HOLIDAY EVENTS, LIGHTS AND MORE INSIDE washingtonFAMILY.com DECEMBER 2021 Tips for the Best Family Photos Sm a r t. Loca l. Pa re nt ing for t he DMV. Capture Holiday MEMORIES Top Toy Picks for Kids Moodiness or Mental Illness? Is My Child OK? Change Makers in the DMV A G AY LO R D H OT E L S ® O R I G I N A L E XP E R I E N C E WALK THROUGH YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE SCENES IN AN ALL-NEW, MULTI-SENSORY POP-UP This holiday season, see five iconic holiday films come to life through 13 fully immersive scenes in I Love Christmas Movies™, only at Gaylord National. Enjoy days of Christmas activities, fully renovated guest rooms, and proximity to National Harbor attractions. It’s all part of So. Much. Christmas. BOOK YOUR TICKETS AND OVERNIGHT PACKAGES TODAY. NOW - DEC. 31 ChristmasAtGaylordNational.com ELF and all related characters and elements © & ™ New Line Productions, Inc. A CHRISTMAS STORY and all related characters and elements © & ™ Turner Entertainment Co. NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION, THE POLAR EXPRESS, THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s21) CONTENTS CHRIS KNOWLES DECEMBER 2021 ON THE COVER The Sproat family of Poolesville Holiday lights displays abound throughout the DMV this season. Page 08 FEATURES 10 13 16 17 20 KIDS WHO CARE Meet three youth who demonstrate that you’re never too young to make a difference. YOUR FEEDBACK 06 08 TOP 10 CALENDAR Plan holiday fun with your family. HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Get your gift lists in order with toy picks from the National Parenting Product Awards. WF FUN Discover DMV holiday lights displays. LETTER TO SANTA Get your wish list in order for St. Nick! 26 PARENT YOU SHOULD KNOW Meet Jeffrey Katz and his family of acting professionals. 22 HEALTHY FAMILY Support your family’s immune system this cold and flu season. INCLUSIVE FAMILY Make your holiday gatherings more inclusive for children with special needs. BOOK MARKED Learn about holiday customs and traditions. MY TURN Christie Dondero Bettwy shares how parents can help their children adopt healthier attitudes toward eating. FAMILY PHOTOS Learn tips and techniques from the experts when planning family photos. 27 ‘IS MY CHILD OK?’ What should parents know about the ups and downs of childhood versus mood disorders? 28 READERS’ RESPONSES WE WANT DEPARTMENTS We welcome your feedback on specific articles, overall themes and anything else related to editorial content. Send us an email at info@washingtonfamily.com 30 DIRECTORY 23 PRIVATE SCHOOLS Please note we reserve the right to edit or refrain from publishing comments we deem inappropriate. WashingtonFAMILY.com  3 OUR TEAM 2 019 W IN N ER DECEMBER 2021 WashingtonFAMILY.com • 301-230-2222 Craig Burke, Publisher Washington FAMILY Jeni Mann Tough, Associate Publisher The Area’s Leader in STEM Education Winner for Best STEM Program for the 2nd consecutive year Please call 301-770-4370 to learn more! EDITORIAL Michael Vyskocil, Editor • 410-902-2319 • mvyskocil@midatlanticmedia.com Eleanor Linafelt, Staff Writer • 240-432-3044 • elinafelt@midatlanticmedia.com Lindsay VanAsdalan, Staff Writer • 410-902-2328 • lvanasdalan@midatlanticmedia.com ADVERTISING Account Executives Alan Gurwitz, David Pintzow, Sara Priebe, Mary Ramsdale, Kim Coates Schofield Stacie Shapero, Sylvia Witaschek Preschool-8th Grade BUSINESS www.feynmanschool.org Pattie-Ann Lamp, Accounting Manager • 410-902-2300 • plamp@midatlanticmedia.com CONTRIBUTORS Christine Dondero Bettwy, Elena Epstein Laura Farmer, Michelle Halber CREATIVE Jay Sevidal, Graphic Deisgner James Meskunas, Digital Media Manager MID-ATLANTIC MEDIA PRIVATE SCHOOL D / SPECIALIZE LEARNING DIRECTORIES INSIDE AMILY.com washingtonF FAMILY.com 2021 OCTOBER Smart. Local. Parenting PRIVATE SCHOOL & DAY CARE DIRECTORIES INSIDE for the DMV. Craig Burke, CEO/Publisher • cburke@midatlanticmedia.com Jeni Mann Tough, Associate Publisher jmann@midatlanticmedia.com washingtonFA MILY.com NOVEMBER Smart. Local. Parenting for the REN’S MEET CHILD TRATOR BOOK ILLUS 2021 DMV. Jo Kosmides EDWARDS Ce lebrates Thanksgiving DMV Mom Mimi DOES ADHD MEDICATION WORK? Markopoulos BOOKS ABOUT BULLYING Advertise in our HOW TO MAKE HALLOWEEN LESS SCARY Adoption Competency Choose-and-Cut Christmas Trees CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS, Indoor Fun, School Open House and more news that parents need. OR CALL us at 301-230-2222, EXT. 2 SMART. LOCAL. PARENTING FOR THE DMV. Print | Digital | 4  Washington FAMILY  DECEMBER 2021 2020 2020 2020 2020 Kids & COVID-19 Vaccines January Issue! EMAIL us at advertising@ washingtonfamily.com 2020 with Family Special Series Calendar of Events Family Matters Family Fun Table of Contents Single Page Design Interior Illustration ©2021 Washington FAMILY. Washington FAMILY is published 12 times a year by Mid-Atlantic Media, and is distributed free of charge throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Correspondence and editorial submissions from our readers are welcomed. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment on all editorial and advertising material submitted. We are not responsible for the return of any unsolicited materials. The acceptance of advertising by Washington FAMILY does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. All rights reserved. Any reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without expressed written permission. 11900 Parklawn Drive, Suite 300 | Rockville, MD 20852 | 301-230-2222 or 703-318-1385 | washingtonFAMILY.com FIRST WORD Michael Vyskocil Editor mvyskocil@midatlanticmedia.com Facebook @WashingtonFamilyMagazine​ Twitter @FAMILYMagDC Pinterest @familymagazine Instagram @washingtonfamilymag Email us Let us know what’s on your mind. info@thefamilymagazine.com I A Season for Reflection and Celebration  don’t think any of us could have anticipated what 2021 would bring, particularly given the challenges of 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As we prepare to close 2021 and welcome 2022, we have a lot to reflect on and a lot to celebrate. We’ve witnessed the availability of vaccines for COVID-19 for adults and children this year. We’ve marked a return to school for our children after educational disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve reconnected with relatives and friends in ways we didn’t think would be possible just one year ago. This issue of Washington FAMILY captures this spirit of reflection and celebration so well. As you read its pages, you’ll meet three high-achieving young people who prove that age isn’t a requirement for dedicating yourself to causes you care about so much (page 10). Jeffrey D. Katz, our Parent You Should Know profile subject, reflects on his role as a busy dad balancing his career with the needs of family (page 22). Contributing writer Laura Farmer shares insights on the question parents often ask: “Is my child OK?” Learn what moms and dads need to know about the ups and downs of childhood versus mood disorders (page 20). What would our December issue be without some celebration? You’ll find our annual gift guide filled with top toys for kids, courtesy of our friends from the National Parenting Product Awards (NAPPA) (page 13). Enjoy holiday lights displays with your family (page 8) and plan some seasonal fun with your family using our Top 10 calendar (page 6). All of us at Washington FAMILY wish you and your family a merry holiday season and a happy, healthy new year. P Protect the ones you love, get your flu shot today. @vaccinatevirginia WashingtonFAMILY.com  5 CALENDAR TOP 10 December Activities for Families BY LINDSAY C. VANASDALAN Explore these fun activities in and around the Washington, D.C. area THROUGHOUT THE MONTH Enjoy an outdoor winter spectacular in Northern Virginia with light displays, roving carolers, selfies with Santa, family “’crafternoons,” live music and entertainment and a scavenger hunt. Enjoy plenty of local food and drink, including candy and hot drinks in heated tents. Fans of the Washington Capitals can also take advantage of special photo opps, appearances and themed igloos. Tickets start at $28; one dollar from every purchase goes to the Inova Health Foundation. tinselva.showare.com ENCHANT CHRISTMAS AT NATIONALS PARK A mischievous elf has run off with some of Santa’s toys, and it’s up to you to track them down through the maze of lights. While you’re not on your quest, you can stop into the village for shopping and sustenance, follow the illuminated ice skating trail, visit Santa or take a break at the children’s play place. Tickets start at $29 for adults; children ages 2 and younger are free. enchantchristmas.com CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD NATIONAL 3 The holidays will be in full swing at Gaylord National Resort with ice bumper cars, snow tubing, scenes performed from Christmas movie favorites, a scavenger hunt and a host of other activities, shows and events. Buy tickets to an individual event or bundle for more Christmas fun; prices vary. christmasatgaylordnational.marriott.com ADVENTURE THEATRE’S WINTERFEST See storytelling brought to life through children’s theater at Winterfest, which features three shows from the Rockville theater’s digital Jingle in July festival: “Uri & Ora Light the Menorah” by Robyn Shrater Seemann, “Connection” by Diego Maramba and Michelle Bowen and “Cranky Penguin” by Keegan Patterson. Tickets are $20.50. my.adventuretheatre-mtc.org 6  Washington FAMILY  DECEMBER 2021 4 DEC. 4, 11 & 18 2 5 KIDS’ PIZZA MAKING CLASS AT WILD WOOD PIZZA Stop into your local Leesburg pizza shop not for a slice, but for a whole pie—made by your children. They will learn how to roll and knead dough from Chef Curtis Allred and watch their creations come to life in Wild Wood’s brick oven. If you like what you see, have the kids make the next dinner at home with DIY pizza kits available after class for $10. All ages are welcome; children 10 and younger must be supervised. Tickets are $15. wildwoodpizzeria.com TINSEL: COURTESY TINSELVA.SHOWARE.COM; ELF: XIAIMAGES/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS; SNOWFLAKES: HAYATIKAYHAN/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS; PIZZA: COKADA/E+ 1 TINSEL! 