All You Need to Know About Disney But Didn't Know Who To Ask
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- Written by Stacie M. Waldman
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Thinking of planning to trip to Disney World? Whether it's a once-in-a-lifetime trip or a thrice-a-year adventure, it takes a lot of planning to ensure a fun time will be had by all. There are many decisions to make and twenty people who have been to Disney World twenty times will each tell you twenty different ways to do Disney. Here are some questions that came up when I planned a trip and I am letting you know what I learned to save you some time:
When is the best time of year to go to Disney World? Keep in mind that there is no perfect time to go to Disney. Looking at it another way, every time is perfect to go to Disney! The kids won't miss school if you go during winter break in February, but the parks are the most crowded this time of year (and other times when kids are out of school) and dining as well as lodging are much more expensive. Lodging in a studio at Disney's Lake Tower, for example, is $438/night (+tax) during "value season" and $655/night (+tax) during peak periods. You can find information on predicted park crowds at every Disney theme park for each day of the year at Undercovertourist.com https://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/crowd-calendar/#calendar. Weather in Orlando can be lovely or stiflingly hot and rainy, so you may want to factor weather patterns in when planning.
How far in advance of going to I need to plan the trip? Planning your vacation far in advance will give you more choices as dining reservations can be made 180 days from the day you arrive. If Disney dining is important to you, you'll want to book your hotel and flights a few months in advance so that you can book your dining experiences.
How much does it cost to go to Disney World for a week? You can go on a Disney World 
vacation week for a family of four for $4,000 to$15,000, if not more. There is a huge range of hotels, food options, and entertainment options. Disney World is not known for being a budget savvy traveler's dream destination, but it is known for being the "happiest place on earth" and people are willing to pay a lot for this.
Should you stay at a Disney resort or off-site? Staying on Disney property offers advantages such as free transportation to and from the airport and transport around the parks including extra hours at the parks (a.k.a magic hours), the ease of charging expenses to your room and one-stop dining reservations. Disney resort guests are entitled to magic (wrist)bands that allow you to book FastPass+, Disney's new FastPass system, 60 (versus 30) days in advance. However, Disney properties are pricier than non-Disney properties for significantly smaller accommodations. Having a car and staying off site may be advantageous if you're looking to save money or to diversify your Orlando experience with visits to non-Disney parks like Universal or Sea World. People who stay on Disney property tend to feel like it's worth the expense and those who stay off-site often swear by it for the flexibility and the savings (which can be in the thousands for a one week stay.) Lynn Marvin goes to Disney World two to three times a year with her husband, three kids, and her mom. "We've stayed both on and off site at Disney and we think we get more value out of Disney properties," she said. Deluxe Disney resorts sleep six and it's less expensive for them to stay there than to get two rooms or a suite off-site. Disney's Fort Wilderness is considered a moderate-level resort and can sleep up to six adults in a well-appointed cabin. "Disney transportation runs regularly, and sometimes the off-site shuttles run on the hour which isn't convenient with kids," she added. They try to go during value versus peak season when rooms are 40% less. Lindsay Gravin stays off-site with her family of six that includes her in-laws. Her in-laws live in Florida and have a car which helps make staying off-site feasible. "I like the flexibility that a non-Disney property gives us," she said. "We have about three times as much space in the townhouse we rent than at a Disney villa or suite at a third of the price. I like having choices of things to do or buy that aren't all Disney all the time." The townhouse has a private pool for each unit as well as larger pools for the complex, playgrounds, a full kitchen, and laundry in the unit. "The best part for us is that we don't have to sleep with the kids. Also, the condos all have strollers so you don't have to spend money to rent a stroller every day at the theme parks or lug them with you from New York!" she exclaimed.
