March FAMILY Magazine Mom Blog

Each month, I write a Mom Blog for our Magazine.  It's my letter from the Publisher FAMILY style!

How Important is Mom?

This month I have been in the thick of planning my youngest daughter’s wedding. Fortunately (or unfortunately – depending upon my husband’s perspective) my daughter is a lot like her mom and loves planning a long way out. For reference, her wedding is March 1, 2014. We’re almost at the year mark! Time to get busy – or busier in our case.

Recently, we have gone through some major decisions that showed a side of her that so resembles her dad and me. Her choices warmed my heart. We are having a great time – who wouldn’t want to just wrap themselves up in such a once in a lifetime process?

So as I sat down to share all my wonderful wedding news with our readers, I received a cryptic text. “Taking mom to the heart hospital. Just as a precaution going to the South Side Hospital.”

The text was from my husband. While it’s obvious the text is not great news, it was not obvious what was going on. My husband Doug wasn’t with his mom. I knew this as we had just finished a great beach getaway with her, and she was safe and sound back home in Kansas. Furthermore, Doug was in Denver on business so it would be hard for him to be heading to a “South Side Hospital” in Kansas….

Needless to say, I was dialing his cell before I even finished the above thought process. He answered my question - “Your mom?” - with - “No, YOUR mom.” He had forwarded a text from my dad.

Should I have been prepared for this moment? As a consummate planner, I’m feeing a bit lost on this one. I’ve had reminders to get to work on a “parents” plan - a good friend lost her father after a lengthy illness. While I did what I could to help her as she commuted back and forth to Houston for almost two years, she told me often my time would come.

So, as she said, my time had come. All I can think is I’m going to plan the best I can. It’s much easier to plan for a wedding – all the fun and smiles, than for a parent’s decline and, gulp, beyond. It’s a challenge to plan for where life takes you. It’s a bit outside our control. I do feel lucky I am not quite in the sandwich generation. My own children are all out of the house and grown so my focus can be on my parents.

Turning my focus toward what I can do for my parents as they age (they’re thriving in their eighties), I looked online and found some statistics that made me realize I was sharing an all too common experience with my generational cohorts.

• Right now is the first time in history that American couples are responsible for statistically more parents than children. 
• Almost 40% of all U.S. workers are more involved with caring for a parent than with caring for a child. 
• The average woman can expect to spend eighteen years caring for an elderly family member, compared to seventeen years to care for her children. 

Realizing my own family situation is shaping itself to statistical expectation, my time to take action is now. Before my parents' needs become even more dramatic. As it turns out, mom’s trip to the hospital was caused by a reaction to a medication her doctor prescribed. It was not life threatening. It was a wake up call.

So, what is a girl to do when she confronts the reality of her parents aging and progressively needing greater attention? We’re going to start with good old-fashioned conversation. It’s not all about making plans for an impossible to control situation. It’s about trusting that we’ll do all we can for and with our parents in the years to come. It’s about trusting ourselves to be able to handle whatever “text” may next come.

Given my parents are in great shape, we’re thinking fun thoughts in the near future. A cruise to Alaska is something we’ve talked about. Maybe when we put my daughter Brittany on the plane for her (well planned) honeymoon, my husband and I can take mom and dad on a trip to celebrate.

Granny-moon? I’m thinking that’s a good plan.

Until April!

Brenda

Night Club Networking?

Professional Meat Market Events?

I'm not that kind of gal...really! 

In a recent issue of the Washington Business Journal, guest blogger DerekCoburn refers to big networking events as “professional meat market events.” He compares the large, formal networking groups to the nightclub scene where one night stands are the "goal."

This was one of those articles I just couldn't relate to. Usually Derek writes really good stuff, but in this case he missed making me feel satisfied.

In short, he told me what is wrong but then gave me no answers. Frustrating for me - always on the look out for smart advice...

The article was right on target, and I agreed with Derek completely that large networking events can be like dating via nightclub. But his conclusion that we should “skip the big networking event and get creative” left me unsatisfied. I would have loved to have seen more specifics or maybe suggestions for some of these creative networking opportunities.

Effective networking is difficult and time consuming. I recently joined a networking group that meets formally every Wednesday at 7 a.m. I believe my fellow networking members are interested in long term relationships - even if it that relationship is based on who you know and who they know and so on. Business networking isn't about "a" sale. It's about being in a community of business people sharing ideas, trends, and, yes, contacts.

