Chesapeake Family Life November/December 2020

INSIDE: Our Annual Private School Directory

FrEE | November/december 2020

MORE THAN CHORES Teach Kids Skills They'll Use Forever

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ON HOW THEY ROCK! PLUS Our Black Owned Business Gift Guide

Anne Arundel County We’re Pleased to Share the News

OUR NEWEST ARRIVAL IS A BIG STEP IN CARE AND CONVENIENCE. COMING SOON — labor & delivery services will be available to Kaiser Permanente members at Anne Arundel Medical Center, a premier hospital.*

When the time comes, you’ll have a coordinated care team with: } Labor and delivery } Permanente obstetricians } Permanente neonatologists } Lactation consultants } Permanente pediatrician Our connected system means that your health coverage and care — doctors, pharmacy, lab, and hospital are all working together to provide the best care and good health for you and your baby.

Add that to the broad range of specialties offered at our Annapolis Medical Center on Bestgate Road, including orthopedists, cardiologists, podiatrists, and dermatologists — alongside great primary care, pharmacy, and other convenient services offered right on site.

It’s one more reason Kaiser Permanente is the region’s leading health system, with award-winning doctors, delivering highquality care and convenience.** The choice for care and coverage is Kaiser Permanente. Visit kp.org/annearundel

*The premier hospitals are independently owned and operated hospitals, and they contract with Kaiser Foundation Hospitals.

**In the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2019–2020 Health Insurance Plan Ratings, Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic States’ private health plan is rated 5 out of 5, among the top 1% in the nation, and our Medicare health plan is rated 4.5 out of 5, the highest rating in DC, MD, and VA. The 2019 Commission on Cancer, a program of the American College of Surgeons, granted Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation to the Kaiser Permanente cancer care program.

The Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group is the largest medical group in the Washington, DC, and Baltimore areas and exclusively treats Kaiser Permanente members. Permanente doctors are recognized as Top Doctors in Washingtonian magazine (2019), Northern Virginia Magazine (2020), Baltimore magazine (2019), and Washington Consumers’ CHECKBOOK magazine (2018). According to NCQA’s Quality Compass® 2019, we lead DC, MD, and VA in the following categories: colorectal screening, breast cancer screening, childhood immunizations combo 9, cervical cancer screening, and timeliness of prenatal and postpartum care for women. Quality Compass is a registered trademark of the NCQA.

2Kaiser chesapeakefamily.com | of NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 Foundation Health Plan the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc., 2101 E. Jefferson St., Rockville, MD 20852

2020DS1101 MAS 10/01/2020-12/31/2020

ON THE COVER Young entrepreneurs Christian Crowner and Tristan Lindsey.

Photo by Dunks Photo facebook.com/dunks.photo1

November/December | ChesapeakeFamily.com

in this issue

16

Features

12/ THE HIGHLY MELANATED GIFT GUIDE

Great gifts from Blackowned brands.

16/ YOUTHREPRENEURS PHOTO BY DUNKS PHOTO

Kids these days aren’t afraid of a challenge! Meet these cool kids who have turned their hobbies into money making businesses.

Family Fun

24/ BOXES AND BOXES OF FUN

Cool subscription boxes for kids.

Stay Inspired

30/ LIFE SKILLS AT HOME Teach your kids the tools for adulting!

Special Sections

21 / PRIVATE SHOOL DIRECTORY

Baby Ash

12

21 DEPARTMENTS New & Notable 07 / Calling all Pets for our Photo Contest!

08 / OnePasadena 09 / Gifts that Take Time 10 / Be Charitable—Ways to Volunteer

07 / EDITOR'S LETTER Support Season

26 / THINGS TO DO IN NOVEMBER

It’s not our regular Things to Do Calendar, but there’s still a lot of fun to be had this November!

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EXCELLENT ACADEMICS

.

STRONG CONNECTIONS

Vol. 31 No. 2 PUBLISHER Donna Jefferson ext. 212 djefferson@jecoannapolis.com EDITOR Ann Levelle ext 200 ann@jecoannapolis.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Joyce Heid CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laura Boycourt Dylan Roche ART DIRECTOR Jenny Patrick C. ext. 202 AD DESIGN Jessica Kannegieser EVENTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER Claire Kovacs ext. 204 ClaireK@jecoannapolis.com ADVERTISING Linda Benkhadra linda@jecoannapolis.com 240-277-4215 Jen Jeffries ext. 226 jen@jecoannapolis.com Pam Beall ext. 226 pam@jecoannapolis.com

Pre-Kindergarten 3 through Grade 12

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY: Jefferson Communications, LLC 121 Cathedral Street 3A Annapolis, MD 21401 Phone: 410-263-1641 Fax: 443-782-1495 These materials are neither sponsored by or endorsed

PERSONALIZED LEARNING Our teachers know each child and family.

Our partnership approach ensures that every child is supported and challenged on their learning journey.

A DIVERSE & INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY IN WHICH CHARACTER MATTERS Students, parents, faculty, and alumni form a diverse community of learners in which all are known, valued, respected, and affirmed.

At ICS, we don’t just raise good thinkers.

We raise empathetic leaders and passionate change makers.

ENGAGED LEARNING - IN ANY FORMAT Our student-centered, college-preparatory program is steeped in the philosophy of teaching in the ways students best learn.

From our innovative schedule, to our robust curriculum, Indian Creek students participate in a world-class education, taught by our passionate, dedicated, highly-skilled faculty.

ICS students experience a robust academic program, steeped in strong student-teacher and student-student connections.

Meet With Us Mondays!

Join us every Monday, from 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. for a virtual information session.

RSVP: admission@indiancreekschool.org

indiancreekschool.org 4

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by the Board of Education of Anne Arundel County and all other Maryland counties, the superintendents or the schools.

The acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement by Chesapeake Family Life of products or services. Advertisers are not given special consideration or placement in editorial content. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the policies or standards of this publication. Jefferson Communications assumes no financial responsibility for errors in advertisements. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of Chesapeake Family Life, by any means without permission, is strictly

prohibited. ©2017 Jefferson Communications, LLC.

Find us on Facebook & Twitter: Facebook.com/ChesapeakeFamilyMagazine Twitter: @ChesFamily ChesapeakeFamily.com

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CIRCULATION AUDIT BY

The acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement

by Chesapeake Family of products or services. Advertisers are not given special consideration or placement in editorial content.

The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the policies or standards of this publication. Jefferson Communications assumes no financial responsibility for errors in advertisements. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any part of Chesapeake Family, by any means without permission, is strictly prohibited. ©2011 Jefferson

editor's letter

Online this month

Holiday Countdown Fun things every day, Thanksgiving through New Year’s ChesapeakeFamily.com/ holidaycountdown

Support Season

I

t is November and we have been enduring this pandemic for eight months now.

With people out of work, the holidays coming and the cold weather settling in, it has never been more important to support our community. And we are here to do just that.

In this combined November and December issue we are highlighting ways to support local businesses, community volunteer efforts, entrepreneurial kids, and of course, you.

First, let’s give a supportive shoutout to the amazing young entrepreneurs featured on page 16. These kids have taken an idea and ran with it, creating businesses from their hobbies and making a name for themselves, even at a young age. Kids can do pretty much anything they set their minds to, and these kids are a testament to that.

Next, if you’re looking for ways to help your community during the holidays, head to page 10, where you can find ways to give back with food, clothing and toy drives, meal preparation

and deliveries and more ways to volunteer locally.

Finally, as you get a jump on your holiday shopping to avoid shipping delays and shopping in person, our holiday gift guide (page 12) supports Black-owned businesses, showcasing amazing gift ideas from local and regional businesses. Plus we’ve got a roundup of cool subscription boxes for kids on page 24. They’re the gift that keeps on giving!

As we move into December, you can find all of our Holiday fun at ChesapeakeFamily.com, including Santa sightings, Christmas tree farms, holiday lights displays, gift markets and our annual Holiday Countdown. We hope you have a happy and healthy holiday season!

Ways to Volunteer this Holiday ChesapeakeFamily.com/ volunteer

Holiday Shopping and Craft Shows Shop Local!

ChesapeakeFamily.com/ holidayshopping

Ann Levelle, Editor Ann@jecoannapolis.com

JOIN T HE CONVERSATION facebook.com/ chesapeakefamily magazine

pinterest.com/ chesfamily

twitter.com/ chesfamily

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

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Merry Christmas

It is a privilege to partner with more than 500 families in Anne Arundel County and beyond who have entrusted their childrenĘźs education to us.

Our faculty engage more than 800 students through a comprehensive K-12 learning experience that is distinctly Christian.

Four locations in Anne Arundel County

410 519 5300 aacsonline.org

Take a virtual tour today!

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For unto us a child is born...

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

new & notable LIFESTYLE

TRENDS

EDUCATION

W

HEALTH

NEWS

Calling all Pets!

e know you have a lot of cute pets out there. Now it’s time to let your furry friends take the spotlight in our annual Pet Photo Contest!

Share your favorite pictures of your pups, kittens, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, or whatever cuddly friend you’ve got at home, for a chance to win a spot in our February issue.

One lucky pet may even find themselves on our cover!

Then, because we know you furbaby parents love to share pictures of your pets, you can vote for your favorite pet (and probably ask your friends to vote for yours!) online. The pet photo with the most votes will win a $25 Amazon gift card, as will the cover winner!

