washingtonFAMILY.com MAY 2021 Smart. Local. Parenting for the DMV. WELCOME TO Teacher Appreciation YEAR! GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF SLEEP Birthday parties are back (WITH MASKS, OF COURSE) • Basketball • Tennis • Soccer • Putting Greens • Roller Hockey • Baseball • Game Courts • Pickleball • Exercise Rooms & More (703) 690-7678 scofwashdc@aol.com CONTENTS washingtonFAMILY.com MAY 2021 Smart. Local. Parenting for the DMV. WELCOME TO Teacher Appreciation YEAR! GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF SLEEP Birthday parties are back (WITH MASKS, OF COURSE) Sleep is the gift that keeps on giving.  Page 13 FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 9 6 “JUST BETWEEN US” T he perfect mother-daughter team — on paper and in real life 11 PRETTY IN PINK ... AND WHITE The (fl)oral history of carnations, the official flower of Mother's Day 13 18 A RESTED MOM IS A HAPPY MOM Wondering what to do on Mother's Day? Let mom sleep it off.  PARTY LIKE IT'S 2021 Remember birthday parties? They're a thing again.  8 16 EDITOR'S PICKS PARENT YOU SHOULD KNOW Payal Thomas of Burke, Virginia, wants kids to have dolls that look like them HEALTHY FAMILY No more nightmares would be a dream come true. 32 BOOK MARKED Children's books about inventions 34 MY TURN Carpool nostalgia 28 TEACHER APPRECIATION YEAR Creative presents for when a simple gift card just won't do DEPARTMENTS 23 PARTY DIRECTORY 25 CAMP DIRECTORY READERS’ RESPONSES WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK We welcome your feedback — on specific articles, overall themes and anything else related to editorial content. Enter your comments on the Feedback tab of our website: info@washingtonfamily.com. Please note we reserve the right to edit or refrain from publishing comments we deem inappropriate. WashingtonFAMILy.com  3 PINSTOCK / E+ / GETTY IMAGES FIZKES/ISTOCK; CLOCK: AYIMAGES/E+/GETTY IMAGES PLUS MAY 2021 OUR TEAM 2 019 W IN N ER Washington FAMILY 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! MAY 2021 WashingtonFAMILY.com • 301-230-2222 Craig Burke, Publisher EDITORIAL PJ Feinstein, Editor • 301-230-6696 • pfeinstein@midatlanticmedia.com Michael Vyskocil, Managing Editor • 410-902-2319 • mvyskocil@midatlanticmedia.com Katie Beecher, Staff Writer • 410-902-2328 • kbeecher@midatlanticmedia.com ADVERTISING Account Executives Mary Ramsdale, Kim Coates Schofield, Shera Sacks, Stacie Shapero, Sylvia Witaschek BUSINESS Kris Ries, Accounting Manager • 443-471-5355 • kries@midatlanticmedia.com Preschool-8th Grade CONTRIBUTORS www.feynmanschool.org COMING IN JUNE Summer Fun! Laura Boycourt, Elena Epstein, Erica Rimlinger, Jenny Splitter, Maureen Stiles, Jennifer Marino Walters INTERN Jenn Attanasio CREATIVE Jay Sevidal, Graphic Deisgner James Meskunas, Digital Media Manager MID-ATLANTIC MEDIA Craig Burke, CEO/Publisher • cburke@midatlanticmedia.com Jeni Mann Tough, Director of Marketing & Custom Media • jmann@midatlanticmedia.com Expanded Calendar, Pregnancy, Father’s Day and more news that parents need! 2020 Special Series Target parents 2020 Calendar of Events 2020 Family Matters Family Fun 2020 Table of Contents 2020 Single Page Design Interior Illustration in the DMV Print | Digital Call to advertise: 301-230-2222, Ext. 4 or email advertising@washingtonfamily.com 4  Washington FAMILY  MAY 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 Get the Party Started M PJ Feinstein Editor pfeinstein@midatlanticmedia.com Facebook @WashingtonFamilyMagazine​ Twitter @FAMILYMagDC Pinterest @familymagazine Instagram @washingtonfamilymag Email us Let us know what’s on your mind. info@thefamilymagazine.com y younger son was the last among his friends to have an in-person birthday party before the pandemic hit. I’m still amazed that nobody who attended his Ninja Warrior- style shindig got sick. Rowdy kindergartners jumped on top of each other in the foam pit and squeezed together in the party room for cake as their parents stood shoulder to shoulder on the sidelines, chatting casually about this new virus called COVID-19. Obviously, nobody was wearing a mask. A year later, my son may be one of the last in his class to have a drive-by birthday party. At the end of February, we handed out individually packaged cupcakes to friends dressed as characters from one of his favorite video games. He was Mario, my older son was Luigi, my husband was Toad and I was Princess Peach, of course. We were a sight to behold; my son even affixed a bushy black mustache to his mask. It was a hilarious way to celebrate his special day, and best of all, it was easy for everyone. Now that vaccines are making the return of in-person parties possible — outdoors and masked up, per health experts — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the thought of planning something more complicated than a car parade or a Zoom hangout. But don’t worry: Our Party Issue is packed with tips to make your child’s second pandemic birthday celebration an effortless affair. You know who else is deserving of a celebration? Teachers! The first week in May is Teacher Appreciation Week, and after this crazy year of remote and hybrid learning, our children’s educators deserve so much more than a coffee shop gift card. Erica Rimlinger shares creative ways to express gratitude for their endless patience after months of your child repeatedly forgetting to mute themselves on Zoom. May is also Mother’s Day, and with two very loud boys at home, I know exactly what I want: a quiet morning to sleep in. Writer Jenny Splitter has suggestions to help all moms give themselves the gift of a great night’s sleep. Happy reading, and stay safe! EXPANDING PRIMARY PROGRAM EXPLORE • WONDER • GROW Now Enrolling Ages 2 to 6 Toddler Program • Before & After Care Montessori Kindergarten & Preschool Advanced Academic Curriculum McLean, VA • 703-356-5437 • www.brooksfieldschool.org WashingtonFAMILY.com  5 HERE’S WHAT WE’RE LOVING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THIS MONTH BY ELENA EPSTEIN, DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL PARENTING PRODUCT AWARDS For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com ▲ “MOMS DON’T HAVE TIME TO: A QUARANTINE ANTHOLOGY” This inspiring collection of original essays by bestselling authors is orga- nized around the theme of five things moms don’t have time to do: eat, read, work out, breathe and have sex. The stories speak to moms everywhere. $24.99, zibbyowens.com ▲ THE PARENT’S HOODIE This will become your favorite sweat- shirt during pregnancy, with baby and post baby. Dad can also wear it as a hoodie and baby carrier — no insert is required thanks to the sweatshirt’s integrated wrap-over design. $99, love-radius.com ▲ CLEA BAMBOO LONG SLEEVE CLASSIC PAJAMA SET You’ll love this unbelievably soft set made from premium bamboo fabric, which can be worn from pregnancy through breastfeeding and beyond. $69.99, kindredbravely.com ▲ MILKMAKERS BATH TEA & FOOT SOAK Made with only four natural ingredients, these pregnan- cy-safe bath sachets help relax tired muscles and mois- turize dry skin. Delight in calming scent of French lav- ender and chamomile mingled with rolled oats and pure Epsom salts. $10, munchkin.com ◀ BUGGIE HUGGIE SHOPPING CART TRAY Take the stress out of grocery store trips with this highchair tray for your shopping cart. You’ll appreciate the built-in safety features and optional phone holder accessory so your child can watch their favorite shows while you shop. $39.95, ages 1-4, buggiehuggie.com 6  Washington FAMILY  MAY 2021 SUPER MOM: ANGELINA BAMBINA/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS; HOODIE: LOVE RADIUS; BOOK: ZIBBY OWENS; PAJAMES: KINDRED BRAVELY; BUGGY HUGGY: INKEDFINGER; MILKMAKERS: MUNCHKIN ms s Ju t for Mo ▶ PIPER RECLINER ▲ BUG BITE THING Enjoy the outdoors more with this innova- tive chemical-free product that alleviates the itching, stinging and swelling caused by insect bites and stings in three easy steps. $9.95, bugbitething.com AND SWIVEL GLIDER Sleek, stylish and comfortable, this nursery chair features a smooth, gentle 360-degree swivel motion and forward and backward gliding. GreenGuard Gold Certified, you can rest easy knowing it’s free of chemical flame retardants. $329, davincibaby.com f y o d r a S e umme R e G t r ▼ CRAZY ZURU BUNCH BUG BITE : BUG BITE THING; PIPER: DAVINCI BABY; KIRA DOO: AMERICAN GIRL; BALLOONS: ZURU; SKIM: WATERLINE TOYS; LIT LEAGUE: LIT LEAGUE; GO! GO!: VTECHKIDS O’ WATER BALLOONS Your favorite rapid-fill balloons — 100 in 60 seconds — are now 100% recyclable. Each stem comes with a mix of multicolored balloons. $7.99, ages 3+, bunchoballoons.com ▲ KIRA DOLL, BOOK & ACCESSORIES Travel to an Australian wildlife sanctuary with Kira, the 2021 American Girl of the Year, and learn the importance of protect- ing animals and the planet. Accessories include an outdoor backpack with koala keychain and a wide-brimmed hat, plus a plush kangaroo and joey. $170, ages 8+, americangirl.com ◀ LIT LEAGUE This subscription-based book box for kids comes with a book, a vocabulary book- mark, fun-filled activities, and discussion questions and answers. Enjoy the experience as a family or help your child start a book club with friends. $30.99-$36.99, ages 3-12, litleagueboxes.com ▲ SKIM TO THE PIN This fun water game set fea- tures a floating target and two easy-to-hold polyurethane discs that skip, skim, slide and jump across any water surface. $39.99, ages 3+, waterlinetoys.com ▲ GO! GO! CORY CARSON TWO SCOOPS EILEEN ICE CREAM TRUCK Pick your favorite ice cream treat and enjoy lights, sounds and songs from the show. $19.99, ages 2+, vtechkids.com WashingtonFAMILY.com  7 PARENT YOU SHOULD KNOW Payal Thomas Co-founder of Every Girl Dolls BY JENNIFER MARINO WALTERS It can make a child feel represented. Growing up, I felt so separated from my South Asian culture. My family moved around so much that we didn’t have a strong community. I was always the only Indian kid at school, so I never really connected with my culture. I realized that if I don’t feel connected, how do I