October 2012 Table of Contents By NYMetroParents Table of Contents October 2, 2012 Get can’t-miss family activities sent to you! Subscribe The October 2012 Birthday Party issue of NYMetroParents features big-time party ideas for your child's next birthday, back-to-school articles, advice for the cold and flu season, and how to raise an adventurous eater. Plus browse our extensive pumpkin-picking guide to find a pumpkin patch in the New York area near you. October 2012 Birthday Party Issue ACTIVITIES FAMILY OUTING Old Westbury Gardens: Where History Meets HalloweenA National Historic Site on Long Island known for its family-friendly outdoor activities and gorgeous gardens and grounds. WHERE-TO GUIDEPick Your Own PumpkinsPumpkin picking is a perfect fall activity for families in the New York City area. Here you'll find our comprehensive list of pick-your-own pumpkin farms and pumpkin patches. THEATER 'Fancy Nancy The Musical' Bursts with Style and WitVital Theatre Company's newest staging brings popular storybook illustrations to life on an Off Broadway stage. The result is a family-friendly production brimming with style and wit. PARTY TIME!Birthday Party Ideas and Tips to Help You Plan the Best Bash EverYour child is another year older, but does the thought of planning a celebration with their friends stress you out? We've compiled sweet memories, planning tips, and fun new ideas to help you plan. FEATURES BACK-TO-SCHOOL SPECIALHow to Help High School Teens Cope with StressAsk a high school student why s/he’s so stressed out, and prepare to hear a long list of offenders. But you can help your teen. How to Build a GeniusRaising a child who is predisposed to do wonders with his or her mind is possible. Enable your child to succeed by following our expert's fundamental tips for guiding your child's lifelong learning. 4 Proven Benefits to Reading Aloud to Your BabyIf you think reading aloud to your wee one is just a way to bond, think again. An expert from the Early Years Institute details proven and long-lasting benefits of reading aloud to babies. HEALTH FOOD AND NUTRITIONHow to Get Your Picky Child to Eat More FoodsA certified nutritionist, who has spent more than a decade teaching children, reflects on one particularly picky student and offers tips on how parents can get their own picky eaters to try new foods.HEALTHDoes Mother Really Know Best? Dispelling Common Cold MythsMom's health advice is well-meaning, but it may not always be accurate. Don't go outside with wet hair, or you'll catch a cold—false!BONUS: Does Chicken Soup Really Cure the Common Cold? Take Our Quiz! HALLOWEEN8 Ways to Cut Back On Your Halloween Candy Consumption This YearThe director of operations at a co-ed health and wellness boarding school offers her advice for parents who want to make this Halloween a healthier one.BONUS: Amazing Halloween giveaways, tips, ideas, and more: nymetroparents.com/halloween. ASK THE EXPERTS How Do I Know If It's a Cold or the Flu?Figuring out whether your child has the flu can be difficult as there is a lot of overlap in cold and flu symptoms. How Can I Increase My Child's Active Time Outside of School?A pediatrician and childhood obesity expert, provides tips on increasing our kids' play and exercise time outside of school so they get at least an hour of active time each day. JUST FOR FUN MOVIES'Secret of the Wings' DVD ReviewTinker Bell's first 3-D adventure in the Disney Fairies series takes her to Pixie Hollow, where she flies with new friends and uncovers a secret that changes her world. PETSSafety First: What to Teach Your Kid About Dog SafetyThe American Kennel Club provides expert tips on what to teach your child to ensure his safety when bringing a dog into the picture. QUOTABLESThe Best of the Rest of the WebFrom our October 2012 issue, a selection of thought-provoking, laugh-inducing, and just plain interesting facts and quotes from the web and the world of parenting. STUFF WE LIKEIn the BagSometimes it feels like the world's weight is on your shoulders—or it could be that monstrous bag you carry your life around in. When on the go, you need an easy-to-pack, easy-to-clean, and cute-enough-for-a-non-mom bag to tote everything with you. TIPS AND ADVICE RAISING OUR KIDSHow to Find the Right Kind of Help For Your Struggling ChildWhen you see your child struggling socially or academically in school, it's important to seek out the right kind of guidance.SPECIAL NEEDSMake a Difference: How to Prevent BullyingHow the movie "Bully" started a movement to end bullying, and why we as parents need to act on its message. Miracle League Gives Kids with Special Needs a Chance to Play BallKirstine Fitzpatrick founded Miracle League to provide homerun miracles to children with special needs on Long Island after volunteering for a similar program in Westchester, NY. SPORTSHow to Ease Your Own Anxiety About Your Child Playing FootballWith so much talk of concussions in the sport of football of late, many parents are shying away from the sport.