6 DEC. 5-JAN. 2, 2022 DEC. 5 & 19 MOVIES ON THE POTOMAC CHOCOLATE FROM SCRATCH BY JCRAFTS At JCrafts by Chabad, see how chocolate is made from scratch, all the way down to removing the shell off the nibs of the cacao beans. The Rockville chocolate factory will showcase the connection between Jewish history and chocolate and the role chocolate plays in the culture today. Students will make their own kosher-themed treats and take home their own homemade box of chocolates. Tickets start at $13. kosherchocolatefactory.com/workshops What better way to enjoy holiday movies than to bundle up in cozy blankets with some local grab-and-go food and treats at this free weekly outdoor event at the plaza in National Harbor? Classics such as “Elf,” “The Year Without A Santa Claus” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” will be showing throughout the month. Free. nationalharbor.com 9 DEC. 12 & 18-19 DEC. 31 FIRST NIGHT ALEXANDRIA Teach your children how to make homemade holiday gifts that bring a little life into the house. They will learn how to grow an air plant, moss or succulent in a terrarium—and learn a lot about plant care along the way—in this family-friendly class at H Street Farms, in Washington, D.C. Tickets are $15. cultivatethecity.com 10 First Night Alexandria is a nonprofit-organized showcase of live performances throughout the day and night, with special showcases for children, teens and older adults. Beginning at 10 p.m., a Countdown to 2022 Street Party will take place with a fireworks finale at midnight. Ticket prices vary by event. firstnightalexandria.org DEC. 24 WATERSKIING SANTA We all know Santa loves the snow—but what about waterskiing? In fact, he never misses waterskiing on the historic Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. You can catch the longest running waterski Christmas show anywhere between Founders Park and Point Lumley Park. After the show, children and families can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and their merry crew by the Christmas tree in Waterfront Park. waterskiingsanta.com n Come see why we won Best Restaurant 2 years in a row! WINNE R 1 BEST O 02 2 8 LIVING ORNAMENTS AND TERRARIUM BUILDING F CHOCOLATE: FCAFOTODIGITAL/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS; MOVIE: FABIOBALBI/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS; TERRARIUM: FOTTODK/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS; SNOWMAN: COURTESY WATERSKIINGSANTA.COM: FIRST NIGHT: COURTESY FIRSTNIGHTALEXANDRIA.ORG 7 WINNER S Give the gift of Italian delights with a GREGORIO’S GIFT CARD! Purchase online or at any location in any denomination www.gregoriostrattoria.com POTOMAC 7745 Tuckerman Lane 301-296-6168 BETHESDA 4611-A Sangamore Rd 301-347-6830 RESTON 1428 N. Point | Village Ctr 703-689-4894 WashingtonFAMILY.com  7 W hen the Christmas music starts, the lights go up! These holiday light displays in the DMV region are running throughout the month—with some that came to life as soon as bellies were full of Thanksgiving turkey. Grab the family for festive illuminations, from extensive displays you can walk through and ice skating amid sparkling lights to personal homes with larger-than-life décor. For holiday light spotting on homes throughout Maryland, D.C. and Northern Virginia, visit the Light Up the Beltway – DC Christmas Lights Facebook page. Ice and Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run 4001 Eisenhower Ave.; Alexandria, Virginia This winter village shrouded in lights opens for its second year, featuring giant holiday light bulbs, a “Sing To Me Interactive Tree,” color-changing trees and an elf scavenger hunt. Visitors to the village can purchase lights, too, with gifts such as light-up wands and swords and blinking jewelry and headbands. Stop by for a stroll or ice skating between Nov. 19 and Jan. 2, 2022, from 5 to 10 p.m. Skating will remain open from Jan. 8 through Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s one of three light-centric events presented by NOVA Parks this holiday season. Tickets start at $9.19, children ages 2 and younger are free; skating tickets must be purchased online. novaparks.com Roer’s Zoofari, 1228 Hunter Mill Road; Vienna, Virginia The seasonal LuminoCity festival will transform Roer’s Zoofari—a zoo and safari experience in Fairfax County, Virginia—into a wonderland of light. Inspired by transforming creative thoughts, the light festival explores different themes each year, with past themes including ancient cultures and nature. Guests can wander through towering illuminated sculptures with the help of festival mascot Lumi on Thursdays through Sundays from 4:30 to 9 p.m. through Jan. 2, 2022. The festival will be open Monday through Sunday during the week of Christmas and will close the following Thursday, Dec. 30. This year’s theme, “Shine Again,” will convey the power and warmth of light overcoming darkness. Tickets start at $22; entry is timed. luminocityfestival.com/roers-zoofari-va ZOFF-PHOTO/ISTOCK /GETTY IMAGES PLUS LuminoCity Festival Holiday Lights Holiday LIGHT DISPLAYS ~IN THE DMV~ BY LINDSAY VANASDALAN 8  Washington FAMILY  DECEMBER 2021 Ni Family Lights 2528 Drexel St.; Vienna, Virginia Back for its fifth year, Ni Family Lights is pulling out all the stops with two synchronized playlists for its annual holiday light show. A “best of” playlist will run from Thanksgiving through Dec. 9, with a new playlist for this year premiering Dec. 10. Hours are Sundays through Thursdays, from 5 to 9:30 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 10 p.m. For playlist details, visit the Ni Family Lights Facebook page. Free. facebook.com/NiFamilyLights The Cullen Christmas Corner 10900 Maple St.; Fairfax City, Virginia More than 10,000 lights—both pixels and LEDs—will be synced to music for holiday enjoyment at this Fairfax City home. On Sundays through Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 10 p.m., you can take a drive with the family to see this year’s project. Since 2008, homeowners have been growing their light show a bit each year. This year’s display will run from Dec. 4 through New Year’s Day. Free. facebook.com/CullenChristmasCorner; check for weather updates Winter Walk of Lights 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna See more than a half-mile stretch of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens transformed by holiday lights. The self-guided one-way walking route is back for its 10th year from Nov. 11 to Jan. 2, 2022. The event has served as many as 80,000 people. Get into the spirit of the season with light-up gifts, souvenir ornaments and sweet treats. Hot chocolate and coffee will also be available when you’re ready to warm up. For a drive-through light experience, check out the Bull Run Festival of Lights. Both are presented by NOVA Parks. Tickets start at $16; children ages 2 and younger are free; timed entry; prime nights (dates beginning Dec. 10) must be purchased online novaparks.com n The Center for Ballet Arts, Inc. Presents Nutcracker In A Nutshell An abridged version of the beloved classic Saturday, Dec. 18 th - 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19 th - 3:30 p.m. Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center 4915 E Campus Dr, Alexandria, VA 22311 For tickets contact: 703 273 5344 www.thecenterforballetarts.com WashingtonFAMILY.com  9 HIGH-ACHIEVING 10  Washington FAMILY  DECEMBER 2021 These youth dedicate their time and energy to causes they care about. BY ELEANOR LINAFELT LONDON NAVARRO MILES WORCESTER W e tend to underestimate what kids are capable of, but three impressive young people prove us wrong. Addy Barrett, the founder of Gorilla Heroes; Miles Worcester, a lifelong volunteer with Wreaths Across America; and London Navarro, a three- time Brazilian jiu jitsu world champion, show how it’s possible to be successful in whatever you commit yourself to—and simultaneously inspire others—even before you get to high school. PHOTOS PROVIDED HELPING ENDANGERED GORILLAS ADDY BARRETT When Addy Barrett was in first grade, she learned from a book that less than 1,000 gorillas exist in the world. Addy took it upon herself to do something about it. Ever since, the 13-year-old from Germantown, Maryland, has been raising awareness for endangered gorillas, hosting fundraisers and engaging kids in environmental issues through her organization Gorilla Heroes. “Kids are the future, and they’re going to need to fix a lot of the damage that has already been done to the planet,” Addy says. “The earlier that they can start educating themselves and know what’s going on the world, the better it will be in the future.” Some of the initiatives Addy has spearheaded with Gorilla Heroes include a fun and educational fundraising annual event called WashingtonFAMILY.com  11 ADDY BARRETT, MILES WORCESTER and LONDON NAVARRO all committed themselves to something they care about at a young age. Washington FAMILY asked them for their advice for other kids who might want to do the same: Addy: “If kids realize that they really can do things, they’ll be able to take off and do whatever they want. If you find something that you’re really passionate about, I think you should try to move forward with that. Don’t let an opportunity slip away just because you think you’re too young.” Miles: “Find something that interests you and try to find something that supports that and help out that organization.” London: “If somebody like me has something they love, they should keep doing it. If it’s a sport, they can get into the Olympics. If it’s art, they can make their own business one day. Find something to stay focused on, and it will hopefully get you far in life.” ADVICE TO OTHER PARENTS While Addy, Miles and London have an incredible amount of individual initiative, their successes have also been supported by their parents. If your child expresses a desire to make a difference, Addy’s mom Sarah says, “You can’t be too quick to dismiss the concerns and issues that your kids bring to you about the world because they have a reason to be bringing those things (to you). Let them really take the lead. There are things that Addy has wanted to do along the way that I never would have thought of because