Tips to Avoid the Summer Slide

My youngest playing on the playground slide.

As you plan your family outings, vacations and general summer fun, what will you do to ensure that your child does not fall behind in school? Yes, you heard me correctly – even as those school buses drop off your precious cargo one last time – some parents are already thinking ahead for their summer […]

An Ultra-Sweet Experience: Pick Your Own Strawberries

"The best row ever!"

Our family had a fantastic experience at Gallmeyer Farm’s “The Berry Patch” in Eastern Henrico this weekend. Although the main event this time of year is “pick your own strawberries”, there are other exciting things to see and do, such as go on hayrides, sampling honey, and there is even a small playground area nestled […]

Initiation of a Swim Team Mom

Swim Team Fun

My 8-year-old has been on swim team for 3 years, and my 6-year-old for 1 year. Three years in, I am a seasoned Swim Team Mom. I attend behind-the-scenes meetings in the wintertime to help ensure meet planning goes smoothly for our team during the summer months. I must admit, it was a little surreal […]

“I miss my perfect little girl.”

Children's Mental Health Infographic

Mental illness affects 1 in 5 children in Virginia. 1 in 5. Let’s let that sink in. Chances are you know a family who is struggling with mental health concerns. Richmondmom sat down with Peggy Sinclair-Morris of Chesterfield, to talk about her family’s journey with mental illness. Peggy and her husband, Allen, have three children, […]

An Outing to Lavender Fields Herb Farm

Lavender

Lavender is my favorite plant; I greatly appreciate how pretty it looks whether fresh or dried, and of course it’s fragrance. And visiting the Lavender Fields Herb Farm in Glen Allen, VA is one of our annual family traditions. This locally owned farm overlooks the Chickahominy River and is touted as Virginia’s largest grower of […]

Going Above and Beyond: Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher at Chalkboard

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5-9, 2014 Teachers are my colleagues. I am grateful for my former teachers, and my current “teachers” in life. I am thankful for my children’s teachers – today and in years past. Whether you are a parent, a teacher, or a student, I offer the perspective of having worked alongside […]

Plant a tree and you will see…

Photo Credit: Eivind Hauger

Have you ever celebrated Arbor Day with your kids?  Arbor Day is rooted in history and many nations observe a day of caring and planting trees, although the date varies according to planting season.  Arbor Day is Friday, April 25th this year, so why not give it a try? We had 5 cute little saplings […]

“What’s the deal with that Easter basket?”

basket for office supplies

Since my style more closely aligns with modern furnishings and accessories, I do not particularly like baskets in general. However, there is something about Easter baskets that I love. I appreciate their bright colors, their shape and the way the traditional Easter basket handle arcs over the basket itself.  Easter Baskets also convey a rich, […]

Tips for Healthy Gardening

photo credit: Tim Houghton

  After a seemingly endless winter, spring is officially here. Observing our community, many are taking advantage of the influx of warm weather to work outdoors. However, if you overdo it or throw your back out, you may end up coming up short, come harvest time. April is occupational therapy month. Occupational therapists (OT) help […]

Mobile Devices as Cognitive Aids for People with Brain Injuries

Photo Credit: Sean MacEntee

In my last article, I wrote about a local teen that experienced brain injury.  March is Brain Injury Awareness Month and this time around I will share some strategies using mobile technologies to support those with brain injuries. Just as every person is unique, the symptoms of brain injury may vary from one person to […]