Happy Lunar New Year!

Happy Lunar New Year!

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Xīnnián hǎo! From China and Korea to Vietnam and Malaysia, East Asian cultures are celebrating the most significant holiday of the year as they usher in the 2023 Lunar New Year from January 22nd through February 1st. Goodbye, action-oriented Year of the Tiger! Hello Year of the Rabbit’s quiet contemplation and confidence! As a water year, it’s also time to go with the flow. Whether you’re Asian-American or you’d like to raise a child with cultural awareness and appreciation, Lunar New Year is a great opportunity to educate and partake in rich traditions.

What To Do for Lunar New Year

  • Decorate! Red is considered a lucky color to ward off evil spirits and bring positive energy into your life at the start of the New Year. Deck out your front door with red lanterns, couplets, and calligraphy.
  • Eat! Like any festival, Lunar New Year has its all-star lineup of signature dishes, including fish (to symbolize abundance), dumplings shaped like silver ingots (to symbolize family prosperity), glutinous rice cakes (to symbolize career advancement), sweet rice balls (to symbolize family togetherness), good fortune fruit (to symbolize fullness), spring rolls (to symbolize wealth), and longevity noodles (to symbolize happiness into old age). For tasty, easy dishes you can make at home, check out our top 5 kid-friendly Asian recipes.
  • Gift! Red envelopes containing money are often gifted to children and retired seniors to wish them a safe and fortunate year. According to legend, there was a demon named Sui who came out New Year’s Eve to terrorize children at night, so parents would light candles and keep the children up all night. One boy’s parents decided to wrap and re-wrap eight coins to entertain him. After the boy fell asleep, his parents placed the coins under his pillow. When Sui came near, a magical light frightened him away, as the eight coins were actually eight fairies. Parents have been gifting red envelopes of money ever since. Other popular gifts include tea, fruits, and candies.

Slightly older kids can see real-life celebrations in this Scholastic video. You may also consider reading one of these popular Lunar New Year books. We Teach NYC put together this comprehensive guide of activities and resources for teaching elementary-aged children about Asian culture and Lunar New Year traditions. Similarly, the Panda Express Club offers 8 free interactive lessons that explore Lunar New Year traditions through trivia, language instruction, and more. Or you can take a virtual trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art to learn meditation, painting, mask crafting, and art interpretation. 

  • Celebrate! Firecrackers are a popular and customary way to drive away darkness and welcome light into your life. It’s not too late to order sparklers online for the kids. Festivities may also include a nighttime lantern parade and dragon dance through the streets.

Lunar New Year 2023 Events in the East End of Long Island

While NYC’s Chinatown comes to life with dragon parades and lantern festivals, Lunar New Year celebrations can be difficult to find in these parts. But you are always welcome to bring the kids to the Shine Studio, where we combine art, storytelling, song, culinary, dance, and education in fun, engaging, age-appropriate ways. Contact us for details.

Structured vs. Unstructured Play: Which Is Better?

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Every child is born into a very important job—and that job is play. Through play, children observe, explore, experiment, and learn about the world around them. They interact with other children, pick up social cues, and work through their emotions. Play involves visual, motor, and higher-level thinking skills, while promoting creativity, imagination, and problem-solving abilities. Play is a critical part of early childhood development, but there are different types of play to be aware of—most notably structured (guided) and unstructured (free) play.

What is Unstructured Play?

Unstructured play involves open-ended activities where no instruction or rules are given. During unstructured play, the child may be playing alone, alongside others, or with others. “Let kids be kids” is often the mantra for parents and educators who feel this type of play is best. The emphasis of unstructured play is on discovery, improvisation, and self-learning. With unstructured play, there is less pressure about “getting it wrong.” While enjoying freedom, children develop self-control and learn to self-regulate.

Examples of unstructured play include:

  • Infant “tummy time,” where babies are placed on their bellies with toys nearby
  • Free play activities like block tower building, dress up, or playing with figurines
  • Art activities like coloring, painting, or drawing
  • Playing at the playground or running around in the yard
  • Storytelling and looking at books of interest

Among the many benefits of unstructured play:

  • There are no limits. Children can be as imaginative as they wish as they explore.
  • The open-ended nature allows kids to discover their own interests and learning style.
  • Children are more apt to develop independence, confidence, and resilience.
  • It gives kids a break from an otherwise highly structured life—and from devices.
  • Free play often includes physical activity, motor skills, and coordination.
  • Children practice decision-making, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution.

What is Structured Play?

With structured play, a caregiver, parent, or teacher is present to guide the activities. The level of adult participation varies from interaction to instruction. The emphasis is on directing kids to achieve next-level performance and skills, impart wisdom, share knowledge, or attain a goal. The best structured play is tailored to the child’s interests, abilities, and strengths to build confidence, skill, and competency.

For example:

  • Sports programs like swimming, soccer, dance, gymnastics, baseball, tennis, etc.
  • Guided art classes like crafting, pottery, or learn-to-paint
  • Building a LEGO set by following directions or assembling a jigsaw puzzle
  • Following rules to playing board games or outdoor games like “Simon Says”
  • Learning to cook, speak a foreign language, act, or play a musical instrument

Among the many benefits of structured play:

  • Children discover interests, processes, and learnings they may not find on their own.
  • Structured activities teach emotional regulation, turn taking, sharing, and social cues.
  • Kids learn new tasks and how to follow instructions step-by-step to problem-solve.
  • It’s a chance to practice active listening, verbal communication, and people-reading.
  • These activities reinforce bonds with caregivers and peers, and introduce new mentors.
  • Children often experience increased self-esteem and develop a sense of achievement.

