And what if you can’t get to the dealership to test drive a car because your child is sick? Or what if you want to email or text a sales professional and gather facts before you head out to the dealership – and get a prompt response when you need it?

Well, there’s a new car-buying experience that is making a big difference in how young couples engage in the process. Bob Lannon, sales and leasing consultant for McGeorge Toyota, gave us some great tips and insights about car-buying with kids and finding family-friendly dealerships.

And Bob should know what he’s talking about! Not only has he been in car sales for more than 30 years, he has twin granddaughters.

Car-buying Tips for Families

“Buying a car takes time. The great thing about technology is that we have lots of valuable information about our cars on the website. Parents can browse the information at their convenience. We have as much as 80-85% of the information needed on the website. But when it comes to seeing and test driving the actual car, it’s a different story,” explains Bob.

“Parents comes in to test drive cars and talk about price and specifics. They normally have about 1 to 1 ½ hours to look around, test drive, and evaluate choices. If they have a child or children with them, it cuts into their time and they also worry about the children disturbing other customers or the staff. But at McGeorge, that’s not a problem.”

After spending some time with Bob, Richmondmom.com quickly learned some great tips for parents. And we also learned how the salespeople at McGeorge Toyota have made it easier than ever to bring the kids along.

First of all, Bob explains that they do everything possible to handle customer questions quickly and completely because they know time is valuable. Sales professionals provide customers with brochures, pictures, pricing information, and other important facts to take home with them. This helps the parents review information when they have time. They can return later for a test drive.

Bob knows car sales and kids! And he loves both!

Or they can spend the time needed during their visit to answer all of their questions. They are happy to help customers find the best vehicle at the best price for their particular needs.

There are lots of ways to make the experience pleasant for everyone. Bob provides these tips and information:

• If shopping with kids, it’s best to bring them after breakfast and before lunch. The quietest time with the fewest customers in most dealerships is between opening time and around 2pm. Saturday mornings are the slowest time – a great time to shop with kids!
• Come prepared with the child’s favorite snack and drink. The dealerships do have vending machines, coffee, and hot chocolate available too.
• Bring a book, special toy, or even electronics for kids to play with if appropriate.
• Bring a teenage sitter, neighbor, grandparent, or other person to help watch the kids while you shop for a car. Most car dealers have a waiting room where they can play while parents shop.

Special Play Rooms

Being family-friendly means making room for families to spread out and have fun.

McGeorge Toyota has a special play room for kids right inside their dealership. In addition to the large showroom where kids can run off energy, they can find lots of entertainment and fun in the play area.

Bob described the area for us.

“We actually have two waiting rooms. The upstairs 2nd floor waiting area is a quieter area with no TV, but it is equipped for WIFI and has a PAC Man machine (how cool is that – remember those?) where older kids or teens can play. The nice thing about our toddler/children’s play area is that it’s right off the 1st floor waiting room. The first floor is equipped with a TV, magazines, and other materials and this is right beside the play area.”

Bob went on to explain that the play area, for toddlers and young kids to about age 8 or 9 years old, has lots of great features. Kids will enjoy:

• A toybox filled with fun age-appropriate toys (toys are sanitized nightly by the cleaning staff).
• A large puzzle-like interactive game mounted low on the wall where children can move figurines around, slide them through tunnels, and spend lots of time engaged in fun play.
• A television connected to a VCR (yes, he did say VCR and not DVD!) and they have some children’s tapes available. Parents can bring their child’s favorite tape too if they prefer.
• Snacks and drinks can be enjoyed in the play areas.
• Enjoy the play room while waiting for a car to be serviced too!

One very interesting thing about our interview with Bob was seeing how open and receptive the dealership and sales staff is to kids. They realize kids running around can make it stressful for parents. They also know that making a car-buying decision should be done when you are relaxed and comfortable. That’s why they go the extra mile to make kids welcome.

Toys and lots of fun cover Bob’s desk.

Bob and the other sales professionals can talk with parents in the small waiting room connected to the play area. This is a great alternative for parents who need to keep an eye on their child while reviewing prices, negotiating, and handling other paperwork involved in the deal.

