Meet Rebecca
I’m excited to learn more about you! But first, here’s some background about me.
Wide-ranging professional experience
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Family Travelers newsletter publisher
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Family life journalist
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Author of Like Whatever: The Insider’s Guide to Raising Teens
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Founder and executive director of the nonprofit MoverMoms (now KindWorks)
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Elementary school library assistant and substitute teacher
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PTA volunteer leader & organizer of family-friendly events
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Church social services worker, counseling low-income individuals
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Volunteer emergency medical technician
… and now a family life advisor!
I’m ready and eager to share with you my expert guidance to help build stronger families!
Childhood
My father died when I was just 2 years old
My mom re-married and I grew up in a blended family that ended in divorce
I was super close with my grandparents
Education
Attended both private and public schools before college
Harvard University for undergraduate and graduate studies
Online coaching certification from Place of Bliss Academy
Wife & mom
Married to a great guy and we have four grown children
Worked full-time and part-time while raising kids, and was also a stay-at-home mom for a while
Now (gulp!) a grandma
I have five grandchildren!
I love all the joys of the grandma role, but I have learned that it often requires a delicate dance to work with the parents and to remember that you are no longer the primary person in charge of the children
A few fun facts
My favorite season: Autumn—I love the changing leaves and everything around pumpkins and apples.
My favorite foods: Fruits and desserts, specifically anything with chocolate
My favorite way to exercise: A walk outdoors in nature, on a trail or by the water.
My favorite cozy items: Socks, blankets and hot chocolate!
Foreign language that I speak (almost) fluently: Spanish. I am happy to advise you in Spanish if that is your preferred language.
Family life expertise
Decades of writing and editing articles, newsletters, and a book on a variety of family issues, plus many more years spent organizing family-friendly events, trips, and activities through nonprofits and other organizations have helped me build a strong knowledge base in a range of family life challenges.
As both a writer and a community project organizer, my work has focused on
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how to raise kids who are healthy, kind, independent, and resilient
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how to make family life calmer, healthier, and happier
I know from experience, these are both very possible! Expert guidance really can lead to stronger families.
Publications
My articles on parenting, grandparenting, and other family life matters have been featured in many publications, including:
The Washington Post
Parents Magazine
Family Travelers Newsletter
Maryland Family Magazine
Charlotte Parent
Western NY Family
Minnesota Parent
Washington Parent
Central Florida Family
Fifty Plus
A couple of favorites include these oldies but goodies on timeless issues:
The Washington Post
"For Kids, Lessons in the School of Life: There's More to Maturing Than Getting Good Grades"
The Washington Post
Praise for Rebecca's book "Like Whatever": The Insider's Guide to Raising Teens (2008)
"A sensitive, thoughtful compendium of practical, hands-on information and advice that will help parents survive the teen aged years."
—Alvin Rosenfeld, MD
co-author of The Over-Scheduled Child
"As you enter the challenge of an exciting new stage of child rearing, have you ever wished for a carefully selected circle of wise counselors to guide you? 'Like, Whatever' is the answer to such prayers. A veritable encyclopedia of information delivered in a conversational tone, this book goes in depth and personal."
—Linda Jessup, RN, MPH, FNP
founder and former director of the Parent Encouragement Program (PEP)
About Rebecca's work
This mother of four helps organize a Halloween candy drive to give thanks to America's bravest.
Ladies Home Journal (2009)
Now Rebecca Kahlenberg has put her know-how on paper. Family Travelers provides travel ideas for parents and grandparents of young children.
The Almanac, Bethesda-Chevy Chase (1993)
For years, Rebecca Kahlenberg has had a goal of mobilizing her friends and their children to nurture the community by making a positive difference. She established a vehicle for that very purpose, a nonprofit organization.
Patch.com (2013)
When Rebecca Kahlenberg spots a need, she acts on it.
Potomac Almanac (2013)