I learned a networking lesson when a visitor came to our group last week. The visitor was a woman who helps executives by coming to them and providing custom made clothing. My husband actually had a need for this kind of service. I announced to the group how glad I was to connect, and that I would be using her services. This was networking, right?

I missed the mark. One of the members of my group (my opposite of a one-night-stand business partner) told me that he has a network of thousands of contacts in almost any field. He assured me if I had a need for just about anything, he could refer me to someone that he knows AND KNOWS WELL. I could have asked him, and he would have had five referrals for me.

It was a good reminder to me the value of networking outside of selling. My network is a trove of information. I need to remember to work my group. Give me reason to hit that 7 a.m. meeting each week! No need to look outside yourself for networking, ask those you already have in your close network. That really is how networking pays off.

And, REMEMBER, if you need anything – and I MEAN ANYTHING – I know a guy who has a network of thousands of reliable resources. Really!

Mom Reviews hits 100!

FAMILY Magazine has hit a milestone!  

We've published over 100 Mom Reviews.

What's a Mom Review you ask? It's just one more way we're bringing the best DC has to offer to our readers - both in print and online. We have a great group of moms who use products, visit places, shop at stores and then tell us the truth about how great (or not) they work for their families. It's the best test market out there. Real moms with real kids (messy, picky, loud) always give the best advice.

Most of our reviews are truly local. We want to help local businesses - toy stores, kids' clothes, bakeries, etc. - by sending our mom reviewers their direction to check out their goods. FAMILY Magazine is all about making life in DC as great as possible for our families and our businesses.

Check out our Mom Reviews any time you want on our website at:  http://www.washingtonfamily.com/page/Local-Mom-Reviews

We feature over 20 categories of products, places, and more.  Some examples (just click the topic to go straight there)...

Books
Locally Owned Toy Stores
Food/Restaurants
Cupcake Shops 

If you or someone you know would like to become a mom reviewer, just click here for all the scoop.  We're always looking for new reviewers! While we call them Mom Review, it doesn't mean dads out there can't get in on the action...as long as you're a parent, you're qualified!

If you have a product or business and would like to be "reviewed" - honestly - click here for the details.

We also have a great Tips and Quips feature as part of the mom reviews - it's a resource for everything from how to blow out your hair to how to decorate for holidays to pet dental care.  We have the best experts who contribute to our magazine - and offer up their advice as easy to read tips. http://www.washingtonfamily.com/page/Tips-Quips-to-Help-Moms

Great Tips for Kids' Dental Health

It's never too early to teach kids the importance of good dental health. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and Dr. Ramineh Kangarloo of Falls Church, VA was good enough to give us some great tips to be sure your kids’ teeth are healthy from the start.

Baby should visit the dentist for the first time within six months of getting his first tooth. Just be sure it’s not much after his first birthday.

Visit the dentist every six months – for everyone in the family – to ensure little problems are caught early and to develop a relationship with the dentist. It helps if kids are comfortable visiting the dentist. It also helps the parents – the dentist gives great advice for at-home care.

Baby teeth, or primary teeth need the same care as permanent teeth so they’re strong and healthy. Healthy baby teeth help ensure the permanent teeth erupt in the proper order as much as possible.

Even baby teeth need professional cleanings every six months to clear up any tartar build up and polish away plaque. The cleaning plus a clinical fluoride treatment helps ensure a healthy mouth.

Use fluoridated toothpaste from age two and up. Even if baby can’t spit yet, just use a small pea sized dab to ensure he’s not swallowing too much.

When your kids can spit with some accuracy (for the sake of a clean countertop), start using a .05% fluoride rinse after brushing.

Have little ones play with the handled flossers before they’re able to actually use it properly. It gets them used to it, and they’ll understand flossing to be part of the process of cleaning their teeth before bed.

Sealants are important for kids’ permanent teeth as they come in. Teeth have pits and fissures that, when covered, are less likely to end up with cavities. If the baby teeth are unusually prone to decay, sealants can be applied to protect them as well.

Do what you can to get baby to sleep without a bottle. It’s best if you can clean baby’s teeth before sleep. If baby does have a snack after cleaning the teeth, try to rinse his mouth with water before going to bed.

Limit sugary treats – and limit the number of times kids get them throughout the day. Fewer is better. If kids get a treat, let them have it all at once vs. snacking throughout the day.

