If you're a thrill-seeker who loves roller coasters, you're going to love this news from Carowinds. In spring 2015, the beloved theme park is opening Fury 325, the "world's tallest and fasted giga coaster." Plans for the new coaster were…
If you recently had a baby, or are pregnant or are thinking about having a child consider this: $245,345. That's the latest figure projected to raise your little bundle until he or she is 18. The number accounts for food,…
Next week it's back to school for area school students. I have one starting kindergarten! My heart is racing when I think about it too much. I'm also very reflective lately. Where did the past five years go! Yes, that's…
With school starting in just two weeks, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of the Charlotte Hornets and Uber have partnered to create UberSCHOOL to ensure that students experiencing homelessness will have everything they need on their first day back. UberSCHOOL encourages area business,…
It looks a lot like fall out there today. Sky is gray and drizzle has set in, and the kids are likely growing restless. Here are a few ideas to keep them happy on a rainy summer day in Charlotte.1.…
I almost glazed right over it because it seems all too commmon these days to see a headline about some Hollywood celebrity being photographed while breast-feeding. Olivia Wilde, 30, joins the list of celeb moms breast-feeding and photographed in the…
Summer is waning, and that means the school bells will ring in just  few short weeks. I'm all for enjoying every last minute of summertime, but part of that enjoyment can include reading. If you're finding the kids are bored…
*Summer is a time when kids play, and they should. Play is important and you're only a kid once. During all that play time, however, it's important that the our little superheroes of summer don't completely lose all the skills…
For those season-ticket holders out there who can't always make it to the game consider this: Most Valuable Kids of Charlotte Metro. What is it you ask? Most Valuable Kids of Charlotte Metro offers charitable children's organizations access to professional…
Animal-, train- and golf-fans can find fun inside the gates at this Salisbury park.
I love to dance. I think the saying "Dance Like Nobody is Watching," is a wonderful mantra. I danced for 10 years as a child, wearing costumes that made me look like a bumblebee to a fairy and a lot…
Much debate has swirled over whether Common Core is good or bad. Yesterday Gov. Pat McCrory turned on his heels and decided it was not what N.C. students need (though he's previously been a supporter) and now the curriculum goes…
Barbie has done it again, and made headlines as the newest Girl Scout. She joined the troop as part of a $2 million deal with Mattel, reportedly stirring debate in consumer groups who say Barbie is not the right role…
Vacation time. I love summer vacation at the beach relaxing, sleeping late, taking naps, reading books on the beach, swimming in the ocean, having a cocktail mid-afternoon, lunch out on a deck looking at the ocean (cue record scratch). Wait…
Discrimination against a pregnant woman has technically been unlawful for years, but the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission updated a few rules and regs on pregnancy discrimination this week. It's the first update in 30 years, so I guess we should…
I don't remember what it was like to be 4, but watching my now almost-5-year-old, I think it must have been kinda tough. Lately he's been processing a lot. He wants to be a big guy and keep up with…
For parents of kids with allergies, it takes strategic planning to do some of the common family outings many families enjoy without thinking twice. The Charlotte Knights recognize this, and are making two upcoming games "Peanut-Controlled Games" so that young…
The first birthday party I threw for my son, I invited at least 30 people. Mind you these were not all kids, but rather a lot of aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends, and even a favorite daycare teacher. We had a…
So we've all seen it: Coppertone's illustration of a girl in a swim suit whose puppy is tugging on her bikini bottoms and showing off her tan line. When it first appeared years ago in Coppertone's marketing toolbox, it was…
Kidsandcars.org recommends the following things to help parents remember their child is in the backseat:1. Keep a large stuffed animal in the child's seat when it's not occupied. When the child is placed in the seat, put the stuffed animal in…
With the Fourth of July weekend upon us, many families are planning pool parties or will be at the beach. Pool safety is something that I think can never be mentioned enough. In a post I wrote after Memorial Day…
It's all over the news: A Georgia dad forgets his toddler in the car and leaves him there on a scorching day to come back and find him dead. Now police are questioning whether it was an absent-minded mistake or…
For parents that work out of the home, or I should say that are employed by a company other than themselves, finding a balance between busy work schedules and busy family schedules is a moving target. President Obama recognizes this…
Educational fun for all ages with themed aquarium areas, talk and feed times, touch pools and conservation education, plus more than 5,000 different species to see.
