It’s hard to believe that we’ve already entered the spring season (how is time flying by so quickly?). Before we know it, summer will be here—bringing with it that long three-month lull where kids crave constant entertainment at home.
If you’re looking for an experience that’ll keep your children active and engaged all summer long, the LA Clipper’s youth basketball program (known as Clippers Camps) offers an unforgettable experience across Southern California for boys and girls from six to 14 years old.
With sessions available in South Bay, Westside, Orange County, the Valley, and Los Angeles, this official Jr. NBA basketball camp helps players develop key skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. From teamwork and leadership to confidence and resilience, Clippers Camps provides a well-rounded learning environment for athletic and personal growth.
Keep reading to explore the top 10 skills your child can gain from attending this summer basketball camp, and discover why it’s never too early to start planning for a summer full of growth and development!
10 Life Skills Kids Can Gain from Basketball Camp
1. Discipline
Basketball camp provides the perfect environment for kids to develop discipline. The structured nature of the camp teaches big kids and little ones alike the importance of being punctual and on time, following instructions, and giving their best effort in every aspect of the game. These valuable qualities not only benefit them on the court but also in school and with their future dreams.
2. Friendship and community
Whether your kiddo is shy or a social butterfly, camps provide a supportive environment where every child can make new friends and feel a sense of belonging. Whether campers sign up with friends or siblings, or attend solo, they quickly find themselves surrounded by a welcoming and inclusive group.
At Clippers Camps, these tight-knit bonds also extend far beyond summertime. Players are always encouraged to return for multi-day camps during the fall, winter, or spring to improve their skills and reconnect with former campmates.
3. Perseverance
Basketball camp is more than just dribbling and shooting hoops; it’s a training ground for everyday challenges. At Clippers Camps, kids spend each day diving into the fundamental skills of basketball—ball-handling, passing, shooting, footwork, and defense—that help push them beyond their comfort zones. Through added competitions and supportive coaching, campers also have the chance to further cultivate a mindset of resilience, while honing their skills on the court.
4. Goal setting
If your child struggles with sticking to goals at home and in school, Clippers Camps can help. Camps are challenged to set specific, achievable goals and develop a plan to reach them, like improving their shooting accuracy or mastering a new move. This teaches players the importance of making a short- or long-term plan and sticking with it through the end.
5. Teamwork
Remember the old adage, “There’s no I in team”? With basketball camp, kids discover the importance of working together with teammates, communicating effectively, and understanding their role within a team dynamic. To further empathize the importance of working towards a common goal, Clipper Camps encourages and values parent and family input. This ensures coaches maintain fairness across teams as well as provide individual attention for each camper.
6. Responsibility
While kids gravitate towards Clipper Camps’ high-energy regimen, Jr. Clippers coaches make sure that every day also coupled with a sense of responsibility. From taking care of their giveaway jersey and keeping track of their equipment to being on time for drills and games, campers learn that their actions have consequences and that being responsible is to key to being a successful athlete and teammate.
7. Communication
Summer camps are all about helping kids flourish in all areas of life, including the ability to interact and collaborate with peers and adults alike. Whether they’re playing a game or completing a drill, campers practice a variety of communication skills with their teammates and coaches, like verbal cues, hand signals, and even non-verbal methods while on the court.
8. Leadership and problem solving
At Clippers Camps, children are mentored to take on leadership roles and develop their problem-solving skills. They learn to think on their feet and lead by example by leading a warmup, organizing a play, or motivating their teammates.
9. Confidence
Childhood is a crucial time for the development of confidence and self-esteem, and any organized sport or camp can help kids of all ages and stages believe in themselves. At basketball camp, coaches give constant encouragement and positive reinforcement, helping campers discover their abilities and realize their potential.
10. Remembering to have fun
Sure, skill-building is essential in any sports camp, but the importance of having fun ranks high above the rest. Kids learn that enjoying the game and having a great time is just as significant as improving how well they perform in a match.
Ready for your child to learn, grow, and have fun this summer with Clippers Camp? Secure your athlete’s spot today for the 2024 summer program across Southern California—including South Bay, Westside, Orange County, the Valley, and Los Angeles—for an experience that’ll shape their future!
If you’ve ever been lucky in love, you’ve likely experienced first-hand the butterfly flutters in your stomach when you meet your perfect match. While that first rush of physical attraction may fade, relationships that ultimately stand the test of time often share similar qualities that outlast the initial spark. We asked several leading experts to weigh in on the most powerful predictors behind long-term relationship success, and boy, did they deliver.
1. You lead with laughter.
Let’s face it: Life is messy, and laughter is often the glue that keeps things from completely falling apart. If you can laugh so hard that you chuckle-snort and your partner still finds you irresistibly adorable, then your relationship likely is on solid ground. According to Dr. Sara Algoe, professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and director of The Love Consortium, shared laughter is critical in a successful, lasting relationship. “It signals that you see the world in the same way. We found that people who shared laughter felt more connected than those who did not share laughter,” she says.
2. You fight fair.
Think respectful disagreements, not WWE smackdowns. Dr. John Gottman, world-renowned researcher on marital stability and divorce prediction and co-founder of The Gottman Institute, says a couple’s ability to resolve conflict—or their repairing skills—is often the single greatest sign of a healthy relationship. “Our partners don’t always have to think like we think. That’s what makes life interesting—it would be boring to be married to yourself,” says Gottman. Bonus points if you can apologize without making it sound like you’re reciting the alphabet backward. Find out more about Gottman’s work on the 4 Horsemen of Relationships here.
3. You operate as a team.
The over-used aphorism “teamwork makes the dream work” has become something of a corporate cliché, but when it comes to tackling life’s curveballs, couples that operate as a unified team have a higher chance at success than those who only fend for themselves. Andreas Narum, certified psychologist, couples therapist, and founder of Remainly explains, “Good teamwork acknowledges that there are two separate sets of thoughts and feelings.” Whether co-navigating parenting duties or making shared decisions about finances, facing challenges side-by-side and high-fiving each other’s victories along the way make the relationship work.
4. You have fun together.
If everything feels like a chore with your partner, it’s probably a glaring red flag the relationship won’t work out in the long term. According to a study conducted by researchers at Utah State University, “Having fun together can help couples feel positive emotions, which can increase relationship satisfaction, help couples to unite to overcome differences, and give hope when working through difficult challenges.” At the most basic level, a relationship should be fun, and being together should spark joy, not anger or anxiety.
5. You celebrate each other’s wins—big or small.
While jealousy is undoubtedly a relationship red flag, authentic, caring support and encouragement are the love languages of many lasting relationships. “The quality of positive support—reassurance that a partner is loved and esteemed and is capable of taking control of his or her life—is the most crucial factor in the health of any relationship,” says Dr. Sue Johnson, clinical psychologist and founder of The International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
6. You make time for each other, even when life gets crazy.
It’s easy for many couples to fall into a rut, especially for those in long-term relationships. In a recently published study, Dr. Samantha Joel, relationship researcher and assistant professor at Western University in London, Ontario, found partners who regularly checked in with each other sustained better relationships in the long term. Think quality date nights, not just Netflix binges on the couch. “When it comes to a satisfying relationship, the partnership you build is more important than the partner you pick,” she says.
