Queens Family - May 2024

Glowing L egacy

Latham Thomas on The Soft Space, advancing maternal health, watching her young adult son soar, and how she is an 'Open Nest,' not an Empty Nester

What is Book tok?

What parents need to know the Win-Win of Caregiver support

contents

F eatures

6 | Tech

5 Substack newsletters to follow

10 | childcare

New study shows how to support employers with caregiving benefits

14 | Teens

NYC and Talkspace roll out free virtual mental health

16 | Mom Stories

My battle with postpartum depression

26 | cover

Glow Maven Latham Thomas

30 | Tech

What parents need to know about BookTok

stories & Columns

4 | editor’s letter

12 | a sk the e xpert

How to manage emotional labor in your home

18 | c amps

Specialty Camps for your summer explorer

20 | family Day o ut

A sensory-inclusive Harry Potter

22 | family fun

Visiting Universal Studios

24 | Mom Stories

How to connect with other moms

Family F un

28 | c alendar

All the fun activities for May

on The cover

Photo: Yumi Matsuo | yumimatsuostudio.com

Hair & Makeup: Buffy Saint Marie Hernandez | buffysaintmarie.com

Produced by: Donna Duarte- Ladd Shot on location at: The Soft Space by Mama Glow

The Art of Mothering

May is a busy month, and it is also includes Mother’s Day.

Many know becoming a mom affects us all differently. In Mom Stories (page 16), our Deputy Editor, Jeannine Cintron, shares her Battle with Postpartum Depression and how she still works through the struggle of depression and anxiety.

This month’s cover mom, Latham Thomas of Mama Glow, has continuously honored mothers by educating doulas and nurse care managers, working to advance maternal health via community and academia, and more (page 26) She recently opened The Soft Space, where people can engage in well-being experiences. Latham gives us all the details of this new space and

shares about watching her young adult son soar and why she is an open nester vs an empty nester.

What would parents’ work lives look like if all employers up the ante. A study reveals why Caregiving Benefits Improve the Family and the Employer (page 10).

Big news Witches, Wizards and Muggles. The Harry Potter Exhibition (page 20) “SensorySundays” will turn the lights down, lower the noise on specific dates!

May also means summer is near; if you are looking for a unique camp we have a helpful roundup of Specialty Camps and Programs and more in this issue (page 18)!

Donna

Share your feedback and ideas about family life in New York!

Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily

Publi S her: Clifford Luster

eD iTorial Direc Tor: Donna Duarte-Ladd

aSSociaTe Publi S her: Erin Brof

aDver Ti S ing Direc Tor: Stacie Goldberg

DePuT y eDiTor: Jeannine Cintron

DigiTal eDiTor: Kaitlyn Riggio

e venTS Manager: Shara Levine

aSSociaTe DigiTal eD iTor: Thalia Fernandez

eD iTorial aSS i STanT: Alexa Lutter

Par Tner S hi P Manager S : Lauren Alperin, Lauren Anchin, Joan Bergman, Mary Cassidy, Suzanne Cirigliano, Chris Cunnington, Lori Falco, Shelli Goldberg-Peck, LynnMarie Hanley, Lisa Herlihy, Nicole Miller, Janine Mulé, Nina Spiegelman, Gwen Tomaselli

Marke Ting & S TraTegy Direc Tor: Rosalia Bobé

Marke Ting & e venTS aSS i STanT: Ashley Rivera

Sale S & Marke Ting a SS i STanT: Elana Cantor

Marke Ting aSS i STanT: Tilejah Gilead

Me D ia Sale S aSS i STanT:

Anastasia Aktipis

ar T Direc Tor: Leah Mitch

web Develo P er: Sylvan Migdal

g raP hic De S igner S : Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti

eD iTor S aT large: Serena Norr, Cris Pearlstein

eD iTorial conTribuTor S : Jana Beauchamp, Mia Salas

eD iTorial inTern: Avital Kessner

ContaC t inFormation

aDver Ti S ing : (718) 260-4554

Advertising@NewYorkFamily.com

circulaTion: (718) 260-8336

Tina@NewYorkFamily.com

aDD re SS :

������������������������������������������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������ �����������������

����������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������

5 Substack Newsletters to Follow Written by Women tech

By Donna Duarte-LaDD

During the pandemic, a lot unfolded. Sure, it was a chaotic time, but it also sparked creativity, leading many of us to cultivate or seek genuineness while we schooled kids, worked, and juggled our day-to-day. Amidst this, digital newsletters emerged. Sure, there are those newsletters we never signed up for that mysteriously plant themselves in our inbox that do not relate to our lives. Go away! Yes, those newsletters. These were different. These offered authenticity as the main narrative, and while some have started before the pandemic or post-lockdown, we have begun to hear more about these exceptional newsletters.

Some are from our favorite sites or podcasts, where newsletters are an opportunity to provide you with valuable and helpful content daily or weekly. Sign up for those and read them because they are most likely being curated by an editor with excellent credentials- gathering and sending this valuable content your way.

Another form is Substack, where you can browse a variety of newsletters, sign up for one or more, and manage what is sent to your inbox.

What is Substack

Substack emerged around 2017 and allows writers to publish and circulate their newsletters. Most come from working editors, journalists, or people who wish to share more about a particular subject; this is a welcoming forum where they can do it.

It’s a revolution for many writers as it allows journalists, editors, and authors to do what they are passionate about (writing) while being provided tools to create and manage their subscriber lists. Authors can even charge subscriptions for access to their content, and

fans can read beyond what is shared on a writer’s social media handle. It is a way to stan out on someone you admire while not flooding your beloved mailbox with content you don’t want to read, a win win for all involved.

Here are 5 worth checking out Resilence with Alexa Wilding . New York Family’s former cover mom (October 2022), Alexa Wilding, is also a great writer. After years of sharing her life via Instagram as a writer, singer-songwriter, twin mom, cancer mom, survivor, and advocate, she has started a Substack.

When I was just a fan of her IG handle, her raw essays led me to get to know her, which led to an NYF cover. Whether she shared from her earthy home upstate or at the hospital while one of her twins and then herself fought (and won) their cancer battles,

her writings were profound. Even in the saddest moments, there were layers of hope and a love for the energy and mystique of life. I am excited to read more about her journey and, most importantly, resilience in her new newsletter!

Gratitude Journal by Alex Elle. Alex is my therapist; she doesn’t know it, but she may since she has a following of over a million plus on Instagram alone, and most of her followers hang on to her every phrase, wordfor-word. This New York Times bestselling author, breath coach and more- has posted words that have lifted, consoled, and given me hope. Her newsletter, Gratitude Journal, is a resource of hope and growth where you can find posts on Growing through Grief and Gratitude , Lessons are Blessings and Gratitude for Boundaries , and more. This is for all

Come and enjoy the fun-filled tennis camp with group instruction led by certified tennis professionals! Our Indoor/Outdoor Tennis Camp is great for players of all ages, levels, and features:

Tennis Olympic Tuesdays

Wet Wednesdays (featuring the Dunk-a-Pro tank)

Talent Show Thursdays

On-site lunch available

Additional on and off-court activities (tennis trivia and MORE!)

Half-Day Camp (10 and Under) 830amPM Camp 430pm

Full-Day Camp 830am High-Performance Camp 1030am

www.ntc.usta.com | ntcprograms@usta.com

Creative movement classes for children

Registration for Fall 2024 opens in late May For more information visit:

AlvinAiley.org/ School or email: juniordivision@alvinailey.org

her free subscribers; Alex also offers paid subscriptions from $7 a month to $70 a year, which provides different benefits.

Scraps by Carolina Gelen. It all started with a can of tuna for me with Carolina Gelen. I was searching for a suggested feed on Ig, and this delicious (and affordable!) recipe where one can make tuna benedicts, tuna burger, and more in just a few minutes became my lunch and dinner staple. Her newsletter is full of delicious recipes that feel easy to make and doable for my family in this expensive food economy; her newsletter is called SCRAPS, and her goal is to work hard to churn out recipes that won’t break the bank. I want to, and so will you, make everything she cooks up, like her Sweet & Saucy Apricot Chicken and her 30-Minute Creamy Caramelized Fennel Pasta

Les Undressed. There used to be a time when I dressed pretty cute; as I write this post, my big toe wiggles out of the hole of my well-worn sock. While I still have my style moments, they have become few and far

Substack is a way to stan out on someone you admire while not flooding your beloved mailbox with content you don’t want to read — a win win for all involved.

between as I now work full-time remotely. Sure, not having to worry about getting dressed up daily has its financial and time benefits, but I grew up loving style. While New Yorkers are pretty stylish, Parisian style hits differently. They have that je ne sais quoi when it comes to their wardrobe.

