A great story on NPR this morning about parents obsession and constant use of their smartphones, and moreover how it's interrupting their interaction with their children.How does it affect children when you are absorbed in your digital device? Curiosity lead…
Riding into work today, heard the new announcement on WFAE that Domino's has the answer for folks who love fried chicken and pizza, and don't want to choose one or the other for dinner: Specialty Chicken. What's that you ask?…
Today's the day we kick off the Fit Family Challenge. Charlotte Parent, in partnership with Coca-Cola, CVS Pharmacy and Carolinas HealthCare System, are motivating families in Charlotte to get moving toward healthier, happier lives with free fitness classes, expert advice…
Charlotte Mecklenburg School students are out for spring break this week. Many folks are already off on vacation at the beach or camping, or some other excursion; but not everybody! There's plenty of fun to be had around the Queen…
Organizations across Charlotte are celebrating those that give their time at no cost as part of National Volunteer Week. Feel good about giving back, and help children learn how working together as a community can make an impact during Hands…
I like to think I'm a laid-back person. I know you can't always get it done the way you want, and I'm OK with shrugging some of the mess away, or skipping a social gathering, or letting that third basket…
A recent research study indicates that the autism can begin in the second trimester of a mother's pregnancy. With one in 68 children age 8 are now diagnosed on the autism spectrum according to recent numbers released by the CDC,…
A recent study posed the question: Is it possible to teach children to be less prejudice? Children undoubtedly start to recognize differences in physical traits - skin color, hair and eye color - as early as 3 years old. Many…
As a mom that works outside the home, I find that I am often pushing breakfast and midday meals later and denying myself a normal routine because I'm on the run. I always make sure my son has a good…
The N.C. Science Festival kicks off March 28. This year's theme: The Science of Sports. Events are happening across the state that promote science, technology, engineering and math. Each region of the state is hosting various talks and hands-on exhibits,…
Spring has sprung! Shake off the gray days of winter out and about experiencing some great local events with the family.1. Laugh out loud at "13" the Musical, a hilarious, high-energy musical for all ages about discovering that cool is…
The sun is shining and at last it is the first day of Spring! I couldn't have been happier to see the fog lift this morning and the sun shine.Out of sheer excitment and enthusiasm for warmer, sunnier spring days,…
Being a longtime North Carolinian, actually growing up in Charlotte and having strong roots throughout western North Carolina, I understand old-school approaches to being tough, especially if you're a boy.But telling a child that his choice of lunch bag is…
Listen up owners of Graco car seats: Graco has recalled 400,000 car seats due to the car seat buckle mechanism being hard or impossible to unlatch.Models currently under recall include: Toddler Convertible Car Seats, Cozy Cline, Comfort Sport, Classic Ride…
Be on the lookout for giddy lads and lassies this weekend as lots of St. Patrick Day's fun is happening around town. Here are our top 5 picks for celebrating the weekend. 1. Wear your green and join in the…
I love news stories that make you feel good. A story about hospital volunteers that cuddle babies to boost their health falls in the feel-good category.Across the country, more and more volunteers are helping premature babies go home sooner simply…
Even when you're on the go, lunches still need to pack in as much nutrition as possible.
Two headlines getting lots of talk this week: the campaign to ban bossy and teen girls obsession with having a "thigh gap."At first you may think the two have nothing to do with each other, but they really have everything…
On a lovely Sunday afternoon, my preschool son and I were hopping on the "typewriter keys" outside ImaginOn with a bunch of other kiddos after seeing the Children's Theatre Play "Too Many Frogs." The play was great and so is…
Everybody has their favorites. Children have their favorite cereal and candy. You probably have your favorite date-night restaurant and place to shop. As parents, we develop lots of favorites that suit our families best - from favorite pizza place to…
Drab gray be gone! I'm ready for some spring sunshine. If the weatherman is right, Saturday and Sunday look good for sunshine and warmer temperatures. Fingers crossed. Don't forget to "spring forward" Sunday as daylight saving time begins. Aah more…
Don't be surprised if you see the Batmobile cruising around town today. Batman is coming to town in his Batmobile. The legendary superhero is blasting in for a one-night screening of the film "Legends of the Knight" at the Epicentre…
The National College Fair returns to Charlotte this Sunday, March 9 at The Park Expo. To help students and parents get a grasp on all the elements involved on selecting, applying and paying for college before the college fair, Charlotte-Mecklenburg…
Let's start the week with some warm and fuzzy news. Three baby cougar cubs are the newest residents at the N.C. Zoo. The cougar cubs made a cross-country trip from Oregon where they were orphaned after a hunter killed their…
Play the weekend away at these top five picks for things to do with the kids.1. Get a laugh watching the "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Fairy Tales" at Matthews Playhouse. It's the last weekend to catch…
Our March issue is hot of the presses and is all about tweens and teens, including our 2014 Terrific Teens. We received more than 120 nominations from community members, educators and coaches recommended teens that are doing great things throughout…
If you're making plans to head to Disney with the family, take note: It's going to cost you a bit more than it did last year.The cost to enter the Magic Kingdom has jumped to $99 per person for ages…
Meet eight teens who are doing great things in the community.
