Amanda McLaughlin
Amanda is an aspiring author, educational consultant, wife, and mama. She is originally from Northern New Jersey, but has lived in the DC area on and off since 2008 after attending GWU. Amanda’s business, Beyond The Books, was created to support new college graduates and parents through the transition from college life into adulthood. She has her Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy from SHU where she studied the relationship between parents and college-aged children. She loves binge watching tv series with her husband, boxing, and exploring the city with her family.
Drop-In Daycare and Kid-Friendly Co-Working Spaces
It happens - in the middle of juggling groceries, doctor’s appointments, and after school activities you get the dreaded email:
“REMINDER: SCHOOL CLOSED TOMORROW.”
You think, "How could I possibly forget my children would be home?"...
15 Northern Virginia Preschool-Friendly Summer Camps
Below is a list of the best Northern Virginia preschool summer camps. We also have a guide with Maryland and Washington, DC toddler and preschool (ages 2-5) summer camps too. You can also visit...
18 Toddler-Friendly Summer Camps in DC
I cannot believe that I am searching for summer camps for our preschooler, but here we are.
Below is a list of summer camps for toddlers and preschoolers in DC. You can also visit our...
Let’s Make Getting Glasses Fun for Kids
My 4 year old son recently had a pretty big change to his daily routine, the addition of glasses. My initial reaction was shock. I was so surprised to find out my son had...
Take Along Brain Games and Puzzles for Independent Play
Independent play? Tell me more! One of the biggest challenges I face is entertaining my children in this world of constant and instant gratification. While I would love to continually play and be completely...
The Top Boxing Gyms in the DMV
As a stay at home mom, I have tried to look for ways to fill my day with activities that make me happy. One of those activities I truly enjoy is exercising at boxing...
I’m a Highly Sensitive Person Raising a Highly Sensitive Child
A highly sensitive person raising a highly sensitive child?! Loud sounds, strong smells, large crowds, all are a hard pass for me. Growing up, I never realized why certain situations were overwhelming for me...
Thank you, Summer
Hello, September! The weather is cooling down, the pumpkin spice lattes are filled to the brim, and school is FINALLY back in full swing. Connecting with parents on just how long and overwhelming Summer can...
A Trip To The Movie Theater? Definitely!
A trip to the movie theater does not sound appealing to most these days. Well, I’m here to try and convince you otherwise.
This winter we were anticipating yet another DC snow storm and were...
6 Kid-Friendly Books to Read About Passover
Looking for Passover books? The festival of Passover, also called Pesach, celebrates the Israelites leaving Egypt and gaining freedom. While understanding the meaning of Passover may be a bit complex for our little ones,...
A Trip To Udvar-Hazy
The National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
With the cold winters and unpredictable spring weather, playgrounds have just not been as enjoyable. Unfortunately, I have been nervous about taking my 3.5 year old...