The cost might have a lot to do with when kids quit sports
A national survey from the Aspen Institute with the Utah State University Families in Sports Lab found that the average kid quits playing sports by age 11. For most kiddos, that’s only three years of athletic activity before “retirement.” Between the focus on competition (over fun) and the high participation cost, children are spending less time in organized athletics.
The Aspen Institute’s survey found that children report experiencing a high level of enjoyment from sports. But even though they’re reportedly having fun, kids also experience moderate levels of stress. According to the parent’s reports (in the survey), the most stress-inducing sports are hockey and lacrosse. Children had the least stress when participating in skiing/snowboarding, track, and field, soccer, and skateboarding.
Then there’s the money factor. When it comes down to finances, hockey is the most expensive—with parents spending an average of $2,583 per year. The least expensive sport was track and field, with a price tag of $191. Of all expenses, the parents reported travel as the biggest cost.
Dr. Travis Dorsch, Utah State associate professor and founding director of the Families in Sport Lab, said in a press statement, “We need to figure out why they discontinue, not just that they do. For kids, two years in a sport may seem like forever, while we as adults think they should continue for much longer. We need to frame it through the interpretive lens of adolescence,” Dorsch added.
So what can you do if your child decides to retire from their sporting career early? First, respect their decision and don’t push something your kid doesn’t seem that interested in. You can also visit the Aspen Institute Project Play site here to find resources and other information on children, sports, and the power of play!
Did your kiddos find themselves reading during the pandemic? A new survey says they’re not alone.
Epic, in partnership with Morning Consult has just released a report on the habits and reading preferences in kids taken from a survey of parents. The report, titled Read All About It: A Report on the State of Kids’ Reading Habits and Interests During the Pandemic, combines the result of the survey on the activities and feelings kids had during the pandemic with date taken from Epic’s data team. What did it find?
photo: iStock
The report found that children of all ages increased their reading, resulting in improvement of their wellbeing. 2020 found that kids read an extra hour each month, read for fun four or more times per week and that they read for 20 minutes each day.
Most importantly, parents reported they felt that 69 percent of kids were happier after they read and close to 75 percent said their children were more creative, curious and willing to try something new.
Kevin Donahue, co-founder of Epic shares “It’s a dream for us to see that the data reflects one of the founding principles of Epic: to inspire curiosity in children and fuel their innate love of learning. Discovering that 82% of parents said their kids were eager to discuss what they read after putting down the book made us proud of what Epic has accomplished; not only in its ability to effectively engage kids in reading, but to spark family conversation and continue the learning beyond the platform.”
What else did the study find?
86 percent of finished books were fiction of the books kids finished in 2020 were fiction
Kids read more Monday through Friday and in June and July
The 10 most popular search terms were animals, friendship, funny, pet, cat, bedtime, strange, monster, family and dog
What do you get when you combine Sesame Street and The Wiggles? Tons of fun!
Sesame Workshop, a nonprofit organization that backs Sesame Street, and The Wiggles have partnered up for a two-music video collaboration that honors the 80 years of children’s entertainment between the two shows. The first of the two videos is already available, so keep scrolling!
The “ABCs of Moving You” with Sesame Street and The Wiggles is an updated version of the Usher-sung song on Sesame Street. The second video will drop in June and will be a brand new version of the Wiggle hit, “Fruit Salad.”
“Collaborating with Sesame Street feels so natural and makes so much sense,” says Anthony Field, Blue Wiggle and founding member of The Wiggles. “We share the same desire to consistently make music that entertains and educates. It was particularly fun performing together on this Sesame Street classic.”
Brunch doesn’t always mean lingering over Mimosas in a crowded restaurant. Sometimes brunch is better at home. Whether you’re planning a festive, family-friendly menu for Easter brunch or you want to have a few gal pals over for a low-key afternoon we have the best brunches available for take out and delivery in the DMV.