For kids who have specific interests or just want to try something different, consider these unique day camps in and around Charlotte.
Tips on how to lead by example while driving with your teen.
Anticipation is running high for the opening of the new BB&T Ballpark where the Charlotte Knights will toss the first pitch on its new home turf April 11. The Knights also are supporting the community in more ways than just…
Private school vouchers are an education hot topic in N.C. this year. In 2013, a private school voucher program - called Opportunity Scholarships - passed, meaning students whose families fell into a certain income bracket could apply to receive financial…
Enjoy another weekend out and about with the family with these Top 6 picks for fun.1. Take a trip to the bayou at Children's Theatre of Charlotte's performance of "Petite Rouge." It's the classic Red Riding Hood tale done with…
If you're child is on track for college or university pursuits, he or she is undoubtedly thinking about SAT or ACT tests. For decades it's been a right of passage. In order to get into college, you need to make…
Naming a baby goes through a lot of consideration. If you don't have a lineup for family names planned, selecting a name that isn't too trendy and comes without a weird nickname are just a couple of things that run…
If cabin fever has hit an all-time high at your house, take a look at these Top 5 things to do with the kids this weekend. Be sure to call before you go to assure events are still happening and…
So as I sit and write this, I'm watching more snow fall outside. It's Day 2 of snowstorm Pax, snowmageddon, the snowapocalypse ... [insert your description here], and it's quiet out there. No cars trying to get around out there,…
A select group of freshmen will be navigating the UNCC campus next year as part of the CMS UNC Charlotte STEM Early College High School.
Barbie is unapologetic, or so says the marketing minds at Mattel, the makers of Barbie, and Sports Illustrated. The upcoming Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue features Barbie on the front cover of 1,000 limited-edition copies. To boot, Mattel is making a…
Snow is on its way. The latest prediction is up to 6 inches in Charlotte. Ugh. Here we go again.Though snow can be fun for the kids, it's a pain for parents who work and have to juggle schedules. I'm…
Though he retracted his words, AOL CEO Tim Armstrong really put his foot in his mouth when he told all the AOL employees that retirement benefits were getting cut because of a couple babies who had cost the company a…
There are the Olympics and 'The LEGO Movie,' but if there's more to fill the weekend having fun with the family.1. If your child loves pixie dust and fairies, head to Latta Plantation for the Fairy House Festival. Kids can…
There is excitement brewing at my house. I love some winter Olympics. And my son loves some LEGOs (as does his dad). Combine the two and you have the perfect storm for over-the-top enthusiasm for some indoor winter fun this…
Attention builders of all ages: LEGO KidsFest — a LEGO extravaganza full of building, interactive activities, play areas for all ages and more — is coming to the Raleigh Convention Center Feb. 28–Mar. 2 and we have V.I.K. (Very Important…
As I watched a very dismal Super Bowl game last night (that safety on the kick-off definitely set the tone), my interest was peeked by the GoldieBlox commercial.As a mom of a preschool boy, I admit I'm not always on…
I cannot believe that January is done. One month down in 2014. Where did it go? I think I was snuggled under a blanket on my couch at least half of it, the other half bundled up and bundling up…
Though warm beaches may be miles away, you and your family can take a walk under the sea without masks and fins at the Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium, opening Feb. 20. The 36,000 square-foot aquarium, located in Concord at Concord…
An arts-based camp may be just what your child needs to balance out, or further enrich, his or her developing brain.
Have an interest in building a school garden, but have no idea where to begin? Join the Green Teacher Network Feb. 18 from 9am-1pm at The Park Expo for its Gardening 201 Workshop. The event is open to teachers, parents…