Someone I found who inspires me is Sylvie Mus. This human could wear a sack and look fabulous, so let’s get that right out in the open. Her twist on classics reminds me of what quiet elegance looks like. Initially from Rwanda and now living in Paris, Sylvie’s newsletter focuses on wardrobe building and

insider tips, and her approach to dressing is more simplified, which is where I am personally at right now in my life. It also doesn’t hurt that she shares some of her day-to-day life, which gives me a dose of everything France I adore.

Hi, It’s Your Older Sister. One of the coolest things about newsletters authored by a friend or colleague is that they offer a unique glimpse into the things you already admire about that person and a window into their thoughts and experiences. Whether it’s a heartfelt reflection on life, insider tips, or candid musings on motherhood, it is refreshing to read authentic content. It harks back to the days when blogs first started to pop -up, before people became influencers, and the waters began to get mucked with what is real and what is staged.

Hi, It’s Your Older Sister. Cris Pearlstein shares genuine tips and honest mom advice, such as rejection and identities. Many of us can relate to these subjects while adulting and mothering. It is also nice to know that your older sister still has your back.

July 8th – August 16th, 2024

Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Early drop-off and extended day care available

All children entering Kindergarten through Grade 5 are welcome!

Register to Attend an Open House

Wednesday, May 22nd at 6 p.m.

kewforest.org/summer

arts & crafts • dance • drama field trips • martial arts • STEM swimming & more!

Register for two, four, or six weeks!

Summer at The Kew-Forest School

Summer at The Kew-Forest School in Queens provides children entering Kindergarten to Grade 5 with academic enrichment in reading, writing, and mathematics, along with recreational activities including arts & crafts, dance, drama, field trips, martial arts, STEM, swimming, & more! Two, four, and six week options are available.

Not only does their program implement academics to prevent summer learning loss, but it also creates opportunities for social-emotional learning. The camp staff lead fun and engaging activities that include youth voices and encourage campers to be the best versions of themselves each day.

“Fun Fridays” to places like LEGOLAND and Liberty Science Center. This year

Kew-Forest is excited to partner with Commonpoint Queens in Forest Hills to offer 60-minute swim classes once a week for each camp group beginning the week of July 15. Each day, campers are provided morning and afternoon snacks and a nutritious lunch with vegetarian and gluten free options available upon request.

Each camp session brings forth a new adventure through various themes. Session One (July 8 – July 19) is “World of Disney” as

campers celebrate all things Disney. Session Two (July 22 – August 2) is “Around the World.” During this session, campers will explore different customs from across the globe. For Session Three (August 5 – August 16), the theme is “Camp Olympics.” Campers will compete in sports and games to develop team-building skills.

Other camp highlights include trips on

Interested families can attend an on-site Open House on Wednesday, May 22. Open House attendees are encouraged to bring their children and can expect a tour of the camp facility as well as an introduction to the staff and Camp Director. Activities for children will be provided that include arts & crafts, face painting, and more!

To register for the Open House, enroll in camp, watch an FAQs video, and learn more, please visit kewforest.org/summer. Use promo code “siblingcamp24” for 5% off a sibling registration.

Caregiving Benefits childcare

New study shows how support from employers strengthens families — and businesses

By Serena norr

The phrase ‘caregiver benefits’ might seem completely foreign to many parents. Unfortunately, the modern parent has to contend with a barrage of work/home confluences as they navigate childcare, work schedules, kids’ schedules, illness, and much more. While hybrid/remote work has become a part of the norm since COVID, many parents still have to piece together childcare, which sometimes feels like piecing together an impossible puzzle. From using vacation time for kids’ illness to using PTO days, many parents simply need flexibility – and employers who value and understand that –to make it all work.

On top of figuring out schedules, parents also have to allocate enough funds – and make enough money – to pay for childcare. In some instances, childcare is so costly where some parents may find themselves working to essentially pay for childcare. This causes many parents stress and unease. Many even leave the workforce and/or can’t take on challenging roles such as leadership roles because the stress outweighs the potential positives.

However, a recent white paper study, “The R.O.I.(Return of Investment) of Caregiving Benefits” from Vivvi, a company that provides child care and early learning for children and families, in collaboration with The Fifth Trimester, found that family-friendly caregiving practices can boost earnings, productivity, and leadership potential. Thus, caregiving benefits can lead to an improved work environment and profit to employers. In fact, childcare benefits are so vital, respondents from this recent study said they ranked having childcare benefits more than having a 401k!

“In 2024, support for caregivers at work – benefits, training, culture, or all three – is no longer ‘bells and whistles’ but a vital

pillar of profitability, with calculable R.O.I.,” says Lauren Smith Brody, founder of The Fifth Trimester, and author of the report. “For years, we’ve known that this progress is the right thing to do, but now we can see – with real numbers – that it’s a business imperative.”

Featuring six months of quantitative and qualitative research and data, the survey measured more than 300 caregivers and 10

individual case studies in a diverse range of industries, demonstrating how support can drive profits. Read on to check out more about the survey and its surprising findings.

Quite simply, caregiving benefits can include non-monetary and monetary benefits such as offering flexible schedules, providing discounted or complimentary childcare services, offering extended leave time, and/or offering respite care, to name a few options.

cottonbro studio/pexels.com

Key Findings in The R.O.I. of Caregiving Benefit

Caregiving benefits not only benefit parents but provide retention for all. When parents are treated with belonging and equity in a company, other employers also benefit. The survey found that 42% of respondents who considered leaving their job in the last year say that they stayed because of their employer’s support of their caregiving; while 59% of respondents say that if they had back-up or subsidized child care they would be likely to stay in their job for at least four years.

Candidates are actively looking for family benefits. Being a parent is no longer something caregivers have to hide or figure out on their own. Survey findings show that 9 out of 10 respondents say that they’d rather have an ongoing child care subsidy of $10,000 than an immediate $10,000 cash bonus. Incredibly, respondents ranked having child care benefits more important to them than having a 401k. Candidates are also looking for paid family leave, on-ramping programs,

Caregiving benefits can include non-monetary and monetary benefits such as offering flexible schedules, providing discounted or complimentary childcare services, offering extended leave time, and/or offering respite care.

and fertility benefits when looking for a new role, even if they won’t use them yet.

Productivity is boosted with parent-friendly policies. Quite simply, when parents don’t have to worry about childcare they are better able to be focused and motivated. According to the survey, 69% of respondents said if their employer had backup or subsidized child care they would work in person more often than required. Additionally, 57% of respondents said that if their employer had backup or subsidized child care they would take on higher-level work.

Leadership can be unlocked with childcare benefits. The survey also found that childcare benefits may offer companies better gender balance. Thus, allowing more women in

• State-of-the-art facilities

• Dimensions over 10,000 sq ft.

• Indoor / Outdoor Playgrounds

• Meals included

leadership positions.

Improvement of ROI and profits. One case study showed that every $1 invested in caregiving benefits drives $18.93, for an R.O.I. of nearly 18x.

“This new report makes it clear that parents are driven to stay, grow, and create progress and profit for their employer,” says Lauren Hobbs, Chief Marketing Officer at Vivvi.

“There is no single way to support caregivers in the workforce; but rather, so many accessible strategies—each with measurable R.O.I.—that companies can implement regardless of their size, structure or industry.”

The full survey results of “The R.O.I. of Caregiving Benefits” and the 10 case studies can be found here.

How to Manage Emotional Labor in Your Home

By Kaitlyn Riggio

Scheduling appointments, making the grocery lists, managing disagreements between siblings. There’s a seemingly endless list of things that go into running a home, especially when you look beyond physical tasks like chores and getting kids where they need to be.

Recently, more and more people have been talking about emotional labor, the often unseen work that goes into making sure life runs smoothly, whether that’s at home or at work.

Emotional labor often takes the form of everyday tasks, so it’s easy for them to be overlooked, but no household would function without it.

Oftentimes, emotional labor falls more on one spouse over the other, which can get exhausting over time.