Which is Better—Structured or Unstructured Play?

Not surprisingly, the answer is that kids need both types of play to thrive. According to the authors of Becoming Brilliant, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, both types of play reinforce foundational skills young children need: communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and confidence.

Reserve some time every day for your child to enjoy unstructured play time. If your child doesn’t seem interested, consider rotating new toy figurines, puzzles, blocks, dress up outfits, puppets, or sports equipment into the house—or take your child to a play center that has all these toys so you can see what he or she might be interested in. Encourage your child to play outdoors every day, regardless of the weather. Reach out to other parents for play dates at playgrounds.

As parents, we know how difficult it can be to strike a balance, yet how essential it is to our wellbeing. Sign your child up for a day or two of activities during the week to keep life interesting, but not overwhelming. Involve your children in choosing the type of activity they would like to pursue, and encourage them to “stick with it” for the duration of the session, while allowing them to say, “This isn’t for me” at the end if that’s the case. Your role is to encourage your children to explore the world—and themselves—and to use play as a release from stress and a tool to becoming a well-rounded person.

Looking for more structured play opportunities?

Join Shine this winter for structured play. “Little Luminaries” combines music, movement, art, and storytelling around themes geared toward 2-year-olds. Ages 4-7 are welcome to register for our “Creative Movement” Tuesdays. Contact us for details.

The East End’s Best Places To Light a Menorah

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This year, Hanukkah begins Sunday, December 18th and lasts through Monday, December 26th.

While menorah lighting is a Jewish winter tradition, it’s perfectly okay for all to celebrate. As Rabbi David Zaslow put it:

“Hanukkah is less of a religious holiday and more of a celebration of religious liberty. It celebrates the defeat of an empire to squelch the religious freedom of a minority group, but the people of Judea banded together, whether they were religious or not, and defeated the Syrio-Greeks. So, yes, it’s totally wonderful that a non-Jewish person might want to celebrate the lighting of the menorah and placing it in their window… as a sign of the solidarity with the Jewish people.”

Why We Light the Menorah

The first mention of a menorah can be found in the biblical book of Exodus (25:31-40). According to the text, God revealed the lamp’s design to Moses on Mount Sinai: a candlestick forged out of a single piece of gold, with three branches on each side representing “the tree of life,” and a central shaft cup somewhat elevated to signify the Sabbath. Forged by craftsman Bezalel and placed in the Tabernacle, the first menorah became a symbol of God’s seven days of creation as well as the seven branches of human knowledge.

To understand the modern-day tradition, you have to dig back some 2,100 years ago when the Land of Israel was under repressive rule by Syrian-Greek emperor Antiochus who defiled the Holy Temple of Jerusalem with Greek idols and decreed that the Jewish people must worship Hellenistic gods. Studying the Torah and observing its commands was strictly forbidden.

Though vastly outnumbered, the Maccabees—a small band of Jewish warriors—drove the mighty Greek armies out of the land. When they reclaimed the Holy Temple, they wished to light the candelabrum (menorah) only to find the Greeks had contaminated the oil, save for one cruse—enough to last one night.

Miraculously, that one-day supply of oil lasted eight days and nights, and the holiday of Hanukkah was established to commemorate. On each of the eight nights, a new candle or oil cup is lit.

Where To Partake in Menorah Lighting in NY’s East End

The Grand Menorah Lighting – Long Beach

What: Celebrate with the Beaches Jewish Community and the City of Long Beach in Kennedy Plaza. In addition to the Menorah lighting, there will be hot potato latkes, jelly donuts, coffee, and the Great Chocolate Gelt Drop.

When: Sunday, December 18th (5:00 pm) 

Monday, December 19th (6:00 pm)

Tuesday, December 20th (6:00 pm)

Wednesday, December 21st (6:00 pm)

Thursday, December 22nd (6:00 pm)

Friday, December 23rd (3:30 pm)

Saturday, December 24th (6:00 pm)

Sunday, December 25th (5:00 pm)

The Annual Milleridge Menorah Lighting – Jericho

What: Rabbi Krivisky hosts in the Milleridge Inn at 585 North Broadway in Jericho. Jelly donuts and driedels will be served. Entertainment includes fire eaters and ice sculptures.

When: Sunday, December 18th (5:00 pm)

Manhassat Chanukah Festival – North Hempstead

What: Mary Jane Davies Green hosts across from Town Hall in Manhassat (220 Plandome Road).  The event will feature face painting, live music, a gelt drop, a magician, and live menorah ice sculpting.

When: Sunday, December 18th (3:00-5:00 pm)

Grand Menorah Lighting – Huntington Village

What: Chabad of Huntington Village is hosting a menorah lighting in the Huntington Village Winter Wonderland at Main Street and Wall Street. Bring the kids for live music, chocolate gelt, and a juggling / fire-breathing show.

When: Monday, December 19th (5:00 pm)

How To Light the Menorah at Home

If you’d like to partake in the tradition at home, you can read about how to light a menorah in-depth here or follow these guidelines:

  • Place your menorah in a window or on a table outside your door—somewhere it can spread light to others.
  • First light the shamash—the raised candle in the center of the menorah.
  • Once the shamash is lit, recite the Hanukkah blessing.
  • Then light one new candle each night—starting at the far right, moving left. On the eighth night, you’ll light all the candles, starting from the far left.
  • You’ll light one new candle of the menorah just after dark each night of Hanukkah, except for Friday when the menorah is lit before dark to avoid lighting on Shabbat.

Come celebrate the holiday season at the Shine Studio. We welcome people of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. From culinary and music, to art and theatre—together, we let our beautiful light shine. 