Limit sugary drinks – to include juice. Sugary, acidic liquids (especially sodas) can cause decay. Use water in sippy cups and have juice at mealtimes.

Ideally, bottles and pacifiers should no longer be part of baby’s day after age two. Thumbs come under that same rule, but it’s obviously much harder to keep them out of kids’ mouths. It can cause adverse dental and skeletal changes.  These kids show more open bites, posterior cross bites, and upper overject than habit-free kids.

Good dental habits are developed from the beginning - healthy baby teeth make for healthy permanent teeth! Here are some more great parenting resources:

Dr. Kangarloo’s website features educational articles and videos.

“Like” Gentle touch dentistry on Facebook.

To celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month (February), check out the ADA’s site.

For the kid who doesn’t like to brush, check out this link.

Want to see more great tips for moms? Check out our Local Mom Review Tips and Quips on the FAMILY Magazine website. 

NOVA Housewives Interview

I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by the Real Housewives of Northern Virginia.  They aren't the reality show "Real" - they are housewives, they live in NOVA, and they know what they're talking about - community happenings, giveaways, and gossip.

I thought I'd share a snippet of my interview here on my blog.  The entire interview is on the Real Housewives of Northern Virginia's blog.  I hope you enjoy both the interview and their blog...novahousewives.com.

Leading Ladies: Brenda Hyde @ FAMILY Magazine 02/04/2013 0 Comments Twenty years ago, Brenda Hyde was in the midst of raising four kids. After being unable to find a local children’s store, she realized that she wanted to create a resource for busy moms in the Washington DC area. Today, she is the Editor of one of the largest publications in the Washington DC region - FAMILY Magazine.  Describe yourself in three words:  Innovative, Energetic, and involved ....

Read on - I promise you'll enjoy the Real Housewives of Northern Virginia's site as much as the rest of my flattering interview!  

Broken Resolutions

The February issue of FAMILY Magazine is available in the stands and online!  Here is my Mom Blog from that issue.  Just pondering a bit over how we're going to learn to work together - I'm thinking the kids have it figured out...

Broken Resolutions

I sometimes FEEL that I am right. I do not KNOW that I am.” - Albert Einstein

Now that we’ve done the holiday recovery period, also known as January, I am ready to get down to the real business of 2013. I’ve been thinking a lot about how to approach the challenges we face in this still quite “New” Year. I’m over the whole resolution thing. I never lack for projects that need my attention. My challenge is figuring out how to get things done that are already on my to do list.

I’m lucky to be surrounded by very capable folks who are willing to step up and do what it takes to get our great Magazine out every month. We don’t always agree on what goes in, what stays out, and what every page will look like, but we manage to work together and create products we’re happy with every month.

The tie that binds us (in a good way) is that there’s never a moment when any of us forgets the goal. We all want our readers to have a great experience with each issue of our Magazine and to enjoy our online offerings as well. It seems normal enough to work through our differences so we can make things happen.

It made me stop and think: why does it seem so hard for our politicians to find a way to create even the smallest agreements? Like us, they all seem to want the same thing – a safer, stronger, successful America. It’s just a wonder they can’t come to any common understanding on how to get there.

I fear what our kids are learning as they watch what we generously call the political “process.” Blaming, calling names, making threats are all part of the game. Interestingly enough, those same behaviors are on those bullying watch lists our grade schoolers get during school assemblies. They’re told to - pardon the expression – “tell the teacher” if they see that sort of nonsense going on at school.

A first lesson for all of us is that we’re almost never 100% “right.” Few things are beyond debate – I fully appreciate the gravity holding me down as I consider this. If Timmy wants to play baseball and Tammy wants to play soccer, who’s right? Doesn’t matter. Even kids know that if they can’t work it out, neither one is going to get to play ball.

So taxes, debt ceilings, immigration – oh my. Bigger problems by far than backyard ball, but where’s the mystery? As both sides dig in their heels, the one thing we’re sure of is that nothing is going to happen. Tons of hoopla and playground antics but no ballgame.

Those posters that list the things we learned in Kindergarten would be a fine addition to the capitol décor. Share everything, play fair, clean up your own mess, stick together. Maybe we don’t have to worry too much about our kids. The closer they are to kindergarten, the more they remember those important lessons.