Should you buy a food plan? Like everything at Disney, the food plan is loved by some and unloved by others. "We never do a meal plan because it never seems like it's worth it," said Lynn Marvin. Meal plans limit where you can eat and what food you can order. Although it may seem like it would help you budget since you pre-pay for it, many items are excluded, (tax and gratuity are also extra,) and some people think it's too rigid. My own family of four stayed at Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins and found that packing a suitcase full of food and buying things like milk at the Disney store (even at $5 a half gallon) saved us hundreds of dollars as well of hours of time sitting in restaurants when our kids just wanted to be on rides and see shows. We packed sandwiches and snacks for lunch and most night made reservations for dinner at Disney restaurants. One mom I spoke with said, "What I regretted most about our Disney trip last year was making so many dining reservations because we spent more hours in restaurants than enjoying the park activities. My kids' small appetites and lack of attention span made our frequent sit-down meals stressful!"
Which Character Dining experiences are best? Character dining abounds at Disney World. Your family pays a premium to eat a meal while characters come to your table rather than you waiting in line at the parks to meet them. Lynn Marvin favors the restaurant Akershus in Epcot for "princess" character dining. Their reviews on Trip Advisor are just as favorable for Cinderella's Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom. Both of these restaurants book quickly, so again, planning is key. My own family loved 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian for dinner. The theme was Happily Ever After and Cinderella and her stepsisters as well as her stepmother and the prince were fabulous entertainment during a terrific meal. They were very entertaining for kids and adults alike. Whereas "human" characters speak and interact, "nonhuman" characters like Winnie the Pooh and Goofy do not, so keep that in mind. "Our favorite all around dining is Disney Junior at Hollywood Studios," said Lynn. "There's Jake the Pirate, Doc McStuffins, Handy Manny, and Sofia the First- great for little kids! This is our favorite and we have done almost all of the character dining." There are also dinner shows available such as Hoop Dee Doo Review and Mickey's Backyard BBQ.
What are the best parks for different age groups? Again, different people have different experiences at the parks; some people love Epcot with younger kids and some people feel like little kids are boxed out of most of the experiences there. After doing an extensive review of online resources and talking to several Disney "fanatics," here's what seemed to top the lists by age group (including non-Disney parks in Orlando):
- Babies (0-2 years): Magic Kingdom (and Sea World if you're exploring other parks in Orlando)
- Toddlers (3-5 years): Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Sea World
- Elementary age (6-9 years): Most of them. Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Typhoon Lagoon, as well as Universal and Legoland (non-Disney)
- Tweens (10-12 years): Magic Kingdom, Islands of Adventure, Hollywood Studios, both Disney water parks, and Universal Studios and Sea World (non-Disney)
- Teens (13-17 years): Magic Kingdom, Islands of Adventure, Epcot, and the water parks
What are the best resources for planning a Disney vacation? The Disney website is well organized and chock full of information. Mousesavers is a good site to go to for Disney tips and message boards as well as to keep abreast of available discounts. Undercover Tourist has savings and information as well. Touring Plans is a customizable step-by-step plan for visiting the parks that allows you to input exactly what you want to do and receive the best plan for your day in terms of lines and time. If you want to skip or add something you can "optimize" your plan at any time and the app is downloadable to your smartphone.
Last, Cori Shifrin, a Disney travel agent who lives locally suggested using Disney gift cards purchased at Target for a 5% discount on everything Disney. If you use your Target Redcard (the Target-issued credit card) to purchase, for example, $3,000 worth of Disney gift cards with the Target Redcard you will receive 5% off your total gift card order. You can then use the gift cards to book or buy anything Disney-related thereby saving $150 for every $3,000 you spend. She also suggested that you make a budget, plan your vacation at least seven months in advance, spend as many days at Disney World as possible, and work with a Disney travel agent to plan the trip since they know Disney well (and there's no additional cost to you). Cori can be reached at Magical Vacations Travel: cori@magicalvacationstravel.com or 914-414-3593.
Scarsdale Girls Soccer Team Starts Ahead
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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The Scarsdale Girls Soccer team played their third game of the season against New Rochelle on September 7. It was a tough fought match, as it always is against New Ro. The game ended with a win for the Raiders 2-1. Goals were scored by Danielle Ezratty #17 and Kristina Camaj #10.
So far the team's record is 2-1-0. The two wins were both league games, against New Rochelle and Mamaroneck where the Raiders won 3-1. The loss was in a non-league game versus North Rockland.
