RFM September 2013 Issue

I’ve been turning to books for answers my whole life. In elementary school, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume eased my transition into puberty. As a teenager, the anonymous diary Go Ask Alice taught me the valuable lesson to “Just say no” to drugs. And in…

With teen depression on the rise, it's important to know how to spot the symptoms and find teens the help they need. Spotting the Signs of Clinical depression in Teens In 2011, a survey of children in grades nine through twelve, conducted by the Virginia Department of Health, reported that…

For some quality time with extended family, how about a cruise? Activities and dining options abound for every age in your group for a perfect family getaway. The Perfect Multi-Generation Family Vacation Life moves at warp speed. One day my niece, Bianca, two, wants to sit cheek-to-cheek with me and…

With teen depression on the rise, it's important to know how to spot the symptoms and find teens the help they need. Spotting the Signs of Clinical depression in Teens In 2011, a survey of children in grades nine through twelve, conducted by the Virginia Department of Health, reported that…

Or in my son’s case, heading off for the first time! This is where I should wax poetic about the tearful (mine, not theirs) good-byes from the bus stop on the first day of school, but let’s face it – it’s still August in the land of print-needs-time-to-be-printed, and although…

Not long after I retroactively named my daughter after TV broadcaster, cancer survivor, and all-around inspiration Robin Roberts, the whole world seemed to grow obsessed with names. Okay, mostly because England’s little prince was in need of one. I’ve never been a royal watcher, but this was different. A very…

I have been a teacher for most of the past twenty-five years, stopping briefly for the births of my sons. When they were both old enough to attend preschool, I went along with them and taught at their preschools. For several years, I was an instructor for VMFA and travelled…

Uh-oh, she’s making those sounds again – the grumbling, the whining, the full-throttle complaining. I’ve tried to ignore it, but it’s not fair to put her off any longer, especially when I consider how far we’ve come together. But there comes a time in every relationship when the road ahead…

Now in my mid-forties, I’m noticing creases on my face. What earlier were slight hints of a life filled with laughter are now full-blown lines. I’m aging, and I really don't want to talk about it! But all of us are aging and there are lots of topics we may…

Do you automatically cross your legs when you feel a cough or sneeze coming on? Do you pass when your friends suggest an aerobics class at the gym? Is jumping on the trampoline with your kids completely out of the question? If you answered “yes,” then you have experienced the…

Q: My daughter had a terrible time with separation anxiety last year. It seems like it took months for her to feel comfortable being left at her preschool. I cringe when i think about a repeat of all that crying and anxiety. How can i help her have a better…

Imagine this scenario: A friend comes over to visit with her 3-year-old daughter. The child plays for a few minutes then gets up, says goodbye, and walks out the front door by herself. It is not hard to relate to the mother, who is responsible for keeping the 3-year-old safe…

Looking to change up your regular recipe routine? The key to making quick, easy changes to an ordinary dish is having a well-stocked pantry with the right essentials. Make a list, and stock up the next time you’re at the grocery store – especially if these items are on sale.…

Use printed images and easy to work with oven-bake clay to create a unique piece of art for wearing, giving, or displaying. What you need: • Image on paper from a laser printer • Oven-bake clay (Sculpey) • Spoon • Cup of water • Cotton balls • Oven • Paint…

With four boys ages four through twelve, Beth Cornwell is a busy mom. Her daily focus is keeping her family organized and active, and NOVA of Virginia Aquatics plays an important role. Sons Quinn and Matthew swim on the NOVA team, while Beth’s youngest, Hayden, takes swim lessons. Beth squeezes…