by Melissa Kay | Sep 14, 2019 | Blog, News |
Fall is just about here. It seems like the summer flew by in a flash, but the new season is something to look forward to. The weather will soon become crisp and cool, allowing us to stay outdoors without instantly sweating. Fall opens up some fun opportunities and seasonal options for family activities. These three are always enjoyable, not to mention a nice way to create lifelong memories. Pumpkin Picking Find a farm that’s all about pumpkin picking. The kids will love choosing their own from the patch, and lots of popular spots offer other attractions like hayrides and treats to eat including caramel apples and fruit pies. You can carve your pumpkins at home and save the seeds for toasting. Petting Zoo Kids who love animals of all kinds will have a blast at a petting zoo. Sometimes it’s just too hot to go during the summer, so fall is just right for this interactive activity. Many petting zoos are set up so kids of all ages can get up close and personal with farm animals, even allowing visitors to feed them. The photos will be some of your family favorites. Camping Pitch a tent in the backyard or a camping ground and sleep under the stars. Cozy up in sleeping bags and bring marshmallows for roasting. Fall nights are fabulous when the sky is clear and the constellations are easy to see. Tell stories and share secrets. The kids will treasure these times. What are some of your family’s favorite fall activities? For more information like this, please visit All My Children’s blogs. By: Melissa A. Kay...
by Melissa Kay | Sep 10, 2019 | Blog, News |
Now that school is back in full swing, we all ought to give a major shout-out to the teachers who are transforming children’s lives. Their work is so important and many teachers just don’t get the credit they deserve. It takes a special person to become a teacher, and these men and women are amazing. Long days and lots of to-dos make every teacher’s schedule jam-packed. From the moment they wake up until their head hits the pillow at night, a teacher is always “on duty” with planning and preparation on their minds constantly. Their work goes well beyond the walls of the classroom, and our children benefit from this commitment. When the end of the school year comes around, we remember to thank our children’s teachers for all they’ve done that year. While the recognition at that time is appreciated, wouldn’t it be nice to show them our sincere support year-round? While they’re not looking for attention, this pat on the back is a boost when times get tedious or tough. The next time you see your child’s teacher, let them know you are thankful for all they do. It will mean a lot when your smile says a thousand words. Your child’s future depends on every teacher’s service and dedication they put in daily. A show of support goes a long way. Perhaps more than you’ll ever know. You needn’t buy grand gifts or go overboard, but a thoughtful handwritten note or greeting card is sentimental, and some supplies for the classroom would certainly come in handy. How do you thank your child’s teacher? And if you’ve...
by Melissa Kay | Sep 4, 2019 | Blog, News |
Now that school is back in session and the kids are settling into a new routine, part of the package is homework. While they’d rather play or relax than do more schoolwork, homework is an important way to reinforce the lessons learned during the day. Getting kids to sit down and concentrate can be a battle. After a long day at school, the last thing they want to do is open another book. Without some motivation, kids will complain, procrastinate, and argue until parents are at their wit’s end. Of course, there are those children who actually enjoy the challenge of getting their homework done, but for the most part, the struggle is an everyday after-school headache. Here are some ways to get your kids to do their homework without all the fuss and fighting. The sooner you get them excited about it, the easier it will be to form a long-lasting healthy homework habit. Study Snacks Food is a great motivator, so bring out the munchies while the kids open their books. Put out some healthy and tasty treats so the kids can nibble while they work. It’ll make the time go by faster and the stress will seem less obvious. Plus, you’ll fit snack time and homework time into one slot, leaving more free time before dinner. “Extended” School Day If your kids come home straight after school, this technique is one to try. Don’t let the kids get out of “school mode” the moment they walk in the door. Instead, treat this time as part of the school day, so they’ll get to their homework right...