expect my children to? Now I’m trying to engage them with the culture, and Every Girl Dolls is one way to do that. Were you surprised that it was so hard to find a South Asian doll for Kaila? W hen Payal Thomas went doll shopping for her daughter last November, she couldn’t find a doll of South Asian descent. Rather than pay- ing $200 to customize one, Thomas decided to start a doll company with another Indian American mother, Snehali Patel. Every Girl Dolls, which officially launched in February, will offer dolls representing various ethnicities. The first, a doll representing South Asia, will likely be available by the end of this summer on the company’s website, everygirldolls.com. Launching a company with no entrepreneurial experience is challenging enough on its own. But Thomas also works full time for the IRS from her Burke, Virginia, home. Throw in a husband (Kevin), two kids (Jace, 7, and Kaila, 5) and a pandemic, and her work is even more impressive. Thomas talks to Washington FAMILY about her inspiration for Every Girl Dolls and how she manages all her work. 8  Washington FAMILY  MAY 2021 Yes! I thought I’d be able to easily find a doll that was brown and looked Indian or South Asian. But there weren’t any. The majority of dolls are marketed to Caucasians or African Americans. A brown doll should be widely available. It shouldn’t be something that’s so special that I have to custom order it. How did you link up with Snehali Patel? I made a survey to get feedback from other parents about what they were looking for in a doll. I posted it in a group of South Asian women called Little Brown Diary. Snehali messaged me and said she had been thinking about creating a doll line and would love to work with me on it. It’s been great! If I was doing this alone, I wouldn’t have gotten this far. I needed a push. Snehali helps to keep me more accountable. How did you design the doll? We interviewed a couple of South Asian designers whom we found on Instagram. We found one we really liked, and she helped us design the doll. Then we found a manufacturer that makes 18-inch dolls. They’re almost finished with the mold of the face, and then we’ll get a prototype that we can start sharing. The doll will be sold in a modern South Asian outfit, but it will be able to wear American outfits, too, because they’re so widely available. What will come after the initial South Asian doll? We plan to put out Asian and Latina dolls next. I would also like the dolls to come with books that can further tie children to their culture. How do you find time to get work done for the company? I usually work on Every Girl Dolls two to three nights a week after the kids go to bed, between 8:30 p.m. and midnight. I wake up by 7:45 a.m. so I can be online for my day job at 8 a.m. I try to fit stuff in throughout the day. It’s busy, but it’s a good busy! I am working on stuff all the time, but it’s not as hectic as it was in December, when I was doing research constantly. What has been the hardest part about balancing it all? I feel like it’s very hard to be 100% present for anything. Sometimes when I’m working, I feel bad because I feel like I should be doing something with the kids. What do you like about living in the Washington, D.C., area? I love that there are so many activities for kids. I love all the parks, the rec centers and the trails. My family loves to go hiking, and we are always able to find new places to do that. What do you hope your kids will learn from seeing you pursue this dream? I hope they’ll be inspired by seeing that I put myself out there and tried something new. I hope it will open their eyes to understand that they can try anything too! n VIVIAN STRAYER PHOTOGRAPHY Why is it important for children to have a doll that looks like them? MEREDITH AND SOFIE JACOBS BUILDING Mother-Daughter BONDS The interactive “Just Between Us: Mother & Daughter” journal by Meredith and Sofie Jacobs of Rockville, Maryland, is an updated edition of their bestselling book, first published more than a decade ago. L ike many 9-year-old girls, Sofie Jacobs’ cheeks turned bright red at the thought of talking about boys with her mom. But she needed advice. So, Sofie journaled about her crush and asked her mom, Meredith, to respond in writing. Using pen and paper to work through a sensitive situation — and avoiding a poten- tially awkward conversation — proved so successful that the Rockville, Maryland-based mother and daughter continued to journal back and forth. In 2010, Meredith and Sofie published “Just Between Us: Mother & Daughter,” a journal with writing prompts and quizzes, so other moms and daughters could bond in the same deep and meaningful way. Journals for mothers and sons, sisters, and grandmothers and granddaughters came later, too. Now, the mother-daughter co-authors are back with an interactive follow-up to their original bestselling journal. The new “Just Between Us: Mother & Daughter” features updated prompts, art and playful content, such as stickers, notecards and stencils, for today’s moms and daughters. Washington FAMILY caught up with Meredith and Sofie, a college grad living in New York City, about writing, staying connected and more. USING PEN AND PAPER to work through a sensitive situation proved so successful that the mother and daughter continued to journal back and forth. WashingtonFAMILY.com  9 PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MEREDITH AND SOFIE JACOBS B Y J E N N AT TA N A S I O Q: What inspired you to publish the first journal? Meredith: I was on tour for another book, and I would often be speaking to a room of moms. And when I would share that Sofie and I were doing this, I noticed that every- one in the audience started writing down a note — I’m assuming, like, “Go buy a jour- nal.” I thought, what if we use what Sofie and I have been doing and create a tem- plate for other mothers and daughters to connect? Q: What has the response been like from other parents and kids? Sofie: It’s been really incredible. Even looking at our Amazon page, there are so many reviews from mothers who say, “This changed my relationship with my daughter.” When my mom and I made the journal, it was a tool that we loved and we were excited to share with other people. But just to see the impact that it’s made has been so incredible. Meredith: I remember we had an in-per- son signing at a Barnes and Noble near our house, and this little girl came up to us to get Sofie’s signature because she loved the journal. She was so excited. The way she looked up to Sofie — as a mom, it was incredible to see. Q: Why was it time for an updated journal? Sofie: There are so many things we wanted to touch on that are relevant now, such as social media and the political climate. Kids these days might have a lot of ques- tions that normally they would be asking 10  Washington FAMILY  MAY 2021 later on. So, we wanted to give mothers the opportunity to talk to their daughters about them. Meredith: We have a way of initially approaching these topics in a fun way, but it also very much opens up important con- versations. I feel that it’s a journal where everyone can feel a sense of belonging. Q: How has creating and publishing the journal brought you two closer over the years? Sofie: When the journal started, I just wanted to be able to talk to my mom about things that might’ve been a little tricky to talk about in person but easy to write down. As I got older, we almost didn’t need to journal anymore — it felt so easy and natural to have those conversations. Meredith: When Sofie was in college, we could see how easy it was for us to commu- nicate, even by a text or having a phone call. Because we had that foundation, knowing how to talk to each other through writing. I often wonder if we had a different texting relationship because of our journaling. Sofie: I was going to school a plane ride away. And it just felt very natural to keep up the close relationship we had. I still felt that strong connection with her. Q: What advice would you give to people who want that kind of close connection with their child? Meredith: When she would write to me, it gave me that space to really hear her and really let her express what she wanted to say. And I could think about it and respond more thoughtfully. You listen better when you’re reading. That’s what I tell parents: there’s times when you have to just listen. Q: Anything else you want our readers to know about the new journal? Sofie: It is so cute and so much fun. And we’re just really excited about what the journals mean to so many families. T THE WEEK SURROUNDING MOTHER’S DAY is easily the busiest for Tracy PRETTY IN PINK (AND WHITE) Callahan, owner of Bethesda Florist in Bethesda, Maryland. Business booms, he says, because so many people celebrate the holiday. “Everyone has a mom,” Callahan says. Mother’s Day is the most popular time of year for floral shops all over the country — even beating Valentine’s Day, believe it or not. And it’s during May when florists like Callahan see an increase in orders and requests for carnations. With their fringed petals and clean smell, carnations may not seem all that remarkable. They’re certainly not as flashy or eye-catching as a bright orchid or a colorful tulip. Yet for more than a century, they’ve been the official flower of Mother’s Day. Moms and grandmothers alike can thank Philadelphia activist Anna Jarvis for the carnation tradition — and even the holiday itself. On May 10, 1908, Jarvis sent hundreds of white carnations, her late mother’s favorite flower, to her hometown church in West Virginia for a BY J E N N AT TA N A S I O How carnations became the official Mother’s Day flower WHITE CARNATION: MIKHAIL MAKARENKO; PINK CARNATION: SHIRONAGASUKUJIRA/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES WashingtonFAMILY.com  11 Parenting isn’t easy, but there are strategies that can help. Parenting HelpLine: 800.243.7337 familytreemd.org/flip 12  Washington FAMILY  MAY 2021 celebration honoring all mothers. That same day, she hosted a similar event in Philadelphia. Over