Ways To Keep Kids Jolly Over the Holiday Break

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For several weeks, the house is a flurry of delicious smells, wrapping paper, twinkling lights, and company. It’s easy to get caught up in preparations and adult-level planning. While your child may seem to be coasting along with the holly, jolly mood of the household, big feelings they’re unprepared to handle may be bubbling below the surface, about to come to a head at the least opportune moments. 

No one wants a meltdown ever, let alone during these days where we’re all a bit stressed, cooped up, and often in the judgmental eye of well-meaning loved ones. Here’s your quick guide to setting your kid up for success as best you can and navigating through some of the common situations encountered at some point over the winter break.

The Situation: They’re anxious.

The Fix: If your child seems anxious, ask about it—and listen. Let them know it’s okay to feel overstretched from time to time. Offer comfort—like a nice warm lap cuddle—and distraction, whether it’s reading a book or getting outside to run around in the snow.  

How to Head it off: Your anxiety can be contagious. Start preparations early and set a few goals to tackle each day off work—when you have more time to devote. When traveling somewhere, try to give yourself double the travel time so you’re not always rushing around. Every day, take care to share something positive about your day and avoid sharing the stressful details with your child—who may internalize your stress without the ability to handle it. 

The Situation: They’re overtired.

The Fix: Know how much sleep your child needs based on age. Children will often drop from two naps to one between 2 and 3, and stop napping between 3 and 4 years of age. If you’ve gotten off your routine, try scaling back 30 minutes at a time until you’re back on track. If your child refuses to sleep, an hour of quiet time with books and a few toys up in their room can be just as helpful. 

How to Head it off: Routines are important. Keep in mind that your child’s day is regulated down to the minute at daycare and school. Though you may be busy and overbooked, try to maintain some constants in your schedule. Try to eat meals and snacks at a consistent time. Allow an hour for bath, books, and screen-free down time at the end of the day. Set aside small chunks of the day for play, so your child feels attended to, even if you are tempted to say you’re “too busy.” 

The Situation: They’re greedy.

The Fix: Once the screaming, crying, and grabbing starts, it’s time for the toy in question to go up on the mantle—or somewhere the kids with the gimme-gimmes can see it but not touch it. Instead of putting your child in time-out, put “the toy in time-out.” It can be surprising how fast that de-escalates. Kids often forget what they were fighting about and stop power-struggling over the toy and move onto other matters. Consequences must be given when kids act inappropriately. If your child is prone to greedy outbursts, explain the rules of gift getting—that there is to be no tantrums or the toy goes away.

How to Head it off: As adults, we understand the best gifts are the ones we give—especially intangible gifts like our time. It’s the family traditions the kids will remember when they’re older—the sledding, the movie nights, the cookie baking, the fun and games with cousins. Gifts can be overwhelming—though it’s hard to prevent spoiling young children especially when grandparents, aunts, and uncles are involved. 

The best you can do is request “experience” gifts rather than stuff. Ask your child to pick 10 toys they’re willing to donate “to make room for more.” Have children help you thoughtfully pick out and wrap gifts for others. Older children can help you with a donation project to give to the needy. Be sure to intentionally plan a few activities together during the week off, whether it’s skating, a movie, or a museum day. 

The Situation: They won’t eat anything.

The Fix: Choose your battles wisely and assess what’s truly important. It’s not that your child is trying to defy you by balking at the food served. More likely, your child is not used to the holiday menu and all the surrounding chaos has them feeling already out of their comfort zone. 

Rather than demanding that your child finish everything on the plate or raising your voice and power-struggling in front of the family, aim for wonderful memories of time spent with loved ones. A few extra cookies from grandma won’t hurt once a year. Instead, encourage your child to try a bite or two before deciding what and how much to eat. This teaches valuable self-regulation skills. Later, if your child is hungry, offer a healthy snack like an apple or a cheese stick. 

How to Head it off: If you know you’ve got a picky eater on your hands, ask your child to help pick a few items to serve or pack on the way to the party. Better yet, have your child help prepare something with you. Consistently reinforce certain ground rules (like no dessert unless the dinner is eaten or no in-between meal snacking) all year round—not just during the holidays.

The Situation: They’re cranky.

The Fix: Even without a global pandemic, the holidays can crank up the stress for children. Relatives they don’t see often may focus a lot of uncomfortable attention on them with comments on how they’ve grown or changed, hugs and kisses without asking, or a barrage of questions. 

Combine the crowd of new people with the pressure to dress up in fancy (not to mention uncomfortable) clothes, take perfect family photos, and act pleasantly at all times despite how they may be feeling inside. It’s a lot. Changes in activity levels and managing multiple conversations can be stressful for adults too, so imagine how the kids must feel!

You can help your child through the day by setting clear expectations and sharing your plans with them. When your child acts up, breathe and respond calmly, resisting the urge to mirror their anger level. You’re the adult and impressionable children are looking at you as an example of how to act. 

Your words matter. Try to use humor to deflect an awkward situation into something positive. Set the right tone by telling children how you expect them to act—such as instructing them to “Please chew with your mouth closed,” rather than “stop chewing with your mouth open.”

How to Head it off: A child’s life can feel out of control. They’re continuously told what to do and forced to go along with their parents’ plans. Transitions can be a prime time for tantrums. While a meltdown because it’s time to use the potty or time to leave grandma’s house may seem trivial, it can mean the world to an overstimulated child. Being compassionate and sensitive to this, try to prep your child for the day’s agenda. Set times, offer gentle reminders of what’s to come, and be mindful that your child may “need to do” a few more tasks before they’re ready to move onto the next activity. 

