about our children, march 2015

OurChildrenOurOurAbout

Supplement to The Jewish Standard March 2015

Whats Up Doc? Finding Your Pediatrician

Camps Galore Purim Food & Fun

Useful Information for the Next Generation of Jewish Families

ABOUT OUR CH I LDREN MARCH 2015

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First breath. First smile. First steps. Treasured moments begin here.

The MotherBaby Center at Chilton Medical Center.

Whether you are planning to start a family or adding to one, Chilton Medical Center invites you to begin this exciting journey with us. Our MotherBaby Center encourages moms-to-be to personalizetheir birthing experience in a way that makes it memorable for the entire family. We offer private rooms with personalized visiting hours, hydrotherapy for labor, a celebratory gourmet dinner and a Moms spa. For special care, theres a Level II Nursery with board certified neonatologists and pediatricians available 24/7. And with caring nurses, expert medical staff, and our seamless connection to Morristown Medical Center, its no wonder why so many women choose to have their babies here with us, close to home.

For more information about parent education classes, please call 973-831-5475.

For a referral to a Chilton Obstetrician

or Certified Nurse Midwife,

call 1-888-4AH-DOCS

or visit atlantichealth.org/chilton

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March, 2015

3ABOUT OUR CH I LDREN MARCH 2015

Friday March 27th 8pm

Joshua Bellsponsored by Benzel Busch

Saturday March 28th 1pm & 4pm

Popovich ComedyPet Theater

April 13th 8pm

Dancing Pros LiveSaturday April 19th 1pm & 4pm

NJ Ballet Romeo & Julietsponsored by Wilmington Trust, An M&T Company

Friday March 27th 8pm

NJ Ballet Sleeping Beautysponsored by Wilmington Trust, An M&T Company

May 3rd 1pm & 4pm

Berenstain Bears Live

Saturday May 9th 8pm

Russian National Ballets Swan Lakesponsored by Wilmington Trust, An M&T Company

May 13th 4pm

Curious George

Finding Dr. Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6How to choose a pediatrician

Eat Right and Move. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Nutrition and exercise during the nine months

Baby Goodies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Cute items for the little one

Pregnancy Rites Around the World. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11How different Jewish women mark their expectancy

Non-Toxic Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Giving your baby the healthiest start

Find the Right Camp for the Right Child . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13How to select the best summer option

Ah-Choo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Spring allergies and how to deal

Camp listings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Places to send your children

Listen Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20How to get children to pay attention to you

Purim Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Hamentaschen cookies

Purim Crafts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Place setting and finger food

Simchas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Milestones

Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Your children in action

Top Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Picks for March

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26Great things to do this month

Babies at Englewood Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27New labor and delivery unit opens

OurChildrenOurOurChildrenAboutUseful Information for the Next Generation of Jewish Families


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When Yehuda was just a few weeks old he was born in late August I

remember taking him for a stroll outside. Here we were. Brand new mother. Brand new baby. It wasnt his rst outing on the busy streets, but there hadnt been many. It was exciting. People stopping to peer inside the Snap n Go stroller-car seat that he was comfortably and safely riding, as I pushed him with the pride of a new mother.

On the street, I met a woman I knew, who has since become a dear friend. She was a mother of ve chil-dren, all of whom were older than Yehuda.

She took a look at my infant son and was shocked. To me, he looked great.

To her, he looked like he was melting in the heat.

Yes, we were having an Indian summer, but how did I know not to wrap Yehuda in a blanket and socks and top his little head with the blue and white striped knit hat that the hospital fashions all little infants with?

Heidi, hes way overdressed! my friend exclaimed. Hes going to become overheated!

And with that, she started to strip away at the layers that new mama dressed new Yehuda in to protect him? Ah, new motherhood. When ignorance is not bliss.

Roughly eighteen months later, Shaina joined our family.

She was born in mid-March, a most mercurial weather month, and this year, the lion wasnt turn-ing into a lamb so fast. The chill of winter was still clinging. That year, I recall, we had an early Pesach. In my wisdom, we decided to forego the tradition of spending the holi-day with my brother, sister-in-law, and their four children because new Shaina was too new and not yet inoculated. So we spent the holi-

day with our own family, but after much conference with others de-cided it was okay to attend a com-munal seder with the new baby. She was secure in that same Snap n Go stroller that Yehuda used, with a net atop, and far away from the crowd that was in attendance at the seder.

A few days later, with Yehuda snif ing, Shaina came down with a fever. A slight fever. But the pedia-trician said that she had to go back into the hospital to be checked. I knew in my mothers heart of hearts that this was a garden-variety cold, but I had to take her back into the hospital, where a slew of tests had to be done.

Was it her runny-nosed toddler brother or was it her appearance at the communal seder that caused Shaina to get sick? She was back in the hospital, and I was beside myself.

New motherhood. When igno-rance is not bliss.

Those episodes, thankfully, were few and far between.

I learned how to dress the chil-dren appropriately for the weather and to expose them to enough germs, and shield them from enough germs, for them to grow up hearty and healthy.

Now, I jokingly say that Im the shortest one in the family.

Its a clich when they say that there is no instruction manual for a new mother. And I was hardly in a village doesnt it take one? But I found my substitutes. I found women who were like mothers, and women who were like sisters, and friends and men and a commu-nity of people to help me with my children.

No, I didnt know how to dress them, exactly.

And I didnt know exactly how to protect them from the perils of a common cold.

But I did know then and now how to love them deeply, and hope-fully I know how to do my best. As for all those lessons, well, maybe I can do better next go round.

Cheers,

musings from the editor

Dont Miss About Our Children in April Published on March 27, 2015

Natalie JayAdvertising Director

Peggy EliasGeorge KrollKaren NathansonJanice RosenBrenda SutcliffeAccount Executives

About Our Children is published 11 times a year by the New Jersey/Rockland Jewish Media Group, 1086 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666; telephone: 201-837-8818; fax: 201-833-4959.; e-mail: [email protected].

OurChildrenAbout

Contributing Writers

Rachel Harkham Slovie Jungreis-WolffDenise Morrison Yearian

MissionStatementAbout Our Children is designed to help Jewish families in our area live healthy, positive lives that make the most of the resources available to them. By providing useful, current, accurate information, the publication aims to guide par-ents to essential information on faith, education, the arts, events, and child-raising in short, everything that todays Jewish family, babies to grandparents, needs to live life to the fullest in northern New Jersey and Rockland County.

James L. Janoff Publisher

Robert ChananieBusiness Manager

Heidi Mae BrattEditor

Deborah HermanArt DirectorAdvisoryBoard

Dr. Annette Berger, Psy.D.Psychologist, Teaneck

Michelle Brauntuch, MS,CCLSChild Life Specialist, Englewood Hospital, Englewood

Hope EliasofMarriage and Family Therapist, Midland Park

Howard Prager, DC, DACBSPHolistic Chiropractor, Oakland

Jane Calem RosenMarketing and Communications Specialist

Barry Weissman, MDPediatrician, Hackensack and Wyckoff

Cheryl Wylen Director of Adult Programs and Cultural Arts YM-YWHA of North Jersey, Wayne

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ABOUT OUR CH I LDREN MARCH 2015 5

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6 ABOUT OUR CH I LDREN MARCH 2015

Looking for Dr. Right for You and Your Baby

H E I D I M A E B R AT T

The three As are qualities that par-ents look for in a pediatrician, that is affability, ability, and availabil-

ity. Choosing a pediatrician for you and your child is one of your most important long-term investments. Medical care is a partnership between parents and pedia-tricians so its an important decision.

A parent can expect to be in the pe-diatricians office at least 15 times dur-ing the first five years of a childs life, de-pending on the childs health care needs. So given that this will be a frequent and sometimes intense relationship, finding the right match is important.

