Author: Amanda Pagliarini Howard

Where to Go for Easter Brunch in Charlotte

  Angeline’s  303 S Church St. Enjoy a family-friendly Easter brunch that combines Southern brunch staples with a "Northern Italian twist." Look for a special kids’ menu with Cannoli Waffles and a Lil’ Angie’s Breakfast. Brunch is served from 10…

Family and Kids Activities Guide to Charlotte

Sticking around Charlotte for spring break? Or just looking for a way to spend the day with your family? Here's a list of the best Charlotte has to offer for kids and families. It's not everything, but it's a great…

PARENT TO KNOW: Jen Kraus Rosen

Jen Kraus Rosen is the Chief Advancement Officer of Moishe House, a global organization that facilitates engaging communities for Jewish young adults. When she’s not traveling the globe for work, the Indiana University grad devotes her time to family and…

Indoor Swim Lessons Around Charlotte

Updated March 2023 Aqua-Tots Founded in Arizona in 1991, this swim franchise offers group lessons for babies as young as 4 months old (with a parent) up to age 12. Instruction is available for children with special needs, and classes are…

LET’S MOVE! The Best Streaming Fitness for Kids

  Whether you are struggling with a couch potato or simply want to incorporate a healthy and active mindset, these free streaming video options have something for every kid. Cosmic Kids Yoga Age groups: preschool, elementary Master storyteller Jamie weaves…

Charlotte’s Best Indoor Playgrounds

Updated March 2023 MULTI-ACTIVITY FREE PLAY Sports Connection 11611 Ardrey Kell Rd. 704-583-1444 Pricing: Varies by activity Enjoy bounce houses, laser tag, bowling, arcade games, bumper cars, a ropes course, virtual reality, and more at this Ballantyne mega center. The…

PARENT TO KNOW: Esezele Payne

Esezele Payne has a refreshingly direct style, which might be out of necessity. Like most moms, she is very busy. Esezele is the Vice President of Operational and Environmental Services at Atrium Health and is active in several charitable organizations…

FAMILY PLANNING: Who Should Be Snipped?

You and your partner have decided your family is complete. Now the question you must answer: Who will take responsibility for making sure your bodies stick to the plan? We spoke to a urologist and gynecologist to get all the…

Best OB/GYNs in Charlotte

Each year our sister publication, Charlotte magazine, releases a list of the Castle Connolly Top Doctors in Charlotte, based on a peer survey conducted by Castle Connolly. Doctors are selected through a peer nomination process, and then evaluated by a physician-led research…

Baby Registry Must-Haves

I remember the day my husband and I, in all our naivete, went to create our baby registry. Four hours later, we emerged from the store anxious, bewildered, and in need of a very long nap. Attempting to stock yourself…

Rainy Day Activities for Kids in Charlotte

We all want our kids to get out and play in the great outdoors. But when Mother Nature interferes, there are plenty of indoor play options all over town. Sky Zone Trampoline Park Charlotte 7325 Smith Corners Blvd. 704-709-9050 Pineville…

PARENT TO KNOW: Molly Carroll

Molly Carroll's family has made a festive splash on their Plaza Midwood street during the holiday season for the last several years. And each year their yard on Wilhelmina Avenue draws a bigger crowd. When she’s not spreading inflatable holiday…

Ways to Keep Kids Busy During Winter Break

"It’s Beginning to Look at Lot Like Christmas" was first written over 70 years ago. In the decades since, parents have agreed upon one thing: Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again. What about all those…

Elf On The Shelf Is Back!

Last month, we asked readers for their feelings on Elf on the Shelf. 15% of you think it's fun, 34% find it fun for the first few days, and a whopping 52% of you consider it your holiday nightmare. So…

7 Things to Know About the 34th Annual Charlotte Turkey Trot

The 34th Annual Charlotte Turkey Trot has become a local family tradition, where friends, old classmates, neighbors, and families gather to kick off Thanksgiving Day. The Charlotte Turkey Trot was named #13 on the list of The 30 Best Thanksgiving…

Thanksgiving Takeout Options Around Charlotte

Angeline’s has Pumpkin, Bourbon Pecan, and Dutch Apple pies available for $30 each. For each pie sold, Angeline’s will make a $5 donation to No Kid Hungry Charlotte. Order online by November 18 for pickup on November 22 – 23. Babe & Butcher…

Ways to Give Back in Charlotte

Charlotte is home to so many local nonprofits that serve neighbors in need. Here are 10 ways your family can get into the spirit of giving this holiday season—and throughout the year. Thompson Child & Family Focus acts as a…

7 Things to Know About Creatif

Want a place for your kid to explore their creative side? Looking for a fun activity for both you and your child? Have a budding artist who needs some guidance to hone their skill? Looking for some arts and crafts…

PARENT TO KNOW: Patrice Gopo

Patrice Gopo is an award-winning essayist and author who often returns to themes of race, immigration, identity, and belonging. Her essay collection, All the Colors We Will See, was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection. Her debut picture book, All…

Why Teen Parents Should Know About B.R.A.K.E.S.

In January 2008, NHRA drag racing star Doug Herbert got the phone call every parent fears. His two sons, Jon and James, had been in a car accident. Neither survived. As Herbert fought his way through grief, he became resolute…