FIRST WORD
Planning Ahead
T PJ Feinstein
Managing Editor
pfeinstein@midatlanticmedia.com Facebook
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@washingtonfamilymag Email
info@washingtonfamily.com wo months after school started, I began
receiving texts from my friends about
summer camp.

“Will you be sending your boys back to the same
camp next year?” they wanted to know.

At the time, I couldn’t possibly think about next
year. My kids were still adjusting to elementary
school, and I was preparing for my new job here at
Washington FAMILY. Things were chaotic, to say
the least, and considering summer camp options in
early November just wasn’t priority.

But now that it’s 2020, I don’t think I’ll be able
to put off making summer plans for my boys much
longer. Registration is now open for most camps in
the area, and my friends aren’t letting up on those
text messages!
It’s decision-making time.

If you’re in the same boat, we’re here to help.

We asked camp consultants about finding the per-
fect camp for every kid and talked to local camp
directors about about hiring teens for their coun-
selor-in-training programs.

And speaking of decisions, there’s a big election
coming up in 2020. Your kids may not be able to
vote, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be engaged
little citizens! We asked child development
experts for tips about getting kids interested in
politics as well as book recommendations for
future political junkies.

Also this month, Hannah Grieco talks about
better understanding her children’s tantrums, and
Erica Rimlinger explores why special needs fam-
ilies are often resistant to accepting help — and
how to change that.

We’re also sharing a DIY slime recipe that looks
— and smells! — like hot chocolate and new books
that’ll inspire your children to read more in 2020.

I’m thrilled to kick off a new year and a new
decade with you! Please send me your questions,
comments and ideas via email or find me on Twitter
and Instagram at @pjfeinstein. T
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