By Tricia Berwick

Your child wants to invite a few pals over for a little socialization and fun after school.   In order for the get-together to go smoothly, keep these key factors in mind as you make the arrangements.

1.) Get all of the information—Before the gathering, contact the parents to see if your child’s friends have issues with allergies or conditions you should know about.  It’s also a good idea to get the contact information of the parent (cell phone and home phone numbers) in case of an emergency.

2.)Plan for activities—Depending on the age of the children, you may have to facilitate the playdate with games or crafts to keep the children entertained.  If the kids are older, they can generally play on their own, but have favorite activities and supplies ready if the kids want to use those particular items.

3.)Have tons of snacks—Kids get hungry, so it’s important to have the refrigerator stocked with a few different options on playdate day.  Make sure you offer healthy treats like cut up grapes and strawberries, in addition to sweet treats such as cookies or brownies.  Juice boxes and bottles of water are also great to keep on hand.  Helpful hint: Write the child’s name on each drink with a permanent marker, so you don’t have to worry about the kids accidentally swapping water bottles or juice packs.

4.)Don’t discipline your guests–While it is acceptable to intervene in a fight, do not scold or try to discipline your guests. Timeouts are solely a parent’s decision to give.  If things tend to heat up a bit and the kids are not getting along during the playdate,  get the children focused on another activity or break the kids up into different groups to change up the dynamics.  A change of scenery is also a good way to help the kids forgett what they were arguing about.  Get outside for some fresh air or come inside the house for a little down time.

5.)Illness–If your child is sick, cancel the playdate.  Even if your child will be disappointed or you are afraid of upsetting the guests, it’s the only right thing to do.

6.)Decide on a pick-up time- Of course, your child probably wants the playdate to last forever, but that is unrealistic!  While the parents are dropping off their children, tell them a specific time when the playdate will be over.  Usually, two hours is a good amount of time for the kids to play and hang out with one another.  If it’s longer than that, kids usually get cranky and that’s when problems pop up.

7.)Extend a thank you—Have your child send a thank you card or email to her friends to thank them for coming over.  Hopefully, your guests will have had a nice time and will then reciprocate in the future.

1.)Watch A Holiday Movie Together– A Charlie Brown Valentine is a 22-minute animated television special, based on the characters from the Charles M. Schulz comic strip, Peanuts.  It features the Peanuts characters during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day.  As the big day nears, Charlie Brown finds himself once again wishing he could gather the courage to ask the Little Red-Haired Girl to the Valentine’s Day dance.  He remains unaware that Peppermint Patty and Marcie likes him and wants to ask him to the dance.

2.)Teach Compassion– Have your children make care packages for troops serving overseas, lost pets at an animal shelter, homeless children or another group in need of love and compassion.  Package up the items with care and explain how fortunate each and every one of us are, and how it is important to share with others.  This is a great lesson to teach your kids.  Another idea is to bring crafts or care packages to a local senior center or nursing home.  The residents would thoroughly enjoy receiving a little tender loving care for an afternoon.

3.)Make Treats–Let the children decorate cookies or cupcakes themselves.  Have plenty of heart-shaped cookies on hand so they can decorate them with red icing and sprinkle candies. Yes, it can be very messy, but try and let the kids have their fun and then worry about the mess later.

4.)Design Valentines— It doesn’t matter if you buy a box of valentines, or if your child pastes pretty pink and red hearts together.  Everyone enjoys receiving a love note at this time of the year—from grandparents to your child’s classmates.  If your kids love crafts, make homemade valentines and have them help with their guests.  Allow the children a chance to be creative.  Make sure you have plenty of heart-shaped pieces of paper on hand and then let them decorate with paint, glue, crayons, markers, and lots of sparkles.  You can find ready-made printables at http://familyfun.go.com, including hearts, cupid, and jokes.

5.)Hot Heart—Invite some friends over for this super fun way to celebrate the holiday. This activity works just like the classic game “Hot Potato.” Simply use a plush heart, gather all of the kids into a large circle, get some music ready in the background, and then have the kids gently pass the stuffed heart to one another.  The child holding the plush heart when the music stops it out of the game.  Have the kids continue until a winner is determined.  This is always one of the kids’ favorite activities!  Be sure to have a few prizes for the winners!

Valentine’s Day is an excellent opportunity for parents to teach their children about expressing love to those around them, as well as their own family members.  Unlike the holiday season or your child’s birthday, this is one occasion that does not revolve around presents.  It’s simply a time to show and tell your children how much they are loved and how much they mean to you.

January is the mid-point of the scholastic year and schools are busy with projects and special programs.  Many facilities are already making preparations for the 2012-2013 scholastic year.  If your family is looking for a preschool or an activity-based school, now’s the time to begin the search.   Even though the task may seem overwhelming at first, the most important thing to do is keep an organized list of the schools you are interested in and the questions you want to ask.  If you’re unsure of where to even start, ask neighbors, friends, and family members who have experience with sending their children to good schools.  They will be the best source of honest feedback regarding which schools to visit and which ones to avoid.

The first factor to consider is the school’s reputation.  Does the school have a welcoming, friendly atmosphere?  Do they offer a nurturing environment as well as a stimulating and comprehensive curriculum?  Schedule a visit at the school and observe the way the teachers and students interact with each other.  Do the students generally seem happy?  If you see lots of smiles and happy faces, that’s an excellent sign.

Chrissy Starr, Director of Shore Ballet in Toms River says this is perhaps the best way to decide if a particular school is right for your child.

“Parents should closely examine how the teachers interact with the children and if they are really enjoying their time there,” says Starr.  “It sounds obvious, but you can really tell if a child is comfortable around certain teachers, so it’s a good idea to go visit the schools to meet the faculty.”

While you are visiting the school, be sure to ask some of the parents their opinions in the parking lot.  Parents with kids currently enrolled in the school will provide you with the best insight about what makes the school tick.

Another important consideration is whether or not the school has proper credentials.  An official license or permit should be proudly displayed in an accessible viewing area for families.  It’s extremely important to make sure the facility is legitimate before you send your child there everyday.  You can also check accreditation information and find answers to all of your early childhood education questions at The National Association for the Education of Young Children website, www.naeyc.org.  There is information for students, teachers, and parents regarding school, resources for learning and appropriate books for the preschool crowd.

The school’s curriculum is equally important to consider during the selection process.  The best preschools have daily allotted time for group and individual activities, crafts, snacks, and reading.  How about time for technology? Does the school have at least a few computers in each classroom and can the kids play educational games throughout the day?  Since technology plays such a pivotal role in today’s fast-paced society, parents are taking this factor into consideration as they engage in the school selection process.  While learning numbers and letters is important, it’s also necessary for little ones to have ample free time.  Preschoolers generally learn better while they are actively involved in play, so it’s important to make sure the preschool administers this philosophy.   Recess or unstructured playtime is also a great way for your child to play independently, away from their parents.  For many children, this is the first time they are away from mom or dad, so it’s interesting to see how they can handle playing with other kids and solving problems or conflicts without parental involvement.  The ultimate goal is for your child to have fun and be excited to tell you about his or her day.

