Let’s be real—finding balance between work, kids, and a little fun isn’t exactly in the “easy” category. But we know our HudCo crowd, and this community has its fair share of clever tricks to make it work. Whether helping one another with some coding advice or making a connection for a peer, our members have an incredible wealth of wisdom and expertise to extend to their neighbors.
So we asked around, and our members delivered: real-life hacks from our very own team of experts. Think time-savers, sanity-savers, and joy-savers. From parenting wee ones to favorite local bagels, our members are here to make your life a little easier—and maybe a little more fun. Enjoy our first batch!
What is your best parenthood pointer?
Hilary Baxendale, Westchester Birth, childbirth educator and doula:
My best parenthood pointer is don’t compare. When you are at playdates with other kids that are the same age as yours, it’s easy to stress about who is already walking, talking, reading, etc. It can happen at every age. But I promise you, there is no prize for who is potty trained first.
This also applies to comparing yourself to other parents. I’m so thankful that Instagram didn’t exist when I had my first baby. Pinterest was bad enough. I try to tell people that you might have a perfect nursery, but having a new baby rocks everyone’s world and turns it upside down. The unofficial theme of my new moms’ group is ‘nobody knows what the f*** they’re doing, some people just hide it better than others.’
Melissa Panszi Riebe, A D’Zine, jewelry designer and entrepreneur:
For babies: It is ok to let them cry. Put them in the crib, make sure they are safe, take that 10 minute shower with the music on and get the moment of peace. In elementary school: Let them play, dream big, get on the floor and be a part of their world. In middle school, hold on tight, hormones are more powerful than you. Be kind to them because it feels like the world is not. And in high school, this is where limits will be tested. Teach them consequences and responsibility and to learn that they are good enough.
Malcolm MacDougall, Salt Pond Creative, owner:
Make decisions based on risk/reward and other people. Make mistakes, own them, learn from them.
Becca Licht, barre3 Rivertowns, owner:
My kids are 3.5 and 1.5, and I have not been at this game long enough to know what I’m doing. But I try to follow a friend’s advice: say ‘yes’ when you can if it’s not going to harm anyone. You want to wear your bicycle PJs to the birthday party? Okay. You want to put olives in your peanut butter sandwich? We can try it.
Jonathan Kalsched, VideoAmp, product enablement lead:
The cliche is true; the universe only loans you your children for a short time. Soak it up, but let them live their own lives.
Ramona Cedeno, FiBrick, founder & CEO:
Don’t stress over the small things. If my child wants to sleep a bit later or gets an 80 on a test instead of 100, I let it go. There are so many bigger issues we could be dealing with in parenthood that these things become insignificant when we think about how fortunate we are to have emotionally and physically healthy kids, or simply to have our kids with us.
Monica Taylor Joy, strategy & team-building executive:
Don’t feel solely responsible for your child’s happiness. While your love and support are essential, allow them space to develop their own resilience and find their place in the world. Remember, you’re a parent first, not just a friend.
Adrienne Breen, Wellness Studio Westchester, holistic occupational therapist:
My best parenting advice is to baby the baby so that you don’t have to baby the adult. Also for those who have teens, resist the urge to jump on your teen’s emotional roller coaster as much as possible!
Julie Cottineau, BrandTwist, founder & CEO:
My mom once said to me, “whatever decision you make is the right decision.” I try to remember this when I am faced with parenting (or other) choices and move on. It’s so easy to get analysis paralysis.
What is your secret trick to get what you want?
Ramona Cedeno:
It’s simple: smile, be genuine, care sincerely, and pay it forward. It truly works and all comes back full circle. When I need something from someone, like an outdoor table at a restaurant, I approach the host as if they are the most important person in the world—because in that moment, they are—and then I explain why having that outdoor table would make my day. After that, I patiently wait for them to do their job and hope things turn out in my favor. Oh, and I should mention: I do a lot of visualization and intention setting!
Elizabeth Knell, Go From There,
My secret trick to getting what I want is clear communication to ask for what I want and good old fashioned kindness and compassion.
Hilary Baxendale:
When I’m doing an inquiry call with a potential new client, I am always myself. I never try to ‘sell’ them something they aren’t going to get in order to book the client. I might get passionate talking about my love for patient-centered care and go on a tangent. But they know what they are getting, and I think most people like that practical and down-to-earth style.
I want to attract the people who connect with me because that is going to create a much better experience for everyone. And, selfishly, that is really to my benefit, because I am spending many hours with these people in an intimate setting. When we all really like each other it makes my job a lot easier.
Curtis Pope, Pope Wealth Planning, certified financial planner
Persistence and following up. I’ve followed up with prospective clients for years in some cases and eventually they often say ‘yes.’
What is your not-so-guilty pleasure?
Adrienne Breen:
Dining solo in an interesting place and eavesdropping on what is going on around me! The extroverted introvert in me really loves this. Always splurging on taking care of myself and anything in the wellness world. Savings, what’s that…
Katelyn Faison, Faison Method, trainer and wellness coach:
Red wine.
Sophia Flores, Bright Creative Studio, social media consultant:
Skinny mezcal margaritas.
Richard Lovejoy, New Pixel, technical director:
Toasted onion bagel from Empire Bagel every Thursday … Not-so-guilty because I get it after a 6am workout with my wife at barre3.
Becca Licht:
Watching TV after my kids’ bedtime with a bowl of frozen chocolate chips (I need to talk to someone about DCC: America’s Sweethearts!)
Monica Taylor Joy:
I have a few! Roller skating keeps me feeling young, massages help me recharge, and I have a weakness for designer shoes. (My feet speak Italian and French fluently!)
Melissa Panszi Riebe:
Going to live performances: music, performances, visual arts. It really feeds my soul to experience live creativity. It will make any bad day so much better.