Before even interviewing medical professionals, experts say, do some of your own soul searching. What qualities do you need in your childs doctor? Are you a new parent without a lot of experi-ence with the usual childhood develop-ment quirks and the common childhood illnesses? As a new parent do you lack confidence and believe you need a pedia-trician who will be very involved in your

family, will help you understand normal growth and development, and will com-petently manage your childs health care? Are you a worrier who needs an empathetic listener to seriously address your concerns? Are you evaluating vari-ous parenting styles and need a doctor who will help you formulate a parenting philosophy? Or are you a veteran parent already rooted in your parenting phi-losophy and style who simply needs a like-minded pediatrician? Does distance matter? Are you willing to drive farther for higher quality, or do you rely on pub-lic transportation and therefore need a doctors office close to your home or workplace and easily accessible by bus or subway?

Also consider, do you or your child have special needs? For example, if your child has a chronic illness, such as dia-betes, you would be choosing a pediatri-cian with expertise in that illness. If you are a first-time mother and are adamant about breastfeeding your baby, obvi-ously choosing a pediatrician who is breastfeeding-friendly would be in your

best interest. Or do you or your child have special communication needs?

Dr. Larry Stiefel of Tenafly Pediatri-cians in Paramus advises that parents meet with doctors during prenatal vis-its to scope out the lay of the land in the doctors office and with the poten-tial physicians. Its important, Dr. Sti-efel says, to see where the doctor is in terms of philosophy in so far as issues such as prescribing antibiotics, vacci-nations not that they wont give vac-cinations, but perhaps they would on a different schedule toilet training and other developmental issues.

You want to be able to feel that this is a place and a doctor that I can trust to bring my child to for the next 20 years, Dr. Stiefel says.

To get started, getting references from friends and other doctors is a good place to begin. Its also important to see if the practice accepts the familys insurance. The office needs to feel com-fortable and clean. Is there a separate wating areas for youngsters that are sick and those that are well, so as not to

spread illness?The doctors availability, office

hours, overnight calls and weekends. Is the doctor on call or is there a nurse. How quickly can you expect to get a call back?

What are the office hours?Also consider the doctors philoso-

phy. Remember, the goal of your inter-view is to decide whether this pediatri-cian is the right match for your family. Its important when choosing a pediatri-cian to pick one who agrees with or at least supports your basic parenting phi-losophy. Its important when choosing a pediatrician to find someone who gives you the impression of really wanting to make a difference in your life and your childs life.

Then finally, you can trust yourself. Youve made it this far and made many good decisions in your life. Within a few minutes, you should get a gut feeling about whether or not this doctor is Dr. Right for your family.

Heidi Mae Bratt is the editor of About Our Children.

OurChildrenAbout

Start Looking for a Doc Early, Advises Dr. OzH E I D I M A E B R AT T

Hes Americas doctor a cardiothoracic surgeon, author, television per-

sonality and longtime Bergen County resident Dr. Mehmet Oz.

About Our Children reached out to the Emmy award winning, Harvard educated, fa-ther of four to ask him how par-ents should best choose their pediatrician.

About Our Children: How does a parent-to-be find a pediatrician?

Dr. Mehmet Oz: The best place to start is to ask people you trust. Get recommenda-tions from friends and family members who share your val-ues. One of their doctors may be a good fit for you, too. Your obstetrician is another good person to ask for recommen-dations. You can also call local practices or the department of pediatrics at a nearby hospital to find a pediatrician who is ac-

cepting new patients.About Our Children: What

do the letters FAAP mean fol-lowing a doctors name, and how important is it that the doctor is board certified?

Dr. Mehmet Oz: FAAP stands for Fellow of the Ameri-can Academy of Pediatrics. If you see these letters after your doctors name, you know that she is a member of this orga-nization and is board-certified in pediatrics. If you do not see these letters, she still may be board-certified, just make sure to ask!

About Our Children: What about choosing a family prac-tice physician instead of a pediatrician?

Dr. Mehmet Oz: You can trust both family practice phy-sicians and pediatricians in the care of your new baby. A family doctor can continue to care for your child through adulthood, while a pediatrician specializes only in kids and young adults up to age 21. The most impor-

tant thing is that you find a doc-tor that makes you feel com-fortable and whose style works for you.

About Our Children: When a prospective parent meets the doctor, what are the most im-portant questions to ask?

Dr. Mehmet Oz: Coming to

your appointment with ques-tions prepared is one of the best things you can do. Take it one step further and actually write your questions down so you dont forget any of them in the moment. Here are a few to keep in mind. Will I be able to sched-ule appointments with you for

both well and sick visits?Who will see my child if you

are not available? If I call with and cannot speak with you, who will handle my concerns? Where would I bring my child in an emergency or after hours?

About Our Children: What is most important to tell the doctor about yourself and your family?

Dr. Mehmet Oz: In addition to sharing information about your babys birth with your prospective doctor, also be sure to tell her about your fam-ily health history.

About Our Children: Would you like to add anything else?

Dr. Mehmet Oz: Start look-ing for a doctor early. It is very important to have a good rela-tionship with your childs doc-tor, so keep looking if you dont think the first doctors you meet are right for your family. Its okay to be picky!


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Proper Nutrition and Exercise Helps the Nine MonthsD E N I S E M O R R I S O N Y E A R I A N

Many pregnant women know that maintaining a moderate exercise routine and a nutritionally sound

diet provide both short- and long-term bene ts to the mother and baby. But routines and regimens that may be help-ful during one stage of gestation may be detrimental during another.

Thats what Hunter Clarke-Fields found. Before becoming pregnant with her second child, she led an active life-style. But when nausea and fatigue set in during the rst trimester, she was forced to curtail her workouts. Somewhere around 13 weeks I started feeling better, so I eased back into my yogawhich I had stopped altogetherand brought my cardio exercises up to speed, she says, now 26 weeks pregnant.

Although nausea and fatigue may compromise womens exercise routines early on, these side effects usually sub-side by the second trimester. As the fe-tus grows, however, mothers may nd certain positions and movements in-

creasingly uncomfortable, tiring even harmful.

By the beginning of the second tri-mester, women should avoid supine and inverse positions as these can restrict the babys blood ow, says certi ed Pilates instructor Mara Raskin. Dur-ing this time the hormone Relaxin also kicks in, making ligament looser and joints more vulnerable to injury. And as the belly expands, the bodys center of

gravity shifts and can cause stress on the lower back and pelvic muscles, she says.

At this point Raskin suggests women focus on the upper and mid back, shoul-ders and chest muscles. This will sup-port their shifting weight, help maintain posture and strengthen the muscles that support the spine, she says. Women should also strengthen the pelvic oor muscles by drawing them in and up with

Kegal exercises.Rose Willard does this. Now 14

weeks pregnant, the personal trainer has altered her routine to prepare for the road ahead. I start with a ve-min-ute warm up on the elliptical trainer, followed by weight trainingusing less weights and more repetitions than be-foreto strengthen both my upper and lower body, she says. I then do trans-verse abdominal exercises to stabilize my spine and end with another fteen minutes of cardio, making sure my heart rate doesnt exceed the recommended 140 beats per minute. To strengthen the pelvic oor and PC muscles, I also do Ke-gal exercises.

These days Clark-Fields is focusing more on back and abdominal muscles to ease back pain and prepare for labor. In addition to the back and ab equipment I use at the gym, I do a lot of balancing poses and planks to strengthen my abs and back. I also do cat stretches, down-ward dogs and some gentle side-to-side

Benefi ts of prenatal exerciseExercising at least 30 minutes each day provides women with uncompli-cated pregnancies with a variety of benefi ts. Before engaging in exercise, consult your physician.

+Reduces backaches, constipation, bloating and swelling.

+May help prevent or treat gestational diabetes.

+Increases energy.

+Improves your mood.

+Improves posture.

+Promotes muscle tone, strength and endurance.

+Help you sleep better.

+May improve you ability to cope with the pain of labor.

+May make it easier to return to your pre-pregnancy shape. Proper continued on page 27

419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 212-213-8840 Fax 212-447-7734

ProoF ProoF

Please call or fax your comments and/or oK.

SigNAture oF APProvAl:

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Teaneck DentistDrs. Bloch, Gertler and FrohlichGeneral Dentistry100 State St., Teaneck, NJ 07666www.teaneckdentist.com

Checkup Party! Sunday, September 7, 2008, 8:50 AM to 1 PM

64 kids, 8 hygienists, 4 doctors,1 magician, tons of giveaways!