The Situation: They’re sad. 

The Fix: The blues are possible, especially after the excitement of Christmas has passed. Somehow, in a household full of toys and stimulation, a child can feel suddenly lost, lonely, and bored. Perhaps a toy broke or they tried something new that didn’t work. Maybe they’re feeling down because it’s the first holiday without a pet or a grandparent. They may need you to step in and help them spin their situation into something positive or manage a sudden tidal wave of sadness. They may just need a hug and an attentive ear. “Time-ins” with mommy or daddy can work wonders. Some children may thrive on physical activities like a nature walk or sledding, depending on where you live. 

How to Head it off: While you don’t want to overschedule the whole vacation from school, planning at least one post-Christmas activity can give your child something nice to look forward to before going back to school. A play date with a friend to try out all those new toys might fit the bill. 

Make feelings a regular topic of discussion in your home, especially pointing out how feelings are transient, coming and going from one moment to the next. A good book for younger children that highlights this is On Monday When It Rained by Cheryl Kachenmeister. Asking your child what they’re thinking about or feeling each day can keep the channels of communication open.

The Situation: They’re reclusive.

The Fix: While some kids thrive on your lap and in your personal space bubble at all times, others naturally seek solitude in their rooms. Researchers believe wanting and needing alone time can be healthy. Developmentally, learning to be along is a skill that can be refreshing and restorative once mastered. 

If your child craves a little alone time, that’s okay—just let them know you love them and are available when they need you. Consider proposing a low-key activity to bring them closer later—like watching a movie with popcorn and cocoa—or snuggling up to a favorite holiday story.

How to Head it off: Encourage your child to engage in acceptable “check-out” behavior when life gets stressful or when it seems there’s nothing to do. Let your child know it’s good to have healthy outlets like reading, drawing, writing in a journal, or playing a quiet game and that their bedroom is a safe space for calming down, creative expression, and spiritual renewal. 

If you’re worried your child is isolating and isn’t opening up enough, consider discussing while playing a sport or taking a walk around the block. You may also consider talking to your pediatrician to get a referral to a mental health counselor to ensure your child has someone to confide in during late adolescence when talking to mom and dad may seem “uncool.” 

Holidays Can Be Challenging, But Present an Opportunity for Renewal

No one’s perfect—neither you, nor your child. We’re all doing the best we can with the best we’ve got on any given day. As parents, our reserves are easily depleted as we try to be everything to everyone. At the same time, our children’s developing minds and bodies are not yet fully equipped for homeostasis. Take a deep breath (of the candy cane kissed air), hold your child tightly, tell them you love them and you’re there for the good days and the bad, and practice self-care to get through these days. Our children are only little—and need us this much—for so long. A little understanding and perspective can go a long way.  

Live in the East End and need to blow off some steam? You’re always welcome at The Shine Studio. Drop in for a class, sign up for winter break activities, or ask about our party entertainment and craft bags. It takes a village…

8 Thanksgiving Crafts for a Memorable Holiday

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There are so many blessings to celebrate at Thanksgiving time. With vibrant autumn colors just starting to fade, plucky turkeys waddling through farms and fields, and guests arriving at the house armed with pumpkin pies and side dish stuffing, what better time to celebrate your child’s creativity with a themed craft? Here are five of our favorite ideas to get you started.

Thanksgiving Table Turkeys – KiwiCo

If you’re expecting company, treat your guests to a special party favor: an adorable hand-sculpted turkey place setting. The body’s made of clay, with a pom-pom head, sticker beak, googly eyes, and felt toothpick feathers. Have your child write down the honored guests’ names or a special message of gratitude onto each placard.

Fall Colors Foam Weaving Placemat – Oriental Trading

Weaving is a timeless activity that’s easy enough for preschool children to learn. Simply guide the colorful foam pieces over-and-under through the pre-cut slits to create a beautiful and practical place setting for your holiday table. 

Beaded Pipe Cleaner Corn – One Little Project

All you need are a few pipe cleaners and pony beads from the Dollar Store to keep little hands busy, building manual dexterity and customizing their own corncob of color. It doesn’t get much easier than this! A four-year-old can easily spend 20 minutes just picking out colors, buying you time to get your turkey in the oven.  

Turkey Suncatcher Kits – Etsy

A tissue paper suncatcher always looks dazzling in the window when those first morning rays peak into the home. Your child will feel pride and joy upon gazing at the color combination he or she put together. This kit comes with sturdy black turkey cutouts, so your kids need only cut and add tissue paper with a glue stick. Help your child trim the edges for a polished finish. 

Thankful Pie – Country Living

Cut a red construction paper circle as the foundation of your pie, using the inside of a paper plate as your guide. Cut half-inch tan pieces of construction paper to glue into a lattice pattern that looks like the top of the pie. Cut out a slice and have each child at the party write down someone or something they are thankful for this year. Along the top of a paper plate, write “I’m thankful for…” and secure the pie with a brass fastener, so the empty slice can rotate to reveal different messages. 

Mason Jar Luminary – Create Craft Love

This craft requires a trip to the craft store for a mason jar, acrylic paint, twine, a votive candle, and a small piece of vinyl. First you’ll cut a leaf shape out of the vinyl—either by using a Cricut Explore or by tracing around an outdoor leaf—then you’ll stick it to the side of the mason jar. Paint over top of it in a festive color (like persimmon, for instance!) and wait for the acrylic to dry. Once it’s settled, peel off your vinyl leaf to leave an imprint behind. Add dried corn kernels to the bottom of the jar, wrap twine around the top, and enjoy the flickering light show. 

Creatology 3D Thanksgiving Truck – Michaels

This craft kit comes with 37 wood shapes, 56 felt stickers, 52 glitter foam stickers, 16 printed felt stickers, acetate sheets, craft blue, printed paper card shapes, bamboo sticks, shredded tissue paper, adhesive gems, a brush, and double-sided tape. What more could you want? The end result is a cute centerpiece that children have as much fun playing with as they do building it.

Personalized Craft Bags – Shine

Looking for something that can keep the kids busy at your Thanksgiving party, with minimal supervision required? Shine’s customized craft bags can holiday-themed or suited to your child’s unique preferences. We’ve gotten fantastic feedback on these fabulous little bags. Check out our highlight reel here and contact us to learn more about our all-in-one fun party boxes.

Food-Free Halloween Treats the Classroom Will Love To Death

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When we were children, our parents sent us to school with bags of Reese’s Cups, Skittles, and M&Ms. But now that more and more teal pumpkins are cropping up and 1 in 13 children has a food allergy, many schools are kindly asking that parents send in food-free holiday treats.

Move beyond party favor knick-knacks destined for the trash with these food-free Halloween treats your child’s class will find frightfully delightful:

  • Mini Flashlights – a useful gift that’ll come in handy trick or treating and telling spooky stories around the campfire. These even come with lanyards and batteries.
20 for under $30 here

  • Halloween Stationary Set: Each child receives a treat bag containing a pencil, eraser, stamp, ruler bookmark, and sticker.
24 pack for $16.99 here

  • Halloween Sensory Squishies: Filled with non-toxic water beads, these characters are more cute than scary, but squeezing them is strangely relaxing.
20 for $40 here

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  • Halloweek Rubber Duckies: All dressed up for the holidays, the class will love this twist on the classic bath and pool toy.
24 for $21 here

  • 24-Piece Halloween Jigsaw Puzzles: Encourage patience and focus with 12 different styles of Halloween puzzle. It’s affordable enough you can throw it into a goodie bag with other treats if you please.
Get 20 for $20 here

  • Halloween Wreath Craft Kits: It’s always nice when your child has fun creating, then that fun adorns the house for a month, and goes away until next year!
Get 24 for $38 here

  • Halloween Monster Mini Plush: There’s nothing more endearing than a child toting around a beloved character. For a 10-year window of time, the house can never have too many plushies.
Get 15 for $25 here

  • Glowing LED Ghosts: Glowing ghosts are not only fun toys to play with, but they make cute table or window decorations once the children have outgrown them.
Get 24 for $30 here

  • Super Hero Cape Costumes: Dress up is highly popular for the under 10 crowd. Role playing is good for language development, emotional regulation, and self-esteem.
Get 24 for under $50 here

If you’re a teacher looking for a unique in-class activity, ask us about our custom craft bags.

Bonus Read:

Parents, be sure to check out our Guide to a Perfectly Haunting Halloween Day from Dawn ‘til Dusk for games, snacks, movies, and activities to make this holiday extra-special for your children.

How To Help Your Child Focus at School

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By the second month of the new school year, your child’s teacher may have reached out to you about your child’s attentiveness in the classroom. “Off task,” “not following directions,” “talking during quiet time,” and “not participating” are all feedback that can indicate difficulty with focus and attention.

As a parent, it can be frustrating to be unable to help directly. You’re not there to prompt your child, and you’re not a fly on the wall to see what’s actually going on. Yet, your child’s teacher needs your help addressing any factors outside the class that may be influencing this behavior.

Where to start?

The Basics: Sleep and Nutrition

If possible, look for patterns in your child’s misbehavior. When problems turn up within the first few hours of school, lack of sleep and proper nutrition could be significant factors.

Sleep is an important regulator of connectivity in the front brain, or prefrontal cortex, where learning, memory, emotional regulation, attention, and focus are primarily centered. Elementary school age children between 6-12 years of age need 9-12 hours of sleep per day. If your child took long naps as a baby — or still day naps from time to time — they’re likely on the longer end of the spectrum.

Sugary breakfasts like Pop Tarts, muffins, and frozen waffles may not be doing your child any favors. Research in rats has found eating a high sugar diet can alter the brain’s inhibitory neurons, making them less able to delay gratification, control their behavior, and make smart decisions. When planning breakfast, always include a protein with a carbohydrate (like peanut butter toast, milk and cereal, or yogurt and granola) so the nutritional impact lasts longer.

Physical Play and Activity

There’s much truth to the old, “Send the children outside to play” advice. Not only does physical fitness increase the volume of prefrontal gray matter in the brain, but the rough-housing and physical play activates the motor cortex — also found in the front brain — which, in turn, strengthens neural connections associated with organization, planning, and socializing. Researchers have found that just a half hour of play is enough to impact one-third of the 1,200 genes across the neocortex.

Some of the best activities include: visits to the playground, where your child can interact with peers; a nature walk that includes observations and attentiveness; tossing a baseball or football, which involves planning and coordination; obstacle courses; and learning to juggle. Truly, any sport your child finds engaging — whether it be soccer, tennis, t-ball, martial arts, dance, bike riding, or basketball — is a gift that can potentially last a lifetime.

Fun and Games

Here’s the bad news: some types of games — particularly violent video games — have been linked to diminished frontal lobe development. On the other hand, there are a number of fun, interactive apps and programs designed specifically for brain training and suited for children diagnosed with ADHD. 

