Many Charlotte summer camps open for registration as early as January. But if you struggle to make summer plans while still in a winter coat, don’t panic. Here are some camps that still have some availability. For a full list…
Most of us know Mother’s Day is in May, but it’s also Mental Health Awareness month. Raising neurodivergent children requires a unique set of parenting tools, but it involves something often overlooked: The mental health of caregivers. Parents of neurodivergent…
Preparing for when the kids venture outside the nest
Looking for a great way to spend time with your kids that’s fun, affordable, and gets them off their screens? Gardening is an ideal activity. Whether you plant one in your yard, on your deck, or on a kitchen windowsill,…
As parents, we take various measures to keep our children safe. Some safety precautions, like sunscreen and insect repellant, are apparent in the warm-weather months. But we must also consider the dangers associated with pools—and vacations that revolve around water.…
Q: Hi, Molly! My 7th grader has a girl really interested in him and he really likes her, too. Any podcasts for teens and healthy relationships, age-appropriate steps, basically respecting one another and taking it SLOW. I’m certain it’ll fizzle…
Prepare for a safe summer
A smaller number of households are doling them out, but at what cost?
Q: Hi Molly! My kids are 4 and 6 and I want to talk to them about stranger-danger without giving them too much anxiety. I’ve heard about families having a code word that only safe and authorized people know so…
March brings awareness to developmental disabilities like autism, ADHD, and Down syndrome, which are part of the rich spectrum of human experience. Every child's developmental journey is unique and should be supported with empathy and tailored strategies. I want to…
Parents may think they know what it’s like to be in elementary, middle, or high school since they’ve been through it already. But is childhood really the same as it was when we were young? The answer is yes—and no.…
I don't often have the privilege of interviewing others for my articles; I usually find myself in the role of the expert being interviewed. However, when I sought insights into Generation Alpha, I discovered a valuable opportunity for connection with…
Q: Should you get your child evaluated for a disorder if you suspect they are a high functioning version of it, or do you just treat your child with extra care and love without giving them a label? A: Knowledge…
If you’re a parent of girls, you may have heard about two new organizations turning heads: Girlhood Charlotte and Growing Our Girls. Though not officially affiliated, their founders share a vision—to create new ways for moms and their daughters to…
If you’re like me, you may find it challenging to rest and recharge your batteries. I’m the type of person who goes until I can't anymore. Recharging is active work; I can only do it by putting effort in. However,…
Q: I am 5 months pregnant with our third, and my oldest (5-year-old girl) is asking how the baby is going to come out of my tummy. What’s an age-appropriate way to approach this? I also have a 3-year-old boy.…
In many families, money and finances are considered grown-up topics. Parents may believe children shouldn’t be privy to the family budget or included in any discussions regarding financial decisions, and while they have good intentions, shielding children from the topic…
Q: My kids are having the constant “it’s not fair!” battle and it’s exhausting. Responding with “life’s not fair” isn’t working. What’s an effective way to shut this down? A: The F-word is not allowed in our household. No one…
Q: Do you know of a resource in town that could help me child-proof my kids' iPad? They are ages 6 and 8, but they are getting to the point where they know more about using iPad than I do.…
The only thing worse than a trip to the DMV is a trip to the DMV with your new teen driver. From ensuring you have the right paperwork to setting your child loose behind the wheel, it’s nothing short of…
At 17, Darby Camp seems far too young to appreciate a good 1980s movie reference. But her beloved shih tzu, Marty McFly, is a nod to her favorite movie, Back to the Future. Darby’s natural ease in a room full…
Each month, our 11-year-old resident foodie visits a different Charlotte-area restaurant that’s kid-friendly—but not a kid-topia. He orders something he’s never tried before and reports back with his recommendations for kids and their parents. Here is his review of Toastique…
This month, I wanted to share a recipe for one of my favorite pasta casseroles. It’s a great dinner for family or friends, and it’s easy to make ahead and reheat when you’re ready to serve. This recipe is like…
Q: Hi Molly! My 8-year-old daughter keeps asking how much money my husband and I make. She wants to know the specific dollar amount on our paychecks. I just tell her we make enough to afford our house, food, and…
