Cultural Kid-Friendly Food: Top 5 Eastern Orthodox Recipes For Easter

April 20, 2019/in Celebrate, Fun, Guide, Taste/by Shine

Eastern Orthodox churches base their Easter on the Julian calendar, which differs by the Gregorian calendar used in Western countries. Therefore, Christians who attend mass at Orthodox churches will end up celebrating “the miracle of Jesus Christ’s resurrection” on April 28^thinstead of April 21^stin 2019. Countries that observe Orthodox Easter include: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Lebanon, Macedonia, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine. Whether you are part of New York City’s orthodox community or you like to educate your children about different religious and cultural observations, cooking authentic holiday feasts is a meaningful way to share all that life has to offer with your children.

Russian Kulich with Paskha

Recipe Courtesy of the NY Times

Russian Easter coffee cake is a lightly sweetened, egg-glazed mix between challah and brioche, baked in a coffee cylinder for height. Though it’s time-consuming to make, the kulich sits prominently in the center of the family Easter basket, amid meats, cheeses, butter, and eggs. Any time after 4:00 am, the family matriarch may slice up the kulich, spreading the slices generously with unsalted butter or with creamy paskha made of vanilla bean, cream, butter, sugar, egg yolks, and large-curd pot cheese. Candied cherries and ground almonds are optional, but most kids love it. The kulich may also be served as a dessert.

Get the recipe here.

Romanian Easter Lamb Soup

Recipe Courtesy of Patty Inglish at Delishibly.com

Since lamb is the main course of choice, it makes practical sense to use the leftover bits into soup. The Greeks have their own version called magiritsa, but this particular Romanian version is a bit more kid-friendly because you can use leg of lamb if you don’t want to throw the whole head in. Soups are always a labor of love, taking up to two hours in the kitchen, so this recipe may work best with your little big kids who are in prime helping mode. With amaranth, kale, and dock greens, combined with garlic, scallions, parsley, and lovage, the recipe author likens this dish to “gyro meat in a soup.”

Get the recipe here.

Greek Arni Sto Fourno

Recipe by Michael Psilakis, Courtesy of Delish

Michael Psilakis is the Greek-American NYC restaurateur behind Ecco, Onera, Anthos, Kefi, Mia Donna, MP Taverna, and Allora Italian Kitchen and Bar. You may have seen him on “Iron Chef,” “Ultimate Recipe Showdown,” or “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” You don’t need an “animal roasting temple” in your backyard to roast a good lamb like Psilakis’ family did. You can bake a tasty leg of lamb in your oven in just a few hours with vegetables like carrots, fennel, and potatoes, along with oregano, rosemary, thyme, and sage.

Get the recipe here.

Lebanese Maamoul Cookies

Recipe Courtesy of “Julie Taboulie”

Making maamoul is a multi-generational Easter tradition amongst Lebanese mothers, grandmothers, and granddaughters. The unique aroma of orange blossom water conjures memories of this springtime holiday like no other. After months of giving up dairy, sugar, and meat, this decadent dessert is a must for the post-Lenten feast. Maamoul is also served with chocolate and Arabic coffee during Eid. You’ll need a special mold for this melt-in-your-mouth butter cookie recipe (which you can buy online). Every family has their own secret recipe, but we liked this one from Julie Ann Sageer, a cookbook chef hailing from Marietta, New York because she gives you three different fillings – pistachio, date, and walnut.

Get the recipe here.

Romanian Cheesecake

Recipe Courtesy of Simply Romanesco

Tired of American cheesecakes with too much cream cheese and not enough crust? “Grandma Vicki’s” Romanian version couldn’t be more perfect with the perfect balance of smooth ricotta cheese custard layered between two rows of sweet doughy crust. Cream of wheat adds a slightly dense texture to the filling. Lemon juice provides a punch of tartness, while the shower of confectioner’s sugar delivers the sweets.

Get the recipe here.

Don’t forget to dye your Easter eggs red to symbolize the blood and sacrifice of Christ. You might enjoy a traditional Greek Easter game known as tsougrisma, which involves tapping the dyed eggs to see which ones crack.

If you like these recipes and your child enjoys cooking, CONTACT US to inquire about our monthly workshops (which can include cooking).

Why Soccer is a Good Choice for Early Sports Development

April 18, 2019/in Fun, Guide/by Shine

More than 2.3 million children ages 6-12 play youth soccer in America. This does not include the growing number of 2-5 year-olds joining programs like Soccer Shots, Pee Wee Sports, Lil Kickers, and Tiny Tykes.

Choosing the right sports for your child is about more than a popularity contest, though. You likely have many questions, including: Is it physically safe? Is it good for my child’s physical, mental, and emotional state? Science tells us it’s best not to specialize in any one sport at a young age, but continue reading to see if soccer may provide the right mix of developmental skills your child needs at this time.

What Science Says About The Benefits of Soccer for Kids

“Green time” reduces ADHD symptoms. A study of more than 400 children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder identified a link between children who played in a “green and open” outdoor environment like a soccer field. Researchers at the University Illinois Urbana-Champaign called green time a “low-cost and side-effect-free” way of managing symptoms of hyperactivity, poor impulse control, and difficulty concentrating.

Aerobic activity boosts brainpower. Concordia University found that certain activities can increase brainpower in children. For toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-aged kids, breathing exercises and guided meditation had noticeable beneficial effects. In older kids, “vigorous aerobic activity, such as soccer, basketball, and jumping rope” have had a positive impact on concentration, recall, and memory.

Soccer provides broad-spectrum health and fitness benefits. A three-year study involving seven countries and over 50 researchers at the University of Copenhagen concluded that soccer is an excellent way to maintain a physically active and healthy lifestyle from age seven through adulthood. They compared the physiological health effects to running, but found soccer to be superior; men “worried less” playing soccer, while women benefited from the social aspect of the team sport. Participating in soccer for two or three hours per week caused “significant cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculoskeletal adaptations,” no matter the player’s gender, age, or experience level. Some go so far as to say, “Soccer is medicine,” particularly in the treatment of hypertension.