Dont miss it! call today! 201-837-3000

If you have been to our office, you have seen the collages of happy faces of Checkup Parties past.Checkup Parties always fill up early, so call today to make sure your family is not left out.

419 Park Avenue South, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10016 212-213-8840 Fax 212-447-7734

ProoF ProoF

Please call or fax your comments and/or oK.

SigNAture oF APProvAl:

to: FAx #

From: iSSue DAte:

Teaneck DentistDrs. Bloch, Gertler and FrohlichGeneral Dentistry100 State St., Teaneck, NJ 07666www.teaneckdentist.com

Checkup Party! Sunday, September 7, 2008, 8:50 AM to 1 PM

64 kids, 8 hygienists, 4 doctors,1 magician, tons of giveaways!

Dont miss it! call today! 201-837-3000

If you have been to our office, you have seen the collages of happy faces of Checkup Parties past.Checkup Parties always fill up early, so call today to make sure your family is not left out.

Sunday, March 15, 8:50 am to 1 pm

Checkup Parties always fi ll up early, so call today to make

sure your family is not left out.See our video on YouTube!

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Gifts and Toys for Baby and Mom


We know that your baby is way cuter than anything that you can buy him or her. But still, we got a kick out of some of these items that are too cute for words.

Infant goodies at Marcias Attic For Kids in Englewood include a selection of su-per soft cardigans and blankets made cozy yarn for infants, bibs with fun say-

ings, burpee blankets in great patterns, cashmere blend hoodies and the cutest shoe-looking socks. Marcias Attic for Kids in Englewood. www.marciasattic-forkids.com.

At CarlyzCraze in Teaneck, your little one may not say too much yet, so you can let the onesie do the talking. The fashion emporium carries a wide variety of Sara Kety Baby and Kids Funny One-zees. CarlyzCraze, in Teaneck. www.car-

lyzcraze.com.Now this one is a keeper. These

delicate infant kippahs are designed for a brit milah or a baby boy at temple services. Hand crocheted they include strings that tie to keep them in place. The Tallis Lady, in Glen Rock. www.thet-allislady.com.

Teaneck General Store offers gifts and toys for little ones and big ones. They have playful Hebrew Teaneck lo-

gos on clothing and other items and games galore. Teaneck General Store in Teaneck. www.teaneckgeneralstore.com

Yarndezvous offers scrumptious yarns and patterns to handcraft baby clothes, accessories, toys, and blan-kets. They carry a large selection of natural bers and hand-dyed yarns. Stop in for personalized instruction and classes. Yarnezvous in Teaneck. www.yarndezvous.com.

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M I C H E L E K L E I N

Ashkenazi Jews in the shtetl believed that proud talk when a pregnancy was barely established would invite catastrophe. Like other Jews, they

feared the evil eye, expecting it to do harm when their affairs were prospering.

In contrast, Sephardic Jews have often celebrated a first pregnancy. This celebration has been named kortadura de fashadura (in Judeo-Spanish) or tekti a el-gdaouere (in Judeo-Arabic), meaning the cutting of the swaddling clothes. The ceremonial cutting of a cloth to make the babys first costume, which is the same for a girl or a boy, is an old Sephardic custom still continued by some Jews in Istanbul.

When a Jewish woman reaches the fifth month of her first pregnancy, her family invites all her female relatives and in-laws, as well as friends and neighbors. Liqueurs and chocolates, tea, cakes, and sugared al-monds are set out on the best china, on hand-embroi-dered tablecloths. The cloth is of excellent quality and traditionally comes from the expectant womans dowry. A relative who herself is a mother and whose own par-ents are still alive good omen for long life receives the honor of making the first cut in the cloth. At the moment of the cut, the pregnant woman throws white sugared almonds on the cloth, to symbolize the sweet and prosperous future she wishes for her child.

Algeria and MoroccoSephardic Jews in Algeria and Morocco celebrated the cutting of the first layette when a woman was in the last trimester of her first pregnancy. The pregnant womans parents provided lengths of cloth on a copper tray cov-ered with a silk scarf. In Algeria, the person who made the first cut was similarly a woman whose parents were still alive and who clearly lived in a happy home. In Mo-rocco, the midwife cut the cloth into swaddling clothes in the presence of women friends and relatives who of-fered their good wishes and shared tea and cakes.

KurdistanJewish women in Amadiya, Kurdistan, in the early 20th century, also celebrated a first pregnancy. When a young woman was certain that she had conceived, she went to her fathers house, where her mother and female relatives sewed clothes for the expected baby. They bestowed the honor of making the sheets for the cradle on an old woman who had delivered many ba-bies. The women invited musicians, sang and danced, and offered the mother-to-be tidbits of advice about childbearing. In the evening, they prepared a feast for the men in the husbands house.

Yemen and AdenJews in Yemen and Aden prepared clothes for the new-born in the seventh month of a womans pregnancy, but without ceremony. It was customary to conceal preg-nancy from the public eye for as long as possible, and each woman sewed what she would need for her own baby.

Modern TraditionsUnlike the bat mitzvah at puberty and the wedding, which both mark a change in status; no Jewish ritual marks the new role of becoming a mother. Some women have sought to create a new ceremony, in the style of a Jewish ritual, to express their feelings of spirituality and Jewish identity at this milestone in their lives.

For example, one woman chose Rosh Chodesh,

How Jewish Pregnancies Are Celebrated around the World the first day of the new moon, a day when women have abstained from heavy work, as a good time for a preg-nancy ritual at home. In this ceremony, she recited benedictions over candles and had a challah and sweet wine as well as special blessings for the occasion, just as in other Jewish celebrations. She also incorporated symbolism into the celebration, with motifs of fertility and birth.

For most Jewish women outside the Orthodox tra-dition, childbearing is no longer a foregone conclusion, but is now a particular stage in life, reached after con-

scious decision making. In such a ceremony, a woman acknowledges her responsibility for creating a new life, prepares herself to accept her new role, and commits herself to fulfilling it within the framework of Judaism, just as she may have done at her wedding or at her bat mitzvah.

Reproduced from A Time to Be Born: Customs and Folklore of Jewish Birth by Michele Klein by permission of the University of Nebraska Press. Copyright 1998 by Michele Klein. Published by the Jewish Publication Society, Philadelphia.

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J E N N I F E R E D E N

If you ask me what I remember most vividly from the first few months of months of each of my four chil-drens lives, Id love to be able to tell you that I recall

the supple feel of their new, smooth skin, their big blue eyes staring at me in fresh, daily wonder and the peace-ful, almost imperceptible way their tiny backs rose and settled as they slept.

Id like to tell you all of that, but, in truth, what is sharpest in my mind to this very day is the around-the-clock nursing, the constant hovering over a stove watching bottles and breast pump parts bob around in

hot water, the desperate freezer searches for bags of stored breast milk.

Feeding babies is a full-time job and it requires phys-ical and mental stamina. And, unless youre straight-up breastfeeding 100 percent of the time, it also requires some non-toxic know-how. Dont be concerned if the following is all news to you; any step you take going forward will benefit your baby in very important ways.

So, without further ado because, in about 10 min-utes, someones going to be wailing for liquid eats an informative and practical guide to safely feeding your soft skinned, wide-eyed, little one.

Choosing a safe baby bottle has become a loaded issue, what with myriad conversations about how plas-tics pollute our bodies and the world. The big topic for a long time was BPA Bisphenol A a known endo-crine disruptor. Found in the bodies of 98 percent of Americans, its a worrisome synthetic chemical thats tough to avoid.

Most baby bottles havent been made with BPA for some years and the U.S. government officially banned BPA from bottles in 2012. So, problem solved? Not so fast. There have been quite a few studies done about regrettable substitutions, chemicals that have re-placed BPA but have either little health data or simi-larly concerning data, as well as reports, including this one from Mother Jones, which indicate that many other plastics, including the so called safe plastics, leach synthetic estrogens, which can affect many aspects of development.