the next few years, as the number of Mother’s Day celebrations across the county increased, so did the popularity of the white carnation, which came to symbolize a mother’s love. (Thanks to Jarvis’ campaigning, Mother’s Day became a national holiday in 1914 under President Woodrow Wilson.) Decades later, another person living in the White House made carnations even more fashionable: Mamie Eisenhower. Callahan says the trendy first lady popularized what’s called the “peppermint” carnation — a flower with elegant red and white stripes. “Mamie Eisenhower kind of elevated the carnation from an ordinary flower to something special,” he says. Traditionally, the colors of the beautiful spring flower carry different meanings on Mother’s Day: white carnations honor a mother who has died, while pink ones celebrate a mother who is living. Carnations may be customary, but another flower is starting to steal the Mother’s Day spotlight: roses. Diana Mubarak, owner of Little Shop of Flowers in Washington, D.C., says that the classically beautiful red flowers are “by far” the most popular purchase when May rolls around. Roses also tend to be a fan favorite for nationwide flower chains, such as 1-800-Flowers. The company says that roses alone make up 35% of its Mother’s Day orders. Callahan also says roses are popular in his shop as well as hydrangeas and lilies. Callahan believes that carnations are sometimes overlooked because they’re simple and may seem cheap — or like filler flowers — compared to other options. However, it’s all about arranging them well and taking good care of them. Carnations can easily last two weeks, Callahan says. In the store, he’s even seen them stay alive for close to three weeks. The secret? Avoiding bacteria. That’s more important than sunlight or any other factor, he explains. Once bacteria from the air land in your vase water, the flowers will struggle to survive. “The single best thing you can do is change that water every single day,” says Callahan. But no matter if you go the classic carnation route or opt for an exquisite bunch of roses, flowers will be a wonderful way to show appreciation for the moms in your life this May. “It is a gift that is so special because of the freshness of it, the beauty of it and the fragrance of it,” Callahan says. T ALEKSANDARNAKIC/E+/GETTY IMAGES Carnations may be customary, but another flower is starting to steal the Mother’s Day spotlight: roses. BY JENNY SPLIT TER eghan Mattingly is up again. On most nights, the Capitol Hill mom is awoken several times by one or both of her boys. When they can’t sleep, she can’t sleep. And Mattingly has to deal with her own sleep issues, too. She frequently suffers from fragmented sleep, waking up around 2 or 3 in the morning, her mind immediately turning to work. “Then I’m awake for two to three hours,” she says, “just tossing and turning.” The struggle to get more sleep is one to which most moms can relate. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and after giving birth — in addition to menstruation and menopause — can all trigger poor sleep. “Between the ages of 25 to 69, women disproportionately experience shorter sleep duration and greater sleep fragmentation,” says Christine Spadola, a sleep researcher at Florida Atlantic University. In fact, a November 2020 review of 13 insomnia studies published in Frontiers in Psychology found a FOR MOTHER’S DAY, QUALITY SLEEP A Rested Mom IS THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING is a Happy Mom MAPODILE/E+/GETTY IMAGES PLUS WashingtonFAMILY.com  13 14  Washington FAMILY  MAY 2021 “Between the ages of 25 to 69, women disproportionately experience shorter sleep duration and greater sleep fragmentation.” DR. CHRISTINE SPADOLA Both recommend keeping a worry journal as an outlet for that stress. Just jotting down bullet points can help, but Paruthi notes that one shouldn’t journal too close to bedtime. Creating a peaceful mood before going to sleep can also help alleviate stress. Moms, like babies, benefit from a regular bedtime routine, says Spadola. That could mean playing relaxing music, doing a bit of light stretching or yoga or breathing in the smell of lavender before crawling under the covers. And all of us would sleep better if we turned off our phones. “Holding a screen close ... emits blue light into the eye,” says Spadola. Essentially, “the light is telling us to wake up.” There are blue light filters on phones you can use as well as blue light filtering glasses — Paruthi says inexpensive pairs are just as good as the higher-priced options — but Spadola cautions that these filters can only do so much. The ideal solution is to turn the phone off altogether. By the way, blue light isn’t the only problem that comes from using your phone before going to sleep. “Doom-scrolling” — the practice of reading through copious amounts of bad FIZKES/ISTOCK; CLOCK: AYIMAGES/E+/GETTY IMAGES PLUS significantly greater prevalence of insomnia in women than in men. Good sleep can feel frustratingly elusive for mothers, but there are ways to boost both the amount and quality of your slumber. If you can implement any of these sleep tips, you may just be giving yourself the best Mother’s Day gift of all: the gift of a good night’s rest. The biggest challenge may be shifting your mindset. For many moms, staying up late feels like an act of self-preservation. “Moms report that their day is not their own,” says Spadola, so they stay up late to enjoy the solitude. Alternatively, they may believe they’re more productive at night when their homes are quiet. Yet the research supports the opposite, according to Spadola. “When we sleep better, we’re more efficient,” she says. Moms, like all adults, need at least seven hours of sleep a night for optimal health, says Shalini Paruthi, a sleep specialist and member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Getting much less on a regular basis is associated with numerous “adverse health outcomes,” according to the AASM, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, depression and an overall increased risk of death. Parents often find poor sleep impedes their caregiving abilities, says Paruthi. Her patients often tell her, “When I’m sleep deprived, it’s really hard for me to function as a mom.” Fortunately, there’s much you can do to get more sleep, though some advice may be easier to follow than others. Spadola says maintaining a regular sleep schedule — both when you go to bed and when you wake up — is the most important thing you can do for your circadian rhythm, the internal process that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. On this point, Paruthi recommends setting an alarm in the evening as a reminder to start getting ready for bed. As for moms who feel like they have to stay up late to do chores, Paruthi suggests letting the kids share the burden during the day so you can get the R & R you need in the evening. “Dividing up that work is, I think, really important,” she says. Stress is another common roadblock for moms who want more sleep. “A lot of times, we have sleep fragmentation or insomnia in the middle of the night because we have unresolved stress from the day,” Spadola says. Paruthi agrees. “Moms have a lot of chatter in their brain, like 24-seven,” she says. The best Mother’s Day gift of all: the gift of a good night ’s rest. news — can heighten anxiety before bed. Paruthi suggests trying to schedule phone time earlier in the day, whether for reading the news or listening to your favorite podcasts, so you aren’t tempted at night. What you do during the day matters, too. Skip naps, but if do you need one, keep it short and early in the day, says Spadola. Getting regular exercise, a huge mood booster on its own, can also do wonders for your sleep, adds Paruthi. And limit alcohol and caffeine, particularly at night, but also later in the day. Ultimately, think of your bedroom as a “sleep sanctuary,” says Spadola. Keep it cool — research suggests the ideal temperature for sleep is between 65 and 72 degrees, says Paruthi — quiet and dark. Blackout shades are extremely effective, but an eye shade works just as well. (On the flip side, let light in as soon as you wake up, so that you feel awake when you need to be.) White noise machines work well for some patients, too. Finally, leave your work outside of the bedroom, says Spadola. Of course, that can be especially challenging these days, as many bedrooms double as work stations. If that applies to you, try using a dividing screen to separate your bed from your working area. Mattingly is constantly working on improving the sleep situation at home, knowing how critical it is for her to take care of herself so she can be at her best to take care of the children. “You know how you should always put on your own oxygen mask first? I think it really rings true,” she says. T Jenny Splitter is a science journalist and a co-founder of SciMoms, an evidence-based blog for parents and caregivers. She lives in the H Street NE neighborhood of Washington, D.C., with her husband, two kids, a cat and a dog. WashingtonFAMILY.com  15 HEALTHY FAMILY Bye-Bye, Bad Dreams How to Help Your Child Deal With Nightmares and Sleep Terrors BY LAURA BOYCOURT Bad Dreams: What Causes Them Nightmares — a common and normal part of development — are a psychological response to a child’s insecurities and fears. They are most common in school-age children but also occur in preschoolers and adolescents. Dr. Melody Hawkins of the Pediatric and Adolescent Sleep Center in Fairfax, Virginia, says that the type of nightmares kids experience depends on their age. “Usually in younger kids, frequently the concern is that they’ve been separated from their parent,” says Hawkins. Older kids often have nightmares that something might happen to them, such as instances where they might experience harm or embarrassment. Dr. Maria Veronica Bautista, head of the division of pediatric pulmonary and sleep medicine at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., adds that bad dreams in smaller children typically happen within a day or two of a frightening event. 