8 Back To School Morning Routine Hacks

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!

How To Enjoy Christmas in July

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July kicks off with a bang, as Independence Day fireworks explode in the night sky. Yet, if you live for celebration, it can feel like a long, uneventful stretch until Labor Day. If you missed Friendsgiving, no worries: there are still a few more weekends this month to slap together a Christmas in July.  

Food

The perfect dish varies from family to family, but a potluck makes planning easy.

Frills

The details bring the concept of Christmas in July to life:

Fun

There are countless ways to spice up a summer Christmas party:

  • Too early for Christmas music? Never! A microphone with a built-in speaker and YouTube is all you need for a Christmas karaoke party.
  • If you have a sandbox, you might have the kids build and decorate a “sandman” instead. Or you could fill red, white, and green water balloons for a fight. Christmas themed pinatas are always a hit with the kids, too!
  • Organize a “white elephant” gift exchange. Everyone picks a number out of a hat to choose a gift, with an option to steal. For a simple-yet-silly twist, have everyone wrap up a re-gift or something from their home they want to get rid of! Pick up a few items from the dollar store for the kids like a wiffle ball toss game, excavation eggs, chalk, glow-in-the-dark necklaces, or plush toys.
  • Play a game like Santa Cookie Elf Snowman or the 12 Games of Christmas.
  • Put on your favorite Christmas movie. Since the weather is much better than December, you might consider an outdoor movie experience with a projector and inflatable screen.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

Why wait until December to make memories that’ll last a lifetime? For more ideas on summer entertaining, contact The Shine Studio. We can bring games, crafts, and activities to entertain the kids at your next party or you can drop in for classes, workshops, and camps all summer long.

How To Support a Gifted or Talented Child

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This week (the third week of July) is National Parenting Gifted Children Week, highlighting the unique challenges parents of exceptionally bright and talented children face.

What is a “Gifted” Child?

The National Association for Gifted Children defines gifted children as those who have the capability to perform at higher levels compared to peers of the same age, experience, and environment. These children require modifications to their educational experience to learn and realize their full potential.

It’s important to understand that gifted and talented students:

  • Come from all racial, ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds.

Well-resourced schools in affluent neighborhoods typically screen for gifted and talented children, leading to disproportionate results. When universal screening is implemented, the number of low-income and minority students identified as gifted increases by 180%. 

  • Require learning opportunities to discover their potential.

Age and grade-level performance is not always the best indicator of potential. Some impoverished children may not perform to grade level or may drop out of school, despite possessing the potential to excel. Early education and challenging programs can help direct students from underserved communities to increase the odds of success.  

  • May require accommodation for learning and processing disorders.

Students who are gifted and talented may also have a mental health diagnosis or disability such as ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Accurate identification of both talent and disability domains is crucial for guiding twice-exceptional children in and out of the classroom.

  • Need support and guidance to develop socially and emotionally.

Children with exceptional intellectual development may lag in terms of socio-emotional development. Emotional regulation, social skills, willingness to take risks, self-confidence, motivation, and the ability to cope with challenges are common struggles gifted and talented kids face.

  • Can have changing needs that require varied services.

The goal post is always moving for gifted and talented children, depending on how the various cognitive domains are developing. Services may include group projects, 1:1 learning modules, and advanced placements, which can be determined by quarterly assessments to ensure education is keeping pace with the child’s unique needs.

How To Support the Gifted and Talented

Parents can help their gifted and talented children:

  • Overcome self-esteem issues by enrolling them in sports and hobbies, such as soccer or dance, that promote confidence and playful peer interaction.
  • Avoid guilt by encouraging your child to choose a volunteer activity or cause each school semester to focus attention outward on helping others.
  • Keep perfectionism at bay by avoiding the urge to overcorrect mistakes, establishment of reasonable project goals, and encouraging love of the journey over the end result.    
  • Be more flexible by nudging them out of their comfort zones to try new experiences, such as a spicy food, a scary ride at an amusement park, or learning a new language.
  • Defeat unrealistic expectations like achieving straight As or always winningby encouraging “listening to directions,” “learning,” “having fun,” or “giving their best.”
  • Develop patience by learning deep breathing techniques, meditation, and using empathy when in dealings with others.

