Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/1029449
4 Hudson Valley Parent n October 2018 ON OUR COVER In this issue FEATURES 8 I am a Hudson Valley Parent Allison Conti has always been an advocate for her own family's special needs and now she shares her knowledge with other families all over the Hudson Valley BY PAUL SMART 10 Me Time: Just for Women Make time for you and learn something new 14 HV Parent's NEW Family Law Guide Moms nominate 84 lawyers in this new resource guide 17 Real Talk How to have tough conversations with your tweens and teens about depression and feeling good about themselves BY DR. PAUL SCHWARTZ AND JILL VALENTINO 18 Change your diet, improve your health Will eliminating nightshades from your diet make you feel better? BY PADMA GARVEY 20 Meet some super kids In March, HV Parent teamed up with Abilities First for a special cover kid contest. We couldn't help but want to share them all with you! 22 Could a lawyer be your best advocate when it comes to your child? Lawyers advise parents of children with special needs on the right time to call an attorney BY PATRICE ATHANASIDY 26 Are you scared to see your child's report card? See what teachers say is the best way to reduce report card surprises BY OLIVIA L. LAWRENCE 28 Get your child loving STEM early with this great toy Build, learn and play with Antsy Pants playhouses BY RIELLY GREY 30 Calendar Halloween events that won't scare the kids! Plus, tons of autumn festivals and fairs This month's cover kid is Keith. Keith was chosen by our audience from a cover kid contest with Abilities First. He is from Wappingers Falls. Photo by Michael Bloom HV PARENT READER FEEDBACK We asked parents: What are the best candy alternatives to hand out on Halloween? Here are the top answers: 1. Individual bags of pretzels 2. Fruit snacks 3. Playdoh 4. Glow sticks 5. Microwaveable popcorn packets 6. Stickers 7. Temporary tattoos 8. Bubbles 9. Pencils 10. Erasers 11. Spider rings 12. Bouncy balls 13. Toothbrush 14. Vampire teeth 15. Hot chocolate packets 16. Juice boxes 17. Crazy straws