Soccer Offers Unique Physical Benefits and Skills For Developing Young Athletes

Physiologically, soccer players develop a high aerobic-anaerobic threshold and endurance, as their bodies must adapt to run for long periods of time without the ball. The average soccer player runs five to seven miles over the course of a game. Soccer promotes what the Germans call “Schnellkraft” – the sort of speed elasticity and strength that enables sprinters to achieve a high level of performance.

Generally speaking, active kids build stronger bones and muscles, and they are less likely to become obese or develop Type II diabetes. Children develop strength to kick the ball hard enough to pass and score. Soccer is a fine sport for agility and motor skill development, as it involves running, kicking, jumping, twisting, turning, changing directions and manipulating objects. Through repetitive motion and activities, the feet acquire greater balance and coordination they may not otherwise achieve through daily walking.

Soccer is unique as a team sport in that its activities are largely self-directed, and not dependent on a player’s position. By comparison, football players take direction from the coach for each play. Soccer players decide for themselves and learn to trust their own intuitions — for up to 90 minutes on the field. Individuals continuously flex their visual-spatial awareness, innate problem-solving skills, and cognitive flexibility.

Unlike baseball or football, where teams take turn playing offense and defense, soccer is a dynamic game that switches between the two rapidly, more like basketball. Yet, basketball players’ activities are limited to position, with guards doing more passing, picking, and three-point shots, and forwards concentrating on rebounds, dunks, and lay-ups. Soccer requires a broad range of skills, no matter what position is played, with the exception of the goalie. As a general rule, soccer players tend to be some of the most adaptable and quick-thinking on their feet than any other team sport player.

Soccer Provides Essential Life and Social Skills

Parents know mental and emotional health are just as important as physical health. Soccer lends itself to:

Endless fun, from fancy foot dribbling to knee ball-juggling tricks that improve over time.
Better evaluation of time and space, as the ball arrives to them or speeds toward the net.
The cultivation of life skills like teamwork, coordination, and playing by the rules.
The development of work ethic, as individuals learn to function as part of the team.
Management of disappointment and the building of perseverance, as teams win some, and lose some.
Confidence building, honing physical abilities, and cultivating self-esteem.
Finding social support and forming lasting, quality relationships with peers.
Mentorship opportunities to find adults they respect and want to emulate.

Interested in Soccer in NYC’s East End?

We’re pleased to offer soccer as part of our Hamptons summer camp geared toward ages 4-10. Shine’s summer camp features outdoor science and exploration, art and nature projects, gardening, music and movement, sports, yoga, chess, and soccer through a partnership with Super Soccer Stars. We meet Monday through Friday from 9:15 to 2:30, but we’re flexible. You can come daily or weekly. Locations include the Children’s Museum of the East End (Monday and Wednesday), the LongHouse Reserve (Tuesdays), Bridge Gardens (Thursdays), and a rotation of other iconic East End locations like the South Fork Natural History Museum on Fridays. Email info@shinenyc.net for details.

The Best Ways to Celebrate Spring in NYC

March 18, 2019/in Celebrate, Fun, Guide, Make, Play/by Shine

The sun is crossing the celestial equator on Wednesday, ushering in the spring season with 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. The first day of spring has been celebrated by cultures for some 8,000 years. Your celebration doesn’t have to be filled with wine, like the tribute to Dionysus held in Ancient Greece, or be spent cleaning your family’s grave sites like on Shunbun no Hi in Japan. We’ve got plenty of fun ways to celebrate the Spring Equinox with your children this Wednesday.

Celebrate new life by getting outdoors.

The weather is forecast to reach 53, with some sun, so it’s not a bad day to enjoy a little fresh air. If you’re short on time, at least try to revel in the sunrise (7:00 am) or sunset (7:08 pm). Look for the signs of spring in NYC parks, including: the blooming of delicate, pink magnolia trees; the arrival of timberdoodles; the emergence of daffodils, snowdrops, Lenten roses, and crocus from the hardened earth; the budding of red maple trees; and the springtime playlist ringing out from Central Park Zoo’s Delacorte clock, which includes “Easter Parade” and “Younger Than Springtime.”

Special events taking place in Central Park include:

Central Park Volunteer Drive (9:00 – 11:00 am) – Teach your kids to be great stewards of the Earth.
Birding Basics (10:00 – 11:30 am) – Look for 270 migratory species on a guided woodland tour.
Fishing at the Harlem Meer (11:00 am – 4:00 pm) – Free! All poles, bait, and instruction provided.
Strawberry Fields Stroll (2:00 – 3:30 pm) – Family dogs are welcome on this free guided tour.

Start your seeds indoors.

The last spring frost for the New York City zone is forecast for April 5^th, so it’s still risky to plant anything outdoors. Yet, it’s the perfect time to start your seeds indoors. Sunflowers in a Styrofoam cup are a fun project for kids who’ll love to see how large their plants grow over the summer. Place the seeds an inch down in a Styrofoam cup filled with loose commercial potting compost. Be sure to punch a hole in the bottom of the cup for drainage. Don’t over water, but see that the seedlings remain moist to the touch. Set the cup in a warm, ventilated place. You can place them near a window that receives a lot of sunlight, but a fluorescent light will work just as well. Hedge your bets by planting more than one cup, just in case. You can also take the kids to your local florist to hand-pick your favorite flowers for a fresh spring bouquet to brighten up your home while you wait.

Make a fingerprint tree.

Teach your child about the changing seasons, enjoy the “mess” of finger-paint, and create a great keepsake for the home or gift for loved ones with this craft project. Paint a mini canvas light green for spring with dots of light pink, dark pink, light green, and dark green fingerprint leaves for the spring. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can do the other seasons now as well. If your kids are as young as 2 or 3, it’s best to work on this project for no more than 20 minutes at a time, over a five-day period.

Best Places To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in NYC

March 13, 2019/in Celebrate, Fun, Guide, Learn, Party/by Shine

Every March 17^th, various locations around the world commemorate the life and death of St. Patrick (385-461 AD) with feasts, parades, parties, and festivities. The Irish have observed this date for more than 1,000 years, but the holiday is also revered in America, Japan, Singapore, Russia, and other countries where Catholics, Protestants, Anglicans, Eastern Orthodox, and Lutherans are found.

