Provided by Matthew Cash with Baird Wealth Management.

Through my years as a Financial Advisor, I’ve met with dozens of people. Many of whom want to confirm that what they’re doing is correct. Here are some of the most common mistakes I’ve seen…

They haven’t changed their investments in years — This is common with 401(k)’s & Rollover IRA’s. They may have met with an advisor or someone at a bank or discount brokerage firm. And that person helped get them into the right investments (hopefully).

They get a statement every month with the person’s name on it. And other than a few hiccups here and there, the account has shown steady growth. So why should they change?

Imagine you originally started with a portfolio of 60% stocks & 40% bonds. If stocks grew 7% every year & bonds 3%, after five years your portfolio would be comprised of 65% stocks & 35% bonds.

You’ve unintentionally increased your portfolio risk. All while moving closer to retirement.

They do it themselves (there may be some overlap here with the previous example. Especially with 401(k)’s) — Despite having a full-time job, this person wants to handle their investments on their own. And like the previous example, they think it’s been working.

Unfortunately, the average investor underperforms the market by about 2% per year. And if they think they can beat the market, they’re probably wrong. In fact, most professional active managers underperform their respective benchmarks in the long run.

On a $500,000 portfolio, underperforming the market by 2% adds up to about $110,000 over a 10-year period.

They hold too much cash — Holding a lot of cash makes people feel secure. It never loses value. And they may even earn a few dollars on it every month. What’s the problem?

Unless you’re earning 2% interest on your cash, you’re actually losing money due to inflation. And, as mentioned in the previous example, 2% can add up to a lot. Some cash in your portfolio is ok, as long as it’s part of a financial plan.

So, what should you be doing?

Have a formal financial plan. One that answers the following questions:

1. What is the probability that I will achieve my financial goals?

Knowing this is critical. And it should be the first thing an advisor helps you to determine. It is a specific number. And once you know the answer, you can move on to the second question:

2. Can I increase the probability of achieving my financial goals?

Whether it be reallocating to the proper investments, changing the order of what you’re funding, or changing how you’re spending, you can likely increase your probability of success.

This, along with adjusting for any life-changing events, and rebalancing your portfolio when necessary, can lead to success.

If you want to achieve your most cherished goals, you have to make your money work hard for you — and that means putting together a systematic and attainable plan.

According to many financial experts, the success of a long-range savings and investment plan is predicated not on the rate of return, but on the use of a systematic plan.

A financial plan, a central component to any comprehensive investment process, can help you avoid expensive financial mistakes that can seriously damage your financial health, including taking on too much debt, not saving enough and placing too much of your financial assets in investments with a high level of risk.

A Comprehensive Investment Process

In developing a comprehensive investment plan, you need to start by gathering information. By taking a careful look at your assets and liabilities, insurance coverage, how long you have to save for retirement and the tax status of your various accounts, you can better prepare for your future.

As you are reviewing your current financial situation, you will want to identify issues and opportunities. Depending on where you are in your financial life cycle, you may have specific short- and long-term goals to consider.

• During the Wealth Accumulation phase, as you are gathering and building assets, you may also be establishing your career and family, planning for your children’s education and saving for retirement.
• During the Wealth Distribution phase, when you have built a strong portfolio of assets, you may be considering retirement, purchasing a second home, helping your children financially and developing an estate plan.
• The Wealth Transfer phase represents the culmination of a successful strategy as you prepare to transfer your wealth to your heirs and favorite charities in a tax-advantaged way, both during your life and at death.

All of this information should be factored into your financial plan. A Financial Advisor can evaluate where you are financially and help you plan for the future.

Next, you and your Financial Advisor need to develop an investment strategy to put your financial plan into action.

This strategy should consider risk vs. reward, proper asset allocation and portfolio diversification. Together, you and your Financial Advisor can develop a plan designed to minimize risk and maximize opportunities that can help you reach your goals.

Once your plan is designed, you need to implement it. Your Financial Advisor will help you choose quality investments to put your strategies to work.

Regular reviews of your investment plan help ensure that your asset allocation and investment strategies continue to meet your changing needs.

Article approved by Robert W. Baird & Co. for Matthew Cash, Financial Advisor at the Reston office of Robert W. Baird & Co., member SIPC. Matt has 9 years of financial services industry experience, and can be reached at 571.203.1677, or [email protected]. Robert W. & Co. does not offer tax or legal advice.

Reston, there’s a new way to sell and buy your home — and it means big cash back to you.