Whats a new mama to do? Two words: Go glass. And two more words: Go Stainless. Glass and stainless steel are as safe as you can get and the baby market is crawling with brands that make this an easy buy. Born Free, Weego Baby and Lifefactory are just some of the companies that offer glass bottles wrapped in silicone sleeves. These bottles can last a long time, but should be checked regularly for chips or cracks. Klean Kanteens child line, Kid Kanteen, makes stainless steel bottles, as does organickidz. Silicone nipples should top them all off.

What about what you put in those bottles? If youre buying powdered or concentrated formula for regular use or supplementation, you have to mix it with water, but these days, options for water types flood our lives. Its a good idea to talk to your childs pediatrician early on to get information about your local water quality and whats normally recommended in your area.

According to the CDC, cold tap water, run for sever-al minutes first, can be used to make infant formula, but because of concerns about mild fluorosis (white spots on permanent teeth), babies who are fed formula exclu-sively should have their formula alternately mixed with fluoride-free bottled water, often labeled as de-ionized, purified, demineralized, or distilled. A good option is Gerber Pure Water.

In addition, The American Academy of Pediatrics more conservatively recommends that sterile water be used for infant formula, at least for the first few months, which often means boiling water for no more than one minute and letting it sit for thirty seconds before use.

In either of the above cases, tap water should be filtered, especially for infants. Brita makes effective car-bon filters, which are appropriate for many water sup-plies, and now offers stainless steel pitchers as well.

GE also makes carbon filters, including faucet mount and under-sink filters, as well as reverse osmosis fil-tration systems which are important for certain water sources. For more detailed information, check out the Environmental Working Groups Water Filter Buying Guide, which provides information about specific con-taminants and the filters best suited to reduce those contaminants.

Nursing moms have a few choices of their own to make. While milk straight from the breast is best in terms of vitamins, bacteria-killing properties and fat content, expressed milk has a place in our busy lives. Two popular breast pump companies, Medela and Hy-geia, make BPA-free breast pumps and accessories. Hy-geia prides itself on its eco friendly breast pumps that can be reused or recycled. Medela has responded to the call for plastic-free products by offering up certain glass pump parts, as well as glass bottles for pumping and storage.

And, speaking of storage, because breast milk can last in the refrigerator for five to eight days and in the back of a self-contained freezer for three to six months, both are good options for keeping milk on hand. Years ago, my freezer was filled with BPA-free plastic storage bags from Medela, but, if I was pumping away today, Id more often use glass bottles or glass storage contain-ers, like these from weangreen.com.

When thawing and warming breast milk, avoid the microwave, as it can heat the milk unevenly and pull out nutrients. Bags of breast milk should be thawed overnight in the fridge, transferred to a non-toxic bot-tle, and then held under warm water. Glass bottles and containers can also be put in the fridge or placed di-rectly from the freezer into a bowl of warm water.

While the cycle of feeding/pumping/storing might have you running for a bed as soon as baby conks out, theres still one more thing you have to do: clean it all up. If you live in an area with a safe water supply, you only need to sterilize your bottles and breast pump parts before the first use, by boiling them for five min-utes in a pot of water or running them through an entire dishwasher cycle on the top rack. After that, however, you can regularly clean all the supplies in warm water with a non-toxic dish soap. My favorite is Better Lifes Dish it Out, but any mild plant-based soap that is free from synthetic chemicals will do the trick.

Jennifer Eden is a mother of four, a green living advocate and a home detox expert. This story was adapted from a blog on her website, www.jenerationeden.com.

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Pick the Right Camp for the Right Child

D E N I S E M O R R I S O N Y E A R I A N

Summer day camp is a place where children can learn new skills, ac-quire new interests and make new

friends. But there is no one-size-fits-all camp. To find the right day camp for your child consider these tips.

Consider your childTalk it over and narrow the options based on your childs interests and needs. Find out what he wants from the experience and together make a list of things he might like to do. Also consider his developmental needs. Is he ready for an all-day program? Would he be more comfortable in an intimate versus large group setting? If your child likes sports but has shown some interest in drama or art, encourage him to step out of his comfort zone. It may just spark a new passion.

Gather informationAttend camp fairs, or pick up a local camp guide copy. Circle programs of in-terest then comparison shop. Call each prospective camp to inquire about phi-losophy, daily schedule and other top-ics important to you. Invest this time up front and you may find a camp to stay with for several years.

Traditional or specialtyWhen choosing between a traditional versus specialty program, consider this rule of thumb: The younger the child, the more varied the activities should be. Children between the ages of 7 and 11 thrive in a setting where they can sample a variety of subjects. As their at-tention span develops, they may want to focus on a single activity. If you go with a specialty camp, find out how intense the program is.

Look at locationFind a camp close to your job or home to shorten travel time and allow quick access to your child in an emergency. Convenience, however, shouldnt be the primary factor. Balance your deci-sion with what the camp has to offer. If your child really wants to participate in a given camp, consider your willingness to drive out of the way. Or see if theres a neighbor you can carpool with.

Ponder program lengthProgram length should be viewed in light of the family and childs needs. If your schedule dictates him having to stay a full day ask about before- and after-care. If hes younger, find out about naps or quiet times. Its also important to find

out who runs the before- and after-care program. Is it the same staff your child has all day? What activities will he be en-gaged in during this time?

Scout out schedulesBefore enrolling, ask about the daily schedule. What themes and related ac-tivities are planned? Will there be field trips or special guests coming in to keep camp exciting and extend theme-based learning? Will your camper receive any reading, writing or math experiences? Done properly, kids can enjoy games and activities that keep those academic skills sharp. Also look at resources the camp has to offer and inquire how often your child will participate in them.

Ask about staffFind out how staff and counselors are chosen, their experience, background, age and training, as well as counselor-to-camper ratio. The American Camping Associations day camp recommenda-tions are 1-6 for ages 4 to 5, 1-8 for ages 6 to 8, 1-10 for ages 9 to 14 and 1-12 for ages 15 to 17. Also ask how counsel-ors are screened and what background checks are done.

Consider costsCompare program costs and find out what the fees actually cover. Some camps include field trips, materials, meals and t-shirts into their initial fee; with others its an add-on. Also find out the camps refund policy and rules regarding trans-fer of weeks if your plans change or your child gets sick. If the camp is out of your price range, is a scholarship or financial assistance available?

Explore open housesVisiting an open house can get children acclimated to the environment and give you a better perspective of the staff, fa-cilities and activities. Is the staff smiling and friendly? Do they immediately bond with the children? Are the facilities well maintained, clean, and free of safety hazards?

Peruse policiesEliminate future problems by reviewing the camps policies and procedures be-fore you sign up. You dont want to learn after the fact that your child cant turn on his cell phone or that drop-off and pick-up policies differ from what you thought. Share pertinent information with your child too, so there are no sur-prises on his end.

Denise Morrison Yearian is a former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.

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Debora K. Geller, M.D.Pediatric and Adult Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

Ah-Choo! Spring into Allergy Attack Season


Seasonal allergies for children are nothing to sneeze at.

While the spring season offers the opportunity for the great outdoors, a time when children can nally go out and play and families can breathe the fresh air, its onset also means sneez-ing, coughing, itchy and watery eyes for about 1 in 5 children who suffer from seasonal allergies.

We consulted some medical experts to ask them how to navigate the allergy season. Dr. Debora Geller is a pediatric and adult allergist and immunologist in Emerson, Dr. Ziv Harish is an allergist and immunologist in Englewood and Dr. Marjorie Slankard is the director of Aller-gy & Immunology at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood.

About Our Children: How does a parent know the difference between a cold and allergies?

Dr. Ziv Harish: Allergic symptoms are characterized by itchiness, nasal and or eye itchiness, whereas with a cold there is frequently fever associated with it. Also, children who have allergies, their symptoms will recur with exposure to allergens such as pets and pollen. Colds usually occur in the winter when many classmates in the winter when many classmates are also af icted with similar symptoms.

About Our Children: What are the best treatments for allergies?

Dr. Debora Geller: There are very good over-the-counter as well as pre-scription medications available for al-lergies. Antihistamines both oral, intra-nasal and ocular work very well. Nasal steroids are very good especially for those with more severe symptoms. Al-lergy shots are very effective for those who are not well controlled with allergy medication.