We sat down with Dr. Yasmine Saad, clinical psychologist and founder and CEO of Madison Park Psychological Services about how parents can manage emotional labor more effectively at home.

How would you define emotional labor at home?

Emotional Labor was initially introduced by Arlie Hochschild in her book “The Managed Heart” (1983). This theory explores how individuals manage their emotions to meet the demands of their roles, initially in professional settings but later extended to personal and family contexts.

Emotional labor in the home context refers to the management and regulation of emotions to maintain harmony and meet the emotional needs of family members.

This includes a wide range of activities, from showing empathy and support, to managing the emotional climate of the home, to ensuring everyone’s needs are met in terms of love, care, and attention. Examples of emotional labor in a family setting can vary widely but often include:

• Listening and providing emotional support: This involves being there for family members during times of stress, sadness, or

celebration, offering a shoulder to lean on, and providing comfort and encouragement.

• Anticipating the emotional needs of family members, such as knowing when a partner had a tough day and needs space or when a child needs extra attention.

• Maintaining a positive home environment by mediating conflicts, maintaining morale, and fostering a sense of security and belonging.

• Ensuring family activities foster positive memories and bonds

It’s not uncommon for the distribution of emotional labor to be uneven at home, with one spouse doing more than the other. What effect can this have on a relationship in the long term?

The distribution of emotional labor in homes is often uneven, typically with one partner, usually the one who is most maternal, taking on a greater share of this emotional role. Fathers or mothers can occupy that role.

The uneven distribution of emotional labor can have several long-term effects on a relationship, including:

• Resentment and frustration: The partner carrying a larger share of emotional labor may feel overburdened, unappreciated, and resentful, eroding relationship satisfaction.

• Emotional burnout: Constantly managing others’ emotional needs can lead to emotional exhaustion, reducing one’s capacity to manage one’s own emotions effectively.

• Decreased intimacy and connection: As one partner feels increasingly burdened and the other potentially oblivious or disengaged, the emotional distance can grow, affecting

intimacy and connection.

How can spouses make sure emotional labor is evenly distributed?

To ensure a more even distribution of emotional labor, spouses can take several steps:

• Open Communication: Regularly discuss the distribution of emotional labor, acknowledging its presence and importance. Share feelings and experiences openly to foster understanding.

• Recognition and Appreciation: Recognize each partner’s efforts in managing emotional labor and express gratitude for these often invisible tasks.

• Shared Responsibility: Actively work towards sharing the emotional load, which may involve redistributing tasks, setting boundaries, and proactively offering support.

• Develop Self-awareness: Encourage each other to become more aware of one’s own emotional needs and capacities and how one’s actions affect the emotional climate of the home.

• Seek External Support: In cases where the imbalance is significant and difficult to address, seeking the guidance of a therapist or counselor can be beneficial.

Additional considerations include the importance of modeling healthy emotional labor practices for children, as this sets the foundation for their future relationships and emotional well-being.

Also, understanding that the dynamics of emotional labor can vary widely among different types of families and cultural backgrounds, and what works for one family may not work for another.

Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp SUMMER

ST. ANDREW AVELLINO CATHOLIC ACADEMY

35-50 158th St, Flushing, NY 11358 | 718-359-7887 | info@standrewavellinoca.com

www.standrewavellinoca.com

Art and Music Programs

Google Chromebooks and Smart Boards

Early drop off, afterschool, summer enrichment programs

Financial Aid available

Graduates accepted to prestigious high schools such as Regis and Stuyvesant H.S.

Over $280,000 in Catholic high school scholarships offered to Class of 2023

REGISTRATION FOR 2024 - 2025 IS ONGOING FOR NURSERY TO 8TH GRADE

SPECIAL TUITION RATES FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM **

$500 DISCOUNT FOR NEW FAMILIES**

** Please call for details

Scan QR codes for our Website and/or to Request information:

Where Teens Talk

It Out

NYC and Talkspace roll out free virtual mental health therapy program for teens teens

By BarBara russo

From relationships to social media and school work to body image, teens today face many challenges as they come of age. It is hard for parents not to worry about their child’s well-being, but there is some good news in the Big Apple. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recently launched NYC Teenspace, a virtual mental health therapy program for teens in the city.

The program is managed by Talkspace, a digital therapy platform that has been helping patients of all ages since 2011. Jon Cohen, M.D., CEO of Talkspace, wants parents to know this digital resource is available for kids right at their fingertips and with a few swipes on the phone. As many parents bittersweetly realize, kids want to talk about their problems, but not usually with their own moms and dads.

“It’s a partnership we have with the city to provide mental health therapy to roughly 465,000 teenagers between the ages of 13-17 access to mental health support,” Cohen said “It’s one of the largest teen initiatives in the country.”

Through the program, teens in NYC have access to a mental health therapist by way of talking, texting or making video calls.

About NYC Teenspace’s Virtual Mental Health Therapy

Launched only in November 2023, NYC Teenspace has already helped thousands of teens in New York City with so many mental health problems and challenges, many of which adults likely recall from their own childhoods.

“It’s not going to be a surprise,” Cohen said. “It’s depression, anxiety, relationships, issues around bullying.”

Those relationship problems could be about family members, friends or others, Cohen said. Academic stress and substance use are other problems teens discuss with Talkspace’s network of more than 500 licensed therapists in the city.

Issues Around Suicide and Self Harm

Sadly and alarmingly, thoughts of suicide are common among teens. According to Cohen, the national rate runs around 10% of kids actually attempting suicide.

“It’s a huge part of why mental health is the greatest threat to the life of teenagers more so than cigarette smoking right now,” Cohen explained, citing a U.S. Surgeon General’s report.

It is hard for doctors to pinpoint why, exactly, suicide rates are so high, but Cohen believes social media addiction is a big factor. Kids spend an average about eight hours each day on social media, the doctor explained.

And the negative impacts the addiction leaves behind can be profound.

“For girls, it’s definitely about body image, weight and eating disorders. That all gets propagated on social media platforms. Bullying for both boys and girls is a pretty big issue.”

Complimenting its mental health expertise, Talkspace has technology that will alert a therapist if a teen might be in danger of self harm. The therapist will then take the necessary steps, whether it be therapy or more immediate action that follows specific protocol if there is a sense of imminent danger, Cohen explained.

The centerpiece of NYC Teenspace is, of course, its online therapy, but Talkspace staff go into the field to make an impact, too. They hold events at schools, talk to

parents, teachers and principals, and do lots of marketing to spread the word about their services.

“We do everything we can to get kids on to the platform. That’s our commitment with the city,” Cohen said.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams helped launch the program when it was announced in November.

“When we took office nearly two years ago, we promised all New Yorkers that we would build a healthier city together, and invest in not just our physical health, but our mental health as well,” Adams said. “Our young people shouldn’t ever feel alone. We’re here for them, and together I know we’ll build a healthier, stronger city together.”

How to Use NYC Teenspace

Teens visit talkspace.com/nyc to start their virtual mental health therapy. To register, they will enter their birthday and NYC address. They will then be asked to answer a few intake questions about themselves and their preference for therapy.

NOTE: Teens will have to enter a parent or guardian’s email address for consent, but there can be exceptions to this based on special circumstances. More information on this is available on the website.

Teens will be matched with a therapist within hours, so there is no long wait for help. Messaging therapy is unlimited. Video conferencing is available on a monthly basis, but must be scheduled in advance.

Brand ambassadors sharing more about n YC teenspace with city students

theatreMAMA NYCTeenspace

STEPPING STONES TO MILESTONES

Marc Esposito Special Needs Specialist

Hello, my name is Marc Esposito, I am a Special Needs Consultant providing a variety of services to neurodiverse individuals, families, and related service providers. With over a decade of experience in Education, Coaching, and Direct Support, my services include: 1:1 Coaching, Parent Training, Professional Development, Consulting, Resource Development, and Advocacy.

I have experience working with individuals, families, school districts, and special needs service organizations.

LET ME SHOW YOU HOW I CAN SUPPORT YOUR GOALS!

Take The First Step Towards Success, Contact Me Today to Schedule Services: Marc Esposito, PLLC 347-465-7803 (930am-6pm)

Guide2Empower345@gmail.com

https://www.steppingstone2milestone.com

My Battle with Postpartum Depression

By Jeannine Cintron

Depression is a funny little illness. Because you look and feel like you’ve been through the spin cycle of a washing machine, yet everyone keeps telling you that you’re totally fine. You’re fine, your family says. You’re fine, your friends say. You’re fine, the doctor says. You’re healthy, your family is healthy, and everything is perfectly fine in your life.