ListingKey, the newest real estate brokerage to enter the DMV, provides cash rebates on each home sale, from both sides of the transaction. With the ListingKey Financial Advantage, sellers receive up to 2 percent back at closing. On a $438,000 sale — the median price in Reston in June — that’s $8,600 returned to the home seller. Talk about real money in your pocket.

For home buyers, a $438,000 transaction returns 1.25 percent back at closing, a bonus of $5,475. Perfect for funding future home improvements like a small bathroom renovation, a new roof, updated fencing or fresh landscaping. Or even just a nice vacation.

ListingKey is also launching a streamlined, automated buying and selling platform that reduces obstacles, saves time and eliminates the stress involved in what is one of your most important transactions of your life — by connecting home sellers and buyers directly.

Consumers control every aspect of the transaction, and for sellers, that means driving negotiations with prospective buyers and the signing on the bottom line to close the deal. Plus, professional photography, 3D tours, MLS syndication marketing materials and more.

For buyers that means exploring up-to-the-minute new listings, scheduling home showings, drafting offers and even signing deals with electronic signatures. AND remember the 1.25 percent cash back (up to $80,000) for your effort.

Behind ListingKey are real estate veterans who are there to support you through every phase of your search for a new home and to get the most money out of selling your current one.

At every step, a ListingKey professional is standing by to help. While cash back is the promise, quality service is their mission.

Thinking about selling? Find your home’s value here.

Looking for a home in Reston? Call 571-363-4016 or email at [email protected].

This is a promoted post by the Neurology Center of Fairfax.

Busy medical practice, located in Fairfax, seeks FT LPN to assist doctors in managing care of patients.

Experience preferred, IV experience a plus. Direct patient contact responsibilities. Requires strong computer skills for EMR responsibilities, ability to multitask and must have outstanding English language skills.

Job requires full and independent mobility, and ability to stand for long periods of time. Work days, Monday through Friday. Excellent salary and benefits.   

Email cover letter and resume to [email protected], or fax to 703-940-1497.

The shopping, entertainment and dining mecca of Fairfax Corner will transform once again into an outdoor art showcase during the second annual Fairfax Corner Art Festival. Monument Corner Drive will feature more than 100 national and international artists, arranged in pop-up gallery style and filled with all mediums of fine art for two days, April 29-30.

Thousands of handmade-in-the-USA works of sparkling jewelry, original paintings, exquisitely crafted glasswork, contemporary sculpture and more will be available for collectors, appreciators and visitors to see and to purchase during the free, two-day event.

Presented by Howard Alan Events (HAE), producer of the nation’s finest juried art shows, the second annual Fairfax Corner Art Festival represents original, hand crafted artwork selected by an independent panel of expert judges from hundreds of applicants. HAE’s careful vetting process ensures a wide array of mediums and price ranges will be offered during the festival. Visitors are encouraged to engage the artists and to discover the inspirations and processes behind each stunning work. Unlike other art fairs, all the artists themselves are on-site for the duration of the festival. Parking is available and well-behaved pets on leashes are always welcomed.

The success of last year’s art festival quickly spread amongst not only the patrons in attendance, but amongst the nation’s top artists as well, who quickly submitted their applications for the vetting process to be included in this year’s showcase. The high interest led to the selection of the most diverse and stellar-quality of works to fill the 100 available slots offered during the Fairfax Corner Art Festival.

Among those selected is local Fairfax artist Jill Banks, whose plein air oil paintings capture daily, contemporary scenes in a style reminiscent of the impressionist masters. Illinois photographer John Granatas prints his stunningly vivid images on translucent Japanese paper and mounts it to acrylic in a process that gives each photo a magnificent glowing presence. Fiber artist Tonya Butcher begins her multi-versatile scarves with 100 percent luxurious charmeuse silk onto which she paints her original creations with silk dye before steam setting the design into the now wearable art. Pennsylvania jewelry artist Jennifer Brower uses old-world style chainmaille wrapping techniques to create magnificent, original woven pieces of shimmering jewelry. Florida mixed-media artist Elaine Laurent creates masterpieces, which are both beautiful and functional. Rare cigar boxes find new life as a hand-crafted purse when Laurent adorns it with a vintage vinyl record accented with crystals, leather trim and a suede and chain strap.

These artistic offerings are only sample of the stunningly original works visitors to the second annual Fairfax Corner Art Festival can find. Prices range from under $50 up to $5,000, ensuring ample opportunities for both experienced and novice collectors to purchase and to enjoy.

