Credit Jean Winegardner

When my kids were much younger than they are now, I took them to a nature program about spiders at Brookside Nature Center. It was an evening program so we could see the spiders when they...

Credit Jean Winegardner

It is October, which means it is time to talk about Christmas.  I'm kidding. I wouldn't do that to you. I'm going to talk about Halloween, specifically Halloween costumes. Some of ...

Credit Jean Winegardner

I think that every parent has certain phrases that they repeat over and over. I've mentioned before that two of mine are "Watch out for people!" and "You don't get what you want by whin...

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...