Head over to ChesapeakeFamily.com/ petphotocontest to enter your favorite pet photo through January 3! We can’t wait to meet your furry friends!

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I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y M A U R E E N S T E WA R T

new & notable

OnePasadena Local group combats racism and hatred in the Pasadena community.

A

military family moves into a new neighborhood. The second day, when leaving a store, someone rolls down their window and yells the N-word at them.* A mother is heartbroken when her bi-racial son is called a racial slur by a teacher and the lack of response by the school that followed.* In addition to sharing the injustice of their personal experience with racism, these families have another thing in common—they all live in Pasadena, Maryland. Racial strife and hate crimes have been on the rise nationwide

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in recent years, but locally in Anne Arundel County, Pasadena has found itself under increased scrutiny.

According to the State of Maryland Hate Bias Report, of all 23 counties in Maryland and Baltimore City, four (Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Montgomery and Howard) make up 76.9% of all hate bias reporting in 2018. Pasadena (21122) had the highest reports.

But for all of the recent negativity, It is important to acknowledge there are people trying to bring the community together. About the same time as the release of the 2018 Hate Bias Report, the Pasadena community was

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

recovering from a racial incident at Northeast High School. In November 2019, Pasadena residents Debi and John Jasen decided to try to bridge the divide by creating OnePasadena.

Initially OnePasadena started as a Facebook group. “Our first few members were good friends who were willing to work towards racial justice and peace in Pasadena,” John says. Today those few have grown to over 800 members working together for a positive change.

“We hope to be a community resource to effect positive change, but centered and made up primarily of people in Pasadena,” John says. “We have groups within OnePasadena that include a book club, events organizers, a Pasadena kindness initiative, and Coming to the Table conversations about race and racism (see comingtothetable.org).”

In November 2019, OnePasadena organized its first local demonstration in solidarity with students at Northeast High School, after a disturbing racist video was circulated through the student body. Since then members have stayed busy. OnePasadena has organized or participated in close to a dozen events in the past year, including testifying before the Anne Arundel County Board of Education.

Jasen says many different people are drawn to the grassroots organization.

“Its strength lies in its diversity with participants stemming from a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious groups, as well as from opposing political persuasions,” he says. “Our members include volunteers dedicated to anti-racism, people involved in our local schools who are tired of the racism, Pasadena people of color who have been subjected to racism in Pasadena, people with the deep-seated belief racism is just wrong, and people who want to learn more.”

If you live in Pasadena and would like to help reduce racism and racial bias in the community, OnePasadena encourages you to see what they are all about and join at facebook.com/ onepasadena.

—Joyce Heid

new & notable Family Tradition

Does your family have recipes that have been handed down each generation? Take those family recipes and turn them into a high-quality kitchen towel with the recipe printed right on it.

Your gift will have all the nostalgia of the perfect present. Etsy.com/ OviannaCo $12

A Pet Lover's Dream

Do you have a pet lover in your life?

This Pet pillow is the perfect gift for anyone with a furry best friend. mypetsies.com $49

Gifts that take time Personailzed gifts that take time

I

t's the most wonderful time of year! I get so much joy from giving presents to the people I care about I look all year while out-and-about for something just right for each family member. This year I haven't been out much at all and I won't be hitting any big box stores during shopping season, so I have found some personalized gifts I think will be a hit Christmas morning. So whether you turn an old recipe into a kitchen keepsake or take your child's favorite drawing and bring it to life turning it into a stuffed animal, you are sure to have your gift receivers smiling ear-to-ear from your gifts. —Jenny Patrick Cardoza

A Masterpiece

Celebrate your child’s artistic creations and bring their dreams to life with a custom plushie created from a piece of their very own artwork. budsies.com $129

Memories

One of my favorite gifts to give my family each year is a compilation of our all photos from that year. Usually in the beginning of November I head over to the Mixbook.com website and pick a design and upload all my pics starting from the previous December. I then organize them by month or season and add memories and quotes. Then I send it away to get printed and it is always back by Christmas. This gift is always a family favorite and gives us a good slow down break on presents Christmas morning as we all look through it together and remeber the memories we made.

Mixbook.com Starting at $25

Cut a Rug

Take your loved one's favorite album or song and get them a personlized record rug. They'll be reminded daily of their favorite tunes with your thoughtful gift. uncommongoods.com $35

BOYS’ LATIN BOARDING PROGRAM TO LEARN MORE VISIT: www.boyslatinmd.com/boarding

COMING FALL 2021

822 W Lake Ave, Baltimore, MD 21210

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new & notable

Be Charitable

Bring your family together and give back to your community this holiday season.

'T

is the season for giving, and the need for volunteers and donations to our local communities has never been greater. With many out of work and needing support feeding, providing shelter, and giving a happy holiday season to their families, it’s time to help.

And what better way to impart the importance of community to our children, than to volunteer together.

Here are a dozen ways to offer a helping hand. You can find more ways to volunteer, donate and help your community at ChesapeakeFamily.com/volunteer.

PREPARING, SERVING, OR DELIVERING MEALS. Happy Helpers for the Homeless happyhelpersforthehomeless.com Engages young people, their parents, and community organizations in preparing food and goods for the needy, bringing love and necessities directly to homeless people every weekend, no matter the weather and including holidays.

Meals on Wheels mealsonwheelsmd.org Meals on Wheels, an organization that provides meals to homebound seniors and disabled individuals, needs

Naval Academy Primary School PreK- Fifth grade (must be 3 by Sept 1)

A student-centered,

developmentally appropriate curriculum, warm nurturing environment with class sizes averaging 12-18 students

Special tuition for military families AIMS accredited Performing Arts, science labs, & foreign language curriculum

naps.napschool.com | 410-757-3090 | 74 Greenbury Point Road, Annapolis Now offering Virtual Appointments by request.

Maintaining Berry Healthy Smiles!

∙ Pediatric Dentistry from infancy through adolescent ∙ Hospital Dentistry ∙ Sedation Dentistry ∙ Nitrous Oxide ∙ Laser Dentistry Berry’s Children Dental L.L.C ∙ Orthodontics (Braces)

www.berrychildrendental.com

4449 Mitchellville Road | Bowie, MD 20716 | 301 383-0959

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volunteers to help deliver meals during the holiday season and beyond. Meals usually are delivered daily between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Beans and Bread vincentbaltimore.org St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore has multiple ways to deliver meals to those in need, including making volunteer-bagged lunches to deliver to the homeless, serving hot meals for holiday dinners and adopting families for the holidays.

FOOD DRIVES Anne Arundel Food Bank aafoodbank.org Donate food, volunteer for pantry organization or begin an online campaign to provide hungry families with a holiday meal this season. The Anne Arundel Food Bank collects food and goods to distribute through local pantries and on-site feeding agencies that receive food to distribute to those in need in our county.

Feed Anne Arundel facebook.com/FeedAnneArundel Donate money or volunteer time to Feed Anne Arundel, which originated in the spring of 2020 and has brought together numerous restaurants and donations to keep those in Anne Arundel from going hungry.

Light House Shelter Thanksgiving Box 2020 annapolislighthouse.org The Light House Shelter in Annapolis is collecting donations for families in need at Thanksgiving. Purchase and package a box of all items listed on the shelter’s list, and delivered to the Light House Shelter in Annapolis on November 20.

new & notable CLOTHING DRIVES Call for Coats admiralcleaners.com Admiral Cleaners collects coats all November for those in need. To donate a coat, or coordinate a pickup, call 410-267-8381 for a list of locations.

Giving Back, Linda’s Legacy facebook.com/GivingBackLL GBLL is an all volunteer nonprofit based in Anne Arundel County, whose Christmas Drive to Help the Homeless delivers over 20 truck loads of clothing annually to homeless shelters in the Annapolis, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. on Christmas Eve. SHELTERS & ADOPTING A FAMILY YWCA of Anne Arundel County annapolisywca.org Support women and children fleeing from domestic abuse. Visit the headquarters in Arnold to adopt a family or an individual rebuilding a life after the tragedy of abuse.

Angel Tree sa-md.org This assistance program of the Salvation Army of Central Maryland, provides an opportunity to be an angel to a local child, making the holidays just a little brighter by purchasing items on a child’s wish list. You can find angel trees at local malls, or online at sa-md.org.

PET SHELTER NEEDS Friends of AAC Animal Control faacac.org Help in providing food, toys and blankets to the shelter, to offering emergency assistance for injured shelter animals. Donations of cash, gift certificates, dog and cat food and toys are especially needed.

Guardian Angel Program aacspca.org/guardian-angel-program Sponsoring an animal at the Anne Arundel SPCA, your contributions will go towards shelter, bedding, food, veterinary care costs, toys, and treats for that specific animal.

MONTESSORI INTERNATIONAL Voted Best Montessori School 7th Year in a Row And Best Lower Private School

Celebrating 35 years of Teaching Children to Shine!  18 m on th s th rou gh 6 th gr ade  Education, Not Just Daycare  Gifted Teachers & Staff  E x ten d ed Da y A va i l a bl e  Sa fe , Se cu re & Nu tur i ng  Sp an i sh & Mu si c H ap py , En Eng ga ged drren en p py, ag ed C hhii l d  Ha Located at the base of B&A Trail, 1641 N Winchester Road, Annapolis, MD 21409 410-757-7789, www.montessoriinternational.org

C H ART YO UR CO UR S E Join us virtually for November Open House Month!

