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...
by Melissa Kay | Jul 15, 2019 | Blog, News |
The summer can be sweltering. Some people love the heat and can’t get enough of those high temps. Humidity doesn’t bother them, and the sweatier they get, the bigger their smiles. Everyone else may love the warmth of the summer sun, but too much of a good thing can be exhausting. When you and the kids have had it with the weather, you can beat the heat with these three ideas. Cool off and still have fun. Once you’re ready for more time outdoors, you won’t be as overwhelmed. Indoor Board Games Back in the day, board games kept us busy. But today, it’s all about video games, TV, and cell phones. There’s nothing like some friendly competition, especially when it’s low-tech and in-person. Pull out some old board games and get set up on the floor. Prep some finger foods and gather ‘round for some good old-fashioned fun. Make it a family affair on a weekend afternoon or before bedtime. The kids will have a blast and you’ll love that they’re doing something different for a change. Sprinkler Splash You may not have a pool or access to one, but perhaps you can set up a sprinkler in your yard or in a shared space where it’s OK to do so. All the neighborhood kids can come by in their swimsuits and run through the water. On a super sunny day, this refreshing way to cool down will make everyone excited. You won’t have to worry about lifeguards as long as someone responsible is supervising. Once the kids dry off, they can come inside for some iced tea...
by Melissa Kay | Jul 11, 2019 | Blog, News |
Since the sun stays shining in the sky later during the summer, why not make the most of those extra daylight hours? Evening outings with the kids can be a great bonding experience. The kids will feel special to be out and about with mom and dad, and you’ll make lifelong memories in the process. Here are some suggestions for family-friendly summer evening outings. Depending upon where you live, you may have to make some adjustments, but use these ideas as a launching pad for summer evening fun. Post-Supper Ice Cream Run What better way to beat the summer heat than to cool down with something sweet? The kids will be 100% on board with a trip to the ice cream shop. After a healthful dinner at home, hop in the car or take a stroll to the ice cream parlor and grab some cones or sundaes. Of course, this isn’t something you’ll indulge in nightly, but every now and then, a special treat sure hits the spot. Drive-In Movie Night Lots of cities still have drive-in theaters. Pull up into a spot and watch a flick under the stars or as the sun starts to set. The kids will love this “old-fashioned” fun as you all enjoy a movie from the comfort of your car. The popcorn and snacks will make the moment even more delightful, and the fresh air will feel fine if you roll the windows down. If you don’t have a drive-in near you, head to a regular theater and see an evening movie. It’ll be just as fun. Backyard Picnic When the weather cools...
by Melissa Kay | Jul 5, 2019 | Blog, News |
Cooking is fun, but when the weather is so hot, spending time with the oven on can be unbearable. That’s why no-cook meals are the best during the summer. Who needs a stove-top stew when a fresh sandwich is just as satisfying? Sure, home-cooked meals are always comforting, but we can wait ‘till winter to fill our bellies with such richness. When we’re trying to be light on our feet and ready for swimming or a day at the beach, munching on a sandwich for lunch or a light supper is the way to go. Kids and adults alike are always up for a sandwich, especially when the ingredients are infinitely interchangeable. Here are three sandwich options the kids will love. You’ll enjoy them too since they are easy to prepare and are filled with healthful ingredients. Each recipe makes one sandwich. Crisp and Crunchy Veggie Sandwich Ingredients: 2 slices whole wheat bread 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon hummus 3-4 leaves Romaine lettuce 3-4 slices beefsteak tomato ¼ cup bean sprouts ¼ sliced avocado ¼ cup shredded carrots 2 sliced button mushrooms 5 bread and butter pickle chips Spread the mustard and hummus on the bread and layer the rest of the ingredients inside. Slice in half and get many servings of the day’s veggies in one meal. It’s delicious and so good for you. You can also pile into a pita for another tasty option. Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich Ingredients: 2 slices white or whole wheat bread 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter (use another type of nut or seed butter if there are allergies) 1 tablespoon honey...
by Melissa Kay | Jul 1, 2019 | Blog, News |
Today’s families are forever on-the-go. There is barely time for a breather, so getting a quick snack in the kids’ systems means doing it without wasting time. That said, we don’t want to feed our kids junk food or drive-thru fare. These unhealthy foods may be fast, but they’re not part of a decent diet. There is still a smart way to provide kids with snacks that are easy to take along, taste great, and provide them with nutritious energy. These snacks are simple, making your daily routine go more swiftly and sufficiently. And don’t forget, these snacks are just as amazing for grown-ups too! Pre-Packaged Protein Shake For a snack that’s chock-full of protein, keeping kids full for hours, a rich protein shake is the perfect take-along drink that’s smooth and satisfying. Try a plant-based variety in Aloha. Their vanilla organic protein drink goes down the hatch on-the-go, providing a powerful blend of good-for-you ingredients. It comes in chocolate sea salt and coconut flavors too, so mix and match for mouthwatering goodness. Trail Mix Trail mix offers a blend of textures and flavors, giving kids a nice variety to snack on. Make your own batch or buy a store-bought brand like Thrive Market Paleo Snack Mix. This savory combo of cashews, pecans, banana chips, spices, and more make every bite uniquely irresistible. If you like to do it yourself, combine dried fruit, seeds, nuts, carob chips, and mini pretzels. Bag it up in portion-controlled pouches, take some along, and enjoy. Squeezable Yogurt For a calcium kick that’s sweetly scrumptious, a squeezable yogurt tube makes eating yogurt on-the-go friendly....
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