Certain types of games can work as brain training exercises — for instance: Memory card games; jigsaw puzzles; word games (like that classic “I’m going on a picnic…”), Scrabble, or Boggle; “I Spy” and “Spot the Difference” puzzles; Crosswords and Sudoku; Tangram shape puzzles; classic “Red Light, Green Light” or “Simon Says” activities that encourage willpower; and card games like “Crazy Eights,” “Old Maid,” or “Solitaire.” You might consider making Board Game Nights part of your weekly, or even nightly, routine. The quality time spent with your children can also be a method for decreasing behavioral issues at school.

Here’s the good news: early learning activities shape the developing mind, and any efforts made toward helping your child strengthen self-regulation abilities now can greatly improve resiliency and mental functioning later on.

Looking for a fun place that promotes whole brain development? Stop in to see us at the Shine Studio in the East End. We have one-of-a-kind classes, workshops, field trips, camps, and pop-up parties geared toward ages 0-12. From theatre, music, meditation, and sports, to cooking, culture, crafting, and construction, we have something for everyone.

8 Back To School Morning Routine Hacks

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A few weeks into the school year, reasons to loathe the mornings rise like the steam off your coffee cup. The threats. The nagging. The begging. Who are you anymore? Certainly not the parent you wanted to be. The morning time crunch can grind up the best of us. While every kid is different, these 8 proven school morning hacks will help you and your child put your best feet forward and stride confidently into your days.

#1: Don’t Get Stressed: Get Dressed.

Power struggles over princess dress vs. pajamas vs. presentable clothes will bring a well-intentioned morning down to a slow crawl. Head this challenge off by involving your child in planning a week of outfits. If this part of the morning routine really grinds your gears, you’re your child bathe the night before and get right into tomorrow’s outfit so they can roll out of bed ready to rock.

#2: Become Disciplined About Your Dozing.

Fluctuations in the schedule make it difficult to get up on cue. Elementary aged children need 9-11 hours of sleep a night to function properly. No matter what, do your best to stick to this cadence. If you’ve gotten way off, try scaling back 30 minutes at a time until you get within the proper window. Even when the weekends come, set the alarm for the same time or within an hour to maintain consistency.

#3: Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself.

A checklist can be a Godsend before that first cup of coffee in the morning. Print it out and slip it into a laminated sheet protector, using a whiteboard marker to check off your list each day. Add important tasks, no matter how small:

  • Get up & use the bathroom
  • Eat breakfast
  • Get dressed
  • Pack folder
  • Pack lunch
  • Pack water bottle
  • Check calendar & email for school reminders
  • Brush teeth
  • Brush hair
  • Put on shoes

Add your to-dos to the list as well so you don’t forget to prep for your day too! If you can get up 30 minutes earlier, do something for yourself —like shower, workout, or meditate! Or, if you’re a night owl, use the time after dinner and before bed to get yourself organized —staging bags, lunches, and outfits the night before. As with flying on an airplane — you put your own oxygen mask on first so you are equipped to help others!

#4: Orchestrate a Well-Timed Ballet.

If your child is prone to distraction in the morning, keep the agenda moving along with a task timer. Provide a visual checklist of all your child needs to do in the morning along with the amount of time allotted for each step. You can add in time for a favorite TV program or a little bit of free-play to reward your child for committing to a routine.

#5: Let a Robot Do the Waking.

It can be frustrating to ask a child to get out of bed over and over again. Try choosing a new kid-tested alarm clock that makes waking up a fun event. Instead of commanding your kid to hop up and out immediately, try a phased approach with three alarms. You might also consider putting on a groovy morning playlist that gets your future America’s Got Talent star singing and dancing out of bed.   

#6: Choose a Quick Bite.

If you’ve ever collected cobwebs while holding a piece of half-eaten food, you know precisely why your mornings lag behind. Pancakes, eggs, cereal — these can be slow-going options for the morning rush. Every palate is different, but among the fastest breakfasts are: Bird’s Nest Egg Cups, Gogurts, Pop Tarts, Granola Bars, Oat Berry Muffins, toast topped with Peanut Butter and Banana, or cinnamon-sugar toast and apple slices.

#7: Tune In.

Consider the emotions your child might be facing in anticipation of a day at school. Stay connected to your child’s teacher. Spend a few moments before bed every night recapping the good, the bad, and the ugly of their day. Ask whether your child is interacting with peers and making friends. Does your child feel confident in learning the material? A little bit of emotional TLC goes a long way in proactively managing big emotions that railroad the best-laid plans. Try to keep mornings light and positive, despite your own feelings. Give your child the benefit of a doubt. School is hard! Growing up is hard! Knowing you’re the constant, caring rock makes all the difference.

#8: Try Something New & Meaningful.

An out-of-whack morning routine can also be a symptom of an unmet need. Consider ways of working in more quality time with your child. Sometimes it can be hard to choose a fun activity that you both enjoy. Drop into the Shine Studio for access to art, dance, theatre, music, storytelling, sports, language, culinary arts, crafts, and more. Find your passion. We also offer Family Coaching services if you’re looking to break the cycle and begin anew.

Tips for Attending the US Open with Kids

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Though Serena Williams ended her illustrious 27-year career in the third round, the 2022 US Open was a grand affair. There have been surprises — old vanguards Osaka, Nadal, Medvedev and Raducano fell, while ascending stars Coco Gauff, Frances Tiafoe, and Carlos Alcaraz ushered in a new era. 

Other surprises were less pleasant — a record-breaking 72,039 tennis fans on Friday, long lines, a heat wave, $35 for chicken fingers and fries, and $45 for the giant tennis ball every child seemed to be carrying around. Like any major event in the world spotlight, the US Open is not for the faint of heart. Yet, there are a few tips and tricks that can make for an easier trip, particularly with kids in tow. 

