What – Me, Worry?
My youngest daughter, who is sixteen, would make art all day if I left her alone but is not in love with reading. Unfortunately, like her mom, she suffers from chronic and recurring 2-page narcolepsy – accompanied by a tendency…
Dads and Passing Time
Not too long ago, I joined a small group of dads for some post-bedtime drinks at a local pub. We chatted about podcasts. We chatted about sportsball. And after a couple of drinks, the conversation shifted to talk about our…
When a Child Dies by Suicide
Our state ranks forty-seventh for treatment of childhood major depression – the leading risk factor for suicide. That means seven out of ten Virginia kids most at risk for suicide don’t get the help they need. My family lived that…
Make-and-Take Kindness
Community. Neighbor. Kindness. In times of joy, pain, loss, and need, bringing a meal to others is an everyday act that can bring these words to life. I would be lying if I said one of my favorite memories about…
Parenting Through the Ages
How do you feel about letting a 6-month-old baby cry it out at night until she gets back to sleep? She has been sleeping through the night for a few months, but lately has started waking up. It is not…
When Your Child Has Special Needs
Kate and John have three children. One of them has been diagnosed with autism, and is enrolled in Henrico County Public Schools with an individualized education plan (IEP) in place. Kate and John struggle with how to take care of…
Can Your Vote Improve School Climate?
On November 7, Virginians will head to the polls to elect a new governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and all one hundred members of the Virginia House of Delegates. Between now and then, Family Advocate will examine a number of…
Why a Prenup?
Erica was taken by surprise when her fiancé suggested a prenuptial agreement. She had been so focused on planning the wedding itself – the venue, the reception, the dress, the wedding party – that the thought of a premarital agreement…
Parenting Solo
Parenting is the most important and difficult job in the world. While parenting with a partner isn’t easy, and co-parenting from separate households has its challenges, the parent who is going it alone is contending with a very different set…