Bob’s office is a virtual playground too. He has an alligator-head business card holder which kids love. He also has small footballs, basketballs and other toys to give to the kids. The furniture is stain resistant and nobody panics if something is spilled because with kids, they know accidents will happen.

Family-friendly Options

“We also know that some parents cannot come into the dealership if they have a sick child or other issues. In these circumstances, we take the ‘dealership’ to them! We can take a car right to their driveway and they can test drive around their neighborhood. What better way to buy a car?” laughs Bob.

It was evident from our discussions at McGeorge Toyota that they are serious about making it a stress-free environment for parents. They do everything possible to make the experience pleasant and easy.

• They use text and email to communicate if that is a good option for customers.
• They respond to calls that come into the dealership via the website/email within about 10 minutes of receipt during normal business hours.
• They make appointments for customer convenience.

Parents will make smarter decisions about purchasing a car if they are at ease and relaxed. McGeorge Toyota is an example of a car dealership committed to a family-friendly environment. They are flexible, creative, and interested in helping young families make the best decisions possible – and that means making the kids a part of the process!

Check for weekly specials at McGeorge Toyota.

Family-Friendly McGeorge Toyota Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 8pm
Saturday: 9am – 6 pm

“Our goal is to have your online shopping and service scheduling experience match our award winning customer service, which resulted in earning our 18th consecutive Toyota President’s Award for 2013. Visit the website for more information.”

~ McGeorge Toyota

Sales: (866) 750-8682
Service: (866) 750-8682
Parts: (866) 750-8682

It’s great so many women recognized in this year’s Richmond Supermom Contest.
We loved reading about the amazing moms we have in Richmond, it’s a great reminder of what being a mom really means.

Without further ado, the 2014 Richmond Supermom is….

Julia Martin!

“My sister is awesome! She is 29, mother of 3 and a breast cancer survivor! Diagnosed last year June 26,2013. I don’t know how she did it, fighting for her life while staying an active mom!She did not miss work except for her treatment day during her 3 months of chemotherapy. In many households, particularly those with younger children, mothers are use to running the show. They plan their children’s extracurricular activities, their family vacation, and their nights out with their spouse. They often oversee the finances, maintain the house, and manage the health insurance.  However emotional and physical challenges of breast cancer can render them helpless. But not Julia, she is a super mom during this difficult time, she did it all.  I can remember talking to her on the phone while at my niece’s dance class telling me how cute she looked. I asked her why was she there especially since she had chemo that day? She laughed and said , “why not?, this is what moms do!” She inspires.”

A very special thank you to our sponsor
the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU

Thank you so much to all of the fabulous local businesses who wanted to honor all Richmond moms, and for showering Julia with these amazing prizes:

Flying Squirrels
Season tickets worth $2380

Real Life Studios
$350.00 gift certificate

Virginia 529
$100 Virginia529 inVEST college savings account

Science Museum of Virginia
Supernova membership

G-Force Karts
$100 Gift Certificate

Sabot at Stony Point
1 week of “Like Summers Used to Be” camp

Romp n’ Roll
1 week of summer camp at any Richmond location

All Fired Up
$50 gift certificate

Massage Envy
Free Massage

Young Chefs Academy
2 single days of camp

Color Me Mine
A VIP Pass which entitles the person to: No Studio Fees (which covers the paints, supplies, glazing & firing) for a full year, 10% Off all regularly priced pottery, 10% Off all Classes & Workshops and VIP-Only Specials

Serenity Organic Spa
$50 gift certificate

Melody Magic Music-
1 month of music classes

ACAC
1 month membership with free personal training

College Nannies & Tutors
Free one-on-one customized tutoring session for all middle school/high school subjects, in our Learning Center at Cox & Broad

Heart of Ireland School of Dance
$60 gift certificate good towards tuition and registration fees.

FIT4MOM
10 class pass of Stroller Strides classes

Cartwheels and Coffee
3 month membership

Regency Square
$50 Gymboree gift card

Rita’s Party Creations
Two dozen cupcakes

Agecroft Hall
4 tickets to the Agecroft Hall Museum

Kumon
Free registration at Kumon Midlothian in Westchester Commons

Jumpology
Two free passes

$25 Gift Certificate towards purchase and trunk show

Daily Bread
Cookbook by local author Marie Dempsey Carter
Influenced by her French Canadian heritage, Marie’s cooking style blends simple but deeply satisfying meals with memories of the warm the hospitality her mother created in a loving home that will continue to inspire others.