Sequoia is situated along the banks of the Potomac making it the perfect place to pick-up an at-home brunch for seafood lovers. Their brunch menu features specialties like Crab Cake Benedict and Smoked Salmon avocado toast. Eggs and French toast are available for the kids! Brunch is served weekends from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
3000 K St. NW Foggy Bottom 202-944-4200 Online: Sequoia
Call Your Mother
Yelp
It's not unusual for lines at Call Your Mother to snake around the block at their four locations. Joe Biden made this "Jew-ish" Georgetown bagel shop one of his fist stops shortly after he arrived back in DC as president. Be sure to order ahead for your at-home brunch. Chose from a-la-carte bagels and schmears including raspberry-guava jam and herbed cream cheese or order a pre-made bagel sandwich with eggs or smoked salmon and cream cheese. Add on latkes, black and white cookies or babka muffins to round out your at home brunch experience. Hours vary by location. Bagels are available daily.
The Unconventional Diner offers unconventional brunch like shakshuka, French dip poutine and Caribbean shrimp and grits. For those with more conventional taste in brunch, Unconventional Diner also has plenty of brunch staples like pancakes and lox and bagels. Brunch is available for delivery or takeout everyday before 4:00 p.m.
The Smith brought its famed New York brunch to DC and now its available for takeout or delivery to enjoy at home. The centerpiece of The Smith's brunch menu is their steak and egg selections but their avocado toast and brunch salads are just as good. There are also plenty of kid-friendly items like pancakes and French toast and kids get their very own brunch menu. Bonus: order any eggs and griddle or steak and eggs and get a complimentary cocktail. Brunch is served weekends from 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
1314 U St. NW U St. 202-250-3900 Online: The Smith
Silver Diner
Jennifer F. from Yelp
The Silver Diner has brunch available for take out all day, every day so you can indulge your craving for brunch at home any time. Enjoy something unusual like a cheesesteak omelet or quinoa coconut pancakes or classic brunch offerings like French Toast and chicken and waffles. All ingredients are fresh and local. There are also plenty of kids options for under $5.00. Hours vary by location.
Founding Farmers offers Brunch at Home for curbside pick-up from all four of their locations in DC area. This brunch experience is assembled in the Founding Farmers kitchen but designed to be completed in your home with some assembly or light cooking to ensure your brunch tastes just as it would if you were dining in-house. Menu varies by location but you can chose your favorites from a large selection including French Toast, quiche, salads and freshly made breads. Tip: Order Brunch at Home no later than Thursday for Saturday or Sunday pick-up.
Ted's Bulletin has six locations throughout the DC area. All of the feature all-day breakfast and brunch available for take-out. Don't miss Ted's Tarts, homemade pop-tarts that are better than anything that comes in a box. Weekend brunch also features "Cinnamon Roll As Big As Ya Head" in addition to more traditional brunch faire, including pancakes, omelets, avocado toast and breakfast burritos. Brunch cocktails from Bellinis to Bloody Marys are also available for take-out. Served all day starting at 7:00 am.
1818 14th St. NW 14th St. 202-265-8337
505 8th St. SE Capitol Hill 202-544-8337
220 Ellington Blvd. Gaithersburg, Md 301-990-0600
2911 District Ave. Fairfax, Va 571-830-6680
11948 Market St. Reston, Va 703-956-9510
4238 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 703-848-7580 Online: Ted's Bulletin
Stellina Pizzeria
iStock
Stellina Pizzeria with locations in Washington, DC and Alexandria offers take-out brunch on weekends from noon until 3:00. Try Stellina Toast with coffee soaked sourdough and nutella, breakfast pizzas, and pastas topped with eggs. Add a bottle of prosecco for the adults! Brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays from noon - 3:00 p.m.
Equinox offers a plant-based price fixe brunch menu with eight courses for $40.00 per person. Get take out or white-glove delivery. The menu changes seasonally but normally includes some kid-friendly options like Griddle Cakes and a selection of sweets! Grown-ups can add mimosas to their order! Brunch is available from 10:30 a.m - 1:30 p.m on Sundays.
