Personal Space
Photographer and mother Yumi Matsuo on crafting her child’s room to meet them where they are, and where they’re going
At Friends Academy, we know beginnings matter. We see young children as powerful, capable agents of their learning.
Strengthened by our Quaker values, the important skills of exploration, investigation, and inquiry are the basis for all learning that takes place in the Friends Academy Early Childhood program. We believe children learn best when they are passionate and motivated about their learning.
The safe, beautiful spacious 300-acre Post campus offers outstanding fa open green spaces, and a welcom environment ideal for young camp
When families choose Oasis, they’re more than a camp — they’re choosing designed to help kids grow in confid empathy, and awareness
Safety first: Certified staff, on-site medical teams, and low ratios
Convenience included: Lunch, snacks, and extended day at no extra cost
Purposeful programming: Every activity connects back to our pillars of Self, Others, and World
STORIES & COLUMNS
FAMILY FUN
Preschool - 8th Grade
May in Motion, NY Style
May always feels like a turning point. The days are now warmer (Yay!). We’re leaning more into summer planning, and some of us have big questions about how our kids are growing and what they need next.
This month, we’re looking closely at spaces and finding what works for our family.
We step into a bright story with our May cover with photographer and mother Yumi Matsuo (page 34), who, along with design firm Knock Twice, crafted a room for her daughter that is not fixed in one moment but built to evolve. It is a space that meets her child where she is today and where she is heading next.
If you have a highly sensitive child, turn to page 18 for supportive strategies to better understand them and practical tips
GET IN TOUCH
for handling the tougher moments. We also chatted with an expert about what many parents quietly carry: measuring motherhood against an impossible standard (page 32)?
Summer is SO near, and we share some fun specialty camps and summer programs (page 22) as well as top preschools and Montessori schools (page 28).
For families staying close to the city, we also round up the best zoos near NYC (page 14) and, as always, our calendar of familyfriendly events happening this month. And in honor of American 250, we bring history into the present with a walking tour (page 38) that brings the Revolution to life for families today.
Happy May, and to all who celebrate, Happy Mother’s Day!
Share your feedback and ideas about family life in New York! Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily
PUBLISHER: Clifford Luster
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Donna Duarte-Ladd
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Erin Brof
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Stacie Goldberg
EDITORIAL LEAD: Jeannine Cintron
DEPUTY EDITOR: Danielle Ramos
EVENTS EDITOR: Shara Levine
ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR: Soe Kabbabe
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Alexa Lutter
PARTNERSHIP MANAGERS: Lauren Alperin, Lauren Anchin, Joan Bergman, Mary Cassidy, Suzanne Cirigliano, Chris Cunnington, Lori Falco, Shelli Goldberg-Peck, LynnMarie Hanley, Lisa Herlihy, Janine Mulé, Nina Spiegelman, Gwen Tomaselli
MARKETING & STRATEGY DIRECTOR: Rosalia Bobé
MARKETING & EVENTS
COORDINATOR: Ashley Rivera
MARKETING ASSISTANT: Lorens Morris
MEDIA SALES ASSISTANT: Ruston Ropac
ART DIRECTOR: Leah Mitch
WEB DEVELOPER: Sylvan Migdal
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Jeannine Cintron, Mia Salas
CONTACT INFORMATION
ADVERTISING: (718) 260-4554 Advertising@NewYorkFamily.com
CIRCULATION: (718) 260-8336 Tina@NewYorkFamily.com
ADDRESS: New York Family Media/Schneps Media 15 MetroTech Center, Seventh Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201
PRESIDENT: Victoria Schneps-Yunis
CEO: Joshua Schneps
COO: Clifford Luster
New York Family is the recipient of 7 Parenting Media Awards for 2025, including Gold awards for both Design and Editorial for our monthly print publication.
Tips for Setting Boundaries as Moms
How to say no without guilt
BY SOE KABBABE
Most moms don’t struggle with boundaries because they don’t care enough. They struggle because they care too much. We’re taught, explicitly or subtly, that good mothers are endlessly available. That putting ourselves last is just part of the job— the sweetest yet hardest job, as I like to call it. That saying yes equals love. But love shouldn’t mean losing yourself, right? Right.
Over time, those yeses pile up, and when they’re not aligned with what you actually have the capacity for, they turn into burnout. Setting boundaries as a mom means recognizing that your limits matter, even when they’re inconvenient.
The truth is, mothers aren’t just tired. We are bone tired. The kind of tired that sleep
doesn’t fix. Tired of making every decision, of anticipating everyone’s needs; of being the default: default parent, default planner, default problem-solver. And most of all, we’re tired of how invisible our own needs have become.
What Boundaries Really Are (and Aren’t) & the Power of Saying No
Let’s clear something up.
Boundaries Are:
A way to honor your needs
A form of emotional honesty
A model of self-respect for your kids
A path to more sustainable motherhood
Boundaries Are Not: Punishment Rejection
Lack of love
Failure as a mom
Boundaries don’t make you cold. They make it clear. One of the hardest parts of
boundaries for moms is saying no—especially when you could technically say yes. But “I can” doesn’t always mean “I should.” This is where, if we were to put it in more psychological terms, we need to “reparent” ourselves to practice simple, loving no’s. You don’t need a long explanation. You don’t need to justify your exhaustion. Just be clear on your wants and needs, and be gentle to yourself and to others. When you stop over-explaining, you teach everyone, and yourself, that your needs are valid.
The trick (albeit a tricky one if we’re not used to saying no) is to check in with yourself before you commit. Ask yourself, “Do I actually want to do this”? “Do I have the energy for this today”? “Will saying yes lead to resentment later”? Before you say yes, pause. This moment of mindfulness can change everything. It isn’t selfishness. It’s self-awareness.
Mindfulness for moms doesn’t have to mean meditation or silence. Sometimes it’s
Schedule your personalized tour with Colleen Fortuna, Director of Admissions EDUCATINGSTUDENTSINPRE-NURSERYTHROUGHEIGHTHGRADE
•Hands-on, inquiry-based curriculum
•Personalized high school placement t
•28-acre campus promotes physical development and risk taking in a safe environment
•Foreign language instruction beginning in Pre-Kindergarten
•Small class sizes and 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio
Limited spots available for the Limited spots available for the 2026-2027 school year 2026-2027 school year
www.BuckleyCountryDay.com
just noticing the tight feeling in your chest when you agree to something you don’t want. Just as in dating or business, that feeling is information.
Setting Boundaries with Your Kids
Many moms worry that boundaries will hurt their children. In reality, boundaries make kids feel safer. They show kids what’s okay and what’s not; how to respect others’ limits, and that adults have needs too. I made the mistake of prioritizing my kids’ wants and requests over mine on an everyday basis, and it’s precisely in those mundane chores where gentle boundaries matter the most!
A calm but firm “I can help you after I finish my coffee” or “I’m not available for play right now, but I will be later,” is a life lesson that both mothers and children need to learn. You’re not ignoring your child’s feelings—you’re holding space for them without abandoning yourself.
Boundaries for moms aren’t walls— they’re bridges. They connect you back to your needs, your body, and your sense of self. In fact, limits make you a better mom! When
you protect your energy, you become more patient and less reactive, and when you feel grounded, your whole family benefits. In a nutshell, it’s self-care that goes beyond bubble baths or quiet mornings. For many moms, it starts with boundaries. You can’t rest if you’re constantly on call. You can’t recharge or, yeah, reassess your thoughts, feelings, and goals, if you’re always available.
The Guilt Will Show Up. Let It Pass Anyway
Guilt often appears when you start setting boundaries. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re doing something new. As moms, what helps is simply reminding yourself that boundaries are healthy (just as you tell your kids broccoli is a magical little tree that makes them grow). Fake it until you make it!
Don’t let that feeling of guilt take you down the burnout route once again. Remember, your kids are watching how you treat yourself—they learn how to set boundaries by watching you set yours.
Small Steps to Start Setting Boundaries Today
You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight, fellow mom. Start small. When you set boundaries, you’re choosing longterm well-being over short-term approval. Make the promise to be true to yourself and your needs and say no to one thing you don’t want to do.
Today, try saying this out loud:
“That doesn’t work for me.”
