Editor's Note — Karen Kullgren
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…
What to Read: Celebrating Sisters, with Books — By Mary Quattlebaum
Sisters giggle and argue with their siblings. They share, support, compete and love. Childhood hugs and squabbles can help forge a bond that lasts a lifetime…
Why Family Meetings Matter – Especially for Neurodivergent Kids — By Gabriele Nicolet
When my kids were about 8 and 5, we started having (infrequent) family meetings. We mostly talked about screen time, chores and who was supposed to do what…
Parents, These Are the Pictures You Should Take at High School Graduation — Katy M. Clark
One of the best parts of my son’s high school graduation was unexpected. It wasn’t the processional, with hundreds of young people looking dapper in their caps…
Impact of Department of Education Closure: DC, Virginia and Maryland Educators Speak Out — By Jennifer Brechbill
Project 2025's mission for the Department of Education ("DoE") was blunt: "[U]ltimately, the federal Department of Education should be eliminated." President…
Family Pedaling Adventures for National Bike Month in the DC Area — Beth Brown
May brings with it the celebration of National Bike Month, a time when the allure of the open road beckons to both seasoned cyclists and newcomers alike. As…
Here’s Your Helmet! Bike Safety Tips for Your Family — Safe Kids District of Columbia
Now that May is here and the weather is getting warmer, children are more likely to go out and explore their world on their bikes. May not only marks the…
12 Unique Venues for Kids’ Birthday Parties in the DC Area — Liam McCrickard
If you have a child, you’ve surely been to the same party a dozen times. Go to the celebrant’s house, a bowling alley, an arcade or a movie theater. Year in…
The Savvy Camp Parent: Pack Lightly to Maximize a Sense of Summer Adventure — Christina Katz
No one at your kids’ camp is hoping you will overpack. Camp staff are busy scheduling the type of summer adventures that make lifelong memories. So resist the…
Helping Your Child with Differing Abilities Succeed in Camp: Advocacy Tips and Resources for Parents in the DC Area — By Diana M. Martin
Thinking about what summer camp to send your child to can be filled with anxiety, especially if your child is differently abled. Do not be afraid to advocate…
Camps & Summer Programs Guide
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. Tiny Chefs. Tiny Chefs is a leading children's cooking company offering hands-on culinary experiences for kids. Our summer camps have a…
How Grandparents Can Support Neurodiverse Grandchildren and Their Families — Meredith Conte
I miss my grandparents. Their sage wisdom, unconditional love and endless hugs were always sources of comfort-something we could all use these days, especially…
How to Talk to Your Child About Going to Therapy — Jonah Green
Talking to your child about going to therapy can feel daunting. You might be rightly concerned that they could view it as a punishment or a sign that you think…
How to Overcome Parent Burnout: Self-Care, Self-Study and Parent Education — Brian Lewis, MD
Over the past few years, Ohio State University has been conducting research on working parent burnout. Here’s what the studies have shown: Two-thirds of…
Eating Out on a Budget with Kids in DC, Maryland and Virginia — Rebecca Singer
Eating out as a family is a welcome break from daily routine. It’s a chance to relax, enjoy time with loved ones and get a reprieve from the never-ending…
Where to Find Eco-Friendly Gifts for Mother’s Day in DC: Shop Locally, Shop Sustainably — Rebecca Singer
This Mother’s Day, show your mom how much you care for both her and the planet with an environmentally conscious gift. Whether your mom loves beautiful blooms…
Perimenopause & Moms’ Mental Health — Dr. Emma Basch & Caren Ann Appel
Perimenopause is having a moment. Whether it is celebrities speaking about their experiences or doctors taking to Instagram to share information, mainstream…
12 Beautiful Gardens Around the DC Area to Visit With Kids — Gina Hagler
The DC area has a dozen gardens worth a family visit, from the free U.S. Botanic Garden on the National Mall to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna…
She Deserves It: Take Mom to a B&B Around the DMV — Jennifer Brechbill
Being a mom is the most wonderful job in the world. But you know what else is wonderful? Getting away from those kids for a night or two. So this Mother’s Day…
DC Kids Events Calendar
CAROUSEL DAY. May 3. Celebrate the opening day of the season for Glen Echo Park's iconic 104-year-old Dentzel Carousel. In addition to riding the carousel…

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