Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/578359
8 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • October 2015 letter to the readers PRODUCTION PUBLISHER Leigh Anne Van Doren Tabitha & Jamie Nelle's mom EDITOR-AT-LARGE Chris Jones Jordan, Quincy & Hayden's dad OPERATIONS & MARKETING Heidi DiEugenio, President, HD Solutions Duke & Dane's mom OFFICE MANAGER & EVENT PLANNING Stephanie Maldonado; Julia, Tyler & Aiden's mom ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES Sheila Giscard; Jack's mom Jodi Urquhart; Noah & Carly's mom DESIGN & PRODUCTION Cheryl Carter, President, Carter Creations Alex, Kate & Jackie's mom WEBMASTER Karen Charney Joshua & Spencer's mom CALENDAR EDITOR Leigha Pecher Jake & Luke's mom CIRCULATION Krista Starosta Nick, Andrew, Kaylin & Kensington's mom COMMUNITY BLOGS Mary Becelia Katherine Laura & Robert Joseph's mom FACEBOOK COMMUNITY Pamela Quinones: Corinn, Michael, Isabella & Dalton TWITTER, INSTAGRAM & PINTEREST COMMUNITY MANAGER Brenda Sapanghila: Archer & Maddox's mom parent fredericksburg & family Entrepreneur of the Year PROUD FOUNDING MEMBER ADVERTISING PHONE 540/374-1495 E-MAIL adsales@fredericksburgparent.net CALENDAR & RESOURCE REQUESTS E-MAIL calendar@fredericksburgparent.net E-MAIL resources@fredericksburgparent.net EDITORIAL PHONE 540/374-1495 E-MAIL editor@fredericksburgparent.net SNAIL MAIL P.O. Box 7884, Fred'bg, VA 22404 www.fredericksburgparent.net The publishers reserve the right to reject any advertisement, editorial or listing that does not meet the publication's stan- dards. No part of this magazine may be reproduced with out permission. Listing and advertising rates are available upon request. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information contained herein, however, the publisher cannot guarantee such accuracy. Listings and advertisements are subject to typographical errors, ommissions and/or change without notice. For terms and condi- tions please visit our website at www.fredericksburgparent.net © Copyright 2015 Nurture, Inc. All rights reserved. O ctober is one of the busiest months of the year for most families. School has started to hit its stride, fall sports are gobbling up night and weekends, and there seems to be an event or festival most every Saturday. As a parent, it can be hard to keep up. As singer Karen Jonas wonderfully shares in her story on page 12, "What the children want to pursue is important, but kids need to see that mom and dad are people with passions and interests, too." Yes, we have to help with the homework, go to the practices, keep up with games and recitals, and come together for family fun at the pumpkin patch, apple orchard and harvest festivals, but let's not forget that we have to recharge our own batteries. Why not have a date night or a day away with our significant other? This month, I want to challenge you to find time to get away for an evening or a Sunday afternoon. Try not to feel guilty. When we take Jonas' advice to the heart, finding time alone for ourselves or for our marriages is the correct course of action. Call the sitter today and set aside a day whe n they can relieve you so that you can get an afternoon at the spa, a day on the lake fishing, or time together at a concert or movie. Believe me, your children will understand. I've made it a habit to sneak off for three hours every Sunday afternoon to write, something that I enjoy. My wife makes her time in the evenings going out to window shop, to walk and to find her quiet. Then the two of us enlist the grandparents monthly so that we can get a couple of date nights. The children love it and they have come to under- stand the concept that everyone needs a little space. And if you can't get a little space for whatever the reason may be, take solace in the words of humorist Erma Bombeck, "I take a very practical view of raising children. I put a sign in each of their rooms: 'Checkout Time is 18 Years.'" Chris Jones is the editor-at-large for Fredericksburg Parent & Family. BY CHRIS JONES Me Time