Ask Mom & Dad

Son doesn’t like change, throws fits when getting hair cut
by Mary Follin and Erika Guerrero
THE PROBLEM: My 7-year-old son can’t stand change. I’m not talking about moving to a new school, it’s…

I. Love. Science museums. I went to the Baltimore science museum multiple times while growing up in Arlington, and always got excited when we went to a new science museum in a new city on a trip….

THE PROBLEM: I’m looking for help with the anxiety I have about my children. I have two, ages 5 and 9, and when I recently read an article about being a ‘helicopter mom,’ I felt sick. I check all…

There is a lot of kids music out there. What’s worthwhile to listen to? What should you avoid? Let’s dig into the wide world of kids music. These reviews are geared to best prepare you with the…

Daughter's rudeness gives mom low self-esteem
by Mary Follin and Erika Guerrero
THE PROBLEM: Whenever I say anything to my 11-year-old daughter, she either ignores me or rolls her eyes. I would…

It’s December! And that means that everyone is putting up their holiday decorations. The good folks at Kings Dominion are joining in the fun. I’m a big fan of Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town, but…

Son has head in the clouds, steps into street
by Mary Follin and Erika Guerrero
THE PROBLEM: My son can’t get his head out of the clouds. (He’s 9.) He has a wonderful imagination and is always…

This Thanksgiving, my family and I spent the week in Nashville, Tennessee, with some old friends. Yes, that’s right, the Nashville that’s a 9-and-a-half hour drive away from Fredericksburg in the…

Daughter Snubs Old Friends to Hang Out with 'Cool' Ones
by Mary Follin and Erika Guerrero
THE PROBLEM: Lately I’ve been alarmed at my daughter’s behavior toward three girls she’s been friends…

In my last blog post, I wrote about dads spending time with their kids. I didn’t go much into it, but my main source of dad time is bath time. My daughter Lily (1-and-a-half) is still pretty…