VOTE FOR YOUR SUPERMOM HERE

Check out this incredible prize package:

Flying Squirrels
Season tickets worth $2380

Real Life Studios
$350.00 gift certificate

Virginia 529
$100 Virginia529 inVEST college savings account

Science Museum of Virginia
Supernova membership

G-Force Karts
$100 Gift Certificate

Sabot at Stony Point
1 week of “Like Summers Used to Be” camp

Romp n’ Roll
1 week of summer camp at any Richmond location

All Fired Up
$50 gift certificate

Massage Envy
Free Massage

Young Chefs Academy
2 single days of camp

Color Me Mine
A VIP Pass which entitles the person to: No Studio Fees (which covers the paints, supplies, glazing & firing) for a full year, 10% Off all regularly priced pottery, 10% Off all Classes & Workshops and VIP-Only Specials

Serenity Organic Spa
$50 gift certificate

Melody Magic Music-
1 month of music classes

ACAC
1 month membership with free personal training

College Nannies & Tutors
Free one-on-one customized tutoring session for all middle school/high school subjects, in our Learning Center at Cox & Broad

Heart of Ireland School of Dance
$60 gift certificate good towards tuition and registration fees.

FIT4MOM
10 class pass of Stroller Strides classes

Cartwheels and Coffee
3 month membership

Regency Square
$50 Gymboree gift card

Rita’s Party Creations
Two dozen cupcakes

Agecroft Hall
4 tickets to the Agecroft Hall Museum

Kumon
Free registration at Kumon Midlothian in Westchester Commons

Jumpology
Two free passes

$25 Gift Certificate towards purchase and trunk show

Daily Bread
Cookbook by local author Marie Dempsey Carter
Influenced by her French Canadian heritage, Marie’s cooking style blends simple but deeply satisfying meals with memories of the warm the hospitality her mother created in a loving home that will continue to inspire others.

It’s time to nominate your friend, sister, wife, mother (or hey, even yourself) for the Richmond Supermom Contest!
We have nearly $4,000 in prizes waiting for one deserving mom and her family.

Sponsored by

VOTE FOR YOUR SUPERMOM HERE

Check out these amazing prizes!
(Winner must be a Virginia resident.)Flying Squirrels
Season tickets worth $2380

Real Life Studios
$350.00 gift certificate

Virginia 529
$100 Virginia529 inVEST college savings account

Science Museum of Virginia
Supernova membership

G-Force Karts
$100 Gift Certificate

Sabot at Stony Point
1 week of “Like Summers Used to Be” camp

Romp n’ Roll
1 week of summer camp at any Richmond location

All Fired Up
$50 gift certificate

Massage Envy
Free Massage

Young Chefs Academy
2 single days of camp

Color Me Mine
A VIP Pass which entitles the person to: No Studio Fees (which covers the paints, supplies, glazing & firing) for a full year, 10% Off all regularly priced pottery, 10% Off all Classes & Workshops and VIP-Only Specials

Serenity Organic Spa
$50 gift certificate

Melody Magic Music-
1 month of music classes

ACAC
1 month membership with free personal training

College Nannies & Tutors
Free one-on-one customized tutoring session for all middle school/high school subjects, in our Learning Center at Cox & Broad

Heart of Ireland School of Dance
$60 gift certificate good towards tuition and registration fees.

FIT4MOM
10 class pass of Stroller Strides classes

Cartwheels and Coffee
3 month membership

Regency Square
$50 Gymboree gift card

Rita’s Party Creations
Two dozen cupcakes

Agecroft Hall
4 tickets to the Agecroft Hall Museum

Kumon
Free registration at Kumon Midlothian in Westchester Commons

Jumpology
Two free passes

$25 Gift Certificate towards purchase and trunk show

Daily Bread
Cookbook by local author Marie Dempsey Carter
Influenced by her French Canadian heritage, Marie’s cooking style blends simple but deeply satisfying meals with memories of the warm the hospitality her mother created in a loving home that will continue to inspire others.