If you’re supposedly so fine, then why don’t you feel fine?

Why, instead, do you feel like every moment awake is an assault on your mind and body, like the very act of taking air into your lungs is earth-shatteringly terrifying, and like you are no longer even living inside of yourself, but instead just functioning as a separate, mindless entity, numbly hovering over your former self in the meager hope that someday you can return and feel, dare I say, normal again?

And all the while, as you’re feeling increasingly un-fine, the world around you is spinning away. People are still living their lives, still going to work, still caring for their children, still eating and sleeping and smiling and laughing every day. They’re doing all the things you did back when you really were

fine. Except now, everyone else is fine. They go right on living while you teeter dangerously on the brink of insanity, wondering how you’ll make it another day, another hour, even another minute.

I had my miscarriage in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner. I had watched the parade in the morning, dressed my son in his holiday finest, then drove over to my mom’s house in Brooklyn and sat down with my family at the table to eat. Sometime between my first stuffed mushroom and second slice of turkey, I began to feel the stabbing pangs of labor pain. Two terrifying hours later, I emerged from an emergency room bathroom stall with a tiny, balled-up fetus wrapped inside of a sanitary napkin. Horrified and shaking, I handed it to the triage nurse, who told me I was running a fever and needed to calm down.

Please don’t feel sorry for me. My story is only seemingly dramatic because hospitals, blood, and death tend to fill me with dread, and retelling the events of that day is simply impossible to do without conveying just how dramatic it all felt at the time. But in reality, I’d been only eight weeks along, was quite optimistic that I could conceive again soon, and honestly thought I was going to be okay. I mean, much worse things have happened to

people much more misfortunate than myself. So after about ten miserable hours in a dim hospital room, I went home and crawled into bed, exhausted and sad but feeling that the worst of it was over.

Or so I thought.

I did not know, at that point, that postpartum depression could happen after a miscarriage, even one occurring in just the first trimester. I didn’t know that the overflow of hormones coursing through my body after this event – combined with the severe loneliness brought on by a harsh winter, a young child who needed more from me than I could possibly give at the time, and a hardworking husband who was never home – would lead me into a frightening downward spiral so intense that I am still recovering from it today.

My husband used to leave for work around 6a.m., and I’d wake up at 5a.m. just to savor the only adult company I’d enjoy all day until he returned, already half-asleep, around 9p.m. Those mornings I’d sit on the floor of the foggy bathroom while he showered for work and we’d chitchat back and forth. It was the closest to normal that I would feel all day. Then I’d climb back into bed when he left, around the same time my son would usually wake up, and we’d watch cartoons together until the sun came up. And then I’d brace

myself for a very long, lonely, dreary, anxietyridden day.

The darkest period of my life was like one, long, drawn-out anxiety attack. I’ve struggled with anxiety my entire life, but never like this. My days were spent pacing the floors of my three-room apartment for hours at a time, fingers tearing at the hair behind my neck and pulling until it bled. I’d clutch the phone in my hands and cry, praying for it to ring, wishing for someone to talk to, anyone at all who could distract me from my personal hell for a moment or two. I’d open every shade and curtain in the house, hoping the daylight might flood my home and chase my shadowy demons away. I’d wait by the window, praying, begging, pleading for my husband to pull up in his car and save me from the bitter, paralyzing loneliness.

One morning, after I’d gotten out of bed, I fainted as I poured my son’s breakfast cereal. It could have been from dehydration, or anxiety, or maybe just plain hunger, as I hadn’t been able to force down more than a slice or two of bread in about two days. I quickly awoke to find my son, confused and

I’d open every shade and curtain in the house, hoping the daylight might flood my home and chase my shadowy demons away.

visibly upset, pleading with me to get up. At that point, I really needed help. For my little boy, my sweet, innocent, scared little child, I had to come out of this. I simply had to. There was just no other way.

Recovery was a gradual process. With the help of my family, some medication, and a whole lot of self-discovery, I eventually began to feel like myself again.

The following March, I was thrilled to learn that my daughter was on the way. This was a blessing for more than just the obvious reasons, because it forced me to stop taking my medication and learn to heal entirely on my own. Honestly, I didn’t even think I was capable of healing on my own until I had no

other choice. So I believe my little girl saved me from what might have been a different kind of downward spiral.

You don’t need to be a parent to find yourself coping with depression, although I know many are. You don’t need to be married, divorced, employed, unemployed, grieving, sick, healthy, rich, or poor. You don’t need to have any reason at all. For many of us, depression and anxiety are simply things we struggle with every single day. They’re as real to us as breathing. Today, I still battle depression and anxiety, although it looks and feels much different when hormones aren’t involved as much.

Your depression affects everyone around you, whether you realize it or not: your family, your children, your friends, your job. Sometimes people understand, but most of the time, they don’t. If you’re lucky, someone will see you struggling, and they’ll reach out to you. If you’re really lucky, you’ll find a place within yourself where healing can begin on its own – where you can realize how much the people in your life need you – and you can learn to be you again.

Specialty Camps and Summer Programs

Summer is near, and you may still be searching for the perfect camp for your child. We get it! We all want that memorable experience for our kids. Summer is about creating memories, connecting, and making new friends. It is about providing your child an opportunity to build on a hobby or skill or introducing them to something new that you know will be an incredible adventure.

We have unique specialty camps and programs in the Arts, STEM, sports, and theatre right in Queens worth checking out!

Beach Volleyball Summer Camp at QBK Sports

41-20 39th Street, First Floor LIC N.Y. 11104

718-475-9694

Info@QBKsports.com

qbksports.com/beach-volleyballsummer-camp-nyc

Calling all youth ages 9 to 16: Learn how to play the best sport this summer! QBK Sports has weekly beach volleyball summer camps for players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. The talented coaches will provide personalized instruction and guidance to each student. Juniors will build their bumping, setting, attacking, and serving skills, make new friends, and have a ton of fun! Sports empower youth: instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and resilience that extend far beyond the court. QBK Youth Summer Camp is held in half-day sessions (with options to add extensions). Secure your spot now and join them for an unforgettable summer adventure in LIC, Queens!

Camp Level Up

48 Pocono Springs Way East Stroudsburg, PA 18302 gamer@camplevelup.com

camplevelup.com

Camp Level Up is a 1-week sleepaway camp experience for campers entering 4th to 11th grade who want to improve on their gaming

skills, all while enjoying the traditional camp activities that a sleepaway camp facility can offer. Located and powered by the team at Pocono Springs - a premiere private sleepaway camp in the Poconos (75 miles from NYC), Camp Level Up offers a hybrid program of esports gameplay and traditional camp activities. Campers spend 50% of their day participating in competitive gaming and the other 50% immersed in an assortment of traditional camp activities including sports, adventure, arts and aquatics/lakefront. Campers of all gaming skill levels are welcome!

NY Kids Club Adventure Summer Camp

Court Square:

44-16 23rd St., 347-382-9829 nypre.com/court-square-ny-preschool courtsquare@nykidsclub.com

Long Island City: 4545 Center Blvd., 347-448-5802 nypre.com/long-island-city-ny-preschool longislandcity@nykidsclub.com nykidsclub.com/activities/camps

Summer 2024 is here and it is time to head to Paris, France to participate in the Summer Games Around the World. Each week campers will visit a different country from Peru to Australia, Jamaica, Kenya, Greece, and Japan. Campers will celebrate and learn about different countries through thematic gymnastics, sports, science, art, theatre, dance, architec-

ture, engineering yoga, music, and puppetry. Summer camp is an immersive theatrical experience that will keep campers moving, creating, laughing and learning all summer long. Campers will not only develop new skills and new friendships, but they will develop an appreciation for cultures around the world and the determination, confidence, and heart it takes to be a champion!

Rose Academy of Ballet

70-11 Austin St., 2nd Fl., Forest Hills 718-520-0207

racademyofballet@gmail.com

roseacademyofballet.com/summer-dayprogram

Rose Academy of Ballet loves introducing children to the excitement of dance! The preballet and tippy toes classes are designed just for children 2- 5yrs. Classes develop physical, social, and cognitive skills with an interactive and fun curriculum! There are many opportunities for students 6 to 18 to increase proficiency and artistry with energetic and creative camps, workshops, and classes year-round. Dedicated, professional staff allow students of all ages and abilities to learn about dance and perform! The studio offers a variety of classes, ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, hip hop, musical theatre, or classical modern dance! The studio also offers dancers 6 -18 to perform in the studio’s student production of the holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker,” this December.