The Shine Studio is a great place for gifted and talented children to have a blast with their peers, try new experiences, and further their education. Contact us to learn more about our unique East End programming, available all year round.

Let Your Light Shine in Celebration of Pride Month

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Having pride in who we are and who we love is important all year round, but June allows the LGBTQ+ community to have centerstage after so many years of living in the shadows. It gives us the opportunity to remind the world that “love is love” and celebrate all that we have fought for to be where we are today.

The History of Pride Month

New York City’s Stonewall Riots were a turning point in the gay rights movement. After the police raided a gay bar at the Stonewall Inn on June 28th, 1969, protests erupted in the streets for six days. The Stonewall Inn became a refuge for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual people — a place where they were welcome and free to express themselves.

The rainbow Pride flag was designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978 to symbolize sexuality (pink), life (red), healing (orange), sun (yellow), nature (green), art (turquoise), harmony (indigo), and soul (violet). Since then, pink and blue have been added for transgender, as well as brown for black and Latinx people.

President Bill Clinton declared June “Gay & Lesbian Pride Month” in 1999 and 2000. President Barack Obama did the same from 2009 to 2016, and President Joe Biden affirmed the celebration in 2021 and 2022.

How To Talk To Your Kids About Pride Month

A good introduction to Pride Month is to explain that Pride is about loving yourself for exactly who you are, even if you seem different from the people around you. Pride is a feeling we have inside when we know who we are, unapologetically, and aren’t afraid to show the world.

Even if you’re not in an LGBTQ+ household, straight parents can raise their kids to be advocates and allies of the community by encouraging them to be open-minded and recognize that we may be different, but we are all united by love. Children are fortunate to have parents that love them — and all children deserve a home full of love, no matter what their family looks like. Teach your children that words can hurt, but kindness and acceptance is the best gift they can choose to give others around them. 

East End Pride Month Events

The month is half over, but it’s not too late to catch many great Pride events on the East End:

  • Pride Month Rainbow Lantern Walk – June 17th

Location: Sunken Meadow State Park (25A & Sunken Meadow Parkway, Kings Park)

Time: 8-9:30 pm

Cost: $4, advance registration required

  • Drag Queen Story Hour, Games, and Crafts with Bella Noche – June 18

Location: Children’s Museum of the East End (376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Tpke)

Time: 12-2 pm

Cost: Included with $19 admission

  • BTW Fundraiser Benefiting Pride for Youth with DJ JoJo Ciara – June 18

Location: BTW Bar & Grill (3297R Long Beach Road, Oceanside)

Time: 7:30 pm

Cost: $5-10

  • Pride Shabbat Morning Service with Guest Fred Becker – June 25

Location: Jewish Center of the Hamptons (44 Woods Lane, East Hampton)

Time: 10 am

Cost: Free

  • Pride Month Color Connection Family Program – June 25

Location: Connetquot River State Park Preserve (Sunrise Highway, Bohemia)

Time: 10:30 am – 12 pm

Cost: $4, advance registration required

Pride parades are a fun, entertaining, and joyful introduction to the celebration of self and others.

This year, the Hamptons celebrated its first Pride Parade on June 4th, beginning at 11 am near Pond View Lane and Guild Hall, marching east on Main Street to Herrick Park via Newton Lane, Railroad Avenue, and Lumber Lane, with music by DJ Karin Ward in the park until 3 pm.

While you may have missed that one in our backyard, it’s not too late to drive into the City for the 28th Annual NYC Pride March on June 26th; the march starts at noon between 25th Street and 5th Avenue. Following the parade, PrideFest/FamilyFest street fair will be taking place at Astor Plaza (East 8th Street and 4th Avenue).

In addition to participating in local events, there are many ways to celebrate at home: reading themed books, donating to charities like the Trevor Project, supporting LGBTQ+ owned businesses, or hosting a party with friends and family.

Want to get into the spirit? Stop by the Shine Studio to make a few rainbow-themed crafts. Our warm and welcoming space is always accepting of drop-ins. Contact us to learn more.  