About Our Children: Is there any way to prevent a bad allergy attack?

Dr. Majorie Slankard: Preventing an allergy attack by avoiding and limit-ing exposure is the best way to head off a bad episode. Keep windows and doors closed and use air conditioning to lter out pollen. Pollen is sticky and will adhere to skin and clothes so bathe and shampoo your childs hair before bedtime. Limit outdoor activities when pollen is at its peak, usually 6 to 10 a.m. with a smaller peak from 4 to 7 p.m. Have your child wear sunglasses and a hat when out of doors.

About Our Children: Can allergies in children be outgrown?

Dr. Ziv Harish: 20 to 30 percent of children with environmental allergies

may outgrow them or experience a de-crease in the severity of symptoms by age 20 to 30. Regarding food allergies, 80 percent of children with allergy to milk and eggs outgrow these allergies by age 15, however, only about 20 percent out-grow allergy to peanuts in their lifetime.

About Our Children: Have there been any breakthrough in treatments for children?

Dr. Debora Geller: For the treat-ment of environmental allergies medica-tions that are available are pretty much the same antihistamines, steroids, leu-kotriene modi ers such as montelukast and allergy immunotherapy. Most re-cently sublingual immunotherapy has become available for grass and ragweed allergy for those individuals not inter-ested or able to pursue subcutaneous immunotherapy or allergy shots. With sublingual immunotherapy a daily tab-let is taken prior to the onset of grass and or ragweed allergy season to mod-ify symptoms. Unfortunately we do not have a tablet available for tree allergy, which is the main pollen group causing spring symptoms in our area. There is always new research going on for the treatment of food allergies at this point avoidance and the availability of Epi-nephrine containing devices is what we can recommend for those known to have life threatening food allergies.

About Our Children: Is there any-thing else youd like to add?

Dr. Marjorie Slankard: There are several foods; especially fruits and veg-etables that cross-react with certain pol-lens. The most common is for the child (or adult) with birch tree pollen allergy, in which 20 percent of individuals will become allergic.

To cross-reacting fruits and vege-tables, mostly the pitted fruits (apples, peaches, etc.), but also almond and hazelnuts. The allergy shots may also help with this according to several publications.


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Camper 2016 Day

Be a Ramahnik for a Day!

Camp Tours and Info Sessions for Parents

Mini Camp Day for Prospective Campers

Meet Our Outstanding Staff

Enjoy a BBQ Lunch

Call 201-871-7262 (Before June 15th)

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Camper 2016 DaySunday, July 12, 2015 11:00 am - 1:30 pm

For prospective campers and families interested in Kayitz 2016

Register online www.ramahberkshires.org/camper2016

About Our Childrens Guide to Summer CampsDAY CAMPSAll About Me, Inc.555 Palisade Ave., Cliffside Park, NJ225 Edgewater Road, Cliffside Park, NJ5 Legion Drive, Cresskill, NJ19 Emerson Plaza East, Emerson, NJ201-945-0266, 201-945-0234, 201-569-9112, 201-634-8622Ages: Up to 9 years oldSession dates: June 22 Sept. 4, 2015All About Me Summer Camp offers an extensive variety of fun to its campers. From arts & crafts to T-shirt making, color war, daily picnics and ceramics, children will never be bored. Come join us for our Friday theme parties. All About Me know how to have fun in the sun with our sprin-klers. We also offer sign language and movement, music class, gym and yoga. Please see our ad on page 18.

Camp Gan Israel315 N. Main StreetNew City, NYPhone: 845-634-0951Fax: 845-634-7704www.cgirockland.orgAges: 3 12Sessions: June 29 24; July 27 August 20, 2015Give your child the summer of a lifetime at Camp Gan Israel. Warm and professional staff. Swim instruction in our beautiful heated outdoor pool. Exciting trips, sports, and imagination lab, game room, baking, and more. Air-conditioned facility. Indoor gym. A trusted name in Jew-ish camping. Please see our ad on page 18.

Camp KookooskoosTeaneck Community Education Center201 Fycke Ln.Teaneck, NJPhone 201-833-5514Fax 201-837-9468www.teaneckschools.orgGrades K-8June 29 August 7Counselor to Camper Ratio K-4 1:6Counselor to Camper Ratio Grades 5-8 1:5Our goal is to provide a summer experience that offers enrichment, personal growth, and fun in a safe, nurtur-ing environment. Swimming, sports, theater, dance, spe-cial events, trips. Extended day available. Kosher avail-able. See our ad on page 16.

Camp Veritans225 Pompton RoadHaledon, NJPhone: 973-956-1220Fax: 973-956-5751www.campveritans.comAges/Grade: 4 Years 10th gradeDates: June 20 August 21Counselor to Camper Ratio: 1:5Camp Veritans, a Jewish day camp located in Haledon, is a camp for children entering pre-K through 10th grade. We offer a variety of fantastic activities on our beautiful 64 acre campus including Red Cross swim instruction, amaz-ing sports, creative arts, ropes/challenge course, in addi-tion to daily hot kosher catered lunches, transportation and so much more. Specialized Trip & Travel program for 8th and 9th graders and a comprehensive CIT program for our 10th graders. Please see our ad on page 16.

Gan Yaldenu & Gan Yaldenu Tots85 Copley AvenueTeaneck, NJ160 Woodbine StreetBergenfi eld, NJPhone: 201-801-0291, 201-385-7500www.ganyaldenu.com & www.ganyaldenutots.comGrades/Ages 2 5 yrs. & 0 5 yrs.Dates: June 29th August 21Counselor to camper ratio: 1 to 58-week program with extended hours and extended weeks available. Weekly themes, which include fi eld

trips, special visitors, swimming, arts & crafts, cooking, music & movement, Shabbat parties, sports, science & special events. Large outdoor facilities with in-ground pool, lunch picnic area, sandbox, tricycles, jungle gyms and grassy sports area. Please see our ad on page 19.

The Neil Klatskin Day CampKaplen JCC on the Palisades411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafl y, NJPhone: 201-567-8963or [email protected]: 3 11Dates: Mon Fri, June 29 Aug 21, 9 a.m. 4 p.m. (shorter days available for preschoolers; extended care available)

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THOMAS JEFFERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL

Camp KookooskoosJune 29-August 7 2 0 1 5

KosherLunch &SnacksAvailable

Registration now open!Contact us by phone or email

Call [email protected]

8:30am to 4:30pmExtended hours available!

NKDC offers a summer of adventure and nonstop fun. Our beautiful 21-acre cam-pus in Tenafly and 600-acre campus in Alpine provide the perfect backdrop for your camper to enjoy the outdoors, learn new skills, make new friends and explore their personal interests. With dynamic, age-appropriate programming including sports, Red Cross instructional and rec-reational swim, art, drama, music, Judaic programming, fun theme days and much more, your camper will be sure to have an incredible summer to remember. JCC membership required.

Camp Dream Street:The Pearl Seiden Summer Programfor Children with Cancer and other Blood DisordersKaplen JCC on the Palisades411 E. Clinton Ave.Tenafly, NJPhone: Contact Lisa at 201-408-1455or [email protected]: 4 14Dates: Mon Fri, Aug 24 28, 9:30 a.m. 3 p.m.A special free camp experience serving the social needs of children with cancer and other blood disorders. Activities in-clude arts and crafts, sports, dance, na-ture, krav maga, baking, music, swimming and entertainment. Round-trip transpor-tation, light breakfast and a delicious lunch are provided each day. Siblings are invited to participate. Sponsored by the Dream Street Foundation, Childrens Hos-pital of New York Presbyterian, Tomor-rows Childrens Institute of Hackensack University Medical Center, St. Josephs Children Hospital, Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, Beatman Foundation, Pearls Girls, Teen Philanthropy Institute, Team Ko-Jo the Kollender and Rubach Fami-lies, Jennas Rainbow Foundation, and RD Legal Funding, LLC.