For New York City’s Irish, St. Patrick’s Day is about more than celebrating the man who once explained the Holy Trinity using a shamrock or “expelled the snakes” from Ireland. It’s about recognizing the struggle of Potato Famine immigrants in America and how they overcame stereotypes and racial prejudice to gain acceptance in the New World.

But, as the saying goes, “Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!” The food, music, dancing, and culture have much to offer revelers. Here are some of the more family-friendly events taking place around New York City this weekend.

NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Midtown, Manhattan

When: Saturday, March 16 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

Where: Fifth Avenue, from 44^th Street to 79^th Street (ideally the calmer North End, with kids)

Cost: Free

While it’s not technically on St. Patrick’s Day itself, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention one of the “10 Best St. Patrick’s Day Events in the Country,” as Country Living calls it. The St. Patrick’s Day parade in Manhattan is not just the oldest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the United States (dating back to 1762); it’s also the first St. Patrick’s Day parade anywhere in the world. Today the NYC procession is still the biggest, with roughly 150,000 marchers and 2 million spectators. If you can’t make it, you can also stream the parade live on nbcnewyork.com.

Brooklyn St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Park Slope, Brooklyn

When: Sunday, March 17^th at 1:00 pm

Where: Prospect Park West and 15^th Street to Seventh Avenue and Garfield Place

Cost: Free

The first Brooklyn St. Patrick’s Day Parade was founded by Irish American Parade Committee members whose forefathers fought in the Battle of Brooklyn. Following a Re-dedication Ceremony for the victims of 9/11, the beloved local parade has enough bag-piping, step-dancing, decked-out dogs, and leprechauns for the whole family. Also of note: for the first time in the parade’s 44-year history, LGBTQ marchers will be included in the procession. If you can’t make it to this parade, you can also try Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 24^th.

Family Workshop at the Queens Museum

Flushing, Queens

When: Sunday, March 17^th from 1:30 – 4:30 pm

Where: Queens Museum, New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 11368

Cost: Free activity with admission ($8 adults, kids under 18 free)

Chase the rainbow and welcome spring with a gentle, holiday-appropriate activity. Families are invited to create rainbow suncatcher crafts together, while listening to fun stories about the natural spectrum of colors every hour starting at 1:30. All drop-in workshops are free and open to the public, with no need to register in advance.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Upper West Side, Manhattan

When: Sunday, March 17^th from 10:00 am – 4:45 pm

Where: The Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W 83rd St, New York, NY 10024

Cost: Included with admission ($14 for adults and children over 1 year of age)

CMOM is hosting a variety of fun events for St. Patrick’s Day, including:

“Green Takeover” (All day) – Kids ages 6+ make art using the color green.
“Clover Green Mural Wall” (12:00 – 12:45 pm) – Kids under 6 finger-paint a clover green mural.
“Lucky Leprechaun Hats” (1:00 – 1:45 pm) – Kids under 6 make hats and learn about traditions.
“Jewelry Design Workshop” (2:00 – 2:45 pm & 3:00 – 3:45 pm) – Kids 6+ make felt and bead jewelry.

Due to limited space, sign-up is required for the jewelry-making class hosted by guest artist Kendra Pariseault. As always, CMOM provides five floors of fun and discovery for kids of all ages.

Sober St. Patrick’s Day

Lower Manhattan

When: Saturday, March 16^th from 4:00 – 7:00 pm

Where: St. Patrick’s Youth Center, 268 Mulberry Street

Cost: $10-$25

It’s no secret rowdy drinkers love St. Patrick’s Day. If you want to be sure your children aren’t exposed to bad behavior, you can head down to this family-friendly “sober” celebration. Here you’ll enjoy all the same classic Irish entertainment. This year’s attendance includes seven-time All-Ireland champion button accordion player John Whelan, five-time All-Ireland champion fiddler Brian Conway, the Donny Golden School of Irish Dancers, and a number of accomplished singers. Tickets to this popular event always sell-out in advance, so get yours today!

Taste Buds Kitchen

Chelsea, Manhattan

When: Sunday, March 17^th from 9:00 – 10:00 am

Where: Taste Buds Kitchen, 109 W. 27^th Street

Cost: $45 per parent/child pair

Want to bake with your child, but hate the mess in your kitchen? Taste Buds Kitchen is whipping up St. Patty’s Day Rainbow Cupcakes, with a tutorial geared toward little bakers ages five to eight and their parents. Learn the secret of perfect cupcake batter, practice your frosting skills, and enjoy an outing that is as delicious as it is colorful.

Merchant’s House Museum

NoHo, Manhattan

When: Sunday, March 17^th at 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm, or 3:30 pm

Where: Merchant’s House Museum, 29 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003

Cost: Included with admission ($15 adults, $10 for students, free for children under 12)

Older kids may appreciate a back-stairs tour of the only fully-preserved 19^th Century family home. Experience the Merchant’s House through the eyes of Irish immigrants who worked as domestic servants for the Tredwell family. The servant’s quarters on the fourth floor are the oldest intact site of Irish habituation in New York City. Tredwell servant Bridget Murphy leads you back through time, treating your family to beautiful singing and celtic harp.

While you’re here, check out our 5 Favorite Irish Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day. You may also contact Shine for more information on events, parties, and festivities; sign up for one of our popular classes or workshops; take a guided field trip with us; or hire us to entertain at your next party.

Cultural Kid-Friendly Food: 5 Cajun/Creole Recipes For Mardi Gras

March 1, 2019/in Celebrate, Fun, Party, Taste/by Shine

For foodies, Mardi Gras (which translates to “Fat Tuesday”) is an opportunity to indulge in fatty foods like meat, cheese, milk, and lard. Festivals this time of year are nothing new, dating back to springtime Saturnalia and Lupercalia celebrations of the ancient Romans. The Mardi Gras we know today is largely based on the Christian holiday calendar, falling the Tuesday before Lenten fasting begins. This year, Mardi Gras falls on March 5^th. While other parts of the world like Brazil and Venice celebrate with Carnival, the first American Mardi Gras took place on March 3, 1699 when French explorers first landed in New Orleans, Louisiana. There is no bigger modern-day celebration than the masquerades, street parties, and parades of NOLA.