7. Honesty and trust are your relationship anthems.
“Trust is the first and perhaps most important predictor of long-term relational success,” says Preston Ni, communications coach and author of How to Communicate Effectively and Handle Difficult People. “Ask yourself the following questions: In general, is your partner reliable? Can you count on your partner as the ‘rock’ in your life? What about you for your partner?” The key is to be truthful, even when it’s tough. Trust is the bedrock of any lasting love story, and if you’ve got a partnership that’s founded on honesty, it’s a definite sign of a healthy relationship.
8. You forgive each other.
We all make mistakes, and the ability to forgive can turn a potentially toxic situation into a learning opportunity. “Admitting wrongdoing is a form of vulnerability, and vulnerability is an essential part of building a close relationship,” says Cindy Frantz, professor of psychology at Oberlin College. Instead of holding a grudge (I will never forget what you did in 2012!), let go and move forward.
9. You respect each other’s boundaries.
Instead of thinking of “me” time as selfishness, understand that healthy relationships respect (and even encourage) autonomy, giving each partner the space to breathe and be individuals. “Love rests on two pillars: surrender and autonomy,” says Esther Perel, clinical psychologist, and expert on human relationships. “Our need for togetherness exists alongside our need for separateness.”
10. You’re both willing to grow and change.
Much like relationship ruts, comfort zones are easy to fall into and get stuck. A sign of a healthy relationship is when couples understand that learning and evolving are essential components of their relationship journey together. Embracing personal growth and change—both individually and as a couple—ensures that one partner isn’t running far ahead while the other is left behind.
11. You share similar values.
While having different perspectives and opinions is natural in any relationship, sharing core values is essential to the success of a healthy long-term relationship. To navigate decisions big and small—from family planning to what’s for dinner and everything in between—coming to a consensus about what matters is fundamental to all successful relationships.
12. You appreciate the little things.
Whether making coffee in the morning or saying “I love you” more often, recognizing and appreciating small acts of kindness will keep the love tank full. “Successful long-term relationships are created through small words, small gestures, and small acts,” says The Gottman Institute’s Dr. John Gottman.
13. You can always be yourself.
Putting your best self forward early in a relationship may mean smoothing out some of the rough patches of your character. But partners in lasting, loving relationships accept each other as is, flaws and all. “If you’re true to yourself, it is easier to act in ways that build intimacy in relationships, and that’s going to make your relationship more fulfilling,” says Amy Brunell, professor of psychology at Ohio State University. Embrace your weird and wonderful self—as well as your partner’s unique quirks!
14. You dream about the future together.
Setting future goals and plans and working toward fulfilling them in the future is a powerful, connecting exercise for couples and a sign of a healthy relationship. According to research conducted by Utah State University, dreaming together as a couple can provide extra meaning and bring depth, closeness, and connection between partners. Shared goals and aspirations create a sense of purpose and excitement for what’s to come.
15. You feel safe, loved, and supported.
Research shows people in healthy long-term relationships are 50% less likely to die prematurely than those without them. In terms of life expectancy, living without strong, meaningful relationships is as unhealthy as smoking. Brené Brown, research professor at the University of Houston and author of Dare to Lead, explains, “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all men, women, and children. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong.” Ultimately, a lasting relationship is a haven where you can be your true self and know you’re always loved unconditionally.
Unwrap the magic of the season with a sleigh full of heartwarming toddler-friendly titles, all streaming on your favorite platforms
Baby, it’s cold outside! Thank goodness there’s a load of indoor fun just waiting to be streamed. Whether you and your tiny tots are snowed in or are spending the weekend stringing popcorn, you’re going to want the perfect movie—so we’ve curated a list of the best Christmas movies for toddlers. From retro classics to modern favorites featuring new characters and inventive songbooks, these films and specials are a cozy way to celebrate the spirit of the season. Read on for our picks and don’t worry: We won’t tell if you borrow a popcorn string from the tree for a snack.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Stop-motion is making a comeback! From Marcel the Shell with Shoes On to Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, the flipbook style of storytelling is finding new fandom. No reason we can’t introduce littles to one of the first to perfect the form, right? Even better: This holiday origin story about how Rudolph found his place at the front of Santa’s sleigh team celebrates acceptance and self-discovery.
In this magical Christmas movie for toddlers, everyone's favorite honey-gold teddy recalls a past holiday season before setting resolutions for the New Year around the Pooh Corner. Your own honey bunch will want to bounce with Tigger, be brave with Piglet, and throw an arm around Eeyore. Just like you did when you were little.
A tasty delight about Strawberry Shortcake and her attempt to make the holiday perfect, this Netflix animated film is as good as it looks. As Miss SS and her Berry Buddies get ready for their winter festival, themes of friendship and personal growth outweigh the pursuit of perfection—fantastic lessons that are never too early to learn.
For every special occasion, there’s a Peanuts special. So after you’ve wrapped up Christmas, be sure to usher in the New Year with the gang, too. This 2021 holiday special was animated in the WildBrain studio’s new style, with Charles Schulz’s timeless characters brought to life through rich, vibrant color and their touching narratives hitting all the right notes.
Parents will love that this adorable computer-animated film is based on the unofficial Queen of Christmas’s chart-topping jingle (yes, Mariah Carey); baby boppers will revel in the film’s story about a little girl who wants to prove to her parents she’s ready for a puppy.
If there’s anyone we love more than Garfield, it’s Grandma! In this 1987 short film, Garfield shares our sentiment, as he, Odie, and their human, John, pack up the old sedan and head for Grandma’s house. It’s a holiday that taps into the pasta-loving cat’s charm, delivering a down-home good time for everyone.
A little bit salty, a little bit sweet, this forever classic Christmas movie for toddlers has a happy ending that captures the spirit of the season. Clocking in at just less than a half hour, it’s the perfect length for your giggle box’s attention span, especially those who, like Cindy Lou Who, are not much more than two.
Many of the best holiday movies for toddlers and preschoolers are based on books. Our favorite? The Snowman, adapted from Raymond Briggs’s wordless tale. With a gentle, ethereal vibe that won’t scare mini snowballs, it’s just the wondrous gem to watch after building a frosty buddy in the backyard.
Locomotive-loving kids will toot their horns for this visual feast about a boy who boards a magical train headed straight for Santa’s domain. They’ll love it even more if bigger kids make them paper train tickets and hot cocoa. Quick note: There are a few intense scenes, like the dramatic chase, so keep the remote ready to skip ahead if need be.
Yes, it’s the classic special that comforted you every year during your childhood, and it’s just as lovely as you remember. Introduce your silly peanuts to Charlie, Snoopy, Linus, and the rest of the group as they search for the true meaning of Christmas. And keep tissues close for the heartfelt pageant at the end.
An adaptation of Ezra Jack Keats’s acclaimed picture book, this animated adventure captures the spirit of outdoor exploration and wintertime wonder as it tags along with protagonist Peter on his way to Nana’s. At just under an hour, you can squeeze it in after dinner and still get your toddler tucked in on time.