Explore all 62 national parks without having to pack up your RV. Living in the United States we are lucky to be able to enjoy these magnificent sites without having to travel far. The new book, National Parks Maps transports readers to all of these locations through beautiful illustrations from Abby Leighton.
Travel to each of the parks from the Atlantic to the Pacific and everywhere in between. Learn about the parks’ founding fathers and the unique characteristics each park has to offer. You may even discover a park you’ve ever heard of before or a new one you’d love to explore on your next adventure.
According to Booklist, “This succinct look at all 62 U.S. National Parks is ideal for armchair travel, preparing for vacation, and getting background for reports. Leighton’s maps feature drawings of mountains, animals, plants, and other features, and the Southwestern style of her cartoon illustrations creates a dreamy feel that will draw readers in and entice them to learn more. Great for classroom and public library geography and travel collections.”
It’s been almost a year since Crayola released its line of newly formulate crayons that represent 40 global skin tones with the new Colors of the World collection. Now, the brand is back with new products for even more artistic fun.
In addition to crayons, kids can now get their little hands on new Colors of the World colored pencils ($4.99) and markers ($6.99)! Both products come in 24-counts and of represent 40 global skin tones.
Colors of the World includes 24 colors that children of all ethnicities, cultures and races can use to better represent themselves through their creativity. Crayola spent over eight months researching and working with a founding partner of MAC Cosmetics, Victor Casale, who has over 30 years of experience in creating diverse foundation colors.
Together, Victor and Crayola’s product development team designed crayon colors with three undertones: Rose, Almond and Golden. Additionally, the crayons include a range of skin tone colors from Extra Light to Deepest.
Each crayon box includes side panels with color references and crayons that are wrapped with a skin tone label. Realistic color names will be listed in English, Spanish and French.
Crayola Colors of the World crayons come in a 24-count pack and are available now at Crayola.com. You can also snag the 32-count box sold exclusively at Walmart that has four additional hair and four eye color crayons. You can find them at Walmart.com for $1.77 each.
It’s summer time and we’re looking for all the reasons to leave our house and be outdoors. With great weather comes exceptional views. From picture perfect patios to rooftop restaurants, we found the best places to enjoy summer dining while social distancing.
photo: Market Salamander
Virginia
Market Salamander
This unique restaurant and market reminds us why Middleburg is so adorable! Market Salamander prides itself on fresh homegrown ingredients and exclusive recipes. The outdoor patio provides a charming experience for breakfast, lunch or dinner. After you’re done dining, the family should go and explore the Middleburg village.
200 W Washington St
Middleburg, VA 20118
(540) 687-8011 Online: marketsalamander.com
Jackson 20
This beautiful restaurant in Old Town Alexandria is actually located in The Alexandrian hotel. It has a beautiful courtyard that is currently featuring a special summer BBQ, albeit a bit sophisticated, but still with many summer classics. Its a must visit for the summer time to take in the twinkling of the stars with an old town feel.
480 King St,
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-549-6080 Online: jackson20.com
Barrel & Bushel
This Tyson’s rooftop spot, is perfect for taking in beautiful views of Tysons Corner ever changing skyline and giving the kiddos room to play and explore, as there’s plenty of space to roam and even a playground near by!
Tysons Corner Center Mall Rooftop
Tysons Corner, VA
703-848-6340 Online: barrelandbushel.com
Red’s Table
Overlooking Lake Thoreau in Reston, Red Table is casual outdoor dining at its best. The patio resembles sitting on the deck at home, but you don’t have to worry about doing the dishes when you’re done!
11150 South Lakes Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(571) 375-7755 Online: redstableva.com
An upscale Italian restaurant with a charming outdoor patio. Throw in an array of pastas to keep the kids bellies full and how can you go wrong? While adults must adhere to a dress code, accompanying children can come as they are.