by Melissa Kay | Sep 1, 2019 | Blog, News |
Now that school is back in full swing, it’s time to get back to the lunch-making routine. For those parents who pack their kids’ lunches each morning, it’s always useful to have some new ideas so the kids don’t get bored of what’s inside that brown bag. These three sandwich options are healthful, filling, and easy to prepare. The kids will be sure to finish every last bite because they’re so delicious. Each recipe below makes one sandwich. Grilled Chicken And Greens Grill some chicken the night before or use leftovers for this simple, yet satisfying sandwich. Ingredients: 2 slices rye or pumpernickel bread 1 tablespoon honey mustard (or mayo) 1 grilled chicken breast cutlet 2 slices romaine lettuce ½ sliced avocado 4-5 bread and butter pickle chips Place everything on one slice of bread and spread the mustard on the other half. Form the sandwich and slice. The green goodness will be gone in no time. Fruity Peanut Butter Sandwich PB & J is a classic, but kids want something more interesting. Take the sandwich to the next level with the recipe below. Ingredients: 2 slices white or whole wheat bread 2 tablespoons peanut butter (use a different nut or seed butter if there are allergies) 4 fresh strawberries sliced thinly 1 kiwifruit peeled and sliced thinly ½ apple sliced thinly 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon raisins Spread the peanut butter and honey on one slice of bread and press the raisins in so they stick. Layer the other ingredients and top with the other slice of bread. Cut in half and the sweet sandwich is complete and...
by Melissa Kay | Aug 17, 2019 | Blog, News |
School is about to start. The carefree days of summer are coming to an end, which means the regular routine must be reinstated. Perhaps you’ve been more lenient in regard to the kids’ sleep schedule during the summer. Since they don’t have to wake up early for school, hitting the sack a bit later is no big deal. The kids surely appreciate the freedom, but now that school’s right around the corner, it’s time to get back on track. A good night’s rest is required for children to function at their peak in the classroom. Before you switch up the system “cold turkey,” here are a few ways you can ease the kids into the program. They’ll barely notice the shift, and you won’t have to deal with the pre-bedtime drama. Wake Up Earlier If you get your kids up a tad earlier than you have been all summer, they’ll naturally feel tired earlier in the evening too. By the time bedtime rolls around, they just won’t have the “juice” to stay up as late. Since they’ll be sleepy, you won’t have to pressure them to put on their PJs. Eat Supper Sooner Move dinnertime up by an hour. The kids are already used to a couple of hours of free time after supper before they go to sleep, so they can still fit in their fun before going to bed. You won’t cut into their playtime because they won’t realize the difference thanks to the earlier dinner. New Evening Rituals Start a new routine as the summer winds down. You can read books, watch a movie as a...
by Melissa Kay | Aug 16, 2019 | Blog, News |
Hi AMC families. We were recently featured in The Spirit. See the article blow and head to their site for more UWS info. About AMC Sponsored Content – All My Children Daycare (AMC) has a number of convenient preschool locations spread across Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. We’re excited to announce that we will soon open a second location on Manhattan’s Upper West Side at 620 Amsterdam Ave., which will accept children ages three months and up. Our international learning program is unique and unmatched, providing our children with an exceptional educational experience that is exciting and all-encompassing, with a holistic approach and atmosphere inspired by nature. Creativity is the cornerstone to a well-rounded education that leads to life-readiness. This empowering communicative concept is cultivated via our curriculum which includes music, dance, art, and movement to give our students a fresh introduction to an enriching preschool schedule. This allows them to tap into their talents and learn new ways to express themselves in a way that feels warm and welcoming. We nurture the children to discover, learn, grow, and realize the power of their potential. Tackling new situations makes the many joys of discovery a delight. Learning through play and movement makes every educational moment interesting and interactive, as activity-based teaching supports development in all of the domains. Our professional, well-vetted, and always caring AMC staff is highly trained to not only teach our students, but to encourage daily participation with passion. Children look forward to what the day will bring and look ahead towards bright tomorrows. Our AMC school supervisors and educators have backgrounds in special education, allowing us to...