Featuring kiddos’ favorite felted friends, this hilarious musical reworks Charles Dickens’s 19th-century novella into a zany romp that will keep the chuckles chuckling. With Kermit as Bob Cratchit and Michael Cain as Scrooge, there’s no shortage of fun surprises. Some of the ghosts might be too much for toddlers, so keep the remote handy.
Get ready to sing along with the beloved holiday tune featured in this 2D-animated classic. About the lovable and friendly Frosty, the story sees the snow buddy and his friends keep his magic hat out of the clutches of a greedy magician. Something to be aware of: There’s a scene in which Frosty melts, which can make the little ones sad.
Sure to elicit giggles, this clever holiday story features elves working together to prepare for Christmas. At only 22 minutes, you can watch this and then go on to the second short feature with elves Wayne and Lanny, Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice. It’s a newer Christmas movie for toddlers that's just right for the preschool set.
House of Mouse fans will cheer for this robust collection of holiday shorts featuring Mickey, Goofy, Minnie, and the rest of the gang. It’s actually the sequel assortment to Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas, and with so much kindness and good cheer from the menagerie, you’ll want to stock up on both.
Show us a toddler who can sit through an entire ballet. We’ll wait … Exactly! That’s why you should just bring the show to them. In this 1993 take on the tale of Clara, the Mouse King, and those mesmerizing Sugar Plum Fairies, your budding bunhead can spin right along with New York City Ballet’s principals.
I saw you. Lunchables? Really? I heard your kid whining for popsicles. I saw you reach into the freezer and ask which type. As you left the store with your too-big kid sitting in the cart, asking a million questions, I saw you close your eyes and take a deep breath before saying, “Just… because. That’s just how it is.” You didn’t even give her a real answer.
I saw you. I see you. I am you.
There is a pervasive assumption that mothers should be “on” at all times. It seeped into the collective unconscious and became fodder for the shaming and judging in the dreaded “mommy wars.”
As the imperfect beings that we mothers are, when we make a mistake, we should definitely keep it to ourselves. And if we do decide to share it with the world, it had better come served with a heaping side of remorse and personal growth.
Here’s my moment of what passes for personal growth: I’m fine with that. I have decided my goal is not to be less lazy, it’s to be lazy better. I am multi-tasking my laziness into excellent childhood experiences.
Truth be told, many of the most awesome memories my daughter has are probably a direct result of me being a little lazy. The other night she planned a party in my honor. For no reason, other than the fact that she happens to think I’m sort of the best. The extravaganza ended with her giving me a pedicure in the hallway. I lay back on the floor, put my hands behind my head, and enjoyed this great bonding experience. Really, I was just very, very tired.
The time she played in the mud at the edge of the lake—covering herself hair-to-toe and pretending to be a sea monster? It’s true that I am generally pretty easygoing in regard to that sort of play, but I knew I would regret it when it was time to hose her off. Still, I decided to let future me deal with the mess.
My toddler decided to turn the dog’s water dish over, so I put a towel down and handed him some cups, spoons, and a newly full bowl of water. I’m sure he’s learning valuable skills. I just wanted to cook dinner.
When anxiety grabs hold of my brain, I tend to turn into the “no” monster, squasher of all things fun because they might make a mess and oh my god please don’t pull out the paints right now. When I can let go and surrender to the laziness of “I’ll deal with this later,” it leads to some of those childhood experiences I know they will remember fondly for the rest of their lives.
Tomorrow me thinks I’m awful.
My kids never have to know that the kitchen concoctions and ensuing mess happened because I was just hungry and didn’t want to get up. Who hasn’t played the game of “who can be quiet the longest” or “let’s pretend I’m sick and you’re my doctor. I’ll just lie here while you fix me up.”
Look, there is always room for improvement. If you think there is not, then you are probably twice as wrong. Sometimes I am burned out, and my lazy comes out in ways that are less constructive. The “because I said so” ways. The rest of the time laziness and creativity meld together like the blue playdough and the red playdough that I was too tired to keep separate.
Someday, after I am long gone, I imagine my son saying, “Remember that time Mom let us draw on the house with chalk?” His sister will smile and add, “Remember all the glitter?”
So, maybe I am lazy sometimes. And maybe that’s okay.
Rhiannon Giles is an overwhelmed mother who only occasionally considers giving her children to the circus. She has a sarcasm problem and writes regularly at rhiyaya.com. To keep up with new posts and see some of her favorites, join her on Facebook and Twitter.
Here’s how to offer advice to tweens and get them to actually listen
While most everyone knows about the rebelliousness of the teen years, not enough is said about that period when the defiance and know-it-all-isms initially begin: the tween years. Also known as the pre-adolescent years (roughly between ages 9 and 12), tweendom can be a challenging time to parent through. For one, your kids often still look, act, and sound like young children. It’s hard to recognize that they’re growing up when they’re still cuddling teddy bears and asking for kisses on booboos.
But the truth is that as they are slowly shedding childlike tendencies, they’re also looking toward the future. They’re looking up to older siblings, cousins, and neighbors. They’re hoping to act more “mature” while not yet having the capacity to be. And even though they might start rolling their eyes more at doting parents, they still very much need tons of guidance and support. As parents and caregivers, you might be wondering how to talk to tweens so that they really listen. We spoke to a few experts on what words of wisdom or other advice for tweens we should be imparting, and these are some of the things they had to say.
“My job as your parent is to keep you safe.”
Sarah Baroud, a clinical social worker who focuses on parenthood, reminds parents that they need to let their kids know that they’ve got their child’s best interest in mind. “Sometimes doing what’s right is not fun or easy, but it’s necessary,” says Baroud. After all, as the adult, you have the benefit of being more aware of the dangers that kids (and tweens) just have very little understanding of.
“It doesn’t matter what your friends are doing. These are the rules in our house.”
Baroud reminds parents that comparisons start early, but that doesn’t mean we have to bend to our child’s will. “This goes against the often intense peer pressure that tweens feel,” says Baroud. “However, we know boundaries and structure are crucial for development.” Helping your child understand that the same rules don’t always have to (or should) apply to every person and that some parents may have different beliefs and values guiding these rules, can be useful in these situations.
“I know what it’s like.”
“Tweens may not want to hear (or believe) stories of our life experiences but we certainly learn a lot by growing up and can relate to what they are going through in many ways,” says Baroud. Being honest with our kids about our experiences (including mistakes we’ve made, and consequences we’ve faced as a result) can sometimes help tweens connect with us more.
“Establish a support system and don’t wait to ask for help.”
Susan P. Horton, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and bestselling author of “Raising a Resilient Family: How to Create Strong Connection and Communication in a Deeply Distracted World,” says that parents should talk with their tweens about building a network of friends, family and trusted adults at a time when they are on the precipice of so many big changes (like puberty and middle school). “Having emotional support and someone to talk to can make a difference when managing stress,” says Horton. She recommends parents encourage their tweens to “talk to a trusted adult, school counselor or mental health professional when struggling with mental health or overwhelming thoughts.”
“Practice self-care.”
Self-care talk is often marketed toward adults these days, but tweens should also hear these reminders from their parents. Horton says some ways to help your tween learn about self-care is by reminding them to “set boundaries online,” and “engage in offline interests that promote connection and personal growth.” Help your tween identify some of these interests (whether it’s sports, music, art, or spending time in nature) and find ways to support them.