“I’m going to pass this time.”
“I need rest right now.”
“Can you please unload the dishwasher tonight”?
“Mommy needs ‘alone time’ to recharge.”
“Not right now.”
If these statements still feel too foreign to you, take a five-minute pause before responding to a request. Ask for help instead of pushing through (ask exactly for what YOU need, even if it feels uncomfortable). Take a pause, stay quiet, breathe. Boundaries are built through repetition, not perfection, as with any other good habit you’re trying to build into your routine. You got this!
OYSTER BAY HEALTH & WELLNESS STREET FAIR 11AM – 4PM
LONG ISLAND Family Style
brought
to you by MIXOLOGY
Melissa Marsigliano, Declan and Donovan
Melissa is the founder of Long Island Pilates, host of the Long Island Pilates Podcast, and owner of Social Beehive, a Long Island-based marketing and pageant consulting agency. For the shoot, Melissa is wearing a soft salmon colored lace top with scalloped edges, perfect for the warmer weather, paired with straight-leg deep indigo jeans.
Her two children, Declan, age 3, and Donovan, age 2, are wearing tan overalls over white shirts, keeping the look classic and playful. They both love reading books with their parents, baking cookies, playing with monster trucks and dinosaurs, riding their bikes and scooters, and spending time at the beach and outdoors.
Jeaneille Clark, Aiden and Cameron
Jeaneille is a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson at Signature Premier Properties and the Sachem SEPTA President. She is also the founder of Mama, It Takes a Village, a website that supports families of individuals with special needs with resources and community. Jeaneille is wearing a loose denim halter top, light denim barrel trousers, and a transitional off-white canvas jacket.
Her children, Aiden, age 7, and Cameron, age 5, enjoy sports, music, and spending time together. Cameron loves numbers, reading, planets, and engineering, while Aiden enjoys drawing, video games, basketball, and soccer. Both are wearing jeans and butterscotchhued sweaters, perfect for spring.
Location: Abrams Fensterman
3 Dakota Dr. , New Hyde Park, NY 11042
Abrams Fensterman, LLP is a law firm based in Lake Success, NY, providing legal counsel to individuals, businesses, and healthcare providers.
Photographer: Ashley Medici Insta @Medici_photography ashleymedici.com
Photo Editor at Dan’s Papers
Sponsor: Mixology Clothing Shopmixology.com
Produced by Staci Leibson
Best Zoos Near NYC for Families
BY DANIELLE RAMOS
Spend a day with your family discovering zoos throughout New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Orange County, and Fairfield. These destinations offer a chance to see a wide range of exotic and native animals, and are perfect for little (and big) animal lovers. There is nothing quite like being close to animals and watching them in person. Many locations also offer interactive experiences like animal feedings, touch tanks, and children’s areas, perfect for a fun, hands-on day with the kids.
Whether you’re staying local or turning it into a mini day trip, these zoos make for the kind of outing everyone can get excited about!
Best Zoos in Manhattan Central Park Zoo
64th Street and Fifth Avenue, Central Park (212) 439-6500
Closest subway stops: N, R, W at 5th Avenue59th Street station
Stop by the iconic Central Park Zoo to see its famous sea lions, visit the grizzly bears or the snow leopards, and be amazed by several types of penguins. The zoo also hosts community events, has a Children’s Zoo perfect for little ones, and offers programming that is sure to get kids excited about animals, nature, and protecting both.
Best Zoos in the Bronx Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx (718) 220-5100
Closest subway stops: 2 and 5 – Bronx Park East station
Recommended ages: All ages
The Bronx Zoo is the Wildlife Conservation Society’s flagship zoo. Explore more than 265 acres and meet more than 8,000 animals, including gorillas in the Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit, lions and tigers, giraffes, the animals of North America, and so many more. The Bug Carousel, nature trek, and up-close-and-personal Wild
Encounters are open, too, which will help you and the kids maximize your day at this famous zoo.
Best Zoos in Brooklyn
Prospect Park Zoo
450 Flatbush Ave., Prospect Heights (718) 399-7339
Closest subway stops: B, Q, S – Prospect Park station
Recommended ages: All ages
Some of Prospect Park Zoo’s coolest animal inhabitants include sea lions, dingoes, emus, and the fluffy Pallas Cat. Take a winding walk along the Discovery Trail to visit red pandas and tufted deer, or visit the zoo’s smallest species in the Hall of Animals. The zoo’s barn and garden are the perfect places for little ones to explore, too!
Best Zoos in Queens
Alley Pond Environmental Center
229-10 Northern Blvd, Queens (718) 229-4000
Closest bus stop: Q 12: Northern Blvd/Morgan St; Douglaston Station on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
Alley Pond is dedicated to educating kids (and parents!) about animals, open spaces, and waterbodies, and to protecting and preserving nature. Some of the Animal Ambassadors you can visit include rabbits, chinchillas, turtles, snakes, and birds. APEC hosts a variety of programming for kids, including the Summer SENSES science exploration program and other summer camp sessions, holiday-themed weekend programming, and the Vet Tech 101 program. And, you can always explore the center’s beautiful trails, too.
SUMMER AT PORTLEDGE: BUILD ROBOTS & MASTER AI
At Portledge, summer is hands-on, inspiring, and fu ture-ready. From beginner robotic dogs to advanced humanoid rob ots, students explore, create, and grow—learning AI, coding, and autonomous systems while building confidence, curiosity, and l ifelong skills. Programs for grades 9–12.
Queens Zoo
53-51 111th St, Corona (718) 271-1500
Closest subway stops: 7: 111th St
If you’re looking for a family-friendly zoo in New York, the Queens Zoo is such a lovely place to spend the day because it’s full of friendly animals, walking trails, and peaceful spots to explore at your own pace. Besides being home to a wide variety of wildlife— from alligators, to mountain lions, to Andean bears—that visitors can view at their leisure, the zoo also offers a walk-through aviary, an animal trail, and several very cool domestic animals such as Flemish great rabbits and Texas longhorns! Several educational programs are available for kids, including wildlife school, professional development programs, and school break programs. Visit the zoo’s website to learn more.
Best Zoos in Staten Island Staten Island Zoo
614 Broadway, Staten Island (718) 442-3101
The Staten Island Zoo has everything kids could want in a zoo, including a children’s center, horse barn, the Honey Bee Apiary, an exhibit that showcases cuddly otters, a reptile wing, and several dinosaur sculptures!
Best Zoos in Long Island Suffolk County Farm and Education Center
350 Yaphank Ave, Yaphank (631) 852-4600
Suffolk County Farm is open every day, weather permitting. The kids can meet countless farm animals, including horses, sheep, and cows, and can participate in programming such as winter wildlife clinics and winter adventures. Follow the farm’s Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on the animals.
Long Island Game Farm Wildlife and Children’s Zoo
489 Chapman Blvd, Manorville (631) 878-6644
The Long Island Game Farm is home to zebras, giraffes, alpacas, donkeys, wild mustangs, African serval cats, emus, wallabies, lemurs, alligators, foxes, and more!
Best Zoos in Westchester County Muscoot Farm
51 Route 100, Katonah (914) 864-7286
Muscoot has more than 50 animals to visit, including donkeys, cows, horses, goats,
chickens, and turkeys, and several historic buildings that make it a quaint and familyfriendly place to explore. There are more than six miles of trails to hike with the kids, several programs for kids in the summer and winter, and awesome maple sugaring events happening safely and soon.
The Wolf Conservation Center 7 Buck Run, South Salem (914) 763-2373
The Wolf Conservation Center is committed to protecting, celebrating, and educating people about wolves. Ambassador Wolves Silas and Nikai teach people not to fear wolves; beyond the Ambassadors, guests can visit red wolves and Mexican gray wolves. Special programming includes a summer wolf camp for kids, the Sleeping with Wolves overnight program, and several virtual opportunities to meet the wolves.
Best Zoos in Orange County
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum
Outdoor Discovery Center: 120 Muser Drive (across from 174 Angola Road), Cornwall (845) 534-5506
Wildlife Education Center: 25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson (845) 534-7781
The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum’s mission is to help kids become responsible caretakers of the natural world through educational programming, several places to play, and miles of hiking trails. Visit the Grasshopper Grove in the spring, summer, and fall, explore the expansive grounds, or download a trail map and hike one of the two stroller-
accessible trails or into Black Rock Forest. Maple sugaring events are also happening this spring—visit the website for details.