Leading the team this season are Libby Closson #16 who is committed to play Division 1 soccer for Boston University for 2015 and Kristina Camaj #10. Both Closson and Camaj are three-year All League players and Libby is also 2 year All Section player.
Returning players are: Sophomores: Kate Donovon, Sophia Mohlulis, Hayley Rozencwaig and Lucy Glickman
Juniors: Carly Glickenhaus (the goalie), Eryn McDonald and Zoe Epstein
Seniors: Anna Braverman, Kristina Camaj, Taylor Mancini, Danielle Ezratty, Libby Closson, Ali Oliverio and Whitney Mooney
Newbies are: Freshman: Campbell Yearley and Samantha Mancini
Sophomores: Erica Shapse, Shannon Regan and Juliette Miller
Juniors: Kara Elcik and Gillian Lubin
The team is coached by Mindy Genovese and assistant coach Kiera Fox. Tina Mercado is the player's team manager.
Captains are: Libby Closson, Kristina Camaj and Taylor Mancini, all 4 year Varsity players.
Photos courtesy of Jon Thaler. See more and purchase copies at www.jonthaler.com. Downloads are free and prints can be purchased on the site.
Scarsdale10583 Back to School Guide 2014
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- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
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Whether you've got a toddler, a pre-teen or a college applicant in your house, now is the 
time to consider programs that will build skills, develop artistic, musical and athletic talents and enrich academic lives. The area is blessed with wonderful program opportunities for kids of all ages. Here are just a few of the quality programs in Westchester for your consideration:
Dance and Music:
Steffi Nossen School of Dance located in the nearby Music Conservatory of Westchester building offers classes for dancers ages 3 – adults in Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, and Moving Wheels & Heels for dancers with special needs. New this year are Tiny Dancers: classes for 12 – 36 months and caregiver, Adult classes for beginners and for experienced dancers, Contemporary Dance, and Improvisation/Composition. We have lots of performing opportunities for all ages and levels and most classes have live music accompaniment. Please visit us at www.steffinossen.org or 914-328-1900 for complete information.
Dance Cavise: Described in the New York Times as "setting higher standards in dance education", Dance Cavise offers all dance disciplines, at all levels, for all ages. In its 10,000 square foot facility, Broadway veteran Joe Cavise heads a staff of over twenty professionals from New York City and Westchester. The studio is known for its family-oriented and nurturing environment, while promoting strong technique in a non-recital oriented, education driven program. For more information, contact Dance Cavise Studios, 273 Halstead Avenue, Mamaroneck at (914) 381-5222, or visit www.dancecavise.com.
Over the Moon Music and More: Did you know that all children are musical? Have you ever wondered what you can do to nurture the musical growth of your child, regardless of your own musical ability? And did you know that there's a storefront location where you and your child can play musically together, right here in Scarsdale? Over the Moon Music and More offers Music Together®, the internationally recognized early childhood music and movement program, in a beautiful and comfortable space at 78 Garth Road, as well as in 5 other convenient locations in Westchester, including a new storefront in Pleasantville. Our classes--for children from birth through kindergarten age accompanied by an adult caregiver--are research based, experiential, and not performance oriented, but most of all, they're fun! Free demo classes are available. And we also offer our own Uke U., a mommy-and-me ukulele program for 3- to 6-year-old children and their caregivers. For class and demo class schedules, please visit www.overthemoonmusicandmore.com or call 914-722-2025.
