At least there’s one thing Americans across the spectrum can agree on: Having children is expensive. According to a statement issued by the United States Department of Agriculture in August 2014, “a middle-income family with a child born in 2013 can expect to spend about $245,340 ($304,480 adjusted for projected …

  Even now, so many years later — I don’t want to say how many — I can still smell my summer camp, if I close my eyes and concentrate. The rich, loamy scent of dirt and pine needles. The woodsy aroma of the bunkhouses after the rain. The sweet …

No matter how old you are, there’s nothing better than sprawling out in the sand with a great story! Before you head down to the shore, check out The Ivy Bookshop’s top-shell(f) picks for the beach bums at all reading levels. Board/Soft Books (newborn-toddler) “Busy Ocean” by Roger Priddy Introduce …

It’s finally summer, which means school’s out, the sun is shining and everyone feels like celebrating! Get in on the fun with our guide to family-friendly festivals of all kinds, from crafts to crabs. Music in the Woods Festival Want the camping experience without the commitment? Return to your roots …

Keep your children close and your smartphones even closer. These days, we feel the need to be constantly connected–and many times for good reason. The other day my daughter Paige texted me some frightening news. It read,”Someone was shot at my school just now.” The newsperson in me wanted every …

Summer is often synonymous with vacation, but sometimes, with kids, work, and other responsibilities, we don’t get the time away we might wish. Thankfully, the Baltimore area is a prime location for some great day trips for the whole family. So, whether your family is the outdoorsy type or prefers …

There are few things more important to a child’s education than sight. Whether it’s the capacity to see the board, textbooks or simply a friend’s facial expressions, it’s practically impossible to learn when everything is blurry. And while this may seem self-evident, for many children in Baltimore, clear sight is …

  You don’t have to look very hard to find young children using the spatial reasoning, logic and problem solving skills that are critical to careers in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Children use these skills naturally as they build with blocks, run cars down a ramp, …

During spring break, my family and I had the opportunity to visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg. I have to admit I had not visited the park since the 1970’s, so I was wondering how my childhood memories would compare to the park of today and what my own children would think. …

The summer is a great time for kids to let loose. School is out and there is an array of ways to have fun. Unfortunately, the summer is also an opportunity for injuries and illnesses to put a lid on your children’s good times. Parents are often faced with the …