Even if your roots do not stretch back to Acadia or the Mississippi Delta, Mardi Gras represents an excellent opportunity to introduce your kids to a new culture and culinary palette. If you don’t want to battle the crowds at Great Jones Café in The East Village, The Boil in the Lower East Side, or Bourbon Street in Hell’s Kitchen, you can whip up homemade Cajun/Creole cuisine with your aspiring chefs. While it’s true many dishes happen to be spicy, there are plenty of kid-friendly Cajun and Creole recipes for the whole family to love.

Beef Po Boys

Adapted by the NY Times from Benjamin Wicks, proprietor of Mahony’s Po-Boy Shop in New Orleans

Po Boys are scrappy sandwiches made of “leftover” meat – often seafood like crawfish, shrimp, oysters, crab, or fish – but they can also be made of hearty roast beef (which is preferable for many small palettes). A crusty French baguette is also a must for this recipe. Dressings may vary widely based on availability, but this particular version marries celery, onion, peppers, carrots, and garlic roasted in a Dutch oven and smothered in gravy with traditional toppings – mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. The NY Times recommends adding fries and cheese “for added pow.”

Get the recipe here.

Red Beans and Rice

From Saveur Magazine

Beans and rice are eaten in various cultures around the world, but what makes this recipe distinctly “Big Easy” are the savory smells of garlic, oregano, and thyme that are bound to get little tummies rumbling, in addition to the depth of smoky ham hocks that are intriguing enough for adult taste buds. Red beans and rice were traditionally served on Monday, “Laundry Day,” because they could be left to simmer on the stove while attending to other work. This is a simple recipe you can set and forget for two hours, but don’t forget to soak your dried beans overnight.

Get the recipe here.

Nanny’s Seafood Gumbo

By Adam Lathan, Executive Chef of The Gumbo Bros. in Brooklyn

Gumbo is the perfect example of the melting pot that is Louisiana cuisine. The French and West Africans both place claim on its origins, but either way, gumbo is a thick stew. You can make it Creole style made with a roux (flour and butter) base or Cajun-style with a tomato base. Everyone’s grandmother has their own variation, but each pot has something for everyone. There’s no wrong answer in the world of gumbo. Brooklyn Chef Adam Lathan’s nanny uses crab and shrimp with a roux base and backed by celery, bell pepper, and okra. You can use the Cajun seasoning if your kids are old enough to tolerate a pinch of cayenne and red pepper flakes. Otherwise, you may substitute your own seasoning blend of salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. Or you might opt for a smaller “kid’s pot” that simply omits the Cajun seasoning. There’s also a version with chicken and andouille sausage if you prefer.

Get the recipe here.

Blackened Redfish

By the late “Superstar” Chef Paul Prudhomme, owner of K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen on Broadway

New Yorkers who lived here in the 80s are old enough to remember when his K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen outpost inspired lines around the block. Blackened Redfish was Chef Paul Prudhomme’s signature dish. “Redfish” includes four different species – the Red Snapper, Red Drum, Rose Fish, and Acadian Redfish. Some of these species can be difficult to come by, but Dorian’s Fish Market carries the Red Snapper, as well as two acceptable substitutes: Pompano and Tilefish. This recipe is best cooked in cast iron if you can. Serve with Chef Prudhomme’s Shrimp and Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms to enjoy a feast fit for a king!

Get the recipe here.

Beignets

By Jean-Paul Bourgeois, Native Louisianan and Executive Chef of Blue Smoke Restaurant in NYC

Last, but not least, we’ve got the ultimate, mouth-watering Mardi Gras dessert. French-inspired Beignets are every bit as “New Orleans” as po’ boys and gumbo. These square dough fritters are comprised of yeast, bread flour, water, milk, eggs, butter, and salt – then deep-fried in clean vegetable oil, and topped with a mountain of powdered sugar. Chef Bourgeois describes NOLA’s favorite sweet as “deep-fried, sugary goodness,” and “the perfect vehicle for chicory coffee and breakfast in the morning.”

Get the recipe here.

After your kids sample the new dish, teach them to say “Ca c’est bon” (SAH-say-bohn), which is the Cajun way of saying “That’s good!”

If you’re looking for more novel ways to spice up your kids’ lives with cultural enrichment, contact us to learn about our workshops, parties, and classes. If your child loves to cook, be sure to inquire about our “Kitchen Stars” cooking classes geared toward ages 3-5 or 6-8.

Additional Reading:

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mardi-gras

https://www.americanheritage.com/true-and-delectable-history-creole-cooking

The Difference Between Cajun And Creole Food

Special Ways To Honor Your Littlest Valentines in NYC & The East End

February 8, 2019/in Celebrate, Fun, Guide, Learn, Make, Play/by Shine

Valentine’s Day has different meanings to different people. While some couples relish this excuse to secure a babysitter and indulge in fine dining or other adult pursuits, others couldn’t imagine spending the day without their littlest loves. After all, what could be a better teaching experience? When we show our children love, we show them how to love others. There is no better gift than your time, so consider these unique ways for families to celebrate Valentine’s Day in NYC and the East End.

Children’s Museum of the East End

When: Saturday, February 9^th, 2019 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: 376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
Ages: 4-9 for special programming; Babies to age 10 for museum

Beginning in January, Shine began hosting a monthly workshop at CMEE based on our summer camp in the Hamptons material. Our two-hour program features a theme that brings together art, culture, crafts, community, and fun. This month’s theme is the Lunar New Year. Special guests, local artists, and artisans drop for an unforgettable adventure. The cost is $75 per child, which includes all materials. Sibling discounts are available. To register, call 212-414-5427 or email info@shinenyc.net. (If you miss us this month, try our next Second Saturday workshop on March 9^th!) Also happening at the museum this weekend is “Paint by Number,” where toddlers and youngsters are invited to paint a lobby window mural. As always, you can enjoy all the imaginative exhibits at CMEE, including seafaring ships, windmills, sand puppets, food trucks, mini golf, and a kid-sized Main Street.

PuppetWorks

When: Saturday, February 9^th and Sunday, February 10^th at 12:30 pm or 2:30 pm
Where: PuppetWorks, 338 Sixth Avenue (at 4th Street) Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Ages: 3+

What better way to celebrate love and the idea of finding a perfect match than with “Cinderella,” a timeless story which dates back to 1697? Director Nicolas Coppola brings this classic fairy tale to life with wooden puppets, artistic painted scenery from 18^th century France, and the music of Jules Massenet. Admission is $10 for children and $11 for adults. Advance reservations are recommended by calling 718-965-3391 or emailing puppetworks@twcmetrobiz.com.