“Set realistic goals and practice time management.”
You’ve been managing most things for your child up to this point, but while tweens might initially struggle with having to set their own goals and work on their time management, you won’t do them any favors by giving in. Teach tweens to “break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This reduces overwhelming feelings and increases a sense of accomplishment,” says Horton. She recommends getting your child an agenda or planner and helping them create a schedule to stay organized and reduce their stress related to deadlines. They will appreciate it in time.
“Be kind to everyone, even if they aren’t your friend.”
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Michelle Felder, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Parenting Pathfinders reminds parents to let tweens know that the way they treat others matters. At a phase when cliques and bullying can become more rampant, it’s exactly the right time to show tweens that they should be striving for kindness. “Your words have the power to build people up or tear them down, and how you make people feel sticks with them,” says Felder.
“Peer pressure can be hard to deal with, so if you’re ever in a situation where your friends are encouraging you to do something that you don’t want to do or don’t think you should do, trust your gut.”
Tweens often face lots of peer pressure to say and do things they might not want to go through with. It’s a difficult phase when they’re navigating the idea of being liked and the fear of being ostracized, which makes it especially important for parents to discuss these matters even if tweens don’t want to hear it at first. Felder suggests telling tweens to listen “to the little voice inside of (them, which) will help (them) make the best choice.”
“It’s ok that friendships end, even when the ending hurts.”
The tween years are when friendships slowly start to become much more important in the lives of children. But while friendships are important, tweens need to know that “not every friendship is meant to last forever, and most of them won’t,” says Felder. Help your tweens recognize when a friendship is no longer serving them (e.g. if their friend is bullying them, pressuring them to do things they don’t want to do, or is generally feeding negativity their way), and let them know there’s always a choice. The same goes for reminding them that if a friend decides they want to end the friendship, it’s not the end of the world, and they’ll go on to make new friends.
“Feelings change, no matter how much your mind may try to convince you that they won’t.”
With the onset of puberty and hormone fluctuations come very intense emotions. For tweens, that can mean major mood swings and feeling like small problems are extremely huge ones when in reality, they might not be. Felder recommends telling tweens to “just give it time. The highs and lows will all come and go.”
“It’s easier to be yourself than to try to be anyone else.”
Be yourself is great advice for anyone at any age, but it’s especially important to cement that idea into the minds of tweens, who often worry about fitting in and what others might think. It’s especially difficult when tweens might still want to hold on to some of the things they loved as younger children but feel like they can’t because older tweens might think they’re being “babyish.” “A true friend will love you just the way you are,” Felder says.
When the unthinkable happens and you lose a pregnancy and your unborn child, the grief is indescribable. Somehow the experience allows a simultaneous heaviness and emptiness to coexist within your being. While pregnancy loss is heartbreaking, there are added layers of complexity that make the loss so much more devastating and thereby harder to share.
So often, women tie their identity and self-worth with their ability to conceive and carry a child to term especially when infertility plays a role in the journey. Women who experience pregnancy loss grapple with failure as an inherent part of the process. When I lost my twins during the second trimester, I felt as if my body failed me and I failed my babies and my husband. A woman who is dealing with a pregnancy loss is not only grieving the loss of the child she never had the pleasure of knowing and the loss of her expectations and dreams but also dealing with their tortured sense of self-worth.
For many months after my loss, I lacked any desire to return back to the real world and preferred the comfort of my bed in my darkened room, which matched the dark emptiness I felt inside. It can feel impossible to fathom the idea of one day climbing out of this black hole of sadness. Take comfort in knowing that this “someday” will eventually make its way to you when you are ready. Below are some nuggets of wisdom from my own experience with loss and how I have coached my fertility mindfulness clients dealing with their own struggles through pregnancy loss.
1. Give Yourself Permission. Allow yourself space and time to heal. There is no set timeframe in which you need to move on. Do what you need to do for yourself during your time of grief and detach from the pressure to “get better” based on other people’s timelines and expectations. You do not owe anyone an explanation for your grief and recovery process.
2. Seek Support. There are days when we are okay with the isolation and then there are days when we need a helping hand to save us from the sadness. During those moments, reach out to your support group in whatever form that may be for you—your partner, therapy, online groups/communities, friends, and family. Support groups, whether in person or online, are a great way to remind you that you are not alone and someone out there understands what you are going through. If you are going through secondary infertility, a hug from your child can be powerful enough to break down the walls you have built around yourself and envelop you in love.
3. Honor & Acknowledge Your Pregnancy and Baby. You don’t have to get through it quicker just because you were “only pregnant for X number of weeks” or because you “already have X number of children.” If it helps you through your process of grief, find a way to honor your pregnancy and baby. Perhaps share your story to raise awareness and help end the stigma of pregnancy and infant loss.
4. Manage Triggers & Set Boundaries. It’s okay to say no to anyone and anything that could trigger you. Your mental and emotional well-being is fragile so give yourself permission to set boundaries on things like social media, gatherings, certain friends, and family. If you need help doing this, enlist your partner in this important task. If you are going through secondary infertility and lose your pregnancy, people can sometimes say insensitive comments about the fact that you already have a child. Remember that just because you have a child, your loss is no less significant and should not be diminished. In these instances, set boundaries for what people can say to you and ask your partner to help ensure this need is met. No one has the right to justify how you should feel or what you should do.
5. Get Distracted. Consider going away whether it’s for a quick drive or a long weekend. Other people find it helpful to take up a hobby that requires focus and allows for personal growth. Take little steps in your grief process as you start to do other things. These distractions can help stop the cycle of negativity and despair in which you are trapped. Returning back to your role whether in work or in family life can give you a purpose outside of your fertility and feeling defined only by your quest to have a child.
6. Take Back Control. If you need some form of control to help ease the overwhelming nature of your situation, one way to take back some semblance of control is to come up with a plan. Work with your medical team to evaluate what happened, and to discuss options and next steps. Knowing that you have a defined road map can help to ease a bit of the stress and anxiety that is a part of your loss. Another way to feel like you are in control of your situation is to use breathing techniques to help you move your state of mind and body from a state of stress to a state of calm. For example, do a 16-second breath count —4 seconds each—inhale, hold, exhale, hold. Repeat as necessary.
If you are in the process of grief right now, please remember that this loss is not your fault. You are worthy and capable and so very brave. As you grieve your loss in silence, take all the time you need to heal your mental and emotional well-being. All of your feelings are valid and worthy of being fully expressed. One day, when the time is right for you, hope will make its way back to you. Until then, know that you are not alone. I see you and I am so sorry for your loss.
My passion is helping others overcome adversity to find joy via meditation training and my podcast “Responding to Life.” I draw upon my unique fertility journey of pregnancy loss, IVF, international adoption and surrogacy, ultimately becoming a mother of five, to show others the power of perseverance, calm and courage.
A new study shows encouraging information about helping our kids succeed: strong family bonds. Published in the journal, Pediatrics, the study surveyed over 37,000 adolescents in 26 countries, ages 11 to 13 from 2016 to 2019.