Preschools and Religious Schools:
Kids' B.A.S.E. and The Little School continues to be an invaluable resource for the 
families of Scarsdale. This not-for-profit community organization encompasses two programs: Kids' B.A.S.E., which provides quality before and after school programming for youngsters in Kindergarten through fifth grade, and The Little School, a pre-school program for three and four year-olds, with the addition of a new toddler class offering morning and afternoon sessions. At Kids' B.A.S.E. a variety of enrichment programs are offered at different times throughout the year: tennis, golf, hip hop, Mad Science, Private Picassos, Animal Adventures, Kids R Cooking, Chess Chums and Legos with Block Stars. The Little School also offers enrichments at different times throughout the year: Kids R Cooking, Broadway Stars with Applause, Clay Works and Art with Private Picassos. . The Little School provides a high quality full day or half day preschool experience, and is accredited by NAEYC. In addition to our developmentally appropriate program led by highly qualified Head Teachers and Teaching Assistants, we offer weekly music, gym and creative movement classes, as well as monthly "Nature of Things" animal programs. Applications are available for the 2014-2015 school year. For more information or to request an application, please call 472 – 5409 or visit their website at www.kbls.org.
Congregation Kol Ami: The Early Childhood Program at Kol Ami is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate curriculum teaching and modeling Jewish values. We believe that children learn best through experiential play and provide for these rich experiences within warm, accepting, and nurturing surroundings. All of our Head Teachers have Masters Degrees in Early Childhood or related educational fields. We offer a wide range of programs for children (from 2 months to 5 years old) and their families. Our A Step Ahead! program for Fall 5 year olds provides full day pre-K learning until 4 pm. For more information, contact: Nan Blank, Early Childhood Program Director at njbtt@aol.com or call her 914-949-4717 x107
Shaarei Tikvah: If you are looking for a warm, creative environment where you and your children can all grow Jewishly, come to Shaarei Tikvah's Anna and Louis Shereff Religious School. Our weekday only, K-7 program provides a strong foundation in Hebrew language and prayer, with hands-on, experiential learning and innovative, 21st century programs that highlight Jewish values, holidays, Shabbat and Israel. Plus, families with their oldest child in pre-school are invited to attend High Holidays at Shaarei Tikvah free of charge. There will be warm and nurturing children's services on both days of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur. Telephone: 472-2013, Email: synagogue@shaareitikvah.org, Web: www.shaareitikvah.org
Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El takes pride in the creative and innovative programs of its religious school, its Mazel Tots® pre-school and its diverse adult education activities – all aimed at fostering a sense of ruach (Jewish spirit). The clergy and educators at Scarsdale Synagogue, one of Westchester's leading Reform Jewish congregations, strive to achieve a love of Jewish learning among their students, with particular emphasis on engendering and strengthening pride in being Jewish among children and their parents. They use 21st century technology to teach the relevance of the texts and traditions of Judaism, helping to make religious school engaging and fun. They also have crossover programming with active youth groups for all ages. The schools strongly reflect Scarsdale Synagogue's warm and welcoming approach to creating shared lives and real relationships. They invite members of the wider Westchester Jewish community, of all ages, to stop by and learn more about their commitment to lifelong Jewish learning. Contacts are: Rabbi Wendy Pein, Director of Congregational Learning, 914-725-5175, ext. 121 (RabbiPein@sstte.org); Jody Glassman, Director, Early Childhood Program at914-725-5175, ext. 119 (mazeltotssstte@gmail.com) or Roberta Aronovitch, Executive Director, at 914-725-5175, ext. 116 (roberta@sstte.org).
College Application Services:
Uniquely U. guarantees that its 3-step writing process will guide you to collect, connect, 
and convey your unique self-defining narrative, empowering you to envision, then actualize, your personal, academic and professional calling. FIND YOUR NARRATIVE; WRITE YOUR FUTURE! Free consultation. Full application package or by the hour. Services include: core essay / personal statement, custom formatted activity sheets / resumes, short answer, "perfect match" template, help with any / all other application essays (long and short) for law-, medical-, MBA-, graduate-, boarding-school and transfer students, teacher recommendation work-ups, college visit / interview prep, waitlist letters, online and long-distance sessions, read-overs, expertise with college-bound ADD/LD students. Contact: Maxene Fabe Mulford , College Essay Consultants, 55 Riverside Avenue, Stamford, CT 06905, www.uuessay.com • 1-866-UUESSAY -Cell: 203.219.7653
The JCC Academic Center offers a series of classes, lectures and workshops designed to help students through the entire college application process. The Center's fall schedule includes a wide array of programs including College Interview Essentials, a workshop to teach students critical interview skills to help them in both the college interview process and beyond; College Application Essay Writing workshop which focuses on writing the personal essay for college admissions, exploring what makes each student unique and working to craft a narrative to best portray one's self in college application essays; PSAT Boot Camp, which teaches students how to attack the test's critical reading, math and writing skills sections; ACT and SAT Diagnostic Tests to help students determine which test is best for them, a Common App/Activities Resume Workshop; SAT and ACT Prep classes; a lecture, Organizing and Time Management for Academic Success, Stress Management Workshops, Speed Reading and more. The very popular Inside the Admissions Office program, featuring a panel discussion among deans and directors of admissions from a variety of colleges and universities, will take place on Monday, October 6, 7:30-9:00pm.
