Chris Croll

A group of Loudoun teens recently traveled to Richmond to meet with their elected officials to teach them about dyslexia, dyscalculia and other learning differences.

Is this a journal entry written by a suicidal teen? Nope; these are the opening lyrics to the song “The Next Right Thing,” from Disney’s new movie, Frozen 2. Common Sense Media rates this movie as appropriate for children as young as age five.

I’m having my left hip replaced this week because of a degenerative bone condition with which I was diagnosed 17 years ago. I was in enough pain last June to have my hip replaced then, but my stubborn “I’ll tough it out” attitude, a demanding home life and two pre-paid summer vacations resulted in me scheduling the surgery for mid-November when it would be less disruptive. At the time, five months didn’t seem like a long time to wait.

Whether or not you have children enrolled in Loudoun County Public Schools, the upcoming general election is an important one. At least six of the nine seated School Board members will be new since six current board members, myself included, are not running for re-election. It takes five votes to pass any legislation, policies or other action items so the new School Board will likely have a tremendous impact on the future of public education in our county. The quality of our schools attracts not only homeowners but businesses like Amazon and Google.

“I wish I could help out at my child’s school, but I don’t have time to go in and volunteer,” parents often say. Fortunately, busy parents can provide support for their child’s learning experience here in Loudoun County without ever stepping foot in the classroom.

When I recently quit Facebook, reactions from friends were mixed. Several friends jokingly accused me of abandoning them, a few congratulated me, and others admitted they wished they could leave social media, too, but they just didn’t think they could do it. I’m here to tell you that it’s easier than you might think and there are many benefits to doing so.

Whether you are relaxing at the beach, sitting on a long flight or just chilling at home this summer, here are five books I read this month that are sure to captivate your attention and expand your thinking in new directions.

As you spend more time with your family this summer, here are a few TED Talks that might change the way you interact with your children, how you judge yourself and how you operate in the world around you.

As we parents watch our children develop friendships at each age and stage, we find ourselves wondering which kids will be “friends for a reason,” which will be “friends for a season,” and which will be the coveted “friends for all times.” Here are a few characteristics to share with your children that define healthy teen friendships. (Psst…these pretty much apply for adults, too).