NYC Candy Shops

Hershey’s Chocolate World – Plan your own visit!

When: Any day, 9:00 am – Midnight
Where: Times Square (701 Seventh Ave. on 47th St. NYC)

Hershey’s Chocolate World just tripled their footprint in NYC. Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to check out their 7,800 square foot store in the heart of Times Square. Scrumptious s’mores are doled out from a vintage camper, which fits in line with their overall vibe: “Unwrap your adventure.” You can mix and match your favorite Hershey products with a floor-to-ceiling candy machine, sure to boggle the mind of children and adults alike. You can personalize a Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar wrapper or Hershey Kiss message for your little love, order custom s’mores, or shop the Kitchens Bakery.

Dylan’s Candy Bar – Plan your own visit!

When: Any day, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm OR 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm for special event
Where: 1011 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10065

Dylan’s Candy Bar is another iconic sweet spot in NYC. This shop is a must-stop for celebrity parents like Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, and Julianne Moore. Inspired by Willy Wonka, you’ll find the world’s largest selection of candy and candy-related gifts here. For a special treat, they’ll be hand-dipping chocolate treats like strawberries, Rice Krispy Treats, and pretzel rods before your eyes. You’re invited to dip and decorate your own take-home confections.

Max Brenner’s – Plan your own visit!

When: 9:00 am – 1:00 am
Where: Union Square, 841 Broadway (at 13^th Street), New York, NY

You simply won’t find a better cocoa than Max Brenner’s “Hug in a Mug.” Your liquid heaven comes in an ergonomic mug that’s perfect for little hands. Their breakfast crepes and sugar waffles provide a warm-and-fuzzy way to start your day. Kids love the “chocolate syringe” that injects chocolatey goodness directly into their mouths. The restaurant can be very busy at times, so be sure to make advance reservations on Open Table or by calling 646-467-8803.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

When: 2/9 – 2/14, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm for regular museum hours, Various times for special programming
Where: The Tisch Building, 212 W 83rd St, New York, NY 10024
Ages: 5+

Drop in and choose your fancy out of the Valentine’s Day craft workshops at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan – all included in the $14 admission fee:

3D Valentine’s Day Cards (2/9 & 2/10, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm)
Stuffed Animal Repair Workshop (2/9, 2/10 & 2/14, 10:00 am – 4:45 pm)
Best Bud Love Bug Making (2/9, 2/10 & 2/14, 12:00 pm)

Tastebuds Kitchen

When: Sunday, February 10^th, 9:30 – 10:30 am
Where: Chelsea, 109 West 27th Street, 10FL New York, NY 10001
Ages: 2-8 (with a caregiver)

We love our partnerships with Tastebuds Kitchen! Their cooking classes are the perfect way to get children interested in baking and the culinary arts. With this seasonal favorite, you’ll create your own “Love Shack” out of gingerbread with pink frosty roofs, heart-shaped window panes, and countless other accoutrements. Enjoy a mug of pink hot cocoa and the sounds of cheerful love songs. The cost is $75 per child, with one caregiver included.

Gurney’s Montauk Igloos

When: Fridays and Saturdays in February
Where: 290 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk NY

Gurney’s Montauk resorts has opened a new winter installation, perfect for the whole family! Even if you’re not staying the night, you can book time in their outdoor heated igloos made from PVC and twinkle lights. Inside, you’ll find a curated selection of games and puzzles. “Order in” from the Gurney’s Little Bites menu of chicken tenders, hot dogs, and other kid favorites for $9. Book complimentary storytelling from 7:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. When you’re done chilling, head outside and warm up around the toasty fire pit. Call 631-668-2345 to book.

Long Island Children’s Museum

When: Thursday, February 14^th 2019, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Where: 11 Davis Ave. Garden City, NY 11530
Ages: 3-5

Listen to a reading of Mark Sperring’s “The Shape of My Heart” and take home a book-inspired craft. Make a “Love Monster” puppet. Valentine’s Day crafts are included with $14 admission. Your kids will enjoy all the usual exhibits – song-making, giant bubbles, percussion instruments, climbing sculptures, a a toddler-sized town, tools, the animal diner, building blocks, and the Sandy Island beach station.

Whether it’s reading, crafting, baking, sweets, science, the arts, or roughing it in the great outdoors – open a window into your life, inviting your little love(s) to share your passions with you to make this Valentine’s Day truly special.

Better For You Thumbprint Cookies

January 30, 2019/in Celebrate, Fun, Guide, Taste/by Shine

Dear Shine Community –

We all start the new year off with the best laid plans: diet, exercise, more time on self-care. Now that February has arrived, many of our goals and resolutions are distant memories. That’s why I am so excited to introduce Karla Salinari from FlipBox as a new food and nutrition blog contributor. Karla strikes the perfect balance between healthy baking and delicious taste!

This month, she shares a simple recipe for healthier thumbprint cookies… a perfect gift for Valentine’s Day.

Stay tuned for pop-up events and workshops with Karla and our friends from FlipBox!

Keep shining –

Aaron Goldschmidt, founder & director

Inspired by traditional thumbprint cookies, these tiny bites are gluten-free and made with better for you ingredients like honey and coconut oil and are free of refined sugar and processed flour.

Enjoy this simple, delicious treat anytime of the day!

Ingredients:

Cookies:

1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup honey
1 egg, beaten
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups gluten-free oat flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Filling:

Jam or filling of your choice such as blackberry, strawberry, or dairy-free chocolate chips.

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Place a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut oil and honey and heat until liquefied. Careful not to boil.
In a mixing bowl, add the egg and vanilla. Then carefully pour the coconut oil and honey mixture and whisk to combine.
In another mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free oat flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and combine. Set aside and let settle, 5-10min or until the dough thickens.
Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls with a cookie or ice cream scoop and place on the prepared baking sheets 2 inches apart.
Press a thumbprint into the center of each ball, about 1/2-inch deep.
Place cookies in the oven to bake 6-8 minutes, until lightly browned at the edges.
Remove from the oven and immediately add a dollop of jam, enough to fill the well. Put back in the oven and let cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Cool cookies on the baking sheet. Serve and Enjoy!