The second annual Fairfax Corner Art Festival takes place April 29-30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, along Monument Corner Drive. Parking is available, admission is free and pets on leashes are welcome. The navigational address is 4100 Monument Corner Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.

A complete list of participating artists and more information about Howard Alan Events can be found by visiting www.artfestival.com.

Photos courtesy Howard Alan Events

Washington Boulevard will transform into an art-lover’s paradise on Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23 during the fifth annual Arlington Festival of the Arts.

One hundred and fifty national and international artists are set to display their fine works from across the nation in a prestigious show encompassing fine jewelry, exquisite works of art and hand-crafted apparel and decor. Whether your passions run to sparkling jewels and one of a kind paintings; exquisitely crafted glasswork or an art deco sculpture, you are sure to find it during the free, two-day event.

Clarendon offers some of Arlington’s hottest restaurants, nightlife, shopping and lifestyle storefronts which lends itself to the high-quality artists’ showcase. Presented by Howard Alan Events (HAE), the fifth annual Arlington Festival of the Arts represents original, hand-crafted artwork selected by an independent panel of expert judges. Hundreds of applicants apply for the Festival of Arts each year, vying for the chance to showcase their creations to the distinguished and discriminating community of Arlington. HAE’s careful vetting process ensures a wide array of mediums and price ranges are always offered during the festival.

Unlike other art festivals, the Arlington Festival of the Arts are produced free of charge to the public in “pop-up gallery” fashion. Instead of gallery assistants or managers, each artist’s booth is overseen by the artist him or herself. This hallmark of HAE’s shows allow all visitors and appreciators to meet the creator behind each work of art, and to discover the inspirations and processes that go in to each creation.

The all-ages Arlington Festival of the Arts invites everyone to enjoy a beautiful stroll amongst inspired and inspiring, handmade-in-the-USA creations. Ample parking is available and pets on leashes are always welcome. The free outdoor event is located at 3003 Washington Blvd.

Participating artists and more information can be found by visiting www.artfestival.com.

Photos courtesy Howard Alan Events

This is a promoted post from Lofts at Village Walk, which is offering new townhome condominiums in at Village at Leesburg.

With the opening of the Lofts at Village Walk in Leesburg, homebuyers craving accessibility to historic downtown Leesburg and the convenience of town center living now have an amazing new option!

The Lofts at Village Walk is part of the 1.2 million-square foot, mixed-use Village at Leesburg development. Residents of this brand-new community will live within walking distance of Wegmans, over 70 shops and restaurants, LA Fitness, Cobb Theatre, and more.

Diverse eateries offer a plethora of cuisines and outdoor dining, and a mix of retail shops and entertainment options cater to people of all ages. Everyday conveniences including banking, hair salons and dentists make it possible to run errands without ever leaving the community.

This new enclave of “two-over-two” townhome condominiums, each with an attached garage, three bedrooms, and two-and-a-half baths spread over two levels, is priced starting from the upper $300’s.  Stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, luxury master baths and more demonstrate the care and detail paid to interior finishes.

Homebuyers will be especially pleased when they quickly realize the homes are nestled within an oasis of nature. The neighborhood backs up to the lush Kincaid Forest Tree Preserve and Tuscarora Creek, and two large ponds provide a calming buffer amid the residences. There is also a small neighborhood park adjacent to one of the ponds.

The Lofts at Village Walk will welcome its first homeowners in upcoming months, with limited homes still available for summer move-in!

The Lofts at Village Walk offices are open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1602 Village Market Blvd., Suite 462, Leesburg. Call Sales Manager Ernie Kyger at 703-764-5463 or contact him by email at [email protected].

This is a promoted post by Bright Horizons at Commerce Metro Center, a child care facility in Reston.

Are you trying to find the perfect fit for your child’s early education and preschool?

Attend our Open House April 17-21 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. to find out what sets
Bright Horizons^® Early Education and Preschool apart from the rest in Reston.

• Meet our engaging teachers
• Visit our brand new state-of the-art facility with bright and beautiful classrooms, indoor Movement Matters Zone, Art Studio and outdoor playground
• Learn about our world-class curriculum enriched with baby signing, art, fitness & wellness program, and yoga
• Discover how your child’s interests are incorporated into the classroom experiences
• Find out how parent/teacher partnerships contribute to your child’s success including our secure My Bright Day App (mobile daily experience sheet), Teaching Strategies Gold online children’s portfolio, observation and assessment tool, and Parent Partnership Group
• Explore our READY for SCHOOL program in our Preschool and Kindergarten Prep programs including school readiness signature practices, S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Handwriting Without Tears, Everyday Math and Weekly Reader

Join us!
Walk-ins Welcome.
We look forward to seeing you!

