Charlotte is full of family fun this weekend. So grab the wee ones and take in some local events. From family fitness at Discovery Place to the Classi-Kool Music Series at Freedom Park, parent and kids, young and old, will find something to enjoy. Moms, be sure and grab free diapers at the Fort Mill Diaper Giveaway event on Saturday. Did I mention free? Some moms with teens may be searching for the perfect dress this weekend, as the last of Charlotte area proms approach. Ensure their safety, too, with these tips.

Prom season in Charlotte is coming to a close with just a few schools left to celebrate their commencement year. The build up to the big day brings lots of stresses, dresses and empty bank accounts. Today’s prom night is exceedingly more expensive than when we danced to Spandau Ballet, many moons ago. Back then mom or dad took our photos, we drove the nicest car in the family and our dress budget was not to exceed $200. If only it were that affordable now!

Along with monetary concerns, parents and teens have plenty of other worries to contend with like safety issues and suitable dates (the next-door-neighbor or distant cousin should only be asked in a pinch). The pressure to excel, fit in, be beautiful and have fun can be overwhelming, with some families going to extremes to make it a memorable night. It’s the stuff of pre-teen dramas; just check out the video store shelves for the list of “prom night” titles.

Some schools and students are also going to extremes, but for a good cause. Charlotte Catholic School students for instance, were invited to a talk by local experts on the results of speeding and drinking and driving. The mangled car displayed which killed a local teen, had a sobering affect on all present. It remains one of the biggest concerns for parents, teachers and students. So much so, some CMS students have pledged to be drug and alcohol free this prom. It’s a noble and potentially life-saving endeavor; we need to do everything we can to support it.

For other safety tips visit these sites:
http://www.teendriving.com/
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/TeenDrivers/

  read comments (0)

New schools have been approved and are now under construction in Charlotte which means some kids will have to change schools. Again. It’s difficult enough to deal with moving, meeting new friends and teachers, and a new environment when families move. It’s quite another thing to transfer schools because district boundaries have changed or because it’s just too crowded and a new school is needed to alleviate the problem, and students are required to fill seats at a new facility. Somehow, it doesn’t seem fair.

CMS has recently released the names of six new schools scheduled for opening in 2009; congratulations Charlotte! It seems too many schools in the system are busting at the seams and are at full capacity. The city continues to experience tremendous growth, a positive challenge given the current economic climate. However, there are some residual effects of so much growth and cities often struggle to keep infrastructures such as schools up to pace. The results often lead to confusion and concern.

As a relative newcomer to the city, the whole “good school district” concern was a complete unknown until now. Luck would have it that we moved into a neighborhood with a fantastic (School of Excellence Designation, in fact) magnet school and the transition was fairly easy for our kids. Apparently that isn’t always the case. Friends who reside in a neighboring district have just decided to put their house up for sale and move to a “good school district” before their son reaches school age. He just turned two.  They were horrified by the tales of their fellow neighbor who applied to five different magnet schools and was finally accepted into a facility with a 30 minute commute, one way.

With gas prices continuing to rise and families scheduled to the max, an extra 60 minutes on the road each day doesn’t seem like a good idea. School busing isn’t always available, particularily for out of district students. Public transit is experiencing a surge in ridership but commute time and bus schedules are also huge considerations. Surely there must be other solutions to the problem. 

Parents, if you’ve been affected by school district changes or over-capacity schools and have suggestions for other readers, send us a reply and share it with your neighbors. Also, find out what parents and families are doing about helping kids deal with change.

http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=286&id=1654

http://www.charlotteparent.com/Articles/Archives/ArchiveArticle.aspx?cid=68&aid=68

  read comments (0)

Positive messages and positive actions are best for creating a healthy body image says a new study by the Eating Disorders Information Network. Our children listen to everything we say, whether we’re aware of it or not. Even muttering under our breath can be detected; so next time you put on your “fat pants” and comment on your body, think twice before you open your mouth. Our children, and daughters in particular, are following our lead. It is estimated that nearly 10 million Americans have an eating disorder, with 90 per cent of those being young females. Despite increasing awareness, those numbers continue to rise.

The good news is there are several ways to help young girls develop confidence in themselves and become comfortable with their bodies starting with support at home and amongst their peers.  Girls face enormous pressure to be popular and thin, with the middle school years being particularly trying for tweens.  (Remember the social landmine that is seventh grade?) Athena’s Path is a local organization addressing these issues and offering girls a place to create friendships, learn positive behaviors and support one another. Together girls meet and talk about their struggles and how to navigate stressful social situations.

Eating disorders are at the top of the list and are often combined with excessive exercising, another factor to consider in healthy body imaging. Do we complain about “having” to hit the gym every day? Moms, let’s make a note of our responses the next time we find ourselves wanting to skip a workout. Have we said it’s OK or did we push ourselves to the limit? Girls on the Run is a group for tweens and teens who learn healthy exercise regimes and focus on strength and empowerment, rather than diet and weight loss.

