In Our Backyard: A Loudoun House and Its Land Transformed
This is a story of transformation—first, of a house, then of the land on which it stands, and then of us, the “transformers.”
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Columnists
Write Your Way to Better Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
When this period in history is over, future generations will ask us what it was like to live through quarantines, lockdown and social distancing. Most of us will quickly forget (in fact, many of us cannot wait to forget). Capturing our thoughts and feelings in a journal not only records rich details about what life is like during this historical time, but the mere act of writing could make us healthier in the process.
Read moreMcNerney: Dealing with Distance Learning—Staying Engaged in Online Classes
We, as parents, are in uncharted territory with distance learning. Since our generation has never experienced learning in this way, we are making it up as we go along. Fortunately, learning experts have begun seeing certain trends and have been developing suggestions on how to make the best of our new situation. In this month’s column, I will share some tips and ideas that will ease some of the stress and exhaustion of our new learning environment.
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Working for You: Ryan Bartel Foundation
September is Suicide Awareness Month, with Sept. 6-12 designated as National Suicide Awareness Week. And this year it’s more important
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The Peoples’ Constitution—The Electoral College
With the presidential election drawing near, the Electoral College will take center stage, for it is the members of the Electoral College—rather than the popular vote—that actually pick the next president.
Read moreCroll: P.E. Teachers are About to Get Some (Long Overdue) Love
When we reflect back on our favorite teachers from childhood, few of us conjure images of physical education teachers. In fact, I cannot remember the name of any P.E. teacher I had in years K-12. Because it is an elective, phys ed class has always been considered secondary in importance to core school subjects. But that is changing now that we are in the middle of a pandemic. In fact, I would argue that P.E. is the most important class your child will take this year.
Read moreMcNerney: Praising with Purpose
In my book “Homework – A Parent’s Guide To Helping Out Without Freaking Out!” I discuss the idea that there are three ways that we can lead our children. Most, if not all, of the ways we lead as parents can be categorized in one of these roles: The Supporter, The Consultant, and The Boss. I have been doing quite a bit of thinking about the role of The Supporter recently and thought I would share some of my ideas.
Read moreCroll: The Key to Surviving 24/7 with Your Kids? Setting Boundaries
The word “boundary” has always had a negative connotation for me. I put “boundary” in the same category as “diet” or “budget”—a limit. I have never been a big fan of limits. Maybe it is because I grew up in New York where speed limits were considered optional. However, since quarantine began, I have developed a newfound appreciation for the concept of boundaries.
Read moreMcNerney: Leading our Kids About School in the Fall
Loudoun parents are facing significant difficulties in trying to do what is best for our kids. By now, if you have a school-aged child, you have decided whether they will be doing distance learning or the “hybrid” model of two days in person and three days online learning. For most of us, this wasn’t an easy decision. In fact, I would suggest that this could have been the hardest decision up to this point in our childrearing days. Many of us have been questioned and challenged on our decision by a myriad of people, including family members, neighbors, and friends.
Read moreMargaret’s Musings: July 4th Remembered
As a Loudoun County resident since 1967, my favorite public event has always been the 4thof July celebration. I’ve always
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