Kindercamp at the Bergen County YJCC605 Pascack RoadTownship of Washington, NJPhone: 201-666-6610Fax: 201-664-7518www.yjcc.orgGrades/Ages served: Ages 2, 3, 4Dates: June 29-August 21, 4-, 6-, and 8-week sessionsCounselor to Camper Ratio: Varies by ageOngoing registrationIts a real camp experience for nursery school-age children. Kindercamp in-cludes theme weeks like beach party, pirates and rock-n-roll, special events in-cluding animal visits and a magician, out-door water fun and indoor swim lessons, gym, music, ponies, nature, art and more. Lunch is included; YJCC membership not required. For information, contact Wen-dy Fox, Kindercamp director, at 201-666-6610, ext. 5820, [email protected]. Please see our ad on page 13.

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Camp RamahP.O. Box 515Wingdale, NY845-832-6622; 201-871-7262www.ramahberkshires.orgCamp Ramah in the Berkshires, located in Duchess County, N.Y., provides transfor-mative summer experiences for Jewish youth grades 4 through 11. Its 200- acre

site boasts a beautiful lake and first-class sport facilities. The Ramah experience is rich and varied, combining creative and stimulating programming in arts, athlet-ics, music, outdoor adventure and infor-mal Jewish education. Children are able to grow and learn in a nurturing Jewish environment surrounded by life-long friends and spirited role models. Camp Ramah in the Berkshires is infused with traditions and values of Conservative Judaism and celebrating its 52nd year. Please see our ad on page 15.

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PROGRAMS FOR TEENSTeen Adventures Travel CampKaplen JCC on the Palisades411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly, NJPhone: 201-408-1470Grades: 7 10, June 29 July 31An exciting five-week program for teens that features daily trips to amusement parks, beaches, baseball games, trips into Manhattan and more! This summer, the program will feature two community service days every week, a two-night trip to Hershey Park, and an amazing extend-ed trip to Orlando, Florida. Contact Alex-is at 201-408-1470 or [email protected].

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ENRICHMENT CAMPS

Big Time Sports Broadcasting Camp1420 Walnut Street, Suite 605Philadelphia, PAPhone: 800-319-0884www.playbyplaycamps.comBoys & Girls Ages 10 18The Sports Broadcasting Camp is located on the campus of Montclair State College in Montclair this summer is celebrating its 10th year. Learn from the pros. Meet sports celebrities; make play-by-play, sports anchor, and reporting tapes. Par-ticipate in mock sports talk radio and PTI-style shows, and much more. Please see our ad on page 19.

Fashion KO-Lab15 Leroy St. #9New York, NY917-509-6181www.fashionko-lab.comAges: 10 18Sessions in New York: June 29 July 3; July 6 July 10; July 13 July 17.Counselor to camper ratio: 1 to 5Fashion KO-Lab is a teen fashion day camp. We offer weeklong sessions start-ing June 29 through August 7. Our camps are located in New York City and Los Angeles. During the week, campers will be taught by industry leaders how to create their identity, tell their story, and create a line and/or blog of their dreams. Throughout the week, campers are work-ing on their own projects. At the end of each five-day camp, campers will pres-ent their finished projects to the class, parents, and media. Please see our ad on page 15.

Explorers-STEM Middle School Academic CampRamapo College505 Ramapo Valley RoadMahwah, NJPhone: 201-684-7370Fax: 201-684-7277www.ramapo.edu/ramapocampsGrades: Entering 7th and 8th grades; entering 6th grades by recommendation only

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REGISTERING NOW FOR ALL SESSIONS

JULY 6 - 24, 2015First Session

Second SessionAUGUST 3 - 21, 2015

1 Depot Square, Englewood, NJ

*Tuition Includes Lunch & Snacks**After Camp Care Available For Fee

(201) [email protected]

CHESS SUMMER DAY CAMP

185 Court Street Teaneck, NJ 201-833-17419-10 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ 201-797-0330

www.icanj.net [email protected]

One of the worlds oldest an most popular games!At the ICA, we o er private, group, and after-school lessons. Students

of all levels are welcome, from beginner to master. We host

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quali ed for the World Youth Championships! With lessons

6 days a week in two locations.

See website www.icanj.net for schedule and pricing.

June 22 thru August 28 (10 weeks)(sign up for any number of weeks)

Open to kids from age 6 to 16 Our goal is to foster an environment of learning and fun

We promise a 5:1 student-teacher ratio Prizes and trophies for tournaments and competitions

Camp T-shirts and FUN!!!Full day also includes:

Creative art projects Guitar, Piano and Drum lessonsStudent band performs once a week

Sessions: Session 1 from July 6 17; Session 2 from July 20 31, Session 3 from August 3 14Program focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) learning activities such as robotics, rock-etry, and virtual science labs. For enter-ing 7th and 8th graders, explore STEM topics that advance problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork abilities. Please see our ad on page 19.

International Chess Academy9-10 Saddle River RoadFair Lawn, NJPhone: 201-797-0330185 Court St.Teaneck, NJPhone: 201-833-1741www.icanj.netAges: 6 16Summer Day Camp: Accepting registra-tion. Learn to play chess, one of the worlds oldest and most popular games. We offer private, group, and after-school lessons. Students of all levels are wel-come, from beginner to master. We host world-renowned international coaches and our students have qualifi ed for the World Youth Championships. With les-sons 6 days a week in two locations. See website www.icanj.net for schedule and pricing. Please see our ad on page 17.

International Ivy11 Locations in North JerseyParamus, Oakland, RingwoodPhone: 855-678-6335www.iisummer.comWeekly sessions: full day or half dayAges: 5 14Summer Enrichment Program. Interna-tional Ivy offers creative, hands-on and intellectually stimulating learning expe-riences during the summer. Summer is a great time to explore, meander, stretch the imagination and lose oneself in do-ing something fun. Our ultimate goal is to help our students fi nd their passion. Once they fi nd it, they are self-motivated to learn and explore further. We offer classes across many disciplines to satis-fy the diverse interests and talents of the children we serve. There are more than fi fty classes to choose from in technol-ogy, science, performing arts, visual arts, math, business, sports, recreation and even construction. Please see our ad on page 18.

Montclair State UniversityGifted and Talented Summer Camp1 Normal Ave.Montclair, NJPhone: 973-655-4104Fax: 973-655-7895www.Montclair.edu/giftedAges: Students who have completed K-11Counselor to Camper Ratio: 1:10Sessions I: June 29 July 17, 2015(no class July 3)Session II: July 20 August 7, 2015The summer program provides high-achieving students, in grades 1 11, the opportunity to immerse themselves in an educational environment focusing on mathematics, science, technology, fi ne and performing arts, English and the hu-manities, as well as enjoying activities such as swimming and tennis. The sum-mer course schedule and application will be available in February. Registration deadline for Session I: May 17; Session II is June 14. Please see our ad on page 11.

Ramapo College Summer Academic & Life Skills Camps for H.S. StudentsRamapo College505 Ramapo Valley RoadMahwah, NJPhone: 201-684-7370Fax: 684-7277www.ramapo.edu/ramapocampsGrades: 9th 12thSession: Varying July August datesRamapo College Summer Academic & Life Skills Camps for H.S. Students en-tering grades 9-12 offers Band & Choir Camp, CompTIA A+, Financial Literacy/Stock Market Trading, Game Design, and Self Defense. Plus, Princeton Review SAT Prep Plus College Immersion for entering 11th 12th graders. Please see our ad on page 19.

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ARTS, PERFORMANCE AND MUSIC CAMPS

Art for Learning, LLCEnglewood area, [email protected]://www.artforlearning.com/201-503-9796Art grades 1-10Fashion grades 4-11Teen Travel grades 7-11Weekly Programs: June 29-August 28Programs include various age appropri-ate levels of Impressionist, Modern, Co-lonial and Victorian Art. Other programs are taught for specifi c age groups, like Art of China and Japan, Mosaic and Glass Art, Princess Experience. All art programs are taught based on history and sociol-ogy, music and poetry of time is some-times introduced. Excerpts from books are required for the Jewish Immigrant Experience, and Greek and Roman Art, which are based on Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief book. Younger kids programs focus on dinosaurs and fi sh, African zoo animals and farm animals. Each art program includes two trips to related venues like the Metropolitan Mu-seum followed by art lessons in Central Park, Victorian mansions, Ellis Island, etc. Fashion programs begin from design concept through retail, with trips to the garment district showrooms, meetings with fashion designers, marketing, and merchandising experts, lectures at FIT, and more. Kids have the chance to create fashion-related artwork and products. Teen Travel includes fi ve days of visits to NBC Studios, Empire State Building Skyride, Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, Madame Tussauds, and more! Discount offered for early enrollment.

