Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/768267
4 Hudson Valley Parent n January 2017 ON OUR COVER In this issue COLUMNS FEATURES 5 Marketplace: Hudson Valley products and services 6 Editor's Journal: January 2017 BY TERRIE GOLDSTEIN 30 Calendar: Great places to go and things to do HV PARENT READER FEEDBACK How does your family use library programs? We homeschool our 13-year-old and our 3-year-old, so it's a great resource for us! Story time is one of [our 3-year-old's] favorite days of the week! — Emily Hogan DiPalma My family and I are patrons of Albert Wisner Public Library We use it for children's programs, a com- munity center, an art gallery, music concerts, and of course, books! — Erin Ehm Ever since our daughter was 2, we've brought her [to Beacon's How- land Library] for the different age- based reading and activity programs. We've met new friends there, too. My daughter is now 9, but she still goes every summer to the special weekly science programs. — Christine Foss-Yalanis The kids were put into various programs: family Lego night, Sum- mer Reading Program, and the preschool programs. Our kids have plenty of books and my husband and I do too, but we still grab our library bag and head over there for even more choices! — Bethany Ellis My 6-year-old is a voracious read- er. We go weekly to take out stacks of books. In the summer, we try to make all the amazing events (sci- ence night, yoga in your pajamas, a performance of The Wizard of Oz to name a few from 2016). — Dawn Green 8 ME Time: Just for moms 6 beauty and fitness insider tips BY BRILAH HARRIS 12 I am a Hudson Valley Parent Courtney Allen: Embracing the Drama BY BRIAN PJ CRONIN 14 Early education guide A guide to some of the best area schools 16 Reading, writing and robots – Oh my! Library program offerings aren't just about books anymore BY BRIAN P.J. CRONIN 20 Time-Out alternatives: Creative consequences to tame grumpy kids Constructive solutions to calm kids and end repeat behavior BY ELORA TOCCI 22 Tips for decorating baby's first room Safety and design ideas for your newborn's new space BY ROXANNE FERBER 24 Is foster parenting right for you? What foster parenting is and isn't and how to tell if it's a good fit for your family BY LINDA FREEMAN 26 Starting early: Activities for tiny tots Are children ever too young to get involved in structured programs? BY STACEY LUTZ 28 Raising fiscally fit kids Pointers for helping your children understand the value of a dollar BY KERRIE MCLOUGHLIN This month's cover kid is Lukas, 3, from Middletown. The preschooler likes to ride his bike, read books, color, swim, sing and play pretend. Photo by Michael Bloom