Watch informative sessions hosted by Severn students and faculty, detailing our academics, student life, arts and athletics.

Looking for more ways to experience Severn?

Visit for an on-campus tour, schedule a virtual visit on Zoom, or meet one-on-one with an Admissions representative.

You can chart your course at www.severnschool.com/chartyourcourse.

www.severnschool.com • 410.647.7700 • preschool - grade 12

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HIGHLY MELANATED GIFT GUIDE 30 Amazing Gifts From Black-Owned Brands

W

By Jenny Patrick Cardoza

e scour the stores and online

brands get. So to help you get started shopping

markets trying to find the perfect

we are highlighting Black-owned businesses in our

gift for our loved ones each

annual holiday gift guide this year.

year. Trying to stay away from

show your commitment to diversity. To take your

out there. So while you are browsing the web or

commitment a step further you can take the 15

local retailers for your gifts make sure to support

Percent Pledge, which seeks economic equality

diverse brands.

and prosperity for Black future founders, Black

While we are continuing to work to support the Black Lives Matter movement through education, voting, and supporting racial equality, we found that Black-owned brands are rarely given the platform or shelf space by major retailers that other

12

Shopping these products and services will

big-box retailers this year is a must with COVID still

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students, and Black people in the workforce.

You can take the pledge at 15percentpledge. org. Discover the Black entrepreneurs who offer a variety of gift ideas on the following pages. Make sure to shop these businesses all year round.

FOR HIM Fine Tune Their Facial Hair

Self-care is the perfect gift to pamper the man in your life. You can't go wrong with Scotch Porter Beard Care products that are non-toxic and healthy. Their website has a guide on how to use their prodcuts and a gallery of repeat customers so you can see the results. Products and packages start at $9.99. scotchporter.com

It's All About the Details

Put a Bow On It

Moziah “Mo” Bridges is the 15-year-old CEO of Mo's Bows handmade bow ties. After trading bow ties for rocks on the school playground, Moziah's strong fashion sense led him to start his own company at the age of nine. These ties are the perfect gift for the gentleman in your life. Prices start at $25. mosbowsmemphis.com

Ja’Von, 19-years-old, out of Crofton owns Vons Auto Clean & Shine. It is a premium detailing service that will come to you as long as you have a water and electric source he can use. Von's business was created because he has always been a car enthusiast and was raised in a clean household, so his motivation coupled with his clean habits made this business a no-brainer. Give the gift of a pristine ride!

Prices start at $40. facebook.com/VonsAutoCS

A Weekend Getaway

A Great Read

The phenomenon is real with Lovecraft Country! The whole country has been talking about this mind-bending experience on television but you’ve got to read the book first. Find this book along with 1000s of others at Mahogany Book Store, an independently owned bookstore located in DC and online. $16.99. mahoganybooks.com

Pack your bags and sweep your honey off their feet by booking the Ivy Hotel for a weekend getaway. The Ivy is a bastion of world-class hospitality in a historic Mount Vernon mansion. Eighteen beautiful guest rooms and suites, charming public spaces, a small luxury spa, and a new culinary concept, Magdalena, A Maryland Bistro are all available to you during your trip. See website for pricing and package deals. theivybaltimore.com

A Good Dog-gone Time

Training for man's best friend is the gift that keeps on giving.

Smashingly Respectful Dog Training in Severn provides a highly recommended dog training service ran by professional trainer, Ashly. ⁠She has been studying dogs and Dog behavior and working with animals for about 15 years. She started as a Veterinary Technician and had been doing that for 12 years.

Now, she trains full time out of her home with her dog training facility on the property. Everyone that comes to Smashingly Respectful Dog Training gets an individualized experience based on what your dog needs. Gift Certificates in any amount are available.

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FOR HER Wic-ked Good Quality Time

Letta Moore is the genuis behind Baltimore's first candle making business. Not a lot of gifts can beat quality time, so join the lady in your life in a candle-making experience. There is also a Candle of the Month Club you can opt-in to as well if your lady of the house isn't into a hands-on experience. $33 knitssoyandmetal.com

Memories That Last a Lifetime

The Perfect Day Date

Angela, the owner of Shore Picnics, started the 1st luxury picnic delivery service on the Eastern Shore, where they provide a more upscale and unique setup for any event. They prepare and setup the perfect picnic date. Mixing classy & casual styles together to create an experience to remember. They even offer custom picnic grazing boxes delivered to your door. Make your plans through Insta or Fb at @shorepicnics.

Starts at $50.

Santa Claus is coming to town! Come deliver your letter in person to Santa.

No waiting in line at this private outdoor location! For $199 you get a private photo session with photgrapher, Tia, from Four Little Hooligans, a 15-minute private session with Santa, and 8 digital images. Also offering Christmas Tree Farm Sessions.

Fourlittlehooligansphotography.com

A Holiday Happy Hour

Drunken Fruit is certified organic fruit aged in a proprietary blend of alcohol.

Exquisitely versatile for the distinct palate it is a dessert, a cocktail, a garnish, an aphrodisiac, a bottle appetizer, a chef's dream, the perfect gift. drunkenfruit.com. Prices start at $29.99.

Accesorize Your Holiday

Most ladies love to accessorize, so this gift can be for the lady of the house or the young lady who is a fashionista. Noelle, a 15-year-old in the PVA program at Annapolis High, started making rubber band bracelets in 1st grade and in middle school switched to beads for family and friends. Once COVID hit she really needed an outlet for her art and with a ton of support from her mom, Stacks By Noe was born. Browse all her designs via facebook.com/stacksbynoe. To get your order by Christmas order by December 13. Prices start at $15.

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FOR KIDS Black Girl Magic

Malaville by Mala Bryan's dolls set a positive representation for brown girls everywhere with their entire line. We fell in love with their Limited Edition Imani Doll. Make sure to allow 1-2 weeks for delivery. Visit their site to shop the varaiety of dolls. malavilletoys.com $24.99

Little Likes Kids Musical Crossroads Memory Matching Game for Toddlers

This educational toddler game is designed to aid in child cognitive brain development, learning, and memory. Use this fun kids' game to teach children about the importance of playing together and being kind to one another.

For ages 3 and up. beatnikfinegoods.com $18

Green Thumb

This wooden toy flower bed features 10 plywood flowers at various stages of growth from a seedling to a seed head, that can be planted in any one of the 10 holes in the wooden base.

Water them with the watering can to see them grow! Visit Kido's website for even more toy options to choose from. Kido is run by owners Keewa, a jazz artist, and and Doug, an artist specializing in murals and grafitti. kidochicago.com $19.99

A Piece of Art

These beautifull illustrated educational puzzles will keep your little one busy for hours.

Thick durable pieces comes in a box with a rope handle.

Ages 4 and up. Little Likes Kids™ from Washington, DC is “here for” a new generation of kids aged 6 and under to bring beautifully-illustrated and lovingly designed toys inspired by—and truly reflective of—the lives of today’s kids to market. littlelikeskids.com $18.95

Give Your Heart

This ring is inspired by Love. Spread it inward and outward. Made by artist Lorraine West, who has fans such as Erykah Badu wear her pieces.

Each ring is handmade with it's own distinct character, just like your teen! lorrainewestjewelry.com $85

FOR TWEENS/TEENS Kick, Push...Coast

Grab your teen to keep them rolling outside with this Longboard from The Rad Black Kids. This skateshop carries boards and clothes. This brand was born from the desire from the founder to see faces that reflect his in action sports. Starting at $90. theradblackkids.com

Sew Cool

Grab the 'It's a Vibe' DIY Embrodery kit for your teen and promote self-care.

There are many sets to choose from on artist Kylie Collins site. She provides a visual narrative surrounding not only black history and tradition but influences in present day society. etsy.com/shop/ createtheculture Starts at $20

Pins & Tees

Kristina, owner of Mind Free Apparel, offers tees and pins that deliver a message. The perfect gift for teenagers to express themselves. mindfreeapparel.com Starts at $9.99.

Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You! Book

Penned by the 13-year-old founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, this awardwinning book explores social justice, volunteerism, equity and inclusion, and literacy for all ages. Young children, young adults, and anyone interested in expanding their perspective on important social views. Amazon.com. $10

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PHOTO BY DUNKS PHOTO

Tristan Lindsey, Jack Cohen, and Christian Crowner showing off their products.

YOUTHREPRENEURS How today’s young people are pursuing entrepreneurism

By Dylan Roche

T

here’s no rule that says you have to be an adult to launch your own business. While most teens and children are content to simply have hobbies, there are those among them who have found ways to market and monetize what they love to do. Are there challenges? Of course. Is it rewarding? Very much so—not only in a financial sense but also in terms of education and experience.

So, what does it take to be a young entrepreneur, and how can parents support one? Here’s what entrepreneurial teens in the Greater Annapolis area (and their parents) recommend when it comes to launching your own business.

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important skill I’ve learned is the importance of a business plan, to find that equation that accounts for every cost of a business,” he says. “It was hard to figure out good pricing when I was upgrading materials constantly because it was difficult to project the amount of jobs I was going to make, how long my equipment would last, and what unexpected costs I’d have to pay for along the way.”