Not only is it important to teach our children how to exercise properly, it may also stave off diseases and save their lives. A recent report states that women who start exercising at a younger age reduce their risk of breast cancer in later years. Though it isn’t exactly new information, the report pinpoints younger girls, starting at the age of 12. The message; it’s never too early to introduce the concept of preventative care.

Let’s help our children focus on their health instead of their weight and develop confidence in themselves. Check out our website for other suggestions on boosting morale and teaching positive behaviors.

  read comments (0)

Motherhood is a journey I never thought I would be a part of. I grew up an only child and as I grew older, I always felt awkward around other people’s children. I wasn’t the babysitting type, and years of battling depression made me wonder if I’d even be a good mother if given the chance one day.

Yet now, I’m getting ready to celebrate four years of being a mother. It’s been a roller coaster ride, from the first positive pregnancy tests to the uncomfortable months of carrying two basketballs in my tummy to the joy of celebrating my children’s birthdays each year.

I’ve done things as a mother that I always said I’d never do. I don’t like being away from my children overnight so it’s only been done once twice with my daughter and never with my son. At first I said I would work after my daughter was born, but then I became terrified of leaving her during the day. After my son was born, I realized I wanted to work to bring in extra income and maintain interests outside of motherhood, just not full time. I’m constantly struggling to maintain a balance between working too much and spending enough time with my kids. But I feel guilty no matter what I do.

At the end of the day, I have to thank my kids for teaching me many things these past few years. I’ve learned that my hair can look halfway decent soaking wet from the shower and put up into a bun. I’ve learned that having banana smeared on my t-shirt isn’t always a bad thing. I’ve learned how to make awesome homemade chocolate chip cookies. I’ve gained the ability to feed two children, pack lunch and get both dressed in less than twenty minutes before pre-school. I’ve become skilled at reading food labels for signs of peanut ingredients, thanks to my poor son. (I also learned why pediatricians are now recommending parents wait three years before offering peanut products to their children. Oops!) But most of all, as a WAHM, I’ve realized that when the kids are gone, the house is quiet and I have the computer all to myself, I miss them more than anything.

My daughter went shopping with my husband this afternoon on a “secret” excursion, and I had to cover my ears and do the “La, La, La!” bit this evening when she tried to tell me what the errand was for. Whatever the case, I know I’ll have a wonderful Mother’s Day no matter what happens, because I actually have a reason to celebrate this special day. That’s a gift in itself, if you ask me.

  read comments (0)

If you have ever wondered how much you are worth in the workforce as a stay-at-home parent, wonder no more. A new study shows all the “work” moms (and dads) do at home has enormous dollar value. Today’s stay-at-home parent should earn approximately $117,000 for their blood, sweat and tears.

If you want to prove how much you are worth and compare your work at home to local jobs in the Charlotte area check out and complete salary.com’s personal survey. After calculating the type and amount of work I do daily around the house, I should be earning $79, 775 for my “work” at home alone. If you are adamant about proof or want to validate your efforts, the site even allows for you to print off a pay stub. (Thankfully, there aren’t any taxes to consider).
A salary in that range would be especially welcomed from most parents, stay-at-home or working. The reality however is that it will likely never happen. How does a family cope with the loss of income from one parent not returning to work? Differently, and sometimes with difficulty. Economics today has forced many parents to re-join the workforce sooner than they had hoped.

Thus the debate or “Mommy Wars” continue. The onslaught of reports, books, blogs and discussions has done more to polarize families and friends than help. What works for one family doesn’t work for another due to many different circumstances. Let’s leave the judgment out and congratulate one another for doing the very best we can. Let’s support each other through friendship, kinship and community. Read our blogs from local Moms about daily life and the joys and struggles.

Discover the CharlotteMommies forums where parents join and regale in raising their children.

  read comments (0)

As we head into the last stretch of the school year, many of us moms (and dads) suffer from school activity fatigue; volunteer work, school trip plans, nightly homework and extra assignments eat up a lot of our time. It’s no wonder schools have “Volunteer Lunch” events to thank parents and guardians for all their extra efforts. A little praise goes a long way.

Just when you were ready to pat yourself on the back; a new report by the Appleseed Foundation, a national public interest group, states that parents aren’t doing enough to get involved in their children’s lives and education. The study cites several reasons why parent involvement is down including cultural barriers and unclear information sent home to parents. The strongest recommendation from the study says that schools need to make more efforts to make parents feel welcome  and be more creative in their efforts.

If you are feeling stretched this time of year, imagine how teachers feel! Many are counting down the days left in the classroom and it’s not just for mathematical lessons. However, the state of North Carolina is working to recognize their efforts and reward them with a pay raise going forward. Teachers here make on average, less than the national pay scale and the state is looking to bring North Carolina teachers at least up to par with other teachers across the country.

