Loretta sang me through my first chaotic year with twins; Hank Jr. helped me see that other peoples’ families could be goofy, too; and Carrie convinced everyone that slashing a boyfriend’s tires is a legitimate response, given the proper circumstances.  No matter what you call it – hillbilly, bluegrass, Cajun…

Freshman year of high school can be challenging for anyone, particularly when the student is enrolled at one of Chesterfield County Public Schools’ rigorous specialty centers.  For Sydney Dudley, the typical struggles were compounded by the five concussions she had experienced over the previous two years. The first concussion happened…

Weather can be unpredictable, but so can motherhood. No one knows that better than meteorologist and mom of two Nikki-Dee Ray, who forecasts the weather on CBS 6 This Morning, Virginia This Morning, and CBS 6 News at Noon. Being the person who clues viewers in to weather conditions is…

With five minutes left before the big switch from the art room to the music room, my fellow Vacation Bible School volunteer had a circle of adorable five-year-olds to entertain, mine included.  “Let’s tell everyone where we’re going on vacation this summer!” she announced. “I’ll start…”  And around the circle…

Not too long ago, my 6-year-old daughter and I were at an event in town when we overheard another family speaking in Arabic. My daughter turned to me and said, “Mom, they speak Spanish, like you!” When I told her they weren’t speaking in Spanish, she said: “Well, what kind…

August in Richmond makes some people miserable.  They complain about the humidity and the mosquitoes. Friday Cheers is long over. The tomato plants didn’t make it, thanks to the squirrels. Cutting the grass turns into a strategic maneuver against the sun. I understand these frustrations. Still, August delights me because…

We aren’t ready to close the book on summer yet – not by a long shot. August is that squeeze-it-all-in month when we get serious about finishing our summer projects, visiting the hot spots we wanted to check out, and working in all of those summer plans that we made…

On June 19, 1972, a weak Category One hurricane hit the gulf coast of Florida. By the time it reached Virginia a few days later, Hurricane Agnes was just a tropical storm, although its fourteen inches of rain combined with another low-pressure front and resulted in record flooding throughout the…

When it comes to societal roles, men tend to picture themselves as majestic beasts. As beasts, they protect their offspring, work for their families, and have a strong sense of pride in their kingdom. But what happens when the beast is experiencing something he is unfamiliar with? There seems to…

You’ve recently graduated from college, and perhaps you received a gift or a signing bonus. You are ready to start your adult life off on strong footing, but you aren’t sure what the best choice is for this unexpected windfall. Here are a few ideas to help you think through…

As you protect your family from dangers of the sun with SPF 50, big floppy hats, and swim shirts, consider what that same hot ball of heat is doing to your furniture. With the summer sun beating down, it’s timely to discuss how to protect your furniture investment from heat…

This two-for-one project means kids get to make their own paint set and then have fun creating original works of art. And there’s a science bonus: Learn about liquid and solid states of matter. What you need: • Ice cube tray  • Watercolor paints or food coloring • Craft sticks…

My 4-year-old son is making a name for himself all over Richmond. He has had major meltdowns at the pool, the movie theater, and the grocery store. Do you have any guidance for handling temper tantrums?    Welcome to parenting! There are very few of us who can say we…

Marie whispers her story with tears in her eyes. “I was walking on eggshells all the time. I never knew what mood he would be in when he walked through the door. I was afraid of what he would do to me and to our children.”  Steve, hunched over and…

With any luck, your family’s summer has been packed with the best our area has to offer: swimming in the James River, casual walks around Hollywood Cemetery and Maymont, checking out the latest blooms at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, or enjoying an afternoon at the 17th Street Market. Maybe you’re…

This month, many teens are heading to college. Part of this transition means college-bound students will take over management of their own healthcare. To be sure they know which steps to take, this information will come in handy.   Forms and the pre-college health visit Once you accept an offer…

Broccoli Salad 6 slices smoked, thick-cut bacon 2 heads broccoli, cut into ½-inch florets 1 cup cheese, shredded 1 shallot, minced ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon bacon drippings (optional) 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ cup Duke’s mayonnaise 1 teaspoon lemon juice…