Makes me want a snack. Milk and cookies? I’ll be sure to share with my office mates. We’ll have to negotiate who gets the one with the most chocolate chips, but I can see that happening without much rancor. However, I do regret not having time for an afternoon nap….

So if you have a minute to spare, it’ll be well spent checking out this FAMILY Magazine issue – and feel free to come up with your own opinion on any of our chosen topics. We’ll respect you for it! We’re sure you’ll find something that interests you.

On page 20, Dr. Kangarloo maps out how to keep your baby’s teeth healthy, and we’re excited to share with you some important research being done at Georgetown Lombardi on page 26. Be sure to check out the summer camp info in this issue (pages 58-74) and online at our virtual camp fair. Nothing like a week in the woods to teach a group of kids how to work together. Life lessons with a big helping of fun!

Here’s to negotiating our way through February!

-Brenda

7 Social Media Trends for Consumers

I recently came across an article on the trends in social media. Little surprise to most of us small business owners - the research shows social media is becoming more and more important to business. As a way to reach customers and potential customers where they are, social media may be the new customer service and research hotlines!

I’ve summarized the research findings in this blog – if you’re interested in the details, click http://bit.ly/FamMagSocialMedia to access the complete article.

7 Social Media Trends for Consumers: New Research

#1: More Time Invested in Mobile

Consumers are increasingly looking to their smart phones and tablets to access social media. 2012 saw a 63% increase over to 2011 activity.

#2: Pinterest Usage Continues to Rise

Pinterest is the most visited social media site. More importantly to businesses though is that 1 in 5 Pinterest users has pinned an item that they later purchased. In the social world, this is a high conversion rate.

#3: Social Networking = Positive Sentiments

76% of participants said they experienced positive feelings after engaging in social networking. Some of the words used to describe how they felt were: informed, energized, excited, connected and amused.

#4: Twitter Drives Social TV

A third of active Twitter users tweeted about TV-related content. TV advertisers benefit from incorporating hashtags or tweetable sound bites in their TV commercials. Encouraging Twitter activity prolongs the conversation about brands beyond the TV and generates word-of-mouth marketing.

#5: Social Care is the New Customer Care

The study revealed that one in three social media users prefers social care to contacting a company by phone. Gives businesses a reason to be active on our social media sites!

#6: Mixed Feelings about Social Ads

33% of people surveyed find ads on social networks to be annoying. However, 26% are likely to pay attention to an ad posted by a friend so if you can get someone to like, share or comment, you have a better in.

#7: Social Listening a Key Consumer Activity

Consumers are using social media to listen and learn about other consumers’ experiences (70%); find more information about brands, products and services (65%); and compliment brands (53%). No question that we trust our friends opinions more than traditional ads. In person and online.

My Gym - Great Classes, Instructors, Facility

We have a great group of moms who review all things family for us - this month our mom reviewer and her kids tried out My Gym.  Check out their fun findings on our FAMILY Magazine website!

My Gym:  a Great Time with the Kids !

Winter is the busiest season at My Gym because it is a great indoor location for children to get exercise when the weather outside is often frightful. Recently, my three children and I previewed two of the many different classes My Gym offers at their Potomac, MD location.

When selecting classes, I appreciated the wide variety and times available. I wanted one for my three year old who hasn’t done any type of preschool or class before and one where we could all attend, and I was pleased to find that there were classes just right for those requirements.

The day we went to the class for my three year old there were several other families having a preview class as well, so there were 16 children between the ages of three and four in the class! It was noisy and busy, but an extra instructor was on the floor with the children to keep the teacher/student ration down.

I liked that the class included whole group instruction and activity, times when the kids could choose what they wanted to do in the room full of fun equipment, and small group instruction where one teacher was working with five or six students (this ratio would normally be a little smaller, but we were there on an unusually busy day.)

My three year old loved the activities, especially standing on a low trapeze and swinging. When the children had free play I noticed that the ball pit was a popular area, as was the trampoline. I loved watching my daughter’s face as she raced around and played.

The one thing I would change was the amount of sitting time the children had while the teachers worked with one child at a time, although I imagine on a normal class day with a smaller class this sitting time would be shorter.

The My Gym facilities are not huge, but full of great equipment. A back room stores more equipment and hands-on items which the teachers brought out, used with the children and rotated several times with the students.

