Columns

Nurturing soft skills: A guide for teenagers

May 31, 2023

By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. In our ever-evolving world, the emphasis on soft skills is increasing in all spheres of life. These personal attributes, which enable individuals to interact effectively with others, are as valuable as technical skills — for teenagers especially, soft skills lay the foundation for future success. To understand how well developed your…

Just like nothing (else) on earth: Upperville

May 31, 2023

By Tim Jon “What do you recall?”  Well, let’s see: there was stately, iconic Buchanan Hall, some not-so-distant views of the Blue Ridge, then that initial ride through main street – rolling through the Village – the classic silhouettes of the Hunter’s Head Tavern, an imposing physical (and spiritual) presence encountered at the Upperville Baptist…

Ask Dr. Mike

May 3, 2023

The impact of social media on ADHD: separating fact from fiction By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Social media is ubiquitous, and while it’s a great way to stay connected to important others, to get news and to learn about what’s going on in the world, overusing or over relying on social media has become a problem…

Just like nothing (else) on earth: Tillett Auction Barn 

May 3, 2023

By Tim Jon Being a one-man-band as News Director at a small market radio station – a couple of decades ago – could be a remarkably difficult and frustrating experience – especially in one of the busiest, wealthiest and fastest growing counties in the known universe. It also came with some surprising and very simple…

Ask Dr. Mike

February 28, 2023

By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Dr. Mike, My husband is very strict and hard on our three boys, and he is a big believer in “Commando Parenting.” Sometimes it’s too much on our kids. The other day I found my oldest who’s 14 years old crying alone in his bedroom during the day after his dad…

Ask Dr. Mike

February 1, 2023

What is the best parenting time schedule for special needs children? By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. Divorce is difficult for children, and there is no question that it is especially hard on children with special needs; children who require additional assistance, supports and accommodations for disabilities.   At school, special needs children usually have an Individualized…

Just Like Nothing (else) on Earth: The OTHER Leesburg High School

February 1, 2023

By Tim Jon You may not remember the name Chuck Thornton – despite the historic line of time for those in the family in this region – but I was fortunate enough to serve under his management during my early tenure as news director at Wage Radio in Leesburg – beginning more than a quarter…

Ask Dr. Mike

January 4, 2023

By Michael Oberschneider, Psy.D. There are several reasons why New Year’s Resolutions fail – the resolutions are too vague or grand, the approach lacks planning, structure and accountability, and essential things are missing.  What can you do differently this year to maximize your success?  I recommend that you try focusing on how you think about…

Just Like Nothing (else) on Earth: Tail Race Road 

January 4, 2023

By Tim Jon “So – just where is this ‘tail race’ we’re talking about? And, while we’re at it – just what is such a thing as a tail race, in the first place?”  Well, good question. And, good question. Let’s see: as far as what a tail race is, the way I understand it,…

Just Like Nothing (else) on Earth: Newvalley Church Road Farm Site

November 30, 2022

By Tim Jon One of the coolest toys I got to enjoy as a kid was a farm set; it came in a box from Sears Roebuck and had pretty much everything I could imagine (as a five- or six-year-old) one would need to get set up in the agricultural business: a two-story barn, of…