16  Washington FAMILY  MAY 2021 Common causes of bad dreams include scary movies, fears, traumatic events and big life or schedule changes. Situations such as being bullied can also cause nightmares in older children. However, the biggest culprit is lack of adequate sleep. Nightmares vs. Sleep Terrors A nightmare is simply a disturbing dream. Sleep terrors, on the other hand, fall under the category of sleep disorders or parasomnias. While we still have a lot to learn about them, explains Hawkins, sleep terrors are thought to result from the sympathetic nervous system’s fight-or-flight response, wherein a child physically reacts to anxiety during slow-wave sleep. She says terrors may be related to a dream, although the jury’s still out. When a terror strikes, “a child will cry out, scream out (and) will appear very agitated, very frightened,” says Hawkins. Children may also give caregivers a glassy- eyed stare, mumble or not answer questions appropriately. Some might even sleepwalk. “They’re not really aware that you’re there, and although they actually seem to be awake, they’re actually usually very deeply asleep,” she says. While terrors can be painful for a parent to watch, Hawkins says they aren’t as bad as they seem. “A sleep terror is actually much less upsetting for a child than a typical nightmare would be, which is ironic, because for the parent, it’s going to be much more upsetting,” says Hawkins. After a child has a bad dream, Bautista and Hawkins recommend offering reassurance. Young children may need physical comfort, Bautista says. A security FLUXFACTORY/E+/GETTY IMAGES PLUS T he first time my daughter experienced a sleep terror, I was terrified. Our typically happy preschooler was crying out, hands shaking and eyes wide open. I tried to comfort her, but she continued frantically searching for me — even though I was standing in front of her. I didn’t know that she couldn’t see me because she was actually still asleep. Whether it’s anxious slumber, nightmares or a full-fledged terror, sleep disturbances are unsettling for children and caregivers. Fortunately, parents can learn strategies to help their little ones get back to sleep and prevent the scaries from returning. object or a dim nightlight can also be helpful. When your child has a sleep terror, trying to interfere can make things worse. Instead, wait it out and make sure the space is safe and secure in case they start walking. Preventing Bad Dreams — DR. MELODY HAWKINS, PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT SLEEP CENTER Another useful exercise is letting kids use art to put their bad dreams to rest, so to speak. Ask them to “draw a picture of the bad dream and crumple it up and throw it in the trash,” she says. “It’s a symbolic way of saying, ‘I’m done with that.’” Children can also write down their dream with an alternative happy ending, says Hawkins. Conversely, sleep terrors don’t need to be brought up, since children usually don’t remember them. However, if terrors or bad dreams begin interfering with daily life, Bautista and Hawkins recommend speaking with a pediatrician or sleep specialist to get some help. These days, my daughter still experiences infrequent terrors, but now I have the tools to help. I can rest a bit easier each night knowing that we’re doing what we can to make sure she has an uneventful night. n Laura Boycourt is a freelance writer and journalist living in Virginia. When she’s not meeting deadlines, she enjoys playing sports and exploring the great outdoors with her husband and two daughters. You can find her on Twitter @BoycourtWrites. RIDOFRANZ/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS To reduce bad dreams, Hawkins and Bautista say that it’s essential that children get enough sleep. They also suggest avoiding the scary or disturbing triggers that have previously caused nightmares. Bautista adds that putting down technology and sticking to good bedtime habits can go a long way. “We tend to recommend not using electronic devices or screens two hours before bedtime,” she says. Instead, she suggests opting for relaxing stories and avoiding any overstimulation. Hawkins says one way to prevent sleep terrors in children who experience them often is to wake them up an hour and a half after they’ve fallen asleep to “disrupt that initial slow-wave sleep period.” If your child has a nightmare, Hawkins recommends discussing it the next morning. “A SLEEP TERROR IS ACTUALLY MUCH LESS UPSETTING FOR A CHILD THAN A TYPICAL NIGHTMARE WOULD BE, WHICH IS IRONIC, BECAUSE FOR THE PARENT, IT’S GOING TO BE MUCH MORE UPSETTING.” WashingtonFAMILY.com  17 Party 2021 LI K E I T ’S After a year of car parades and Zoom parties, kids are looking forward to the return of in-person birthday celebrations with family and friends. If your party-planning skills are a little rusty, don’t panic. We’re sharing tips and ideas to make your child’s big day fun for everyone. BY WF STAFF 18  Washington FAMILY  MAY 2021 ne of the hardest parts of the pandemic for parents was making birthdays feel just as spe- cial as they did in the Before Times. We invited friends to honk car horns down our streets and hired magicians to per- form over Zoom. We decorated cupcakes virtually and hosted outdoor laser tag par- ties in the dead of winter. And we mostly succeeded in making our kids’ celebrations seem normal, despite the extraordinary circumstances in which we were living. Today, vaccines are bringing us closer to our pre-pandemic lives, including the return of in-person birthday parties. But until children can be vaccinated, health experts still advise against crowded, indoor gatherings — especially without masks. Bounce houses, escape rooms and bowling alleys may be out, but outdoor parties are, well, in. If you’re trying to remember how to plan an in-person gathering, here are some ideas to help you get this party started. Outdoor Party Themes PARTY: DIGITAL VISION./PHOTODISC/GETTY IMAGES PLUS; PINSTOCK/E+/GETTY IMAGES PLUS Spring is the perfect time for an outdoor birthday party, whether in your backyard or a local park. These party themes work well for a wide variety of ages and party sizes. They can be as simple or complex as you want to make them, and many require only minimal purchases. MYSTERY A mystery-solving party is like a classic scavenger hunt — with a twist. Maybe a stuffed animal has gone missing? Or a hidden treasure box of candy has been reported? Plant clues around your backyard, neighborhood or local park that lead the group to the solution. You could even get your neighbors involved to deliver hints. Offer magnifying glasses and small notebooks with pencils as party favors for the young detectives. CARNIVAL All you need for a successful carnival- themed party are the right activities and snacks. Pin the tail on the donkey and a ring or bean bag toss are simple and fun games perfect for this type of event. As for the treats, cotton candy, corn dogs, circus peanuts, animal crackers and popcorn (extra points if you snag some classic red and white striped boxes to serve it in) will immediately make your backyard feel like a carnival. MOVIE NIGHT This one’s simple: all you need is a white sheet, a projector and plenty of popcorn for an outdoor movie party. If you want to get a little more elaborate, rent or buy an old- fashioned popcorn machine and purchase some movie theater candy boxes to hand out to guests. Send tickets with the party invitations so kids feel like they’re going to a real theater. BEACH PARTY It might not be quite warm enough yet to swim in the ocean, but you can still bring the beach to your backyard. Kids can play in a sandbox, toss beach balls, hang out on towels and even fish for plastic toys in a kiddie pool. Fill your goody bags with sunglasses, small sand shovels and flip flop key chains. Watermelon, ice cream and lemonade are all perfect treats to make it seem like summer’s arrived a little early. FIELD DAY For an active group of kids, set up a variety of field day games to keep everyone moving. Some ideas include relay races, jump rope, tug of war, sack races and kickball. Medals and whistles would work great as party favors. Just make sure you have Popsicles on hand to close out the party! T — ELEANOR LINAFELT Stress-free Party Planning For busy parents, just anticipating the prep involved in hosting a kid’s birthday party can cause anxiety. How will you set up the food and drinks? Keep the kids entertained? Clean up without a hitch? Pro party planner Ashia Watson, owner of Party Sticklers in Ashburn, Virginia, has organized plenty of children’s birthday parties. She’s sharing her time-tested tips for planning a carefree celebration, whether you’re hosting a Batman-themed jamboree or a party fit for a princess. MAKE A LIST As you’ll remember from the days of college term papers, doing things at the last minute causes so much unnecessary stress. Watson recommends starting to plan two or more months in advance — the earlier, the better. Search online for free checklists that tell you how much time to allow for buying decorations, booking entertainment and other scheduling needs. Then, make yourself a to-do list. Watson suggests putting pen to paper, typing in a spreadsheet or, if you can, enlisting a party planner like her to help. SEND FOLLOW-UPS If you’re waiting on people to RSVP, send follow-up emails a week or so before your event. That way, Watson says, invitees will be thinking about the party and can let you know WashingtonFAMILY.com  19 RECRUIT FAMILY AND FRIENDS clear off plates while you guide the kids into a game of tag, or you can As a host, you balance a lot at once: grab a family friend to entertain serving food and drinks, facilitating the kids when you need a moment to breathe. Just ask in advance, games and crafts and trying to connect with your guests. But you Watson says, and you’ll have all can’t do all of this yourself, Watson the assistance you need for before, during and after the party. says — call in some help! “It’s very important