Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/1131970
4 Hudson Valley Parent n July 2019 Meet this month's cover kid Deskin and his parents Julie Ann and James from Hopewell Junction. HVP: What are some struggles you have had to overcome as parents? Julie Ann & James: Our twins were born at 24 weeks and we lost Deskin's twin brother Jake at 2 days old. Deskin came home for the first time at 9 and a half months old dependent on a trach, ventilator, oxygen and feeding tube. We had to alter our family's "normal." HVP: What makes you proud of Deskin? J&J: Everything. Deskin wakes up every day with a smile on his face. He works so hard and has accomplished so many things we were told he might never do. Never underestimate a preemie! HVP: Incredible parents raise incredible kids. What makes you incredible parents? J&J: We aren't incredible, just parents trying our best. HVP: Tell us more about Deskin! J&J: He loves to read, play baseball with the Wappingers Challenger League and swing on a swing. In this issue FEATURES 7 How has parenting and family farming changed in the last 25 years? Susan Hurd from Hurds Family Farm shares that the keys to her success are faith, family, friends and farming BY SUSAN HURD 8 Me Time: Just for Women Life coach and Hudson Valley Parent's newest blogger Ilana Charette provides women with tips on weight loss, staying motivated and the changes that happen after you have a baby 12 Real Talk Get your teen away from their screen! A mom of teens and an expert share tips on how to handle your teen's addiction to gaming BY DR. PAUL SCHWARTZ AND JILL VALENTINO 13 Top schools for your kids 6 of the best schools in the Hudson Valley 14 Meet happy kids with a spectrum of abilities The winners from our "My Abilities are Super" contest with Abilities First are all smiles! Their moms share hopes for the future and what makes their children incredible 16 Are your children safe in school? Moms and administrators share how they keep students safe and prepared for emergencies BY ROXANNE FERBER 18 Advice from moms of children with special needs 6 things they want you to know about approaching their children BY RIELLY GREY 22 Should you raise your babies without gender? Moms weigh in on the "theybie" trend BY OLIVIA L. LAWRENCE 26 Calendar Something to do every day this month! Check out the best festivals and fairs 25 Years & G r o w i ng ! 1994 - 20 19 OUR "MY ABILITIES ARE SUPER" CONTEST WINNER!