Another factor to consider is the quality of the staff.   Preschool teachers should have at least two years of college, and a background in early-childhood development, CPR training and other emergency training.  It’s equally important for them to be caring, enthusiastic with the children, and prepared for the daily activities.  It should be obvious that the teachers want to be there and they are excited to see the children when they enter the classroom.

Chrissy Starr says it’s also imperative for parents to see how well the school is run from an administrative standpoint.

“Another important thing I would look for is the professionalism of the school and how the directors are running it,” says Starr.  “The teachers and directors are certainly role models for the children. Parents should definitely assess the way the faculty conduct themselves.  For example, are they starting class on time? Are they dressed appropriately?  And, how often is the teacher absent?”

While researching a specific school, be sure to ask questions about the size of the faculty.  The preschool should have a large enough staff to give your child the attention and care he or she needs.   Find out the school’s teacher-child ratio.  Each teacher should not be responsible for more than eight kids at a time.  If the ratio is higher than this, chances are your child will not receive adequate care.

Parents should also give some consideration to the location of the school and transportation.  Exactly how will your child get to school? Will she ride a bus or will you pick her up and drop her off? How far away is the school from your home? These may seem like secondary concerns, but they are very important.  Is it more convenient to have the school located near your place of employment in case of emergencies or is it better for the preschool to be close to where you live?  This may make it easier for your child to foster the friendships he makes in school, thanks to playdates and party invitations.

How about the length of the school day?  In the minds of a preschooler, spending a few hours away from the comforts of home can be like work for many kids, especially for those who have never been in a formal program. Many preschool programs are for a half day or a few hours.  Generally, after even a short amount of time, many children are ready for a break and need some quiet time. Some preschools do offer extended hours. Ask about all the available options and decide which one will work best for your child.

It’s also a good idea to ask questions regarding the school’s policies about some of the following topics: What rules do they have for sick children, immunizations, and routine checkups to prevent the spread of illness?  What procedures are in place for when a grandparent (or someone else) is picking them up at the end of the day? How do they handle things like food allergies, illness, injuries, and other emergencies?  What happens in the event of a fire or an evacuation?  What policies are in place for off-campus field trips? Will there be adequate supervision? Is the method of transportation safe and adequately equipped?

Another important tip is to make sure the school is not in need of any repairs.  Even if they have outstanding teachers and a highly competitive curriculum, none of that matters if the building is unsafe.  Also, ask questions about how the toys and play areas are cleaned on a daily basis.  Are they disinfected every afternoon to avoid the spread of germs?  Find out if the doors are locked during school hours, too.  Do you need to be buzzed into the building?  The building should be secure so that strangers off the street cannot just walk into the school.  Finally, check out the school’s outdoor play area.  Does the equipment look like its new and in good shape?  Is there enough shade for sunny days?

Also, what is the school’s policy about stopping in unannounced for a visit?  It would be great to see what’s going on from time-to-time to make sure your little ones are being properly taken care of.   If the school doesn’t have anything to hide, they should welcome you into their building anytime.

For those parents with special needs children, it’s imperative to ask how the staff can meet your child’s individual needs ahead of time.  If your child has a physical disability or an alternate learning style, will they be able to able to make special accommodations?   If your child has a food allergy, it’s also important to find out the school’s guidelines regarding meals and snacks and what is and isn’t served during classroom parties.  Does the school encourage healthy eating habits?  If not, it would be wise to keep looking for a school that shares your beliefs and values about nutritious foods.

Another factor to consider is communication with the parents.  Chrissy Starr says parents should always have a feel for what is happening within the school environment.

“I think a professional school should have good communication with the parents,” says Starr.  “For example parents should receive advanced notices about special events, closing dates and policies.  This is a great way the school can keep parents “in the know” and this helps the school year run smoothly for students, parents and teachers. Last minute schedule changes and poor information regarding an event that’s going to take place is never a good thing for busy parents.”

Choosing the right school is an important decision for each family to make.  However, it doesn’t have to be a stressful one.  Keep an organized checklist of the schools you’re interested in and write the advantages and disadvantages of each one.  Remember to trust your parental instincts, too and figure out what is right for your child.
No matter what all the experts say, you are your child’s biggest advocate and the best judge of what type of environment he’ll do best it. Think about your child’s personality. Is she shy? Does she make friends quickly? Are you looking for a rigorous academic program or something more socially-based? Ultimately, you as the parent know what is best for your child.  After visiting a few schools, you will have a better feel for which one will best suit your child’s needs.

SUNG STAR ACADEMY

A Complete Educational Package that will last a lifetime

Whether you turn on the television, are listening to the radio, or surfing the Internet, it’s hard not to come across the word bullying.  It has become the new buzzword on playgrounds and in schools across the country and is more of a problem than ever before.  The U.S. National Center for Education Statistics suggests that bullying can be classified into two categories: direct bullying, and indirect bullying, which is also known as social aggression.  Bullying behavior may include name calling, verbal or written abuse, exclusion from activities and social situations, physical abuse or coercion.  Bullies may behave this way to be perceived as popular, tough, or to get attention. They may bully out of jealousy or be acting out because they themselves are being bullied.

Dr. Kum Sung, of Kum Sung Martial Arts in Toms River is extremely upset and concerned about how children are being bullied in today’s society.  With a background in psychology, education, and martial arts, he feels compelled to share his knowledge and experience with parents and children to help them cope with the problem of bullying.  Dr. Sung offers seminars to those who are interested in learning survival skills about how to combat bullying.

“What’s surprising is that people do not really understand the concept of bullying and what it is all about,” says Dr. Sung.  “Whenever I conduct a bullying workshop, the first thing that I do is ask the participants if they can properly define the term bullying.  A bully means abuse- physical, emotional, and mental abuse.  It’s a person who purposely hurts the feelings of others.  They enjoy intimidating and picking on the person who is the weakest.  Someone who receives self gratification from this type of behavior becomes a bully.  They are very weak individuals.”

Once the term is properly defined and examples of bullying are discussed, Dr. Sung provides the public with coping mechanisms and strategies.

“It’s very important to not let the bully know that you are being intimidated,” says Dr. Sung.  “You may feel this way, but never let them see that it bothers you.  This gives the bully power and a sense of control.”

Another way to deal with bullying is by having open communication between parents and children.  Dr. Sung strongly believes that parents need to be aware of what is happening in their children’s lives on a daily basis.  They also must look for warning signs or changes in behavior.

“Parents need to be present in their children’s lives,” says Dr. Sung.  “If a child does not want to go to school anymore or is hesitant about participating in extra-curricular activities, the parents need to find out why and ask the children how they are feeling.  I always stress to parents that they need to get on their level which means sitting on the floor and talking directly to them face-to-face if they have to.  Parents must have an overall awareness of everything that is occurring in their children’s lives.  Open dialogue allows the parent and child to work together to find a solution to the problem.”