THE SAME BUSINESS SKILLS THAT MATTER FOR ADULTS MATTER FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. Professionalism comes naturally to some kids. This is one of the noteworthy qualities that Ellie Heath’s mother, Amy Heath, observes in her daughter. “She has a good foundation, a keen sense for business and understands the time involved to make a profit,” Heath says. “What makes me most proud is that she has friendly customer service skills and knows how to talk with a multitude of different types of personalities.”

DON’T BE INTIMIDATED JUST BECAUSE YOU’RE YOUNG. Even elementary schoolers are old enough to tap into their leadership skills with the right encouragement. Kaleb Good’s mother, Latolya Foote, sees this when she assists her elementary-age son with his cookie business, Kaleb’s Kookies. “Kaleb is a natural-born CEO! He loves making money and telling people what to do, so he jumped right

GET CREATIVE IN COMBINING HOBBIES. For eight-year-old Christian Crowner, combining hobbies was as simple as selling popcorn, a favorite snack. He combined that with his love of music to establish Christian’s Hip-Hopcorn, a gourmet popcorn business he entered into the Annapolis Youth Entrepreneurship Fair in fall 2019.

“Christian is a lover of music, people, and always willing to try new things,” says his mom Jasmine Carey Crowner. “So to be able to make something he also loves, popcorn, with a music theme and make people happy at the same time brings him joy.”

HAVE A BUSINESS PLAN FROM THE START. When teenager Matthew Beagan established his T-shirt business, Fridays with Matthew, he invested in a screen printer to make shirts. But he realized that if he was going to cover the cost of his investment, it required some critical thinking. “I think the most NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

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PHOTO BY DUNKS PHOTO

Ellie Heath, top; Tristan Lindsey, bottom

TAP INTO SKILLS YOU’VE BEEN DEVELOPING SINCE YOU WERE YOUNG. When teenager Ellie Heath established Three Blue Bunnies—a line of wearable art made from repurposed jean jackets—it was after years of developing her crafting and sewing skills. “My mom has always supported the arts and gave me the chance to be able to create from a young age,” she says.

“At the middle school level, I was able to take three years of sewing classes, and that gave me the necessary skills I needed to sew jackets.”

Tooth Fairy Tale. She learned that any time she fell short it was always a learning experience. “A component of the product launch process can be trial and error, so learn to ‘fail forward’ and receive feedback on your products before you get too far into the process,” she says.

Erica Szymanski, top; Kaleb Good, bottom

START SMALL BUT LET THINGS GROW. Teenager Jack Cohen launched his outdoor-inspired clothing brand, Little Cub Outfitters, after a school project was well received by those around him and he realized he could monetize his product. He started with a print-on-demand model that carried little risk but also had lower profit margin and longer fulfillment times. After a year, he got a little more serious. “I spent a ton of time designing quality designs, had my first shirt professionally manufactured and shipped to my house (so that I could fulfill everything myself), completely redesigned my website, and had professional photography done,” he says.

TAP INTO YOUR NETWORK AND SEEK MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES. Many of the teens (and their parents) agree that having a strong network opens up opportunities. Ellie Heath encourages teens to check with their local chamber of commerce or their school’s entrepreneurship program. Erica Szymanski talks with other vendors when she does events and develops relationships with the storeowners who carry her products.

PART-TIME JOBS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES HELP. As children grow into teenagers, they take on greater amounts of responsibility in their personal, academic, and professional endeavors. This ends up making them stronger business owners. Devon Beagan discovered this when she launched her line of tie-dyed, screen-printed clothes called ApparelbyDevon on Etsy. The entrepreneurial endeavor was hardly her first job, and she was already familiar with multitasking, marketing, and hard work.

“I think I was able to develop these skills throughout my life in many different ways, but my love for clothes started when I first started modeling and working with clothing companies around the age of 14,” she says.

BE ADAPTIVE AND READY FOR CHANGE. By the time she headed off to college, Erica Szymanski already had multiple business endeavors to her name. She had established Erica Morgan Designs, a line of car decals, magnets, and watercolor prints, and her products were carried by more than 40 boutiques across eight states.

She had also published a children’s picture book, A Shark

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PHOTO BY DUNKS PHOTO

into his leadership role,” she says. “When doing events, he controls the money, with help of course, and also promotes and sells his product. He can be a bit shy at times but that doesn’t normally last long.”

SUPPORT Want to support one of the young entrepreneurs featured in this article?

Here’s where you can find more information or contact them about their products: Fridays with Matthew Matthew Beagan @ fridayswithmatthew contact for custom jobs

PHOTO BY DUNKS PHOTO

ApparelbyDevon Devon Beagan ApparelbyDevon on etsy.com Send a message for personalized pieces Little Cub Outfitters Jack Cohen littlecuboutfitters.com @littlecuboutfitters

Christian’s Hip-Hopcorn Christian Crowner @christianshiphopcorn Kaleb’s Kookies Kaleb Goods @kalebskookies Three Blue Bunnies Ellie Heath @three_blue_ bunnies @threebluebunnies Tristan’s XL Lemonade Tristan Lindsey @txllemonade Erica Morgan Designs Erica Szymanski ericamorgandesigns.com ericamorganbooks.com @ericamorgandesigns

FIND WAYS TO MARKET YOURSELF. Jack Cohen says marketing can be a big challenge. “I think the problem is that most social media nowadays are so oversaturated,” he says, “which makes it hard for smaller businesses and creators to find success.”

But it’s important not to give in to discouragement. Erica Szymanski found that every chance for self-promotion made her stronger. “I have refined my elevator pitch throughout the years,” she says. “But what helped me most was constantly throwing myself into the public speaking arena for practice.”

PARENTS SHOULD BE READY TO BE INVOLVED. Even when youth entrepreneurs are doing most of the work themselves, there will still be times when parents will need to lend assistance. Tristan Lindsey, who runs Tristan’s XL Lemonade at only 7 years old, recalls a time when his stepdad had to save the day. “One night around Christmas time, we had a big order for our new Holiday Cheer lemonades, and the person we order our gallon jugs from sent us the wrong tops, so I couldn’t use his jugs,” he says. “It was really late at night and most of the stores were closed. My stepdad had to drive out and find gallon jugs that we could re-use for our lemonade orders.”

Even teens and young adults need help occasionally, as Lisa Beagan found when her kids Matthew and Devon launched their businesses. “They both asked for my guidance with the financial aspect of profit and loss, as well as what was necessary to start a business and pay taxes,” she says. “At times, this was a family experience.”

Christian Crowner, top; Devon Beagan, bottom

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W

College Prep is “Key School has taught me so much. I’ve learned how to advocate for myself, work in a team, engage with adults, and be confident in myself and my abilities. Beyond the classroom, Key encourages students to follow their passions, whether with sports, drawing, science, humanities, camping, or all of the above. As I head to MIT in the fall, I can say unequivocally that Key has changed me for the better.”

William Nolan Key ’20 Massachusetts Institute of Technology ’24

hether it’s developing new collegelevel courses like Calculus 2/3 to challenge our most tenacious mathematicians, or building a 70-acre athletic park to meet the needs of a growing, championshipwinning athletic program-Key School is constantly evolving programming to best prepare the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. Come see why Key is one of the most sought-after educations in Maryland, why 75% of 2020 graduates earned merit scholarships to college, and why 98% of parents of recent alums recommend the school to friends and family.

KEY GRADUATES ARE: • Independent thinkers • Intrinsically motivated • Creative innovators • Effective collaborators • Tenacious problem-solvers • Articulate leaders

“Key has led me to be a self-advocate, an individualist and an investigative thinker.

I attribute my critical thinking skills and, more importantly, my confidence and skill with sharing these thoughts to the Key community. As I leave, I am taking courage and self-confidence from my time at Key. I will enter college with an eagerness to assess the world around me, be a good listener, and engage in meaningful conversations to expand my thinking.”

“Without Key, I may have never stepped out of my shell and gained the confidence to engage in meaningful conversations with my teachers and other adult peers. I would have never learned how to be an independent thinker and a self-advocate. I would have never met the teachers who serve as inspirations for me. And, finally, without Key I would have never been taught what it means to learn for the love of learning. I feel excited and prepared for the next chapter of my life, thanks to Key, which has not only prepared me academically, but has given me the independence and confidence that will allow me to succeed in college and beyond.”

Grace Gallant, Key ’20 Dartmouth College ’24

Talia Stern, Key ’20 University of Pennsylvania ’24

Key congratulates its Class of 2020!

Visit keyschool.org/Classof2020 to see where they are headed.

UPCOMING VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSES UPPER SCHOOL - GRADES 9-12 Saturday, November 7 - 12:00 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL - GRADES 5-8 Saturday, November 7 - 10:00 a.m.

LOWER SCHOOL - GRADES 1-4 Saturday, November 14 - 11:30 a.m.

FIRST SCHOOL - 2.5 YRS THROUGH KINDERGARTEN Saturday, November 14 - 10:00 a.m.

REGISTER: KEYSCHOOL.ORG/ OPENHOUSE

The Key School engages children from 2.5 years of age through grade 12 in a progressive, coeducational, college-preparatory program on its picturesque 15-acre campus located 4 miles from downtown Annapolis.