There are two bathrooms (and the one we entered had a changing table too). The lobby where students remove their shoes is separated from the gym floor by a short wall so parents can stay and watch their older children. Classes for younger children are designed for parents and children to participate together.


One big draw for me as a parent of multiple children whose ages cover several years was the sibling/multi-age class. This class is designed with two teachers who do whole group activities and also activities for the older kids and ones for the younger children. In the class we attended there were two crawling babies, so the instructors brought out walking and baby toys.

Some activities were perfect for everyone, a favorite being swing time. My Gym has many ropes securely attached to the ceiling where the instructors can hang equipment like a trapeze, rings, and swings. For our class they had baby swings for the little ones, flat swings and ones with seatbelts for the older kids and even a doughnut swing.

The instructors did a good job of keeping things moving, changing activities frequently and having fun with the children. One thing I loved was that there are male and female instructors. This was important to me because I want my son to have positive male role models outside of our family, and I could tell that he immediately connected with the male instructor who made my son laugh and feel comfortable in class.

I would definitely recommend My Gym to friends, and may sign my own children up for classes in the future. My Gym offers sibling discounts and does birthday parties (starting from $89 - a great deal!). I know my kids would love a party at My Gym…they keep talking about all of the fun things they did there.



Go towww.mygym.com for locations and details.



Ratings:

Updated Facility/Equipment	5
Cleanliness	5
Instructor	5
Appropriate Safety Procedures	5
Appropriate Class Size/Ratio	4
Convenient Parking	5
Affordable	4
I would take another class	yes
I would recommend to a friend	yes
Overall Rating	5

All ratings on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest.

Meet the Reviewer!



Janice Richardson is an elementary
school teacher turned stay-at-home
mom of three energetic little ones,
ages 4, 3 and 10 months. She enjoys
playing with her family, being outdoors,
and eating chocolate. Janice runs an etsy
shop, www.etsy.com/shop/feltyfun,
where she makes and sells preschool
activities made from felt. One of her
goals is to someday visit each of the
50 states and each continent.

Must Know Vaccine Tips for our Pets

We thank Dr. Jan Castro of the Banfield Pet Hospital in Falls Church, VA for these great tips on keeping our furry family members healthy!

We keep close track of our kids' vaccinations at those yearly visits to the pediatrician. Following vaccination schedules for our pets is just as important to keep our furry friends healthy. Veterinarians have schedules similar to those we're used to for the kids - with shots at certain ages, "core" vaccines for most dogs and cats, along with additional care for issues specific to individual animals.

We know vaccines help the immune system fight infection and protect against certain diseases. As with kid vaccines, many highly contagious and potentially deadly diseases can be avoided with a proper pet vaccination plan. Widespread use of vaccines within the last century has played a significant role in enabling our pets to live longer and healthier lives.

We need to be sure to set up appointments with the vet just like we do with the pediatrician. Based on a pet's lifestyle, age and health status, our veterinarian will help us make the best decisions regarding vaccine choices and timing.

Typically, a veterinarian will recommend a core group of vaccines for just about all pets. Puppies and kittens are subject to different diseases and have different protocols. Here's what to expect at the vet visit for core immunizations:

DOG Vaccines:

DAPP (Distemper/Parvo/Parainfluenza and Hepatitis): 6-8 weeks, repeated every 2-4 weeks for a total of 4 doses. Revaccinate in a year, and then every 3 years.

Leptospirosis: 10-12 weeks, booster in 2-4 weeks. Revaccinate yearly.

Bordetella: 6-8 weeks, booster in 2-4 weeks. Revaccinate yearly (every 6 months in high exposure risk dogs).

Rabies: 14-16 weeks. Revaccinate in a year, and then every 3 years.

CAT Vaccines:

Feline Distemper (Calicivirus/Panleukopenia/Rhinothracheitis): 8 weeks, repeated every 2-4 weeks for a total of 3 doses. Revaccinate in a year, then every 3 years.

Rabies: 14-16 weeks. Revaccinate in a year, then every 3 years.

Feline Leukemia (for outdoor cats): 10-12 weeks, booster in 2-4 weeks. Revaccinate yearly.

Both dogs and cats may also need some specific vaccines based on their history or environment. The veterinarian may recommend our dogs be vaccinated against Lyme Disease, Influenza, Corona, and Porphyromonas. Our cats may need vaccines for FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) and indoor cats may benefit from protection from Feline Leukemia.