Best Zoos in Fairfield County, CT Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport (203) 394-6565
Located just outside NYC, Beardsley Zoo is the perfect choice for a short zoo visit, full of rare animals and easy to reach. Many exotic and fantastic animals call the Beardsley Zoo home. From rare Amur leopards and tigers to maned and Mexican wolves, your kids are sure to find an animal they’ll fall in love with.
The zoo also offers Zoo Patrol programming for kids, plenty of virtual educational events, birthday parties, and scavenger hunts. Keep an eye out for the peacocks who roam freely around the zoo grounds!
Zoo Live Streams
Bring the zoo to you with these experiences!
Wildlife Conservation Society
The Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo are sharing animal content like videos, virtual learning, and Instagram stories, featuring animals to bring the zoo to you. Visit this page to stay updated.
Utica Zoo
Uti-kaZoo: Utica Zoo Kid’s Academy—Learn about alligators, crocodiles, Waylon, and more through videos and activities.
Zoo New England
The Kids’ Corner offers videos and fun printouts, games, quizzes, and more
Over 50 classes offered across Art, Dance, Music, Theater, Creative Writing, Nature, and Chess. Popular classes include Ceramics, Concert Band, Intro to DJ Basics, Edible Gardening, LEGO™ Construction, Archery, and more! WWW.USDAN.ORG/EXPLORE | PHONE 631.643.7900 |
Parenting Strategies for Highly Sensitive Children
BY SOE KABBABE
If your child cries at loud birthday parties, melts down after school, notices every subtle shift in your mood, or asks big questions that seem far beyond their years, you may be parenting a highly sensitive child. If you are, you’ve likely heard that “they’ll toughen up” at some point. But here’s what many parents quietly discover: highly sensitive children don’t need to toughen up. They need to be understood.
In general, children are thought to have a more sensitive nervous system. That sensitivity isn’t a flaw; it’s a temperament trait. These kids often feel deeply, think deeply, and process the world in a richly layered way. The challenge is that their nervous systems can become overwhelmed more easily.
Parenting highly sensitive children requires patience. It’s less about fixing behavior and more about building regulation skills— gently, consistently, and with respect for how their brains are wired.
Before diving into strategies, it helps to clarify what high sensitivity is and what it isn’t. A highly sensitive child may:
• Be deeply empathetic and emotionally intuitive
• React strongly to loud sounds, scratchy clothing, or crowded spaces like airports or public events
• Need extra time to warm up in new environments
• Feel hurt by criticism more intensely than peers
• Struggle after long school days due to sensory overload
• Notice subtle details others miss, especially when it comes to emotional reactions or mannerisms
This isn’t the same as anxiety, though the two can overlap. Highly sensitive children have nervous systems that process things and feelings more thoroughly. That depth is often a gift, but it requires skillful support. The goal, as parents, isn’t to eliminate sensitivity from their personality. It’s to teach your child how to live comfortably inside it.
Strategies to Help Highly Sensitive Children Build Resilience
Validate First, Problem-Solve Second . When your child is overwhelmed, your instinct may be to reason with them. But logic doesn’t land when the nervous system is overwhelmed. So, start with validation: “That was really loud in there;” “It makes sense that your feelings got
hurt”; “You had a big day. Your body looks tired.” Perhaps my personal favorite, and one that I use often with my daughter: “It’s okay; you are just tired and overstimulated”.
Validation doesn’t mean you agree with every reaction. It means you acknowledge the experience. Once your child feels understood, their nervous system begins to settle, and then problem-solving becomes possible.
Create Predictable Transitions for Highly Sensitive Children . Highly sensitive children struggle most with sudden shifts like leaving the house, ending screen time, walking into a new classroom, or meeting new people. Transitions may be hard for them, so the best approach would be to build some predictability: give 10-minute and 5-minute warnings; use visual schedules for younger kids (we have a fridge calendar and a household chore list, so my kids are aware of what needs to be done), or rely on small rituals, like a goodbye hug routine or quick breathwork when you wait for the school bus.
Build a “Decompression Ritual” After School
Many sensitive children appear “fine” all day and then unravel at home. This isn’t manipulation, it’s a nervous system release in their safest space. Instead of jumping straight into homework or questions, offer decompression—quiet time alone in their room; a snack in silence; a bath or shower; reading under a blanket or time with headphones and calming music.
Think of it as an emotional pressure
release. The more regulated they feel at home, the more resilient they become outside it.
Teach Emotional Vocabulary Early. Highly sensitive children feel deeply but may not yet have the language to describe what’s happening internally. Help them build it!
“That sounds like disappointment;” “is that frustration or embarrassment?”; “does your body feel buzzy or heavy right now?.”
When children can name feelings, they are less controlled by them. Emotional literacy is one of the most protective skills you can offer. This can also apply to parents, but that’s a topic for another time!
Model Regulation Yourself. This may be the hardest one. Highly sensitive children are exquisitely attuned to parental tone, facial expression, and stress levels. They often absorb your emotional state before you speak. As a parent, I can assure you it’s been one of the hardest lessons motherhood has taught me, and perhaps one I haven’t mastered yet, but as with everything kids-related, we learn as we go.
When you say, “I’m feeling frustrated, so I’m going to take a few breaths,” you normalize regulation. When you apologize for snapping, you teach repair. Cliche but leading by example is the way to start!
Body-Based Regulation Tools . Coping skills should be practiced when your child is calm, not only during meltdowns. Just as moms need sensory techniques to calm their nervous system, kiddos do so as well. Teach them to slow breath—my daughter and I have this “game” that helps her regulate her emotions: “smell the flowers” and “blow the birthday candle” (as in, inhale and exhale for several times). You can also give them a small sensory object (smooth stone, fidget, soft fabric). Anything to help them stop and focus.
When to Seek Expert Support for Highly Sensitive Children
High sensitivity is not a diagnosis. However, there are times when additional support is important. Sometimes a few sessions focused on coping skills can make an enormous difference. Consider consulting a pediatrician,
child psychologist, or therapist if your child:
• Avoids school consistently due to distress
• Experiences panic attacks or severe anxiety
• Has persistent sleep disturbances
• Struggles to maintain friendships
• Shows signs of depression (withdrawal, hopelessness, loss of interest)
• Has frequent meltdowns that interfere significantly with daily life
Parenting a highly sensitive child can feel intense in the early years. You may worry whether the world will be too harsh, too loud, too fast. But many sensitive children grow into deeply compassionate adults. They become thoughtful leaders, creative thinkers, loyal friends, and intuitive partners.
Your role is not to toughen them. It’s to help them understand their wiring and build tools to navigate it. That means patience on hard days or boundaries when needed. Remember, you’re not raising a fragile child, but a perceptive one, and with the right support, that perception can become one of their greatest gifts!
SPECIALTY CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS
Summer is near, and you may still be figuring out camp, which is why a speciality camp is a great consideration. How these camps work is they are crafted around what your kid is into, such as sports, STEM, arts, creativity, movement, and everything in between. Specialty camps give them space to build confidence, and connect with kids who are on their wavelength. Campers get all the summer essentials like structure and new friendships, but with way more purpose. Less one-size-fits-all, more “this feels like me.”
We’ve rounded up a list of these camps and standout summer programs that are worth a look. Because the best summers are about being meaningful and fun!
Destination Science
Multiple Locations in Long Island and Westchester 888-909-2822, info@destinationscience.org destinationscience.org/new-york-science-camps
Destination Science is a dynamic summer camp that blends STEM learning with energetic, hands-on, make-and-take projects. Designed to spark curiosity and build real-world skills, the professional camp staff make science something kids truly love in a supportive and playful environment. Campers rotate through three interactive science stations, with camp games, songs, and high-energy rallies that keep the excitement going. Three exciting themes this summer: Robot Olympic Challenge: Get ready for the ultimate robotics showdown! Movie Maker STEM Lab: Lights, camera… chain reaction! Jedi Engineering Camp: From lightsabers to liftoff, use the Force to complete the mission! Multiple Camp Locations: Bronxville, Garden City, Hicksville, Huntington, Manhasset, Setauket, Syosset. May Special Save $30/wk by adding STEM20 at checkout.
