Should You Let Your Kid Quit?
When my son was in a tween, he asked if he could take golf lessons. I signed him up for introductory lessons with a golf pro. He enjoyed it so much I sent to a summer golf camp for a…
Enrichment
GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month
CHECK OUT THE YIASOU THE GREEK FESTIVAL The Yiasou Greek Festival returns to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral September 5-7. Enjoy cultural exhibits, folk dancing, live music, and authentic Greek cuisine. The Kids Playland has rides, children’s activities, and…
THRIVE: 6 Ways to Prepare Your Child to Go Back to School
It's back-to-school season, and for some families, it involves more than just buying new backpacks, folders, and pencils. For neurodivergent families, this is a time to focus on developing executive function skills. If you want your morning routine to be…
Where to Go Apple Picking Near Charlotte
These farms are within a two-hour drive
A Guide to After School Activities in Charlotte
With a new school year on the horizon, you might be on the hunt for additional activities to fill the hours between 3 and 6 p.m. A good after school program or extra-curricular activity can turn those aimless afternoons into…
GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month
CELEBRATE YOUR LITTLE READERS The Little Learners Literacy Fest, co-hosted by Arnie the Armadillo and Moving Little Minds, returns for its second year at Northeastern University Charlotte on Saturday, August 16. Enjoy free hearing screenings, interactive story times, expert-led workshops…
Where to Pick Blackberries and Blueberries Near Charlotte
Spend some sweet family time and bring home a colorful bounty.
Where to Fish in Charlotte
Try to catch a big one at these local fishing spots in the Charlotte area.
Last Minute Charlotte Summer Camps
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…
GARDEN STATE: Easy tips for gardening with your kids
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,…
THRIVE: Swim Lessons for Children with Autism
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.…
THRIVE: Organizing your Home to Fit Your Child’s Neurodivergent Needs
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…
GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month
CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN UPTOWN The Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day and Festival returns to uptown on Saturday, March 15. The festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and extends down Tryon Street from 3rd Street to Levine…
5 Ways Things Have Changed Since Parents Were Kids
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.…
THRIVE: What Your Neurodivergent Children and Gen Alpha Want Grown-Ups to Know
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…
ASK A MOM: Grandparent groups, stay-at-home dads, and when to get your high-functioning child evaluated for a disorder
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…
GIRL TALK: Two local mother-daughter organizations prioritize “social” over “media”
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…
GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month
IMPRINT YOUR FAMILY STORY Come to The Gantt Center on Saturday, February 1 for a Family First workshop. Learn about African symbols, including Adinkra and Kente patterns, with artist Ori Jai (aka The Syringa Fairy), then create personalized symbols for…
ASK A MOM: Sticky questions, STEM toys, and recording memories
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.…
Beyond Allowance: Teaching Kids About Finances
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…
Nostalgic Holiday Reads
Settle in to read these holiday classics with your family and reminisce about the holiday spirit of your childhood. Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree Mr. Willowby’s Christmas tree is beautiful but too big for his parlor, so he has the butler…
ASK A MOM: Fairness, social anxiety, and hurricane relief
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…
DRIVING 101: 6 Tips For Getting Your Teen Driver Licensed in North Carolina
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…
GO. PLAY. SEE.: 4 Fun Things to Experience in Charlotte This Month
CELEBRATE LABOR DAY AT THE U.S. WHITEWATER CENTER Celebrate Labor Day at U.S. National Whitewater Center Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1. The weekend lineup includes trail races, yoga, live music, and the Whitewater Center’s newest feature, Wildwoods, an…