Sunday's soccer match between the USA and Portugal ended in a draw (or tie in non-soccer terms). The USA now faces powerhouse Germany to advance to the next group. Now to understand what all that means! Soccer is a great…
A recent study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention concludes that teenagers in North Carolina are drinking alcohol, but a little less than other peers across the country. N.C. teens are, however, smoking marijuana and having sex a…
Not so long ago, I went to Beginner's Day at my son's soon-to-be school. A large group of parents of rising kindergarteners was there. Many questions were tossed out about school lunches, busses, and the bell schedule. This particular school…
We all like to hear the stories of successful students, but without a doubt, many students in Charlotte still struggle to survive. Did you know that more than one in five children live in poverty, and that there are 53…
The news of the Oregon school shooting yesterday was sad, but less shocking than it should be. This shooting is the third public shooting in a week. School shootings are becoming more and more "common." According to data from Everytown…
Just as the school year wraps up for Charlotte Mecklenburg School students, a virtual rally of support is underway by Charlotte Mecklenburg Public School Friends. The virtual rally is taking place today, June 9, through 6 p.m., June 10 to…
A four-year-old's Disney Cruise Ship favorites.
A very good friend of mine sent me a salon.com article titled "The Day I Left My Son in the Car." Her comment: This is a good one. Of course I clicked for a read. The story begins of a…
The countdown is on for summer break. I'm for the first time ever filling a summer schedule with day camps for my son, and I know I'm not alone. Whether you work out of the home or are a stay-at-home…
Pool season is here. Dips in cool pools are a summer rite of passage for all ages, but pools can be a dangerous playground. At the start of pool season, there were three reports of near drowings across the Carolinas.…
Magic awaits aboard the Disney Dream.
First Lady Michelle Obama is taking a high-profile step toward healthier school lunches by taking a stand in Congress. The House Appropriations Committee is expected to approve language this week would grant waivers to school districts that claim to struggle…
I think many parents sometimes ponder how many children make their family complete. Some are happy with one, others want big families and have three, four or more. Then there is the Duggars who have 19 children ... and want…
It's not everyday that you get to meet billionaire Warren Buffet, but three students - Aiden Farren, Joel Perez and Logan Etienne - from Hornets Nest Elementary get the chance when they present their project "Helping Fields" at the Secret…
If you have a son named Noah or a daughter named Sophia, chances are they will encounter many more with the same name during their lifetimes as these two names top the most popular baby names list for 2013. The…
Being a mom/parent come with its challenges. Anyone who is a parent knows that and will be sure to tell those that are expecting that "life is about to change." It's true, but overall isn't it for the better?That's what…
If you have a student-athlete in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Lincoln County or Union county schools, you know that medical screenings and physicals are part of the annual routine. Rising 10th-, 11th- or 12th-grade student-athletes can receive free sports screenings during Heart of…
I remember laughing with a friend one day about how a certain older family member thought it was OK to pop her grandchild's pacifier in her own mouth to make sure it was clean. This usually happened after it was…
Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 11. I can't think of a mom who wouldn't like to hang up her apron on said holiday and instead enjoy a nice brunch out. Here are my top six for where to go…
Today marks the beginning of Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-9. Undoubtedly teachers deserve appreciation, especially as the debate about teacher salaries continues. Local freelance writer and mom Holly Becker, who is also a member of the Davidson Elementary Advocacy Committee,…
It came up in conversation with friends over the weekend: are kids going to know how to socialize - that is talk, approach each other - away from their smartphones and texting devices in the future? With teens texting more…
I'm a believer in a girls' night out. It's good for our souls. I'm also a big fan of finding a bargain on some great things. Towne and Reese, known for their stylish and affordable jewelry, is hosting its spring…
Speed around NASCAR’s Charlotte Motor Speedway, drive go-karts at Concord Mills and interact with state-of-the-art exhibits at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
I've been out of touch with the news for a few days while I retreated to Hatteras Island for a wedding weekend. On return and checking some emails, I saw this news: NC Committee recommends replacing Common Core with state…
May is right around the corner and summer vacation planning is in full swing (if not already taken care of). Parents have their idea of a perfect vacation, hotel, or place to visit, but what do the kids want? To…
Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22. It's a day designated to recognize how valuable nature is and what it provides, and to take a minute to learn how to preserve those valuable commodities from Mother Earth. And based on the…