DNA Learning Center Science Summer Camps 334 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724 516-367-5170, dnalc-camps@cshl.edu summercamps.dnalc.org/regenerondnalc
Join the DNA Learning Center this summer for an immersive, fiveday science experience and unravel the mysteries of life. Budding scientists entering 6th–12th grade will develop real research skills, build academic confidence, boost their college profiles, and have a blast exploring the frontiers of biology. Guided by their experienced instructors, students get to perform real experiments several grade levels ahead of their peers, from crime-solving forensic DNA analysis to cutting-edge gene cloning and transformation techniques. Their week-long day camps take place between June 29 and September 4 2026, and are available across their four core locations in NYC, Long Island, Westchester, and Wayne, New Jersey. Need-based scholarships, multi-camp, and sibling discounts are available upon request.
Future Stars Summer Camps
10 Long Island Locations
admin@fscamps.com, 631-769-CAMP fscamps.com
For over 45 years, Future Stars Summer Camps has been dedicated to developing campers’ skills, building their self-confidence, and creating an unforgettable summer for the whole family. With 30+ programs to choose from, campers can focus on what they love or discover something new. Future Stars is an ACA-accredited summer day camp organization. Professional educators deliver high-quality instruction in a safe, supportive environment. Flexible weekly scheduling and consistent communication keep planning simple and families informed. With 11 convenient locations across Long Island, the Hamptons, and Westchester, Future Stars provides the ultimate summer camp experience. Specialty Programs include Adventure, Art, Dance, Drama, Horseback Riding, Magic, and Rising Stars (Early Childhood), as well as an extensive catalog of Sports and STEAM camps.
Summer at Portledge
355 Duck Pond Road Locust Valley, NY 11560 516-750-3203, kbaratoff@portledge.org portledge.org/community-life/summer-at-portledge
Portledge School offers two cutting-edge robotics programs designed to immerse students in the future of technology. Robotic Dogs, AI, and Autonomous Systems introduces students to quadruped robotic platforms, exploring how sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence enable balance, navigation, and independent decision-making. Humanoid Robotics, AI, and Intelligent Motion provides hands-on experience programming and controlling a full humanoid robot, reflecting real-world research and development practices. Through project-based learning, students build skills in problem-solving, coding, and engineering while gaining exposure to advanced concepts in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment.
Oasis Day Camp
720 Northern Blvd – Pratt Athletic Center
Brookville, NY 11548 914-712-5054, info@oasischildren.com oasischildren.com
Oasis Day Camp offers a joyful, enriching summer experience for children ages 3–15. Guided by its core pillars—developing the self, connecting with others, and exploring the world—this full-day program blends arts, sports, instructional swim, outdoor play, and creative exploration. Older campers enjoy specialized experiences with travel programs. Families value trusted staff, included lunch, instructional swim and extended day options.
Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts
185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights, NY 11798
631-643-7900, enrollment@usdan.org usdan.org
Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts offers children in grades K–12 a confidence-building summer filled with creativity, friendship, and growth. Located on a 140-acre Long Island campus with daily transportation included, Usdan combines professional arts instruction with a nature-filled day-camp environment where children feel safe and supported. Every day, students engage in up to 4.5 hours of toptier arts education in their choice of eight artistic disciplines — Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Art, Creative Writing, Nature, Chess, and Recreational Arts — while also engaging in classic summer camp fun. Discover why young artists and their parents love Usdan — schedule a tour at Usdan.org/Visit today!
7 of the Best Dating Apps for Single Parents
and where to connect IRL, too
BY SOE KABBABE
Dating as a single parent can feel like navigating two full-time jobs at once. Between school pickups, work schedules, and bedtime routines, finding time—and the right people—to date isn’t always easy.
That’s where niche dating apps and platforms come in. Many single moms and dads prefer apps designed specifically for people raising kids. These communities prioritize meaningful relationships, flexible schedules, and people who understand the realities of parenting.
Today there are more dating apps for single parents than ever, including platforms that focus on serious relationships, parenting lifestyles, and even building community among solo parents.
Here’s a guide to the best dating apps for single parents, including platforms built just for parents and niche options that align with different lifestyles, plus where to meet people in real life if swiping isn’t your thing—because it’s never too late to give love another chance!
Dating Apps for Single Parents: Built Specifically with Parents in Mind Stir (stir.com)
Launched by Match Group, Stir is one of the fastest-growing dating apps built specifically for single parents. Because everyone on the app is either a parent or open to dating one— and filters and profile prompts are based on parenting status, family goals, and parenting life—conversations often start from a place of shared understanding.
PlayDate (goplaydate.com)
Created by a single mom, PlayDate focuses on helping parents find meaningful relationships while balancing real-life logistics, like integration with childcare planning tools. The app’s biggest strength is how it reflects real parenting life—schedules, babysitting, and all.
Even (avail Google apps)
Even is a newer dating platform designed specifically for single parents looking for relationships with others in similar life stages. The app emphasizes on compatibility and shared values; thoughtful matching, and a slower, more intentional dating experience
Dating Apps for Single Parents with Specific Lifestyles
Some single parents want to date within a specific lifestyle—whether that’s family goals, career alignment, or parenting philosophy.
Frolo (frolo.com)
Frolo blends single parent community, parenting styles, and dating into one platform. It’s especially helpful for parents who want to build connections before jumping into dating.
heybaby (avail Apple apps)
Heybaby is designed for people who want kids or already have them. Family life isn’t an afterthought—it’s central to the app. Which is why matches are done based on desire for children while featuring prompts about parenting approaches and values.
EliteSingles (elitesingles.com)
EliteSingles caters to professionals, including many single parents balancing jobs and family. Ideal for those parents who are looking for a full-committed, long-term relationship—users are typically over 30 and the algorithm matches based on personality
and career or family goals.
Dating Apps for Single Parents of Special Needs Kids
Special Hearts (facebook.com/ special.hearts)
Special Hearts is one of the only dating apps specifically designed for people with disabilities and parents of children with special needs. It’s inclusive of caregivers and special needs families, while focusing on empathy and understanding. It’s a very niche app, but the highly aligned user base makes it worth it!
Frolo (frolo.com)
Frolo also works well for parents of children with special needs because of its strong community features. For families with special needs kiddos, it builds support systems first while connecting with other parents—this allows them to go slow and transition into dating without rushing.
Skip the Apps: In-Person Meetups for Single Parents in NYC
Not every single parent wants to swipe. In New York City, many moms and dads are skipping dating apps altogether and choosing something that feels more natural: meeting in real life.
From stroller walks in Central Park to casual coffee meetups in Brooklyn, NYC offers a strong network of low-pressure spaces where single parents connect organically— often starting as friendships that move into something more.
Local Parenting Communities That Host Real-Life Meetups
Single Parent Resource CenterMidtown East, (singleparentusa.com) 228 E 45th St, 5th Floor
This long-standing NYC organization offers support services, workshops, and community-building opportunities for single parents. You can find parenting workshops and support groups; occasional in-person gatherings and networking events, and even resources for navigating single parent life in NYC.
Meetup Groups for Single Parents (meetup.com/singleparent)
Meetup is the ultimate place to find local gatherings near you. Regardless of what you’re looking for, there’s always a group waiting for you! Some events for single parents may include Central Park walks; Brooklyn Bridge Park outings; 80s or 90s Dance Nights, weekend brunch groups, and even coffee or tea over Zoom. These options help create repeat interactions— and that’s often where connection builds naturally. It focuses on real conversation and chemistry without the pressure of apps.
FA Qs: Dating apps for single parents
Are dating apps safe for single parents?
They can be as long as you follow these recommendations: don’t share your child’s personal information; keep routines and locations private; use reputable platforms with verified ID profiles, if possible. And take your time before meeting! Never rush a connection, especially if it seems too good to be true.
When should you introduce a partner to your kids?
Wait until the relationship is stable and serious. There’s no need to make it a priority until you fully know someone’s intentions.
If Apps and Meetups Aren’t Your Thing, NYC Is Your Playground… Literally!