A recent poll is asking parents who have the tougher job - stay at home parents or teachers. Ask yourself that question and post us a comment. We’ll weigh in with poll results to see if you concur or disagree.

  read comments (0)

The North Carolina Primaries might have just wrapped up, but moms are still weighing in on one of the most pressing issues determining their vote, the economy. Pocketbook Mom is a term that politicians and retailers are very attuned to. However, Mother’s Day is just around the corner and it is not the day to be a skinflint. Better yet, be innovative and create a special gift without spending too much.

 Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate motherhood and say “I love you” to one of the most important women in our lives; mom. Statistics from the US Census Bureau and Hallmark show this day to be the second highest gift-giving day of the year, with flowers the most obvious choice. Many of the 82.5 million moms in the US will be receiving calls from loved ones; it’s a peak day for dialing.

It’s also one, if not the, busiest day of the year for restaurants and local spots in Charlotte are expecting large crowds. Brunch, dinner or a day at the spa are all welcomed gifts for mom and some of the most popular events going. However, there are plenty of other ways to spend time together with a mother or mother-in-law that aren’t cost prohibitive and still much appreciated. A picnic in the park, a trip to the Botanical Gardens or an afternoon of board games are just a few ways to share some love. For the more adventurous type, a visit with an Elvis Impersonator might work too. It has been done before…

Here’s a tip that will mean more than anything; get the kids involved. Have your children pick their favorite flowers and make their own bouquet. Instead of just buying a dozen roses, why not pick up a bunch of North Carolina’s state flower, Dogwood? Bake a dozen cupcakes and decorate with hearts, flowers, sprinkles and icing.

If time and energy allow, consider an absolutely fabulous and free gift that will tear at her heartstrings. Why not create an online volume of best-remembered family stories and fables with the help of MadMarg, a new website designed to house our most beloved stories? Start with a Mothers Day 2008 entry and encapsulate this special day. She deserves it.

  read comments (0)

Though children often complain about fatigue and boredom during their school day, it’s amazing how they arrive home with bounds of energy, feeling better the minute they walk through the door. Sometimes it’s difficult to know what is causing their drastic change in attitude and behavior. A recent study indicates it may be worth investigating the relationship between vision and attention deficit disorder (ADD). They may be related, being misdiagnosed and the reason why kids are having trouble concentrating in class.

If your child makes repeated careless mistakes and has difficulty paying attention or avoids tasks that require concentration, it may be more than just ADHD and even an incorrect diagnosis, according to the Optometrists Network. The New York based organization has published various reports on children with vision problems being mislabeled ADD or ADHD and treated incorrectly.

There is a strong recommendation from members of Optometrists Network to have such children tested for vision, hearing and ADHD to properly determine why they may be under-performing at school. Thankfully Charlotte has a myriad of resources to help parents and children get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Should your child be diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, more testing for heart concerns might be a good idea. According to an American Heart Association report, children with ADD or ADHD who are being prescribed ritalin may be at greater risk for heart diseases. They too strongly recommend screening children who have the diagnosis before being prescribed or taking the medication.

Charlotte has one of the best Children’s Hospitals in the region and is a wonderful resource for concerned parents.

  read comments (0)

It’s Teacher appreciation week here in Charlotte and Employee Appreciation Month as well, and that means time to go the extra mile to say thank you to all the dedicated staff who educate and inspire our children on a daily basis. Whether it’s a gift of flowers, food for staff breakfasts or even a note that simply says “thanks for your hard work”, parents and students are giving praise and acknowledging a job well done by Charlotte area teachers and staff. Well, most of us anyway.

We’ve all heard horror stories of students subjecting one another to cyber bullying and online verbal abuse, but a Charlotte area student recently took the definition to a new level and with a new victim; a teacher. A teacher’s reputation was put in question by a local student who accused the educator of pedophilia. Though it was found to be a false accusation, it was nevertheless a serious charge and not to be taken lightly.

Thankfully there are consequences for such heinous crimes. An increase in cyber bullying has meant lawmakers and social network organizations must redefine the rules of conduct and acceptable behaviors. The student in question was charged with cyber stalking, although the charges were later dropped. The teacher, with reputation still in tact, will grapple not only with the seriousness of the charge, but the lack of appreciation, recognition and respect from his student body.

The question of online etiquette and responsibility is one that parents must continue to ask and demonstrate with their children. Today there are several resources available on how to teach kids “netiquette” or online etiquette, along with safety guidelines and tips. Perhaps the simplest way to teach respect and appropriate behavior is to bestow it onto others. A small gesture of thanks to our teachers is a good way to start.

  read comments (0)

New studies confirm that breast is best - and smarter too. Breastfeeding may boost your baby’s IQ. Babies of mothers who breast-fed longer and did not mix in formula scored 5% higher on intelligence tests, reported international researchers. But how it makes them smarter remains unclear. Researchers went so far as to say women who breast-fed their babies may be smarter themselves; may pay more attention to their babies and read to them more often. Words that are sure to spark a controversy.

Breastfeeding has long been championed as the best for your baby. Researchers have found increasing reasons to say Yes to breastfeeding for  longer periods. Read the rest of this entry »

  read comments (0)