Researchers studied information from the International Survey of Children’s Well-Being which includes data from Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. The results made up what they believe is the “first population-based study of adolescents showing the association between a measure of relational health (family connection) and flourishing,” according to the study.
Nathan Dumalo/Unsplash
While there have been plenty of studies in the past that show how strong family bonds helps kids avoid negative behaviors, this particular one shows that positive action results from that relationship, too. Basically, kids don’t just survive, they thrive with a healthy family connection.
That “family connection” was ascertained using five survey items, including care, support, safety, respect and participation. Adolescents were asked a series of questions and then required to rank how strongly they agreed with each item from 0 (“I do not agree”) to 4 (“I totally agree”) to get an overall score.
Additionally, the study also determined “flourishing” by addressing categories that included self-acceptance, purpose in life, positive relations with others, personal growth, environmental mastery and autonomy. A similar ranking system followed, but with options from 0 to 10.
Among the results, “the highest family connection scores and the highest prevalence of flourishing were for those adolescents who reported never having family financial worry, always having enough food, or living with both parents.” Overall, 49% of kids were more likely to flourish if they had a strong family connection.
As parents ourselves, we’d like to point out many of the factors that went into determining success and “flourishing” in this study do not require expensive vacations or pricey wardrobes. Providing an environment filled with support, respect and participation are just as key to creating a family bond that lasts––and it doesn’t cost a penny.
If you’d like to read the entire study, you can head here.
Summer means long dips in a near-by lake, afternoons at the local pool and outings on the Potomac River. Every season is the right season to brush up on water safety, but if there was a peak season, it would be summer! Empower your child by giving them the gift of swim lessons. From lessons for aqua-phobic kiddos at The Brookland Swim Academy to private lessons in your own pool with AquaMobile, here are 13 of the best swimming classes for kids in the DMV.
The Brookland Swim Academy
The Brookland Swim Academy
If you have a nervous swimmer, check out The Brookland Swim Academy. Easing swim-related anxiety is their specialty! From tiny tots to adults, they tackle even extreme cases aqua-phobia to help develop confident swimmers. Brookland's learn-to-swim program starts kids off as young as 3 mos. in classes designed to get littles used to submerging their faces in water. Private and semi-privates are also available.
SwimBox lessons are always one-on-one and focus on bringing your child's abilities to the next level. While you won't find learn-to-swim programs for the littles here, you can sign up your teen or young adult if they've never learned! Lessons are 45 minutes in a shallow, warm water endless pool and include a video to help improve strokes post-work out. There are even underwater mirrors so young & old can keep an eye on their form mid-swim.
Editor's Note: All ages are welcome, but children 11 & under must be able to swim the full length of an Olympic pool to quality for this program.
If you're lucky enough to have a pool in your own backyard, you can hire a teacher (and even a lifeguard) to come to you! AquaMobile makes it easy to search for certified and experienced instructors in your hood. Thirty minute lessons are reserved for kids 4 & under. For those looking to improve quickly, instructors offer classes as long as 2 hrs. These private lessons are completely customized to you and your kids needs!
Fairfax County boasts over 30,000 swim lessons every year 9 RECenters. They offer beginning, advanced strokes and private lessons. Possibly the best program in NoVA, Fairfax was selected as the Best Aquatic Program 2018 by Aquatics International Magazine. Just to note, that is literally best in the world, moms & dads! The Virginia Swims program has also won national awards.
Globally, the British Swim School holds 13,000 lessons per week so they clearly know what they’re doing! They have lessonsfor babies, children and adults and their core mission is to protect every life from drowning through education and water safety awareness. Rita Goldberg, who founded British Swim School in 1981, employs a methodology that begins by teaching water safety survival skills to children as young as three months old. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children under five so BSS instructors begin with safety skills and water comfort. From Tadpoles to Barracudas, BSS is a great option for beginners.
An elementary school bordering Rock Creek Park, the Lowell School Aquatics Program offers private or semi-private lessons for kids or adults three years old and up (note: children must be fully potty-trained, as swim diapers are not allowed). Students begin with water comfort and safety skills,building up to holding one’s breath, air exchange, floating, kicking, and basic arm motions for both freestyle and backstroke. Successive six-week sessions build up to different strokes, endurance, and diving for older swimmers. Looking to encourage team-building? The Lowell School’s Lionfish Community Swim Team is also open to the public.
Think your kid will do better in a one-on-one or semi private lesson? That's Sunsationals specialty! Swim instructors from all over the DMV bring their stroke IQ and easy-going attitudes to your home or community pool for an effective and hassle-free experience. Case in point, you can book lessons for all of your kids back-to-back. That's huge, right?!
Almost forty years old, Nation’s Capital Swim Club has grown into one of the leading swim clubs in the United States. NCAP has 14 different locations throughout the DMV with over 90 professional coaches.They have a program for every ability and age, and is known to produce Olympians. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, US Team Members Katie Ledecky, Jack Conger, and Coach Bruce Gemmellwon five Gold Medals and one Silver Medal. In addition, 25 swimmers qualified for the 2016 Olympic Trials, the most of any non-college USA Swimming Club.
With a staff of insured swimming instructors—many of whom are also certified lifeguards—Happy Swimmers USA caters to families looking for private, semi-private, and group lessons in their own home pool or in the public pool of their choice. Their instruction philosophy is to “teach water safety by building a loving, trusting relationship with our students, both children and adults." Happy Swimmers USA does not offer lessons for children under 24 months, encouraging parents to simply enjoy the water with their babies as a family and wait until the two-year mark to start formal lessons.
The Y is the way to go if you want variety. They’ve got everything from parent/child classes to youth swim leagues. The Y’s Preschool swim lessons teach children valuable life skills, including personal safety, personal growth, stroke development, rescue, water sports, and games. They also offer Adaptive Aquatics for young people with physical and mental challenges.
Known for its tropical pool climate (they keep the water at a bath tub-like 90 degrees), Goldfish uses a “perpetual lessons model” that lets families choose a lesson time that accommodates their schedule. Facilities are decked out in colorful, kid-friendly tropical décor and boast a state-of-the-art water purification system to keep the pools clean and sanitary; and an air conditioned viewing gallery for parents to relax, work, read, socialize (digitally and personally), and watch their kids swim.
Little Fish offers swim classes for everyone, from children age 6 months, individuals with special needs and even adults! Their strategy it to keep classes small…no more than four students, and a certified coach is in the water at all times!And they don’t just do lessons, their facilities also offer Swim Camps, a Stroke and Fitness Program as well as Swim Parties!
Offering private, semi-private, or group lessons, the Learn to Swim program at the University of Maryland starts group lessons as early as six months and continue on through stroke refinement and coaching. Adults are again in luck as the instructors offer group and private or semi-private lessons for those who need a little refresher.Note that if your family schedule tends to change frequently, this program does not allow make up classes due to illness or schedule conflicts.
University of Maryland Eppley Recreation Center 1115 Eppley Recreation Center College Park, MD Online: recwell.umd.edu
No plans for Spring Break? No problem! A week off from school doesn’t have to lead to a case of cabin fever. Keep your kids active and engaged with one of these spring break camp. Your child’s day will be action packed, but act-fast before these popular camps fill up. From arts and crafts to daily b-ball drills (and everything in between), scroll down for the best spring break camps in the DMV.