Here’s the truth: in New York City, you don’t actually need an app—or even a formal meetup—to meet someone. Between parks, schools, classes, and neighborhood routines, you’re already surrounded by people living
How can single parents protect themselves and their kids while on dating apps?
Meet in public the first few times and make sure to tell a friend about your plans. Be upfront about having children, but never reveal more than necessary (this includes your kiddos’ names, ages, schools, routines, where do you live, etc. Many single parents also prefer to wait to exchange phone numbers or social media channels, too.). And lastly, look for partners who respect your priorities, boundaries, and listen to your instincts—you can never be too careful!
lives that look like yours.
For single parents, that means seeing the same faces regularly; building familiarity over time; forming friendships or connections that can evolve naturally. Sometimes, the best relationships start with something simple—like a conversation at the playground you go to every week.
Think You’re Too Young for Menopause?
BY DANIELLE RAMOS
Afew years ago, I went with a friend to the pharmacy after we dropped off our middle schoolers. Staring at the pregnancy tests, I could feel her nerves. At age 42, she hadn’t been pregnant in more than a decade and thought her days of raising babies were over for good, but not having had a period in eight weeks could only mean one thing. The test was negative, so she bought another a few days later, which was also negative. Then a trip to her doctor brought her news she simply was not ready to hear.
“ ‘You may be menopausal.’ That’s what my doctor told me, and I thought she was surely joking,” she told me later that week. “I’m young. My period has always been like clockwork, and I feel fine.”
My friend’s doctor was right, and her period never returned. To make things more confusing, one of the moms in our circle was unexpectedly pregnant at 46. We all spent a lot of time outside the school that year talking about how entirely strange fertility can be, and how just when you think you know what to expect from your body, you can easily get a surprise in more ways than one.
Average Age of Menopause
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the average age in the United States is 51, but menopause can occur between 40 and 60. It happens when your ovaries stop making estrogen, your periods stop, and your body moves out of its reproductive years. When this happens between 40 and 45, it’s considered early menopause, and before age 40, it’s known as premature menopause.
According to Yale Medicine, approxiamtely 5% of women experience early menopause, and about 1% of women go through premature menopause, which can happen in their 30s and in some rare cases, even earlier.
“There are certain genetic reasons and autoimmune conditions that can lead to early or premature menopause, but sometimes we never really quite know why it happens,” says
Causes of Early and Premature Menopause
Possible causes include
• Autoimmune disease
• Chemotherapy treatment
• Hysterectomy (which sends a woman into instant menopause)
• Smoking
• Genetic component
• History in the family
There isn’t a single test that definitively diagnoses menopause. Instead, doctors officially diagnose it after you’ve gone 12 straight months without a period. The stretch of time leading up to that point, when symptoms start popping up and cycles become unpredictable, is called perimenopause. It can last a few months or stretch out for years, with most people spending about four years in this transition.
Still, it’s a good idea to have certain hormones tested at your annual visit. The Mayo Clinic recommends that women test folliclestimulating hormone, estrogen, and thyroidstimulating hormone. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels increase and estradiol levels decrease as menopause occurs, while an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause similar symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms that you may be headed
toward menopause include:
• Irregular periods (very heavy, longer, or shorter than usual)
• Vaginal dryness
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes
• Stubborn weight gain
The vast majority of women report symptoms, and up to 70 percent of women experience hot flashes for years, but there are those who do not. Some women experience no symptoms other than the absence of a monthly period. Others can have unusual symptoms like urgent and painful urination, brain fog, shoulder pain, bone and muscle aches, and dry skin.
“I felt fine throughout,” my friend recently told me. She has not had a period in three years and is considered post-menopausal now. “Once I knew I wasn’t pregnant and got over the shock of what was happening, I was actually relieved. I didn’t have any debilitating symptoms, and I honestly don’t miss my period at all!”
If your periods are changing or you’re noticing symptoms that could point to menopause, look for a gynecologist who specializes in hormone testing and menopause care, bring a list of questions, and get clear answers. You’ll feel so much better knowing what’s actually going on instead of wondering.
Hugh Taylor, MD, chair of Yale Medicine Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences.
TOP
Preschools & Montessori Schools
Thinking about preschool? It’s a big move, and a really good one. For your little one, it’s the start of something exciting. For you… it’s maybe your first hot coffee in peace. From play-based programs to Montessori classrooms, New York preschools are full of energy, curiosity, and those magical “firsts.” These early years are about more than the ABCs, they also learn to socialize, share more while building confidence, strengthen their motor skills, and get comfortable in a structured, joyful environment. Think of it as their launchpad: one small, proud moment at a time. We’ve rounded up some of the top preschools and Montessori programs to help you find the right fit, for them and for you.
Countryside Montessori School
354 Lakeville Road, lower level, Great Neck 516-466-8422, info@cmsgn.com cmsgn.com
Countryside Montessori School believes in creating a peaceful atmosphere where respect toward each other, community and the environment are an everyday occurrence. The school offers children ages 18 months to 6 years a well-balanced and enriched curriculum, which includes traditional subjects, art, and music. They are in an estate-like setting with an outdoor playground and nature walks. Classrooms are fully equipped and spacious. The school has two toddler classrooms and two primary classrooms. The toddler class is for 18 months to 3 years old. The primary class is for 3 to 6-year-olds and includes nursery, pre-K, and kindergarten. The primary class curriculum contemplates a three-year cycle. There are after-school programs offered throughout the school year.
Buckley Country Day School
2 I. U. Willets Road, Roslyn, NY 11576 516-627-1910, cfortuna@buckleycountryday.com buckleycountryday.com
Buckley Country Day School is an inclusive community that nurtures the whole child, preparing students for success in high school, college, and beyond. The school’s mission, Opening The Eyes And Awakening The Mind, is at the heart of its curriculum, where Buckley’s youngest learners embark on a lifetime of discovery in a caring, positive environment. The Early Childhood program supports children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development through play-based learning, laying a strong foundation for entry into Lower School. Buckley welcomes students at 2 years old in Pre-Nursery and admits students on a rolling basis through grade 7. Visit their 28-acre Roslyn campus and discover the difference a Buckley education can make.
East Woods School
31 Yellow Cote Road, Oyster Bay, NY 11771 516-922-4400, info@eastwoods.org eastwoods.org
East Woods School is a leading independent school serving PreNursery through Eighth grade on Long Island’s North Shore. With a legacy spanning more than 80 years, the school is known for its strong academic program and commitment to developing confident, capable learners. The Pre-Nursery experience is designed to spark curiosity through play-based learning, guided exploration, and meaningful social interaction. Small class sizes and dedicated faculty ensure personalized attention and a supportive environment where each child can thrive. Emphasis is placed on early literacy, advanced academic focus, and social development, creating a balanced foundation for future success. East Woods School cultivates a love of learning while preparing students for the academic and personal challenges ahead.
Friends Academy
270 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley 516-676-0393, admissions@fa.org friendsacademy.org
At Friends Academy, a culture of inquiry, engagement, and reflection begins in Early Childhood. Starting at this stage provides children with the foundation needed for success in the school’s rigorous academic programs in later years. The Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum nurtures curiosity and builds essential skills in literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional learning. Rooted in Quaker values, the program encourages exploration, investigation, and inquiry as the basis for all learning. Friends Academy believes children learn best when they are passionate and motivated. Multi-sensory, hands-on experiences help students develop critical thinking skills, express themselves with confidence, and appreciate the voices and ideas of others.
The Hagedorn Little Village School
750 Hicksville Road, Seaford 516-520-6000 littlevillage.org
The mission of The Hagedorn Little Village School (HLVS) Jack Joel Center for Special Children is to provide the finest educational and therapeutic programs to infants, preschool and elementary school children with a wide range of developmental delays and disabilities. Staff strives to help each child they serve achieve their highest potential, educationally, emotionally and socially by creating a nurturing environment for the child and a supportive framework for their families. Further information can be found on the website: www.littlevillage.org.