Why & How To Celebrate National Children’s Day June 12th

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“The days drag, but the years fly by,” according to a common parenting adage. Amid the hustle and bustle of a busy week of work, school, sports practices, dinners, and bedtime routines, it’s all too easy to lose track of how we spend our daily minutes.

In fact, 6 in 10 parents worry they aren’t spending enough “quality time” with their children, and 1 in 3 children say their parents “work too much.” While parents report feeling happiest playing games with their kids, watching tv together is the most common activity.

National Children’s Day, celebrated this year on June 12th, reminds us to slow down our fast-paced lives, turn off technology, and focus on togetherness. 

The History of National Children’s Day

Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard of Chelsea, Massachusetts first set aside this day in 1856 to hold a special baptism service and addressing problems affecting the child welfare.

Formally, different administrations have chosen different days to celebrate — the second Sunday of October (1989-2000), the first Sunday of June (2001-2016), and November 20th (2016-present).

Because of all these changes, people choose when they want to celebrate. The second Sunday in June is truest to the original proposed date — and also the nicest weather-wise, so why not take a moment the weekend before Father’s Day to celebrate the “future changemaker” in your life?

How To Celebrate National Children’s Day

Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with a mutually satisfying activity, as kids often prefer imaginative play which adults may find boring. Here are a few ideas to get the gears turning:

  • Go to a park — preferably one with a playground (and pack a picnic!)
  • Dine out — show your child to your favorite restaurant (bonus for an outdoor patio!)
  • Road trip — check out one of these nearby locations within a few hours of the East End
  • Play board games — consider some of these expert and parent-tested classics
  • Make a craft — stop by the Shine studio to pick up a custom-themed craft bag
  • Play Hide & Go Seek, catch with a ball and frisbee, or croquet in the yard
  • Visit a family activity center — try roller skating, go karts, bowling, and mini golf
  • Organize a dance party — all you need is music, but add balloons to make it more fun!
  • Paint — create a family mural to make a lasting memento of your memories
  • Hike, bike, or swim — fresh air and activity is a nice change of pace to work and school
  • Stop by the Shine studio — drop in for a class, workshop, or dance session

Consider this opportunity to break from routine, explore the outdoors, share family stories, ask your child about life, and start new traditions. If you want to connect with the larger parenting community, you can share your adventures using the social media hashtag #NationalChildrensDay.

How to Help Your Kids Benefit from Boredom

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With summer break a little over a month away, you can almost hear it now: “I’m BORED.” 

While the slumpy complaining and morose attitude can be frustrating to witness, all boredom is not created equal—and most types are actually good for child development.

Researchers have identified five types of tedium:

  • Indifferent boredom – relaxed, withdrawn, indifferent
  • Calibrating boredom – uncertain, receptive to change or distraction
  • Searching boredom – restless, active pursuit of change or distraction
  • Reactant boredom – motivated to leave a situation for specific alternatives
  • Apathetic boredom – the unpleasant feeling of helplessness or depression

Researchers say living in this Age of Information overloads our minds with information that produces a scarcity of attention and the ability to engage in productive activities. Allowing boredom provides the mind with a relaxing break that alleviates stress. Allowing the mind to wander and daydream can trigger self-reflection, development of goals, and heightened creativity. Boredom motivates the search for novelty, improved self-control, and fulfillment. 

You can interpret your child’s boredom as an emotional signal that something in life needs adjusting. We’ve all been there when unstructured time that doesn’t involve screens results in squabbles, meltdowns, and wrestle fights. To attain household harmony, your child’s life needs a healthy balance between structured activity and idle time.

