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Must-Read Saturday, August 1, 2020



The perils of obstacle-free parenting, online learning safety and virtual babysitting

obstacle-free parenting, online learning safety, virtual babysitting


Are you an "obstacle-free" parent?
What is the best way to keep my kids safe? That's always a question. When is it okay to let my child fail? 

Parental tips for online learning
We are on the web and so are our kids. Tips for keeping your kids safe while they surf, no matter how old they are. 

Virtual babysitters…does that even make sense?
Before you began this stay-at-home-madness, would you ever have thought of hiring a remote babysitter? Look at new ways to think of getting some time-off for you. 



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Celebrate cozy season with a creamy, comforting meal

    Super soup that is easy to make

    A snug sweater, a crackling fire and a meal that warms you from the inside out are perfect ways to spend a cool autumn evening with the people you love. read more »
  • Simple, flavorful fall dessert

    A yummy recipe your family will love

    If your family’s taste buds have grown tired of apple-inspired fall desserts, simply look toward another quintessential autumn flavor: pumpkin. Quick and easy to prepare using a spice cake mix that provides all the flavor without the stress, this cake can be dressed to impress at a fall gathering or served after weeknight dinner. read more »
  • A go-to sweet potato side

    Treat yourself and your family to this simple dish

    Sweet potatoes seem to scream “fall,” especially this roasted version that pairs well with a wide variety of family favorites like fried chicken. It can be your go-to recipe when comfort cravings call for a savory (not sweet) side. read more »
  • Keep cold and flu season at bay

    4 top tips from experts

    It doesn’t take much for cold and flu symptoms to take over. Even a mild case of the sniffles can make navigating everyday life's demands difficult. It’s virtually impossible to avoid germs altogether, but you can ensure you’re ready to fight off an infection, whether a minor cold or a full-blown case of the flu. read more »
  • What you don't know can hurt

    3 facts about updated COVID-19 vaccines

    Four and a half years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are once again enjoying time with friends and family and doing their favorite things. However, the virus that causes COVID-19 keeps changing, so it’s still important to stay up to date on your vaccinations. read more »
  • Fall Respiratory Virus Vaccines

    What pregnant people need to know

    Fall brings cooler days and more time indoors. This makes it easier for viruses like influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to spread. These illnesses can be especially risky for pregnant people and newborns. read more »
  • Get Outside, Get Offline

    Participate in Fish and Wildlife Day events September 28

    The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (State Parks) encourage New Yorkers to give back to the State lands and sites they treasure and get outdoors by participating in stewardship events for Fish and Wildlife Day on Saturday, Sept. 28. read more »
  • Beware of “Friendly Greeting” phishing scams

    Always be cautious when receiving messages from unknown senders

    The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection warns New Yorkers of “friendly greeting” phishing scams, which are deceptive text messages from unknown senders that can lead to fraud. Phishing is a common technique that scammers use to send fraudulent communications that appear to come from a reputable or trusted source. It is really an attempt to trick consumers into revealing personal information or clicking on harmful links that can download malware to their devices. Phishing scams are usually performed through text messages, emails, or chats on WhatsApp, Signal, or Facebook Messenger platforms. read more »
  • Tips to help students be better writers

    Writing and communication skills are essential to success

    No matter students' chosen career paths, writing and communication skills are essential to success. Whether a student identifies as a “math kid,” a “sports kid,” or even a “reading kid,” writing doesn’t always come naturally read more »
  • Safe sharps disposal

    Keeping students healthy at school

    Back to school can be overwhelming for students and families. With new classes, new friends and sometimes new schools, students have a lot to balance. Additionally, changing routine can be challenging for students managing health conditions, including allergies, diabetes and others that require using and safely disposing of needles, syringes, or epinephrine autoinjectors at school. read more »