The Dome at the Science Museum of Virginia makes for an absolutely wild ride into the cosmos!

Sitting in a comfy seat, watching the earth, fade back into a small speck and surrounded by planets I’ve never even heard of, I tried to recall the last time I had actually been to a planetarium.

Come to think of it… Have I been to a planetarium before?

As the galaxy I am so fond of becomes indecipherable among other galaxies and we zoom into the expanse of the universe… I know that when (or, if) I went, it was nothing like this.

Simply put, The Dome is awe-inspiring.

The Dome unveiled it’s recent renovation boasting a new screen and a 5 projector system that puts out a picture 14x the resolution of HDTV and the results don’t disappoint.

Cosmic Expeditions, the new daily programming at the science museum, makes full use out of the biggest screen in Virginia combining an astronomy feature, such as Wildest Weather of the Universe with a live presentation.  During the live presentation, viewers will be able to ask questions and take a tour of the cosmos.

10 different presentations will be shown this year allowing visitors to see a seven-month time lapse of the Aurora Borealis, peer into the secret lives of stars, experience black holes and exploding stars and more. The live element of the show changes daily so that each presentation is different from the last.

Cosmic Expeditions is sure to spark the imagination and curiosity in kids an parents alike.

Prefer to stay here on Earth?

The Science Museum of Virginia is also showing Great White Sharks, Born to be Wild and 8 other films to tantalize the eyes and ignite your imagination.

You can purchase tickets in advance online or at the door, but buyer beware: your new flat screen TV is about to look pretty dull in comparison.

The Science Museum of Virginia is a sponsor of Richmondmom.com

Kim Newlen: January 30, 1957 – February 8, 2014

I sat quietly sipping a cup of tea and looking out the window at the soft white snow gently falling to the earth. A light blanket of snow was forming across the grass and everything was silent and peaceful for that moment. It was absolutely beautiful and calming. As I watched the snow fall, a tear trickled down my cheek and without warning, a burst of tears soon flowed.

Kim is Miss Tea Party

My dear friend, Kim Newlen, died on Saturday, February 8th after a courageous and inspiring battle against metastatic, metaplastic breast cancer. Kim had one of the rarest forms of breast cancer with no known cure.  She was laid to rest and a Celebration of her Life was held on February 11th. I knew the day was coming, but it took my breath away when I heard the news. Weeks of intense caregiving alongside other caring women had not prepared me for the flood of emotions that ran through my mind and body.

The days of caring for Kim had come to an end, and the finality of it all was overwhelming. And now, watching the snow fall to the ground gave me time to pause and remember Kim’s life.

A one-time breast cancer survivor, Kim learned that her cancer had returned with a vengeance on July 11, 2013. The news was startling but it did not shake her faith or her hope. She continued to do all of the things she loved in life – writing, teaching, praying, working, helping others, being a mom and a wife, taking care of other women, and even dancing in the rain. Aggressive cancer treatments through clinical trials at MD Anderson in Texas couldn’t even dampen her spirits. She smiled and spoke with every person she met at MD Anderson whether they were in the waiting room, in the lab, on the elevator, or even in the bathroom. Her smile and laughter were contagious and her zest for life was inspiring to other patients who found hope in her words.

Kim enjoying the rain before chemo!

Kim at Lifeway Christian Bookstore in Richmond.

Kim underwent rigorous medical testing, chemo, and radiation for weeks at a time – only to once return to Richmond and attend a book signing two days later to promote her book, “The One Year Sweet & Simple Moments with God Devotional”. Her book was released the day she learned her cancer had returned.

She enthusiastically attended a book signing at Barnes & Noble in Houston, TX while in the process of getting extremely difficult chemo treatments – thanks to help and support from the Salvation Army and incredible volunteers who made it all possible. She held a holiday book signing at Lifeway Christian Bookstore in Richmond in December. She enjoyed a festive time of signing books and socializing with women at Brighton Collectibles in Stony Point. She visited with Shelly Perkins and Bill Bevins on the Lite98 Wake-up Show and she interviewed live with national radio personality Chris Fabry to discuss her new book. Kim relished the time she spent with wonderful women at Pink & Pearls where her books were sold as a fundraiser, among many other events she attended all while battling her cancer.

