Credit Jean Winegardner

Hang around a group of moms for a while and you will hear them talk about their kids. This is because they adore their children more than life and would do anything for them. The oxymor...

Credit Jean Winegardner

There is a lot of emphasis in our society on manners, especially as it applies to children. Children are supposed to be quiet in quiet places; responsive when asked questions; and able...

Credit Jean Winegardner

If you were to ask my children what they love, they would not say "my mom" or "my country" or any other such heartwarming thing. They would say "video games." There is no doubt in my m...

Credit Jean Winegardner

Is it just me, or have the last couple of days been especially wonderful? That's right; it's back to school time. MCPS students headed back to class on Monday, and parents across t...

Credit Jean Winegardner

The day before my family left for vacation, my 9-year-old son, Jack, mentioned that his ear hurt. Looks were passed between my husband and I, curse words were thought, and we decided to...

Credit Jean Winegardner

There are certain things that I, as a parent, avoid doing with my children at all costs. Going to one of those paint-your-own pottery studios where one misstep could result in many shar...

Credit Jean Winegardner

We all love our kids. Of course we do. That said, isn't it the best thing in the world to spend a few days away from them? Imagine multiple hours in a row without someone touching you a...

Credit Jean Winegardner

This past weekend, I took my kids to visit the USS Constellation in Baltimore. This Civil War-era warship was fascinating—and populated by volunteers in Union uniforms who told us all ab...