we come at things from a different perspective when we’re adults.” Miles’ mother Renée explains the importance of raising your child to give back: “Service, community and giving back leads to a better image on what is around you. It can be turned into a great educational opportunity to be able to give back in any area.” If you think your child may be facing bullying or other challenges, Addy’s mom Kim advises, “Parents need to pay attention to their kids and read the signs to know if something is going on. Sign them up for something to get their aggression out. When you’re faced with those challenges, those children need an outlet to let go of some of the aggression that has built up from the bullying. Once they let that out, they have to learn how to manage it.” n “Remembering and honoring fallen veterans is important because it can mean a lot to the families of the veterans to know that their son or daughter is always going to be remembered and honored,” Miles says. He reflected on his experiences laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. “When the wreaths are there, you just kind of feel proud that you helped do this. You know that the families are going to be happy that you did it,” Miles says. Miles finds it important for young people to find causes like this to commit themselves to. “It’s important that kids are involved because it’s going to bring it to the next generation,” he says. “When I grow up, I know I’m going to keep doing this and other things like this.” His mom, Renée Worcester, wanted to raise her child in the organization to develop his sense of character. “Someone who gives back, whether it’s with WAA or any other nonprofit, is learning character that is really important HONORING VETERANS Miles Worcester has been involved in Wreaths for their everyday lives,” she says. Across America (WAA) since he was born. His grandfather, Morrill Worcester, founded the TURNING A FEAR organization, which conducts wreath-laying INTO TRIUMPH ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, Growing up, 13-year-old London Navarro veterans’ cemeteries and other locations across of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and her brother the country. The 13-year-old has grown up in the endured relentless physical bullying at school. organization, traveling frequently to Arlington Their parents tried every solution they could National Cemetery and other locations to lay consider until they found the one that worked: wreaths and attend military funerals. enrolling their kids in Brazilian jiu jitsu. the Gorilla Gala and a donation drive for old T-shirts which she makes into toys for gorillas. Addy recently donated some of her handmade toys to the gorillas at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. “I try to make our fundraisers fun to get kids involved and have them feel like they can make a difference while also helping gorillas,” Addy says. Addy’s mom, Sarah Barrett, who has provided support to Gorilla Heroes, has seen through her daughter’s work how important it is for young people to commit themselves to causes that they believe in. “Kids are discovering they can’t wait until they’re adults to take action. They’re really needing to step up now,” Sarah says. “There is no reason to wait. You can make a difference and educate the people around you and beyond.” 12  Washington FAMILY  DECEMBER 2021 Now a three-time jiu jitsu Youth Pan-American world champion, London has gained more than a way to defend herself against bullying. Jiu jitsu has also helped London become more patient, confident and disciplined. “I know that I am stronger now and I’m more capable of doing things independently,” she says. “I don’t allow people to get to me mentally.” London has made many sacrifices in her life to commit herself to jiu jitsu. She practices six times a week, waking up early on Saturdays and turning down invitations to hang out with friends. But she says it’s all worth it to one day achieve her goals of becoming an Olympic athlete and jiu jitsu teacher. “I want to teach kids how to defend themselves if they’re being bullied or picked on,” London says. London has a wall of medals hanging in her room from all of the championships that she has won. But Kim, her mom, says that it’s the mental growth she has witnessed in London that she finds most admirable. “She was traumatized as a child being physically bullied,” Kim says. “She turned a fear into triumph.” Addy, Miles and London might be young, but age hasn’t stopped them from committing themselves wholeheartedly to what they care about most. Each has found something they believe in and serves as remarkable examples of all that kids are capable of achieving. n DRAGONTIGER/ ISTOCK /GETTY IMAGES PLUS ADVICE TO OTHER KIDS THE BEST Gifts for Kids The year’s top toys and games BY ELENA EPSTEIN, DIRECTOR, NATIONAL PARENTING PRODUCT AWARDS (NAPPA) he 2021 National Parenting Product Awards (NAPPA) results are in, and we’ve identified the year’s top products for children in the DMV. Turn to our gift guide for the best toy recommendations for every child on your holiday gift list. Baby Henry the Bunny This plush bunny has the sweetest hanging ears and luxe pom- pom tails, making it the perfect best friend for baby. Each doll provides 10 meals to children in need. $82, ages birth+, cuddleandkind.com Lulla Owl A soother and sleep companion provides the sounds of a natural heartbeat and breathing to comfort and support babies. Soft, small and lightweight, with no plush filling, this toy makes a safe option for the most sensitive babies. $39, ages birth+, lulladoll.com Touch & Learn Nature ABC Board Bring a love of nature into the world of learning. With a touch-sensitive wooden board, this toy tablet teaches letters, sounds and counting. $24.99, ages 1-2, shop.leapfrog.com Preschool Marshall’s Transforming City Fire Truck Look for this all-new toy from the “PAW Patrol” movie. This item features two different modes and exciting sounds for added fun. $54.99, age 3+, amazon.com Oh So Snuggly This cuddly plush friend has soft quilted features reminiscent of a security blanket. This toy is available as a hippo, bunny and puppy in two sizes. $12-$20, ages birth+, gund.com Sweet Baby Banana Get this cute mini baby with a soft and cuddly body, fresh baby powder scent, sweet face and bright eyes. It’s perfectly sized for a nap and bedtime buddy. $12.99, ages 1+, amazon.com Count Along Basket & Scanner Let’s shop with play food, shopping lists and scanners. Carry the basket or expand it into a rolling cart while learning about new food groups, colors, shapes and numbers. $34.99, ages 2+, store.leapfrog.com WashingtonFAMILY.com  13 Early Elementary PLAYMOBIL Dino Rise T-Rex: Battle of the Giants The T-Rex Battle has begun. This toy has a robot machine on a destructive path. Your kids need to gather a dino-human team to stop them before it’s too late. $69.99, ages 5-12, playmobil.us Shimmercorns Sparkle Makeover These DIY unicorns come with wings, stencils, markers and a brush to express your creative side. Give Sparkle a makeover with your own designs. $12.99, ages 3+, justplayproducts.com Nut Nut Squirrel! This game lets a pesky squirrel go after your hard-earned stash of nuts. Outsmart your opponents to win this game of squirrelly snacks, suspense and surprises. $11.99, ages 4+, pbnjgames.com Purse Pets Bring your look to life with these fabulous interactive pets packed with purse-onality. They respond to your touch, blink and have exciting sounds and reactions. $24.99, ages 4+, amazon.com Squishmallow Food Squad Are you a foodie? This toy features everything from appetizers and cheeseburgers to desserts. It’s a squad member of carryout food for everyone. $19.99, all ages, squishmallows.com   My Fairy Garden Light Unicorn Paradise A SWEET & SILLY IN-PERSON HOLIDAY TREAT!       301-280-1660 imaginationstage.org 14  Washington FAMILY  DECEMBER 2021 This charming toadstool house sits beside a sparkly rocky cave for magical fairy fun. Kids will love the shiny light-up rainbow and a glit- tery unicorn friend. $29.99, ages 4+, playmonster.com Just Add Soap Superhero Rescue Kids can take on this hands-on adventure to learn about muscles while developing healthy exercise habits. The kit includes a top-secret mission pack and STEAM projects to save the forest. $29.95, ages 5-8, amazon.com PIXTER Make science and art at home easy with supplies you already have with this cool kit. $24.95, ages 8+, griddlygames.com Now anyone can learn to be an artist. Select an image and the electronic drawing coach will show you how to draw step by step, one line at a time. $19.99, ages 6+, pixtertoy.com Kinetic Sand Sandisfactory Set The set includes everything you need to create your own mesmerizing sand surprise reveals. Make oddly satisfying, sandy videos right at home. $14.99, ages 3+, kineticsand.com Super Mario Aquabeads Creation Cube Set Create your favorite characters including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Bowser and more. Place the beads on the provided templates, spray with water and watch as the beads magically fuse together. $39.99, ages 4+, epocheverlastingplay.com Mosaic Photo Frame Craft Kit Discover these shimmery, colorful mosaic pieces made from mother-of-pearl shells. Kids will find everything they need to create a gorgeous photo frame. $15.99, ages 6+, plbfun.com PayYourNanny.com We’re here to help families Roblox 15th Anniversary Gold Four-Figure Pack Create your own stories, celebrations or anything you can imagine. Assemble four of the most iconic and collectible figures and get ready for an epic adventure. $19.99, ages 6+, walmart.com Payyournanny.com provides payroll and tax compliance services to household employers (703) 819-9796 byudd@payyournanny.com payyournanny.com WashingtonFAMILY.com  (703) 819-9796 (703) 819-9796 15 Christmas gift wish list Dear Santa, My name is ............................................................................................................................ and I am ................... years old. This year I’ve been ................... awesome ................... good ................... naughty (but I can explain!) My Christmas wish for my family and friends is . . . ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... For Christmas, I would really love . . . ▶ .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ▶ .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. ▶ .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. I hope you, Mrs. Claus and the reindeer have a very Merry Christmas! ................................................................. 16  Washington FAMILY  DECEMBER 2021 Ekaterina Romanova/iStock/Getty Images Plus ▶ .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. What Makes a FAMILY PHOTO? When it comes to photographing children, Chris Knowles knows it’s important to be able to adjust on the fly. Learn Some Tips From DMV Photographers and Families BY LINDSAY VANASDALAN VOLODYMYR SHTUN/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS WashingtonFAMILY.com  17 Clarksburg, Maryland, with their four children, met Knowles when their children attended a small private school together. Having that connection helped bring out their natural silliness, he says. It also allowed for a personal touch to be weaved in, he says, recalling one time Knowles incorporated an old military truck he found in a field into one of the shoots because he knew both Aryln and Twila were veterans. “It touched my heart,” he says. TAKING THE PRESSURE OFF THE LOGAN FAMILY That’s what happened when the Poolesville- based family photographer worked with the Logans. Their son wasn’t smiling so Knowles had an idea—let the child take a picture of his parents instead. Not only did it add to the dynamic of the photos—talking to their son brought out different expressions and emotions in his parents’ faces—but it loosened him up for his own shoot. “After that, he kind of really enjoyed it,” Knowles says. “He was all sweetness and light and just all up for it.” Knowles and Falls Church-based family photographer Jessica Caso shared with Washington FAMILY their perspectives on what makes a good family photo, especially as you’re capturing memories with family this holiday season. Learn their tips and techniques for managing wild cards like the weather, sleep schedules and even the family dog. AUTHENTICITY IS KEY To get the most authentic photos, Caso loves to shoot in and around the home, she says. Often an in-home shoot is requested right after someone has celebrated a significant life event such as having a baby so that she is able to capture candid shots of small, personal everyday-life moments. “Almost as if she’s like a member of family, in a sense, but also not there,” says Lisa Sullivan- Solheim, who has used Caso as photographer for her family of five in Alexandria since her first daughter was born in 2017. It’s very natural when she’s been able to capture “these beautiful little moments” such as breastfeeding and snuggling, Sullivan- Solheim says. The home also adds to the photos, Caso says, because it gives you a sense of the person or people who live there. Aryln Logan and his wife Twila, who live in 18  Washington FAMILY  DECEMBER 2021 To get more natural smiles and genuine interactions, sometimes it’s also necessary to do some things to take the pressure off, such as having stickers and fun things to keep children entertained or showing families their progress during the shoot to boost their confidence. “I kind of mirror what I would love to see,” says Knowles. If the photographer sets the tone, it can also help the family relax too. Christine Sproat says her Poolesville family of five—including three very active boys and dog Ginger—always feels comfortable with him. “I have been in situations with photographers who kind of lose patience,” she says. “Chris enjoyed himself and captured the moment for my boys.” Bijal Rock, who lives with her family of four in Arlington, Virginia, says, “Family pictures are always a drag for everybody,” but Caso manages to find ways to take the pressure off and the results speak for themselves. “As the years go on and they grow, you see snippets of their personality in those pictures,” she says of her children. “They’re lovely memories.” At the end of the day, the photoshoots should be about having fun—even when things go wrong. Caso recalls an outdoor shoot where a 4-year-old fell in the water and was completely drenched. His father went in to get him, and he was drenched too. “It was one of the best sessions that I had that entire year because, at that point, all the pressure was gone,” she says. KNOWING YOUR SURROUNDINGS Choosing the right environment can have a huge impact on family photos—whether it’s finding the right light during odd times to accommodate children’s sleep schedules, managing weather or finding the perfect setting that will be memorable. It can be hard to manage the unexpected with outdoor shoots—like bugs in the summer or unpredictable winter weather, Knowles says. “There’s been times I’ll show up to the location and I’m like, ‘How is this going to Puppet Shows Puppet Shows Puppet Shows Occasions For Occasions All Occasions For For All All (703) 444-9426 (703) 444-9426 (703)444-9426 Large and and colorful • Large marionettes and colorful marionettes • • Large colorful marionettes hand puppets puppets and hand puppets and and hand Lively music music • Lively music • • Lively • • Audience participation Audience participation • Audience participation • • Puppet-making Puppet-making workshops • workshops Puppet-making workshops Goody bags bags • Goody bags • • Goody Susan Wall's Susan Wall's www.carouselpuppets.com www.carouselpuppets.com The ACCELERATOR School (6th - 12th grade) is proud to provide an exciting learning platform where student athletes can be successful. As a family of educators, we aim to provide individual development platforms for our students to become the best version of themselves. LOGAN AND SPROUT FAMILIES BY CHRIS KNOWLES; THE ROCK FAMILY BY JESSICA CASO THE SPROAT FAMILY work?’” Twila Logan says. She recalls one shoot from a previous family photographer that took place in Ellicott City when it was dark and rainy, and her family happened to be wearing black. She was worried it would look too dreary, but with the skillful use of a bit of light, the photos turned out great, she says. Caso says good lighting is important, but she can’t always shoot at the time of day she wants when it comes to maternity or family photography. She knows there’s a “faux sunset” at 1 p.m. at Rock Creek State Park, so if she is planning around a baby’s sleep schedules, that’s an option. Finding a memorable location can also be a game-changer for family photo sessions. Sullivan-Solheim says Caso was able to find some hidden gems in her neighborhood and beyond, such as the Winkler Botanical Preserve and little parks and fields in city areas that added a nice touch of nature. “I would have never driven back and stumbled upon it,” she says of the preserve. Sproat had her own location in mind—a farm with stunning cherry blossoms—and it meant a lot that Knowles was willing to be flexible and open to the suggestion because it made the photos, she says. COLOR ME HAPPY Families can do a little bit to prepare for their shoots by paying attention to colors and patterns. Knowles recommends having no more than two prominent colors. They can be different shades of the same color. Caso notes families Shadow days are available. should avoid small checkered patterns because they can look off on social media and white socks, as they tend to stick out. Mostly though, just wear what makes you feel the most confident, she says. n acceleratorschool.com info@acceleratorschool.com (732) 731-9598 Soccerplex 18031 Central Park Circle Boyds, MD 20841 THE ROCK FAMILY WashingtonFAMILY.com  19 ‘Is My Child OK?’ What parents need to know about the ups and downs of childhood versus mood disorders BY LAURA FARMER It’s a question we parents ask ourselves all the time: “Is my child OK?” As parents, we know there are times when our children do not seem emotionally OK. For example, perhaps a toddler seems to be throwing tantrums more often and at decibel levels that surely can’t be normal. What about a sullen teenager who always seems moody and isolates herself in her room? How about a school-aged child whose frustration in school prompts him to act out? Are these behaviors within the realm of “normal,” or should parents be alarmed? Unfortunately, the answer to this question has been further complicated by the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more than a year, most students learned at home, virtually. Despite their heroic teachers’ best efforts, remote learning was a trying experience for many. Finally, students are back in school and are navigating the school routine’s pressures: waking up early, being around peers for six hours a day and encountering new academic demands. Naturally, we should expect that our kids will need to adjust to this new experience, which may cause them to act out in ways we weren’t anticipating. “Is my child OK?” How do we, as parents, differentiate between the normal ups and downs of the younger years versus an actual mood disorder that needs specialized care? For help, we turn to the experts. RAWF8 ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS 20  Washington FAMILY  DECEMBER 2021 Dr. Sean D. Pustilnik serves as the clinical director of child and adolescent psychiatry at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. He shares that, in recent years, the general public has an increased awareness about the importance of fostering mental wellness. But he cautions, “Mental illness and mental health are not opposites. As with physical health, the absence of an ailment doesn’t mean you’re healthy. It simply means you don’t have a disease.” So, too, with mental health. “There are a lot of things that kids need for their well- being, like physical activity, sleep, socialization, family time and time spent outdoors,” explains Pustilnik. “During the pandemic, a lot of those things were restricted. While children may not have a diagnosable mental disorder such as depression or autism, they were not engaging in the things that we know help create optimal well-being.” So ar e they OK? According to Dr. Jason A. Lewis, a psychologist and section director of mood, anxiety and trauma disorders