The Green Vale School
250 Valentine’s Lane, Old Brookville 516-621-2420, admissions@greenvaleschool.org greenvaleschool.org
The Green Vale School is Long Island’s preeminent private school for pre-nursery (age 2) through grade 8. Green Vale’s early childhood program, which includes pre-nursery through kindergarten, is designed to nurture young minds in a warm, kind, and cozy environment. Great emphasis is placed on developing the whole child and fostering academic, social, and emotional growth during these critical formative years. In addition to a vibrant and dynamic academic curriculum, students are introduced to a rich variety of specials—ranging from outdoor play, science, Spanish, music, technology, and physical education. With an expansive 40-acre campus as their learning playground, Green Vale’s youngest learners are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow in every way possible.
Holy Child Academy
25 Store Hill Rd, Old Westbury, New York 11568 516 626-9300, Admissions@hcali.org holychildacademy.org
Where actions not words set them apart. Holy Child Academy, a premier independent Catholic school in Westbury, NY, set on 14 picturesque acres in Old Westbury and part of the Holy Child Network of Schools, inspires students through the Four A’s— Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Alleluia. Rooted in its mission to foster a “joyful pursuit of excellence,” HCA is dedicated to developing the whole child in knowledge, character, leadership, and faith. From the Dolan Early Childhood Center (Toddler–Pre-K) through 8th grade, students are nurtured in a supportive, valuesdriven environment that encourages curiosity, compassion, and confidence—empowering each child to reach their fullest potential and pursue excellence with purpose and joy.
Laurel Hill School
201 Old Town Road East Setauket, New York 11733 631-751-1154, info@laurelhillschool.org laurelhillschool.org
At Laurel Hill School Preschool, education is more than a first step, it’s the foundation of a lifelong journey. Dedicated, certified teachers create a warm, inclusive environment where curiosity is celebrated, creativity is encouraged, and every child is valued as an individual. LHS embraces a holistic approach to early education, recognizing that every child learns differently. Their diverse curriculum blends academics, social-emotional development, and play-based learning, both inside the classroom and across their stunning 10-acre campus, complete with an outdoor classroom and playgrounds. Serving families from Infants through PreK 4, Laurel Hill School Preschool brings together a community to cultivate a love of learning that truly lasts a lifetime.
Portledge School
355 Duck Pond Road Locust Valley, NY 11560 516-750-3224, admissions@portledge.org portledge.org/academics/early-childhood
Portledge School’s Early Childhood program nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in its youngest students. Serving children in Pre-Nursery through Kindergarten, the program offers a warm, engaging environment where social-emotional growth is prioritized alongside early academic development. Through playbased, hands-on experiences, students build foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and collaboration. Thoughtfully designed classrooms and outdoor spaces encourage exploration, creativity, and independence. Guided by experienced educators, children develop routines, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging, preparing them for a successful transition into Lower School and beyond.
Long Island School for the Gifted 815 Convent Rd., Syosset 631-423-3557, admissions@lisg.org lisg.org
For over 40 years, the Long Island School for the Gifted (LISG) has offered an accelerated curriculum for students from pre-K through grade 9 in a nurturing environment where they will be both intellectually challenged and socially comfortable. LISG helps gifted students thrive by developing the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed for life by nurturing their unique abilities. With small class sizes and a low student-teacher ratio, the school emphasizes personalized instruction. Admission requires an IQ score of 130 or higher. LISG’s comprehensive approach addresses both academic and emotional needs, fostering the development of well-rounded individuals. Graduates often excel in higher education and beyond.
The Waldorf School of Garden City
225 Cambridge Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530 516-742-3434, lerouxb@waldorfgarden.org waldorfgarden.org
The Waldorf School of Garden City’s Early Childhood program offers an age-appropriate, experiential foundation rooted in how young children naturally learn through movement, imitation, play, and sensory-rich experiences. In a warm, nurturing environment, children engage in creative play, artistic work, storytelling, and purposeful daily activities that foster confidence, curiosity, and social-emotional growth. Free from abstract academic work, students build skills of inquiry, experimentation, and exploration of the natural world. Grounded in over 75 years at the School and a century of Waldorf early childhood education worldwide, this early foundation plants the seeds for resilient, thoughtful, and joyful lifelong learners.
How to Stop MEASURING Your MOTHERHOOD
In achievement-driven communities, parenting can feel like a performance. An expert explains the cost of constant comparison
BY DONNA DUARTE-LADD
There’s this pressure that many moms, at least the moms I know, feel the moment they start spending time in the outside world, especially in high-achievement cities like New York. It’s that subtle but constant question humming in the background: Am I a good mother?
It shows up early. The baby who cries more than the others. The feeling that your child is that baby on the plane. Or your little one is having their third meltdown, while it seems like every other child is chilling and sharing snacks and taking turns, as if no other kid has ever had a tantrum before. There is nothing wrong with any of this, but there can be a pull that comes with it. Then the pressure grows legs. Schedules fill up. Playdates become social currency. There are activities and milestones to meet, and the list starts to feel endless, and all this is being shared on WhatsApp after you have finished your long day.
If you are spiraling under that “Good Mother” pressure and invisible standards, you are not alone. I have been there and still have to catch myself when I am focusing on not being organized enough, not calm enough, or on how well my child behavesand adjusts. Because somewhere along the way, motherhood may quietly shift from being a relationship to being something that feels evaluated, and that is something we need to just say “I’m going to pass” on this pressure. So, how can we get back to not measuring ourselves and giving ourselves grace? We spoke with psychologist and executive coach Dr. Anne Welsh, author of the upcoming book Ambitious Mother, who says this quiet sense of being constantly measured is something she hears from mothers all the time.
-We, moms, raise our kids in a great city bit it is also a pretty high-achievement, at the park, education, how does this environment shape moms’ expectations of themselves?
It often leads mothers to believe they have to do and be everything, all at once. High-achievement environments tend to amplify perfectionism, not because moms are unrealistic or ungrateful, but because the bar feels impossibly high and constantly moving.
I see this show up with clients who are doing an extraordinary amount, deeply engaged, thoughtful parents, yet who feel like they’re failing because someone else’s version of motherhood looks more polished, more resourced, or more impressive. When other families appear to be doing more, spending more, or optimizing every aspect of their child’s life, it can quietly erode a mother’s confidence, even when she’s doing the most important things well.
What’s painful is that what looks like “not enough” from the inside is often more than enough in reality. But it’s very hard to hold onto that perspective when you’re immersed in a culture that equates good parenting with relentless investment and visible achievement.
-Why do so many of us moms feel that sinking feeling that we are failing when we are exhausted and are doing our best?
Because modern motherhood has become a no-win situation. Expectations have escalated dramatically, and they’re often contradictory. Mothers are expected to be endlessly present, emotionally regulated, and attuned, while also being ambitious, productive, and self-actualized, often with very little support.
Parenting is also one of the most judgment-filled spaces many women will ever inhabit. No matter what choices you make,
how you feed your baby, how your child sleeps, whether you work, how much you work, what school your child attends, there’s almost always criticism waiting on the other side. You’re told to push your child, but not too much. To protect them from stress, but also prepare them for a competitive world.
I often say to clients: You’re not failing. You’re navigating an impossible set of expectations. When you’re constantly trying to thread an impossibly thin needle, feeling like you’re failing isn’t a personal flaw, it’s a predictable outcome.
-How can one know when their parenting has turned into unhealthy perfectionism or burnout?
One of the clearest signals is when a child’s behavior or success starts to feel like a verdict on a mother’s worth. When a parent’s happiness feels contingent on how well a child is doing, or when kids start to feel like a project to manage rather than a person to know, that’s a heavy burden for both sides.
Healthy involvement is responsive and attuned. Unhealthy perfectionism often shows up as rigid thinking: It has to be this way or everything falls apart. It’s driven by fear, fear of making mistakes, fear of being judged, fear of failing your child. I see this when moms feel intense shame over very normal parenting moments, like losing their patience, which then makes it harder to repair and reconnect.
Burnout can be quieter but just as important to notice. Chronic exhaustion, cynicism, emotional numbness, or a sense that nothing you do really matters anymore are all red flags. Many mothers tell me they think they should be enjoying their kids more, but can’t access that feeling. That’s not a parenting problem, it’s a depletion problem.
-What does “good enough parenting” realistically look like, especially for New York moms?