  1. Stay on the subway line.

Forget about parking. Instead take the 7 train between Main Street in Flushing, Queens and 34th Street–Hudson Yards in Chelsea, Manhattan. The Vista LIC Hotel is an 8-minute walk from the line and 20-minute ride to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. (The posh rooftop restaurant and view of Manhattan is an added bonus!) Another option is the Four Points by Sheraton in Flushing, which is also a 20-minute ride down the line. 

  1. Get a Grounds Pass.

Arthur Ashe, Louis Armstrong, and The Grandstand hold the superstar matches for an extra charge, but a Grounds Pass buys admission into any of the smaller courts and all the festivities. Though the stands are small, arriving 30 minutes before a match will secure a front row view. 

  1. Go early or late, but don’t expect to stay all day.

A phone or tablet is a welcome distraction for the hour-long wait to get in. It’s worth traveling light without a bag and asking staff for directions to the express checkout lane, which most people don’t realize exists. The U.S. Open can be a long day for youngsters. Keeping reasonable expectations for how long they’ll last is one of the keys to a good time. Strategically planning an early visit or a late visit can minimize frustration and disappointment.   

  1. Hit the practice courts.

The USTA website and app publishes the daily practice schedule. Courts 1, 2, 3, and 4 will have the biggest stars. It’s here where the raw power and discipline of Venus Williams, Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, Carlos Alvarez, and Jessica Pegula can be seen — free of charge, on a first-come first-served basis. If the kids talk in the bleachers, it’s no harm no foul. Spectators can stay as long or short as they please — and snagging a spot at the main entrance to the courts may even provide a photo and autograph opp.  

  1. Use the filling stations and eat early.

At $8 a bottle of water, it’s worth walking through the innards of The Grandstand to find the refillable water fountains hidden within. All the old pros and groundskeepers know these water stations well. Food lines get very long and cost a small fortune, so it’s best to fuel up before heading into the stadium. Main Street in Flushing has great Chinese food. Once inside, the kids may prefer snacking on the coffee shop croissants or Ben & Jerry’s ice cream over picking at a large sit-down meal.  

  1. Visit the Net Generation Kid Zone.

There is a section with activities designed just for kids. This year, they set up a scenic sports wonderland with basketball, soccer, hockey, tennis, and mini golf challenges that the kids completed for a prize at the end: a Net Generation tennis ball luggage tag! 

  1. Look for freebies and interactive fun.

In addition to the kid zone, there’s a mini golf course near the back entrance of the stadium. Kids can also enjoy creating a free paint splatter poster at the Chubb Insurance booth, the Cadillac Lyriq interactive light show, and a photo booth that lets them hold a virtual U.S. Open champion cup. Chase cardmembers can reserve a spot in the Chase lounge for AC, snack, and a free hat. 

  1. Wait until they’re older. 

While maturity varies considerably, the day can be grueling and grump-inducing for a 6-year-old. An 8-year-old — who has been playing tennis since age 2 — is on the cusp of comprehending how exciting a top-level tennis tournament can be. She’s seen Serena Williams on TV and knows it’s an honor to be able to practice on the courts with the USTA youth division, but she doesn’t quite grasp the concept of scoring — or sitting quietly and fidget-free for a full match. By 11 or 12, kids have the capacity to handle some of the longer lines and pay attention to the back-and-forth of a match. 

For tennis die-hards who want to go, there’s no guilt in setting the kids up in a hotel with “The Secret Life of Pets” and a nanny for the night match. With fun-filled days of visiting the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Prospect Park Zoo, the MET, and the American Natural History Museum, they’ll be happy to chill. The skyscrapers, giant pizza slices, and flocks of pigeons will be enough excitement for the under-10 set. Hitting the ball around Hudson River Park’s scenic outdoor courts for free may be a better way to share a love of tennis.

Road Trip: Ocean City, MD

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August 30th, 2022 is “National Beach Day” — a day to celebrate our nation’s sandy shores and reflect on the importance of keeping these beautiful public spaces clean. Simply visiting the beach with your children when they’re young will foster a love of nature and a healthy respect for preservation. Located 6.5 hours down the shoreline, Ocean City, Maryland is a paradise of playgrounds and putt-putt—fun for the whole family. Here’s everything you need to know.

Where To Stay

There are plenty of oceanfront accommodations — even last minute in high season. Staying toward the boardwalk end will give you the closest proximity to walkable entertainment. 

  • The Grand on 20th Street: You won’t have to cross any roads to get right onto the boardwalk. If it’s a rainy monsoon August day, you won’t miss a beat with the indoor pool and onsite game room, complete with pool tables, air hockey, and arcade favorites. The pizza restaurant and ice cream parlor onsite don’t hurt either.
  • Holiday Inn 17th Street: Recently renovated, the Holiday Inn ups its pool game with fountains, a lazy river, and children’s play area featuring shipwreck and whale structures. There’s also an indoor pool. Every room is a suite with a fully-equipped kitchenette, separate living room, dining area, and complimentary laundry. 
  • The Residence Inn on the Bay at 62nd Street: This one’s not on the boardwalk, but it’s worth considering for the beautiful bayside sunsets. Voted 2020 Hotel of the Year by Coastal Style Magazine, the accommodations are spacious and the lobby enthralls kids with the second-largest saltwater fish tank in Ocean City. Drop by the tiki bar for outdoor swimming, BBQing, dining, and kid-friendly entertainment.