By Karla Salinari for Shine

After the birth of her daughter, Carolina, Karla learned the importance of good nutrition. From a family of Miami-based and Puerto Rican food lovers, Karla began to “flip” recipes, replacing unhealthy ingredients with gluten-free, organic, and higher-quality ones.

Now based in Brooklyn, her weekly blog helps others do the same. One blog was so successful that Karla launched Flipbox, an organic, gluten-free, dye-free and healthier version of a cake-in-a-box. Each kit comes with an apron, mini spatula, and the dry ingredients needed to create a cake and frosting, but more importantly to spend quality time with your kids, enjoying healthy food.

Karla also runs baking parties and participates in Pop-Up events. When she’s not flipping recipes, Karla helps lead an Annual Woman’s Summit that promotes woman empowerment and networking. Karla also enjoys running, traveling with her daughter and husband, Joe, and exploring neighborhood restaurants.

Celebrate Groundhog Day at the Staten Island Zoo!

January 30, 2019/in Celebrate, Fun, Guide, Learn/by Shine

“To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring,” once said essayist and philosopher George Santayana. There’s no better opportunity to celebrate the changing of winter to spring than with Staten Island’s annual Groundhog Day ceremony at the zoo. February 2^nd conveniently falls on a Saturday in 2019, making it a good year to get out with your early risers. If that’s not your cup of tea, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate in and around New York City.

Staten Island Hosts THEE Groundhog Day Party of the Year

The Staten Island Zoo in West Brighton will open its gates at 6:00 am on February 2^nd. The groundhog is slated to make his grand entrance around 7:30 am. Admission to the ceremony is FREE. Human weather forecasters are calling for it to be partly cloudy, with sunrise at 7:05 am. Bundle up: it’ll be 25 degrees, with 11 mph winds and a 10% chance of rain.

Guests will be treated to a zoo keeper-led “birds of prey” feeding demonstration with a Kubo, American Kestrel, and Snowy Owl (a delight for your little Harry Potter fans!) in the aviary and fox areas of the zoo from 7:40 to 8:00 am. The “Chuck and Friends Children’s Program,” geared toward Pre-K through sixth grade students, will run from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Musical entertainment will be provided by The Patrick Raftery Rock-A-Silly Band and the PS 29 Chorus.

If you’ve never taken the kids to the Staten Island Zoo before, there’s also an African savannah, tropical rain forest, reptile room, aquarium, Conservation Carousel, and barnyard. The Staten Island Zoo is home to one of the largest rattlesnake collections in the United States – 1,500 serpents, among 350 different species. Keep your eyes peeled for “Grandpa,” one of the oldest black-handed spider monkeys in captivity at age 46, who successfully predicted the outcome of the U.S. Open and Super Bowl XLV.

Alternate Events

Stay in your PJs & web cast: Can’t make it to the ceremony? You can still watch Chuck’s prediction on Silive.com. Similarly, Punxsutawney Phil will be live-broadcasting his prediction at VisitPA.com.
Go to the movies: The Nitehawk Dine-In Cinema in Prospect Park will be showing the 1993 film “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, at 10:30 am. on February 2^nd. The film is rated PG.
Enjoy a pancake breakfast: Wave Hill is hosting a Groundhog Day breakfast with pancakes, waffles, “other scrumptious breakfast fare,” and a hot chocolate bar ($35 adults; $20 kids 2-12; Free for kids under 2).
Play in your own den: Staten Island’s Greenbelt Nature Center will be hosting a Groundhog Day Hibernation Pajama Party, where kids make and play in a den, search for groundhogs outside, and listen to a story.

Who IS The Staten Island Groundhog?

There is some mystery surrounding the true identity of “Staten Island Chuck,” our resident meteorologist and “the pride and joy” of the Staten Island Zoo. We’ve celebrated Groundhog Day with a formal celebration since 1981, but since groundhogs live about 14 years in captivity, the exact animal you’ll be seeing will inevitably change.

Not every groundhog is well-suited to the fanfare. One of the male Chucks was described as “reclusive,” “focused on his food,” and “not the jolliest fellow,” according to the NY Times. After the feisty 3-year-old animal bit former mayor Michael Bloomberg through his black leather gloves in 2009, the mayor no longer attended the event and this particular “Chuck” was retired from meteorology.
Mayor de Blasio was equally unlucky. In 2014, the zoo trotted out Chuck’s friendlier granddaughter, Charlotte. Somewhat skittish, she leapt six feet out of the mayor’s arms and passed away a week later.
The following year, Charlotte Jr. came out of her designer log cabin hutch, complete with elevator and plexiglass. Mayor de Blasio attended the ceremony from a safe distance away, but hasn’t attended since. Despite the precautions, her handlers knew her as “a very friendly groundhog” who “enjoyed interacting with her keepers, particularly sitting on the keeper’s lap to gobble up some yummy peanuts or yam.” The NY Times referred to her as “a curvy lady” and a “social butterfly” who knew how to high-five. Zoo visitors recalled how she used to sit atop her lodge “like Snoopy” and appeared not only “adorable,” but “smart,” too. Charlotte Jr. passed away from kidney disease last year at the age of six.

There has been no word which “Chuck” will be paraded out this year or whether the mayor plans to attend, but you can expect a decent-sized crowd and fun activities all day long at the very least. The groundhogs are slated to receive a revitalized zoo entrance and new home makeover worth $330,000 in 2021.

How Accurate Is Staten Island Chuck?

While that “spotlight hog” Punxsutawney Phil over in Pennsylvania only has a 30% accuracy rate, our Staten Island groundhog has a whopping 80% accuracy, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Past predictions include:

2008 – Early spring
2009 – Early spring
2010 – Early spring
2013 – Early spring
2014 – Six more weeks of winter
2015 – Early spring
2016 – Early spring
2017 – Early spring
2018 – Early spring

Why Celebrate Groundhog Day?