Art of Excellence StudioArtist, Rina GoldhagenDates: July and AugustAges 7 Adult201-248-4779www.artofexcellencestudio.comThemed Arts and Crafts camps available in July and August. You can email inqui-ries to [email protected]. Ongoing lessons and portfolio classes available. Unlock your creative self with classes in drawing and watercolor. Please see our ad on page 12.

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Bounce U70 Eisenhower DriveParamus, NJ 07652201-843-5880 www.bounceU.com/paramusCreate and Bounce Art CampDate: July 7 thru August 27, 2015Time: 9 a.m. 3 p.m.A little bit of exercise goes a long way to-ward inspiring your artists minds. Boun-ceUs Create and Bounce program gives kids a chance to enjoy physical activity and creative time in equal doses, offering an experience thats healthy, mentally en-gaging and seriously fun. Complete with lunch, snacks, and games, its a one-of-a-kind camp experience theyll never for-get. Please see our ad on page 13.

Cresskill Performing Arts300 Knickerbocker Road, Suite 1100Cresskill, NJPhone: 201-390-7513and 201-266-8830www.cresskillperformingarts.comAges: Toddlers-adults (studio)Ages: 3-teens (camp programs)April Break Performing Arts Mini Camp April 6 10. Half and full day camp avail-able. Dancing, Acting, Singing, Art/Crafts, Yoga and more. Be productive, busy, happy and challenged during the school break! Our expanded program includes Once Upon a Time (reading readiness/crafts class for age 4 7) and Kids Concoc-tions to Make and Take (designer crafts for age 8 and up). Activities include ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop, theater dance, voice/musical theater, acting, improv, fencing (sword fi ghting), choreography, on camera workshop and more! Cresskill Per-forming Arts teachers are extraordinary: on staff at top NYC studios; nominated for VMA awards, and in Cirque shows! Camp runs from June 29 through August 28, 2015. Register for one week, two, or all summer; we have camp for ages 3 through teens. Early drop-off and late pick-up helps working parents. Fencing Camp will be two weeks this summer the week of June 29 and the week of August 24. Beginners as well as more experienced fencers will get stronger and try all the weapons in our popular fencing experience! And our Creative Legos Workshops return for the month of July, for age 5 10. Please see our ad on page 12 .

Center Stage MusicalTheater CampKaplen JCC on the Palisades411 E. Clinton Ave.Tenafl y, NJPhone: Contact Deb at 201-408-1492or [email protected]: 4 9Of Princes, Beasts and Beauties Beauty and the Beast & Snow White are woven into a very funny version of Rogers and Hammersteins Cinderella Mon.-Fri., June 29-July 17, 9:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m., Show: Thur., 7/16, 5:15 p.m. Orientation/Place-ment day: Sun, June 28. An excellent op-portunity for students of all levels to ex-perience the fun of performing at a very high level. Ends with a Broadway style musical with sets, costumes, challenging dialogue, big musical numbers and solos for those who would like them. In the fi -nal gala production Of Princes, Beasts and Beauties the stories are intertwined so that the dwarfs work in the Beasts minds. Snow Whites family, Belles town and her castle friends all dance at Cinder-ellas Ball. Daily schedule includes work-

shops in acting, improvisation, stage combat, movement, singing, and end-of-the-day swim. Drama camp is available to members of all ages and nonmembers ages 10 and up. Contact Deb at 201-408-1492 or [email protected].

BergenPAC-JCC SummerPerformance IntensiveJoseph A. Baker, directorPhone: 201-408-1492Ages: 9 17Mon-Fri, July 6 2 4,9:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.NYC Performance: July 23, BergenPACs Cabaret Space and/or JCCs Eric Brown Theater Performance: July 24An exciting program for intermediate-advanced students that culminates in at least two performances. Professional skill development in singing, acting, sketch comedy and movement. This cabaret-style performance features favorite num-bers from Broadway musicals, sketch comedy, short scenes and popular rock songs as well as new pieces. Mr. Baker will bring in other Broadway colleagues as guest instructors. Students will be bussed to the JCC at 3:20 p.m. to swim in the outdoor pool. Joseph A. Baker is a successful Broadway music director and accompanist. Drama camp is available to members of all ages and nonmembers ages 10 and up. Interview/Audition re-quired. Extended day optional. Contact Deb at 201-408-1492 or [email protected].

Summer Dance IntensiveKaplen JCC on the Palisades411 E. Clinton Ave.Tenafl y, NJAges: 6-16Dates: Mon-Thurs, Aug 17-27,10:30 a.m. 3 p.m.Performance: Thurs, Aug 27, 5:30 p.m.Four days a week of dance technique in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz as well as an elective such as Hip Hop, Lyrical, Modern, Musi-cal Theatre, and Acrobatics. Improve your skill level, build strength, and gain more fl exibility while having a great time! All instructors are experienced choreog-raphers and teachers. Early morning and extended day available upon request. Dance Camp is available to members of all ages and nonmembers ages 11+. Con-tact Allyson at 201-408-1495 or [email protected].

Musical Explorers Summer CampKaplen JCC on the Palisades411 E. Clinton Ave.Tenafl y, NJPhone: 201-408-1465Ages: 3 5, Aug 24 28,9:15 a.m. 3 p.m.Summer is a time to create, explore and play. Children in our camp will become music investigators, discovering and building different instruments, learning to play the drums, singing their favorite songs, and using movement and games as a tool to learn to read music! In ad-dition to all of our musical discoveries, our young explorers will enjoy the water park and playground! Extended care is available. Contact the music school at 201.408.1465 or [email protected].

The Performing Arts SchoolSummer Camp1 Depot SquareEnglewood, NJPhone: 201-482-8194

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AboutOur

Childrens Guide to Summer Camps


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Fax: 201-482-8391bergenPAC.org/summerAges: 5 12Dates: July 6 July 24 andAug. 3 Aug. 21Counselor to camper ratio: 5:1Deadline for registration: May 31Theater games, music, dance, arts & crafts, with a final showcase on the ber-genPAC main stage. Every child will feel like a star. Please see our ad on page 17

Thurnauer Chamber Music CampKaplen JCC on the Palisades411 E. Clinton Ave.Tenafly, NJPhone: 201-408-1465Ages 8 18Dates: June 29 July 10,9:15 a.m. 3 p.m.Chamber Music Camp brings together tal-ented young musicians and an acclaimed faculty of artists and educators to ex-perience the joys of ensemble playing in an atmosphere of success and enjoy-ment. The camp accepts a select group of string players and pianists based on auditions, interviews and recommenda-tions. 1 and 2-week options available. Contact the music school at 201-408-1465 or [email protected].

FluteStars CampKaplen JCC on the Palisades411 E. Clinton Ave.Tenafly, NJNoelle Perrin, DirectorCall for dates, times and feesFluteStars is a two-day workshop for in-termediate and advanced flutists, which includes master class-style lessons, pri-vate practice time, and small and large ensemble rehearsals with an emphasis on developing musical expression, beautiful tone and refined technique. The rehearsal schedule is mixed with free time for social-izing and recreation. This exciting work-shop culminates with a final concert in which flutists perform their polished solos on stage for family and friends. Audition is required. All applicants must present one solo piece of their choice performed from memory. Auditions may be scheduled indi-vidually with camp director at [email protected].

