By Lisa Robinson On a recent Sunday afternoon, I took my 16-year-old daughter, Grace, and her friend Lisa to Fells Point for a late lunch. We chose the outdoor seating of a restaurant on Thames Street. Ravenous, we dug in right away when our food came. Soon after, Lisa was …

By Patrick Gutierrez For the past seven years, the Y in Central Maryland’s continually expanding, before- and after-school Fit N Fun program has helped thousands of children as young as 5 years old to be more physically active, while inculcating in them the benefits of living and eating healthily. Now, …

By Molly Koch Earlier this year I had the pleasure of meeting with 35 teenage girls from the GirlsΓÇÖ Empowerment Mission, or GEM, a mentorship program now in its 11th year that continues to flourish under the leadership of founder Debbi Weinberg. This remarkable Living Classrooms Foundation program invites disadvantaged …

By Denise Yearian Childhood shyness is a common concern among parents who fear their youngsters may be lacking or missing out on social situations. The truth is most reserved children do well in relationships once they hurdle unfamiliarity. To help your shy child build social confidence, start with small group …

Compiled by Melanie OΓÇÖBrien Crisp air, stunning foliage, spooky decorations, creative costumesΓÇöwhatever you like best about the season, here are lots of ways to make the most of autumnΓÇÖs bounty in the Baltimore area. Just beware of disappointing your trick-or-treaters: take the time to verify the events listed!| Baltimore City …

By Amy Landsman ΓÇ£He just couldnΓÇÖt sit still,ΓÇ¥ recalls a mom in Lutherville, referring to her son when he was 3 years old. ΓÇ£I think itΓÇÖs the impulsivity which worried me the most.ΓÇ¥ The little boy would get ΓÇ£so excited that he would get up and push: push me, push …

By Ashley Talmadge Kids are notoriously reticent when it comes to divulging details of their school lives. Questions from parents often receive a single-word response. Or a shrug. The first indication of any sort of school-related problem, therefore, might come via an unexpected note from the teacher.| Want better insight …

By Patrick Gutierrez When I was growing up in Southern California, my dad routinely expressed a desire to one day retire to a place where he could enjoy the changing seasons. In 2007, he and my mom finally sold the house theyΓÇÖd lived in for more than 45 years and …

By Kit Waskom Pollard Parking has gotten tougher in Hampden. Stroller parking, that is. At Play Caf├⌐ Baltimore, a casual eatery that opened on Chestnut Avenue in early June, the designated ΓÇ£stroller parkingΓÇ¥ area is inside, just to the right of the entrance. On the left, stacks of high chairs …

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