According to the website stopbullying.gov, there are various warning signs that parents must look for.  Some of these include: suddenly has fewer friends, has trouble sleeping or frequent bad dreams, are hungry after school from not eating their lunch, comes home with damaged or missing clothing or other belongings, loses interest in school work or begins to do poorly in school, appears sad or moody when they come home from school, blames themselves for their problems, often feels like they are not good enough, avoids certain places, and acts different than usual.

These days, bullying is not just a physical, face-to-face problem.  A new term, “cyberbullying” involves the transmission of embarrassing and hurtful messages via text or online.  The Cyberbullying Research Center (cyberbullying.us) is dedicated to providing up-to-date information about the nature, extent, causes, and consequences of cyberbullying among adolescents.  Cyberbullying can be defined as “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices.”   The comprehensive website also includes information about the following topics: State Cyberbullying Laws and Policies, notices of events, information about research and publications, and a chance for victims to share their stories.  In addition, website users can also sign up for periodic updates via email about what is being done to control cyberbullying.

As children use today’s technology, it’s important for parents to keep the computer in a public place, such as the family room to best keep track of children’s online activities.  This simple step may reduce the risk that they will become victims of electronic aggression or commit it themselves.  In addition, it’s also imperative to talk with your child about what he or she is doing online and discuss expectations for what is considered appropriate online behavior.  Also, consider installing software that lets you control or track your child’s online activity.

Dr. Sung says cyberbullying is just as much of a problem as direct, person-to-person bullying which happens at school or throughout the neighborhood.

“Children are sitting at the computer, reading the hurtful messages and are feeling the same type of fear,” says Dr. Sung.  “Then, they start responding to it and it becomes a continual problem.”

Whether it’s in the lunchroom at school or on a laptop computer, children are being bullied.  Just how should parents and children properly deal with the problem?  Dr. Sung says that some parents feel that if their children confront the bully and then fight back, then the situation will be resolved.  However, that is not the way to deal with bullying.

“Many people feel that the only way a bully can re-gain power is to physically retaliate,” says Dr. Sung.  “Hitting back doesn’t solve the problem about bullying.  Two wrongs do not make a right.  The way to deal with bullying is to develop self-confidence.  Once this confidence is established, a person can overcome difficult situations and deal with fears.  Everything in life is about education and understanding.  There is fear of the unknown, but once you recognize it, you are not afraid anymore and learn to overcome it.  Once you have the right mindset, you can overcome anything.  I teach how to develop your internal power and internal strength.”

Dr. Sung helps people to overcome this fear through his teaching of the martial arts.  The benefits of participating in the martial arts include developing discipline and coordination, improving one’s self-esteem, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“Martial arts is not meant to hurt or disrespect others,” says Dr. Sung who has studied a variety of martial arts forms ranging from Chinese to Japanese style for over 50 years.  “The Master Kum Sung Martial Arts System is a balanced system of traditional martial arts blended with modern techniques, ancient philosophies, and modern psychology.   A strong emphasis is placed on positive thinking.  Students in the Kum Sung program are encouraged to do their very best, to see rewards in life, and to overcome negative thoughts and actions.”

Designed to accommodate students of all levels and ages, this unique system emphasizes self-defense, positive-reinforcement psychology, physical fitness, and coordination.   Dr. Sung strongly believes that students of the Master Kum Sung Martial Arts System will develop not only into well-rounded martial artists, but secure, positive, self-confident, and emotionally and physically fit people.

What sets Kum Sung apart from other martial arts studios is that the instructors genuinely care about the students’ mental health.  Once parents decide to enroll their children in a martial arts program, Dr. Sung says there are many benefits.   In addition to improving a child’s physical health, Dr. Sung says the instructors work to support the children in creating a positive way of thinking.

“So many parents are working full-time today, and are not home during the after-school hours,” says Dr. Sung, who has been featured on the cover of many national and international Martial Art magazines and has been the subject of several award winning photographs at national exhibitions.  “When the children are home alone, there is no social communication with the child.  The child needs to have constant attention and someone needs to be aware of their behavior.  We are able to provide that for the children.  We are educating them emotionally.  With this type of background, they will then have the confidence to become healthy and successful adults.”

During class sessions, children are also encouraged to talk about whatever is on their minds.  Kum Sung believes in open communication and wants children to feel comfortable opening up to the instructors about whatever may be bothering them.

“Every class has time allowed for kids to discuss their feelings and what they like or don’t like,” says Dr. Sung who is certified by the World Tae Kwon Do Federation, which determines Olympic eligibility in the United States.  “We have one-on-one relationships with all of the children.  We also help children who may be experiencing behavior problems and are out of control with their parents or at school.  Some of the children battle with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), so we get a lot of referrals from doctors who are looking to us as a way to help the children gain some control and focus.”

Kum Sung has various locations throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties.  Kum Sung Headquarters are located on Hooper Avenue in Toms River.  The facility includes an 8,000 square foot Martial Arts Center, which has more than 600 members, and a 16,000 square foot complete Fitness Center, which has more than 3,000 members.  There are also facilities in Brick, Manahawkin, Long Branch, Howell, Lanoka Harbor, and Middletown. Their comprehensive website, kumsungkarate.com, includes information about future events, martial arts instructors, birthday parties, special offers, and Kum Sung’s summer camp.  Your family can also make an appointment online to take a tour of one of the facilities and to meet the instructors in person.  The website also offers videos of martial arts classes online and many photographs of students in action.

In addition to martial arts, the family also runs Sung Star Academy which is for children ages six weeks to five-years-old.  There are state certified teachers in every classroom with registered nurses on staff to take care of your little ones, if necessary.  The directors of the school all have the highest degrees of education.  If you are interested in learning more about Kum Sung Karate, or would like Dr. Sung to present a workshop about bullying to your organization, call 732-341-8800, or visit their website at kumsungkarate.com.  You can even send your questions via email at info@kumsungkarate.com.

Kiddie Academy of Brick demonstrates our mission through the implementation of Life Essentials: Kiddie Academy’s educational philosophy as well as our curriculum and supporting programs, methods, activities and techniques that help prepare children for life.

Kiddie Academy’s Life Essentials philosophy is based on four pillars of education:

•developmentally appropriate

educational practices

•character education

•technology education

•health and fitness

Through Life Essentials, Kiddie Academy teachers are able to support each child through critical stages of cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.

Kiddie Academy is proud of our academic program and we understand the importance of preparing children to be lifelong learners. We also realize that early childhood education is more than academics. As leaders in early childhood education, we are preparing children to be compassionate members of their communities, encouraging children to develop healthy and active lifestyles and keeping current on trends in early childhood education and technology.

Early childhood is a crucial time for children’s cognitive development.  Many parents enroll their child in preschool, with expectations of a curriculum that will prepare their child for future academic and life success.  Often, the process of selecting the appropriate pre-school program can be stressful and many parents aren’t sure where to begin.

An important first step for parents is to know what they want for their child in a preschool experience. Whether the goal is socialization with their peers or a learning environment with a high-quality educational curriculum, establishing this from the beginning makes the process of searching for and choosing a preschool much easier.