Steve & Kate's Camp
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This camp is the resort of all camps. Kids get to pick their daily adventures from a roster of exhilarating activities putting THEM in charge of their camp experience. From coding and gaming to sewing and crafts, each day is filled with hands-on activities. And just like a resort, this is an all-inclusive experience. No need to pack lunch or snacks!
When: April 11-14, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Cost: $105/day Where: Van Ness Elementary, 1150 5th St. SE Online: steveandkatescamp.com
Camp EDCJCC April
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If you need long-term coverage over spring break, check out this extended camp that has evening pick ups at 6 p.m. You can sign up for one day or enroll in all four days of fun. Each day is filled with action-packed fun like swimming, music crafts and more.
When: April 11-14, 8:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. Cost: $125/day Where: Edlavitch Jewish Community Center, 1529 Sixteenth St. NW, Online: edcjcc.org
Kick off spring break with this Capitol Hill soccer camp geared towards kids 5-12. Daily mini sessions (3 hrs.) are dedicated to learning a new skill designed to turn your little player into a pro. Want to send your kid off for the day? Fill their afternoon with scrimmages, fun competitions and free play at this outdoor-only camp.
When: April 11-15 Cost: $95/one day; $240/mini sessions; $395/full day (check website for additional options) Where: Tyler Elementary School (kids 5-12), 1001 G St. SE, Capitol Hill; The RFK Fields (kids 8 & up), 401 Oklahoma Ave. NE, Online: dcway.com
DPR Kids' Camp
iStock
Held at recreation centers in each of DC's wards, this camp run by DC"s Department of Parks and Recreation Kids is geared towards kids 3-12. Each day is filled with sports, games and arts and crafts with lessons highlighting personal growth and environmental stewardship.
When: Apr. 11-14, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $40/DC Residents Where: Jelleff Recreation Center (Ward 2), Emery Heights Community Center (Ward 4), Edgewood Recreation Center (Ward 5), Arthur Capper Recreation Center (Ward 6), Hillcrest Recreation Center (Ward 7), Therapeutic Recreation Center (Ward 7), Barry Farm Recreation Center (Ward 8), Deanwood Recreation Center (Ward 7) Online: dpr.dc.gov
Girls and boys ages 5-12 will knock it out of the park at this baseball-themed camp. This day camp is designed to get your little slugger improving their batting average FAST! Coaches here believe in repetition to build technical skills, so expect your camper to get 150 ground balls a day and over a 100 swings in batting practice!
When: Apr. 11-15, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Cost: $475/session (50% off sibling discount); Half-day options are avail. for kids under 5 Where: Friendship Recreation Center, 4500 Van Ness St. NW, Friendship Heights Online: homerunbaseballcamp.com
This outdoor-only camp offers boys and girls in grades 1-8 an opportunity to build on their b-ball skills with the experts from HoopED. In addition to dribbling and dunking their way through these 2 hr. clinic, they will get time to play other games on the courts (and the playground). Let your kid run off some energy while making new friends during spring break!
Meet new sea faring friends at this ocean-themed camp for kids 3.5-5. Hermit Crab and Rainbow Fish help kids navigate the ocean depths through hands-on activities and play-based lessons that include music, movement and props. Children will build their arts vocabulary as they interact with new characters and settings.
Looking for some fun and stimulating things to do with the kids this spring? There’s a lot to explore at the city’s museums as we emerge from quasi-hibernation. We’ve rounded up our favorites here, including shows just for little ones, the return of The Orchid Show, works by Andy Warhol and an immersive, out-of-this world experience at one of NYC’s newest art spaces.
Wobbly World & Paw Patrol: Adventure Play at the Liberty Science Center
Liberty Science Center
There's a new space for kids five and under that all of you are going to love. Wobbly World is a bright, inviting, slightly off-kilter wonderland, where young children are invited to explore balance, motion, and cause and effect. Highlights include a giant Body Mobile: part carousel, part Calder-style mobile, and powered by play. As young guests hop on colorful seats and surfaces that dangle from the 14-foot-tall center column, they balance, spin, and bring the whole structure to life. The Balancescape, a fanciful landscape of hills and ledges helps kids explore balance and agility, and a whimsical collection of oversized blocks invite grabbing, sorting, stacking and more LSC collaborated with renowned toy designer Cas Holman on this new exhibition.
Also on view: Paw Patrol, through May 1.
Tickets: $27.99/adults, $22.99/children 2-12 (these are advanced ticket prices, at the door is $2 more.) Liberty Science Center Liberty State Park 222 Jersey City Blvd. Jersey City, NJ 201- 200-1000 Online: lsc.org
The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope
NYBG/ Marlon Co
Needing a hit of floral beauty to fend off the winter blues? Head to the New York Botanic Garden to see the dazzling floral creations of Jeff Leatham, famed artistic director of the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris and floral designer to the stars. Marking the return of The Orchid Show for the 19th year Leatham's bold and colorful living installations and designs transform the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. See stunning orchid towers of orange, yellow, and green, undulating fields of white, and overhead plumes of purple, together with artistic embellishments and a kaleidoscopic tunnel of lights, will enthrall visitors.
Originally debuted in 2020, The Orchid Show: Jeff Leatham’s Kaleidoscope was on track to be NYBG’s most popular Orchid Show yet. Now's your chance to catch it!
February 26 -May 1 Tickets: $30/adults; $28/students & seniors; 2-12/$15, 2 and under/free Enid A. Haupt Conservatory The New York Botanical Garden 2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx 718-817-8700 Online: nybg.org
In America: An Anthology of Fashion
Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met's Costume Institute unveils part two of its show dedicated to American fashion, In America: An Anthology of Fashion in May. (Part one, In America: A Lexicon of Fashion remains on view through September 5.) The new exhibition will feature approximately 100 examples of men’s and women’s dress dating from the 19th to the mid-late 20th century. The garments will be presented in The Met's American Wing period rooms, or historical interiors, which encapsulate a curated survey of more than a century of American domestic life and reveal a variety of stories—from the personal to the political, the stylistic to the cultural, and the aesthetic to the ideological.
As part of the show, eight film directors will create fictional cinematic vignettes, or “freeze frames,” within each room, imparting new perspectives on American fashion and highlighting the directors’ singular aesthetics. Directors participating include Martin Scorsese, Chloé Zhao, Regina King, Tom Ford and Sophia Coppola.
Opens May 2 1000 Fifth Ave. Upper East Side 212-535-7710 Online: metmuseum.org
Tomás Saraceno: Particular Matter(s)
Nicholas Knight
We kind of doubt you've ever seen anything quite like this. Tomás Saraceno: Particular Matter(s) is described as "a large-scale exhibition and sensory experience with spiderwebs, air, and the cosmic web." Staged at the Hudson Yards art and gallery space The Shed, the exhibit features an expansive gallery exhibition as well as a newly commissioned sensory experience, Free the Air: How to hear the universe in a spider/web, a 95-foot-diameter installation in The Shed’s soaring McCourt space. You get to choose which part or parts of the exhibit you'd like to experience, with ticket prices adjusted accordingly. Note that you must be age 8 or older to experience Free the Air, and that it involves walking on a metal web—either 12- or 40-feet in the air, in low light with haze effects. Sound too much? You can get tickets for just the Gallery portion, but note that that can be very low light in places as well. This is the largest exhibition of Saraceno's work in the U.S. to date. Tickets are timed, released in batches, and must be booked in advance.