by Melissa Kay | Aug 14, 2019 | Blog, News |
Can you believe it’s back-to-school season already? The summer certainly flew by in a flash, and before long, the kids will be back in the classroom for another school year. The weather will get cooler and the routine will be more rigid. You’re going to need plenty of things to gear up for fall, but if you’re on a budget, you’ll have to be smart about spending. You don’t want your child to go without, but spending a fortune isn’t ideal either. There’s a happy medium you can reach by being savvy and conscious of your actions. These three tips will help you save money while you do your back-to-school shopping. Make the effort to be aware of your budget and make choices that coincide with your cash flow. Late Summer Sales Don’t wait until the last minute to start buying school supplies and a new wardrobe. Stores will hike up the prices when they know you’re in a bind. Now’s the time to start seeking out deals, whether in-store or online. Look for coupons and credits, and compare prices before you reach the checkout. Stock up on items you know you’ll need later in the year like extra pens and pencils, paper, lunch bags, even socks. Hand-Me-Downs Before buying anything new, see if you have never worn or slightly used things from an older child you can use. You can also connect with parents you know to see who may have supplies or clothing they don’t need or won’t use. As they say, one man’s trash is another’s treasure. Don’t Take The Kids Along If possible, leave the...
by Melissa Kay | Aug 6, 2019 | Blog, News |
Gathering ‘round the table for an evening meal is something so many families do each day. While there are some families who aren’t able to get together regularly, for those who can, it’s a wonderful way to connect. We spend most of the time enjoying the food, but this family time is perfect for talking with your kids. Tuning In Dinner table discussions allow for parents to tune in to their children’s emotions by talking about how their day went and how it made them feel. Sometimes the chats will be lighthearted and silly, but there will be evenings when the topics are tense. No matter the vibe, it’s always important for parents to create this safe space for their kids to open up, no matter the issue. It’s A New World Today’s world brings many challenges for children. From the prevalence of bullying to being overwhelmed with what they hear on the news, being a kid isn’t what it used to be. Sure, there’s plenty of fun and freedom, but the darker days exist as well. Parents can use the familiar dinner table platform as a place where families can feel at ease about discussing daily events, hopes and dreams, or just joke around. Opening Up If you find that your child isn’t opening up much, dinnertime makes the discussion flow more smoothly. There’s less pressure, so there’s little awkwardness, leading to frank conversations about all sorts of situations. Maybe your child had a spat with a friend that day at camp or school. Talking it over will give them a chance to heal. Perhaps your child is...
by Melissa Kay | Aug 2, 2019 | Blog, News |
We all know how important reading with and to our children is for their brain development. But come summertime, lots of parents tend to slow it down on the reading front. Since schedules are different and kids are doing other things, the books wind up on the back burner. While it’s perfectly OK to take a break and enjoy the time off, it’s not a good idea to give up reading completely. Keeping up with vocabulary is essential, especially when the kids are not in school and reading isn’t technically “required.” If you are trying to find ways to incorporate reading into your summer schedule, here are some ways to do so. The kids will appreciate some great books, and you’ll know you’re doing a good thing for their education. Read At The Park Take a book along when you plan a day at the park. The kids will tire out eventually, so sit under a shady tree and read together. Once the book is finished, you can have a snack or the kids can get back to playing ball. It’s relaxing and refreshing. Morning Wake Up Most people go for bedtime reading, but why not crack open a book when the sun comes up? It’s a great way to set the day off on a pleasant path, and will get your child in the habit of reading no matter the time of day. Play Date Fun Kids love play dates, but video games and running around can get repetitive. Why not suggest a book club for the neighborhood kids? They can come over, read aloud, and discuss their...
by Melissa Kay | Jul 18, 2019 | Blog, News |
This June was full of fun and special moments. Graduation was a wonderful event! Congrats to all of our 2019 graduates! We are so proud of all you have accomplished and wish you the best of luck in kindergarten! See more graduation photos here. Father’s Day was a nice time to celebrate all the special dads in the AMC family. See more Father’s Day fun here. Farewell Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Malone! We’ll miss you! Best of luck and enjoy your retirement. See additional pics here. All-around AMC Fun! The summer has been sweet! See more photos here. Sunday planting at Ridge location. Our youngest students enjoyed using their sense of touch, smell, and taste to help beautify our center. We decorated an eco-planter and brought a plant home as a memento. See more photos here. Stay tuned for more news and updates from All My...
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