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534 HILLSMERE DR. • ANNAPOLIS, MD • 21403 • 410.263.9231 • KEYSCHOOL.ORG chesapeakefamily.com

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PRIVATE A SCHOOL D IR E C TO R Y ANNE ARUNDEL

Archbishop Spalding High School

Annapolis Area Christian School

Severn, 410-969-9105 archbishopspalding.org 9th grade–12th grade

Annapolis, Severn, 410-519-5300 aacsonline.org Kindergarten–12th grade Before & after care Tuition: $12,825-$20,450/yr AACS has been providing an excellent, distinctly Christian education from Kindergarten through 12th grade for over 45 years. Students at AACS pursue their God-given gifts and talents through a comprehensive offering of academic courses, fine arts and athletics, extracurricular clubs and programs.

See our ad on page 6

Book of Life Academy

re you interested in learning more about private schools in the area?

There are plenty to choose from and our Private School Directory is a great place to start getting information. This Directory is a listing of area private and parochial schools. Schools with descriptions are advertisers and information in the listings is provided by the schools. For more details on these school programs, such as class size, uniform requirements, and sports available, visit ChesapeakeFamily.com/privateschools.

MSDE standards and guidelines, offering full- and part-time care for children ages 2-5. We provide a curriculum that promotes fine and gross motor skills, cognitive development and social-emotional well-being for every child.

Annapolis, 410-263-2600 bookoflifeacademy.com 2 years–5th grade

See our ad on page 27

Bright Beginning Children’s Learning Center

Glen Burnie, 410-768-5324 cbcaknights.org 3 years–12th grade

Crownsville, 410-923-3192 Glen Burnie, 410-768-4526 bright-beginning.com 2 years-PreK4 Tuition: $254-$276/wk Bright Beginning provides quality early education that exceeds

Calvary Baptist Church Academy

Chesapeake Montessori School Annapolis, 410-757-4740 chesapeake-montessori.com 18 months–8th grade

Edinboro Early School Severna Park, 410-544-2476 edinboroearlyschool.org 2 years–Kindergarten

Indian Creek School Crownsville, 410-923-3660 indiancreekschool.org 2.9 years–12th grade Before & after care Tuition: Flexible Tuition available; $9,090-$27,500/yr ICS believes that education should be engaging and challenging.

Innovative teaching based on educational research combined with nurturing relationships and enrichment opportunities outside the classroom create a unique, remarkable Pre-K through 12th

Visit us online for even more details on each school at ChesapeakeFamily.com/PrivateSchools NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

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directory | private grade college preparatory experience.

communities. We have small class sizes and an inviting school house that stimulates children’s abilities to grow and mature intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially.

See our ad on page 4

Key School Annapolis, 410-263-9231 keyschool.org 2.5 years–12th grade Before & after care Tuition: $8,800-$30,075/yr Key School engages children in a progressive, coeducational, collegepreparatory, day program on its picturesque 15-acre campus. Key emphasizes experiential learning, interdisciplinary studies and global perspectives. Key graduates are independent thinkers, creative innovators, effective collaborators, tenacious problem-solvers, and articulate leaders.

See our ad on page 20

Monsignor Slade Catholic School Glen Burnie, 410-766-7130 msladeschool.com 2 years - 8th grade

Montessori International Children’s House Annapolis, 410-757-7789 montessoriinternational.org 18 months–6th grade Before & after care Tuition: $10,500-$12,500/yr Montessori International (MICH) is a coeducational independent school for children 18 months through 6th grade. We inspire excellence, nurture curiosity and enhance creativity. Our learning community emphasizes hands-on experiential learning, respect for self and others, and the development of inquiry skills that enhance life-long learning.

Extended Day available.

See our ad on page 11

Naval Academy Primary School Annapolis, 410-757-3090 napschool.org 3 years–5th grade Before & after care Tuition: $5,832-$11,340 NAPS is a warm nurturing environment that is open to military families and the Annapolis

See our ad on page 10

Rockbridge Academy

St. Anne’s School of Annapolis

BALTIMORE

Annapolis, 410-263-8650 stannesschool.org 2 years–8th grade

Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools

St. John the Evangelist School

Crownsville, 410-923-1171 rockbridgeacademy.org 5 years–12th grade Before & after care Tuition: $7,100 - $15,690 Rockbridge Academy is a K-12 classical Christian school located in Anne Arundel County serving Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, DC, areas. A 25-year tradition of academic excellence using the classical method, combined with a loving, Christian environment, creates self-motivated lifelong learners who pursue truth, beauty, and goodness as they are taught to be socially graceful and spiritually gracious.

Severna Park, 410-647-2283 stjohnspschool.org 4 years–8th grade Before & after care Tuition: $8,275/yr We offer a stimulating, dynamic and challenging academic program in a nurturing environment. Our faculty have the knowledge, experience and love for teaching that guides and inspires every student. Contact us today to see how we merge faith, technology and academics to create good citizens and future leaders.

Saint Andrew’s Day School

Severna Park, 410-647-7055 stmartinsmd.org 3 years–8th grade

Edgewater, 410-266-0952 school.standrewsum.org 3 years–8th grade

School of the Incarnation Gambrills, 410-519-2285 schooloftheincarnation.org 4 years–8th grade

Severn School Severna Park, 410-647-7700 severnschool.com 3 years–12th grade Before & after care Tuition: Varies Severn School strives to meet the needs of young learners as well as college-bound students while challenging them to realize personal excellence. Students are provided varied opportunities to demonstrate scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and sportsmanship.

See our ad on page 11

See our ad on page 29

St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal School

St. Martin’s Lutheran School Annapolis, 410-269-1955 stmartinsonline.org 3 years–8th grade

St. Mary’s Elementary School Annapolis, 410-263-2869 stmarysannapolis.org PreK 4-8th grade

Baltimore, 410-547-5515 archbalt.org/schools 2 years–12th grade

Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School Baltimore, 410-486-1900 bethtfiloh.com 2 years–12th grade

Baltimore School for the Arts Baltimore, 443-642-5165 bsfa.org 9th grade–12th grade

The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland Baltimore, 410-377-5192 boyslatinmd.com 5 years–12th grade After School Tuition: $21,960-$31,600 Founded in 1844, The Boys’ Latin School of Maryland is an all-boys independent school serving boys in grades k-12. At Boys’ Latin, each and every student is known for who he is today, and all he will be tomorrow. Nearly two centuries of all-boys education has taught us that a close community builds a foundation of confidence. Of compassion. And of character.

See our ad on page 9

Calvert School

St. Paul’s Lutheran School

Baltimore, 410-243-6054 calvertschoolmd.org Pre K - 8th grade

Glen Burnie, 410-766-5790 stpaulslutheranschoolgb.org 3 years–8th grade

The Catholic High School of Baltimore

St. Philip Neri Catholic School

Baltimore, 410-732-6200 thecatholichighschool.org 9th–12th grade

Linthicum, 410-859-1212 st.philip-neri.org 4 years–8th grade

The Summit School Edgewater, 410-798-0005 thesummitschool.org 6 years–8th grade

Gilman School Baltimore, Lower School, 410-323-7284 Middle & Upper Schools, 410-323-7169, gilman.edu 5 years–12th grade

Visit us online for even more details on each school at ChesapeakeFamily.com/PrivateSchools

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directory | private Greater Grace Christian Academy

HOWARD

Baltimore, 410-485-0700 ggca.org 5 years-12th grade Before care Tuition: $6,375 - $7,185 GGCA is a private Christian School which is Christ-centered, churchbased, and where children learn in a supportive, focused environment.

Our primary academic goal is to develop life-long learners with the capacity to think logically, critically and biblically so that they can become the next generation of Christian leaders.

Bethel Christian Academy

Lamb of God School Halethorpe, 410-242-4100 lambofgodschool.org 5 years–8th grade

The Park School of Baltimore Baltimore, 410-339-7070 parkschool.net 4 years–12th grade

The School of the Cathedral Baltimore, 410-464-4100 schoolofthecathedral.org 5 years–8th grade

St. Paul Lutheran School Catonsville, 410-747-1924 stpaulcatonsville.org/school 18 months–5th grade

CALVERT Cardinal Hickey Academy Owings 410-286-0404 cardinalhickeyacademy.org Montessori PreK 3-4, Traditional PreK - 8th grade

The Calverton School Huntintown 410-535-0216 calvertonschool.org 2.5 years–12th grade

Tidewater School Huntingtown 410-257-0533 thetidewaterschool.org 2.5 years–5th grade

Savage, 301-725-4673 bethelchristianacademy.com 3 years–8th grade

Resurrection-St. Paul School Ellicott City, 410-461-9111 resstpaul.org 3 years–8th grade

St. John’s Parish Day School Ellicott City, 4104657644 stjohnspds.org 3 years–5th grade

St. Louis School Clarksville, 410-531-6664 stlouisparish.org/school 4 years–8th grade

ChristianAcademyofLaurel.org 3 years-8th grade

DeMatha Catholic High School Hyattsville, 240-764-2200 dematha.org 9th–12th grade

Elizabeth Seton High School Bladensburg, 301-864-4532 setonhs.org 9th–12th grade

Friends Community School College Park 301-441-2100 friendscommunityschool.org Kindergarten–8th grade

Grace Christian School

Trinity School

Bowie, 301-262-0158 gcsbowie.org Kindergarten–8th grade

Ellicott City, 443-498-5040 trinityschoolmd.org 3 years-8th grade

Holy Trinity Episcopal Day School

KENT COUNTY Kent School Chestertown, 410-778-4100 kentschool.org 3 years–8th grade

Radcliffe Creek School Chestertown, 410-778-8150 radcliffecreekschool.org 5 years–8th grade

PRINCE GEORGE’S Belair Baptist Christian Academy Bowie, 301-262-0578 belairbaptistacademy.org 4 years–12th grade

Bishop McNamara High School Forestville, 301-735-8401 bmhs.org 9th–12th grade

Christian Academy of Laurel

Bowie, Glenn Dale 301-464-3215 htrinity.org 3 years–8th grade Before & after care Tuition: $11,525 to $13,705/yr Our mission is to help students become “The Best You.” We offer strong academics and provide opportunities in visual arts, athletes, technology and help students become leaders of tomorrow.

