Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/351083
4 Hudson Valley Parent n August 2014 In this issue 8 I am a Hudson Valley parent Bob Muller: Following Truth, wherever he may lead BY KATHLEEN WILLCOX 12 Greening your cleaning Chemical-free solutions that really work! BY RACHEL EPHRAIM 18 Hit the books! How to fire up your reluctant reader BY CHRISTA MELNYK HINES 22 Perfect family picnics! The best local spots for eating al fresco with the kids BY DAWN GREEN 26 What talent "type" is your child? Discover which activities are the best fit for your child BY MALIA JACOBSON 30 Host your own CPR party! Learn life-saving basics in your living room BY KELLY AURIEMMO COLUMNS FEATURES 6 Editor's Journal: My tiny dancer? Not a chance! BY KATY WEBER 7 Child Behavior: Peer rejection — how you can help your child BY DR. PAUL SCHWARTZ 28 Common Core @ Home: Does the Common Core benefit my children at all? 34 Calendar: Great places to go and things to do 40 New Moms: Breastfeeding Q&As 41 Marketplace: Hudson Valley products and services ON OUR COVER HV PARENT READER FEEDBACK What's the most important thing to remember after you become a parent? "That 'this too shall pass!'" — Amy Jean Sullivan "Always remember that you are their role model, they look to you to learn the norm, so be the person you want them to become." — Reena Dahle "That you'll never get this day again with your child, so enjoy it." — Rachel Napolitano "It. Does. Take. A. Village. (And don't feel guilty about that.)" — Liz Fernandez "Trust your gut. There is no right or wrong way to do things." — Pamela Perry "That you are still a person with rights, interests, hobbies, and per- sonal goals." — Erin Bertholf "They are always watching you... Your child hears and sees everything that you do. So much of who they will become is formed by watching your actions. Showing kindness, patience and love in all that you do is key." — Gregory Nicholas "Your spouse!" — JoMarie Fitzpatrick This month's cover kid is Henry Kozlowski, 4, from Irvington. Henry loves super heroes and "Star Wars," and he thinks the "Bad Kitty" books are hysterical. Photo by Michael Bloom CORRECTION The following school was omitted from our July School Guide: New Hackensack Nursery School 1580 Rte. 376, Wappingers Falls. 845-462-0810, ext. 3. newhackensacknurseryschool.org