4 Hudson Valley Parent
n
April 2020
Hudson Valley Parent: Why is Austin,
the winner of HVP's 2020 Biggest
Smile contest, a great kid to parent?
Ashlee: He is full of love and crazy
facial expressions that will put a smile
on anyone's face.
HVP: What makes Austin happy?
Ashlee: He's cautious but a very curi-
ous toddler who loves to put his hands
to work, figuring things out. He'll sit
and take it all in and listen to you.
He's my chill guy.
HVP: Is Austin like his brothers?
Ashlee: My oldest and youngest will
get on their bikes and go. Austin will
say, "I'm going to build Legos," and
go inside. But he also loves to explore
outside to see what he can find.
HVP: What about mischieviousness?
Ashlee: Austin and his brother will
climb on chairs, seeing what they can
get into. Austin will look at me and
smile. He gives it away with those
looks. His eyes get real big.
The Hunt brothers of Hyde
Park, from the left, Wyatt, 1.5,
Shane, Jr., 11, and Austin, 3,
are the delight of their parents,
Shane and Ashlee Hunt.
In this issue
FEATURES
8 I am a Hudson Valley Parent
Brian Maher, supervisor of the Town of Montgomery, found the
perfect mix in his life between being a parent and a civic leader
BY PAUL SMART
10 Me Time: Just for Women
Polish your home, inside and out, with the best ideas in
landscaping and the newest design in flooring
12 Real Talk
How the drama of everday life affects teens
BY DR. PAUL SCHWARTZ AND JILL VALENTINO
16 No Place Like Home: tips on at-home family fun
Have awesome adventures without leaving your front yard
BY ERICA HIGGS
20 Biggest smile
See whose smiles took a starring role as the winners of HVP's
Biggest Smile contest
22 Social distancing and the village
Social distancing is uncharted territory for many, but for a parent
of a preemie, these precautions are a part of a normal season
BY KRISTINA MULLIGAN
24 Raising kind kids
Patience and kindness are always appreciated but with families
spending more time together, they're essential
BY JILL VALENTINO
28 Calendar
The best in virtual activities mixed with outdoor fresh air
30 Boss Lady
See how new mom Naomi Hersson-Ringskog of Newburgh's
Dept. of Small interventions makes a big difference with small
changes.
INCREDIBLE PARENTS RAISE