See our ad on page 29

Riverdale Baptist School Upper Marlboro, 301-249-7000 rbschool.org 3 years–12th grade

St Mary of the Assumption Upper Marlboro, 301-627-4170 stmaryum.org 3 years–8th grade

St. Vincent Pallotti High School Laurel, 301-725-3228 pallottihs.org 9th–12th grade

Laurel 301-490-1076

QUEEN ANNE’S

The Gunston School Centreville, 410-758-0620 gunston.org 9th–12th grade

Lighthouse Christian Academy Stevensville, 410-643-3034 lcacademy.org 4 years–8th grade

Wye River Upper School Centreville 410-758-2922 wyeriverupperschool.org 9th–12th grade Tuition: $30,000/yr Wye River engages bright students with learning differences in a challenging educational experience, preparing them for college, career, and life. Our students gain knowledge and independence through an inquiry-driven, multisensory, multi-modal pedagogy.

To support this approach, projectbased learning, outcome-based goals, and applied experiences outside of the classroom highlight our courses.

TALBOT The Country School Easton 410-822-1935 countryschool.org PreK–8th grade Tuition: $9,975-$17,850/yr The Country School is a coed, PreK8, independent school located in Easton. Our curriculum is traditional with progressive elements and a focus on our 9 core values, which produce not just smart kids, but great kids.

See our ad on page 29

Saints Peter & Paul High School Easton 410-822-2275 ssppeaston.org 9th grade–12th grade Visit ChesapeakeFamily.com. for the Private School Directory in its entirety.

Visit us online for even more details on each school at ChesapeakeFamily.com/PrivateSchools NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

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family fun!

BOXES AND BOXES OF FUN These subscription boxes for kids deliver fun right to your doorstep, entertaining and educating kids along the way.

By Ann Levelle

T

he basics of subscription boxes are the same—find a themed box that fits your child’s interests, subscribe to a trial box or jump right to a monthly subscription, and hit send. Before you know it, a box of goodies will show up in your mailbox, bringing with it the joy of opening a surprise, plus fun projects, new gadgets, books or toys, and a bit of learning on the side. Bonus for the adults, most of these boxes keep kids off of screens for a bit!

Here are a dozen cool subscription boxes we found to delight both kids and parents, ranging in scope from books to cooking to LEGO and coding.

STEAM MEL Chemistry

melscience.com $34.90 per month These science kits feature awesome monthly STEM related projects, and will teach kids about a topic with comics, a science kit, building kit, added activities and an added AR app to use with each project!

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Excavating Adventures

Excavatingadventures. com. Kits starting at $5.99. Dinosaur kiddos, budding geologists and explorers will love this one! Activities include mini excavations, ten new specimens (rocks, minerals, and gems), specimen storage case, ID sheets, trading cards, stickers and excavation tools.

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BitsBox

bitsbox.com $24.95; $16.95 digital. This coding box features monthly challenges for kids ages 6–12, introducing a new computer science concept. The apps kids build will work on any mobile device. The Basic BitsBox comes with a dozen projects and a handy binder.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

We Craft Box

wecraftbox.com $29.99 per month; discounted 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions Each We Craft Box features a craft project based on a monthly theme, and includes all the materials needed, photo instructions, a story about the project, and can be shared by two children. Geared toward ages 3–9.

Brick Loot

brickloot.com $27.28 per month; $24.88 prepaid 12-month subscription Brick Loot was developed by a nine-year-old LEGO enthusiast. Monthly themed boxes include custom LEGO kits, minifigures, kits by famous designers, and fun accessories like LED light kits.

family fun BOOKS Atlas Book Club

atlasbookclub.com $39.99 per month.

Creator, Bunmi Emenanjo, a local Maryland mom aims to expose children to different cultures and introduce them to world history.

Books are ageappropriate to your children. Each box contains a book, a map, postcard, and a souvenir from the country or region featured that month.

Literati

literati.com/kids $9.95 plus purchase of books. Pick your child’s age and

SOCIAL STUDIES

COOKING

reading level, and Literati will send you five books each month, based on a new theme.

After one week you can choose whether you’d like to purchase or return them.

OwlCrate Jr.

owlcrate.com $27.99. Geared toward kids ages 8–12 and includes 4–6 goodies, a hardcover book, at least one usable item or activity, an exclusive letter from the author, and a collectible sticker.

America’s Test Kitchen Young Chefs’ Club

americastest kitchen.com/kids. $24.99 per box.

Each month features kid-approved recipes and teaches them about new food, the science behind how the recipes work, and cultural aspects of food. Plus they love to eat what they’ve made themselves!

Each box comes with a cooking tool geared toward that month’s theme, a button, and recipe cards.

If you know the best...

Lawyer or...

Eat2Explore

Eat2explore.com $24.95 per month; discounts for 4- and 12-month subscriptions Kids can explore the world each month with Eat2Explore, as each box is geared toward learning about the food of other cultures, regions and areas of the world. Each box has several recipes, a shopping list, essential spices or mixes, cooking tools and a passport.

Little Global Citizens

little-globalcitizens.com $39.95. This box teaches children about countries from around the world and their cultures. Your kids (ages 4–10) will get an expertly designed box to bring a new country and its culture to life. Each box is filled with items from that country including authentic guides, crafts, screen-free activities, language skills, recipes, and a storybook.

Little Passports Littlepass ports.com $20.95 per month; discounts for 3- and 12-month subscriptions Your kids (from 3 to 9 and up) will learn about the world afar right from their home.

Kids will fill their little blue suitcases with a passport, activities and stickers, a wall map, collectible country coins and collectible toy animals.

Newly Installed REME-HALO UV Air Purification System

Financial Planner let us know!

Submit your recommendations!

We are searching for the professionals who are honest, passionate, extraordinary and accessible by the families in the area. Tell us who you would recommend to local families.

chesapeakefamily.com/BestOf

Leagues, Camps and Sports for Kids and Adults of all Ages!

Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Pickleball and More!

We also host birthday parties, child development classes, camps and facility rentals.

Sign up Winter Futsal Leagues and our all new Fall and Winter Supervised Online Learning Program

www.benfieldsc.com 410-987-5100

Exit 10 Off I-97, in Millersville

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calendar | october

go out

TONS OF FUN THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

Ongoing

FALL FUN FESTIVAL

Daily through Nov. 3. Corn maze, jumping giant pillow, petting and feeding farm animals, giant slides, cow train, and more. Over 45 attractions. $9 weekdays; $13.50 weekends. 10 a.m–6 p.m.

Gaver Farm, Mount Airy. gaverfarm.com

MARYLAND SUNRISE FARM Weekends through Nov. 8. Harry Potter corn maze, petting zoo, hay jump, corn kernel box, pumpkin patch, pedal carts, cow wagons, hayrides and food vendors. Sat., 10 a.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.; select Fridays, 3:30 p.m. $11.

Gambrills. mdcornmaze.com

MOMMY AND ME YOGA Tuesdays. Stretch and pose with your little one in the park at Chesapeake Children’s Museum.

Free for CCM members. Or pay what you like.

Bring your own mat. 10–11 a.m. Chesapeake Children’s Museum, Annapolis. theccm.org

TRY IT! STEAM LAB

Mid-October to Mid-November

Virtual Event!

THE BIG READ 2020 Each year the National Endowment for the Arts spearheads a program called the NEA Big Read. This initiative aims “to broaden our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book.” Since the program began in 2006, the National Endowment for the Arts has funded more than 1,400 NEA Big Read programs, providing more than $19 million to organizations nationwide.

Locally, the Chesapeake Children’s Museum has been selected as one of many nonprofit organizations nationwide to present the NEA Big Read this year. This year’s Big Read book is Citizen: An American Lyric, a book-length poem by Claudia Rankine, which chronicles the microaggressions Black people face daily, and discusses larger incidents of discrimination, and violence against Black people in America.

The museum is coordinating with community partners including Anne Arundel Community College, Anne Arundel Public Library, Asbury United Methodist Church, the BannekerDouglass Museum, Center of Help, and the City of Annapolis to present book discussions and activities around the book, as well as around racism, and ways to combat it in our community.

Events run from mid-October to Mid-November, and include four talks with the author, race workshops for kids and adults, World Kindness Day activities on November 13, Community conversations, poetry workshops, and performances by Building Better People Productions called We Got It! A Show About Empathy.

For more information on the Big Read, follow along on its Facebook page, facebook.com/ thebigreadannearundelcounty, register for events with the Children’s Museum at theccm.org, and find more events, book recommendations and free movies through Kanopy on aacpl.net.

Mondays and Thursdays through November 19.