Kim and her daughter Kali: December 2013

Kim was a warrior and she was brave. But as I think of Kim, I also think of what a soft, caring, loving, and fun mother she was to her daughter. She was a devoted mom who also loved all children and who spent many years as a third grade teacher where she referred to her students as “third greaters”. She often hosted tea parties for little girls to celebrate birthdays or special occasions and would let them blow out real candles lighted and perched on top of her birthday hat!  Kim never met a person without offering him or her one of her sweet “smiley faith” butter mints and one of her incredible smiles. She took every opportunity to tell people about her faith and what God had done in her life – and what He would do in their lives as well.

Kim always wore pink since it was her favorite color – and she had pink purses, and pink hats, and pink watches to match for every occasion. She organized and held the World’s Largest Tea Party at the University of Richmond and broke the Guinness Book of World Records. She was the founder of Sweet Monday which now has groups meeting around the world. Kim spoke to women’s groups around the country, inspiring and encouraging women to live a “sweet, simple, and salty” life by taking time to enjoy every second of every day. She created and marketed a special garment for women undergoing breast cancer treatment to help them “look better than they feel”. Her vivacious personality and love of life was fueled by her love for God and His Word – and also by the hundreds of women who loved her and called her ‘friend’.

Kim, Kali, and Mark: July 2013

We said good-by for now to a beautiful friend on February 11th and our hearts are broken that we will not see her again on this earth. But through our sorrow and our tears, we know that Sweet Kim Newlen is exactly where she wants to be right now. She has left her pain and suffering behind for a new life beyond our world. A place where there is no cancer and no pain, but lots of pink parties and joy!

And she has left a legacy of love, hope, and caring that will live on.

To learn more about Kim, click here.

Sweet note from Kali:

My mom had the biggest heart. She taught us to celebrate everything, to live without regrets, to forgive quickly and to love deeply. Our lives are sweeter because of how she’s inspired us, encouraged us and brought us closer to our Savior. With her sweet Southern charm, her radiant smile and joyful spirit, she perfectly embodies the characteristics of a Proverbs 31 Woman. Not only is she a Richmond “Hometown Hero,” but she’s our hero and always will be. As my mom would say, BSSYP – “Be Sweet and Say Your Prayers.”

Right now.

You’re hunching.

Can I see you through the computer? No.  It’s because I do it too (in fact, I was doing it just then).  Look around, cell phones, computers, tablets… we’re all hunching.

The Willow Lawn location is total luxury.

If you’re a chronic huncher like me, you probably have the exact same upper back and neck feeling that I have right now. It’s kinda tingly, kinda stiff… you… just… can’t… quite make it go away.

The bad news is I can’t stop you from hunching, but the good news is Massage Envy can help your hunch with a massage that will make you feel like you never hunch at all!

The professionals at Massage Envy can give you just what you need like reflexology, prenatal and Swedish massage in 1 – 2 hour sessions.  I love how super-flexible their membership package is, allowing you to share, split your massage and even earn free ones!

And, because the winter weather absolutely wreaks havoc on my skin so I’ll be adding a facial to my list of things I am going to do for myself. Besides, I’ll be getting a great deal when I get $10 off with my Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver discount!

Seriously, if you haven’t done it yet, you’re overdue to treat yourself and now you have absolutely no excuses because Massage Envy is opening up TWO more locations in February! (Midlothian and Mechanicsville moms rejoice!)

We’ve got the mega list of where to take your technologically abused shoulders (or kid abused back) and give it a little love.
(Pssst…Massage Envy gift certificates make great Valentine’s Day Gifts!)

Massage Envy Spa
 – Mechanicsville (Opening February 11th)
7236 Bell Creek Rd.
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
(804) 746-1100

Massage Envy Spa 
- Richmond Willow Lawn
1601 Willow Lawn Dr. #304

Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 440-0004

Massage Envy Spa – 
Short Pump
4346 Pouncey Tract Rd.

Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 612-0540

Massage Envy Spa – 
Midlothian (Opening February 25th)
11625 Midlothian Turnpike
Midlothian, VA 23113
(804) 379-8005

Massage Envy Spa
 – Commonwealth Centre
5201 Commonwealth Centre Parkway
Midlothian, VA 23112
(804) 744-8440

Massage Envy Spa
 Colonial Heights Southpark
1909 Southpark Blvd.

Colonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 526-7777

Race with ‘Howill the Owl’ in an Amazing Race around the world, where your child will spend the summer with weekly activities, fun field trips, outside games, sports and swimming – swimming lessons included!

Each week has activities that are structured around the country featured for that week. Tuckaway Child Development Centers have plenty of fun, learning, and excitement for kids. And who doesn’t love visiting Washington DC, Mexico, France, Italy, Russia, and many more amazin destinations during summer camp?

Kids will also enjoy:

• Swimming/swimming lessons
• Clubs and workshops
• Biking
• Science
• Hiking
• Intramural Sports
• Art
• Cooking
• And much more fun!

There’s just too much to include here so be sure and click over the Tuckaway Child Development Summer Camp web page and learn more. You’re sure to find something just right for your child(ren)!

And as always, thanks to Tuckaway for being Richmond’s #1 source for childcare development.

Education and Innovation Center for Children (EICC)  specializes in developing your child’s creative writing and critical thinking skills. Our focus is on enrichment through the use of fun and challenging learning experiences. Staff includes writers, Henrico and Chesterfield teachers, and faculty and students of the VCU writing program. The EICC offers creative writing programs that aim to support children’s developing writing skills and teach them the writing skills they will need to be successful in not only school, and business, but life all together.

The class offerings at the EICC place great value on a small teacher to student ratio (1:5) and engage students through real world application of their written word.  The EICC has seen the benefit of laying the ground work early to produce brilliant writers.

Writing is a a subject that many people are beginning to pay more attention too, and rightfully so.  In 2005 the SAT added a writing portion to its highly regarded college readiness exam.  Since then it has only become more evident that our students’ writing skills are not up to par with real word demands.  The EICC strives to make writing a more engaging and interactive process.  The highly qualified teachers boast years of experience teaching writing and several hold post graduate professional degrees in education.

Creative writing camps (To get more details on each of our writing camps, please visit our website www.eiccworld.com.) .CALL US FOR PRICING DETAILS.

NOTE: We have early drop off for FREE from 8 am onwards.

Extended care available from 2 pm to 5.30 pm. (During that time kids will do various activities like fun art activites, play board games, do puzzles, jewellery making, watching movies and more…………..

For more information on EICC: (804)-747-3422(EICC), contactus@eiccworld.com

What does it take to keep three balls rotating through the air for a couple of minutes?  Great eye-hand coordination?  Incredible manual dexterity? Superb rhythm and timing?

The answer?  None of the above.

All you need is perseverance – the determination to endure the frustration of repeated failed attempts and keep trying. Albert Einstein once said, “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”  And that is one of the most valuable lessons you can pass on to your child.  In every area of his existence, your child will encounter daunting obstacles and formidable challenges, and his immediate inclination may be to conclude “I can’t do this.”

What will separate him from his peers and permit him to overcome those obstacles and conquer the challenges is the mindset that “this may appear impossible, and it may take me a long time and a lot of work, but I bet I can figure it out.” 

So as silly as it seems, the ability to juggle is extremely valuable.  Not so much for its capacity to entertain others, but rather for what it is able to teach you about yourself.

Romp n’ Roll is packed with exciting new ways for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers to play and learn. By participating in gymnastics classes, music and movement programs, and art lessons, children get to stretch their minds by exercising their bodies and imaginations!  Visit the Romp n’ Roll website to find out how to schedule a free introductory class for your child. And check out their fun birthday packages too!

Michael K. Meyerhoff, Ed.D. (a.k.a. “Dr. Mike”) is a member of the management team at Romp n’ Roll.  After receiving his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Columbia University, he earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in human development from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where he also held a position as a researcher with the Harvard Preschool Project.  He may be contacted via e-mail at drmike@romproll.com.