Who in New York isn’t ready for a change in the weather? When those first pussy willows come up and we see some buds, we will be much happier. In the meantime, the days are growing longer and the quality of light will tell us that spring is just around the bend.
Our March issue offers a look ahead at Summer Programs & Camps as well as at Charter School tours. With April registration dates looming, now is the time to begin doing the research necessary to select choices for further investigation. One great thing about being a parent in New York is that there is an abundance of choice. Finding out your options and then going on tours is part of the responsibility of parenting. One needs to be a strong advocate for one’s children, although it’s a balancing act every day in every way between being a working parent and working as a parent. I know from firsthand experience.
Although I didn’t set out to be a single parent, it turned out that way, and the responsibilities I had combining a very necessary career with raising my child were daunting to say the least. Somehow, however, in spite of the full load, I managed to become the head of our school’s parent body, drive my daughter to soccer games all over Long Island for two years, while also managing to take trips, visit museums, and go to the theater and ballet with her.
We are enormously fortunate to have so much intelligent stimulation around us and that we owe it to our children to participate with them in the myriad of possibilities that will further enhance their education and well being. I argued with teachers sometimes (while being fully respectful of their objectives and priorities) that no, my daughter had not done her homework because we had gone out the night before to the ballet, or had seen a play. I considered us very lucky to have that even as an option, so saying no to the invite would have been nuts. That’s what life in New York means to me and why I came here long ago from Chicago.
I believe in the enhancement of a total education that does not always take place in a classroom, but is found on the road on a family trip, in a museum, in front of PBS quality television programming, hearing music, seeing a family show, or reading a book together. Family time used well and fully is an integral piece of life and creates a foundation that is profound.
That said, please make use of our Calendars, both in print and online at our helpful and informative website, www.NYPar
Have a great month. Watch for the signs of spring. It’s definitely around the bend. Thanks for reading.
