– Harder Than Harvard
– Last Chance for our 2009 Luncheon
– Activities Expo

The reason that documentaries, when done well, can be among the most compelling forms of entertainment is that truth can be indeed stranger and more interesting than fiction.  With that adage in mind, it was only a matter of time before someone mined the dramatic and dark comedic possibilities of the world of… nursery school admissions.  Who would have imagined that the ones to do son and adeptly, would be two single men. 

We’re Talking About “Nursery University,” opening April 24th

It’s a documentary that follows five New York City families through the insanity of nursery school admissions, from the first frantic phone calls on the day after Labor Day just to get an application, all the way through the final acceptances and rejections.  It’s an ordeal that will be familiar to parents not only in New York but in an increasing number of urban pockets, where the ironic byproduct of more families committing to live there has become an imbalance in supply vs. demand, one that has turned the once sweet and simple rite of nursery school passage into a complex, competitive battle that is in fact statistically more daunting than getting your high school senior into Harvard.

The film opens with the first family profiled, Upper East Siders Tony and Cynthia, and as they enthuse from their manicured sofa it’s a safe assumption that “Nursery University” is going to play right into that favorite media stereotype of a certain strata of Manhattanites that can make the rest of the universe gag.  Fortunately, we are also introduced to four other families who create a surprisingly rounded and humane composite of different New York families who are striving to manage through this craziness, contend with their own hopes and desires, and ultimately do right for their children.  (Essays about their 2-year-olds, interviews, and a prize worth an average $15,ooo+ tuition bill not withstanding).  Especially interesting is the unparalleled access the filmmakers were granted behind the curtain of the admissions process within some of New York City’s most prestigious preschools.  It’s fascinating to see the Director of the noted Mandell School, Gabriella Rowe, and her staff wade through the many applications, throw around a little snark as you might suspect, but mostly genuinely agonize themselves over the impossibility of choosing so few out of so many.

If you still have this process ahead of you, you’ll watch “Nursery University” with angst mixed with appreciation for its insight and humor.  And if you’ve already been through it, you’ll surely watch with recognition and relief.

 “Nursery University” opens next week in limited distribution in the Northeast. 

Watch the trailer at http://nurseryuniversitythemovie.com

It’s the Last Chance to Join Us For The Executive Moms 2009 Luncheon– Only a FEW spots left!

For unprecedented times, we’ve put together an unprecedented group of experts, moderated by “Nightline” co-anchor Cynthia McFadden, to anchor an interactive program on “Your Biggest Working Mom Questions of 2009” … and it looks like we will also have an unprecedented turnout!  We have a few spots left and would love for you to join us to enjoy this unique opportunity to connect, share and come away a little more equipped to thrive as both a professional and a mom.  It’s THIS TUESDAY, April 21st at Noon at The Harmonie Club.  Reservations must be made in advance, so learn more or rsvp now!

Looking for the Right Activities for Your Kids?  Our Friends at New York Family have One-Stop Shopping For You…

For finding interesting classes and enrichment programs for the spring and summer months in the New York area, these two Classes and Activities Expos, on Saturday, April 25th and Sunday, April 26th are a great singular source.  (We thought we knew them, and when we went to their last Activities Expo we came away with a bunch of new ideas).  Programs represented cover children from infants to tweens in music, art, sports, science, tutoring, dance, martial arts, gymnastics and more.  Bring along the kids for face painting, family photo-taking (and if the main focus of our the Momorandum got your interest, you can talk to schools admissions experts there too).  The first 200 families to register and attend will be eligible to win 4 tickets to see “Shrek the Musical” on Broadway.  For more details, visit www.newyorkfamily.com

(And check out the nice article about Executive Moms in the April issue while you are there)!