Editor's Note

Hello May!

Washington Parent joins you in celebrating Mother's Day this month and all year long. In this issue we have gift ideas from two local mom writers: an article about eco-friendly gifts for Mom and where to shop for them locally, plus our More for Moms & Dads department with suggestions for B&Bs around the DMV that would be perfect for gift certificates or a trip together that's your treat!

We've got lots of great spring-sliding-into-summer stories and tips for you in this issue of Washington Parent. You'll want to consult 12 Beautiful Gardens Around the DC Area to Visit With Kids for outings not just to enjoy the gorgeous spring in the DMV but also to remind your kids (and yourself) to appreciate being outdoors in nature. And if you're looking for more activity in nature where you can find a level that suits every member of the family, bicycling is the way to go – we have articles on family biking, local trails and bike safety to get you moving.

As the countdown to camp begins, you know you're making a list and checking it twice, so read how savvy campers pack and where savvy parents can save on camp clothes and supplies. If your camper is differently abled, a mom who has been through it has advocacy tips and resources for Helping Your Child with Differing Abilities Succeed in Camp. And if you haven't signed up for camp(s) yet, our Camps & Summer Programs Guide offers options for all interests, across and around the DMV.

If one of your hatchlings is about to graduate from high school, you'll enjoy and maybe be inspired by an essay inviting you to consider that the photos you take at the ceremony needn't only be of your child but also of the other parents who've helped them get to this point through their service to their school, their sports team, their arts class, their mom! and more.

We're all concerned about the mental health crisis among kids and teens. If it's time to take your own to get help, a local clinical, child and family therapist walks you through How to Talk to Your Child About Going to a Therapist. And kids need parents who are being supported themselves, so you'll want to read this month's Parenting Insights with PEP department on How to Overcome Parent Burnout: Self-Care, Self-Study and Parent Education, as well as our Brain Talk column which this month offers you tips for successful family meetings. Speaking of support, don't forget grandparents. In the May Washington Parent, we also feature ideas on how grandparents can help with their neurodiverse grandkids: check out the sidebar for info on a special grandparent networking and book signing event June 1.

If you're in the midst of the natural process and life milestone that is perimenopause, or have a partner who is, learn more in Perimenopause & Moms' Mental Health. The authors, experts in this field, note, "While it's encouraging to see more open discussion, the critical conversation around how perimenopausal symptoms affect parenting is often absent." They open the conversation with you.

We're all worried about changes affecting our kids' education, so Washington Parent sent a writer on assignment to talk to some local K-12 educators about possible impacts of the U.S. Department of Education closure on their work and their students and schools. You'll find their thoughts informative. On a lighter note, we also tasked our assistant editor to share unique venues for kids' birthday parties in the DMV. And on a note that could be light, or could be heavy, (depending how you and your family eat), check out tips on Dining Out Around DC on a Budget with Kids, including restaurant recommendations that let you save money while still enjoying some of the diverse and delicious dining out options in our area.

Enjoy the rest of spring before summer comes in hot!

Karen

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EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER
Deborah W. Benke

PUBLISHER
Ronel Hentschel

EDITOR
Karen Kullgren

ASSISTANT EDITOR
Liam McCrickard

ADVERTISING & MARKETING
Djinni Field
Jacky Dooly Martin
Karen Washburn

COVER, ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL DESIGN
Meredith Hancock

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