A SensoryInclusive Harry Potter

The Exhibition welcomes all witches, wizards and muggles to its “Sensory Sundays”

By Donna Duarte-LaDD

On a recent Sunday, we did something rare as a family and headed to Harry Potter: The Exhibition. This meant there was no tag teaming, with one parent going out with one kid while the other stayed home with our Autistic son. Without the pricey airplane ticket to LA or Florida, we headed into the world of Harry Potter.

The mystical world of Harry Potter is enchanting, charming, and, for kids (and parents!), magical. But for kids with Sensory Processing Disorders, regardless of the charm and like many other entertaining places -it can be overwhelming.

Web MD describes this disorder as people with sensory processing disorder are oversensitive to things in their environment. Common sounds may be painful or overwhelming.

There is more to this disorder, but in a nutshell, this condition can affect the entire family. As visiting spots may not be tangible for your child with a sensory processing disorder, some feel it is better to skip rather than overwhelm your child. This is something I get as a mother of an Autistic eight-year-old.

Thankfully, the wizarding world of Harry Potter: The Exhibition which has been showing New Yorkers this world, since May 2023, has partnered with KultureCity and obtained its Sensory Inclusive certification. Until August, “Sensory Sundays” will turn the lights down and more on specific dates. Guests exploring the exhibit will be minimal and manageable, meaning kids can check out it at their own pace. If loud noise triggers you or even smells- these will be reduced. If you

or your child needs a little extra, KultureCity ® Sensory Bags will be readily available. In these packs, which are of no extra cost, remember to give it back so others can use it after your visit; you’ll find strobe reduction glasses, noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and more.

What is KultureCity

This non-profit organization offers and partners to make spaces more sensoryinclusive so people with sensory processing disorders and unseen disabilities can experience what is happening around them.

Key Highlights of the Harry Potter: The Exhibition

Book to Screen : Whether you need a recap or are just ready to get the show going, you can sit and watch a video and literary quotes from Harry Potter movies and books. Don’t forget to check out the first edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

The Great Hall Gallery : is a space that allows visitors to celebrate magical seasonal moments in its iconic architecture.

The Hogwarts Houses Gallery : kicks off the exhibition fun, giving guests a chance to dive into their chosen Hogwarts house during preregistration. Even if one house is working its spell for you to select it, this gallery lets you explore them all! Imagine this: a festive hall with the legendary Sorting Hat as the centerpiece, begging for photo ops. And don’t miss the newly designed house crests gleaming on stunning stained glass windows.

Hagrid’s Hut and The Forbidden Forest: Kids will love this fan favorite. Go on a fantastical adventure with an interactive Patronus delightful experience. Then, get ready to uncover legendary creatures like centaurs and Acromantula hiding in the forest, and step inside a replica of Hagrid’s Hut for an adventure you won’t forget!

My youngest loved videos but was mainly enamored with the carpet and chose to experience the magic from the floor (no one batted an eyelash). My oldest enjoyed the entire experience; there were no teenage eye rolls or sighs; he was super involved and happy to finally experience the exhibition. It reminded me that going to sensory-inclusive events and spaces is not only for the sensorysensitive person but also for the family, who may miss fun experiences, making it a winwin for everyone.

Harry Potter:The Exhibition

50 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001 across the street from Macy’s

Sensory Sundays coming up: May 5, June 2, July 14, and August 4, 2024, 9am-11am

Tickets: Kids (ages 3-15) $32.66, Adults (ages 16 plus) $43.55, Children under 3 free

Family Visit to Universal Studios Hollywood

By Shara Levine

My family and I needed a break from the New York winter, and with a lengthy school break on the horizon, I booked a trip to sunny California. That was the easy part. Now, what to do? That was an even easier decision, with a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood at the top of our list.

As a parent of four children spanning the ages of 7-16, I knew that Universal Studios Hollywood would make everyone happy with so many of the rides and attractions based on their favorite films and television shows. But Universal Studios Hollywood isn’t just an amusement park, it’s an immersive experience that makes you feel like you’ve entered the worlds of Harry Potter, The Simpsons, Jurassic Park, and more.

Before beginning our adventure, we made sure to download the parks mobile app. The mobile app was essential for our day out; we documented where we parked our car, saw which rides were available along with wait time and height requirements, used the interactive map to navigate the park, explored dining options, checked characters meet and greet times, reviewed the schedule for the incredible live performances, and found where to shop for souvenirs and apparel.

With our tickets in hand and the mobile app downloaded, we were ready for a day of fun! As we approached the park we immediately noticed the iconic rotating Universal Studios Globe made famous by its appearance at the beginning of all Universal Pictures films. Just beyond that we had our very own red carpet moment, just like the movie stars do, where we had our picture snapped on our way to the entrance. When we entered it was as if we were transported to old Hollywood and I immediately started taking pictures as I walked through the streets and storefronts inspired by the era.

Top Rides and Experiences to Visit at Universal Studios Hollywood

Our game plan relied heavily on our Universal Studios Hollywood mobile app because we chose the rides based on the estimated wait times provided. But we didn’t just hop from ride to ride- we explored the areas surround-

ing them as well. Our first stop was Springfield: Home of the Simpsons where we felt like we stepped into the world of Bart, Homer, Marge, Lisa, and Maggie.

There we were able to explore the landmarks made famous from the hit television show including the Kwik-E-Mart, Krusty Burger (where you can have an actual Krusty Burger!) Moe’s Tavern and the Krustyland. Like any good theme park, Krustyland has a variety of carnival games where players can try to win The Simpsons themed stuffed prizes. Carnival games range from challenging to easy and are not included in your Universal Studios Hollywood admission. My younger ones wanted to play, so I chose a game for them where everyone automacially wins a prizemeltdown averted! Besides carnival games, there is also the “The Simpsons Ride” where we rode along with The Simpsons family in a simulated roller coaster as we tried to escape the clutches of Sideshow Bob- the former sidekick to Krusty the Clown. “The Simpsons Ride” ride contains drops, sudden turns, and lots of humor and was a hit with everyone.

Next we headed to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter where despite being a family of muggles, we were granted entry. We got to soar above the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and learned how to approach a Hippogriff on “Flight of the Hippogriff.”

Helpful Tip : If you’re with a kid that isn’t

ready for the excitement of Harry Potter and wants to sit a ride out you can take advantage of the parks “child switch option,” where one of the adults can wait with that child while the rest of you rides. Once you are finished, you can switch places so whoever rode can stay with the child, and the adult who sat out can enjoy the ride. This option is available all over the park.

After, we made our way through Hogsmeade (usually only open to wizards, witches, and other magical beings), where were could grab a pint of Butterbeer, find the perfect wand, shop for all of our wizarding needs, and send a postcard via owl just like they do in the Harry Potter movies and books.

Minion Land was next on our list and was anything but despicable (see what I did there?). We were turned into Minions on “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and saw what pets do when we aren’t around on “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash” rides. Next, we checked out the “Super Silly Fun Land”

playzone, inspired by the carnival scene in the film Despicable Me, which has a water play area perfect for cooling off on a hot California day, a dry play area for the younger ones to climb and slide, and the “Silly Swirly” Minion themed ride offering a bird’s eye view of Minion Land. There are also carnival games, including “Super Silly Space Killer,” just like they played in the movie.

Welcome to Jurassic World. If the Jurassic Park films made your heart race, wait until you take on “Jurassic World – The Ride.” What started off as a relaxing cruise to see dinosaurs suddenly took an unexpected turn when we found out that some of them escaped, and our boat ended up taking an 84-foot plunge!

Helpful Tip : This plunge looked too scary for my 7-year-old, so he sat this one out. I sent my older kids without me and took the little guy to the DinoPlay area next door where he happily climbed, dug for fossils, explored a full-size T. rex skull, and more!

But no journey to Jurassic World is com-

plete without seeing dinosaurs up close, and you can do that at the “Raptor Encounter ” featuring everyone’s favorite Velociraptor, Blue, along with a Triceratops and a Baby Raptor led by a Jurassic Park dinosaur guide who told us all about these prehistoric creatures.

