Author: Lee McCracken

Valentine's Day: Dads and Daughters

Celebrate the special daddy-daughter bond on Valentine's Day.

The Family Couch

The start of a new year is a good time to take stock of the family's emotional health.

Books That Cook: Big Book of Cupcakes

Refrain from licking the pages in this delightful new cupcake cookbook from Southern Living.

Family Dining: The King’s Kitchen

The King's Kitchen serves up delicious dishes for a mission.

Modern Grandparents

Millions of grandparents are young, active and actively involved in grandkids' lives.

Family Dining: Tony’s Ice Cream

Charlotte-area natives know Tony's Ice Cream in Gastonia is the hopping spot after church and Little League games.

First-Aid for Summer Boo-Boos

Basic care and tips for treating summer bump-ups when the kids cry "Help!"

Physical Therapy vs. Occupational Therapy

Local experts share how kids climb, laugh and play.

5 Ways to Take Care of Your Pet

Tips for pampering and caring for family pets.

Plan a Weekend Escape at Sourwood Inn

Reconnect as a couple on a romantic weekend getaway at Sourwood Inn.

Near & Far: Anna Maria Island

Sand, sunsets and the Infamous 'Snooty' highlight a trip to Anna Maria Island, Fla. Check out our Anna Maria Island photo gallery to see more island pics.

Books That Cook: Nickelodeon’s Dora & Diego Let’s Cook

Kids can measure, stir, shape and taste while learning Spanish words and phrases.

Four Local Health Experts Balance Working and a Healthy Family

Charlotte health and fitness experts, Andre Hairston, Drs. Catherine and David Ohmstede and Alicia Fogerty, share how they keep their families fit.

Books That Cook: Christmas Cooking With Kids

Kids can get baking together with more than 50 recipes that are simple enough for children under 11 to make with minimal help.

Teaching Compassion and Empathy

Expert advice on addressing bullying before children reach adolescence.

12 Terrific Teens 2010

Congratulations to these local teens who display outstanding heart, character and leadership inside and outside of school.

Family Dining: Mimi’s Café

Mimi's Cafe offers mega variety and a New Orleans-style decor.

Kid Safety Around the House

Tips to find and fix the most common injury risks in their homes and backyards.

5 Budget-Friendly Family Vacation Destinations

Whether you prefer to drive or fly, there are lots of vacation deals and destinations ready to welcome families who are looking for fun but also watching their pennies. Here's a look at just a few.

Courtesy of Family Features and Omaha Steaks Ingredients for one burger: 1 Omaha Steaks burger 1 hamburger bun, wheat or white 2 tablespoons chipotle mayonnaise (recipe below) 2 tablespoons Pico de Gallo (recipe below) ¼ avocado, sliced Omaha Steaks Southwest…

On the Go With Fido: Keeping Your Pet Safe and Healthy on the Road

AAA Carolinas offers these tips to help you plan so Fido and Fluffy stay healthy and safe on the road.

Pet Sitting Business for Kids

If your child loves animals, consider starting a dog-walking, pet-sitting or pooper-scooper business.

Hello, Flower! Cupcakes

Makes 24 cupcakes
Prep time: 30 minutes

Family Dining: Azteca

The friendly smiles of the wait staff, tiled tables and warm yellow walls welcome families at Azteca, but it’s the authentic cuisine that keeps them coming back time and again.

OneupMOMship

We brag about our baby’s milestones

Easy Drives: 5 Nearby Travel Destinations

An old-fashioned railroad, day with Disney, sea-life adventure and more.

Grey Hair and “Goodnight Moon”

Teresa Johnson is 48 and the mother of 2-year-old Nicolaus. Most of her friends have children in high school and college, and Johnson smiles when she talks about getting potty-training