Here are a few ways to tweak the summer routine ever so slightly to allow boredom:

  • Plan together time. Sometimes “I’m bored” is really your child’s way of saying, “I need to spend more quality time with you.” Proactively schedule small chunks of together time into your day. Maybe it’s a quick post-breakfast talk and walk around the block or a half hour of board games after you finish work or Friday family movie night. A little goes a long way.
  • Set up surprises. After your child goes to bed, set out toys for your child to “discover” in the morning. There are probably many toys your child has forgotten about—be it a Lego set, MagnaTiles, paper dolls, puppets, puzzles, or craft supplies. Arrange a plastic animal scene, a stuffed animal tea party, or a blanket fort. Set out a bin of random open-ended play items like pipe cleaners, colored scarves, cookie cutters, costumes, or paper rolls for your child to find and consider. Buy supplies and invite your child to dig, plant, and decorate their own garden. Rotating your child’s environment with new playthings every few days keeps the days fresh and inspiring without requiring immediate oversight from you.
  • Make a list of boredom busters. Have your child help you brainstorm a list of what to do when the doldrums inevitably strike. Keep the list in a handy place for your child’s reference.
  • Make a snuggle up and snack spot. Create a quiet corner of the house with a beanbag chair, reading light, snacks, books, stuffed animals, and blankets. Let your child know whenever that feeling of boredom rises, this special spot is always waiting to take the mind on an adventure. You might consider using a sticker chart or punch card with a reward for 10 uses of this space as a way of incentivizing constructive use of boredom.
  • Help your child set goals. Sometimes we feel aimless when we have no hopes or dreams. Help your child pinpoint a goal to work on this summer, whether it’s achieving a new development milestone like riding a bike or tying laces, taking instrument or sports lessons, finishing a Summer Learning workbook, or learning how to draw. Setting aside time each day to work on improving a life skill can be empowering and productive.

Yes, summer boredom can be fun! If you find these steps aren’t cutting the mustard, remember you can always stop into the new Shine studio in the Hamptons for fun workshops and classes geared toward children 0-12. Contact us for schedules and details. 

Traveling for Memorial Day Weekend? Here’s What You Need To Know About Car Sickness

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Life’s a journey, not a destination — even so, we want that journey to unfold as smoothly as possible, especially when we’re planning a holiday road trip. Memorial Day weekend kicks off the start of high season for population destinations like Rehoboth Beach, Cape May, Newport, and Nantucket.

Your child might have been a road warrior as an infant, but suddenly develop car sickness. According to a large 2019 study, car sickness is rare before age one, most common between four and 13, and most severe between six and nine. While motion sickness can affect anyone at any time in life, it’s less common after puberty — and can be prevented with the right strategies in place.

Why Does Car Sickness Happen?

Car sickness occurs when the inner ear and eyes receive mixed messages about motion. Normally, when a child looks out the window, all sensory signals tell the brain, “We’re moving forward!” Yet, when children are seated low in the backseat, buried on a tablet or in a book, the inner ear will say “we’re moving,” but the eyes will conflict with the message “no, we’re sitting still!” The sensory mismatch confuses the brain, triggering symptoms ranging from yawning, fatigue, dizziness, and headache, to cold sweats, mood changes, nausea, and vomiting.

How To Prevent Car Sickness

  • Food: While it may be tempting to hit up the McDonald’s drive-thru, packing bland snacks like pretzels, dry cereal, bananas, cold lunch meats, peanut butter sandwiches, ginger biscuits, and apple slices are your best bet for travel. Sucking on ginger, peppermint, or Queasy Pops can help prevent nausea. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks.
  • Airflow: Opening the windows or pointing cool-blowing air vents your child’s way is an ideal strategy for preventing car sickness or reducing its after-effects. Have your child take deep breaths in and slow breaths out to recalibrate.
  • Focus: Encourage your child to look outside the car — through the front windshield, at the horizon, if possible. Look at a stationary object like a tree, mountain, or street sign. Be sure to remove hanging air fresheners or anything else that obstructs your child’s view. TVs mounted on the back headrests are preferable to TVs in the center of the vehicle, which blocks the view.
  • Screen Time: Even when stationary, kids can develop cybersickness from screen time. The Mayo Clinic recommends getting up and walking around every 30 minutes, though this isn’t exactly feasible on a multi-hour trip. If you can’t skip screens altogether, try to have your child spend at least 20 seconds looking away from the screen — to an object at least 20 feet away — every 20 minutes.
  • Activities: Reading and watching movies are two main culprits triggering car sickness. Of course, that’s precisely what your child will want to do on a long road trip! You might consider planning travel at a time when your child is more likely to sleep. Downloading audiobooks and family-friendly podcasts or the soundtrack to “Encanto” just might be fun enough to entertain the kids for a few hours on the road. You might play games like “I Spy,” Road Sign Bingo, 20 Questions, or “Would You Rather,” and keep track of the different brands and color vehicles you see. Gel window clings can be fun for kids to play with,
  • Medication: Dramamine or Benadryl an hour before traveling can reduce the likelihood of travel sickness, though it may also make your child feel drowsy for up to 24 hours.
  • Acupressure: More research is needed, but sea bands that apply pressure to the Pericardium 6 point can relieve nausea in some people.
  • Support: Stress, worry, and memories of past car sicknesses can make matters worse. Try to keep a light-hearted approach with a “Oops, accidents happen!” Make sure your child feels loved and understands that it’s perfectly normal.
  • Prepare: Proactively, you might bring a plastic pail with a garbage bag inside to catch any vomit or a hospital-grade barf bag. For younger children, a “vomit poncho” made from a towel, bib, or blanket might suffice.
  • Clean Up: If your child becomes sick, clean up by removing as much vomit as possible, sprinkling the area with baking soda, and vacuuming with a Shop-Vac. Apply carpet cleaner, agitate with a brush, and dry with a towel, using an enzymatic cleaner to pick up any remaining odors.
  • First Aid: If your child does become sick, it can help to stop the car, place a cool compress on your child’s head, and change position to either walk it off or lie down. Once the nausea passes, they can have small sips of cold water and a light snack.