to have a good support system when you are HAVE A PLAN B ... OR C planning an event,” she says. “You Sometimes, things just don’t go as just don’t want to do it solo.” planned. You might have car trou- Grandma and grandpa can help bles, your magician could get sick or a friend who was supposed to help out can’t make it. To prevent a few extra gray hairs from popping up during the party, Watson recom- mends you plan ahead. Think about what could go wrong, Register Now she says, and write down what you’d do or talk it out with your spouse or Summer Dance Camps a friend. For instance, maybe you’ll Summer Intensive Programs have the local bakery on speed dial in July 5 - August 7 case the cake you’re planning to bake doesn’t work out. Ballet . Pointe . Modern . Jazz You never want your guests Tap . Pilates . Kinderballet Ages 3 thru Adults to be bored, so Watson suggests having some quick and easy games 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 105 Fairfax, VA 22030•703.273.5344•thecenterforballetarts.com like bingo on hand in case a craft or activity falls through. Having a if they’re coming. A few days before the party, draft a text that says, “Can’t wait to see you all at Justin’s 5th Birthday!” as another reminder for your child’s friends and family. Busy parents might’ve forgotten to tell you if they and their kids can attend the birthday festivities. Though you can’t always control when (or if) people RSVP, Watson says simple yet friendly reminders may avoid no-shows and other guest mishaps. The Center for Ballet Arts summer drama camps Sister Montessori preschools, proving Northern Virginia’s preschool children with quality education for the past 50 years. Enroll in June-August sessions back-up plan (or two) will ensure that you’re ready for whatever the universe throws your way on the big day. CLEAN AS YOU GO Cleanup doesn’t have to cause major stress. Instead of waiting for everything to pile up at the end of the party, Watson tells parents to start cleaning during the event. While kids dig into their cake, you can start packing up the food and clearing the table. That way, it’ll be a less overwhelming job after your guests go home. Even better, enlist your kids for cleanup, Watson says. Yes, it’s their day, but this is still a good opportunity to have them help and work as a team. Remember: your party doesn’t have to be perfect or extravagant, or better than anyone else’s, Watson says. It’s all about making sure the kids enjoy themselves. And with a little bit of planning, you’re sure to have as much fun as they do. T — JENN ATTANASIO Dynamic sales professional needed to join our growing media company! Mid-Atlantic Media (MAM), publisher of Washington Family, Washington Jewish Week, Montgomery Magazine and Consumer’s Eye among others, is seeking a new business development advertising sales professional to join our team of revenue hunters. Responsibilities and Duties Primary objective will be to acquire new advertising customers for our publication’s print and digital platforms. Secondarily, the advertising sales professional will be expected to manage an active book of advertising customers to reach established budgets. The advertising sales professional will have the opportunity to cross sell into MAM’s other publishing titles, including Baltimore Jewish Times, Frederick’s Child, Baltimore Style, Baltimore’s Child and Home Services Magazine. Qualifications and Skills Join us in-person or online! theatrelab.org/camp (202) 824-0449 900 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC • Motivated to make money • Competitive • Excellent communication • High energy • Works well under pressure • Technical competencies including typing and familiarity with Outlook, Excel and CRM’s • Minimum two (2) years business-to-business outside sales • Strong understanding of digital media • Familiar with building customer relationships and cross selling techniques Please send cover letter and resume to hr@midatlanticmedia.com. No phone calls. 20  Washington FAMILY  MAY 2021 MAKE THIS A sweet treat? A healthy(ish) snack? This fruit and cookie pizza is both. Best of all, it’s something the birthday boy or girl can make themselves, with just a little supervision from you. Just imagine how proud they’ll be to serve their own delicious creation to their guests! FRUIT AND COOKIE PIZZA When you place the fruit on the pizza, you can decorate it any way you want. You could spell a name, make a flag for a holiday, or even create colorful patterns, like a rainbow. SERVES 12 1 (16.5-ounce) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened ¼ cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 small banana, peeled and sliced 1 small kiwifruit, peeled and sliced 1 cup sliced strawberries ½ cup blueberries ¼ cup apple jelly 2 teaspoons water 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. Spread the entire roll of cookie dough out onto a large ungreased baking sheet or pizza pan. Bake 12–14 minutes, or until lightly browned. Use pot holders to remove the pan from the oven. Place the pan on a cooling rack and cool the crust completely, about 30 minutes. Montessori School of McLean 3. Put the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl and mix well with a wooden spoon. Use a spatula to spread the mixture over the top of the cooled crust. Exceptional Montessori Education for Toddlers through Upper Elementary: Ages 2-12 5. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the jelly and water. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 20–30 seconds on high until it is melted and spreadable. Brush the glaze over the fruit on the pizza. 6. Refrigerate the pizza for at least 2 hours before serving. Cut it into pieces with a pizza cutter. T PER SERVING Calories: 280 | Fat: 13g | Sodium: 200mg | Carbohydrates: 39g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g | Protein: 3g Excerpted from The Everything Kids’ Cookbook, Updated Edition by Sandra K. Nissenberg. Copyright © 2002, 2008, 2020 by Simon & Schuster, Inc. Photographs by Kelly Jaggers. Used with permission of the publisher, Adams Media, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. All rights reserved. — PJ FEINSTEIN BOOK: COURTESY OF SIMON & SCHUSTER, INC.; PIZZA: PHOTO PROVIDED DESIGNER29 / DIGITALVISION VECTORS / GETTY IMAGES PLUS 4. Place the fruit on top of the cream cheese layer. montessori 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  21 7 Go-to Birthday Gifts W hile it’s easy to shop for your child, it can be tricky to find the perfect birthday gift for their friends or classmates. Shopping at independent toy stores can make the process easier, says Bridget Stickline, founder and owner of Wee Chic Boutique, with stores in Maryland and Virginia. Staff at your local toy store know their products well and can suggest the best gift for each type of kid. Don’t live near an independent toy store? Here are Stickline’s top picks for birthday gifts. Jellycat Bashful Elephant Little kids will love to snuggle with Jellycat’s adorable plush animals, including elephants, bunnies, dinosaurs and dragons. Ages infant+, $22.50, jellycat.com Fat Brain Toys InnyBin This colorful shape-sorting box offers a fun tactile experience as babies and toddlers experiment and practice their fine motor skills. Ages 6 months+, $24.95, fatbraintoys.com Tiger Tribe Colouring Set Available in fun themes like animals, fairies, monsters and sci-fi, each kit contains activities, coloring pages, stickers and markers in a handy portable storage box. Ages 4+, $20, amazon.com Hey Clay Future animators will get a kick watching their clay creations come to life by snapping a pic on the Hey Clay app. Ages 6+, $16.95, hey-clay.com Eonmo Push Pops Bubble Fidget Toy This bubble wrap-like fidget provides a sensory distraction for restless kids and helps relieve stress and anxiety. Available in a range of bright colors and fun shapes. Ages 1+, Prices start at $11.99, amazon.com Bandai Tamagotchi Today’s kids will have as much fun feeding, cleaning and playing with their virtual pet as ’90s kids did back in the day. New features include an app that lets them connect with their friends’ Tamagotchi. Ages 8+, $19.99, bandai.com MindWare Q-Ba-Maze 2.0 Little engineers can create their own intricate mazes with colorful interlocking cubes, then race steel balls through the routes. Ages 6+, $24.95, mindware.orientaltrading.com T — KATIE BEECHER 22  Washington FAMILY  MAY 2021 PARTY DIRECTORY 2021 PARTY DIRECTORY LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED! Whatever you’re celebrating — birthdays, graduations, anniversaries — Washington FAMILY’s Party Directory has all of the resources you need to make your party memorable. From fantastic locations and party planners to entertainers and musicians, you’re sure to find that special something to make your virtual or socially distanced in-person party spectacular. ANIMALS 703-544-9304 Kids go WILD for Reptiles Alive! Bring our fun, exciting and engaging live animal show to your next party, school assembly or special event. Our 20 years of experience in delighting audiences of all ages guarantees your event will be a success. LEESBURG ANIMAL PARK leesburganimalpark.com admin@leesburganimalpark.com 703-433-0002 19246 James Monroe Highway Leesburg, VA 20175 Go wild at Leesburg Animal Park! Enjoy indoor or outdoor party areas, pony rides, animal petting and feeding, kids’ play zone and more! Or we can bring the zoo to you anywhere in the D.C. metro area. CAKES, CUPCAKES & CINNAMON BUNS CLARK’S ELIOAK FARM clarklandfarm.com clarkselioakfarm@hotmail.com 410-730-4049 10500 Clarksville Pike (Rte. 108) Ellicott City, MD 21042 Have a fun petting farm party with pony rides and a hayride. SOLSTOCK/E+ PONIES PLUS LLC poniesplus.org; poniesplus1@msn.com 571-283-2408 12780 Aden Road, Nokesville, VA 20181 Pony rides, petting zoo and ice cream truck for any occasion. Smiles are our specialty! REPTILES ALIVE LLC reptilesalive.com; reptilesalive@gmail.com CINNAHOLIC – GAITHERSBURG www.cinnaholicgaithersburg.com 230 Crown Park Ave. Gaithersburg, MD 20878 301-963-1200 We’re proud to serve “create your own” cinnamon rolls and other sweet treats like made-from-scratch brownies, cookies and edible cookie dough. All of our products are fresh baked and 100% vegan, dairy & lactose-free, egg-free and cholesterol- free. Contact us for your party’s sweet treat needs. We can create a custom cake, cookie platter and much more! JUST ASK MO CUSTOM CAKES justaskmo.com justaskmo@gmail.com 703-359-5055 An award-winning boutique bakery in Fairfax, Virginia, celebrating 10+ Sweet Party Treats! 