at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, parents should consider several factors to determine whether their child’s mood swings are normal. “First, we look at the severity of their symptoms compared to how their symptoms appeared in the past,” explains Lewis. “Next, we consider if their symptoms have a known cause, or did they develop out of the blue? We also consider frequency and duration: Are symptoms occurring more often and for longer periods of time? Most importantly, has the child contemplated or engaged in any self-harm? When this is true, it is always important to seek professional support. Finally, do these symptoms impair your child’s functioning?” Pustilnik agrees. “You can research various conditions online and come up with a list of symptoms. But just the presence of these symptoms is not enough to diagnose a mental disorder. Rather, we look at how these symptoms affect various aspects of your child’s life.” Dr. Ronald Lee, service chief of the Adolescent Male Crisis Stabilization Unit at Sheppard Pratt, adds that sometimes children in distress can be especially hurtful to the people they love most. “Children may show severe irritability and be more prone to fighting,” says Lee. “A lot of times, their anger is directed toward Child and Adolescent Behavior al Health Ser vices in the DMV CHILD AND ADOLESCENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAM Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services 7300 Calhoun Place, Rockville, Maryland 8818 Georgia Ave. Silver Spring, Maryland 240-777-1432 montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS- Program/Program.aspx/?id=BHCS/ BHCSChildAdolMentalHealth-p471.html CHILDREN’S NATIONAL HOSPITAL 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-729-3300 childrensnational.org/departments/ psychiatry-and-behavioral-sciences INOVA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES Locations in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. 855-694-6682 inova.org/our-services/ inova-behavioral-health-services family members and the people with whom they’re closest. They may not mean the words they say, but their words come from their emotional distress.” OK-ish to A-OK! What can parents do when they recognize that their child’s mental health is not optimal? According to Lee, the first step is communication. “Parents should make themselves available to talk with their child about how they’re feeling. Actively listen to them, without any distractions, to understand where they are coming from,” he advises. He also recommends that parents reach out to other people in your child’s network. “Many kids already have a baseline hard time communicating and may shut down further as a result of poor mental functioning,” says Lee. “Therefore, it may be helpful to reach out to the child’s teachers, school counselor or friends to find out how they are doing in other settings.” Model the coping skills you’d like your children to use. “Kids learn a lot from what they see around MEDSTAR HEALTH GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, OUTPATIENT CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY CLINIC 2115 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 200 Washington, D.C. 202-944-5400 medstargeorgetown.org/ our-services/division-of-child-and- adolescent-psychiatry THE ROSS CENTER 5225 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 400 Washington, D.C. 202-363-1010 1595 Spring Hill Road, Suite 520 Vienna, Virginia 703-687-6610 rosscenter.com them,” says Lewis. “We’re all stressed. But parents should try to model successful ways of coping, (which) includes a variety of skills, such as using good problem-solving strategies, effective self-care, engaging in prosocial activities, getting good sleep, eating well and taking care of your physical self.” Parents should also model healthy screen use habits. “(Social media) use is like tobacco use 50 years ago! If we could put a Surgeon General’s warning on it, we would!” says Pustilnik. “Its overuse has had a huge public health impact. It detracts from all of the healthy things kids should be doing. “Social connection through a screen is not the same as in-person interaction,” he says. “Parents should monitor screen time and try to limit it to two hours per day.” Growing up is tough. But adult-ing is tough, too! Just as you have good days and bad days, expect that your child will, too. If it seems like she or he is having more bad days than good, don’t hesitate to raise your concerns with your child’s pediatrician or a mental health professional. n WashingtonFAMILY.com  21 LAIMDOTA /ISTOCK /GETTY IMAGES PLUS OK-ish PARENT YOU SHOULD KNOW Jeffrey D. Katz Celebrating ‘magic moments’ with family INTERVIEW BY MICHAEL VYSKOCIL big thing, a dot-com fin-tech to manage real estate transactions, and my 13-year-old regales me with the stories of tennis games gone awry at Holton Arms. I think the quality of the time we spend with our kids is more important than the quantity of time that we spend. I try to make each moment meaningful, memorable and measurable. I often have a hard time disassociating myself from technology and the iPhone, but over the years, I’ve learned that work emergencies will still be there after dinner, and there’s no way to replace a missed birthday party or other experience. I think disconnecting from the internet is a great way to achieve balance and harmony in the family. My greatest challenge isn’t turning off my device but the kids’ devices and getting them engaged in speaking and not texting. They are only little for a short time, so I really try to enjoy those magic moments when I can. We recently enjoyed a daddy-daughter-dog day consisting of a trip to the new dog park at Park Potomac, followed by lunch at King Street Oyster Bar and custard at Carmen’s. It was an epic afternoon! What’s the hardest part about juggling parenthood and your career? What’s something that makes it easier to balance both? The hardest part about raising four kids is that there just aren’t enough hours in the day. I am lucky to spend quality time with at least one kid each morning as I drive one of my daughters to school. Some days, I work from home and get a bonus second drive with a later arrival. I hear about all kinds of goings-on while in the car. They run the gamut from mixed sock days, wear your PJs to school day, dress like a cowboy and cowgirl and spirit days. Ironically, that’s the high school experience! My little one likes to read books to me each day, and we take 15 minutes to catch up on the efforts of Mo Willems and Gerald the Elephant (her favorite). My son is working on his next 22  Washington FAMILY  DECEMBER 2021 Holidays are always a special time for our family, and we try to spend them together— sleeping in, with a late breakfast or brunch is a family favorite. We travel quite a bit for our kids’ production schedules, and locally for school activities, so having downtime is a great time for our family. We like hiking on the C&O Canal with our dogs—Cookie Monster, a Newfoundland, and Tootsie, an Australian shepherd. How have you nurtured your children’s interests in acting? A favorite activity is watching movies in our basement. Since the kids’ film and acting career took off, we built them a little stage and an in-home theater with lighted signs and marquee where they can act out their favorite film scenes or just lay back on the couch and catch a film with their friends. n LOIS COHODAS PHOTO/CHANTAL NASTIS-CN PHOTOGRAPHY Y ou may have spotted one or more of Jeffrey D. Katz’s children in TV commercials, shows or movies such as “Moonlight Suburbia,” “Who Killed Jane Doe?” the “Gypsy” Netflix series and “The Ralph Friedman Series.” With professional mini-actors living in his home, Katz has his hands full each day keeping up with his family’s busy schedule. Katz is the founder and managing partner of JDKatz, P.C., an estate planning, elder law, tax law, business law and litigation law firm in Bethesda. He and his wife, Heather, will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in April 2022. Washington FAMILY connected with Katz about how he maximizes the time spent with his children Kyra (age 7), Lili (13), Carli (16) and Austin (17). How do you celebrate the holidays with your family? PRIVATE SCHOOL DIRECTORY ACCELERATOR SCHOOL Ricky Duggal Soccerplex 18031 Central Park Circle Boyds, MD 20841​ (732) 731-9598 acceleratorschool.com info@acceleratorschool.com The ACCELERATOR School (6th - 12th grade) is proud to provide an exciting learning platform where student athletes can be successful. As a family of educators, we aim to provide individual development platforms for our students to become the best version of themselves. curriculum, subject expert teachers and top student outcomes. and socially aware global thinkers ready to navigate this changing world. BROOKSFIELD SCHOOL 1830 Kirby Road McLean, VA 22101 703-356-5437 brooksfieldschool.org sarah@brooksfieldschool.org Ages Served: 3-10 Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Mindfulness, nutrition, Spanish, dance, music, art, outdoor adventure program, extracurricular activities and summer camp BASIS INDEPENDENT MCLEAN 8000 Jones Branch Drive McLean, VA 22102 703-854-1253 mclean.basisindependent.com mclean-info@basisindependent.com Ages: Age 2-Grade 12 BASIS Independent McLean is an age 2–grade 12 private school educating tomorrow’s engineers, artists, scientists and leaders. Extensive club and sport offerings on the 11-acre campus include a gymnasium, dedicated science labs and art studios, playgrounds, basketball courts, a turf area, four-square courts and a separate entrance for Early Learning students. Attend the Open House on Jan. 22, 2022, to learn about its global BUTLER MONTESSORI 15951 Germantown Road Darnestown, MD 20874 301-977-6600 butlerschool.org admin@butlerschool.org Ages: 2-15 Nestled on 22 acres, our certified “Green School” provides a “home away from home” for preschool, elementary and middle school students. Our students, under the guidance of AMI-certified faculty, develop strong social, emotional and academic foundations that serve them now and into the future. Butler Montessori’s mission is to guide children to be independent, resilient, compassionate (THE) CENTER FOR BALLET ARTS 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 103 Fairfax, VA 22030 703-273-5344 thecenterforballetarts.com ctrbalarts@aol.com Ages: 3-adults The Center for Ballet Arts provides a well- rounded curriculum and pleasant encouraging environment for dance training in many different disciplines. Classes are designed to promote flexibility, strength, artistry, coordination and technique. CITYDANCE Online and CityDance School & Conservatory at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane North Bethesda, MD 20852 301-581-5204 citydance.net inquiry@citydance.net Ages: 3-adults CityDance School & Conservatory provides a curriculum of ballet training and contemporary dance techniques including modern, jazz, hip- hop and world dance forms. CONGRESSIONAL SCHOOL 3229 Sleepy Hollow Road Falls Church, VA 22042 703-533-9711 congressionalschool.org gherbst@congressionalschool.org Discover this co-ed independent day school for infants to eighth graders in Falls Church, Virginia. Congressional School prepares young learners for future success, inspiring them to question, collaborate, create and lead. ENCORE STAGE & STUDIO 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, VA 22207 703-548-1154 encorestageva.org info@encorestageva.org Encore offers a variety of virtual theater arts programs. Students will build their skills in acting, storytelling, and creative thinking through this unique theatrical experience. FEYNMAN SCHOOL 11810 Falls Road, Potomac, MD 20854 301-770-4370 feynmanschool.org admissions@feynmanschool.org Grades: Preschool-Grade 8 Open House: Call to schedule a tour. As the area’s leader in educating academically gifted children, Feynman School features Montessori School of McLean Exceptional Montessori Education for Toddlers through Upper Elementary: Ages 2-12 Cultivating each child’s unique ability to flourish in mind, body and spirit ENRICHMENTS • Science • Technology • Spanish • Outdoor Classroom • Library • Music • Drama • Art • Physical Education Aftercare • Transportation • Summer Camp 1711 Kirby Road McLean, VA 22101 703-790-1049 Accredited by www.mcleanmontessori.org WashingtonFAMILY.com  23 extraordinary programs in science, math and language arts. Sister Montessori preschools, providing Northern Virginia’s preschool children with quality education for the past 50 years. GEORGETOWN HILL EARLY SCHOOL georgetownhill.com 301-284-8144 12 locations in Montgomery, Frederick and PG counties: Bethesda, Clarksburg, Darnestown, Gaithersburg, Potomac, North Potomac, Rockville, Hyattsville and Riverdale. For more than 40 years, Georgetown Hill Early School has provided high-quality, play-based childcare programs to Maryland families for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. With 12 locations in Montgomery, Frederick and PG counties, Georgetown Hill’s researched-based P.L.A.N. curriculum embraces the whole-child approach to learning by creating a nurturing environment for children to play, learn, and grow into their true selves during their most informative developmental years. HARMONIA SCHOOL OF MUSIC & ART 204 F Mill St., NE, Vienna, VA 22180 703-938-7301 harmoniaschool.org harmonia@harmoniaschool.org Harmonia School offers outstanding performing arts programs. It includes instrumental and voice lessons and early EXPANDING PRIMARY PROGRAM EXPLORE • WONDER • GROW childhood classes. Harmonia’s theater department offers one of the finest musical theater and acting programs that culminate in productions. The classes are offered to all ages and all levels. Highly educated and experienced teachers provide the instruction. HOLLY BROOK MONTESSORI SCHOOL 2455 Gallows Road Dunn Loring, VA 22027 703-573-7800 preschoolmontessori.com info@hollybrookmontessori.com Tours are available by appointment Children learn in an intimate and unpretentious atmosphere, where they respect themselves and others and care for the environment around them. Holly Brook offers a complete educational and social environment and uses the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help children develop more fully the potential within them. The school provides a program specially suited to the needs of a child and offers individual attention to his or her total development as an individual. HUNTER MILL MONTESSORI SCHOOL 2709 Hunter Mill Road Oakton, VA 22124 703-938-7755 preschoolmontessori.com info@huntermillmontessori.com Tours are available by appointment. Hunter Mill Montessori School provides an intimate and nurturing environment for children ages 2 years, 9 months to 6-year-olds to develop their independence through the Montessori experience. Hunter Mill offers a complete educational and social environment and uses the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help children develop more fully the potential within them. The school provides a program specially suited to the needs of a child and offers individual attention to his or her whole development. Montessori Kindergarten & Preschool INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC 11325 Seven Locks Road, Suite 255 Potomac, MD 20854 4701 Sangamore Road, Suite LL-03 Bethesda, MD 20816 301-365-5888 ismw.org; info@ismw.org Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Voted best in music instruction, the International School of Music offers music lessons in all instruments and voices to students of all levels and ages. Preschool music classes and adult music instruction are also available in addition to the optional performances and certificate programs. Book your trial lessons today. McLean, VA • 703-356-5437 • www.brooksfieldschool.org (THE) MANOR MONTESSORI SCHOOL 10500 Oaklyn Drive, Potomac, MD 20854 Now Enrolling Ages 2 to 6 Toddler Program • Before & After Care Advanced Academic Curriculum 24  WashingtonFAMILY  DECEMBER 2021 5450 Massachusetts Ave. Bethesda, MD 20816 11200 Old Georgetown Road Rockville, MD 20852 301-299-7400 manormontessori.com Ages: 2-9 Discover Maryland’s first Montessori School, teaching generations of children since 1962. Offering school day, extended day and summer day camp. MARVA COLLINS COTTAGE SCHOOL 703-942-9817 mccottageschool.org director@mccottageschool.org Private/Independent School Grades accepted: PreK-2nd Preschool and kindergarten Ages accepted: 4-7 years Pre-K to Grade 2. Offering half- and full- day programs and culturally responsive education while prioritizing the joy of learning. Please visit our website for information session and open house details. (THE) MONTESSORI SCHOOL AT GOOSE CREEK PRESERVE 42470 Rosalind St., Ashburn, VA 20148 571-417-3999 goosecreekmontessori.com info@goosecreekmontessori.com Tours available by appointment. Discover this brand-new Montessori school in the Broadlands area of Ashburn. All of the classrooms are spacious with an abundance of natural lighting. The classrooms open to the playground with patios allowing children to freely work inside and outside. Goose Creek offers a complete educational and social environment and uses the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help a child develop more fully the potential within him or her. MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF CEDAR LANE 3035 Cedar Lane, Fairfax, VA 22031 703-560-4379 preschoolmontessori.com info@cedarlanemontessori.com Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Montessori School of Cedar Lane has been providing over 40 years of Montessori tradition to Northern Virginia. We offer a complete educational and social environment and use the discoveries and methods of Dr. Montessori to help a child develop more fully the potential within him or her. (THE) MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF MCLEAN 1711 Kirby Road, McLean, VA 22101 703-790-1049 mcleanmontessori.org Ages: 2 -12 Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Offering preschool and elementary classes, Spanish, French, science, drama, music, physical education, computer, art and summer school. Transportation available. NYSMITH SCHOOL FOR THE GIFTED 13625 EDS Drive, Herndon, VA 20171 703-713-3332 nysmith.com ebalberde@nysmith.com Ages Served: 3 years old to eighth grade Hours: 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. The award-winning Nysmith School for the Gifted is committed to making school fun. Staff nurture your student’s love of learning and help your children learn to their potential. A 1-to-9 ratio allows Nysmith to differentiate the academic program up to four levels above a student’s current grade. ONENESS-FAMILY MONTESSORI SCHOOL Ages 2 through Grade 12 6701 Wisconsin Ave. Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-652-7751 High School: 9411 Connecticut Ave. Kensington, MD 20895 301-652-7751 onenessfamily.org For 33 years, Oneness-Family School’s award- winning Montessori program has served families of students 2 years through grade 12. OFS features highly trained, supportive teachers and a diverse, engaged school community. We create a collaborative learning environment where all children have the chance to explore their own talents and interests. OFS fosters students who are prepared to lead and succeed in a changing, challenging world by balancing college prep academics with a focus on well-being and shared values such as empathy, inclusion and equity. High school program offerings include a leadership program, outdoor education, community internships and field studies in the D.C. area. PINECREST SCHOOL 7209 Quiet Cove Alexandria, VA 22003 703-354-3446 pinecrestschool.org admissions@pinecrestschool.org Ages: 3-12 Hours: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Please email for more information. Pinecrest School is a fully accredited progressive school offering small class sizes, hands-on curriculum, an individualized approach and a focus on a balance of academics and social and emotional well-being. Offers preschool through sixth grades, summer camp and before- and after-care services. RESTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL 1928 Isaac Newton Square West Reston, VA 20190 703-481-2922 restonmontessori.com office@restonmontessori.com Hours: 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Open House: Call to schedule a tour. Established in 1986, Reston