DC Diaper Bank

My daughter and I had the opportunity to volunteer at the DC Diaper Bank in Silver Spring.  This wonderful organization collects not only diapers, but all different products for families in need.  And the operation itself is remarkable...a huge warehouse FULL of diapers.  We were busy packaging diapers in packs of 25 for pick up.  Check out their website!

Putting her hard at work!

Packaged and ready to go!

She's such a poser.

Diapers ceiling to floor...

Is MoCo advocating Helicoptor Parenting? - Parents investigated after letting Kids walk home alone

I read this Washington Post article about a Silver Spring couple who practices "free range" parenting, essentially allowing their kids to "learn self-reliance by being allowed to progressively test limits, make choices and venture out in the world".  One December day, they allowed their two children, ages 10 and 6, to walk approximately one mile to a nearby park, a route they knew well through downtown Silver Spring.  Apparently someone spotted them and alerted the police.  The parents are now in the middle of a Montgomery county Child Protective Services investigation.

Like most of my generation, I have vivid memories of playing outside all day and only going home when it turned dark.  No cell phones, no internet, no frequent check ins....old school.  From 2nd through 12th grade, I walked 1/2 mile everyday from my bus stop to my house, *gasp* ALONE.  I recalled days where I would let myself into the house using my house key and stay home *gasp* ALONE until my parents came home around 6pm.  In the summer months, I'd ride my bike or walk to friend's houses, ride the ride-on bus/metro...again, ALONE.  To take it even further, I remember my parents sending me (age 11) and my younger brother (age 4) on airplanes by ourselves!

I believe that I have developed into a fairly independent individual, much to the credit of my parents!  If I could, I would raise my own kids the same way that I was raised. My kids are only 3 years old and 4 months old but I'm already questioning if that's even possible or if CPS will investigate me for teaching my kids a little independence.  The fact is, the risk your child is in a car accident is much greater than your child being abducted.  As a parent, we weigh the risks in everything our kids do.  My 3 year old daughter has now busted up some part of her face by 1) hitting her forehead on a table edge while watching ipad, 2) falling out of the SUV while getting in, and 3) plain old walking in the parking lot.  Does that mean I'm going to carry her everywhere and not let her walk because she's just plain clumsy? No.  We have a playground in our own fenced backyard.  We live in a cul de sac where there is virtually no one around.  Do I let my 3 year old play on it by herself?  When she's older, will I let her bike around the neighborhood by herself?  Not if MoCo CPS can help it!

Kids Eat Free or For Less

While out of the house, husband send's me this picture of dinner time.

 

Yes, that's carrot on her forehead.  How she gets carrot on her forehead is a true mystery.  All parents go through the same thought process right before mealtimes, "ug, what do I make for dinner", ESPECIALLY for working folk.  Sure, a quick ramen (with egg if you're feeling fancy) and easy Mac would satisfy your hunger.  But now you have this little life you're taking care of.  You're developing your offspring's budding brain cells and you can't feed her growth with just ramen!

If you haven't subscribed to Macaroni Kid, you should! You get weekly emails of fun kid friendly events as well as useful tidbits such as these:  List of discounted and free meals in the Rockville and Gaithersburg area restaurants.  Golden! Nice night out with the family, no mess to clean up, no dishes to wash, baby eats FREE!!!  This list is going on the fridge.

Mondays:

• Mama Lucia's Pasta Night - Order one pasta entree regular price and get a second for $4 Dine In or Carryout 5-10pm (Rockville, Bethesda, Olney, Frederick & Silver Spring locations)
• Ambrosia Grill - Buy 2 entrees and get 1 kids meal free 5-9pm
• Eggspectations - 1 free kids meal with purchase of adult entree (Silver Spring)The Stained Glass Pub (Silver Spring) - 1/2 price pizzas from 5-10pm

Tuesdays:

• Denny's - Kids eat free after 4pm
• Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse - 1 free kid meal per adult meal after 4pm.
• Lone Star Steakhouse
• Silver Diner- Kids Club Members get a free milk or yogurt shake between 5 and 8pm. They also offer a different theme and activity or entertainer each week.
• Lebanese Taverna (Bethesda location) - free children's entertainment and receive a free kids lunch with purchase of adult entree 10:30-11:30am
• Primo Italiano - 4-9pm (dine in only)
• The Stained Glass Pub (Silver Spring) - 1/2 price pizzas from 5-10pm
• The Corner Pub (Silver Spring) - 1/2 price pizza from 5-9:30pm
• Chick-fil-A Kentlands 5-8pm, Children's activities starting at 6pm. Children receive a 4 piece kids meal when a combo meal is purchased.

Wednesdays:

• Chick-fil-A - kids eat free - Montgomery Mall 6-8pm, entertainment provided
• Lebanese Taverna (Rockville Town Center) - all day - 1 free kids meal per adult meal purchased.
• Cheeburger Cheeburger - 1/2 price kids' meal with purchase of an adult entree. Dine in only.
• California Tortilla (Bethesda location) - free kids meal - 5-9pm
• Fudrucker's (Silver Spring) - 1 free kids meal with purchase of adult entree (but only 1 per free kids meal per check). 5-9pm

Thursdays:

• The Corner Pub (Silver Spring) - 1/2 price pizza from 5-9:30pm

Fridays:

• Chicken Out - kids eat free

Saturdays:

• Chicken Out - kids eat free

Cheap Eats All Week Long:

• Buca di Beppo - kids under 10 eat for $5.99
• California Pizza Kitchen
• California Tortilla
• CiCi's Pizza - plus they have a small game room
• First Watch
• Macaroni Grill
• Silver Diner
• Urban Bar-B-Que Company
• Chipotle