May 2020

By October of 2017, body image issues, dieting, and anxiety collided with the trauma of a sexual assault to create a perfect storm for Emma Manis. That’s when Emma, at age twenty-two, was diagnosed with anorexia, body dysmorphia (an obsessive focus on perceived flaws in appearance), depression, and anxiety.  The…

Early morning wake-up calls are built into the job for Camille Schrier, Miss America 2020. In early March, Camille set her alarm for five in the morning to get ready for her keynote address during the Up & Atom Women’s Leadership Breakfast at the Science Museum of Virginia. “I have…

Can wasps even see with their creepy eyes? That might seem like a weird question, but I have such a vivid memory of staring down a wasp that I’m going to say, yes, they can. Wasps can see us with their evil, creepy, lifeless eyes.  This particular wasp stare-down happened…

Family folklore has it that I have loved dogs ever since I was born – even before I could walk or talk. Due to an incident in her childhood, my mother was afraid of dogs, especially large ones, so we didn’t have a dog of our own. Our neighbors across…

For those of you who might not know, magazine articles are written well in advance of their publication. As I type these words into my iPad Pro, it’s a clear sunny morning in early April and my family has been social distancing for about a month. As of right now…

And for some of you, welcome to your first issue of Richmond Family Magazine! During these very different times, we are mailing the magazine to some families across the Richmond area, so you can enjoy all RFM has to offer without having to leave your home (FYI, you can subscribe…

Are you a mother? Close your eyes and think back to before you started your family. Okay, you can open your eyes, but still, try to imagine: Things are going really well lately. It seems like everything is falling into place. Finally, the relationship with your partner is getting serious.…

We all know healthy exercise can promote physical and mental well-being, especially as families spend more time inside and practice safe physical distancing measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. But how much is too much? And when does a healthy habit become a compulsion? Recognizing addiction can be difficult,…

In response to this unprecedented global pandemic, many businesses are making arrangements for their employees to work from home. This means there’s an even greater risk for people to be targeted by scammers, especially through phishing emails or unsecured network connections.  Here are two common scams targeting at-home workers: 1.…

Like everyone else, we have been spending a lot of time together recently. My two kids (nine and twelve) fight with each other constantly. In the beginning, I separated them early and often, but really, that gave them exactly what they wanted. How can I help my kids co-exist? When…

House soiling is one of the most common reasons why pet owners abandon or relinquish their cats. Unfortunately, these cats frequently end up in shelters where they are more likely to be euthanized.  The truth is house soiling can be a complex problem to solve. Urinating in odd places can…

When she heard a CDC spokesperson say crisis medical workers could use a bandanna or scarf over their faces as a last resort, Julie Kratzer knew she needed to do something to help healthcare workers. That’s the moment RVA Masks 4 Health was born.  “I used to sew, so I…

Kate Turner is a member of the sandwich generation. She’s a caregiver for her mother Maxine who has Alzheimer’s disease, and she’s a mother with young children. She’s also a founding member of a support group for millennials in the same situation.  “When you are taking care of a parent…

The spread of COVID-19 has turned our daily lives upside down, leaving us with a terrible feeling of uncertainty – made worse by misinformation that seems to spread even faster than the virus. Explaining social distancing and stay-at-home orders to children is already hard. Talking about the virus behind it…

The COVID-19 pandemic involves questions and uncertainty, among kids and adults alike. Here is some guidance on supporting our children – and taking care of ourselves – as we navigate this uncharted territory. 1. How do I explain to my child what is going on in the world right now? How…

Broccoli and Aged Gouda Quiche Pastry: 1 cup, plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1 stick (4 oz) unsalted butter, cold and cut into ½-inch pieces 1 large egg, cold and lightly beaten In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.…