,

SPECIAL NEEDS SUMMER PROGRAMS

Neil Klatskin Day Camp Tikvah ProgramKaplen JCC on the Palisades411 E. Clinton Ave.Tenafly, NJ201-567-8963Ages: 5 15Dates: June 29 Aug 21,9 a.m. 4 p.m. (extended care available)Children with special needs participate in a diverse full-day program including aca-demic remediation, adaptive physical ed-ucation, arts & crafts, drama, Red Cross instructional and recreational swim, Ju-daic programming, music, theme days, live entertainment, extended nights, carnivals, playground time, Shabbat and more. Group sizes range from 3 to 6 campers and are staffed by a minimum of two caring and qualified counselors. All prospective campers must receive an in-take interview. Contact the camp office at 201-567-8963 or [email protected].

Camp HaverimKaplen JCC on the Palisades411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly, NJPhone: 201-408-1489Ages: 3 21Dates: Aug 10 21, 9 a.m. 2: 45 p.m.Camp Haverim is a two-week camp de-signed for children and teens with autism and other cognitive and developmental delays, with sufficient communication and self-help skills, and attend 11 months of special schooling. Campers participate in social skills activities, swimming and water park activities, sports, yoga and adaptive physical education, academic enrichment, music and movement, art, and therapy dogs. Space is limited. Group sizes are between 4-8 campers. Priority is given to returning campers, Special Services program participants and JCC members. Intake interview required. Contact Shelley at 201-408-1489 or [email protected].

On Our OwnKaplen JCC on the Palisades411 E. Clinton Ave., Tenafly, NJPhone: 201-408-1489Ages: 15 30Dates: June 29 Aug 7, 9:30 a.m. 2: 30 p.m.This program is six-week life-skills, voca-tional and recreational program for teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental delays, including autism, with self-help skills to independently participate within a 1:3 staffing ratio. Ac-tivities include work experiences, weekly trips, swim, gym, music and dance. Door-to door transportation is available within a 15-mile radius in Bergen County only. Intake interview required. Contact Shel-ley at 201-408-1489 or [email protected].

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SPORTS PROGRAMS/CAMPS

Ice Vault Skating Arena10 Nevins DriveWayne, NJPhone: 973-628-1500www.icevault.comThe Ice Vault has various activities for kids of all ages. Public sessions, hockey clinics, hockey teams, figure skating, free-style, Learn to Skate programs. Birth-day parties are also available. Please check website for camp information.

Sports Camps at the Bergen County YJCC605 Pascack RoadTownship of WashingtonPhone: 201-666-6610Fax: 201-664-7518www.yjcc.orgGrades/Ages served: Nursery school- through middle school ageSession dates: June August, by the weekCost varies by programOngoing registrationSummer starts with sports camps for ages 2 5 in June, where the focus is hand-eye coordination, working together and lots of fun. In July and August, elementary- and middle school-age kids can partici-pate in one-week sessions of basketball camp and soccer camp. Sports camps are under the guidance of Jenny Jurjevic, YJCC Sports and Recreation Director. For more information, contact Jenny at 201-666-6610, ext. 5790, [email protected]. Please see our ad on page 8.


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Learn from the Pros Meet sports celebrities Make play-by-play &

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Band & Choir Camp July 1324

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How to Get Your Children to Listen to You

S L O V I E J U N G R E I S - W O L F F

Do you feel like youre talking to the wall when you speak to your children? How many times do you have to tell your children something before you

get them to listen to you?When parents repeat the same thing over and

over each day pick up your laundry, dont leave your shoes in middle of the hallway, do your home-work! stop bothering your sister or get into bed now! its no wonder you experience a sense of de-feat. Children tune us out. Teens and pre-teens test limits. And parents dont like dealing with the conse-quences, the discipline, and the negative emotions. Were stressed and tired, and think its simpler to just let things slide, forgetting that these issues will only grow larger. How can we be more effective in our parenting?

Here are five keys to create better listening in your home:

1. Dont be afraid that your children wont like you.When we fear our childrens anger and tantrums we hold back on discipline. The result is that our words are not taken seriously. Seeing unhappy children can make us feel unsuccessful as parents. We give in because we are afraid that our children wont like us or that they will voice opinions about us that are too painful to hear. Wanting happy homes and happy children, we surren-der. Instead of showing firmness, parents grow soft and respond to a child with Okay, five more minutes, one more cookie Our children have learned that with the right tone, tantrum, or pleading they win. Their silent treatment, tears and whining break our resolve. Of course they wont listen. Why should they? We have failed to communicate respect for our words. Toughen up. Stop being afraid that your kids wont like you. Theyll come to respect you.

2. Act. Dont React.How often do problems occur because we were not specific with our children or ignored a situation that got out of hand? When children understand what is expected from them we avoid confrontations and feel-ing as if we are not being listened to. For example: a grandmother I know told me that she was worried sick waiting up for her teenaged grandson who was staying with her on vacation in Florida. The moment he came home at 1 a.m. she screamed at him, called his parents and gave him a stiff punishment. When questioned, the grandmother informed me that all she had said to her grandson before he left was, Dont come home too late.

To this teen, no rules were broken; 1 a.m. is a nor-mal time to return.

How much pain would have been avoided if the adults in this family would have acted by setting clear limits and times instead of reacting to this boys late return? If only the rules would have been clearly ex-plained beforehand, confrontation and feelings of being ignored would never have occurred.

3. Dont Pyramid Parent

Allowing a child to perceive that it is him plus one par-ent against another parent is called pyramid parent-ing. One parent should never be thought of as the op-posing figure. When mother and father are not on the same side and one becomes allied with the child, both parents lose. The child observes division. He translates this as weakness. Respect and honor for parents be-come diminished as the child plays one parent against the other. Neither parent will be effective because the child knows that there will be discussions and even ar-guments when discipline comes into the picture. Par-ents who do not display a united front teach children that it is possible to divide and conquer. Children who recognize that their parents make decisions in harmo-ny will realize that it is unthinkable to go against one parents wishes or words and find support from an op-posing parent.

4. Say What You Mean and Mean What You SaySome parents spend half their life saying: If you push your brother one more time If you talk like that to me again but nothing changes. The child just does the same action again because he knows that we sim-ply give empty threats. True, some parents blow up, scream, yell, and get enraged. So what? Losing it does not mean that we are being effective. After a while, par-ents get tuned out. If you keep dealing with the same issue over and over again it is time to address it. Not by losing control. We cannot parent out of rage. Rath-er, we must think about effective discipline and follow through on our words. Mothers and fathers who lack consistency are perceived as weak.

5. Get Rid of the Distractions

If we are speaking to our children while having one eye on the screen in front of us, we fail to convey that we are serious about our relationship with them. I was recently asked: if you had one piece of parenting ad-vice to give, what would it be? I replied, Get off your phone. Look around. What do you see? I watch as fami-lies believe that they are spending quality time together but in reality everyone is either texting or checking Ins-tagram. We have lost a vital connection with our loved ones, especially our children.

After watching us speak to them with half an ear and half an eye they have come to realize that we are distracted parents. Our bodies may be present but our minds are absent. We are missing out and there is no way to make up for all the time and opportunity that have passed us by. When our sons and daughters see that they are indeed being looked at and heard, our relationship with them will reach a whole new level. For our words to be listened to, we must try to build a connection. Until we do, fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters, will be sitting next to one another but living worlds apart.

We have the ability to raise children who listen to our words. Parents who display a united front, are clear and consistent, and show children that they are a prior-ity will forge a relationship based on respect and deep love. The time to start is now.

Slovie Jungreis Wolff is a parenting coach and educator and the author of Raising a Child with Soul (St. Martins Press).

Reprinted with permission of Aish.com

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Its a Cookie! Its a Hamantaschen! Its Purim!

R A C H E L H A R K H A M

Hamantaschen are to Purim as latkes are to Chanu-kah and pumpkin pie is to Thanksgiving. That is to say it is a avorful and beloved part of the celebrations. Preparing, eat-ing, and gifting hamantaschen are a fun and traditional part of the Purim festivi-ties for many Jewish-American families. People wax enthusiastically about their favorite llings; a great-aunts great recipe; which ones are the best to buy and from where. For the baking-inclined, both nouveau and established foodie websites devote space to both tradi-tional, and new-fangled versions such as:

tie-dye and cappuccino, to name just a couple.

But heres my guilty confes-sion: I dont like ha

about our children, march 2015

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