Kiddie Academy recommends the following tips for parents enrolling their child in preschool:

1.Start early. Begin researching programs in September the year before your child would begin preschool. This will give you time to assess different options so that you are able to make an informed decision on where to send your child without feeling rushed. Keep in mind that most programs have open houses and enrollment periods from January to March.

2.Establish your “must-have” list. For example, does the school have online webcam viewing? Does the school offer a hot meal; is it cooked onsite in a certified commercial kitchen, or is it catered by Who-Knows-Who?  Is there an indoor playground?  Do they have a state of the art soft surfacing playground?  Are the teachers established professionals, or inexperienced young kids?  Is there a high staff turnover?

3.Tour, tour, tour! It is important to do your legwork and know all of the pros and cons for each school you are considering. Don’t forget to consider overall cleanliness, bathroom cleanliness, and hygienic measures. Look beyond your traditional preschool options and also consider programs with educational child care centers. Give yourself ample time to visit different programs.

4.Request referrals. Ask other parents and friends about their preschool experience to get an idea of what other people are saying.

Influenza (commonly referred to as the flu) is a viral respiratory infection that is extremely contagious. The virus will typically last up to one week. Children, especially ages from six months to five years, are at a high-risk for contracting the flu.

A flu vaccine is pivotal to prevention. A child must receive the vaccine annually due to the virus constantly changing. Contrary to popular belief, the flu vaccine cannot cause a mild case of the flu. The vaccine consists of dead influenza virus cells.  Rarely, about 5% to 10% of vaccinations will cause a 24 hour low-grade fever or headache. The most serious side effect of the vaccine is an allergic reaction in children who are allergic to eggs.

In addition to the typical injection vaccine, a nasal spray vaccine, called FluMist, is now available. FluMist prevents influenza types A and B viruses. Children must be over the age of two in order to receive the nasal spray vaccine.

“The simplest way to prevent the flu is to have your child remain active, get at least 6-8 hours of sleep, eat their fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of fluids,” says Edwin Wymer, D.O., a pediatrician at Ocean Medical Center.

Symptoms of the flu include, but are not excluded to: high fever (103 to 105), headache, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, severe aches and pains, sore throat, extreme exhaustion, and vomiting. Each season, 5% to 20% of the population will contract the flu. Children are most contagious during the first 24 hours of the virus. The virus can be passed airborne (coughing, sneezing) or by touching an object that has been in contact with the virus. The virus can remain on an object (pencil, doorknob, toys, etc) for a short period of time. Frequently washing your child’s hands will reduce their risk of contracting the virus.

It should be noted that a flu vaccine will not prevent against a common cold. Often parents struggle to decipher the difference between a common cold and the flu. The flu causes a high fever, where as a cold causes little to no fever. The primary distinction between a common cold and the flu is that energy levels remain the same with a common cold; the flu causes extreme exhaustion.

If your child does contract the flu virus, treatment will vary based upon your child’s age, medical history, and extent of the illness. Although there is no cure for a virus, treatments for the symptoms include medications for congestion, bed rest, increased fluid intake, and most importantly for a fever, acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Should you have questions or concerns about your child’s symptoms, consult with your pediatrician.

For more information about Ocean’s Pediatric Emergency Center or the full range of resources and specialists affiliated with Meridian Pediatric Network, visit www.OceanMedicalCenter.com.

As children walk across the red carpet, and then through the doors of iPlay America, they’re not sure what to gaze their eyes upon first in this massive new indoor amusement park.  Rides, games of chance and tons of tempting foods all capture their full attention in this family playground where the city meets the boardwalk.  Located at 110 Schanck Road in Freehold, the 115,000 square foot climate-controlled entertainment center hosts nine indoor rides, exciting attractions, over 200 arcade games, party rooms, a candy shop, various eateries and a full-service café.  With so much to offer, there is something to please everyone in the family, from the little ones to the older kids in your group.

Marcy Edwards, Director of Marketing and Promotions, says local families have been excited to check out this new place to play.

“We opened on November 11, 2011 at 11:11 am to an unbelievably huge crowd,” says Edwards. “Schools were not in session that day because of the New Jersey Teachers’ Convention, so we had lots of kids who were looking for a new way to have fun during their vacation.  We really wanted to celebrate our grand opening in a significant way so we created a festival-type atmosphere which included an official ribbon cutting ceremony, tons of promotions, entertainment, face painters and live music.  What makes our park unique is that families can have fun with each other, no matter what the weather is.”

It doesn’t matter if it’s raining, snowing, too hot or too cold.  iPlay America is open year-round which means that it’s not just a place to hang out and spend a few hours on the weekends.  Since it’s open every day, families have the option of making traditional weeks filled with work and school responsibilities a little more exciting.

“We open right after school and offer families lower prices, Monday through Thursday,” says Edwards.  “Now local families can mix it up a little bit during the week.  It’s a great choice for parents who want to give their kids a reward for achieving a goal in the classroom or on the athletic field; or who maybe just want to make the average Tuesday a little more special.”

To get the fun started, participants can select one of the extra-value deals, which start at $14.95, or they can purchase an iPA card which is then loaded with value that can be used at all games, rides, attractions, eateries and stores.  Players earn iPoints for every dollar loaded onto their iPA card. As more points are accumulated, a player will be upgraded to Ultra and Elite status which offers discounts as well as access to exclusive events, offers and prizes.  Players can register their cards or check their iPoints at admissions, the information booth, concierge, at an in-park charging station or online.  The extra-value package deals include unlimited rides and attractions as well as food and fun deals.  For those who would simply rather watch the kids have a blast, general admission is $5.00 which provides access to the park as well as a $5 iPA card, which can be used throughout the park towards concessions, games, rides, or attractions. This is ideal for parents and guardians who would like to accompany their children into the facility.  At any time, guests can add value to their cards or check to see how many points or tickets have been accumulated at special kiosks throughout the park.  Even after visiting iPlay America, it’s important to register and save to accumulate points and use again during another trip.  Having the card will provide perks such as free play days at the arcade, exclusive events and special days when guests can earn double points.

Two of the park’s most popular attractions are the 4-D Theater and the IPA Speedway.  Edwards says that both of these activities have been well received by the public.

“Our 4-D Theater is a fully immersive experience for guests,” says Edwards.  “Currently, we are showing a movie titled ‘Snow Day’ which features snow falling on guests and leg ticklers to make you feel as if it’s really snowing.  You truly feel like you are a part of the movie.  The IPA Speedway is a controlled way to make guests feel as if they are really in a NASCAR race.  We have state-of-the-art cars, LED headlights and surround sound to make it feel authentic.”

On a recent trip to iPlay America with my husband and twin seven-year-old daughters, the racetrack was one of their favorite attractions.  Since they are under 10 years of age, they each needed to have one of us drive the car, but they still found the ride to be extremely exciting, especially when we pressed the “turbo boost” button which allowed us to go even faster.   This was quite a thrill for both of them!