Try It! Classes at CAC are designed to expose students to all facets of the arts without any commitment! Students ages 7-12 can try dance, ceramics, visual art and more, one week at a time. Each workshop is only $10. Students must pre-register. Classes open approximately 4 weeks in advance. Chesapeake Arts Center, Brooklyn Park. chesapeakearts.org

NATURE ESCAPE Wednesdays. Turn off your computers and escape to the parks every week, as park rangers come together to create a weekly screen-free outdoor learning and free play experience. Each week children will explore a different theme in nature from Animal Homes and Water Worlds, to Geology and Mindfulness in Nature while parents and guardians can escape themselves for a midday break! Registration required each week. $3 per child per week. Ages: 6–10 years old. Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Lothian. jugbay.org

1 Sunday

PUMPKIN SMASH Send your pumpkin flying off the roof of the Maryland Science Center! The pumpkin launch tube is ready to propel your gourd down four stories from MSC’s roof to the patio below!

Pumpkins will start to be collected on the Harbor Patio at 10 a.m. and all pumpkins must be dropped off by 11:50 a.m. Maryland Science Center, Baltimore. mdsci.org

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

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4 Wednesday

INTRODUCTION TO SAFE DRONE FLYING FOR TEENS Flying a drone is fun but there are FAA regulations you should know and they apply to everyone. Join Tim Tumelty “The AACC Drone Guy” for a free webinar to learn important drone basics. Ages 11–17. 1–2 p.m. Virtual. aacpl.net

5 Thursday

SEA SQUIRTS: DINO POWER This program is designed to invite adults and children 18 months to 3 years to discover the museum together through music, stories, and special activities. Join us for story time and a take away craft, available while supplies last.

Sessions are 15-20 minutes. Capacity limited to 10 people per session. Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons. calvertmarinemuseum.com

CIVICS 101 FOR GIRLS Civics 101 for Girls Webinar introduces girls ages 10 to 16 the structure of the United States government, the state and federal electoral systems and the ways that girls can become civically engaged in their communities.The registration fee includes a GIP logo shirt, student workbook and GIP treat bag. $50–$60.

4–6 p.m. facebook.com/GirlsInPolitics

6 Friday

THE SKIN YOU’RE IN Black, White, Just Right and The Skin You Live In, storytime with two books about the beauty of all of our skin colors. 10:30–11 a.m.

Chesapeake Children’s Museum, Annapolis. theccm.org

FRIDAY NIGHTS UNDER THE DOME: ASTRONAUTS Enjoy unique shows at the Robinson Nature Center’s planetarium. Each program features a full-dome movie preceded by a live, familyfriendly planetarium presentation where you discover what’s in the night sky that month.

Portions of the program may be held outside of the planetarium. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Tickets required. $8. howardcountymd.gov/Robinson

7 Saturday

means and opportunity to commit the murder in the Land of Oz! $20. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. childrenstheatreofannapolis.org

CASABLANCA—TOGETHER WE RISE This year’s CASAblanca Gala will be held online, featuring special programming around the theme for this year’s event. Attendees are encouraged to throw their own watch-party, dress up in their glitzy finest, or perhaps throw a pajama party! Guests can get creative on how they will decorate for our photo contest, while they join us on YouTube Live and “mingle” via the interactive chat bar. 6:30–8 p.m. aacasa.org

8 Sunday

WIZARD OF OZ Test your deductive reasoning during this murder mystery investigation as you search to find the suspect who had the motive,

For a list of reader voted Favorite Docs visit us at: ChesapeakeFamily.com/ FavDocs Two Convenient Locations!

Now Enrolling

MAKE YOUR OWN ROCKS GLASS Join Sagamore Spirit and the crew at McFadden Art Glass, who will teach you the process of making your very own rocks glass by glassblowing. Then, enjoy a guided tasting of various Sagamore Spirit expressions. Each guest will make one rocks glass. Glasses take a full day to dry and require pick-up from the distillery. Each class is one hour long with time slots from Noon to 6 p.m. This class is weather permitting. Spaces are limited. $65. Sagamore Spirit, Baltimore. sagamorespirit.com

Ages 2 - PreK ● Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum ● Small, Caring Environment ● Spanish, Yoga, Sports & Fitness Programs Included ● Fully Implemented CDC Guidelines for COVID 867 Buttonwood Trail Crownsville, MD

543 Old Stage Road Glen Burnie, MD

410-923-3192

410-768-4526

License# 130684

License# 160256

Bright-Beginning.com

SENSORY-FRIENDLY SUNDAY This monthly event is designed for families with kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities. The center opens early, allowing visitors to enjoy a calm environment. Sensory alert maps, sensory backpacks and quiet areas are available. Reservations suggested. $5 adults, children age 3 and older $3, under 3 free.

11:30 a.m. Robinson Nature Center, Columbia. howardcountymd.gov/RNC/sensoryfriendlyvisit

11 Wednesday

November:

Native American Heritage & Big Read 1st: Dia de los Muertos Road Rally, 2-4:30 pm 1st: “Coco” outdoor movie, 6-8 pm 7th: Book Lovers Day on Zoom, 10 am 8th: Jingle Dance on Zoom, 1 pm 17th: Poetry Workshop for ages 11+, 4-5 pm

December:

VETERANS DAY PARADE

St. Mary’s County honors veterans and active duty military with virtual events. Free. leonardtown.somd.com

12 Thursday

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

VIRTUAL MURDER MYSTERY

ONLINE

Nov 12–Jan 3. Head to Toby’s Dinner Theatre for a holiday spectacular. This uplifting and joyous celebration of the holiday season will feature many of your favorite Toby’s performers.

Toby’s will be decked out for an evening of

5th: Gift Making workshop on Zoom, 1-3 pm 6th: Gift Making workshop on Zoom, 1-3 pm 26th: Kwanzaa story and crafts, 11 am Check website for: NEA Big Read events through Nov. 17 Girl Scout Badge and Journey workshops

Story Time, Ages 2 to 5 Fridays at 10:30 am Creek Critters Nature Walk Thursday at 10:30 am Members can borrow “Take Home Kits” theccm.org | 410.990.1993 25 Silopanna Road | Annapolis,MD 21403 info@theccm.org

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

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calendar | october

Discover More Podcasts

non-stop holiday entertainment filled with great music, humor and heart! $50–$65. Showtimes vary. Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Columbia. tobysdinnertheatre.com

13 Friday

WORLD KINDNESS DAY

Interviews with experts about important topics today

It’s time to be kind to one another. Find inspiration on how to be kind in your community at kindness.org

DRIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT Join the AACAR Realtor Community Service Committee for a fun Drive in Movie Night at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds. 7 p.m. facebook.com/AACARmd

Chesapeake Inspired New Monthly Digital Magazine

LIGHTS AND LEASHES 13–14. Families and their four-legged companions can leave their cars behind and walk through Lights On The Bay. $20 per car. All proceeds will go directly to the SPCA. All dogs must be leashed, preferably on non-retractable leashes. 5–10 p.m. Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis. lightsonthebay.org

GREEK FOOD CARRYOUT FESTIVAL

Pet Contest

Starting December 15

13–14. Get your favorite Greek dishes from Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis during this weekend-long Fall carryout festival! 11 a.m.–7 p.m. facebook.com/schgoannapolis

14 Saturday

FORT MCHENRY CLEANUP

Education Fair Coming January

Give a day for the Chesapeake Bay as you join the National Aquarium’s Conservation team for a field day at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. We will remove debris from the wetlands, maintain the pollinator and rain gardens and more. Registration required. Free.

10 a.m.–1 p.m. aqua.org

15 Sunday

OLD-FASHIONED GLAZED CHRISTMAS TREE PAINT!

Go To chesapeakefamily.com

15; 17–19. Remember those awesome ceramic Christmas Trees with twinkling lights? Clay Bakers will walk you through the process for painting these trees with specialty glazes and application. This price includes specialty glaze, snow and electrical light kit with bulbs and star! ​ 6–9 p.m. Clay Bakers, Annapolis. theclaybakers.com

18 Wednesday

TURKEY SUGAR COOKIE WORKSHOP Littles can celebrate Thanksgiving by making Turkey shaped sugar cookies with their favorite grownup at Tastebuds Kitchen. 10 a.m. $30 includes one child and one adult. Tastebuds Kitchen, Chester. tastebudskitchen.com

20 Friday ZOO LIGHTS

Nov. 20–Jan. 3. Drive or walk through a festival of lights shaped like wildlife. Advanced reservations are required. Drive-through ($45) Wed.–Thurs. 5–7 p.m.; Fri. and Sun. –9 p.m.

Walk-through ($20, kids under 2 free) Sat. 4:30–7:30 p.m. Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. marylandzoo.org

B&O’S HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF TRAINS Nov. 20–Jan. 3. Trains, holiday characters and more. Admission: adults $20; children $12.

Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore. Borail.org

21 Saturday

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IN BALTIMORE Preview weekend Nov. 21–22. This Christmas Village will transform West Shore Park at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor into an authentic German Christmas market. Free.

11 a.m.–8 p.m. West Shore Park, Baltimore. baltimore-christmas.com

22 Sunday

$2 COMMUNITY DAY AT PORT DISCOVERY Explore Port Discovery for just $2 per person.

Advance tickets required. Capacity is limited.