For dates, fees and other information click here, or contact Lisa Itzkowitz, Director, JCC Academic Center at 914-472-3300, ext. 275; itzkowitzl@jccmw.org. Pre-registration is required for all Academic Center lectures and workshops. Let us know that you read about the JCC Academic Center on Scarsdale10583.com and receive 10% off any Fall 2014 JCC Academic Center program.
Sports:
Backyard Sports Prep Basketball is now accepting registrations for all 3rd-9th graders to participate in our Fall Basketball League. The program takes place at Purchase College on Sundays. For more information go to: www.byardsports.com or call Danny Bernstein at 914-304-4052.
Tae Kwon Do: Grandmaster Bruce and Master Susan Chung have been teaching Tae Kwon Do for 21 years. Children have loads of fun in their supercharged classes designed to build strength, stamina, coordination, and flexibility. Parents are thrilled to see their children gain 
confidence, self-esteem, and focus. Their Gym-Mini Kick-it Program offers Mommy and Me classes for 1-3 year olds and Open Gym for 1 to 5 year olds. They also offer Adult Tae Kwon Do and Fitness Programs. Call anytime for a free trial class or to sign up for fall classes. Bruce Chung's Tae Kwon Do, 250 Halstead Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528, 914-835-0665 www.brucechung.com.
Chelsea Piers Connecticut: Our 400,000 sq.-ft. cutting-edge sports complex provides 
world-class facilities, expert instruction and the most exciting sports curriculum available – all under one roof. Sports facilities include: two ice rinks, an Olympic-sized pool, a Splash Zone water park, 12 squash courts, 7 tennis courts, baseball/softball and gymnastics training centers, a Field House with a 100-yard indoor turf field for soccer, lacrosse and field hockey, Aacer Maplewood basketball and volleyball courts, a preschool and child care center, a pro shop, a cafe and a restaurant.
Fall programs include a wide range of sports classes for children ages 4 months to 18 years, Chelsea Piers Athletic Club competitive teams and Adult Leagues in basketball, ice hockey, soccer and volleyball. Memberships are available for families, single adults and youth, and members will soon have access to a 65,000 sq.-ft. state-of-the-art fitness center and clubhouse, scheduled to open late fall of 2014. Chelsea Piers Connecticut also offers a wide range of birthday party options, including Splash Zone and Adventure Center (Trampoline & Rock Climbing) parties. Chelsea Piers is also a popular spot for sports-themed Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Contact Chelsea Piers by phone at 203.989.1000, email at: info@chelseapiersct.com or visit www.chelseapiersct.com.
More ...
Education at the JCC of Mid-Westchester: Feeding the Minds and Bodies. Pre-school learners all benefit from the full service nursery schools, fitness and sports facilities and professional teaching staff throughout the JCC .... a year round indoor pool, fitness programs, arts programs and Special needs programs. The JCC's Summer Art Center (SAC), a one of a kind program that provides a non-competitive, nurturing and flexible environment for all children with a passion for the Arts, continues throughout the year! Classes are all taught by professional artists and teachers and offers high quality instruction in Fine Arts, Dance, Theatre and Music. This year we have added a brand new dance studio for our ever-popular Dance programs. The Dance School provides extensive programs for pre-schoolers, teens, and adults. Theatre School teaches Musical Theatre performance. Contact Julie Dorfman at the JCC for a tour: dorfmanj@jccmw.org or 914-472-3300 or visit the web at www.jccmw.org.