As with our kids, these recommendations may not fit all pets' needs. The types of vaccines, a pet's age, and the shots already given can affect a pet's immunity. We need to follow our veterinarians' recommendations to help ensure our special pets live long, healthy lives.

Dr. Jan Castro is a veterinarian with Banfield PetHospital located in Falls Church. You can reach him at 703-237-5610 or by email at castroviana@msn.com.

Resources:

To find a Banfield Pet Hospital in the DC Region:
http://bit.ly/FamMagBanfield

For recommendations, requirements, and side effects:
http://bit.ly/FamMagASPCAVaccine

Some great resources for those healthy pet questions:
http://www.healthypet.com/

Times are a-Changin'. FAMILY Magazine's welcome to 2013!

Each month, I write a Mom Blog for our FAMILY Magazine. You can find our magazine in print all over the DC area - and online! Just click here to enjoy this month's issue.

My Mom Blog for January I've shared below. We're proud of what we're doing with the Magazine in 2013!

Good Times, Bad Times…

The Times They Are A-Changin’ – Bob Dylan

Come writers and critics

Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won’t come again
And don't speak too soon
For the wheel’s still in spin
And there’s no tellin’ who
That it’s namin’
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin’

When I learned the late Steve Jobs was a big fan of Bob Dylan, I wasn’t surprised. When Jobs was fired from Apple, he was devastated. He went home and played the second verse of The Times They Are A-Changin’ over and over again. We’ll never know if the song inspired his comeback, but the lyrics seem a prediction of his future. If ever a “loser”, Jobs certainly had one of the greatest business comebacks of all time - “later to win.”

It’s been almost fifty years since Dylan wrote about social change, politics, civil rights, rebellious kids, music, and new waves of thought and expression. No matter what generation we belong to, Dylan’s observations fit. As the saying goes, the more things change the more they stay the same….

For better AND worse, our world is always changing and growing. So in the tradition of New Year’s resolutions, January is the perfect time to evaluate what’s changed in 2012 and how we want to grow in 2013.

The 2013 world for FAMILY Magazine is all about embracing technology and enhancing our readers’ experience with our content. We’ll still be there for you as the trusty print magazine you find around town, but you can also find us on the web, via smart phone or tablet, on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, email news. We expect Internet television to be the next breakthrough in media – and we’ll be sure to represent there as well. Many say the advances over the coming decade will dwarf what is available now. We’re doing what we can to be ready for whatever the “next big thing” is.

FAMILY Magazine is off to a great start for 2013. Our three Camp FAIRS are almost sold out and are always GREAT resources (and a lot of fun!) for kids and their parents. See page 47 to read about the FAIRS at Tysons Corner Center, downtown Bethesda, and Montgomery Mall. Along with our Camp FAIRS, we will be holding several more family focused events throughout the year. Even with all the technology that claims to bring us closer, our favorite way to meet our readers is face to face!

Things are a-changin’ here at FAMILY Magazine. Some of the things to watch for in 2013…

• We’ve improved our Website to make it easier and faster to find us on the Internet. 
• We have a video about FAMILY Magazine airing on WASN TV. 
• We’re sponsoring network events produced by the great Redskin Doc Walker. 
• We’re developing a series of seminars for small business that take advantage of our power team of advertising professionals. 
• Our “Moms’ Reviews &Tips” are growing by leaps and bounds with over 90 reviews about books, products, restaurants, and more. 
• We hired a fellow mom to conduct a continual delivery audit to ensure our magazine makes it into your hands every month. 

Along with our change and growth, FAMILY will also remain the same. For over twenty years, no matter how we reach our readers, we operate with the simple goal of helping parents raise their kids in this crazy DC area. We’re here to help you find the resources you need to make your job just a bit easier.

Finding those resources is easier today than ever. We love being able to connect with our readers on Facebook and Twitter in addition to face-to-face events. Even with our strong digital presence, our print magazine has never been picked up faster than it is right now, and our distribution is very strong.

So keep in touch however it best works for you! We’d love to meet you at a Camp Fair. I promise not to bore you too much with stories about my four kids and their camp experiences. I would love it if you’d take a picture with me so we can put it up on Facebook so we can share with other moms.

It seems 2013 may be “a-year a-changin’” for all of us. One thing will never change for us though. We’re here for you as a trusted resource to support you in the most important job ever - parent.

To a prosperous new year!

Brenda