Now you are better prepared to deal with whatever life throws you. We wish you happy travels! And if you decide to stay in the East End, stop by the Shine Studio for fun classes, workshops, and activities over the long Memorial weekend.

3 Gotta-Try Child Birthday Parties for 2022

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Okay, let’s be honest. How many dinosaur, unicorn, mermaid, safari, and super hero birthday parties have you been to? A ton, right? Every birthday party made with love is worth the effort, but you don’t have to settle for Encanto. Give guests an unforgettable Instagram-worthy experience with one of these unique child birthday ideas.

Bubbles and Brunch

“Pop on over for bubbles and brunch,” reads the invites. This simple theme is ideal for first birthdays and toddler parties. Balloon decor is always a hit, while kiddie pools filled with small clear beach balls occupy the littlest guests. Bubble wands, bubble machines, and giant bubbles add a whimsical charm to an outdoor event. Lay out omelet bites, pancake holes, grapes, and blueberries for your morning event. Mix up a sparkling punch for the kids and mimosas for the adults.

Lateovers

Move over, sleepovers. Lateovers are the newest trend—perfect for co-ed parties and kids who aren’t ready to spend a night away from home. Night time brings a whole new set of activities, including glow-in-the-dark dance parties, karaoke, musical instrument concerts, and outdoor movies with popcorn. If you’re serving up a movie, you might consider having kids arrive with sleeping bags and pajamas—though the perk here is that everyone leaves at 9:00 pm and gets their much-needed shut-eye. For a more active party, improv a kid-sized stage to see singing and dancing talents blossom. Nachos, pizza, and ice cream sundaes are low-stress snacks to serve up, along with a music instrument shaped cake.

Garden Art Party

If your child is a pint-sized Picasso, show off your family’s creative side with an art-themed outdoor garden party. Now that it’s finally warm enough to get out on the patio, you can set up tables with butcher paper and paint supplies. If paint-by-numbers aren’t your cup of tea, you can try these galaxy name paintings made with small canvases and masking tape. Decorate with whimsical woodland creatures or lumberjack prints and beautiful garden blooms. Serve up lemonade or tea alongside sandwiches cut into butterfly, mason jar, or flower shapes. Then invite kids to the cupcake decoration station where they’ll find everything from crushed Oreos, gummy worms, and sprinkles, to strawberries, whipped cream, and food-safe animal figurine toppers.

Plan Your Next Party with Shine!

Birthdays can be a lot of work when you’re juggling so much already. Shine can plan the whole party for you. We’ll bring staff, activities, supplies, and fun that matches the theme of your choice. Choose one of our classic themes or create a custom experience. Add-ons are available. Contact us to discuss how we can help create the East End event everyone will be talking about for years.

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