230 Crown Park Avenue • Gaithersburg 301-963-1200 @Cinnaholic.Gaithersburg Mention Washington Family Magazine to receive 10% Off your entire Catering Order! CATERING FOR ANY CHILDREN’S PARTY! Customized Cinnacakes and Wreath Cakes – Bakers’ Box Old Skool Rolls – Brownie Bites – Assorted Party Platters Fruit trays – Baby Buns – Cookie Cakes and more! WashingtonFAMILY.com  23 years of business. We offer parties and decorating classes. We pride ourselves on attentive customer service, working within specific dietary needs and the added convenience of delivery. STAY COOL ICE CREAM poniesplus.org poniesplus1@msn.com 571-283-2408 EDUCATIONAL PARTIES REPTILES ALIVE LLC reptilesalive.com reptilesalive@gmail.com 703-560-0257 Kids go WILD for Reptiles Alive! Bring our fun, exciting and engaging live animal show to your next party, school assembly or special event. Our 20 years of experience in delighting audiences of all ages guarantees your event will be a success. ENTERTAINERS AND FUN THAT COMES TO YOU MAD SCIENCE Ages: 6-11 dc.madscience.org 301-593-4777, 703-536-9897 Virtual and In-Person Birthday Parties. Give the gift of science with a Mad Science celebration like no other! At our birthday parties, kids discover the fun side of science as they take part in spectacular demonstrations, including chemical reactions and amazing bubbling potions! Plus, all the extras, like goody bags and cotton candy! PONIES PLUS LLC poniesplus.org poniesplus1@msn.com 571-283-2408; 12780 Aden Road, Nokesville, VA 20181 Pony rides, petting zoo, & ice cream truck for any occasion. Smiles are our specialty! REPTILES ALIVE LLC reptilesalive.com reptilesalive@gmail.com 703-560-0257 Kids go WILD for Reptiles Alive! Bring our fun, exciting and engaging live animal show to your next party, school assembly or special event. Our 20 years of experience in delighting audiences of all ages guarantees your event will be a success. PLACES TO HAVE A PARTY DURBIN & GREENBRIER VALLEY RAILROAD mountainrail.com, 304-636-9477 315 Railroad Ave., Elkins, WV 26241 Cass Depot, 12363 Cass Road, Cass, WV 24927 From vintage diesel to steam locomotives, our trains will transport your group through the scenic mountains of West Virginia in comfort and style! Our trains range from 1½ to 8½ hours in length, so we have something for everyone’s liking! GLEN ECHO PARK AQUARIUM gepaquarium.org 301-955-6256; 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD 20812 Make aquatic exploration part of your next birthday party! GEPA hosts birthday parties with the exciting themes, or we’ll help you plan your own. Parties are available for ages 3 and up and include a guided tour of the Aquarium Exhibits and Touch Tank, a themed craft activity, and use of a Glen Echo Park classroom for refreshments. JUST ASK MO CUSTOM CAKES justaskmo.com We have many COVID-friendly items to help celebrate! • Birthday Yard Signs • Mini Golf • Backyard Movies • Bounce Houses • Backyard Games • Carnival Games • Kiddie Carnival Rides • Tables and Chairs • Virtual Events tottevents.com • 301-738-9500 24  Washington FAMILY  MAY 2021 justaskmo@gmail.com 703-359-5055 An award-winning boutique bakery in Fairfax, Virginia, celebrating 10+ years of business. We offer parties and decorating classes. We pride ourselves on attentive customer service, working within specific dietary needs and the added convenience of delivery. KINGS DOMINION & SOAK CITY kingsdominion.com Doswell, Virginia Explore our world-class roller coasters, thrill rides, kids’ rides and Soak City waterpark slides and attractions. LEESBURG ANIMAL PARK leesburganimalpark.com admin@leesburganimalpark.com 703-433-0002 19246 James Monroe Highway Leesburg, VA 20175 Go wild at Leesburg Animal Park! Enjoy indoor or outdoor party areas, pony rides, animal petting and feeding, kid’s play zone and more! Or we can bring the zoo to you anywhere in the Washington, D.C., metro area. ROER’S ZOOFARI roerszoofari.com groups@roerszoofari.com 703-757-6222 1228 Hunter Mill Road, Vienna, VA 22182 Roer’s Zoofari is a family zoo that covers an area of 30 acres. Experience animals up close and personal, or have your party with us. SHADOWLAND LASER ADVENTURES shadowlandadventures.com shadowlandbooking@yahoo.com 9179 Red Branch Rd. Columbia, MD 21045 410-740-9100 703-921-1004; 5508 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA Strap on a suit, enter the huge 6,500-square-foot multi-level carpeted arena and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime! SHENANDOAH VALLEY DISCOVERY MUSEUM discoverymuseum.net business@discoverymuseum.net 540-722-2020 19 West Cork St., Winchester, VA 22601 We offer a fun-filled approach to birthdays that allows you to have the party your way. We pride ourselves on providing the most stress-free party experience in the area! SKY ZONE GAITHERSBURG skyzone.com/gaithersburg 240-454-9768 15813 Gaither Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 Ready to soar in open jump arenas, play trampoline dodgeball, do flips, somersaults, and climb with friends? Sky Zone is the place to be! From kids’ parties to youth groups, you can find everything you want. It’s fitness disguised as fun for all ages. PARTY SUPPLIES TALK OF THE TOWN ENTERTAINMENT www.tottevents.com 14650 Southlawn Lane, Suite 23 Rockville, MD 20850 301-738-9500 Celebrating a birthday? We have lots of games, entertainment, and supplies to make anyone’s birthday one to remember! Socially-distanced activities, too! SPECIAL ACTIVITIES, DANCE, GYMNASTICS, MARTIAL ARTS & SPORTS BOWIE BAYSOX 4101 Crain Highway Bowie, MD 20716 baysox.com; info@baysox.com 301-805-6000 The Bowie Baysox (Class AA Affiliate of the Orioles) provides a perfect location for your child’s birthday party, outing, group event or a night out! Enjoy fireworks, promotions, special events and more! THE THEATRE LAB theatrelab.org terah@theatrelab.org 202-824-0449 900 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20001 Virtual Birthday Party Bring the magic of theatre and improv into your home and to your virtual party guests! An experienced Theatre Lab teaching artist will lead the group in theatre exercises and improv games over Zoom. Expect lots of laughs, creativity, and celebration! We offer parties for kids (ages 3-12), teens (13- 18) and adults—and are happy to incorporate a theme upon request. Maximum of 12 participants per party. n CAMP DIRECTORY DAY CAMPS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DCI EXPEDITIONS Ages: Rising 5th-8th graders dcinternationalschool.org/ summercamp info@dcinternationalschool.org 202-808-9033 District of Columbia International School The Parks at Walter Reed 1400 Main Drive NW Washington, DC 20012 Categories: Language Intensives, Visual Arts, Dance, Music, Theatre, Cooking, Design, Sports and MORE! PEDALHEADS Ages 3-12 pedalheads.com 888-886-6464 info@pedalheads.com Learn-to-Ride-Bike Camps. Best known for helping kids get off training wheels and safely ride on the road! New to DC this summer! Since 1995, we’ve taught over 500,000 kids all over North America how to ride with confidence! We’re keeping it safe at camp with physical distancing, small classes with the same instructor, enhanced cleaning, health checks, and more. STUDIO ACTING CONSERVATORY Ages: 10-17 studioactingconservatory.org/ young_actors 3423 Holmead Place NW Washington, DC 20010 202-232-0714 info@studioactingconservatory.org THE THEATRE LAB Grades: 1-8 theatrelab.org/camp contact@theatrelab.org 202-842-0449 733 8th St. NW Washington, DC 20001 Categories: Day Camp, Boys & Girls, Teens, Extended Day, Drama/Theatre MARYLAND ADVENTURE THEATRE & ATMTC ACADEMY adventuretheatre-mtc.org/camps/ 301-251-5766 Grades 1-6 Glen Echo Park 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD 20812 Grade 6-12 Wintergreen Plaza 837 D Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852 CAMP ACCOMPLISH Ages: 5-18 melwood.org/recreation- programs/camp recreationcenter@melwood.org 301-870-3226 9035 Ironsides Road Nanjemoy, MD 20662 Categories: Day Camp, Residential Camp, Boys & Girls, Teens, Sibling Discount, Transportation, Arts and Crafts, Cooking, Drama/Theatre, Educational Activities, Field Trips, Horseback Riding, Music, Overnight Camping, Special Needs, Sports, Swimming, Yoga SPRING BILINGUAL MONTESSORI SUMMER CAMP Ages: 2.5-6 spring-bilingual.org info@spring-bilingual.org 301-962-7262 3514 Plyers Mill Road Kensington, MD Categories: Sibling Discount, Extended Day, Arts, Educational Activities DAY CAMPS VIRGINIA ASHBURN ICE HOUSE Ages: 3-10 Affiliation: William Day ashburnice.com info@ashburnice.com 703-858-0300 21595 Smith Switch Road Ashburn, VA 20147 Categories: Day Camp, Boys & Girls, Extended Day BROOKSFIELD SUMMER CAMP Ages: 3-10 brooksfieldschool.org camp@brooksfieldschool.org In-Person Summer Camps Full-day Monday–Friday from 9AM–4PM daily From high school musicals to Broadway, discover your passion at ATMTC Academy! Also Available: Summer Musical Theatre Camp for Grades 1–6 Summer Musical Theatre Training Program for Grades 6–12 3-week sessions at Rockville Session I: June 28–July 16 Session II: July 19–August 6 Register today at SummerATMTC.org! For more information, contact us at 301.251.5766 or registrar@atmtc.org. Scholarships available grades 6–12! Visit ATMTCScholarships.org to audition. WashingtonFAMILY.com  25 DCI EXPEDITIONS VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP 703-356-5437 ext. 2 1830 Kirby Road McLean, VA 22101 Categories: Extended Day, Arts, CIT, Cooking, Dance, Educational Activities, Field Trips, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Music, Sports, Swimming, Yoga CAMP GRIFFIN AT WESTMINSTER SCHOOL Ages: 3-14 Years www.westminsterschool.com/ campgriffin kmock@westminsterschool.com Join us for one, two, or all three sessions of our Language Immersion and Culture Camps in Spanish, French, or Chinese for rising 5th-8th graders! 