“I liked the race cars the best because you could go really fast and pass other cars,” says Chelsea.  “The announcer made me feel like I was in a real race.”

The Spin Zone Bumper Cars was another of the girls’ favorite rides. Spin Zone features music and a sparkling lightshow within the bumper car arena.

“I really liked the bumper cars because I could move it myself, spin around and bump into people,” says Chloe.  “There was music too, which made it fun.  I also liked the Skyscraper ride because it went up high and you could feel the wind in your hair.  The arcade is also very cool because it has games that both boys and girls would like.”

The arcade is the heart of the facility and features games of chance such as Wheel of Fortune, Deal or No Deal, The Price is Right, and Skeeball.  What’s great is that instead of the machines printing out tickets and then redeeming those at a prize center, all points are accumulated on a guest’s iCard.  There are many currently popular and hi-tech prizes throughout the arcade, including an iPod Touch, Coach handbags, a Playstation 3, and a Samsung LCD flat panel TV.

With so many activities to choose from, iPlay America is the perfect place to host your child’s next birthday party.  A party representative takes care of everything and walks the kids through the park, giving them an opportunity to experience all of the attractions.

“We can customize the event to be whatever experience the birthday child is looking for and can accommodate numerous themes,” says Edwards.  “Each party room features an iPod dock which allows the party hosts to play whatever music they would like and adjust the volume, too.  The rooms also have LED flashing lights.  It can be as sophisticated or kid-friendly as you like.  We host all types of parties, not just for children.  In fact, we even hosted a 65^th birthday party.  The guest wanted a place where all of his grandchildren could have fun together so he decided this would be the best place.”

After spending time on the rides and playing a few games, kids usually get hungry.  iPlay America offers several ways to refuel, whether with a quick snack or with a more relaxing meal.

The City Square Grill is a casual sit-down restaurant serving contemporary fare, from specialty salads and fresh pizzas to gourmet classics like lobster macaroni and cheese.   You can take the kids or, if you have older ones, relax here while they are off having fun with their friends.

“One couple told me that they enjoyed a great date night together at the City Square Grill,” says Edwards.  “While they relaxed and had a nice meal together, the kids were having a good time, enjoying their independence and the parents felt secure that they were safe inside the park.”

If you’re just looking for a quick bite, stop at the City Square Grill Express which offers convenient grab-and-go service.  It features fresh salads, sandwiches, pizzas, desserts and a selection of specialty beverages.  Another option is Sonny’s Boardwalk Grill.  Even if the temperatures are frigid and there’s snow on the ground, you can still enjoy the smells and tastes of authentic Jersey-Shore style snacks like hot dogs, fries, funnel cake and other refreshments.  For dessert, head over to Mixx, a modern, self-service frozen yogurt shop featuring soft-serve, low-fat frozen yogurt and a huge selection of toppings like cookie crumbs, fresh fruit and an assortment of candies to name a few.  Mixx also features espresso, cappuccino, hot cocoa and cookies. Or, check out Broadway Sweets, a unique candy shop which provides guests an opportunity to mix and match their favorite treats.

As for making sure things run smoothly throughout the park, iPlay America has that covered, too.  Edwards says parents will notice a mature security presence as they walk around the attractions with their children.

“We have a security staff which sets us apart from other facilities,” says Edwards.  “They patrol the facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  We also take proactive measures such as stamping parents and young children with matching UV stamps, which are checked before families leave.”

In addition to the theme park being well-patrolled and safe, it is also extremely clean.  Staff members constantly walk around the park to pick up any debris or trash and also to sanitize and disinfect games and attractions.

Another perk of iPlay America is the number of benches, tables, and places to sit along the way for those families who need to take a break and re-charge for a few minutes.  The ample seating located throughout the park also provides a great place for parents to sit while their kids are hanging out with friends.  This is a great way for ‘tweens and teens to have some independence while their parents have the peace of mind knowing that the kids are safe inside.

iPlay America in Freehold is a new place for families to play and spend some quality time together.  For more information about this indoor entertainment complex, check out for their website at iplayamerica.com or give them a call at 732-577-8200.

Whether you turn on the television, are listening to the radio, or surfing the Internet, it’s hard not to come across the word bullying.  It has become the new buzzword on playgrounds and in schools across the country and is more of a problem than ever before.  The U.S. National Center for Education Statistics suggests that bullying can be classified into two categories: direct bullying, and indirect bullying, which is also known as social aggression.  Bullying behavior may include name calling, verbal or written abuse, exclusion from activities and social situations, physical abuse or coercion.  Bullies may behave this way to be perceived as popular, tough, or to get attention. They may bully out of jealousy or be acting out because they themselves are being bullied.

Dr. Kum Sung, of Kum Sung Martial Arts in Toms River is extremely upset and concerned about how children are being bullied in today’s society.  With a background in psychology, education, and martial arts, he feels compelled to share his knowledge and experience with parents and children to help them cope with the problem of bullying.  Dr. Sung offers seminars to those who are interested in learning survival skills about how to combat bullying.

“What’s surprising is that people do not really understand the concept of bullying and what it is all about,” says Dr. Sung.  “Whenever I conduct a bullying workshop, the first thing that I do is ask the participants if they can properly define the term bullying.  A bully means abuse- physical, emotional, and mental abuse.  It’s a person who purposely hurts the feelings of others.  They enjoy intimidating and picking on the person who is the weakest.  Someone who receives self gratification from this type of behavior becomes a bully.  They are very weak individuals.”

Once the term is properly defined and examples of bullying are discussed, Dr. Sung provides the public with coping mechanisms and strategies.

“It’s very important to not let the bully know that you are being intimidated,” says Dr. Sung.  “You may feel this way, but never let them see that it bothers you.  This gives the bully power and a sense of control.”

Another way to deal with bullying is by having open communication between parents and children.  Dr. Sung strongly believes that parents need to be aware of what is happening in their children’s lives on a daily basis.  They also must look for warning signs or changes in behavior.

“Parents need to be present in their children’s lives,” says Dr. Sung.  “If a child does not want to go to school anymore or is hesitant about participating in extra-curricular activities, the parents need to find out why and ask the children how they are feeling.  I always stress to parents that they need to get on their level which means sitting on the floor and talking directly to them face-to-face if they have to.  Parents must have an overall awareness of everything that is occurring in their children’s lives.  Open dialogue allows the parent and child to work together to find a solution to the problem.”

According to the website stopbullying.gov, there are various warning signs that parents must look for.  Some of these include: suddenly has fewer friends, has trouble sleeping or frequent bad dreams, are hungry after school from not eating their lunch, comes home with damaged or missing clothing or other belongings, loses interest in school work or begins to do poorly in school, appears sad or moody when they come home from school, blames themselves for their problems, often feels like they are not good enough, avoids certain places, and acts different than usual.

