My Turn

Love is in the air! It’s that time of year when our kids celebrate friendship and love by indulging in treats and handing out cards to their friends during Valentine’s Day class parties. It’s so exciting for them to receive these goodies from their classmates to show how much they care about each other, but have you noticed all the …

This issue’s “My Turn” is brought to you in the form of a list. When you’ve been tasked with writing about way-down-deep-in-your-soul beliefs that are as much a part of you as your heart, kidneys and veins in about 600 or so words, perhaps it is best to communicate these beliefs in the form of a list. This list is …

Rebecca Clark Windsor Knolls Middle School Ijamsville Long-term substitute teacher As a mother and school volunteer, Rebecca Clark would often see a school secretary struggling to fill substitute assignments. Eleven years ago, she decided to help by becoming trained and certified to become a Frederick County Public Schools substitute teacher, mainly serving the Urbana High feeder schools. As a long-term …

These past few years have been a real doozy for much of, well, the world. As an adult, the isolation, fear and anxiety of the unknown was at times almost crippling. Now imagine the toll it has taken on our children who do not have the mental maturity to shoulder the weight that COVID-19 has handed them. Building their confidence …

On Valentine’s Day, long before your mom days, you probably dined by candlelight in some swanky restaurant. Once you gave birth to your sweet little munchkins, your meal is more likely to involve baby spit up or chicken nuggets. Besides the lack of a romantic dining experience, you may also find yourself saying the following: 1. “Thank God this holiday …

“Can I help you with that?” “No, it’s OK. I got it.” We live in a society built on pushing through, taking on a great many tasks and then somehow “managing” them on our own. I fully respect the value in doing something yourself, overcoming the struggle and knowing you can do it. I also fully respect that you don’t …

Are you contemplating adopting, but have no idea where to start? You’re not alone. In 2007, I was a litigator in a large law firm and knew nothing about adoption. My husband and I wanted another child, but I couldn’t fathom the possibility of more fertility treatments, so we decided to pursue adoption to expand our family. Today, my adoption …

We all have mental health. Some days we have more of it and other days less of it. This point is true for our children as well. Establishing a foundation of good mental health affects our children for the rest of their lives. As with many elements that affect children physically, early intervention is the key. We know that early …

I bet you’ve heard of The 5 Love Languages? You may have even taken the quiz to find out which one you identify with the most. Have you ever thought about what your child’s love language is? How does your daughter give and receive love? Is it through receiving gifts like her favorite snack? Does your son light up with …