Feb. 11-April 17 Tickets: Gallery only: $12/adults; free/18 and under; Free the Air: $35/adults; $12/ages 8-18 545 W. 30th Hudson Yards 718-941-1424 Online: theshed.org
Sharks at the American Museum of Natural History
AMNH
See these creatures like you never have before: up close and personal. (And really big!) Sharks features 30 life-size models that range from 33 feet to the size of the palm of your hand. Your kids will learn about their evolutionary history, anatomy, habitats, diets, and how to keep them safe for future generations to study and enjoy.
Through August 14, 2022
Tickets: (includes general admission plus one special exhibit) $28/adults, $16.50/children, $22.50/seniors & students, free/2 and under American Museum of Natural History 200 Central Park West 212-769-5100 Online: amnh.org
Wings Over Water at AMNH
Wings Over Water Crew
On the big (very big) screen at AMNH is Wings Over Water is a new giant-screen film epic that follows the journeys of three amazing bird families. See extraordinary footage of the fascinating behaviors of Sandhill Crane, the Yellow Warbler, and the Mallard Duck as they defy all odds and soar across mountains, deserts, cities, and forests, heading home to raise their young. Award-winning actor Michael Keaton narrates the film.
Tickets: (includes general admission plus one special exhibit) $28/adults, $16.50/children, $22.50/seniors & students, free/2 and under American Museum of Natural History 200 Central Park West Upper West Side 212-769-5100 Online: amnh.org
African/American: Making the Nation’s Table at Museum of Food and Drink
MOFAD
The Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) presents African/American: Making the Nation’s Table. Displayed within the newly-constructed home of partner The Africa Center at Aliko Dangote Hall, this first-of-its-kind exhibition celebrates the countless contributions of Black chefs, farmers, and food and drink producers who have laid the foundation for American food culture. Highlights include the Legacy Quilt, which depicts, a selection of hundreds of stories; those who wish can contribute their own stories via an online interactive component. Also on display is the Ebony Magazine Test Kitchen—saved from wreckage thanks to preservationists Landmarks Illinois and accessible to the public for the first time in history. Described by The Chicago Tribune as “the most distinctive test kitchen ever created,” it was the site where recipes from Ebony food editors created dishes such as oyster gumbo to sweet potato pudding. The multisensory experience features a soundtrack curated by musician, farmer and chef Kelis, and video interviews with former Ebony food editors.
It's a great time to visit The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, as it's celebrating 40 years in 2022. February also brings Kids Week (Feb. 19-26), The Museum’s annual fun-filled festival of daily activities in which kids of all ages can explore space, science, technology and the arts. Also in February: NASA’s Mars Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter models are on display in the Space Shuttle Pavilion.
Climb aboard this real aircraft carrier parked on the west side in Midtown and explore its interior, then check out the supersonic airliner Concorde, the space shuttle Enterprise, and Growler, the only American diesel-powered guided missile submarine open to the public. The Museum’s renowned collection also features 28 historic aircraft, such as a Lockheed A-12, the world’s fastest military jet and spy plane; a WWII-era Grumman Avenger torpedo bomber, and a soon to be unveiled Douglas F4D Skyray that flew off of Intrepid.
To get even more out of your visit, use the museum's Interactive Mobile Guide, which allows guests to scan QR codes on exhibits for more info. Entrance is by timed tickets—buy them here—and the museum is now open seven days a week, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tickets: $33/adults; $31/seniors, $24/ages 5-12 Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Pier 86 West 46th St. & 12th Ave. Midtown Manhattan 212-245-0072 Online: intrepidmuseum.org
The Happiness Experiment at the New York Hall of Science
This exhibit was open for just seven weeks before Hurricane Ida caused serious damage causing NYSCI to close. As of February 19 (after some major cleanup), the museum, and The Happiness Experiment is open again! The exhibit helps children (and grownups) learn how happiness is translated from the external world into their minds and out of their personalities through neuroscience. Visitors will learn good habits on maintaining happiness—and how to interact with others when feeling out of sorts. The show also stresses that happiness is just one emotion that we experience and that it’s ok to not be happy all of the time. What's important is to learn how to verbalize hurt, disappointment or sadness, while also respecting others.
Open Fri., 2-5 p.m., Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets: $25/adult. $20/children New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th St., Queens 718-699-0005 Online: nysci.org
Andy Warhol: Revelation
This show presents Andy Warhol in a less familiar light than many are used to, looking at his Byzantine Catholic upbringing, and its profound impact on his life and work. From iconic portraits of celebrities to appropriated Renaissance masterpieces, Warhol played with styles and symbolism from Catholic art history, carefully reframing them within the context of Pop art and culture. Throughout his life, Warhol retained some of his Catholic rituals, while also unapologetically living as an out gay man. Among the more than 100 objects on view are rare source materials and newly discovered items that provide a fresh and intimate look at Warhol's creative process, as well as major paintings from his epic Last Supper series (1986), the experimental film The Chelsea Girls (1966). Advance ticket purchase required for timed entry.
Closed Mon. & Tues. Through June 19 The Brooklyn Museum 200 Eastern Pkwy Crown Heights 718-638-5000 Online: brooklynmuseum.org
NYPL
The largest branch of the New York Public Library has opened a new and exciting permanent exhibit called, Treasures: The Polonsky Exhibit. Here you will find 250 pieces from historical artifacts to pop culture. Some of the items on display include thousands-year-old Iraqi cuneiform tablets, the stuffed animals owned by the real-life Christopher Robbin that inspired the children’s book, “Winnie the Pooh,” the Declaration of Independence with John Hancock’s famous signature, and so much more. The collection is expansive and includes at least a few things that will blow the kids' (and your) mind! Bring headphones to listen to the Audio Guide!
*Tickets are free, but you must reserve a timed-entry ticket in advance. Masks are required.
Permanent exhibit Tickets: Free, registration required NYPL: Stephen Schwartzman Building 476 Fifth Ave. Midtown 917-275-6975 Online: nypl.org
See It Before It Goes!
Greater New York at MoMA: PS1
PS1 is the contemporary art annex of the famous MoMA and lives inside a former elementary school. Navigating the staircase is sure to be familiar for children and adults alike. Greater New York, focuses specifically on the art history of New York City. Featuring 47 artists whose works reflect their community and what New York means to them, this exhibit reflects the city as it emerges from a shut-down which left institutions with a very uncertain future. With a range of mediums and bright colors, this exhibit is a treat for the eyes.