Parties:
LIFE The Place To Be, Westchester's ultimate party destination. 29,000 square feet of fun and excitement, featuring Arcade/Video games, Rock climbing, Laser Tag, Mini Bowling, Huge Soft Play Structure and more! LIFE's Birthday Party Packages are all inclusive. Make LIFE simple, Let LIFE do it all! www.lifetheplacetobe.com.
Arts:
Clay Art Center at 40 Beech Street in Port Chester offers weekly youth and teen classes after school and on the weekend at home in Port Chester and in their White Plains Satellite classroom in partnership with ArtsWestchester. Adult and family classes are also available including Friday night Cladies Nights, Mommy & Me and Saturday Drop-in Clay Classes. Participants have fun and get their hand dirty. www.clayartcenter.org
Digital Arts Experience: The Digital Arts Experience, located at 170 Hamilton Avenue in White Plains, is launching a number of new and exciting classes, while bringing back all of the popular programs from last year. Classes are available for ages 6 and up and include Lego Robotics, 2D & 3D animation, 3D Printing, Computer Programming for all ages and skill levels, Digital Music Classes, and much, much more. The DAE is also launching our exciting new mobile computer lab, which will bring 99% of the classes offered at The DAE to you! Programs run after school, Monday through Friday starting at 4:00 PM and on Saturdays all day. For more information visit thedae.com.
Jacob Burns Film Center: This fall, the JBFC Theater is screening two family films: Patema Inverted on Sept. 13, 14, 20, 21 and Disney's Bears on Oct. 5. At the Media Arts Lab, the JBFC is offering courses and weekend workshops for students of all ages. There is also a free Media Maker Festival for all ages at the Media Arts Lab on Sat. Oct 25 from 10am-1pm. Experience hands-on projects from stop-motion animation and light-painting to iPhone photography lessons and a visual scavenger hunt challenge. For more information visit burnsfilmcenter.org or call 914.773.7663. Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Road, Pleasantville, 10570, Media Arts Lab, 405 Manville Road, Pleasantville, 10570.
Youth Sports Jamboree at Crossway on Saturday September 6th
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The Scarsdale Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department in conjunction with Scarsdale independent sports organization and local neighborhood athletic associations will be sponsoring a fun filled day of youth sports activities for the community on Saturday, September 6th from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Crossway Field Complex. The jamboree is designed to educate and showcase the wide variety of youth sport options available in the community. There will be wide variety of sports, games, food, music, inflatable amusements and more. This event is free and open to all Scarsdale residents. For more information visit the Scarsdale Recreation website at www.scarsdale.com/recreation, or you may call the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department at 722-1160 with any questions.
Empty Nest: Organizing Approaches for your Children's Rooms
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- Written by Jocelyn Kenner
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Our youngest child is starting college this fall and there is no shortage of articles explaining how parents can successfully transition into being "Empty Nesters". I confess that I have eagerly devoured each article and feel better equipped for this new stage of life and all of the emotions and changes that accompany it.
Recently one of my long-time clients (I will call her Liz) asked me a personal question that stopped me dead in my tracks.... Liz asked, "what will you do with your children's bedrooms now that they are out of the house?" Wait - no article had advised me on that aspect! I told Liz I needed to think that through and get back to her. While pondering this tough question I came to the conclusion that there is no canned answer, or "correct approach" to dealing with bedrooms vacated by beloved offspring and filled with a lifetime of memories and belongings. Each family needs to find a solution that is unique to them and works for their needs.
As a Professional Organizer, I help clients establish organizing solutions that enable then to live comfortably in their homes; these solutions are customized to my clients' particular needs. So while one client is thrilled to finally have all her t-shirts stored in a drawer since they used to live in a pile on the floor, another client whose t-shirts always lived in a drawer now wants them categorized by color and sleeve length so she can locate an appropriate shirt at a glance.