Located along the Annapolis waterfront, Pusser’s is quintessential summer dining! Your family can’t help, but stay a while to watch the boats sail by and enjoy the lazy days of summer while taking in Caribbean delights!
80 Compromise Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-626-0004 Online: pussersannapolis.com
Located in Georgetown along the Washington Harbour, this sister restaurant to Founding Farmers is surely to keep the little ones minds occupied with a view of the Potomac and the bustle of boats and people out on a stroll to enjoy the summer sun.
Don’t miss your shot! Disney+ has just given us a new exclusive look at Hamilton, the film of the original Broadway production.
During the 2020 ESPY’s airing on ESPN and ESPN2, Disney+ debuted the trailer for Hamilton which will premiere on the streaming service on Jul. 3.
The filmed version offers some of the best elements f live theater, film and streaming to bring this unforgettable performance to homes around the world. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater. This musical has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education.
Filmed at The Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in June of 2016, the film transports its audience into the world of the Broadway show in a uniquely intimate way. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and direction by Thomas Kail, “Hamilton” is inspired by the book “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow and produced by Thomas Kail, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeffrey Seller, with Sander Jacobs and Jill Furman serving as executive producers. Filming was produced by RadicalMedia. The 11-time-Tony Award-, GRAMMY Award-, Olivier Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning stage musical stars: Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson; Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler; Jonathan Groff as King George; Christopher Jackson as George Washington; Jasmine Cephas Jones as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds; Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton; Leslie Odom, Jr. as Aaron Burr; Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison; Anthony Ramos as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton; and Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton.
Lin-Manuel Miranda just announced an extension of the Hamilton Education Program, a classroom initiative that walks through Miranda’s Hamilton creation process and ends with students making and performing their own musical theatre pieces. #EduHam at Home is an extension of the program. While schools are closed, the #EduHam allows students to be creative theater artists while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Hamilton and The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History launched #EduHam, a free digital program for students and their families to explore the world of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical and America’s founding era.
Upon registering, students receive a welcome video from Miranda as well as access to mentorships that will help them create their own performance in the form of a song, rap or monologue which they are then encouraged to submit for consideration. Ten performances will be selected to be shared on the Hamilton website with one selected by the Hamilton team to be tweeted out.
Additional resources include videos clips from Hamilton and interviews with Lin-Manuel Miranda, selected cast members, and Ron Chernow, whose biography of Alexander Hamilton inspired the musical. #EduHam at Home also provides an American history curriculum, introducing students to the people, events, and documents of the founding era. The program is recommended for students in 6th through 12th grades but open to all ages.
“Out of everything that has come from Hamilton, I am most proud of #EduHam and of the students who have created their own incredible work from primary sources,” said Miranda. “I’m thrilled that we can make Hamilton learning a family experience, led by the students at home during this unprecedented time.”
Scavenger Hunts and I Spy games are things we like to play with our kids, not with our local grocery store. If hunting for flour has you feeling frustrated, we found a great new source for pantry goods: your favorite restaurant (and indoor playground!). Local businesses are sharing their resources in an effort to take the guess work out of dinner (and, yes, you can order that pre-made, too). Here are our favorite pantry pick-ups along with other options beyond the grocery store (like farmers markets and CSAs). Read on for ways to support local businesses while getting your baking on—and leave hunting for “flower” for those scavenger walks!
Badlands
Support one of the area’s most beloved indoor playgrounds by purchasing your pandemic comforts at this pull-in pantry. To help keep the lights on (and pay dedicated employees), Rockville’s Badlands is offering contactless grocery pick ups; 50% of proceeds go to support Badlands staff. You can grab staples like butter, milk and cheese here along with kid-favorites like Goldfish, Pringles and Lay’s potato chips. Badlands also offers wine, beer and liquor to go. Don’t forget to pick up a prepackaged STEAM kit.