February 2^nd falls halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. The Celts celebrated this celebration of spring as “Imbolc.” Later, the Christians celebrated “Candlemas,” believing that a sunny Candlemas day meant another 40 days of cold and snow. Germans were the first to link the date to badgers and small burrowing creatures seeing their shadow as a harbinger of a long winter. In 1887, newspaper editor Clymer Freas organized the first Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Today, tens of thousands of spectators flood the small town of 6,000 to see the famous “Punxsutawney Phil” predict the weather.

There are many reasons to consider celebrating with your children:

First, it’s an easy annual tradition to create. It could involve crafts, baking, or a trip to the zoo, but you’re not locked into organizing an enormous feast or wrapping presents. Groundhog Day is whatever you want it to be.

Kids naturally love animals. Groundhogs are hopelessly cute, furry creatures we don’t see too often – unless we know where to look. Promoting nature, exploration, and discovery helps your child be more observant and take an interest in science.

For some, it fosters a sense of identity. If you have Celtic, Christian, or German roots, you can express pride in your heritage by celebrating Old World holidays in modern fashion.

For all of us, Groundhog Day provides a sense of hopefulness and anticipation. Groundhog Day is a good way to talk to your kids about weather, changing seasons, hibernation, internal clocks, and the mysteries of Mother Nature. Ultimately, we pin our hopes on the groundhog because we yearn for warmer, sunnier days ahead.

More Groundhog Day Resources:

https://sunshinehouse.com/blog/7-ways-celebrate-groundhog-day-your-family

https://kids.lovetoknow.com/groundhog-day-activities-kids

https://www.jerseyfamilyfun.com/groundhog-day-activities-for-kids/

Ways To Keep The Kids From Going Stir-crazy Over Winter Break

December 19, 2018/in Celebrate, Fun, Guide, Learn, Make, Play/by Shine

School entertains our children all fall long, keeping their minds and bodies active. Winter break can be a welcome respite from such a structured existence, but eventually our children start bouncing off the walls and driving us crazy. Here are 10 ways to make the holiday season a memorable and enjoyable time for the whole family.

Wrestle!

Rough-and-tumble play is valuable for young children, particularly little boys. Think of yourself as a coach in allowing your child to test strength and delight in the notion of being powerful, while modeling fairness, self-control, and empathy. Animal studies show roughhousing stimulates neuron growth in the cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain, which aids in memory, language, learning, and logic. You can try a gentle “pillow fight” on a carpeted surface, allowing your child to lead the play session and “win.” You might pretend you’re dinosaurs, superheroes, or classic movie monsters for added fun.

Plan a Treasure Hunt.

Keep your child’s analytical problem-solving skills sharp by creating a simple Treasure Hunt. Place the first clue somewhere easy to find – like in a cereal bowl or on the bathroom sink. Each riddle should describe a place to check for the next clue. Instead of giving your child a prize at the end, you may consider leaving coins at each location for your child to put into a piggy bank at the end. Another option is to make a list of items for your child to find in the house.

Play with Stuffed Animals.

Every household with children ends up with dozens of stuffed animals. But what to do with them all? Winter break is the perfect chance to get these “friends” involved in the family’s affairs. Just 10-15 minutes a day of solo play with a stuffed animal boosts confidence in toddlers. Or you may want an excuse to join in the fun. Options include:

Set the timer and hide a group of stuffed animals for your kids to find.
Place the animals in “perilous” locations to have your child “rescue” them.
Get out play jewelry, doll clothes, and Halloween costumes for a pet fashion show.
Let your child put together a fancy tea party or a casual picnic.
Play “nurse,” while your child runs a pet hospital to cure the sick or injured.
Have your child take his or her plush camping – with tents, singalongs, and s’mores.
Get in the holiday spirit by “wrapping presents” for the stuffed animals.

Play Balloon Games.

You’ll be amazed at how long a game of “Don’t Let The Balloon Touch The Ground” can continue. You might want more than one balloon to challenge older kids. For two or more kids, you can set up a “net” with a string attached to two chairs for a game of Balloon Volleyball. The physical activity burns off excess energy, while improving arm strength and hand-eye coordination.

Make Cardboard Box Cars.

This time of year, there’s bound to be a few child-sized boxes around the house. In fact, a particularly large box can be more fun than what’s inside it! Parenting Magazine offers an easy tutorial on fashioning a box into a car. Give your child markers or paints for decorating to keep them busy a while. Later on, your kids can take their cars to “the drive-in” for a family holiday movie. (In a pinch, laundry basket cars will do!)

Check Your Local Library

Sometimes you’ve just got to get out of the house for a minute. The library is a classic place to find free entertainment. You can make a game of it for older children by asking them to find: a nonfiction book about winter holidays; a magazine of winter crafts; a book about a snowman; and a funny holiday book. Many libraries have puzzles and other quiet toys for kids to explore. Some host events. This month, the Hampton Library is hosting a number of free activities, including Minecraft building clubs, toddler story time, play-a-palooza, winter decoration making, and slime science experiments.

Give Them A Job To Do

We tend to think of kids and chores as mutually exclusive, but giving your children a meaningful way to participate means they are no longer competing for your attention. You know that madness that takes hold just before dinner? Have your kids help you cook and marvel at how you’ve avoided the chaos. It might take you twice as long to fold the laundry or sweep the floor, but you’re teaching a valuable skill and boosting their confidence. Research shows that young children who routinely do chores are more responsible, better able to deal with frustration, and delay gratification – all of which contribute to greater academic success.

Send Them Outside

Children are safe to play outside as long as the wind-chill is 32 degrees and above. In temperatures 13 to 31 degrees, indoor breaks should happen every 30 minutes. Once the kids are bundled, you can suggest one of the following activities to them:

Use Mr. Potato Head accessories to make your snowman.
Bring baking supplies and dishes outside for a “Snow Ice Cream Parlor” or kitchen.
Have a good old-fashioned snowball fight.
Build a snow fort or igloo.
Fill plastic spray bottles with cold water and food coloring for “snow painting.”
Use criss-cross sticks and pine cones to play Tic Tac Toe in the snow.
Make snow angels or bring your cookie cutters outside to make tiny snow prints.
Take a snowy hike to appreciate the beauty of winter, topped with hot cocoa.