Where To Eat

On the boardwalk, you’ll want to sample local staples: Dolle’s saltwater taffy, Thrasher’s fries, Fractured Prune donuts, King’s funnel cakes, and Dumser’s Dairyland ice cream. If the lines are jammed up, try another location down the boardwalk, as foot traffic can be random.

If you’ve been to one Ocean City eatery, you’ve been to them all, as many establishments are owned by the same proprietors. You can count on kids menus, playgrounds, Jimmy Buffet, and tchotchkes adorning the walls pretty much everywhere you go.

  • Alley Oops: Mini bowling and all the best arcade games await at Alleyoops. Photo opps include giant tiki statues and muscley surfer sharks. The crab-topped chicken is a solid choice — and be sure to check out the live sharks swimming in their tank in the center of the dining room. Order the “Shark Juice” and get a free shark toy for the kids.
  • Fish Tales: This is where the locals gather around the bar. The wooden pirate-themed play area provides all the nooks and crannies kids need to feel like they’re on an adventure, while the food is served up on frisbees. While you snack on your conch appetizer, the kids can change it up from the usual burger and tenders to fish sticks.
  • Dead Freddies: Look up on your way in to see a pirate resting lazily in his hammock and keep your eyes open for sharks, ye land lubber! Get a photo taken with Captain Jack Sparrow out back while your kids play on the double-decker plastic pirate ship. The crab soup (the same you’ll find at De Lazy Lizard) is out of this world.  
  • Ropewalk: This tourist favorite can be difficult to get into at dinner hour, so it’s best visited at lunch time. You may feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you note the Ronald Reagan statue, Ronald Reagan beer, and sandwich named “the Gipper.” You’ll find more beer options here than the standard Land Shark, while the kids play ring toss and corn hole games or scale the playground. The crab egg rolls, fried pickle chips, seared ahi tuna, and  crab artichoke dip on the appetizer menu may be all you need, but there’s also Bayou Steam Pots, Caribbean Grouper, and Filet Mignon.
  • De Lazy Lizard: Inviting you to “get lazy,” this bayside tiki-umbrellaed restaurant is the perfect place to dip your toes in the sand and watch the sunset with a fancy cocktail. The kids receive free frisbees and lizard toys, while adult beverages are served in souvenir tiki cups. Loaded nachos, tacos, salads, and burgers are the main fare.     
  • Belly Buster’s: Sometimes you just need a greasy grinder you can sink your teeth into. Belly Buster’s is a cantankerous local favorite where you can grab a meatball bomber or a French Dip and eat until your heart’s content back in your hotel room when you’re tired of dining out.

What To Do

It’s hard to miss the amusement park rides, though they can be an expensive way to while away the time. Many of the Jolly Roger at the Pier rides are rickety and old, though the Ferris wheel is worth a whirl for the bird’s eye view.

  • Beach Day: Ocean City sand is deep and soft. There are plenty of life guards up and down the beach, but you’ll want a USCG-approved life vest for the kids due to how rough the waves can be. A rip current can carry your child away rather quickly if you don’t have a hand on them. Little ones will likely be more than content to climb on the whale and dinosaur bone beach playgrounds or build sandcastles on the beach, while your older daring tweens will find the crashing surf a true thrill! Many places along the boardwalk have boogie boards for rent or sale.
  • Mini Golf: Old Pro Golf and Nick’s Golf are the two main proprietors of Ocean City mini golf. Their well-maintained courses are uniquely themed with dinosaurs, medieval castles, pirates, sea creatures, and safari animals. The courses tend to get busy after lunch, so go early if you want to take your time and soak it all up.
  • OC Life Saving Museum: You can’t miss the stark white lighthouse building at the very end of the boardwalk. Stop at the front desk to pick up a scavenger hunt for the kids; it’ll keep them busy and once completed, they can pick out a free shark tooth. The aquarium section contains horseshoe and spider crabs, sea horses, eels, and a few fish, which put on quite a show at feeding time. Exhibits chronicle Ocean City’s fishing, surfing, and carnival history, with an upstairs playroom for the kids. The air conditioning makes it a welcome place to escape the heat for a few hours. There’s also a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum on the boardwalk.
  • Bike Rental: Before noon, bikes are allowed on the boardwalk and there’s no better place to find one than Dandy Don’s. In addition to adult and child sized bikes, he’s got tandem bikes for the whole family (although these bikes work best if everyone actually pedals), as well as classic car beach cruisers for two with Bluetooth sound systems.
  • Assateague Island: Thirty minutes from Ocean City proper you’ll find an island of wild horses — one of the few places in the United States you can see them roam free. he visitor’s center has a movie about the ponies, a touch tank, air conditioning, and bathrooms, so it’s worth a stop on your way in. At the National Seashore, you’ll find three hiking trails: one on a marshland boardwalk, one along the sand dunes, and one through an old growth forest. Bring a can of bug spray to keep the black flies away. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, you’re likely to spot the horses hanging out close to the roads and around the parking lots. You may also consider camping right on the island, renting kayaks, or taking an ecotour by boat from Ocean City.

How To Get Around

Driving isn’t too overwhelming, as the city’s very well planned out with divided lanes of traffic and sensibly timed lights. There are large public lots at the end of the boardwalk where you’ll find ample parking spaces. Some of the mini-golf spots or popular restaurants can reason to consider alternatives to driving. Truly the best-kept secret of Ocean City is the BUS! Ride all day for just $3 per person. You’ll need exact cash on hand, but the buses are clean and run up and down the main strip every 10 minutes. You can even track the bus with the Transloc Rider App.

We hope you enjoyed the virtual tour of Ocean City, MD. When you’re back in town, there’s always fun and festivities at the Shine Studio. Stop in and tell us about your trip!

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