Port Discovery, Baltimore. portdiscovery.org

FREE FAMILY SUNDAY AT HOME Check out the Baltimore Museum of Art’s fun family craft ideas to do at home. artbma.org

26 Thursday

Happy Thanksgiving! Visit us online at ChesapeakeFamily.com/TurkeyTrot for a listing of all Turkey Trots.

27 Friday

SIX FLAGS HOLIDAY IN THE PARK Nov. 27–Jan 1. More than 1 million glittering lights, holiday entertainment, seasonal treats,

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

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Find out how The Country School stacks up.

visits with Santa and theme-park rides. $45 and up. Six Flags America, Upper Marlboro. sixflags.com/america

FESTIVAL OF TREES Nov. 27–29. The Kennedy Krieger Institute will transform the iconic holiday event from a three-day in-person gathering to a hybrid experience, featuring unique, custom-decorated artificial trees that will be available for purchase online, live virtual entertainment opportunities for the whole family, online shopping with hundreds of gift options from hand-selected vendors, and an online auction site with many one-of-a-kind items. Tree and wreath sales, the auction and a vendor gift marketplace will be available online, around-the-clock, throughout the weekend. Free. Register at KennedyKrieger. org/FestivalofTrees

CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE Leonardtown will light its Christmas Tree, and hold modified holiday festivities. Free. 4:30–8:30 p.m. Leonardtown Square, Leonardtown. leonardtown.somd.com

Now offering in-person and remote learning options!

716 Goldsborough Street | Easton, MD P 410.822.1935 | F 410.822.1971 www.countryschool.org

THE

COUNTRY

SCHOOL Start right here.

Academic Excellence in the Catholic Tradition Since 1959 FAITH • FAMILY • ACADEMICS

Now accepting applications for the 2021-22 school year!

For More Information: Contact Lynne Fish at LFish@stjohnsp.org

4 year old Prek School through Grade 8

SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS Nov. 27–Jan. 1. Display of more than 100 larger-than-life animated and stationary holiday light creations, made up of more than 250,000 bulbs. Laser light show, 3D holiday video and outdoor ice skating rink. $20 per car. 6–10 p.m. Symphony Woods, Columbia. merriweatherlights.com

410.647.2283 | stjohnspschool.org | Severna Park, MD 21146

National Blue Ribbon School Of Excellence

Holy Trinity offers

29 Sunday

THE BEST BEGINNINGS

CITY TREE LIGHTING

THE BEST YOU

and graduates

GRAND ILLUMINATION— The lighting of the Annapolis tree plus Santa, live performances, refreshments and more. Free.

5:30–8 p.m. Market Space at the Market House, Annapolis. downtownannapolispartnership.org

December

Can’t wait for this year’s holiday events? You can find the best Holiday events on our website, ChesapeakeFamily.com/winter. We’ll have all you need to know about this year’s • • • • • • • •

Lights Displays Holiday Markets Performances Daily activities on our Holiday Countdown Train Gardens Lighted Boat Parades Santa Sightings Christmas Tree Farms

Our Virtual Learning is AHEAD OF THE CURVE! From preschool through grade 8, our students receive an academic foundation that is unparalleled. We provide a blend of online and in-person instruction to ensure every student will reach their full potential and succeed at the next level.

Now Accepting Applications for PS3- 8th Grade We are offering virtual tours!

Contact 301-262-5355 or admissions@htrinity.org

Go to ChesapeakeFamily.com/Calendar for more events!

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DATE NI G HT & MORE

stay inspired in crisis receive care until medical professionals arrive.”

Scriber says the organization has developed online courses that can help you help others in their time of need.

The courses feature interactive modules that can be completed from your home computer. For example, “Prepare with Pedro,” offers young children activities and games to introduce staying safe during emergencies and natural disasters.

They are free to download and available at ready.gov/kids/prepare-with-pedro Similarly, “The Pillowcase Project,” an online workbook available to download, teaches children in grades 3 to 5 about safety, coping skills, natural hazards, and personal preparedness. For all Red Cross virtual offerings, check out redcross.org.

EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH

LIFE SKILLS

Developing life skills at home helps kids confidence and ability to take care of themselves.

By Laura Boycourt

V

irtual classes, including everything from second grade Language Arts to AP Calculus, will become second nature to online learners in this new, remote landscape. But some material, like home and life skills, risks falling to the wayside as students focus more on core subjects.

While you and your family are home more often this winter, and your kids are in need of non-screen activities, use this handy list with plenty of expert advice to break down which life skills kids should be learning at home.

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FIRST AID BASICS

While nothing can replicate an in-person First Aid or CPR class, there are plenty of ways adults can help kids develop First Aid skills.

Darlene Scriber, with the American Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region, says the organization’s online courses provide important skills that everyone should know. “Designed for parents and teachers, adults and teenagers, troop leaders, coaches, and more, our online first aid courses allow you to help those

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020

Attending classes from home, being apart from peers, and uncertainty surrounding current events can be difficult for children. So checking in on your child’s emotional and mental health and helping them cope with the realities of today is crucial.

Dr. Lauren Cashion, a psychiatrist with the Annapolis Child and Family Therapy Center, says mental health professionals are seeing increases in rates of anxiety and depression among young people and recognizes the many emotions they’re experiencing due to the pandemic.

“Children and adolescents are struggling with the same anxieties regarding unknowns as adults,” Cashion says. “School-age children are lacking opportunities for social interactions that guide their development. Teens are missing connecting with peers, their greatest influencers. Kids feel lonely and frustrated—sometimes angry. They may struggle with self-regulation, resulting in uncharacteristic emotionality and outbursts.”

On top of those troubles, Cashion says, “You then layer the complexities of school. Whether it is virtual, in-person, or

DAY TO DAY SKILLS

Laundry

Walk your kids through the basics of operating the washing machine and dryer, and how to sort clothes. Follow it up with a quick tutorial of folding and keeping clothes organized in dressers and/or closets. For younger kids, something as simple as letting them attempt to sort and fold laundry while you complete the rest will go a long way for their self esteem.

Cooking

Introducing your child to measurements and cooking implements is an easy way to begin their culinary education.

Using measuring spoons, mixing, and setting the table are all things younger children can help with. Teens can follow recipes to assist in multi-step family meals.

hybrid, youth are facing an educational experience different from anything they have known.”

Opening up about feelings and acknowledging the challenges can help.

“Children are inherently resilient, however, they need to be well-supported, Cashion says. “Acknowledging their (everyone’s) distress is just as important and supporting their resiliency.”

Offering kids opportunities to connect and take care of themselves physically has the potential to improve their state of mind as well. “Finding opportunities to engage in activities outside school (again virtually or in a safe in-person environment) allows not only some level of social engagement, but connecting with peers normalizes the abnormality of the situation—when they are able to realize that they are not as alone as it sometimes feels this reduces stress,” she says. “Exercise, always important, is now more so. The same is true for regular, and adequate, sleep.”

Setting a good example can be effective, too.

“Kids are social cognitive learners— they model what they see—and, in this way can be supported and guided by the

Taking Care of a Pet... or a Plant

Helping feed pets or watering plants adds up in teaching kids responsibility in caring for a living thing. Have your younger child help scoop dog or cat food. Have your younger child help scoop dog or cat food.

If they’re older, kids can take Fido for a walk or change the bedding in the hamster cage.

If the flowers need tending, a kid-friendly watering can help develop a young green thumb.

adults in their lives,” explains Cashion.

PERSONAL FINANCE/ BUDGETING

Developing solid economic and personal finance skills when kids are young is a very good thing, says Julie Weaver, executive director of the Maryland Council on Economic Education. It’s also good to expand and reinforce those skills as they mature, she says.

“The best approach is a building blocks approach, beginning with basic concepts such as needs versus wants and the opportunity cost of choosing one thing or experience over another,” Weaver says.

She recommends that parents head to the bank with their children during their early grade school years. “Elementary school is a great time for parents to open a savings account with their child to help the child learn the basics of saving money,” Weaver explains. She also encourages counting coins and explaining bills.

Weaver says kids can also learn financial responsibility by doing chores around the house for an allowance and saving their income (and spending a portion on something they want, too).

Using Tools

A basic understanding of tools is a great way to give kids skills that can carry them through their lives. Smaller hands can become familiar with tape measures and “practice” hammering and sawing with versions made for kids.

Once they’re old enough, children and teens can assist parents with DIY work around the house.

Once children are a bit older, they can get involved with budgeting and begin to think about what their own business might look like.

“Middle school is a great time to introduce budgeting and involve children in the family’s budget,” Weaver says.

A child in middle school can help with planning the grocery list and budget each week.

Middle school is also a great time to teach children about entrepreneurship and career options, Weaver says. “Great lessons in entrepreneurship can be learned in having a simple bake sale where a child can learn about the costs of production, pricing strategy, marketing, and measuring return on investment.”

For high schoolers, Weaver recommends that kids become familiar with topics like insurance, credit and debt, credit scores, and “long-term saving concepts,” like an IRA account.

“It is imperative to have these conversations before a child goes off to college or the working world so that they don’t fall prey to predatory lenders or make poor decisions about financing their education,” she adds.

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Presorted Std. U.S. Postage PAID Baltimore, MD Permit No. 4475

121 Cathedral Street, Suite 3A Annapolis, MD 21401 Find us: chesapeakefamily.com

Tis the season for holiday fun.

Coming soon...

Light Displays Holiday Fun Countdown Local Tree Farms

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