Spring Registration Offer – Register by May 31 and receive a $150 Tuition Credit!*
*Offer valid for registrations received by May 31 and with an enrollment start date by Sept. 30. Tuition credit will be applied after 30 days of enrollment. Valid only at Bright Horizons at Commerce Metro Center.

Bright Horizons at Commerce Metro Center
(Conveniently located near the Wiehle-Reston East metro station with validated drop-off and pick-up parking.) 11400 Commerce Park Drive, Suite R140
Reston, VA 20191
703-774-3211
www.brighthorizons.com/commercemetro
www.facebook.com/bhatcommercemetro

This is a promoted post by Towns of Lansdowne Square.

• 19345 Diamond Lake Drive, Leesburg, VA 20176
• Homes priced from the mid-$500s
• Sales gallery and model residence open Saturday-Wednesday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• LiveLansdowne.com

Tour our brand new model home this Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. to discover the amazing details that surround you in the new elevator townhomes at the Towns of Lansdowne Square.

With Phase II recently released and the unveiling of a new model, now is the time to discover the Towns of Lansdowne Square, a collection of 23 luxury urban townhomes that are reshaping the heart of the Lansdowne Town Center. These spacious townhomes feature three and four-bedroom multi-level floorplans with the following modern touches to enhance your daily life:

• 5-inch hardwood flooring and two-piece crown molding
• Granite countertops and KitchenAid appliances
• Pella windows and solid core doors
• Private elevators available
• Expansive outdoor terraces
• Community pool and fitness center amenities

If you are looking to live in the center of a truly walkable community, these new townhomes are surrounded by shops and restaurants such as Harris Teeter, Panera Bread and BlooMoo Yogurt, in addition to convenient staples such as the Hair Cuttery, CVS Pharmacy, Shell Gas Station and Lansdowne Dry Cleaners. You will never have to venture too far to run errands or enjoy an evening out, especially as the town center expands, introducing Not Your Average Joe’s and Ford’s Fish Shack to the mix.

Phase II is released and sales are underway. To learn more, contact Will Richey, sales manager, at 703-763-2721 or [email protected].

This is a promoted post from Knutson at Crescent Place, which is offering new townhomes in Leesburg.

Join the Knutson at Crescent Place sales team and your potential new neighbors Saturday from 1-4 p.m. to celebrate the final phase release of the community.

These final two townhome buildings, featuring the Rockland and Fleetwood floorplans, are situated on and directly behind the community’s courtyard. Those living in the courtyard building will have peace and quiet, while be treated to beautiful brick sidewalks in front of their home with grassy areas in between, featuring park benches and gazebos. No cars will disturb them by driving by the front of their home, so the serenity will never end.

These stunning modern townhomes, located in the heart of Leesburg, have changed the landscape of Loudoun County. The Knutson difference offers you superior finishes and features throughout, distinctive exterior architecture, a large two-car garage, and much more. Floorplans range from 2,000 to 2,800 square feet and include spacious terraces, 9-foot ceilings on all levels, optional two-sided terrace fireplaces, and 2-car garages. Take a closer look at our Fleetwood floorplan in a 3D tour.

Located immediately adjacent to the W&OD Trail, you will be able to enjoy time in nature, while living in an urban area. Access to over 50 shops, restaurants, and more, allows homeowners to live easy and convenient lives, without ever going too far from home. With 98 WalkScore neighborhood ranking, it has never been easier to host a happy hour on your rooftop terrace, listen to live music on a Tuesday night, or become a regular at the hottest new restaurant in town.

With prices starting in the mid-$400s, Knutson at Crescent Place has become one of Loudoun’s fastest selling new developments.

Deborah Condrey, the sales manager at Crescent Place, urges potential homebuyers to come take a tour of the development’s two furnished models before it’s too late.

Knutson at Crescent Place is at 235 Crescent Station Terrace in Leesburg SE. The sales office is open daily: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday from 1-6 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 703-570-6550 to learn more.

This is a promoted post from Ryan Homes — Westmoore, Loudoun County’s new Metro community in the heart of Ashburn.