Montessori School is a private, coeducational school for children from 3 months through sixth grade. RMS provides academic school day, enrichment programs and before- after-school activities. (THE) SIENA SCHOOL 1300 Forest Glen Road Silver Spring, MD 20901 301-244-3600 2705 Hunter Mill Road Oakton, VA 22124 703-745-5900 thesienaschool.org info@thesienaschool.org The Siena School provides highly individualized, research-based, multisensory instruction and curriculum-related field trips. Our students develop critical thinking skills and acquire the tools and strategies needed to become successful and independent learners who are prepared for college. SPRING BILINGUAL MONTESSORI ACADEMY 3514 Plyers Mill Road Kensington, MD 20895 301-962-7262 spring-bilingual.org Ages: 2-6; Hours: 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. This Montessori preschool offers foreign language programs. SPRINGWELL SCHOOL 9525 Colesville Road Silver Spring, MD 20901 springwell.school info@springwell.school 301-578-6885 Grades: K-4 This progressive school offers a unique blend of Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia philosophies. ONGOING REGISTRATION p p i i a a n n o o , , v v i i o g g r o l l in r o o u in u p p c c l l a a s s s s e A e s s A g g e e s s 2 2 t t o o 6 6 Westminster School WESTMINSTER SCHOOL 3819 Gallows Road Annandale, VA 22003 westminsterschool.com admissions@westminsterschool.com 703-256-3620 Preschool (3- and 4-year-olds) to Grade 8 Westminster School provides a unique preschool to middle school education based on a classical curriculum, accelerated academics enhanced by the arts and an emphasis on personal responsibility and good character. Students enjoy small classes taught by teachers who specialize in their field. THE YELLOW HOUSE SCHOOL 7012 Braeburn Place Bethesda, MD 20817 301-263-0952​ theyellowhouseschool.com info@theyellowhouseschool.com This bilingual, inclusive preschool is led by highly qualified early childhood educators. The school is enrolling children ages 2-5 and offers full-day and half-day enrollment. n WashingtonFAMILY.com  25 HEALTHY FAMILY How to Support Your Family’s Immune System This Cold and Flu Season W Eating well Keep your body functioning optimally with the following healthy eating tips. Probiotics A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for a strong immune system, something that foods with probiotics—live, beneficial bacteria— can support. “Fermented foods can add probiotics, which take up space in our digestive systems so the ‘bad bugs’ don’t have much room to grow,” says Isabel Maples, a Washington, D.C.–based national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Probiotics can help after symptoms arise. “At the first sign of stomach upset such as diarrhea or constipation, I recommend a high- quality probiotic that has several strains of healthy gut bacteria,” says Jana Burton, CEO and founder of Healthy Home Pediatrics, a house call and telemedicine practice providing primary care and lactation services to children and young adults in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. “I recommend getting probiotics through food sources such as breast milk for infants and yogurt for older children.” with marinades or dips like brown sugar or a mustard sauce. “Start with some flavors that your child likes,” Maples says. Snacks “Use snacks as a time to get in more of the foods Americans don’t eat enough of, like fruits and veggies, dairy foods and whole grains,” Maples says. “Twenty-five percent of our calories come from snacks, so let them count, nutrition wise, too.” Managing stress This year has been particularly hard for families adjusting to returning to work and school and dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Immune systems can weaken from stress, so it’s important that parents get help and pair berries and melons with other foods when they can. “Make sure to support each other and seek such as yogurt or cereal. “Add a variety of fruits to get the ‘rainbow.’ help when needed,” Burton says. “I encourage Different colored fruits and vegetables families to get help with child care, laundry and add different vitamins, minerals and cooking when they can.” phytonutrients,” Maples says. Vegetables To make vegetables more appealing to children, Maples recommends winter squash and sweet potatoes for their natural sweetness. You can also serve vegetables with tasty dips. “Add a yogurt- or cheese-based dip with broccoli,” Maples says. Proteins Proteins can help support the immune system. Many foods are packed with protein including: • Dairy: milk, cheese and yogurt. • Meats: beef, pork and lamb. • Poultry: turkey and chicken. • Fish: shellfish and fish. • Nuts and seeds. • Beans, peas and lentils. • Tofu and soy beverages. Maples also recommends salmon as a good source of omega-3 fatty acids “that support Fruits While kids tend to like fruit, they often won’t our immune system and help little brains naturally ask for it. Maples recommends work better.” Kids might enjoy salmon grilled or broiled having kids help select new fruits at the store 26  Washington FAMILY  DECEMBER 2021 Spending time outside Families can find fun outlets for stress to participate in together while also getting fresh air. “Consider physical activity as a way to manage stress,” Maples says. “Get the kids out to play, and you go with them too to the park, for a hike, for a walk around the block, for a bike ride, snow tubing, etc.” A final word on COVID-19 … Taking these small steps to further strengthen your immune systems will help ensure that your family’s year will not be more disrupted than it already has been. If you or your child has developed symptoms that resemble COVID, you will likely have to stay home from activities and get tested more often. “I have been doing countless COVID tests on children and their parents because our leading guidelines say that if you have a new cough or sore throat, it’s best to test,” Burton says. Stay healthy and let’s get through this cold and flu season together. n CATLANE/ISTOCK /GETTY IMAGES PLUS hile you continue to take precautions to keep your kids safe from COVID-19, you also should know that we’re in the midst of cold and flu season. Parents and kids can take simple, everyday steps to support their immune systems at this time of year. The most effective way to strengthen immunity is by getting the flu vaccine. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle through eating nutritious foods, exercising consistently and getting enough sleep will also boost your ability to fight off infection. Integrate the following healthy choices into your family’s routine to ensure you all are prepared for the rest of winter. BY ELEANOR LINAFELT INCLUSIVE FAMILY T process stimuli differently, so it can easily become overwhelming.” he noise, lights, smells, people and activity of holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for neurotypical children and even many adults. It is little wonder, then, that children with special needs may struggle in these environments. If you are hosting a celebration or are a parent of a child with special needs, what can you do to make holiday gatherings less stressful and more joyful? PLAN FOR SUCCESS RESPECT UNIQUENESS Tom Flis (MS, BCBA, LBA, LCPC), clinical director of The Center for Autism at Sheppard Pratt, advises that every individual responds to stressful situations in a unique way. “We have a saying in the autism world that when you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism. Things affect people differently,” says Flis. Flis also suggests that the first step in creating an inclusive holiday season is communication. “It’s really important that if you’re the one hosting the special event, you should reach out to the family member with special needs or the caregivers and find out about them,” says Flis. YOBRO10/ISTOCK /GETTY IMAGES PLUS MENU PLANNING Many individuals with special needs may have dietary considerations. Again, the first step for party hosts is communication. Ask the child’s parents directly about what they like to eat. Thoughtful menu planning is especially important to Jennifer Nakhla, a mother of two school-aged children. Her oldest, Carter, has autism spectrum disorder and food aversions that cause him to have a very limited diet. “We used to get frustrated that he used to not eat with us at holiday meals. I didn’t understand why,” recalls Nakhla. “Then I realized the smells and sights of all of that food were overwhelming to him. Now, we try to keep the more delicious-smelling things on the other side of the table.” SAFE SPACE Designate a safe, quiet space where children can escape when they need a moment to decompress. “Designate a safe place where your child can go to take a break if the party becomes overstimulating,” advises Flis. “It should be away from others, perhaps with the comfort items available to them, like noise-canceling Making Your Holiday Gatherings More Inclusive BY LAURA FARMER headphones or a preferred activity.” Nahkla, too, has found that designating a safe space for Carter during family gatherings has been essential. “Carter can retreat and focus on what he wants to focus on, and not be overwhelmed by grandparents asking questions, lights on the tree, the smell of fireplace or food,” explains Nakhla. “While you and I may not even notice these stimuli, kids on the spectrum Children with special needs tend to do better when they have a predictable schedule. Parents can create schedule boards and discuss them with their children at the beginning of the day. By talking through what your child will do that day before you do it, it helps them plan and feel some ownership for the day’s events. Holiday gatherings also introduce new people, new experiences and new foods, which can be overwhelming. Parents and family members can help children with special needs by familiarizing them with these new experiences in advance. “Social stories” are a great tool to help children process what will happen at a family gathering. Nakhla says this tool helped Carter become familiar with the faces of people he didn’t already know. “When Carter was younger, I would put a booklet together that explained Christmas Eve