At its core, good enough parenting looks the same everywhere: being responsive, attuned, and willing to see the child in front of you for who they are. It’s about helping children get their needs met, not shaping
them into who you think they should be, or who the environment seems to reward most.
What’s harder in high-achievement cultures is holding onto that clarity when the noise is loud. I work with parents who make very intentional choices that run counter to the dominant culture, whether that’s changing schools, pulling back on
activities, or prioritizing mental health over prestige. Often, those decisions are hard precisely because they require trusting your own knowing in a culture that rewards comparison.
Good enough parenting also means keeping yourself in the equation. A mother’s mental health matters deeply to her children. Kids benefit from having a parent who is present and regulated, not one who is constantly depleted or stretched beyond capacity. Caring for yourself isn’t separate from good parenting; it’s part of it.
-What’s one shift that can help moms move from comparing themselves to others and circumstances to feeling confident in their parenting choices?
Letting go of the idea that parenting, or motherhood itself, is one-size-fits-all.
Each child has unique needs, and each mother has her own values, limits, and desires. When we focus too much on what everyone else is doing, we slowly disconnect from our own intuition, and that’s where confidence erodes.
I often think about it like wearing clothes that don’t fit. You can spend all day adjusting and second-guessing yourself, or you can choose something that actually fits your body and your life. Motherhood works the same way. You are at your best in a version of motherhood that fits you and your family, not one borrowed from someone else.
This is also why I love running groups for ambitious mothers. When women come together and see, in real time, that there are many valid ways to be both ambitious and loving, something softens. The mother who loves her work and could never stay home. The mother who chooses daycare, a nanny, or flexible work. The mother working sixty hours a week and the mother working two. All of those paths can be thoughtful, intentional, and deeply loving. Comparison loses its grip when we see that fit, not uniformity, is the goal.
Dr. Anne Welsh is a clinical psychologist and executive coach who works with ambitious mothers navigating parenting, identity, and high-pressure environments. She is the founder of the Ambitious Mother’s Mastermind and the author of the upcoming book, Ambitious Mother: From Surviving to Thriving in Your Career and at Home (Bloomsbury, 8/6/26). , where women come together to move from burnout and perfectionism toward more sustainable, aligned ways of living and leading.
A Room of Her Own
This mother was determined to design a space that meets her child where she is, and where she’s going
BY DONNA DUARTE-LADD
There’s a nesting urgency that comes with having kids. First, there is the nursery room or, in some New York living cases, a large nook. Of course, once you have that space and it becomes everything, as your child grows, you also realize that the things they love now will not always be the things they reach for later.
For Brooklyn-based photographer Yumi Matsuo, looking at her three-year-old daughter Saya’s room, she knew she needed to update it. She did not just see a space that needed reimagining. She saw an opportunity to hold onto what she loved while also shaping it with more intention.
So she turned to friends.
Rodrigo Miguel and Matt Little of Knock Twice had long been the people their friend circle relied on for the kind of design questions that do not come with clear answers. How do you make a small space feel considered? How do you adapt a home as a child grows into it? How do you create something functional without losing beauty? They had been talking about formalizing their studio when Yumi mentioned the room and her timeline. Eight weeks, start to finish.
It would be their first children’s space. They said yes.
Yumi’s work as a photographer has shaped how she sees space, from light to composition to what feels natural versus what feels placed. Her images have appeared in campaigns for Baby Björn and UPPAbaby, but at home, her focus is closer in.
Saya, at three, is in that fully expressive, deeply specific stage of childhood. She knows what she likes. She moves through a room with intention, even if she does not yet have the language for it. Yumi wanted the room to meet her there. Not overstimulating, not overly precious, but responsive. A space where textures, colors, and objects feel
approachable, where she could engage at her own pace.
During installation, she explored everything. What stayed with her were the smallest, most tactile things. A bright orange measuring tape that felt endlessly fascinating, and the soft, sculptural pretzel knot pillows made just for her.
Rodrigo’s background in industrial design shapes the way he approaches interiors. Function comes first, how something works and how it is used, followed closely by feeling. Aesthetics are what hold those two things together.
In a child’s room, that balance matters even more, especially when the goal is to create something sensory-friendly without losing visual warmth.
The palette draws from Saya’s world: butter yellow, strawberry red, and sky blue. Colors that could easily feel overly bright are softened and slightly muted, paired with grounding neutrals that give the room a sense of ease.
Materials were chosen with the same care. Soft where they need to be, durable where they should be, and inviting to touch. The room encourages interaction, but never demands it.
The goal was not to create a kid’s room. It was to create Saya’s room.
What defines the space most is not what was found, but what was made.
An IKEA bench that only fit half the window nook became the starting point. Instead of replacing it, a second was sourced, both were painted, and custom cushions were sewn, transforming an in-between space into something whole. A place that works now for play, and later, for quiet.
There is a subtle kind of restraint in every decision. Nothing overly loud. Nothing unnecessary.
Yumi’s photographs are framed in a way that lets them belong to the room, not just
NOTES ON DESIGNING FOR CHILDREN
On stripes: Before painting stripes, seal the tape with your base wall color. It keeps lines clean and sharp.
On color : Slightly muting tones allows color to exist without overwhelming the senses.
On pattern : Balance is key. Larger patterns draw attention, while smaller ones soften the overall feel.
On shape: Soft geometry introduces a sense of ease and breaks up the rigidity of a room.
On mixing : Consistency, whether in tone, scale, or color, creates cohesion, even in a layered space.
hang within it. A metal utility door, once something to work around, became a magnetic wall, giving Saya a place to see her own work reflected back to her.
The room holds space for both expression and calm. For movement, and for pause. It is not designed for a fixed version of childhood. It is designed to shift alongside it.
Some pieces arrived already holding that same philosophy, such as Oeuf, a Brooklynbased brand that has long approached children’s furniture with longevity in mind. Design that feels at home in a space, not temporary within it. Their pieces, including the small bunny nightlight, bring a simplicity that complements the room’s quieter tone.
Gooselings added another layer of softness. Their bedding, made in Europe from natural materials, leans into comfort in a way that feels understated but essential. It is the kind of bedding that becomes part of a child’s rhythm, familiar, calming, and constant.
Everything else was found slowly or made by hand.
Rodrigo and Matt of Knock Twice helped Yumi transform Saya's small room into the perfect space, where function and feeling meet aesthetics.
Photos by Sidney Scheinberg Photography
calendar
BY SHARA LEVINE
NASSAU
73rd Annual Manhasset
SCA Fair
WHEN: Saturday, May 2, 10 am – 6 pm
WHERE: Munsey Park Elementary School, One Hunt Lane, Manhasset
AGES: All
WHAT: Bring the family out for thrilling rides, exciting games, and favorite carnival treats!
WANT TO GO?: Free admission; fee for rides. newtonshows.com
Long Island TCG Show
WHEN: Saturday, May 2, 11 am – 6 pm; Sunday, May 3, 11 am – 5 pm
WHERE: Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Tnpk., Uniondale
AGES: All
WHAT: Trade, shop, and connect with other TCG enthusiasts. Be sure to visit the Kidz Korner for Pokémon trading, arts & crafts, puzzles, and more.
WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $15. (516) 654–8203, litcgshow. com
Spring Dust Off
WHEN: Sunday, May 3, 10 am
WHERE: Town Park Point
Lookout, 1300 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout
AGES: All
WHAT: The largest car show on Long Island also features live music, a variety of vendors, a dedicated kids’ zone, a “TouchA-Truck” experience, iconic movie cars, and more.
WANT TO GO?: Free. townofhempsteadevents.com
Stars on Ice
WHEN: Sunday, May 3, 4 pm
WHERE: UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Tnpk., Elmont
AGES: All
WHAT: See one of the most decorated American teams in Winter Olympic history take to the ice including reigning World Champion and two-time U.S. Champion Alysa Liu.
WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $27. starsonice.com
Star Wars Day Skate
WHEN: Sunday, May 3, 5 – 7 pm
WHERE: United Skates of America, 1276 Hicksville Road, Seaford
AGES: All
WHAT: A good time you will have as you roll into fun to celebrate all things Star Wars.
