Q: Kids are 12, 9, and 7. What are some good YouTube channels that are entertaining but not just complete brain rot? A: Honestly? I don’t like any of them. Even YouTube Kids, which is marketed directly to children. My…
TURKEYS IN DISGUISE By Cynthia Platt Illustrated by Josh Cleland A hilariously fun read-aloud picture book where children think quickly and creatively to disguise a group of turkeys and save them from becoming Thanksgiving dinner! THE HUMBLE PIE By Jory…
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) has a robust magnet program that gives students access to free Montessori School, STEAM Academies, Dual Language Immersion (with your choice of five languages!)—programs that would otherwise cost you thousands in tuition. Elementary magnet schools are…
When my children were younger, I envied the relationship they had with my husband. I felt like their dad was the fun parent and I was the one they were forced to have. He was a delicious piece of cake,…
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: 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…
The assistant director for education at the Bechtler talks childhood art, scissor lessons, and her new library discovery.
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…
Get your kids and your home ready for school routines
On January 1, 2007, the American Academy of Pediatrics published an article about the importance of free play and how crucial it is for a child’s development. Dr. Ken Ginsburg, a professor of pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, sited…
Q: I’ve had this gut feeling that my 18-month-old son has autism since his first birthday. He wasn’t a super smile-y baby, rarely makes eye contact, and often fixates on ceiling fans or windshield wipers. My pediatrician says it’s impossible…
Things to consider when selecting from the many local options.
Many adults join book clubs as way a way to socialize and broaden their minds. When you commit to reading the same book and get together to discuss, it’s an opportunity to spend time with friends, enjoy literature, and perhaps…
When my daughter was in the first grade, her teacher required students to complete a reading log each school night. I remember one evening when my daughter had tears as she struggled to get through her 15 minutes of required…
In January 2008, NHRA drag racing star Doug Herbert got the phone call every parent fears. His two sons, Jon and James, had been in a car accident. Neither survived. As Herbert fought his way through grief, he became resolute…
As parents, it's common to worry about what our children are eating. We want them to enjoy a wide range of nutritious foods and to develop a healthy relationship with food, but getting children to try new flavors and eat…
The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn (2007) Age group: preschool, early elementary It’s time for Chester Raccoon to start school, but he doesn’t want to go without his mom. Mrs. Raccoon soothes his worries with the Kissing Hand—a family secret…
Q: How do I talk with my kids about what’s happening in Ukraine? –Veronica A: When COVID deaths were rampant, parents asked how to explain the sadness to their kids. When 2020 Presidential debates highlighted name-calling, parents asked how…
Q: Dear Molly, I just got my third grader’s report card and am afraid he’s falling behind in reading and writing this year. Any good learning centers in town where I can supplement what he’s doing in school?—Katie A:…
A mini-library on wheels named MoLi (pronounced "Molly") took to the open road at the start of the year. Here are 7 cool things to know about the library's newest addition. A New Generation Did you know MoLi isn't the…
Heading back to school always comes with a bit of stress, but this year the transition may be especially challenging. Many children haven’t been in the classroom full-time in more than a year. The rules will be different, and most…
Since a visit to the North Carolina Zoo isn’t currently possible, the Zoo is bringing its programs to you