is on this day, people will come over at this time, and here are the faces and names of the people who are coming over,” she says. “The more information I could share ahead of time helped Carter feel less overwhelmed during the family event.” LEAD WITH LOVE Making your holidays more inclusive not only benefits the loved one in your life who has special needs, but it may also shape the way you and your guests see the world. “We all have strengths and weaknesses and things we’re really good at and things we’re not,” says Flis. “Planning an event that accommodates all different people is another way we can take care of each other.” Nahkla agrees, “I spend a lot of time teaching Carter how to communicate with his neurotypical peers. I sometimes wish others spent as much time teaching these peers how to interact with kids on the spectrum. When you can come to their level instead of making them come to you, there’s something beautiful that comes from that. These kids on the spectrum have reshaped how I see the world. The way Carter sees the world is so beautiful. He doesn’t see the ‘yuck’ we see. He doesn’t separate people like we do. Anyone who knows him is a friend. That’s a pretty great way to live.” n WashingtonFAMILY.com  27 BOOK MARKED Sharing HOLIDAY STORIES 16 Books Present Customs and Traditions for Young Readers BY MICHELLE HALBER, CHILDREN’S LIBRARIAN, DAVIS BRANCH OF THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY Explore several fun and informative books about the various holidays we celebrate this month. HANUKKAH (CHANUKAH) STORIES “There Was a Young Rabbi: A Hanukkah Tale” by Suzanne Wolfe, illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler “The Ninth Night of Hanukkah” by Erica S. Perl, illustrated by Shahar Kober “Eight Knights of Hanukkah” by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Galia Bernstein Hanukkah (Chanukah), the Jewish Festival of Lights, is celebrated from Nov. 28 Dec. 6 this year and commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. These three new picture books illustrate a range of fun, family, relationships and the values of Hanukkah (Chanukah) in rhymes and stories. CHRISTMAS STORIES “Pete the Kitty’s Cozy Christmas” by Kimberly and James Dean This fun touch-and-feel board book for the little ones introduces readers to Pete, who puts on his warm Christmas sweater, decorates the tree and opens presents. “The Great Santa Stakeout” by Betsy Bird, illustrated by Dan Santat This lower elementary school book features the story of a young boy who loves Santa and spends the entire year inventing a plan to allow him to take a picture with Santa. Does it work? “A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa’s Tasty Trip Around the World” by M.E. Furman, illustrated by Susan Gal Explore the pages of this nonfiction book 28  Washington FAMILY  DECEMBER 2021 highlighting how children of different countries celebrate the Christmas holiday. Cookie recipes from around the globe are included in the back of the book. “Dog Diaries: Happy Howlidays!” by James Patterson Middle-grade readers will love this tale of Junior, who eagerly awaits Critter-mess day. “Christmas: From Solstice to Santa” by Nikki Tate and Dani Tate-Stratton Discover this nonfiction book providing a comprehensive look at the history of the holiday to current celebrations around the world. “The Afterlife of Holly Chase” by Cynthia Hand Teen readers meet a 17-year-old scrooge, who, after refusing to believe her Christmas carol ghosts about changing her ways, finds herself dead and employed as the Ghost of Christmas Past trying to redeem others. “10 Blind Dates” by Ashley Elston This amusing story shares the joys and pitfalls of family, as Sophie is set up on 10 blind dates by various family members, (some successful, most not), as she tries to recover from a breakup over the holidays. WINTER SOLSTICE BOOK “The Shortest Day” by Susan Cooper, illustrated by Carson Ellis The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, Dec. 21, a fact readers can learn about in this lovely picture book. Appealing illustrations bring the story to life as readers experience how people celebrate, keep warm and bring light on the shortest day of the year. KWANZAA STORIES “Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa” by Donna L. Washington, illustrated by Shane W. Evans Li’l Rabbit tries to get a treat so that Granna, who can’t be with the family, can enjoy the feast of Karamu. “Celebrate Kwanzaa” by Carolyn Otto Check out this National Geographic children’s nonfiction book providing wonderful background and information about the holiday. CULTURAL AND INTERNATIONAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS “Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border” by Mitali Perkins, illustrated by Sara Palacios In this book, readers meet a mother and her two children going to the border of the United States and Mexico to visit family, as the kids try to figure out how to send a gift through the border fence. “We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga” by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frane Lessac Explore the story of the many ways the Cherokee nation expresses gratitude throughout the year for the daily blessings and struggles of life. A STORY FOR THE NEW YEAR “Snow Globe Wishes” by Erin Dealey, illustrated by Claire Shorrock This lovely picture book highlights many of the wishes and hopeful dreams for the year to come. Happy holidays from Montgomery County Public Libraries! P WashingtonFAMILY.com  29 K MY TURN Finding Peace with Food During the Holidays nowing how to eat can feel complicated, especially during the holidays. We want to enjoy food and connection with family and friends, but we may feel guilty about eating certain foods or out of control around certain dishes. Growing up, I often turned to food for comfort when unable to cope with difficult emotions or circumstances. As I grew older, and my size and shape started to shift, I looked to food as the enemy, keeping me from the thinness I desired. This split relationship with food was a major source of stress for me in my adolescent years and eventually spiraled into a full-blown eating disorder in my late teens and early 20s. I remember restricting myself for weeks before holidays just to uncomfortably gorge myself when the special day finally came. This pattern left me feeling guilty and fearful of food and my own cravings, and it stole quite a bit of joy from what should have been special and celebratory moments. I’m now fully recovered from my eating disorder and feel complete freedom around foods no matter the day of the year. After years of my own disordered patterns, I find great joy in helping clients and families at Rock Recovery heal their relationship to food. Healing our relationship with food can be challenging, let alone teaching our children to find peace with theirs. Our disordered culture has programmed us to believe many lies about food that can be hard to untangle and understand. One of the most important things we can do for our children is to teach them the value of all types of food while modeling variety, balance and moderation—the basic tenets of the Intuitive Eating model from Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch. By removing moral judgment around food, we eliminate the need to make fear-based or frantic decisions about the types of food we will enjoy. I’ll never forget the kindergarten class I spoke to a few years back. One of the children emphatically raised his hand, desperate to share his insights. When I called on him, he matter of factly said, “Chocolate is bad, and BY CHRISTIE DONDERO BETTWY you shouldn’t eat it because it will make you fat.” He was precious and so proud of his statement, yet it made my heart drop. That statement is filled with judgment and fear. Kids are intuitive, and they understand that if an adult tells them chocolate is bad, and they eat it, then it makes them bad. So how does one stay good? Avoid chocolate. This pattern can be devastating for children and cause them to go through periods of unhealthy restriction and potential binge eating instead of enjoying foods in their proper times. What can parents do to model a healthy relationship with food? One of the keys to food freedom is to not restrict food groups— barring true allergies or dietary limitations. I’ve heard many stories of well-intentioned parents keeping food locked up or restricting their children’s intake of certain junk foods for fear of their health. I sympathize with the fear parents feel and their desperate desire to keep their kids healthy and safe. Unfortunately, this method can do more harm than good. Often these kids feel completely out of control around food, and they are the ones at the birthday parties going back for 30  Washington FAMILY  DECEMBER 2021 thirds and fourths or sneaking into the pantry when everyone else is asleep. Restricting foods is one of the quickest ways to develop a disordered relationship with food. While everyone’s needs are unique, I hope you will think carefully about how you can create a joyful and judgment-free approach to food this holiday season for your family. You may need greater support from a dietitian or specialist depending on your family’s needs, but it is never too late to seek help for your family to experience food freedom and a healthy approach to eating. n Christie Dondero Bettwy serves as the executive director for Rock Recovery, a nonprofit that helps people overcome disordered eating by combining clinical therapy services and community support. Having gone through recovery herself, she understands the depth of support needed to recover and is passionate about spreading the message that freedom from disordered eating is possible. She is an active speaker and shares her story with organizations and media outlets across the country. Christie lives in Falls Church, Virginia, with her husband, Ryan. PHOTO PROVIDED WF Your best friend is waiting... Montgomery County Humane Society is a private, non-profit, no-kill cat and dog rescue that does not receive any operational funding from the government or from national humane societies. 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