Through April 18, 2022 Closed Tues. & Wed. 22-25 Jackson Ave. Long Island City Queens 718-784-2084 Online: moma.org
Puppets of New York at the Museum of the City of New York
Asya Gorovits/MCNY
The puppets take Manhattan at the Museum of the City of New York's latest exhibit. This delightful show explores the history of puppetry in New York City which dates back to the 1800s, with a look at the different kinds of puppets, from sock to shadow to rod. Familiar favorites on view include Howdy Doody, Oscar the Grouch and Lambchop & Friends, as well as lesser-known characters like the giant head of salsa legend, Hector Lavoe and the John Cusack string puppet from Being John Malkovich.
On view through April 2022 Tickets: $20/adults, Free/20 and under Museum of the City of New York 1220 Fifth Ave. East Harlem 212-534-1672 Online: mcny.org
This popular kids museum is currently open on weekends, select holidays, and Thursdays from 2-5 p.m., when entry is pay what you wish. (You still need to make a reservation.) Popular longstanding exhibits include World Brooklyn, Neighborhood Nature, Totally Tots, Collections Central and The Nest. Admission includes access to the ColorLab art studio, where families have the opportunity to explore printmaking, collage and sculpture projects inspired by artists such as Elizabeth Catlett, Richard Hunt, Faith Ringgold and Kehinde Wiley, among others. You must make a timed reservation for a three-hour visit. Do that here.
Visiting for a limited time is A-MAZE-D, a maze created from corrugated cardboard boxes that transforms the museum's second-floor Exhibit Gallery into a twisting and turning adventure made up of winding corridors and tunnels. It's a full-body experience for visitors of all ages, with special areas designated for the smallest visitors. A painted cityscape sets the backdrop for the built environment, with visitors seeing NYC landmarks at every turn. The exhibit is created in partnership with artist and puzzlemaker Dave Phillips.
Sat. & Sun. and select holidays.; Thursdays, 2-5 p.m., pay what you wish Tickets: $13 145 Brooklyn Ave. Crown Heights 718-735-4400 Online: brooklynkids.org
Mandala Lab at the Rubin Museum
Rubin Museum
Unlike other museums, this exhibit is meant to turn the focus on the viewer. It guides visitors through meditative practices and encourages them to dig deep and get in touch with their emotions. The exhibit provides activities to teach one how to channel any negative feelings through positive outlets in order to encourage personal growth and wisdom. Mandalas are meant to provide a point of focus so one can free themselves of the thoughts of daily life. There are also meditation rooms and spiritual gongs partly submerged in water to help center the mind. Advance reservation is required.
Tickets: $19/adults; $14/students; free/kids 12 and under, and Fridays, 6-10 p.m. Closed, Mon.-Wed. 150 W. 17th St. Chelsea 212-620-5000 Online: rubinmuseum.org
ONGOING
The Halls of Gems and Minerals at the American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is a favorite of both kids and adults, and one of the museum's most popular and beloved spaces, the Hall of Gems has been completely redesigned and reinstalled, and is now the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals.
The 11,000-square-foot hall showcases one of the greatest collections of its kind. Dazzling gems on view include the legendary 563-carat Star of India sapphire, the 632-carat Patricia Emerald, and the 110-carat diamond Organdie necklace designed by Michelle Ong for Carnet. Plus new specimens including a pair of towering, sparkling amethyst geodes that are among the world’s largest on display, a slice of a 35-million-year-old metasequoia—a petrified dawn redwood from the Cascade Mountains—the 9-pound almandine Subway Garnet discovered under Manhattan’s 35th Street in 1885, and the Tarugo, a 3-foot-tall cranberry-colored elbaite tourmaline that is one of the largest intact mineral crystal clusters ever found. Wow! Maybe the best news of all? It's included in the General Admission price to the museum, and is on permanent view!
American Museum of Natural History Central Park West at 79th Street Upper West Side 212-769-5100 Online: amnh.org
The New York Transit Museum
New York City Transit Museum
Set in an actual decommissioned train station with a functioning platform, you’ll see trains and turn-styles of bygone eras and unlike other museums, the NYTM encourages their young visitors to not only touch, but also to play. With several vintage train cars and buses, your child can get in the driver’s seat and be the conductor or choose to enjoy the ride through many decades!
New York Transit Museum Tickets: $10/adults, $5/children & seniors 99 Schermerhorn St. 718-694-1600 Online: nytransitmuseum.org
The Jim Henson Exhibition
The Muppets Studio LLC
This incredible retrospective of master puppeteer and creator Jim Henson at the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens is open again after a long Covid-19 pause. (The Museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.)
Museum of the Moving Image 36-01 35th Ave. Astoria 718-777-6888 Online: movingimage.us
Children's Museum of Manhattan
CMOM
The Children's Museum of Manhattan is open with lots of safety precautions in place to keep everyone healthy, including routine sanitizing, temperature checks, reduced capacity, masks and social distancing.
Visits to the museum are capped at two hours, and must be booked in advance. During that time, your family can explore all the exhibits at the museum, and take part in educator-led activities such as storytime, an art scavenger hunt, themed art projects and music and dance-time.
The museum is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday - Sunday.
Tickets: $15/kids and adults; $12/seniors, free/infants and members Children’s Museum of Manhattan 212 W. 83rd St. Upper West Side 212-721-1223 Online: www.cmom.org
The Museum of Ice Cream
Museum of Ice Cream NYC
Yes, the Museum of Ice Cream is open! An immersive walk-through experience dedicated to the sweet treat, the MOIC opened a permanent NYC flagship in December of 2019, but shut down in March. It's back, and COVID-19 precautions are in place, and include a new ventilation system, mask and glove requirements, deep cleanings at the beginning and end of every day, cleaning surfaces following any touching by visitors, capacity reduction, etc. You can read all safety measures here.
If you missed your chance to visit this shrine to slime when it opened last year, you have another chance. It's slightly altered (people play with their own slimes, not a collective vat, as was done previously), and you get to take slime home. Expect artisanal, scented slime, interactive activities, a massive DIY slime bar, slime experiments, an immersive ASMR tunnel, a lake of slime to walk on, and more. Advanced tickets are timed, masks are required, staff is in masks and gloves, and capacity is reduced. Dress in your get messy clothes and prepare to open your wallet: it's $39 a ticket. A percentage of sales goes to mental health charities.
Created in Zagreb, Croatia (with additional outposts in Vienna, Kuala Lumpur, and beyond) the museum is both educational and a spot for fun photo ops. Visitors can explore more than 70 elements and experiences that include "illusionistic rooms", optical illusions, and puzzles. Every "piece" in the museum is accompanied by a clear and concise explanation of what is causing or creating the illusion; mathematical, biological, and psychological concepts are all touched upon, as are perception, vision, and how the human brain works. This museum is an outstanding (and very fun) way to engage kids with complex scientific principles, and help them understand through experience. The well-curated gift shop allows you to take home some of the brain-bending fun.
The American Kennel Club celebrates humans' best friend with its Museum of the Dog on Park Avenue. (Previously located in St. Louis, the museum is now housed in the same building as the AKC.) Expect fine art such as paintings and sculptures dedicated to dogs big and small, as well as tributes created using modern technology. Ticketing is by advanced reservation, and masks are required. The museum is closed Mondays.
Tickets: $15/adults; $5/kids 12 and under, $10/seniors 65 and older 101 Park Ave. Upper East Side 212-696-8360 Online: museumofthedog.org