703-340-7268 3819 Gallows Road Annandale, VA 22003 Categories: Day Camp, Boys & Girls, Sibling Discount, Arts and Crafts, Field Trips, Hiking, Sports, Swimming, Yoga HARMONIA SCHOOL OF MUSIC & ART Ages: 4-18 harmoniaschool.org harmonia@harmoniaschool.org 703-938-7301; 204-F Mill Street NE, Vienna, VA Reston Montessori School July 6-22 | Tues-Thurs: 10am-12pm Language Intensives, Visual Arts, Dance, Music, Theatre, Cooking, Design, Sports and MORE! Learn more at dcinternationalschool.org/summercamp REGISTRATION OPEN NOW 26  Washington FAMILY  MAY 2021 • Advanced academic curriculum •Award winning French program •STEM • Music, Art • PE / Yoga Ages 3 months - 6th Grade 1928 Isaac Newton Square West, Reston, VA 20190 703-481-2922 • www.restonmontessori.com “Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world” -Maria Montessori Teens, Sibling Discount, Extended Day, Arts, Musical Theater, Music, Main Stage Production THE LM PROJECT 646-684-3539 Age: 9-18 http://www.lmprojectnyc.com/ Reston Community Players Rehearsal Hall 266 Sunset Park Dr Herndon, VA 20170 MEDSTAR CAPITALS ICEPLEX Ages: 4-14 627 N. Glebe Rd, Suite 800 Arlington, VA 22203 Categories: Coed, Sports medstarcapitalsiceplex.com 571-224-0555 Info@MedStarCapitalsIceplex.com PINECREST PAVILION AT PINECREST SCHOOL Ages: 4-12 pinecrestschool.org camp@pinecrestschool.org 703-354-3446 7209 Quiet Cove Annandale, VA 22003 Categories: Sibling Discount, Extended Day, Arts, Computers, Cooking, Drama, Educational Activities, Field Trips RESTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL Ages: 3-9 restonmontessori.com office@restonmontessori.com 703-481-2922 1928 Isaac Newton Square W Reston, VA 20190 Categories: Extended Day, Arts, Field Trips. gton FAMILY Multi-year winner by Washin OVERNIGHT CAMPS CAMP RIM ROCK Ages: 6-18 camprimrock.com; info@camprimrock.com 347-746-7625 343 Camp Rim Rock Road Yellow Spring, WV 26808 Categories: Girls Only, Arts, Dance, Drama, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Music, Swimming. n readers! IN-PERSON ACTING CLASSES For Cildren and Teens Ages 10-17 CLASSES BEGIN JUNE 28 AN JUL 1 To register, call 202.22.0714 or visit StdioActingConservator.org WashingtonFAMILY.com  27 show your appreciation BY ERICA RIMLINGER Teachers Had to Rethink Everything This Year. Let’s Rethink How We Thank Them. 28  Washington FAMILY  MAY 2021 energy they were asked to bring to the classroom every day. The Big Class Gesture The first graders in Martha Edwards’ class rose to this challenge in February when they planted her front yard with handmade yard signs, each of them sticking out of the snow with colorful well wishes for Edwards’ 50th birthday. The 17 signs that dotted the yard were all decorated on both sides. One student’s sign read “Happy Blue Birthday!” because they knew that “blue was my favorite color,” Edwards says with a laugh. A first-grade parent, Kerry Vayda, arranged the surprise. “She wasn’t a room mom,” says Edwards. “I didn’t have the heart to ask anyone to be a room mom this year. She lived in my neighborhood and organized the whole thing.” Vayda even conspired with Edwards’ husband to time the late-night sign delivery after Edwards went to bed. “I’m not a crier,” says Edwards, “but that made me weepy.” How did parents know about Edwards’ birthday? Well, online school has at least one benefit. “This year the parents really know me,” CSA IMAGES/VETTA/GETTY IMAGES 2020-2021: EDUCATION WAS TOUGH FOR PARENTS, STUDENTS AND TEACHERS ALIKE. THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR WILL BE long remembered — without nostalgia. Whether your child’s school was held online or followed a hybrid schedule, education was tough for parents, students and teachers alike. Early childhood educators were asked to teach kids they’d never met in person. Kindergarten teachers had to capture and hold the attention of an age group with notoriously short attention spans — from a screen. Some teachers lost data and school days to hackers and ransomware, while others had their Social Security numbers shared on the dark web. And many were teaching while their own children were learning virtually from another room at home. But somehow teachers got it done, persevering through a sudden process overhaul, endless technology glitches and the seemingly insurmountable hurdle of connecting with students through a computer. While a coffee shop gift card may have seemed expressive enough in past years, teachers who survived this challenging school year perhaps merit a bigger thank you, or at least one that employs even a fraction of the creativity and positive SIGNS: COURTESY OF MARTHA EDWARDS PACKAGE: WABENO/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES Martha Edwards’ first-grade students celebrate her birthday with lawn signs. says Edwards. “How can they not? I’m in their living room. They get to listen to me all day long.” And, in first grade, “we all talk about birthdays, all the time, and I said I’d be halfway to 100 on my birthday,” she says. That week in late February had been particularly stressful, as Edwards’ school was preparing to reopen the following week. “I was so stressed,” says Edwards. “Just the technology involved in teaching a hybrid class is complicated.” But the yard signs gesture “gave me so much energy for that week,” says Edwards. “It just energized me to jump into hybrid learning. All the messages were so sweet, so innocent and pure. It was the sweetest thing ever.” The Kind Word “Any kind words, whether it’s a nice email or anything, it makes a difference,” says Edwards. “It gives me so much energy and fuels me to keep going.” My nonscientific study backs up Edwards’ claim. I sent a Google survey to all the teachers who work at the school where I work, then sent this survey to my teacher friends nationwide. I posted on social media, asking teacher friends about the best ways they’ve been thanked and asking how they’d like to be thanked this year. The overwhelming answer, from nearly every person who responded, recounted some variation of this quote from Vicki Shields: “Nothing is better than a note of WashingtonFAMILY.com  29 DIY Teacher Appreciation Gift What better way to demonstrate your appreciation for all the hard work your child’s teacher has done this year than with a gift requiring a bit of your own handiwork? Package these items with a heartfelt card from your child, and you have a gift that any teacher will cherish. FABRIC TASSEL BOOKMARKS If your child’s teacher loves to read, pair a bookstore gift card with a homemade bookmark. You can make these stylish bookmarks by following the easy step-by-step instructions at Purely Katie. purelykatie.com You Rule! POTTED PLANTS Tell your child’s teacher “You Rule!” with a school-inspired planter by DIYer Melissa Caughey. Fill it with an easy-care plant, such as a succulent, that doesn’t require much effort. hgtv.com SELF-CARE KITS Help a teacher relax after a stressful year with a sugar scrub and whipped body butter made by you and your child. Amanda Smith of Bayside Beauty, a producer of natural handcrafted soaps, shares the recipes at washingtonfamily.com T 30  Washington FAMILY  MAY 2021 Best Teacher BOOKMARK: COMSTOCK/STOCKYTE; PATTERN: ELYSART ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS; TOTE: CHINNAPONG/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS; BAG PATTERN: DOM J/PEXELS; PLANT: KORKENG/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS PERSONALIZED FABRIC TOTE BAGS Purchase plain fabric tote bags and let the kids embellish them with permanent-marker drawings or cutout shapes and designs that you help them iron on. “Pretty Handy Girl” Brittany Bailey shares more decorating ideas for tote bags on her blog. prettyhandygirl.com appreciation from a student.” Retired teacher Ginny Bishop says she was “always most touched by personal notes. It’s just a bonus they never get used up or stale.” Notes, she adds, “keep forever.” Many teachers mentioned that they do, in fact, keep them forever. Drawings, notes Sara Wallace, are also loved. Perhaps unsurprisingly in a year when so much human contact has been off-limits, many teachers wrote that they missed hugs. Until hugs are possible again, teachers will love “cards and notes for sure,” says Alicia Danyali. The Personalized Gift a critter at the zoo for the animal-loving teacher whose pets made cameos in the online classroom. One of Emily Brewster’s students made her a “personalized face mask” for Christmas. There’s no excuse for a catchall coffee shop card this year, unless your child’s teacher showed up on Zoom every morning with a coffee cup on his or her desk. Check out the Zoom background, and while you’re at it, check in on the teacher. Does your child’s teacher seem a little stressed out? A gift card for a massage or aromatherapy treatment might be appreciated. You, and your students, are more connected to MASK: COURTESY OF EMILY BREWSTER; TEACHER: DRAZEN ZIGIC/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS If, like Edwards’ class parents, you’re able to eavesdrop while you help your child with online school, you have the benefit this year of knowing your child’s teacher better than you would have during a typical school year. Put this knowledge to use when you thank your teacher. You could name a star after a teacher who is a NASA fan or adopt Craft a personalized mask your teachers this year than you might think. After all, the kids who filled Edwards’ yard with signs hadn’t met Edwards in person yet. It demonstrated to Edwards that “it is possible to make those connections virtually. Building relationships is the key to teaching students — even if we aren’t in the same room.” That’s what teachers have been doing all year, she says: “making connections, Googling, finding