Author: Carolina Parent

2011 Readers’ Favorites

See where more than 500 Charlotte Parent readers choose as top picks to eat, play, shop and explore in and around Charlotte.

NAPPA Parenting Gold

20 Gold Award-winning products, media, gear and resources hand-picked by a prestigious team of expert judges and parent testers.

Almost Free: $1 Summer 2011 Movies

Weekday $1 movies at Charlotte-area cinemas help entertain kids for families on a budget.

Neat Eats: Vegetable Garden “Dirt” Cups

A fun way to get kids to eat their veggies!

Good Gadget: Pop Art Toaster

Now you can create Disney character-shaped waffles, pancakes, individual cakes and brownies in your own kitchen to entice even the pickiest eaters.

Father’s Day Poems

Looking for some words of inspiration for a Father's Day card? How about a poem.

Summer Books for Kids

Great books, all published within the last year, ideal for summer trips, camp and hot afternoons spent inside.

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Healthy Chicken Nuggets

A healthier alternative to store-bought chicken nuggets.

Feeling Feline as a ‘CATS’ Performer

Get an insider's peek at what it takes to be a performer in the Broadway musical CATS.

Dad’s Day Recipe: Citrus-Cured Chicken Breast

Make this easy marinade for chicken to create a delicious Dad's Day barbecue meal.

Gifts to Make for Dad

5 easy-peasy gift ideas you can make for Dad.

Reality Check: Molly Barker

A glimpse of everyday parenting from the life of local mom Molly Barker.

Books That Cook: Princess Party Cookbook

Find everything you need, including handy cooking tricks, to throw a party fit for a princess.

Freshen Up for Spring

Add fresh scents throughout the house to spruce up for spring.

Good Gadget: Cabana Picnicware

Pack a picnic with reusable picnicware.

Neat Eats: Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole

Dads and kids can cook up a treat for Mother's Day with this make-ahead recipe.

Keeping Kids Safe Around Pets

7 tips to prevent bites and boo boos.

Cover Kids Search Finalists

Meet our 2011 Cover Kids Search finalists.

9 Test Prep Tips for Parents

Help your child shake the test-taking anxiety with these 9 useful tips.

Carolina Family Travel Photo Contest

Send Us Your Best Shot! Get published and win dozens of prizes! Share your favorite family vacation pic and you'll be automatically registered to win. You might win the Mountains to the Sea getaway!

Join Our Parent Panel

We want YOU to be a part of the Charlotte Parent community. Volunteer today!

A Gift for Every Mom

Five great gift ideas for Mom.

Life as a Blue Man

See what a local Blue Man has to say about what it's like to be a part of the Blue Man Group.

Mother’s Day Craft Ideas

Make something special for mom with these easy-to-make craft ideas and instructions.

New Car Seat Safety Guidelines

The American Academy of Pediatrics wants parents to change how they buckle up their kids.

Make the World a Greener Place

Try one or more of these tips to keep your backyard healthy and "green" in a responsible way. Find more tips and information at www.TurfMutt.com.

Reality Check: Nancy Nestor

A glimpse of everyday parenting from the life of local mom Molly Barker.

Neat Eats: Hot Cross Bunnies

A creative spin on Hot Cross Buns with simple ingredients and decorated with dried fruits.

Books That Cook: Cooking for Basics for Dummies

Conquer the basics of cooking with this step-by-step resource.

Celebrate Easter with Cookie Pops

Easy to make Easter treats that are unique and unexpected.

Hit the Hiking Trails With Kids

Best tips for teaching kids to enjoy hiking.

Cooking Up Giggles for April Fool’s Day

Get creative with some food trickery recipe for April Fool's Day.

Dinner Sanity Savers

Tips to get kids to settle down during the "witching hour" and help get dinner on the table.

Reality Check: Natalie English

A glimpse of everyday parenting from the life of local mom Natalie English.

Fast Food and the Lean, Mean Teen

Seven ways to make healthier (and skinnier) choices at the drive-thru.

Spring Consignment Sales

Save a buck shopping at local spring and summer consignment sales around town.

Q&A With Cirque du Soleil Performers

Cirque du Soleil performers and couple share what it's like to be a parents in a world-traveling entourage.

Why Day Camp?

A preschooler — or even an older child who might be reluctant to go to overnight camp — can join a community that is created especially for her to practice growing up at day camp.