WANT TO GO?: $17.50; $15.50 in advance; $7 skate rental; $6 non-skating adult. (516) 795–5474, unitedskates.com
Creatures of the Night: Family Night Hike
WHEN: Friday, May 15, 7:30 –8:30 pm
WHERE: The Center for Science Teaching and Learning,
1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre
AGES: All
WHAT: What lives in the woods at night? Bring a flashlight and find out which creatures of the night live at Tanglewood Preserve!
WANT TO GO?: $15. (516) 764–0045, cstl.org
Cradle-Con: A Comic, Collectible and Pop Culture Con
WHEN: May 16–17, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
WHERE: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City AGES: 5 and up
WHAT: Celebrate all things comic book culture with local comic book creators, collectors, vendors, retro gaming, cosplay, and more.
WANT TO GO?: $15-$40 in advance; $20-$45 at the door. (516) 572–4066, cradlecon.com
Arts in the Plaza
WHEN: May 23–Oct. 31, Saturdays, 9 am – 2 pm
WHERE: Kennedy Plaza, 1 West Chester St., Long Beach
AGES: All
WHAT: This weekly arts festival features handcrafted art and live music throughout the day.
WANT TO GO?: Free. artsintheplaza.com
250th Signature Event & Living History
WHEN: May 23–24, Saturday and Sunday, noon – 6 pm
WHERE: Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Pkwy., Wantagh AGES: All
WHAT: Visit this Revolutionary War Village featuring historical reenactors, a fife and drum band, colonial cooking, and much more.
WANT TO GO?: Free; $10 parking fee. parks.ny.gov
Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade
WHEN: Monday, May 25, 2 pm
WHERE: Parade takes place on Northern Blvd. and Jayson Ave., Great Neck AGES: All
WHAT: This annual parade features floats, marching bands, service members, community groups, and more.
WANT TO GO?: Free. lndmemorialday.com
Celebrate Eid al-Adha
WHEN: Sunday, May 31, noon – 2 pm
WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
AGES: 3 and older
WHAT: Learn about the holiday Eid al-Adha and create a Whirling Dervish Turkish doll and see a Turkish Whirling Dervish Performance.
WANT TO GO?: Included with admission: $18. (516) 224–5800, licm.org
73rd Annual Manhasset SCA Fair
SUFFOLK
Circus Vazquez
WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays, 1 pm and 4 pm; Daily, 7 pm, through May 11
WHERE: Smith Haven Mall, 313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove
AGES: All
WHAT: This all-new tour blends time honored circus tradition with contemporary elements to create a vibrant entertainment experience for modern audiences.
WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $23. circusvazquez.com
Disney’s Descendants: The Musical
WHEN: Saturdays and Sundays, 10:30 am, through June 7.
WHERE: The Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village, 34 West Main St., Babylon
AGES: All
WHAT: Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, this brand-new musical is jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films!
WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $27. (631) 230–3500, argyletheatre.com
ARF’s Pet Celebration Day
WHEN: Saturday, May 2, 11 am – 1 pm
WHERE: Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, 124 Daniels Hole Road, East Hampton
AGES: All
WHAT: Bring the whole family, pets too, for a tail-wagging pet fair featuring food trucks, music, local businesses, pet
adoptions, crafts, the dog agility course, and much more!
WANT TO GO?: Free. arfhamptons.org
Taylorville
WHEN: Sunday, May 3, 4:30 pm
WHERE: Patchogue Theatre, 71 E Main St., Patchogue
AGES: All
WHAT: Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the world of Taylor Swift like never before! Are you ready for it?
WANT TO GO?: Tickets start at $46. patchoguetheatre.org
Huntington YMCA Memorial Day Weekend Carnival
WHEN: May 22–25, see website for schedule
WHERE: Huntington YMCA, 60 Main St., Huntington
AGES: All
WHAT: Spend the weekend with exciting rides, games, entertainment, and favorite carnival foods all for a good cause.
WANT TO GO?: Free admission; prices vary for rides. (631) 421–4242, ymcali.org
The Great American Food & Craft Festival
WHEN: Saturday, May 23, 11 am – 5 pm
WHERE: P & A Park, 21 Pearsall Ave., Deer Park
AGES: All
WHAT: Kick off Memorial Day Weekend with food trucks, artisan makers, handcrafted goods, live music, a festive beer & wine garden, and more.
WANT TO GO?: Free admission. staysaltedinc.com
Foodie
Fest
WHEN: May 23–25, Friday–Monday, 11 am – 7 pm
WHERE: Tanger Outlets – Deer Park, 152 The Arches Cir., Deer Park
AGES: All
WHAT: Enjoy delicious bites, live music, and family-friendly entertainment and activities throughout the day.
WANT TO GO?: Free admission. (516) 416–5607, tanger.com
Village of Lindenhurst Memorial Day Parade
WHEN: Monday, May 25, noon – 1 pm
WHERE: Lindenhurst Village Hall, 430 S Wellwood Ave,. Lindenhurst
AGES: All
WHAT: Honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country at this annual community parade.
WANT TO GO?: Free. villageoflindenhurstny.gov
The Annual Islip Chamber of Commerce Street Fair
WHEN: Sunday, May 31, 11 am – 6 pm
WHERE: Main St., Downtown Islip
AGES: All
WHAT: This block party features a giant craft bazaar, a kids’ funzone with inflatable slides, bouncers, and obstacle courses, live music, and plenty of food trucks.
WANT TO GO?: Free admission. lifairs.com
30th Annual Mosaic Festival
WHEN: Sunday, May 31, noon – 5 pm
WHERE: East End Arts, 133 E. Main St., Riverhead
AGES: All
WHAT: The most colorful day of the year invites artists of all ages and skill levels to fill the streets with breathtaking chalk murals in addition to live music and local vendors.
WANT TO GO?: Free. (631) 727–0900, eventbrite.com
Stars on Ice at UBS Arena
Walking Tour Brings Revolution to Life
BY DANIELLE RAMOS
If you’ve ever done the Freedom Trail in Boston or walked around Philly hitting the big Revolutionary sites, you know how much easier it is for kids to feel like they’re part of history when they follow a simple route. Now, New York is getting its own version. The NYC Revolutionary Trail, a new 90-minute, 3-mile downtown Manhattan tour, uses augmented reality and Assassin’s Creed visuals to bring Revolutionary-era New York to life—just in time for America’s 250th anniversary.
Launching next month, the NYC Revolutionary Trail: Echoes of Revolution is a free, 90-minute, 3-mile walking tour through Lower Manhattan that uses augmented reality (AR) and geolocation to recreate Revolutionary-era New York right in today’s city streets.
The part kids are most likely to care about is that it uses visuals and characters from Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed world. It’s meant to feel like stepping into the story, keeping it interesting and fun for kids who so easily tune out when adults start talking about historical significance.
America’s 250th anniversary is coming in 2026, and cities all over the country are gearing up for commemorations. Find out all that is going on in New York and beyond in America’s 250th Birthday: An NYC Family Guide.
New York Played a Big Role in the Revolution
Boston and Philadelphia usually get top billing when we talk about the American Revolution. But according to the team behind the project, that leaves out something major: New York City was central to the war.
The creators point out that New York saw both the war’s first big battle and the British evacuation, events that bookend the conflict in a way most people don’t realize. The trail is meant to set that record straight and show New York as a central part of the country’s founding story.
What the Walking Tour Will Look Like
Echoes of Revolution begins at The Battery and finishes at Federal Hall, winding through
Lower Manhattan with stops that include Bowling Green, Wall Street, and other key sites where important Revolutionary-era events took place
Over the course of the walk, there will be:
• Audio narration that tells the story of each site
• Character profiles that make history feel like a story
• Videos and links for those who want to learn more
• A digital overlay showing colonial New York on top of today’s streets
The tour is mobile and uses geolocation, so content appears as you reach each spot, designed to feel like you’re walking through the story. Echoes of Revolution will also connect with the Museum of the City of New York’s upcoming exhibit “The Occupied City.”
If you’ve got kids who are even slightly into history, tech, gaming, or New York itself, this trail can be a fun and educational weekend event, and since it’s free, you can go as many times as you like!
Learn more at nycrevolutionarytrail.org.
Small Classes. Big Beginnings