The Neighborhood Restaurant Group
In healthier times, The Neighborhood Restaurant Group manages some of our favorite good eats, like Birch and Barley and Hazel in DC and Columbia Firehouse and Vermillion in Old Town Alexandria. During these uncertain times, the Group is operating Neighborhood Provisions with three pick up locations (Alexandria, Arlington and DC). Order yeast, flour, toilet paper and locally-made, handcrafted hand sanitizer with your favorite apps and mains. Bonus: they also deliver!
Bluejacket, 300 Tingey Street, SE DC 20003
202-524-4862
Rustico Alexandria, 827 Slaters Lane, Alexandria VA 22314
703-224-5051
Rustico Arlington, 4075 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203
571-384-1820
Sweet Water Tavern
Craving those sweet and savory Ozzie Rolls? You can get them to go (with a side of honey butter) along with growlers, grocery essentials (including TP and paper towel), kids meals for kids 12 & under and your favorite Sweetwater staples, like firecracker shrimp. All American Restaurant Group locations are offering carry-out, but only Sweetwater Tavern in Sterling is operating a Tavern & Grocery (aka groceries to-go).
Founding Farmers
You can order your favorite menu options at all of Found Farmers restaurants, but in Tysons and Reston Station you can pick up groceries at Market & Grocery. Order family portioned meals, bottled craft cocktails, groceries like eggs, cheese, bottled craft sauces and more. Don’t forget pantry staples like Mrs. Meyers cleaning products, dish detergent, toilet paper and microfiber towels.
Old Town Farmer’s Market Old Town Farmer’s Market is the oldest continuous market in the good ol’ U S of A used by the first President himself. It’s still open during the pandemic, but you do need to pre order your goods.
King St., Alexandria, VA Open: Saturday, 7 a.m.-12 p.m. Online: alexandriava.gov
Bethesda Central Farm Market Bethesda Central Farm Market is one of the largest markets in the area with over 100 vendors and is still operating as a traditional, walk-up. Your children will pine for pastries at Patisseries Poupon and wish for waffles at Les Caprices de Joelle, while grownups will appreciate lobster rolls and Zeke’s coffee. Parking is free.
City of Falls Church Farmers’ Market Quite possibly the best market in the area—the American Farmland Trust puts it in its top five medium-sized markets in the country—this market now offers a to-go format. Featuring over 50 vendors, be sure to check out Kate’s Crepes and Pops ‘n Chill, an artisanal handmade popsicle stand with fruity flavors like roasted peaches and cantaloupe.
300 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA
Open: Saturday, 8 a.m.-noon
Online: fallschurchva.gov
Farm to Family This veteran-owned, Richmond based CSA offers fruit, meat, eggs, soy products, pasta, bread, and pantry items delivered straight to your door. Our favorite add-on: locally sourced, ready to heat meals.
From the Farmer
This CSA offers curated boxes from MD and VA farms delivered right to doorsteps in the greater DMV area. It’s a farmer’s market that comes to you! Choose from: six different plans offering fruits and vegetables, with optional add-ons like bread and pantry items. You can customize boxes or skip one entirely.
Online: fromthefarmerdc.com
Lancaster Fresh Farm Cooperative This Lancaster-based CSA has pick up locations throughout the DMV, including Shaw, Petworth, Capitol Hill, Brookland, Arlington, Silver Spring, Herndon and more. Choose from: vegetable boxes in three different sizes, with option to add fruit, cheese, eggs, meats, fresh flowers, or herbal medicine.
Groundworks Farm This Pittsville, MD CSA is making pick ups safe by asking members to stand over 12 feet a part, offering hand sanitizer after pick up and making sure all hand offs include masked and gloved employees. Choose from: produce, egg, meat, chicken, and cheese for pick up in Arlington, Alexandria and Annapolis.
Little Farm Stand (Virginia) Delivered fresh to your home, this CSA offers organic, pesticide-free produce from VA farm. Choose from: fruits and vegetables, with the option to add on eggs, grass-fed beef, preserves, pies, honey, and maple syrup. Each box can be customized!