It’s no secret. Westmoore is Loudoun County’s hottest selling townhome community. And for good reason, too. Coming on the scene a year ago, Westmoore made a bold statement. And the buzz was all around. Westmoore would become Ashburn’s only Metro community with direct city connections via the highly anticipated Silver Line Metro. And the sales are record breaking, with 169 homes sold in less than a year and our newest Phase Two already 30 percent sold out. But that’s not where the differences stop.

Proximity to city lines usually dictate the value of a home. And we’ve certainly seen our share of overpriced residences near the Metro. Homes in Arlington and Reston can easily reach or exceed the million-dollar mark. But the builders at Westmoore are changing the game. NVHomes and Ryan Homes are offering affordable townhomes in Ashburn all the while keeping you close to urban life. And keeping you connected to the best in retail, dining and entertainment, just minutes from the Grammercy District, Loudon Station and Moorefield Town Center. Plus, Reston Town Center is just a short drive or a few metro stops away from home.

The townhomes themselves are designed for a more urban vibe. Open sightlines, lots of natural light and sleek finishes create a completely modern look, often times not seen in the suburbs. Westmoore also is changing the way residents kick back and relax. By connecting indoors and out with the use of rooftop terraces and covered porches. Thoroughly metro and modern, it’s the perfect melding of form and function in an effort to bring out the best of both.

At Westmoore, amenities are rich. See for yourself the many reasons to keep residents entertained right at home:

• Modern, resort-style clubhouse (opening Summer 2017).
• Outdoor pool with a beach entry and poolside cabanas.
• Expansive pool deck with lake views.
• Club lounge and café.
• Fitness center and yoga studio.
• Urban fenced dog park.
• Amphitheater for outdoor movies and concert series
• Natural playgrounds.
• Miles of trails.
• Urban inspired parks and playgrounds.

New Urbanism has arrived here in Ashburn. A revival of a connected life, outside the city where walkability and energy are its lifeblood. With Phase One sold out and Phase Two over 30 percent sold in just one year, there is no time like right now to make life simplified. Where just by moving in, life becomes easier and more refreshed.

Westmoore is at 43393 Ghazwa Square, Ashburn, VA 20148. The sales office is open Mondays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays – Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call 571-707-5090.

This is a promoted post by Towns of Lansdowne Square.

• 19345 Diamond Lake Drive, Leesburg, VA 20176
• Homes priced from the mid-$500s
• Sales gallery and model residence open Saturday-Wednesday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• LiveLansdowne.com

Join us at our Phase II Model Grand Opening, March 4-5, to explore what makes the Towns of Lansdowne Square a perfect new home for any buyer.

With Phase II just released, now is the time to discover the Towns of Lansdowne Square, a collection of 23 luxury urban townhomes that is reshaping the heart of the Lansdowne Town Center. These spacious townhomes feature three- and four-bedroom multi-level floorplans with the following modern touches to enhance your daily life:

• 5-inch hardwood flooring and two-piece crown molding
• Granite countertops and KitchenAid appliances
• Pella windows and solid core doors
• Private elevators available
• Expansive outdoor terraces
• Community pool and fitness center amenities

If you are looking to live in the center of a truly walkable community, these new townhomes are surrounded by shops and restaurants such as Harris Teeter, Panera Bread and BlooMoo Yogurt, in addition to convenient staples such as the Hair Cuttery, CVS Pharmacy, Shell Gas Station and Lansdowne Dry Cleaners. You will never have to venture too far to run errands or enjoy an evening out, especially as the town center expands, introducing Not Your Average Joe’s and Ford’s Fish Shack to the mix.

Phase II is released and sales are underway. To learn more, contact Will Richey, sales manager, at 703-763-2721 or [email protected].

This is a promoted post from Knutson at Crescent Place, which is offering new townhomes in Leesburg.

What more could you want in a home than award-winning design in every detail? After being named the winner of Best Design & Architecture at the 2016 Great American Living Awards, Knutson at Crescent Place can deliver just that.

These stunning modern townhomes, located in the heart of Leesburg, have changed the landscape of Loudoun County. The Knutson difference offers you superior finishes and features throughout, distinctive exterior architecture, a large two-car garage, and much more. Floorplans range from 2,000 to 2,800 square feet and include spacious terraces, 9-foot ceilings on all levels, and optional two-sided terrace fireplaces. Take a closer look at our Fleetwood floorplan in a 3D tour.

Located immediately adjacent to the W&OD Trail, you will be able to enjoy time in nature, while living in an urban area. Access to over 50 shops, restaurants and more allows homeowners to live easy and convenient lives, without ever going too far from home. With 98 WalkScore neighborhood ranking, it has never been easier to host a happy hour on your rooftop terrace, listen to live music on a Tuesday night, or become a regular at the hottest new restaurant in town.