These days, bullying is not just a physical, face-to-face problem.  A new term, “cyberbullying” involves the transmission of embarrassing and hurtful messages via text or online.  The Cyberbullying Research Center (cyberbullying.us) is dedicated to providing up-to-date information about the nature, extent, causes, and consequences of cyberbullying among adolescents.  Cyberbullying can be defined as “willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices.”   The comprehensive website also includes information about the following topics: State Cyberbullying Laws and Policies, notices of events, information about research and publications, and a chance for victims to share their stories.  In addition, website users can also sign up for periodic updates via email about what is being done to control cyberbullying.

As children use today’s technology, it’s important for parents to keep the computer in a public place, such as the family room to best keep track of children’s online activities.  This simple step may reduce the risk that they will become victims of electronic aggression or commit it themselves.  In addition, it’s also imperative to talk with your child about what he or she is doing online and discuss expectations for what is considered appropriate online behavior.  Also, consider installing software that lets you control or track your child’s online activity.

Dr. Sung says cyberbullying is just as much of a problem as direct, person-to-person bullying which happens at school or throughout the neighborhood.

“Children are sitting at the computer, reading the hurtful messages and are feeling the same type of fear,” says Dr. Sung.  “Then, they start responding to it and it becomes a continual problem.”

Whether it’s in the lunchroom at school or on a laptop computer, children are being bullied.  Just how should parents and children properly deal with the problem?  Dr. Sung says that some parents feel that if their children confront the bully and then fight back, then the situation will be resolved.  However, that is not the way to deal with bullying.

“Many people feel that the only way a bully can re-gain power is to physically retaliate,” says Dr. Sung.  “Hitting back doesn’t solve the problem about bullying.  Two wrongs do not make a right.  The way to deal with bullying is to develop self-confidence.  Once this confidence is established, a person can overcome difficult situations and deal with fears.  Everything in life is about education and understanding.  There is fear of the unknown, but once you recognize it, you are not afraid anymore and learn to overcome it.  Once you have the right mindset, you can overcome anything.  I teach how to develop your internal power and internal strength.”

Dr. Sung helps people to overcome this fear through his teaching of the martial arts.  The benefits of participating in the martial arts include developing discipline and coordination, improving one’s self-esteem, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“Martial arts is not meant to hurt or disrespect others,” says Dr. Sung who has studied a variety of martial arts forms ranging from Chinese to Japanese style for over 50 years.  “The Master Kum Sung Martial Arts System is a balanced system of traditional martial arts blended with modern techniques, ancient philosophies, and modern psychology.   A strong emphasis is placed on positive thinking.  Students in the Kum Sung program are encouraged to do their very best, to see rewards in life, and to overcome negative thoughts and actions.”

Designed to accommodate students of all levels and ages, this unique system emphasizes self-defense, positive-reinforcement psychology, physical fitness, and coordination.   Dr. Sung strongly believes that students of the Master Kum Sung Martial Arts System will develop not only into well-rounded martial artists, but secure, positive, self-confident, and emotionally and physically fit people.

What sets Kum Sung apart from other martial arts studios is that the instructors genuinely care about the students’ mental health.  Once parents decide to enroll their children in a martial arts program, Dr. Sung says there are many benefits.   In addition to improving a child’s physical health, Dr. Sung says the instructors work to support the children in creating a positive way of thinking.

“So many parents are working full-time today, and are not home during the after-school hours,” says Dr. Sung, who has been featured on the cover of many national and international Martial Art magazines and has been the subject of several award winning photographs at national exhibitions.  “When the children are home alone, there is no social communication with the child.  The child needs to have constant attention and someone needs to be aware of their behavior.  We are able to provide that for the children.  We are educating them emotionally.  With this type of background, they will then have the confidence to become healthy and successful adults.”

During class sessions, children are also encouraged to talk about whatever is on their minds.  Kum Sung believes in open communication and wants children to feel comfortable opening up to the instructors about whatever may be bothering them.

“Every class has time allowed for kids to discuss their feelings and what they like or don’t like,” says Dr. Sung who is certified by the World Tae Kwon Do Federation, which determines Olympic eligibility in the United States.  “We have one-on-one relationships with all of the children.  We also help children who may be experiencing behavior problems and are out of control with their parents or at school.  Some of the children battle with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), so we get a lot of referrals from doctors who are looking to us as a way to help the children gain some control and focus.”

Kum Sung has various locations throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties.  Kum Sung Headquarters are located on Hooper Avenue in Toms River.  The facility includes an 8,000 square foot Martial Arts Center, which has more than 600 members, and a 16,000 square foot complete Fitness Center, which has more than 3,000 members.  There are also facilities in Brick, Manahawkin, Long Branch, Howell, Lanoka Harbor, and Middletown. Their comprehensive website, kumsungkarate.com, includes information about future events, martial arts instructors, birthday parties, special offers, and Kum Sung’s summer camp.  Your family can also make an appointment online to take a tour of one of the facilities and to meet the instructors in person.  The website also offers videos of martial arts classes online and many photographs of students in action.

In addition to martial arts, the family also runs Sung Star Academy which is for children ages six weeks to five-years-old.  There are state certified teachers in every classroom with registered nurses on staff to take care of your little ones, if necessary.  The directors of the school all have the highest degrees of education.  If you are interested in learning more about Kum Sung Karate, or would like Dr. Sung to present a workshop about bullying to your organization, call 732-341-8800, or visit their website at kumsungkarate.com.  You can even send your questions via email at info@kumsungkarate.com.

Your Child Today has chosen the Torres Family of Toms River as the “Focus on the Family.”   Frank and Kelly have been happily married for ten years and have two children, Arliana and Frankie.  College sweethearts, the couple met while attending Montclair State University.  During the early years of their marriage, they lived in North Jersey, but then moved to Toms River in the summer of 2010 to be closer to family.

“We were spending every holiday down the shore and it was hard to do so much traveling, especially once the kids came along,” says Kelly.  “Now, we are closer to everyone which is great because if we need help with the children, we have a support system.  And now, many of my aunts and uncles have decided to move to this area so there are even more relatives to visit with which is wonderful.”

Before she gave birth to Arliana, Kelly worked as a second grade teacher and has since worked part-time as a preschool teacher.  She is now home with the children and looking for her next teaching opportunity.  Frank works hard as a corporate recruiter. Although the weeks may be hectic with school, work, and extra-curricular activities, the family enjoys spending quality time with each other on the weekends in the pool, playing in the backyard, or taking day trips throughout the Jersey Shore.

Your Child Today recently had the pleasure of speaking to the Torres Family and this is what they had to say:

YCT: Tell us a little about your children.

Kelly: Arliana is six-years-old and is in first grade. This is her first year in full day school and she really loves it.  She is a very outgoing, loving child and she loves to play with friends.  Arliana is very independent and has been since she was a toddler. She loves mermaids and doing crafts.  She just learned how to ride a bike without the training wheels and wants to ride every chance she gets. This will be her second year playing soccer and she loves it!  Arliana is taking a hip hop dance class this year and is really enjoying it.  Her favorite part of the class is dancing to the songs she likes on the radio.  In addition, Arliana is involved with the Girl Scouts.  This is her second year as a Daisy Scout.  She enjoys attending the meetings and participating in activities to earn her petals.