The next time I saw Liz I happily reported that I had an answer to her question. I reminded her that my answer is unique to me and may not fit another family's need or situation. I explained my approach. Afterwards it occurred to me that since none of the articles on being an empty nester dealt with this question I should share my perspective with the hope of lending insight to others who are at this stage.
DISCLAIMER: If you are short on space, or the departing child shared a room with a younger sibling then the ideas described below are not helpful and a different approach needs to be considered. Conversely, if you have an abundance of space and you are perfectly content to keep your child's room as is, then my advice is moot.
College Undergraduate:
When your child is an undergraduate at an out-of-town college, I say keep his room as is until he finishes his undergraduate education. Most undergrads come home for holidays and summer breaks. Returning to a familiar bedroom filled with personal belongings is quite comforting, especially during this transient time of life that often involves living in tiny, shared spaces. That said, it is perfectly reasonable to insist that the room be left clean and organized while he is away so it can be used for overnight guests, or as an office, workout, or hobby space for a parent, etc.
College Graduate:
Once your child has graduated from college and is living away from home, now is an appropriate time to consider redecorating and/or repurposing her bedroom. I do feel it is important to engage your adult child in a conversation about the impending changes to his room. While she is old enough to understand that her room should be utilized and enjoyed by other members of the family, it demonstrates a sense of respect and sensitivity to involve her in the changes. The dialogue between parent and child becomes essential so a happy compromise can be agreed on by all. Set time aside to go through the room together to decide what stays and what goes and where/how items will donated or handed-down.* There may be sentimental items (stuffed animals, books, trophies, etc.) that she would like to have boxed up and kept in long term storage (attic, rented storage unit, etc.), or moved to her current home. I recommend having a small, designated space in the room for your adult child to store some clothes and toiletries so that when she visits she has a home base with a few necessities on hand. I also suggest identifying a small bookcase or shelf in the redesigned room to store and/or display some of her treasured childhood items for her perusing (framed photos or photo albums, high school diploma and yearbook, souvenirs from a favorite trip, etc.). These small gestures go a long way in anchoring and valuing her place in the family, acknowledging her former bedroom, and welcoming her back to "the nest."
*Never throw out your adult child's belongings without consulting her first. What appears to you to be trash could be treasured by your child. If she lives far away, consider a Skype session or FaceTime. You could also box-up everything in the room with the expectation that she will go through it the next time she visits. It's okay to put a deadline on how long you will keep the boxes before they are donated, discarded, or moved to a storage unit that SHE will pay for. Be reasonable with the deadline, but do stick to it and remind your adult child periodically of the impending deadline. This can be a very motivating tactic.
So as our son departs for his freshman year in college he will leave behind a clean bedroom, but one that is entirely his. I may use it as my temporary yoga and meditation room, we will see..... As for our daughter, she begins a graduate program this fall and continues to live away from home. We will slowly and cooperatively make some modifications to her bedroom. Replacing her single bed with a spacious queen-sized bed seems to get a universal thumbs up. I could take over some of her closet space so I no longer need to climb the folding stairs to the attic to store my out of season clothes. That's it for now because as all the articles on empty nesting have advised, this is not the time to be making any drastic changes in my life. Now is my opportunity to focus on myself, enjoy time spent with my husband and friends, and a chance to pursue my passions and hobbies. Frankly, changing her bedroom is low on my list of interests at this point.
Jocelyn is a member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers) and ICD (Institute for Challenging Disorganization). Jocelyn has been helping Westchester residents organize their homes for the past seven years. Jocelyn is skilled at identifying her clients needs and implementing personalized, useful, and painless ways to manage the contents of their homes. A mother of two grown children who have left the nest, Jocelyn lives in Scarsdale, NY with her husband and three cats. Jocelyn can be reached at Jocelyn@kenner.org or www.seeyourwayclear.com.
Jocelyn will be presenting a workshop through the Scarsdale Adult School, "The Ten Commandments for Organizing Your Home", on Wednesday, September 17th at 7:30 PM. Click here to learn more and sign up.
