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Awe-inspiring and committed to creating positive change for Washington families, our 2012 Superheroes are finally here! Learn more about what makes these courageous, passionate advocates tick and about their ongoing hard work in the community. And, with April being National Volunteer Month, we've got the full scoop on where and how families can get outside and volunteer together this spring. Being a superhero family is easy -- and there's plenty of fun opportunities for kids of all ages! Also included in this month's Ages & Stages: We take a look at new trends in infertility treamtents, the benefits of having siblings share a bedroom, how stepparents can have a successful blended family, and the benefits of extracurricular activities for college-bound teens. Here's wishing your family a happy and healthy Earth Day!
Read the entire issue online, or scroll down for links and cool online-only content. |
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Ages & Stages: Out & About: Volunteering with kids: Become a superhero family Someone you should know: Meredith Lohr and Kim Armstrong |
Feature: 2012 Superheroes for Washington Families Regulars: Check out this month's great giveaways! Online only: Family guide to volunteering |
About this issue
Magical heroes
I am often in awe of human resilience. When one person’s depth of despair is met by another’s hope or action, magic happens. Our 2012 ParentMap Superheroes exemplify that collective magic.
Our family recently had our own superhero contest. We unanimously selected our dearest family friends who face severe challenge with incalculable grace and honor. We learn from them daily. They personify the words of Albert Einstein: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To stay balanced you must keep moving.”
Our selected superheroes keep moving. They see a place where their work and focus can effect global or local change, one human at a time. As UW diversity director and superhero Sheila Edwards Lange, Ph.D., says, “One of the things I love about Seattle is this selfless commitment to community . . . I think it’s a Northwest thing.” We agree!
This year’s tirelessly committed superheroes group advocate, innovate, educate, and motivate the public, improving and inspiring the lives of many.
Washington Green School’s dynamic duo of Kim Armstrong and Meredith Lohr will come closer to fulfilling their org’s mission once you act upon their recommendations. Their goal? To improve our carbon footprint and guide the next generation of environmental stewards.
Twosomes are not big news in our house. I have an identical twin sister and my husband has a fraternal twin brother. We’re each a testament to the life-long bond kids close in age benefit by sharing rooms. We learned a lot about sharing, mischievous acts and collaborating while turning our bedrooms into trapeze circus tents. We had an early start with the “womb mate” advantage.
Many superheroes work at ParentMap and make our social venture the respected business it is. Celebrating our ninth birthday and being awarded a GOLD trifecta of excellence awards from top ranked journalism school, the University of Missouri, honors all of our work. Our whole team contributes to our success, but special recognition goes to Linda Morgan, (managing editor), Emily Johnson (art director), and Jen Betterley (web editor) for a year of inspired and superior effort.
Happy Earth Month!
—Alayne
Check out Shake it up! Shake it off! Tunes to build a happy head and a healthy heart. We’ve launched our first music CD with our good friends Caspar Babypants, The Not-its!, Recess Monkey, The Board of Education, The Harmonica Pocket and Johnny Bregar! (p. 52).
