen fun. These recipes are simple enough for little helpers and tasty enough for the whole family.

Here are five ideas to make the most of your apple haul:

1. No-Bake Apple Pie Parfaits

When the kids get home from school and need something sweet but not too heavy, this parfait checks every box. It layers all the cozy flavors of apple pie in a quick, no-bake snack.

How to make it:

  • Sauté chopped apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon until just soft.
  • In a clear cup, layer Greek yogurt (or whipped cream), the warm apples, and crushed graham crackers.
  • Let kids top their parfait with granola, raisins, or a drizzle of honey.

Kid job: Crushing graham crackers and layering the ingredients.

2. Apple “Donuts”

This recipe is half snack, half art project. Kids love turning apple slices into edible masterpieces.

How to make it:

  • Slice apples crosswise into rounds, then use a small cookie cutter (or bottle cap) to pop out the core.
  • Spread with cream cheese, nut butter, or sunflower butter.
  • Set out toppings like shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or rainbow sprinkles and let kids decorate.

Kid job: Choosing the toppings and designing their own “donut.”

3. Cheesy Apple Grilled Sandwiches

When the weather cools down, this twist on grilled cheese feels like the ultimate comfort food. The crisp apple slices cut through the melty cheddar for a sweet-and-savory bite.

How to make it:

  • Butter two slices of bread.
  • Layer cheddar cheese and thinly sliced apples inside.
  • Grill in a skillet until golden brown and gooey.
  • Pair with tomato soup for an easy dinner.

Kid job: Laying the apple slices and cheese on the bread before grilling.

4. Slow-Cooker Applesauce

This one will make your whole house smell like fall. It’s low-effort, delicious, and doubles as a sensory experience for little chefs.

How to make it:

  • Peel and chop 8–10 apples.
  • Toss into a slow cooker with a splash of water, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a spoonful of brown sugar (optional).
  • Cook on low for 4–6 hours, then mash with a fork for chunky applesauce or blend for smooth.

Kid job: Stirring the pot (with supervision) and taste-testing to decide if it needs more cinnamon.

5. DIY Caramel Apple Bar

This is more of a party idea than a recipe—and it’s guaranteed to be a hit for playdates or family gatherings.

How to make it:

  • Slice apples into wedges and stick each wedge on a popsicle stick.
  • Melt caramel or chocolate for dipping.
  • Fill bowls with toppings: crushed pretzels, mini marshmallows, sprinkles, graham cracker crumbs, or chopped nuts.
  • Let everyone dip and roll to create their own “mini caramel apple.”

Kid job: Choosing their toppings and decorating their apple slices.

Why Cook With Kids?

Beyond the tasty results, inviting children into the kitchen encourages independence, sparks creativity, and introduces basic math and science skills in a hands-on way. Measuring flour, counting apple slices, or watching apples transform into warm sauce are all mini lessons wrapped in fun.

And perhaps the biggest benefit? It slows everyone down. Amid school schedules, after-school activities, and the busyness of fall, cooking together creates a pocket of connection—something families will remember just as fondly as the orchard trip itself.

Want more ways to keep the creativity flowing this fall? Check out Shine’s classes and events designed for kids (and parents) to learn, play, and grow together.

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