With major Nintendo fans in our family, there was no way we wouldn’t cover every inch of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. This area of Universal Studios Hollywood opened a little over a year ago and captures the magic and fun of the Super Mario Bros. games and all of the characters they encompass. So how does one get to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD? Through a green pipe, of course! As we walked in, we were instantly transported to the Mushroom Kingdom featuring Princess Peach’s castle, oversized mushrooms, spinning gold coins, Venus Fire Traps, Bowser’s castle, and more. This immersive experience also offers interactive games, the opportunity to meet Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad, and a chance to play “Mario Kart” like never before when

we put on special goggles and took on Team Bowser in “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.” Although my family has played “Mario Kart” at home numerous times, this was a completely different experience and included new to us technology.

While having all of these mini adventures, we almost forgot that Universal Studios Hollywood is a real working movie and television studio, and to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes, we took The World-Famous Studio Tour. With Jimmy Fallon as our virtual tour guide, we spent about an hour learning about the history of Universal Pictures and touring the backlot where we recognized streets and neighborhoods from shows like “The Good Place” and the new “Quantum Leap.” But this isn’t your ordinary movie studio tour because we also a flash flood, a too close for comfort encounter with the most infamous great white shark of all, Jaws, plus experiences with King Kong and the Fast & Furious. The hour flew by and it gave us a new appreciation for what goes into the films and the television shows we watch, and like everything else in Universal Studios Hollywood- we had fun!

What You Need to Know About Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is located at 100 Universal City Plaza in Universal City, CA.

General Parking before 5pm starts at $32 and $10 after 5pm.

Single and double strollers are available for rent or you can bring your own. A single stroller rental is $25 and a double is $35.

The mobile app is available for free on Google Play and the AppStore.

Tickets start at $109 for 1 day general admission and $159 for 2 day general admission. For an additional $20 to your park admission you can enter an hour early to experience SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

Universal Express tickets start at $209 and includes general admission and express access to rides. (At this time “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” is excluded from Universal Express. See website for additional details).

For more information, visit Universal Studios Hollywood on their website and give them a follow on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.

Thank you Universal Studios for the park experience , all opinions are my own and I have not been paid for this review

Photo by Shara Levine

How to Connect with Other Moms

BY DREW ISSERLIS�KRAMER

“Parenting is lonely,” they said. By they, I mean everyone I encountered when pregnant with my first son in 2018. Among the many nuggets of unsolicited new-parent advice I received from well-meaning friends, family, and strangers, this one I took to heart. I worried about feeling happy after I did the big scary act of giving birth. I’d read the statistics about postpartum isolation and maternal depression. In a 2018 study, the British Red Cross found that 83% of mothers surveyed had feelings of loneliness, while 43% said they felt lonely all the time. Another survey found that 90% of new mothers felt lonely since giving birth, with over half feeling they had no friends at all.

My Journey to Mom Friends

I should know. In the early weeks of parenthood- determined to beat the odds, I willed myself to leave the house with my three-week-old and our cockapoo dog in tow. After marking the occasion with an Instagram photo of the milestone, an old

college friend slipped into my DMs. She could tell from the background of my photos that I lived around the corner from her in Brooklyn. Also, postpartum, she nudged me to attend a coffee with a few new moms from the area who were also figuring it out. She was the brave and experienced second-time mom in our neurotic first-time mom circle, boldly showing us how to strap our car seats into taxis so we could easily make it to happy hour. So began our maternity leave bender. Each day at 4 PM, 10 infants napped in a row of strollers while their moms traded newborn stories. Although only acquainted for three months, processing birth trauma, lactation, and sleep deprivation bred immediate intimacy and made the everyday slog of raising young children fun and funny. In spite of that shared profound experience, COVID-19 scattered everyone in different directions almost two years later. While the love and respect for each other remained, the group chat text messages eventually slowed to silence. It seemed mom friendship required close geographic proximity to sustain, especially in a global pandemic that reduced one’s village to one’s house.

Alone, but never alone, in my new Westchester suburb, I faced the daily challenge of caring for my child without nearby family or my network of drinking biddies. As I did in Brooklyn, I looked to my neighborhood streets to find a maternal connection. During the March 2020 lockdown, my once eerily desolate neighborhood of empty nesters began to come alive with frazzled young mothers escaping from the city with baby carriages. From six feet away, we made connections and then alliances. Our wandering became routine. Twice a day, we circled a nearby pond, feeling naughty for walking the line of social distance but desperate for real-world connection. Eventually, we let our kids play outside–and then inside. It felt wrong but also necessary. Sharing the manual labor of feeding, supervising, entertaining, and transporting young children made the burden lighter and more joyful. Humans are social creatures. We are not meant to do this alone.

While my network of local moms grew during this time of record loneliness, this tale of love and friends is not true for

all. Rather, as a 2020 Cigna Health study revealed, loneliness has steadily risen since the 1990s and shows no sign of marked improvement. Whether you blame it on the pandemic, our collective dependence on screens for interaction, the decline of religion to foster community, or the rise of individualism versus the collective – humans are increasingly going it solo as a species. With great solitude comes great anxiety and the physical and mental health decline that comes with it. Add maternal hormones and the stress of working while caring for young children to the equation; mothers without the necessary support are heading for collapse.

Tips when seeking mom connection I offer my story to inspire faith in the power of parent connection. However, Rome was not built in a day. If you find yourself struggling to create social connections in your hometown, here are a few learned tips.

Seek support : The depression and anxiety that can come with motherhood is real. A mental health professional can help you to cope if you open yourself up to

Sharing the manual labor of feeding, supervising, entertaining, and transporting young children made the burden lighter and more joyful.

support. As Lauren Tetenbaum, Westchesterbased mother of two and social worker specializing in maternal mental health, puts it, “Motherhood can be extremely challenging, but you do not have to face it alone.” Medication, meditation, and therapy are available to help regulate your body and mind so you can meet the challenge of social connection.

Get out there : Standing on the sidelines, waiting at the pediatrician, or stuffing pizza in her face at a birthday party, your children’s friends’ moms are already a part of your daily interaction. Lean into the opportunities that

raising children together creates organically. Even if you feel uncomfortable striking up a conversation at a local pharmacy, Tetenbaum encourages, “people do want to connect and make friends, just like you.”

Prioritize passion : When you pursue the things that interest you, you will likely discover your people. Tetenbaum prescribes finding opportunities within your community to reconnect with the activities that brought you joy before having children. In addition to locating like-minded peers, it will boost your confidence and create a stronger sense of identity, which attracts more people to you.

Whether you are struggling through the early days of motherhood or the social isolation from moving to a new town, take a leap of faith and leave the house. Moving from the couch to the crosswalk put me on the path of meeting local women who make the darkest days of parenting feel brighter. Together on the road from tummy time and tantrums to coxsackie and carpools to exams and empty nesting, we begin as moms and become just friends.

Mommybites.com provides expertly curated resources for all parents in the New York area, including our most popular feature — our mom-generated nanny board — the best online source for parents to find vetted (by other parents), experienced nannies and childcare providers who want to work in New York City, Westchester, Long Island and Northern New Jersey.

MommyBites.com We can’t wait to see you there! is now part of

Glow Maven Latham Thomas

on The Soft Space, advancing maternal health via community and academia, watching her young adult son soar, and how she is an Open Nest, not an Empty Nester

By Donna Duarte-LaDD

Our cover this month is by happenstance. Latham Thomas of Mama Glow unveiled a stunning new space and I was eager to feature it. The Soft Space embodies community, education, and support, among other things—but more on that later.

Our New York Family team had quite the agenda on the day of the shoot at this new space. Our Events Editor, Shara Levine, kicked off her day celebrating Women’s International Day in a movement class. Then, our crew arrived to photograph the space and our April mom. While our cover mom, was getting glammed up, photographer Yumi Matsuo and I got to work, absorbing the energy of the space, capturing its loveliness and Latham’s infectious energy.

After we saw the captured pics, we couldn’t resist featuring this new space and celebrating Latham on the cover.

A champion of maternal health through advocacy and teaching- Latham knows support is crucial at the beginning of becoming a mother and even more vital as we journey through the many phases of being women.

We are excited about this new space and one doesn't have to live in Brooklyn to enjoy the space. The community is for all and is there to support you.

I chatted with Latham about expanding Mama Glow, watching her young adult son soar, and how she is an Open Nest , not an Empty Nester.

