Author: Michele Huggins

Lessons in Life When You Lose a Pet

Life throws curveballs, this I know, and yesterday while it started as a perfectly good sunny Sunday, it ended on a very unexpected, sad note.One of our family's cats suddenly landed himself at the emergency vet and he didn't get…

Weekend Warm up: Top 5 for Family Fun

If a flight to warmer hotspots is not on your radar this weekend, warm up with these Top 6 for weekend family fun.1. "Don't Tell Me I Can't Fly" opens at Children's Theatre of Charlotte this weekend. It's an inspirational…

Making Praise Count

There's a new philosophy floating out in the parent-sphere these days that debunks the idea of always praising kids for everything they do.It is important to encourage toddlers and preschoolers, and big kids for that matter, when they are learning…

America’s Got Talent Auditions Coming to N.C.

Do you, your child or your family dance, sing, tumble or perform? If so, you may want to mark your calendar for the Jan. 29 auditions for "America's Got Talent" at the Greensboro Marriott in downtown Greensboro.Auditions are open to…

Top 5 Things to Rev up Family Fun This Weekend

It may be cold this weekend, but fingers crossed the sun shines! Bundle up and go explore these top 5 weekend family fun events.1. What does the chicken say? Cluckety, cluckety, cluckety, cluckety, cluck, clack. (Anybody else have "What Does…

4-Star Dining With a Baby?

Life before children you like to go out and have nice dinners, try new restaurants, explore new cuisine. Then you become Mom and Dad. You have a baby that requires almost all your time and attention in those first few…

Judge Rules Friends Can Adopt Together

A judge in New York recently ruled that two friends can adopt together.The ruling broadens the existing law to include "two unmarried adult intimate partners," and does not define intimate based on a sexual relationship, but rather by the innate…

How Many LEGO Bricks are in the Jar?

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–March 2 and we have V.I.K. (Very Important…

7 Things to do With the Kids This Weekend

From single-digit temperatures to a balmy 64 degrees in less than seven days is just weather in the Carolinas! Enjoy the warm-up out and about playing with the family with the top seven for fun with the kids. Oh and…

Fun Places: NFL Play 60 KidZone

While cheering on the Panthers in the play-offs, create a family competition of your own at the Play 60 KidZone at Freedom Park. The recently unveiled NFL Play 60 KidZone is a one-of-a-kind permanent play area that features an obstacle…

The Four-Letter L Word

Lice! It's one of those dreaded things parents cross their fingers they won't have to deal with, but lately parents in my area of town are dealing with it ... again and again.That's the thing with lice - when it…

CMS Options Fair This Saturday

Start of the year also means enrollment time for the upcoming school year. Private school and TK enrollment at many schools is underway.For parents of Charlotte-Mecklenburg School students who met the early enrollment deadline back in December that are interested…

Make a Sick Day Sick Kit

It's sick season. From the flu to big, bad colds, plus the dreaded Norovirus, a lot of kids are sick — and just after a long break from school.When the kids are home sick with the sniffles, or on the…

6 Ideas to Warm Up the Weekend With Family Fun

No snow for us here in the Queen City, but old man winter has blown in for sure. Stay warm keeping busy with these ideas for weekend fun with the family.1. Baby, it's cold outside, but that's good if you…

Kick Start a Healthy New Year

Happy new year! Whether you're feeling it's good riddance to the year past or simply feeling good about fresh start, our January issue has ideas to help you jumpstart 2014 with a healthy, happy family.Just because it's cold outside doesn't…

New Year’s Eve With the Kids

It's almost time to ring in a new year. Here are few ideas for celebrating, kiddos included, the start of a new year and new beginnings.WBTV First Night Charlotte is the city's big uptown New Year's Eve celebration. Before the…

5 Ways to Beat the Post-Santa Blues

Christmas is a wrap. After the kids have their fill of playing with all the new toys and treats, get out and about with these five ideas for family fun.1. It feels like winter at last. Head uptown for ice…

5 Ideas for Out-and-About Holiday Fun

Step away from the wrapping, and put a little extra holly jolly in your family's holiday plans with these things to do around town.1. Charlotte Nature Museum presents the tale of a bear who doesn't want to hibernate at the…

Tips to Tech Shop for Teens

Kids of all ages are asking Santa for tech gifts this year. We are living in a digital world!My 4-year-old wants his own iPad. Whether to hang my head in shame or consider it just part of his generation, I'm…

Want Kids to Learn? Make it Fun

This year's education headlines have included a lot of talk about the Common Core curriculum. Is it good, is it bad? Also there's been lots of talk about standardized tests, and teaching to the test. Then there's the debate as…

LEGO Kidsfest Coming to Raleigh

Builders of all ages, LEGO Kidsfest is coming to North Carolina, and we have passes to give away.In case you aren't familiar, LEGO Kidsfest is a LEGO extravaganza full of building, interactive activities, play areas for all ages and more.…

6 Ideas for Festive Holiday Ventures This Weekend

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and there's a LOT to do this weekend keeping in the spirit of the season.1. Load up with some hot chocolate and head out to see some of the city's biggest neighborhood…

Computer Science Education Week

This week, through Dec. 15, is Computer Science Education Week. The week is designated in an effort to introduce children to the field of computer science - one of the most lucrative and in-demand careers out there. However, 75 percent…

Tips for Holiday Flights With a Toddler or Preschooler

It's official: US Airways and American Airlines are merged. What's this mean for parents traveling with toddlers and preschoolers through the Charlotte airport, one of US Airway's largest hubs: A busy, busy airport.I flew with my 4-year-old son, 2-year-old nephew…

The Big Holiday Clean-up

Before the stockings were hung with care, and the tree was laboriously put in its stand before being decorated with twinkly, colorful lights and heart-warming, happy ornaments, came the big clean.Though the final shiny Christmas decorations are dazzling to see,…

5 Cool Ideas for Things to do With the Kids This Weekend

So much happening around the Queen City this weekend, from Santa sightings to holiday parades and tree-lightings, there's no shortage of fun ways to celebrate the season with the family.1. Catch the classic "Miracle on 34th Street" at Children's Theatre…

Here Comes Santa Claus

Santa is making his rounds throughout town. Catch a glimpse of jolly St. Nick, and maybe a photo too, at these holiday hotspots.1. Head over to ImaginOn through Dec. 7 for Santa's Bag. Children can shop inexpensive gifts (between 50…

The Toy Test

Toys, toys, toys. So many to choose from, and so many to delight little ones imaginations.We as editors here at Charlotte Parent compiled a list of our picks for toys for all ages, but the Goddard School also created a…

What's Next for Public Education?

Public education options in the area are expanding with more charter schools and magnet programs on the horizon, as well as digital technology in the classroom and Common Core Curriculum. It's hard to keep up with all that's happening. A…

TV Time, Salt and Swim Smarts

Why limiting your kids' screen time and salt intake, and introducing them to swimming, could be beneficial for their health.

Playground Review: Rama Road Park

This gem of a neighborhood park, tucked behind Rama Road Elementary School, has lots of room for children to run and play, as well as some unique play equipment.

Hot Momma!

Accessories and more that bump up the style factor for moms-to-be.