Let Imaginations Run Wild With Clothespin Animal Crafts

You won’t need much artistic ability to create an adorable plaything. Have your child draw an animal, alien, dinosaur, or favorite TV/movie character on a piece of construction paper or card stock. Cut out the image. Cut off legs if they’re drawn in and replace with clothespin legs. You can also design a scene for the creatures to interact with using a large piece of cardboard. Paper bag puppets are always a big hit, too, if you’re short on clothespins.

Bake A New Holiday Tradition

Some kids look forward to making a gingerbread house each year. If you’re really ambitious you can do it from scratch using a dozen ingredients and icing, gumdrops, licorice, and peppermints for the decorating. You can also purchase pre-made gingerbread house kits if you’re just into the assembling and decorating part. If you want a more edible annual tradition, try Kris Kringle cut-outs. Add a couple drops of anise to the dough and the frosting for a hint of unique holiday flavor. Invite cousins or friends over for a frosting and sprinkle decorating party.

Still not satisfied? Get more winter break ideas here or stop by and see us at the Children’s Museum of the East End for winter camp activities geared toward ages 3-6.

The Benefits of Pretend Play & Holiday Gifts That Inspire

December 15, 2018/in Celebrate, Fun, Guide, Learn, Play/by Shine

“Play is the work of the child,” once said Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori. If you’ve ever tried to pull a toddler away from a pile of toys, you know what serious business play truly is! Pretend play, in particular, is an integral part of childhood involved in the development of higher cognitive functions – creativity, empathy, abstraction.

The foundation for creative play begins to blossom around 18 months of age with objection substitution, such as pretending a banana is a telephone. The timespan between 3 and 5 is known as “the high season of imaginative play,” where children develop the capacity to interact with imaginary environments. They begin to understand the difference between dress-up and role-playing activities, and replica play using small-scale models. To some degree, pretending continues throughout childhood and even into adulthood – with great benefit.

This holiday season, consider gifts that promote learning through fantasy, role-playing, and pretending.

The Benefits of Pretend Play, According To Science

Animal studies have shown that play grows the cerebral cortex, which is responsible for sensory processing, language development, memory formation, and reasoning.
Animal studies have also indicated increases in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor during periods of play and exploration. BDNF is essential for the creation, survival, and maintenance of neurons. With high levels, it is easier for the brain to acquire and retain new knowledge, and feel happier.
Neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp of Washington State University found that one-third of the 1,200 neocortical genes show significant changes in activity – effectively making rats in the experiment more “social” in nature — after 30 minutes of play.
A growing body of research shows play improves a child’s emotional self-regulation, impulse control, and use of language. Children who excel at pretending also display delayed gratification, reduced aggression, civility, and empathy.
Social scientists note a direct correlation between pretending and Theory of Mind development, which enables children to understand the variation of perspectives within themselves and the awareness that others may think differently.
When dramatic play was introduced to literacy training, children showed better language diversity, as well as increased interest in reading and writing.

Top Pretend Play Gifts

The possibilities are endless, but you can take inspiration from some of the top-selling pretend play gifts:

Occupational Costumes – Pretend play is about more than princesses and super heroes. Melissa and Doug offer a wide range of occupational outfits, from firefighters, police officers, and construction workers, to chefs, doctors, and airline pilots.
Science Sets – Doctor tools never seem to lose their appeal. For less than $20, your aspiring physician could have a blood pressure monitor, thermometers, stethoscope, otoscope, bandages, glasses, a shot, cell phone, and several other items. Outdoorsy types will love camping all winter long with this tree house tent, camping gear set, and picnic basket. Labcoats, scales, rulers, goggles, clipboards, tweezers, beakers, timers, and magnifying glasses are fun pretend play toys for little scientists.
Play Kitchens – Boys and girls alike can perfect their practical culinary skills in the comfort of their own pint-sized station by Step2. Most units come with a sink, stovetop, oven, refrigerator, microwave, and pantry, but some high-end models add in a supermarket, grilling station, pizza oven, and coffee maker. The kitchens typically come with an assortment of cheap plastic foods, but don’t expect much quality there. Melissa and Doug offer a great variety of themed food sets our kids love — like salad, sushi, pasta, pizza, and pancakes. Learning Resources sells worthwhile breakfast, lunch, and dinner themed baskets, too. Along the same line, you’ll find diner sets, food trucks, and farmer’s markets.
Playsets & Figurines – There are many ways to immerse your child into a miniaturized world filled with communication, problem-solving, and empathy. Playmobil is a tested, tried, and true brand for preschoolers, with sets ranging from zoos, pirates and castles, to farms, dinosaurs, and fairy forests. Their advent calendars are an ideal way to dive right in! Calico Critters is a whimsical brand of animals with their own homes, schools, supermarkets, restaurants, salons, playgrounds, and shops. For the littlest tikes, Fisher Price Little People sets come with bigger, non-choking-hazard pieces. Older kids can combine the love of creation with pretend play using LEGO sets.
Housekeeping – Is it ever too early to warm the kids up to the idea of doing a few chores around the house? Choose from themed sets for laundry, indoor scrubbing, vacuuming, or gardening. Baby dolls and accessories let children explore the idea of being mommies and daddies themselves one day to give back all they love they’ve received from you.
Vehicle Play – Children love movement, so vehicles are a natural draw. The youngest children will enjoy cruising around the house in a classic foot-to-floor Little Tikes Car, while toddlers will become enthralled by Tonka trucks and train tables, and older kids collect Hot Wheels or ride

How To Encourage Pretend Play

Some children are naturals, while others may need a little more coaching to spark the imagination. Reading is a helpful companion to play, as it gives children fantastical fodder to work with in their pretend realms. You might find it helpful to use stuffed animals, figurines, or puppets to explore real-world challenges you’re trying to assist your child with – be it sharing, dealing with transitions, or eating vegetables. Keep an eye on your child’s natural inclinations and foster whatever weird whims he or she may have – be it an obsession with astronauts or a love of lemonade stands. Be patient and kind to yourself: it may take you a while to get in touch with your inner child and remember how to genuinely enjoy playing.

Whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Las Posadas, Shine wishes you and your family a wonderful holiday season. If you’re looking to enrich your child’s life with meaningful experiences that combine education and fun in the New Year, we’d love to help. Contact us to learn more about our classes, workshops, City Adventures, and parties.