Frankie is three-years-old and attends Westminister Nursery School.  This is Frankie’s first time in school and he loves to go.  He really likes his teachers and loves to play with his friends there.  Frankie attends speech therapy once a week at Pediatric Rehabilitation Services in Brick.  Sometimes Frankie leaves off middle and end syllables in his words.  His speech therapist, Miss Alicia, is very helpful and Frankie is making great progress. Frankie is very affectionate and loving. He is extremely energetic and loves to run and play.  He has always been fascinated with balls and loves to play any type of sport.  He also likes to play cars and ride his bike.

YCT: What is a typical day like in your home?

Kelly: A typical day in our home begins with the children waking up and having breakfast.  We then get ready for school by getting dressed, brushing hair and teeth and going to the bus stop where we chat with the neighbors before the bus arrives.  Our neighborhood is great because we all look out for each other’s kids and if someone cannot make it to the bust stop after school, we will watch the kids for that mom.  I really love the support system that we have in our community.  After Arliana leaves for school, some days Frankie and I run errands or we have playdates with friends.  Frankie has school Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.  After Arliana and Frankie are both home from school we have a snack and do homework.  Then, we are off to extracurricular activities.  When we return we have dinner together, the kids play a little more, and then it’s time for baths and bedtime. After the children are in bed, Frank and I enjoy watching television together.  It’s a chance for us to spend some time alone together. The days when there are no activities we usually play with neighborhood friends.  Our first choice is to play outside, but if the weather isn’t good, we will have friends over to play inside.  Fridays we have “Family Game Night” and we usually eat breakfast food for dinner.  The kids really love it!

YCT: What activities do your children participate in after school?

Kelly: On Mondays, Arliana takes a hip hop dance class at Shore Ballet.  On Wednesdays, Frankie has speech and Arliana has Girl Scouts.  I am the troop leader which I enjoy.  I love planning all of the activities for the girls so they can earn their petals. On Thursday afternoons, Arliana has a religious education class at St. Luke’s Church.  Finally, Saturday is soccer day!

YCT: What is your favorite thing to do locally with your family?

Kelly: We moved to the Toms River area a little over a year ago and have really enjoyed discovering all the fun activities to do in this area.  In the summer we go to the beach and boardwalk.  Frank loves to take the kids crabbing.  We like to visit Castle Park, Riverwood Park, and the Popcorn Zoo.  We also enjoy planning day trips. We have season passes at Great Adventure and the kids love to go on the rides and drive through the safari.  Now that we live closer to the beach and all of the shore attractions, we appreciate the convenience of heading to the boardwalk in the evenings for a few rides after dinner or taking the kids for an ice cream.  Our family up north also enjoys the area and came to stay with us often over the summer.  Everyone wanted to see our new house and get in some beach days.  We entertained a lot which was great because it allowed us to visitwith relatives.

YCT:  Do you have any favorite local vacation spots?

Kelly: Every year our entire family goes to Wildwood Crest for a week.  We absolutely love it!  It’s great that our kids get to spend a week at the beach with all of their cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents.  We stay in a hotel and reserve ten rooms right next to one another. This way, the kids can play and everyone can visit.  I was lucky enough to vacation with my extended family in Wildwood when I was little, and now my children have the same opportunity.  It’s such a wonderful experience and we look forward to it every year.

YCT: Have you ever gone on any vacations without the kids and where?

Kelly: We have gone away for overnight trips to Atlantic City and New York and grandma has babysat for us.

YCT: What is your favorite date night location and how often do you get to go out alone with your husband?

Kelly: We enjoy going out to eat and to the movies when we have a date night.  A few of our favorite places are Bonefish Grill, Spicy Cantina, and Boston’s. We try to have a date night at least once a month.  We are very fortunate to have my husband’s mother and relatives close by who are very helpful which allows us to get a little time to go out alone together.

YCT: What is your favorite non-mommy thing to do and how often do you get to do it?

Kelly: I enjoy reading and have a book club that I attend with a few friends.  We meet about once a month and always choose a theme to go along with what we are reading.    We really enjoy getting together and discussing the books we read.  It also gives you the chance to read books you normally wouldn’t read.  Usually, we will discuss the book for about 40 minutes and then we will chat about our loves, the kids and what has been happening.  I also enjoy exercising and getting to spend time with my friends.  Every year during the weekend of teacher’s convention in November my girlfriends and I plan an overnight trip to Atlantic City.  I am looking forward to it this year!

YCT: What is your husband’s favorite non-Daddy thing to do?

Kelly: Frank enjoys watching sports and attending sporting events.  He loves the New York Giants and the Mets.  He enjoys watching the games with his friends and his brother who he is very close to.  He also enjoys staying home and enjoying our yard and pool.

YCT: Do you frequent any advertisers from our magazine?

Kelly: My daughter attends Shore Ballet.  She loves going there and Miss Star is an amazing teacher.  Last year with Girl Scouts, the girls decided to use their money earned from cookie sales to visit Sparkle Diva Salon and they had a blast!  They loved getting their hair and nails done and drinking juice out of fancy glasses.  Since we visited during the evening, the girls decided not to touch their hair when they went home and wore it fancy the next day to school! We enjoy going to Color Me Mine and Jenkinson’s Aquarium.  Of course, we enjoy the beach and boardwalk at Jenkinson’s, too!  We also love sailing with Jersey Shore Pirates.  We have gone a few times and both of my children enjoyed it.   Their favorite part was pulling the treasure chest out of the water onto the pirate ship.  The staff does such a great job with the kids because they make the experience so realistic.  During the trip, you actually feel like you’re on a real pirate ship.

YCT: Do you have any parenting advice that you would like to offer our readers?

Kelly: Parenting can be challenging but children really do grow so fast!  I try to really enjoy it and have fun with my children because I know that when they get older I will really miss these days!

YCT: What is your favorite part of Your Child Today magazine?

Kelly: I always look forward to reading about the local activities for children and I enjoy the Focus on the Family to hear other family’s stories.

CELEBRATE CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH !

By Dr. Elisa Velazquez

(Children’s Dental Health Chairperson -Monmouth Ocean County Dental Society)

February is National Children’s Dental Health Awareness Month.  Each February, since 1949, the American Dental AssociatiFebruary is National Children’s Dental Health Awareness Month.  Each February, since 1949, the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.  The Monmouth-Ocean County Dental Society and many of its members want to help in this mission.

There is a dental health fair  on Sunday,  February 12th.  This event is sponsored by the Monmouth-Ocean County Dental Society.  (www.M-OCDS.org)  We have prizes, give-aways, a magician & several local dentists, orthodontists, and pediatric dentists to answer any questions.  The Stafford Police Department is participating and will fabricate digital ID cards for children that participate.  Teachers & nurses from every school were invited to have their students participate in a poster contest.  The theme for 2012 is ROCK YOUR SMILE!  Winners of the sponsored poster contest for grade school children will receive their prizes at the dental fair.  This event has been a HUGE success in the past, and we look forward to another great day.  If you would like to have your class or child participate- please see the rules on our website.