For all the parents new to Mama Glow,

can you share how Mama Glow supports mothers and families?

I’m the founder of Mama Glow, a global maternal health and education platform that educates and professionally develops doulas and nurse care managers to serve in our healthcare system to improve maternal health outcomes. We have trained nearly 3,000 doulas across the USA and 6 continents. Our market leading training program, the Mama Glow Doula Homeschool Professional Training Program is the first of its kind to be embedded as an Ivy League University course where I was appointed Visiting Professor of the Practice of Gender and Sexuality Studies at Brown University. My commitment to advancing maternal health is grounded in community and academia. We recently wrapped a national Doula Competency training program we designed for CVS Health and Aetna nurse care managers for CEUs. This means that nurses are also learning how to integrate the doula model of care to support families.

We offer doula matching services to families in different ways, some are private pay, others come to us through the Mama Glow Foundation for pro bono doula services. We also offer educational programs for parents.

The Mama Glow Foundation leads efforts in education, advocacy and the arts as well as research and scholarship. At the Foundation we welcome and mentor University fellows through our partnership with Brown University and support Doula clubs on 5 campuses, supporting university doula collectives. The Mama Glow Foundation also provides pro bono doula services across the country

through partnerships with companies like Carol’s Daughter and the Love Delivered Initiative, and through the Citywide Doula Initiative, where the Mama Glow Foundation is the largest provider of pro bono doula services in New York City.

It’s been a deep pleasure to elevate and celebrate this work through our platform, including: The Doula Expo by Mama Glow, our annual culture shifting festival that celebrates a vision for the future of birth work, this past Spring, we held the Doula Expo at Hudson Yards in a 60,000 square foot space and welcomed nearly 2,000 guests. This is how we show up in the community and now folks will be able to also join us for lectures, workshops and events and community support at The Soft Space by Mama Glow as well.

Any advice for an overwhelmed mother on how she can make space for herself?

It’s really important to listen to your body. Self-care is about checking in with yourself on a moment-to-moment basis and meeting your personal needs. Community is so critical as we navigate the challenges of new parenthood. I encourage folks who are feeling overwhelmed to tap into their support system, your sister circle, and practice asking for help - by the way; it can be difficult to ask for help when you’re the person everyone depends on. Having a group text check-in having some folks you can ask to come over and watch the kids while you go for a walk alone, can be really helpful in reducing stress. All of the self-care and stress management tools I use are free: I journal, practice deep breathing, turn on the music and move my body, I water my plants, I go outside

for a walk… all of this helps me stay calibrated. I would invite you to pour energy into the small things that bring you pleasure and punctuate moments of pleasure throughout the day, even those of us who are busy can choose to make this time for ourselves.

It is no secret that New York Family loves you; this is your third cover! Your first cover featured you and your then-tween son. How is parenting evolving for you as your son transitions into adulthood?

I’m honored for my third cover! Parenting

is amazing at every stage. My son is now 20 years alive and I have an Open Nest. I wrote a post when Fulano headed off to school where I spoke about the potency of this new life phase and what it was like to move away from birthing and caring for someone for nearly two decades and then sending them out into the world. My son went on to attend Berklee School of Music in Boston and is now a junior in college. While it’s just a 3 hour train or car ride away from Brooklyn, it’s still far enough away that I am reminded of the distance. It’s good for him because it allows him to spread his wings. I learn so much as a parent about trust. When your children begin to soar, you have to activate your trust and faith in ways previously unimagined, you have to trust that all of the lessons you gave and the messages you shared were encoded. You have to believe that you have raised a person who carries their values in their heart and makes good decisions without your direct and daily influence. And that mutual trust is the pulse of your relationship. I am an evolved version of myself, I became anew when I gave birth to my son and I shed a layer of myself when he entered this new life phase. I don’t say ‘Empty’ nest because I don’t feel empty; I feel whole, alive, and full. I have been so creative during this time, and I’ve given birth to so many projects during my open nesting phase. Open nesting is a rite of passage that I honor and celebrate.

What types of programming are available at The Soft Space?

The programing is really special, we have everything from our professional doula training programs, to wellness and self-care programming like, Full Moon Sound Baths, Crystals for Fertility, Sacred Belly Dance, Womb Healing and more. What’s been really great is that a lot of brand partners have come to the space to activate, so we have hosted events with folks like Juliane Hough and KINRGY, CVS Aetna, where we hosted a retreat for their Women’s Health team, Nanit hosted a day long activation for parents. We are hosting a Retreat for Doulas and Caregivers, something we love to do most, is pour into our community. The space is really versatile and we look forward to bringing even more amazing offerings to the community as we head into the Summer months! Stay tuned to our site and mailing list for program updates!

Handles: @Glowmaven, @thesoftspace.bk @mamaglow

Photo by Yumi Matsuo

calendar

By Shara Levine

Queen S

Junior keepers at the Queens Zoo

when : Saturday, May 4, 9:30 – 11 am

where : Queens Zoo, 53-51 111th Street, Corona ageS: 9-11

whaT: Meet zookeepers and participate in up-close animal encounters, exhibit exploration, and more.

wanT To go?: $30; $24 members. queenszoo.com

Sports and fitness festival

when : Saturday, May 4, 1 – 4 pm

where : Astoria Heights Playground, 30 Rd. bet. 45 St. and 46 St., Astoria

ageS: All

whaT: Play sports like street hockey, tennis, soccer, basketball, track and field and fun activities and games like gaga, a fitness obstacle course, sports-themed arts & crafts, prizes, and music.

wanT To go?: Free. nycgovparks.org

a Jazzy kid’s Swing-along with allegra levy & her all-Star big band!

when : Sunday, May 5, 4 – 5 pm

where : Culture Lab LIC, 5-25 46th Ave., Long Island City ageS: 8 and under whaT: Join Allegra Levy and her all-star friendly big band for fun songs that cover everything from bedtime and bathtime to boogers and booboos!

wanT To go?: Tickets start at $25 per child and grownup. culturelablic.org

Story Time yoga for lil’ yogis

when : Saturday, May 11, 9:30

Learn about animals at the Queens Zoo in their Junior Keepers program.

– 10:15 am

where : Alley Pond Environmental Center, 22910 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston

ageS: 2 - 5

whaT: Celebrate Spring and Mother’s Day with movement, song, and playfulness in a fun, engaging way.

wanT To go?: $18. (718) 229–4000, alleypond.org

Sheep Shearing festival

when : Saturday, May 11, 11 am – 4 pm

where : Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Glen Oaks ageS: All

whaT: NYC’s only sheep shearing festival features farmer-led tours, sheep shearing demos, live music, hayrides, kids crafts, and a scavenger, and more.

wanT To go?: $15; $12

ages 3-11; free for ages 2 and younger. queensfarm.org

Queens international children’s festival

when : Saturday, May 18, noon – 5 pm

where : Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica

ageS: All

whaT: This fun-filled event brings families arts performances , craft activities, live music, dance performances, games, arts and crafts, and more!

wanT To go?: Free. jcal.org

hands-on history: Moving images

when : Saturday, May 18, 1 – 4 pm

where : King Manor Museum, 50-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica ageS: All

whaT: Make your own thaumatrope, an optical toy that creates a moving image when the instrument is twirled, a popular 19th century toy.

wanT To go?: Free. kingmanor.org

Doktor kaboom: look out! Science is coming!

when : Saturday, May 18, 3 pm

where : Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College, 153-49 Reeves Avenue, Flushing

ageS: All

whaT: Sporting chrome goggles, orange lab coat, and wicked cool hair, Doktor Kaboom travels the world, thrilling audiences with fascinating science and an explosive comedic style.

wanT To go?: $20. (718) 793–8080, kupferbergcenter. org

Julie l arson Maher

flushing Town hall

Presents: waves, all that glows Sees

when : Friday, May 25, 1 – 2 pm & 3 – 4 pm; Saturday, May 26, 2:15 – 3:15 pm.

where : Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd. Flushing

ageS: All whaT: Go on this magical adventure featuring a mesmerizing theatrical sea story.

wanT To go?: $15; $12 for Members, Seniors, and Students with ID; $8 for Children. (718) 463–7700, flushingtownhall.org

forest hills Memorial Day

Parade

when : Sunday, May 26, 11 am

where : Parade begins at 10715 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills

ageS: All whaT: Honor our service members who made the ultimate sacrifice at this annual parade followed by a brief wreath-laying ceremony.

