Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/1195443
4 Hudson Valley Parent n January 2020 In this issue FEATURES 8 I am a Hudson Valley Parent Michelle Barone-Lepore balances a full life BY PAUL SMART 10 Me Time: Just for Women See tips on exercise, skin care and natural hair care 15 Real Talk Teach your teens the power of kindness BY DR. PAUL SCHWARTZ AND PATRICE ATHANASIDY 16 Daycare, nursery school or preschool? Find the best fit for your child's personality and learning style BY ROXANNE FERBER 19 Kindness in Dutchess County Express kindness with volunteerism, donations and activities 20 Help kids achieve their goals Support kids' goals by promoting their development of grit BY JILL VALENTINO 23 Grandparents as babysitters Build family bonds by bringing generations together BY KAREN MASERJIAN SHAN 24 The pressure of perfection Support girls' goals with tools to build their self-esteem BY KAREN MASERJIAN SHAN 26 Calendar Enjoy the winter, indoors and out, at Hudson Valley happenings for kids, teens and families 34 Boss Lady Meet Katie L. Wilson, a mom of two and owner of Nourish Wealth Management, as she shares her vision for her business and family Congratulations to the following doctors who were a part of our Favorite Docs & Healthcare Professionals' guide. Correction! HVP: What's the best about parenting? Silvia: River has lots of energy and I am often drained after one day with him when I have no help. At the same time, I feel so lucky that I can see him growing everyday laughing and enjoy - ing himself. HVP: What makes River so endearing? S: River has always been a very inde- pendent kid - he's always loved to be around people since he was very little and if he meets you for the first time, he might hug you right away. HVP: What has surprised you about being a parent? S: You need to be a calm warrior to help your child grow up the best possible way. And as parents, we have to be strong and accept the challenges that parenting offer you together with the beauty of creating a human being. Silvia Forni and husband Gerald von Stoddard of Red Hook enjoy their spirited son, River, 21 months. INCREDIBLE PARENTS RAISE Niraj Sharma, MD, MPH Cardinal Spine & Pain Medicine, PC 1323 Rte. 9, Ste. 206 Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. 845-297-2225 Dean Bloch, MD Department Chairman, HealthAlliance, OB-GYN; Supervisor of births, HealthAlli- ance Hospital: Broadway Campus, King- ston; Patient care, WMCHealth Advanced OB-GYN Associates. 845-303-1132