A second event is  GIVE KIDS A SMILE DAY (GKAS) when  many dental offices and clinics throughout the country are offering a day of FREE dental care for children under 12 .  This day is Friday, February 3, 2012.  This event targets children who otherwise do not have access to dental care.  Visit NJDA.org/GKAS for all locations in New Jersey.  This year marks the 10th annual day of free dental care in NJ.

Many Monmouth & Ocean County dentists volunteer and provide free dental care.  The doctors of Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates are volunteering in Give Kids A Smile Day for the 5th consecutive year in their Toms River location..  We have treated over 400 children for free and provided services such as cleanings, X-rays, and extractions.    We want to educate families about the importance of the prevention of decay.  We will provide dental exams, cleanings and necessary urgent care for children in need AT NO COST.   Many children live each day with dental disease resulting in pain & infection.  Dental pain prevents children from concentrating & learning in school and results in missed school days.  In the current economic climate, many families push health care to the back burner.  Give Kids a Smile Day is our opportunity to help our community.   Every child deserves to live pain free and should be examined by a qualified dentist.  We want to educate families about prevention and diagnose any problems that are present.  Find a location near you to schedule your child.

DENTAL FACTS

*The ADA recommends that children be seen by a dentist at AGE 1

*Cavities are a bacterial infection  & Cavities can be prevented!

*Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease

*Tooth decay is dramatically on the rise for children ages 0-5 years old

Visit www.oceanpediatricdental.com or www.M-OCDS.org for information

FREE DENTAL FAIR!

PRIZES! FREE STUFF!

Sunday Feb 12,2012

1-3 pm

Ocean County Mall

Jersey Shore Pirates is still operating on the weekends and they once again offered up their vessel as the backdrop and theme of our cover this month.  The Brown kids got all decked out in their pirate gear for us.  Kailyn, Cash and Nixon showed us their ahoy matey smiles and donned awesome adventure hats.  Great job guys!  And thanks again to Rob and Jessica for their hospitality!

Although the temperatures are dropping and the days are getting shorter, I’m still out on-location shooting!  There is still time for portraits at the beach, or you can take advantage of fall foliage which peaks in late October and early November.  The vibrant colors serve as an awesome backdrop for family photos.  We can turn any of those images into a wonderful holiday greeting card to send out this season.  I have many designs and styles to choose from!  And remember, portraits make GREAT gifts for the holidays.

My job as a portrait photographer is so rewarding and fun.  It is wonderful to be able to do what you love and have others love what you do! While we all lead busy lives, I feel it is vital that we take the time to preserve memories and celebrate the love of family.  I really hope to hear from you while the weather is still nice as I love to shoot on location as long as possible.

Once the calendar flips to October, it officially starts to feel like fall and many families make plans to celebrate Halloween with their children.  These days, the spooky and festive holiday is not just limited to one day of trick-or-treating on October 31.  From parties and parades to pumpkin patches, there are many activities for your family to participate in throughout the entire month.  This year though, why not go for something different?  Maybe a thrilling adventure to celebrate the Halloween time of year?  If your kids love to be creative and to use their imaginations, then set sail with Jersey Shore Pirates and make it one of your family’s new October traditions.

The Jersey Shore Pirates vessel, Sea Gypsy 2, sails from Riverfront Marina, on Princeton Avenue in Brick, and will be trimmed in ghoulish skeletons, cobwebs and other scary, spooky decorations to commemorate Halloween.   Upon arrival, kids will be welcomed by enthusiastic staff members who will assist the children in selecting a perfect pirate costume.  The little mates will then receive their very own pirate names, learn some valuable pirate lingo, and also have the opportunity to get their faces painted with pirate “tattoos.”  Before the kids head down to the dock for their trip, the staff will remind the children to keep a look out for “enemy pirates” in the area.

The Sea Gypsy 2, which sails down the Metedeconk River and is Coast Guard certified, will thoroughly engage and captivate your children as they search for treasure.  Owners of the company, Rob “Captain Scurvy” Corring and his wife Jessica “Jezebel,” have prior experience with boating and buccaneers and have created a true-to-life pirate ship adventure.  Before they set sail, the kids will listen to a few rules about water safety, which is of utmost importance to the Jersey Shore Pirates staff.  The kids will then hoist the ship’s flag and begin their journey.

Mother of two, Stacie Harkavy has two daughters who cannot get enough of treasure hunting.  They have taken the pirate voyage multiple times and have immensely enjoyed every trip.

“My girls absolutely love Jersey Shore Pirates and I do as well,” says Harkavy

who lives in West Long Branch.  “We even hosted a fundraising event with them.  We enjoy everything about it.  One of the best parts is being out on the water and enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.  My younger daughter really enjoys the experience because she truly thinks she is one of the pirates!  Searching for the sunken treasure is one of the trip’s highlights for the girls.”

While the kids are looking for treasure aboard the ship, the crew members narrate the adventure with pirate lingo and facts.  The little ones have an opportunity to fire water cannons, find sunken treasure, and then engage in a battle with “Pirate Pete” who has stolen the keys to the treasure.  The hour and fifteen minute long action-packed excursion also features rules of the Sea Gypsy pirate ship, the chance for children to read a treasure map, and the opportunity to discover a secret message in a bottle.  Harkavy says these activities keep the kids busy from the moment they arrive to the time the ship pulls in to the dock.

“Jersey Shore Pirates captures the imaginations of the kids,” says Harkavy. “It’s amazing how they are thoroughly engaged for the entire trip. It is such an interactive experience for everyone.  I always see the adults laughing and enjoying themselves just as much as the kids.  In fact, since it’s such a wonderful experience, I usually bring my family members who come to visit the Jersey Shore area every summer.  The kids love to go on the adventure as a large group, with all of their cousins.  The pirate theme is so well done that it’s a great time for everyone involved.”

At the conclusion of the ride, children will be treated to authentic pirate “loot” as a souvenir of their journey.  At the dock, there are other opportunities to remember all of the fun and good times.  Harkavay says her kids can’t get enough of the gift shop.

“Every time we sail, there is another cool pirate toy or accessory that my daughters want to have,” says Harkavy.  “Picking up a souvenir is a nice way to end our day and remember our trip.”

The Jersey Shore Pirates adventure is geared toward children ages 5 to 10.  They sail from May-October and are available for birthday parties, class trips, and families.  During October, they sail on Saturdays and Sundays only, with six different sailing times to choose from.

For more information, visit their website at www.jerseyshorepirates.com or call 732-899-6100.  Reservations are highly recommended and it is suggested that you arrive 30 minutes prior to sailing times for check-in, face painting, and dress-up.  If you would like to plan an entire day of family fun, consider arriving even earlier to play at Windward Beach Park or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy the beautiful waterfront scene at Riverfront Marina.

If you and your family enjoy the traditional Halloween festivities, like carving pumpkins and dressing up in costumes, but have been searching for a new and different way to celebrate the holiday, consider Jersey Shore Pirates for your next family outing.