wanT To go?: Free. americanlegionpost1424.com

Manhattan

Japan Parade

when : Saturday, May 11, 1 pm

where : Parade begins at W, 81st Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side

ageS: All

whaT: Celebrates the friendship between NYC and Japan with floats, music, performances, community leaders, and more.

wanT To go?: Free. japanparadenyc.org

18th annual Dance Parade

when : Saturday, May 18, 12 – 7 pm

where : Parade begins at 6th Ave. and 17th St., Greenwich Village

ageS: All

whaT: This annual celebration of dance boasts tens of thousands of dancers and spectators, more than 100 styles of dance and nearly 200 dance groups.

wanT To go?: Free. danceparade.org

fleet week

when : May 25-27, all day; Friday, May 24, 7 pm; Monday, May 27, 10 am.

where : The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, New York

ageS: All

whaT: Come out for musical performances, activities, and demos from the military, including the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Naval Research and many more!

wanT To go?: Free. intrepidmuseum.org

Bronx

Pop into Spring

when : Weekdays, 1:30 – 3 pm,

Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am –3 pm, through May 17.

where : New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Belmont

ageS: 3-10

whaT: Explore the wonders of spring by learning about bees, flowers, and pollination and create a seed ball to grow Bee Balm—a pollinator-friendly plant for your neighborhood.

wanT To go?: Included with admission: $4-$35. (718) 817–8700, nybg.org

family art Project: flowers for Mother’s Day

when : May 11-12, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 1 pm.

where : Wave Hill, 4900 Independence Ave., Riverdale ageS: All

whaT: Send someone special your own loving message by creating a bouquet of paper flowers.

wanT To go?: Included with admission: $4-$10. wavehill.org

bronx week Parade & fair

when : Sunday, May 19, 10 am

where : Parade begins at 1 Fordham Plaza, Belmont ageS: All

whaT: This annual event showcases local groups, talent and Bronx Pride with marching bands, cheerleaders, sports teams, youth groups, advocacy groups and the best of the Bronx.

wanT To go?: Free. bronxboropres.nyc.gov

Brook Lyn

open Stages 2024

when : May 11, 3 – 7 pm

where : Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, 58 Seventh Ave., Park Slope

ageS: All

whaT: Stoops, schoolyards, parks and local cafes throughout Park Slope will host 150+ inspiring artists sure to amaze the whole family.

wanT To go?: Free. (718) 622–3300, bkcm.org

Sound & color! Spring festival

when : Saturday, May 18, 11 am – 5 pm

where : Pier 5 – Brooklyn Bridge Park, 334 Furman St., Downtown Brooklyn ageS: All

whaT: This celebration of colors, culture, spring and unity features live musical performances, food vendors, kids activities, kite-flying, and more.

wanT To go?: Free. brooklynbridgepark.org

bluey’s big Play

when : May 25-26, Saturday and Sunday, 11 am & 3 pm.

where : Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Ave., Flatbush ageS: 3 – 8

whaT: See Bluey and co. like never before when they come to life on stage!

wanT To go?: Tickets start at $40. kingstheatre.com

doktor Kaboom visits the Kupferberg center for the a rts on may 18.

Queens county Farm hosts a s heep s hearing Festival on m ay 11.

What is BookTok?

and what parents need to know

By Kaitlyn Riggio

BookTok, a niche community on TikTok focused on books and literature, has been gaining traction recently. Its reach has even expanded beyond the app: you can find displays in Barnes and Noble’s and other book stores dedicated to showcasing BookTok’s current favorites.

With over 29 million videos posted to the BookTok tag, more people than ever are getting book recommendations from TikTok, including plenty of young adult readers.

But there’s no real way of controlling what books get put on your child’s For You Page, and many of the most popular books on BookTok may not be suitable for young adult readers.

What do parents need to know about BookTok? And how involved should parents be in what their children are reading, especially as they get older?

We sat down with Dr. Erin O’Connor, chief of education for parenting platform Cooper, to talk about BookTok, how to find appropriate books, benefits kids of reading books of all kinds and more.

How the rising popularity of BookTok is impacting young adult readers

O’Connor says one of the best things about BookTok is that it’s getting teens and adolescents to read.

Reading helps teens and adolescents develop important emotional and cognitive skills. It allows kids to process more emotionally sophisticated content more easily than if they were accessing this content on the ever-moving world of social media, for example.

There are countless benefits that come with pleasure reading for teens and adolescents, so “there’s just a huge upside” in creating a space “where it’s cool to be discussing books and be engaging in these sorts of interactions,” O’Connor says.

While BookTok is beneficial because it’s getting teens and adolescents to read, it should still be approached with caution.

Like many other social media sites that teens and adolescents use, there’s not a lot of control

over what content is put in front of users. As a result, book recommendations from BookTok don’t have the chance to be vetted by parents.

“Some of these books have a lot of adult, mature themes around unhealthy relationships, violence, things like that, that are hard to judge outside of the context of reading,” O’Connor says.

How much should parents be involved in what their kids are reading

The degree of how much a parent should be involved with what their child is different for every family. But it can never hurt to have knowledge about what your child is choosing to read, especially for adolescents and young teens.

O’Connor recommends sites like Common Sense Media if you’re looking for a more researched opinion on what a book contains.

Or, you can get on BookTok yourself and see what’s out there.

“That’s a good way to just get a quick sort of understanding of what your young adult is seeing and what their interest is in a book,” O’Connor says.

It’s also important to remember that even when young adult readers start to gravitate towards more mature books, O’Connor says it’s “not always the content that we’re worried about that they’re interested in.”

“[Adolescence is] a challenging time in terms of friendships and identity and sexuality and all these things that children are often seeking information out about anyway,” O’Connor says.

When dealing with teenagers, give them some space and privacy about what they’re reading.

“If they seem to be enjoying the book and able to handle the content, you can talk to them

about some of the themes, but you don’t necessarily have to be reading along with them,” O’Connor says.

But for younger children, reading the same book at the same time as them can be a great way to start a conversation with them about themes they may be reading about.

O’Connor recommends being aware of series or books by the same author, where the maturity level and themes might “ramp up” as they go on. For example, maybe the first two books in a series are okay for your 13 year old to read, but you may suggest that they hold off on reading the next books until they’re 16.

While there may be temptation to shield children from more mature themes, remember that censoring what they read may not stop them from encountering them. “A lot of these themes and topics, they’re going to be seeing them on Youtube, TikTok, Instagram,” O’Connor says. “And reading is a good way to digest that material in a little bit more of a removed way.”

O’Connor says it’s important to, as a parent, encourage open communication and be ready to discuss these mature themes when teens and adolescents come across them.

There are many benefits of letting young readers read books of all kinds

O’Connor says reading a variety of books can help with empathy development, especially in teen and adolescent readers.

“I think it’s really the exposure to not only diverse voices in terms of the authors, but also diverse experiences in terms of the characters, and seeing and understanding the thought processes that they go through as they make decisions,” O’Connor says. “And thinking about yourself and how you make decisions can be very viable.”

We’re the #1 print & digital lifestyle platform for engaged parents in New York. Visit newyorkfamily.com for daily stories and to sign up for our weekly newsletters!

The perfect foundation for your child's financial future.

(Ages 20 and under)*

5.00% APY

[1] on the first $1,000 BETHPAGE STUDENT SAVINGS ACCOUNT

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

*Parent/guardian must be joint owner for members under 18

To open an account, stop by your local branch or visit lovebethpage.com/studentsavings to schedule an appointment.

To obtain access to the advertised financial products and services offered by Bethpage, membership is required, which is subject to approval and requires opening and maintaining a $5 Savings Account.

[1] APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APY is accurate as of 4/4/2024 and subject to change, including after account opening, without notice. The Student Savings account is a variable rate tiered account. Balances $0.00 to $1,000.00 earn 5.00% APY and 4.91% dividend rate. Balances $1,000.01 to $10,000.00 earn 5.00% to 1.39% APY range and 1.00% dividend rate. $10,000.00 balance is an illustrative example for APY computation purposes only. There is no maximum balance for Student Savings accounts. The dividend rate is paid on the portion of the daily balance within each balance tier. The required minimum balance to open account is $5.00. When the primary account holder reaches the age of 21, a Student Savings account is automatically converted to a Savings account.