With prices starting in the mid $400s, Knutson at Crescent Place has become one of Loudoun’s fastest selling new developments.

Deborah Condrey, the sales manager at Crescent Place, urges potential homebuyers to come take a tour of the development’s two furnished models before it’s too late.

Knutson at Crescent Place is at 235 Crescent Station Terrace in Leesburg SE. The sales office is open daily: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday from 1-6 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 703-570-6550 to learn more.

This is a promoted post from Ryan Homes — Westmoore, Loudoun County’s new Metro community in the heart of Ashburn.

It’s no secret. Westmoore is Loudoun County’s hottest selling townhome community. And for good reason, too. Coming on the scene a year ago, Westmoore made a bold statement. And the buzz was all around. Westmoore would become Ashburn’s only Metro community with direct city connections via the highly anticipated Silver Line Metro. And the sales are record breaking, with Phase Two nearly 30 percent sold in less than a year. But that’s not where the differences stop.

Proximity to city lines usually dictate the value of a home. And we’ve certainly seen our share of overpriced residences near the Metro. Homes in Arlington and Reston can easily reach or exceed the million-dollar mark. But the builders at Westmoore are changing the game. NVHomes and Ryan Homes are offering affordable townhomes in Ashburn all the while keeping you close to urban life.

The townhomes themselves are refreshed for a more urban vibe. Open sightlines, lots of natural light and sleek finishes create a completely modern look, often times not seen in the suburbs. Westmoore also is changing the way residents kick back and relax. By connecting indoors and out with the use of rooftop terraces. Thoroughly metro and modern, it’s the perfect melding of form and function in an effort to bring out the best of both.

At Westmoore, amenities are rich. See for yourself the many reasons to keep residents entertained right at home:

• Modern, resort-style clubhouse Opening in early Spring.
• Outdoor pool with a beached entry and poolside cabanas.
• Expansive deck with pond views.
• Club lounge and café.
• Fitness center and yoga studio.
• Urban fenced dog park.
• Amphitheater.
• Natural playgrounds.
• Miles of trails.
• Urban inspired parks and playgrounds.

New Urbanism has arrived here in Ashburn. A revival of a connected life, outside the city where walkability and energy are its lifeblood. With Phase Two nearly 30 percent sold in just one year, there is no time like right now to make life simplified. Where just by moving in, life becomes easier and more refreshed.

Westmoore is at 43393 Ghazwa Square, Ashburn, VA 20148. The sales office is open Mondays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays – Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call 571-707-5090.

This is a promoted post by Bright Horizons Family Solutions, which has a child care facility in Reston.

The start of a new year is a great time to take stock and make healthy changes for yourself and your family. As we know, children often times shy away from the raw veggie tray and the fruit salad bowl, preferring a grab-and-go bag of chips or high-sugar cereal instead. But healthy eating isn’t all about broccoli and peas. It’s about habits and routines.

Here are a few ways to help your child get a healthy start on eating habits:

• Remember that eating habits are established early and often are resistant to change.
  This is an important area of your child’s development, and you should not hesitate to speak with your pediatrician if you have questions or concerns about health, growth, or weight.
• Make dinnertime together a priority (no matter how difficult).
  The family dinner is an endangered institution, but it is a hugely valuable routine that is critical in establishing lifelong patterns and creating a connection to family memories. This can be a time for interesting discussions that also build language skills. Posing a daily question, such as, “The best thing about my day so far…” can become a family ritual to which everyone looks forward.
• Involve your children in the meal preparations.
  Children often love to help by washing veggies, peeling carrots, breaking lettuce, or helping to set the table.
• At mealtime, have age-appropriate table expectations.
  Allow children to serve themselves when possible. Encourage small portions, but let them know that they can have second helpings. Model serving portions that aren’t too hefty. Resist the temptation to push the “clean plate club” as this can result in patterns of overeating. Allow children to stop eating when they are no longer hungry.

To hear more about this topic, join Bright Horizons as we share tips and strategies to support you in raising healthy eaters. We will address some of your burning questions about how to handle the pickiest eaters, child nutrition facts, kid-friendly recipes, how and when to introduce new foods to your child, and how to create healthy meals that fit into a working parent lifestyle.

Raising Healthy Eater

Thursday, February 16th

5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Learn more about our Family Workshop Series, save your space and RSVP here for this complimentary workshop on Raising Healthy Eaters.