solutions.” On days when the technology isn’t cooperating, it’s about “making it work.” Although Edwards says she won’t miss the 2020-2021 school year, she will miss all the students in her class this academic year. She says the kids and families couldn’t possibly top their birthday surprise. For the end of the year she wants “nothing. Really.” She pauses, then concedes there might, in fact, be something she’d like. “Pictures,” she says. “We haven’t had much opportunity to be together. I wish I had more pictures.” T WashingtonFAMILY.com  31 BOOK MARKED 12 Books to Read During National Inventors Month Learn the true stories behind inventions that changed the world for better (and for worse!). Read about kid inventors and even try some fun STEM projects at home. BY JENNIFER ROTHSCHILD COLLECTION ENGAGEMENT LIBRARIAN, ARLINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY PICTURE BOOKS “Mr. Ferris and His Wheel” By Kathryn Gibbs Davis, illustrated by Gilbert Ford When Paris hosted the World’s Fair, they built a large tower as the centerpiece. In 1893, it was Chicago’s turn, but with only 10 months to go, they still didn’t have anything that could outshine the Eiffel Tower. Then George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. had an idea: what if he built something large like a tower, but it moved? Facing challenges at every turn, Ferris managed to build his wheel, a design that has since been reproduced all over the world. “Izzy Gizmo” By Pip Jones, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie Meet Izzy Gizmo, who loves to invent things and carries her toolbelt everywhere she goes, just in case. One day, she finds a bird with a broken wing and is determined to invent something to help. Unfortunately, her first idea doesn’t work. Neither does her second nor her third. Will she ever be able to make an invention to help the bird fly? “Sweet Dreams Sarah: From Slavery to Inventor” By Vivian Kirkfield, illustrated by Chris Ewald After slavery was abolished, Sarah E. Goode moved to Chicago and opened a furniture store. Many of her customers needed furniture to fit their small living spaces and budgets, so Sarah invented a bed that folds up during the day, earning one of the first patents awarded to an African American woman. 32  Washington FAMILY  MAY 2021 EARLY READERS “The Invention Hunters Discover How Machines Work” By Korwin Briggs The Invention Hunters fly around the world seeking out the world’s greatest inventions. When they land in a construction site, they discover — and misidentify, to great comedic effect — a series of wonderful inventions. This fun story explores simple machines and how they’re used. In later volumes, the Invention Hunters learn several other STEM concepts, such as electricity. “Truth or Lie: Inventors!” By Erica S. Perl, illustrated by Michael H. Slack From Velcro to the airplane, this book uses the fun children's game three truths and a lie to teach the backstory behind inventions that are now part of our everyday lives. “Hedy Lamarr’s Double Life” By Laurie Wallmark, illustrated by Katy Wu Hedy Lamarr was a popular movie star, but despite her international fame, most people didn’t know that she was also an inventor who developed technologies to help the United States during World War II. Even though some of her biggest breakthroughs were ignored at the time, they’re now used in our personal electronics. MIDDLE GRADE “What Color is My World? The Lost History of African-American Inventors” By Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld, illustrated by Ben Boos and A. G. Ford Twins Herbie and Ella aren’t happy about their new house — it needs so much work! While talking with their parents’ handyman, they learn about 16 Black individuals who invented many of the things around their house. With sidebars, fun flaps and some comic- style pages, this book is a fun one to flip through. “STEM Lab: 25 Super Cool Projects: Build, Invent, Create, Discover” By Jack Challoner Kids can create items like homemade instruments and wind-up cars by following the clear instructions in this DIY book. The scientific concepts behind each of the 25 projects are clearly explained as well as their real-world applications. “Elements of Genius: Nikki Tesla and the Ferret-Proof Death Ray” By Jess Keating The first book in the Elements of Genius series introduces readers to Nikki Tesla, kid inventor extraordinaire. Unfortunately, her inventions tend to cause destruction and mayhem. When her pet ferret sets off her death ray and explodes her bedroom, Nikki’s mother packs her off to the Genius Academy. Nikki isn’t certain about the other kids there, but she’ll have to make friends and learn to work with others when someone steals her death ray. READER: SEVENTYFOUR/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS YOUNG ADULTS “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” By William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Anna Hymas After a flood devastated his family’s crops and left them with nothing to eat, 14-year-old William Kamkwamba went to the library to see if he could find a solution. Using the information he learned in books, he built a windmill out of bicycle parts and scrap metal to electrify his family’s home and help pump water from deep underground to use on the fields. Older teens may be interested in reading the original version of this book, first published for adults. “CRISPR: A Powerful Way to Change DNA” By Yolanda Ridge This book offers a clear, concise introduction to CRISPR, the gene-editing technology. In addition to explaining the science, Ridge explores the exciting developments that could result from using CRISPR as well as its unknown consequences. Each chapter ends with questions for further thought, inviting the reader to critically engage with the issues at play. This thought-provoking book makes an excellent read for teens, especially those considering a career in medical science. “Bomb: The Race to Build — And Steal — The World’s Most Powerful Weapon” By Steve Sheinkin During World War II, both sides raced to invent a new type of weapon that used nuclear energy to create maximum destruction. In this gripping book, readers not only learn about the science behind nuclear weapons, but also the high-stakes story surrounding its invention, complete with daring raids by saboteurs and secret labs hidden in the desert. Sheinkin doesn’t shy away from the devastating consequences of the invention and will explore these issues even further in his upcoming September release, “Fallout.” P WashingtonFAMILY.com  33 WF MY TURN CARPOOL CONVERSATIONS After 20 years of driving my kids around, I miss my role as chauffeur.   was driving in the car with my youngest son last week when a song from 2015 came on the radio. We both marveled at the way all the kids loved that tune back in the day. He asked if it drove me crazy when the entire car full of mostly tone-deaf preteens tried to imitate its rapid- fire interlude. My answer? A resounding no. The fact was I loved it — and driving carpool, too. By my estimation, I have spent 20 years driving people around town. Those days were hectic for sure, and my time was not my own, but all the time on the road added up to a whole lot of conversations with my kids and their friends. I knew which songs and trends were in and which were totally lame (usually the ones I thought were hip), who was the latest YouTube sensation and which teachers were to be feared or adored. 34  Washington FAMILY  MAY 2021 Now that every child in my house possesses a valid driver’s license, the dawn of spring makes me nostalgic for the days of loading up the car for outdoor activities: sports, picnics, hikes and daytrips to the zoo. As the days grew longer, so did our time away from home. Eventually, my SUV morphed into more than transportation. It became an endless, snack-filled opportunity for bonding. There was something magical about the car that made my kids lose their inhibitions. They sang louder, laughed more and shared thoughts as the miles went by. I like to think the conversations we had on the road cemented our relationships, and I imagine moments during the day now when they think, “I need to tell Mom about this when I get a chance.” Finding these chances is where the challenge lies. My kids are at an age where we can actually have deep discussions and meaningful exchanges, but time is fleeting. Between the responsibilities and hectic pace of having older children, fewer opportunities exist for these types of connections. It is more work than simply settling in for a ride and letting conversation arise organically. Years ago, in the thick of the chaos of rearing younger kids, I never could have imagined missing my role as chauffeur and basically living in my car. Yet, here I am. As with most things in life, we need to adapt to the changes and stages of parenting to find new, creative ways to stay connected. I may not have hours and hours in the car to prompt discussions, but laying that foundation for communication has ensured that our conversations bloom again and again — just like flowers in the spring. n Maureen Stiles is a D.C.-based writer sharing the chaos and joys of parenting three boys. She has been interviewed for a range of parenting topics for articles in The Washington Post and The New York Times and has been published on many parenting websites and in publications. MIODRAG IGNJATOVIC/E I By Maureen Stiles Washington FAMILY.com  35 V OTE F THE W OR INNERS 20 2 1 Vote for your favorite people, places and things in the DMV! The winners are chosen by popular vote, so let your friends know it’s time to cast their ballot. As a business, share with your audience to help you win the title of “Best” in your category! wn New Hometo gory Heroes Cate Voting ends May 14th Winners will be contacted in June, and the results will be in the July issue of Washington FAMILY magazine. Go to washingtonfamily.com/bestforfamilies and VOTE TODAY! Print | Digital | Contact Jeni Mann Tough for more information jmann@midatlanticmedia.com