If you happened to see Autumn Stone alone, which is rare, you'd never guess that the petite, smiling, seemingly relaxed woman was the familial engine of a household of six children. Here, the Ballantyne wife and mom talks family organization…
Q: What do your kids DO in evenings and weekends when screen time is used up, especially now that it's winter? Mine are 11 and 13, and I'm the "worst mom EVER" for cutting them off after an hour. —Libby…
We all want our kids to get out and play in the great outdoors. But when Mother Nature interferes, there are plenty of indoor play options all over town. Sky Zone Trampoline Park Charlotte 7325 Smith Corners Blvd. 704-709-9050 Pineville…
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…
PLAY NERF GAMES On Friday, January 5, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation invites kids ages 7 to 12 to play Nerf games like Red vs. Blue, Capture the Flag, Last Man Standing, and more. Pizza, snacks, and drinks are provided.…
A roundup of advice from our 2023 Parents to Know.
Q: Should I let my teen drink alcohol as long as it's under my roof? A: I knew this question would come at some point. This month marks my 40th column—more than three years of answering your questions!—and here it’s…
Liz Monterrey's name likely looks familiar. You might have seen it plastered on signage all over Charlotte, or in the voting booth this past November where she made history as the first Latina elected to Charlotte Mecklenburg School Board. Here,…
What therapists want you to know about the risks and rules you might consider
It’s been a big month for Charlotte Parent contributor Molly Grantham. The release of her third book, Practice Makes…Progress, is the last installment in her series of memoirs that span 100 months in the life of the longtime news anchor…
Q: Hi Molly! This year, I decided to stop packing my 3rd and 4th graders' backpacks every morning before school. My husband and I agreed it was time to give them this responsibility. Problem is, they keep forgetting their lunches,…
It's rare to see Indre Buechler in front of the camera. Most often she is behind it at Nest Photo Studio in South Charlotte. Here, the business owner and mom of five talks the importance of capturing photos of children,…
Q: Hi Molly! I need some advice on how to discuss gender identity and pronouns with my kids. My fourth grader was over my shoulder when I was filling out the new Student Information Form from CMS and didn’t understand…
Breastfeeding is an extraordinarily rewarding experience, but there’s often a learning curve for both mom and baby. It may be natural, but it’s not always easy. If you’re a new mom struggling to breastfeed, talk to your pediatrician. They can…
High Point, just 90 minutes north of Charlotte, is known as the furniture capital of the world. It’s also the first Certified Autism Destination (CAD) on the East Coast, and the second in the country. Becoming a CAD means tourism,…
Q: If we have any dessert type item in our house, my 9-year-old daughter goes straight for it first thing in the morning when no one is looking. She always shamefully fesses up to it because we’ve said that sweets…
Getting kids to keep their rooms clean is an ongoing struggle for many parents. Kids often view their bedroom as "their space" and feel they should have autonomy. But for the parent, walking past a room with clothes all over…
East Fork Farm is in Marshall, NC, about three hours from Charlotte and 25 miles outside Asheville. The property spans 40 acres and is home to sheep, chickens, cows, and farm dogs that kids can see up close. A weekend…
Katherine Hutchens is the mother of two, and the beloved art teacher at Endhaven Elementary in South Charlotte. In February of this year, she began to lose her vision when doctors diagnosed her with a benign pituitary adenoma. She had…
Q: My 8-year-old HATES sunscreen. He squirms, complains, and yells to the point my husband and I have to strong arm him to get it applied. Problem is, he’s super fair and needs it reapplied constantly or else he gets…
Heather Obleada is the owner of Iron Butterfly Pilates in Southend. She grew up performing with The Charleston Ballet, and after graduating from Radford University, went on to The Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and Martha Graham School in New York.…
If your summer schedule doesn’t allow for an extended vacation—or you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway with the family—take a 4-hour drive down I-85 and spend some time in Atlanta. Catch a game at Braves Truist Park, explore the…
Q: Where are the best (read: cleanest) places in Charlotte to get my daughter's ears pierced? A: I took your question to Tiny Gods Jewelry where Mary Margaret Beaver, who founded the fine jewelry shop in south Charlotte in November…
Many parents shy away from talking about money with their kids. It’s deemed a “grown up” topic, and sharing your family’s financial situation with children can feel awkward. But understanding finances is a crucial life skill. Earning, saving, taxes, budgeting,…
