September 2014

When I was a kid, back-to-school shopping was a big deal because my mom would outfit us for the whole year. I remember parading around the dressing room in outfits while my mom humiliated my brothers by testing the roominess in the crotch of their pants. Our clothes would be…

Frank and Bettina Hinckle’s son Ethan was doing well in public schools, but his parents knew how tough the middle school years can be for some kids. So they took a look at Seven Hills School in Richmond, a school for boys only, when Ethan was in fourth grade. “We…

Each generation worries about the next: Teenagers nowadays! Social media-obsessed, hormone-crazed, lazy hooligans. Am I right? Well, spend some time with these three teens – philanthropist, musician, athlete, and – and you’ll be humming a different tune. With Olympic-sized dreams and the determination to overcome obstacles, these young adults have…

It starts innocently enough. You forgot to charge the electric razor. Or you’re fresh out of disposable blades. Or maybe you just got lazy one Saturday and ended up missing three mornings in a row. Whatever the reason, there’s a shadow creeping across your face – stubbly, bristly and getting…

At a back-to-school night what seems like eons ago, my oldest daughter’s science teacher explained his trademark assignment. Every nine weeks, the fifth-grade students would be required to read a magazine article, something science-related and timely, to help them see science in action. It could be about any topic our…

But oh, what a summer it was. We were lucky enough to enjoy some of the most pleasant weather ever – that is, if you’re a fan of low humidity and temperatures in the eighties. I hope you have many fond memories of the summer of 2014. I know I…

As a stepmom to four daughters and a biological mom to one, I understand first-hand how challenging it can be to blend into an established family. If done with a kind heart, patience, and respect, the transition can be an easy one. Always keep in mind the most important element…

A toddler falling down the stairs, a teen taking a hit at a sports game, a parent being involved in a car accident, or a grandfather slipping in the shower. Brain injury can occur at any point across the age spectrum. When an individual suffers a brain injury, the family system…

Mussels with Linguine Cook 8 oz linguine according to package directions, then toss with a little olive oil to avoid sticking. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large stew pot over medium heat. Add 1 onion, finely chopped, and cook until soft. Add 4 garlic cloves,…

Have you ever met a parent who has an undecided stance on vaccines? Me neither. It’s a parenting decision that elicits emotional responses, a hot-button topic. But since firearms safety, healthcare, and the Supreme Court’s ruling on DOMA have been covered here, you already know this column does not shy…

As a financial advisor, one of my goals is to help clients align their money with their deepest held values – and keep it there. This typically involves a learning curve and a process, with the most important part being cash-flow analysis. Most people have a good idea of their…

In ancient China, dragons were symbols of power, prosperity, and good fortune. Inspired by jade pendants found in VMFA’s permanent collection, create your own dragon art using recycled materials.   What you need: •Empty and cleaned soda can •Scissors •Craft knife •Lightweight cardboard •Masking tape •Ballpoint pen •Permanent markers •Hole…

Q. We’re getting ready to have a baby and our 5-year-old is not very happy about this new family addition. Did we wait too long? Do you have any ideas for helping him adjust appropriately before his little sister arrives? A. First of all, congratulations! As to your question of…

For a variety of reasons, pseudo-farms are springing up in the most urban settings. We want to feed our families wholesome, nutritious foods, to have some control over how and where our food is grown or raised, and to experience agriculture first-hand. Chickens are the primary animals seen on urban…

It was the end of a long day in August  2012 when Linda McNeil called to talk to the 17-year-old whose behavior had seemed a little off at a recent get-together. Linda, who leads one of Side by Side’s (formerly ROSMY’s) support groups for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning…