The Truth About Chores: Which Ones and Why For Kids of All Ages
A smaller number of households are doling them out, but at what cost?
Relationships
ASK A MOM: Stranger danger, HPV vaccines, and sleep expectations
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…
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…
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…
STYLE: Little Mishmish
Hannah Shaban’s family was gathered at her aunt’s house for a holiday celebration when her then 10-month-old son, Waleed, toddled into the room in his new onesie. The family broke out clapping and singing the classic Arabic nursery rhyme quoted…
THRIVE: How to Help Your Neurodivergent Child Reset and Recharge
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,…
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…
ASK A MOM: Holiday Edition
Q: Hi Molly! I loved following along on your recent trip to NYC because we’re planning to go later this month. My kids are closer in age to your youngest (4 and 6), so I wondered if you have any…
ASK A MOM: Weight concerns, uncomfortable conversations, and the funniest question in "Ask A Mom" history
Q: Hi Molly! My daughter (11) has always been a solid girl. Our pediatrician was concerned about her weight at her last two check-ups and recommended cutting back on sweets, fast food, etc., which we have. We even let her…
The Holderness Family Wants You to Know ADHD Impacts Adults, Too
An Interview with Kim and Penn Holderness
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…
7 Books to Explain Divorce to Your Kids
When parents decide to divorce, it can be difficult to break the news to kids in an age-appropriate way. What are some explanations they can understand? How do you reassure them that while Mommy and Daddy won’t live together anymore,…
8 Tips From a Family Attorney for Navigating Co-Parenting More Effectively
Insight and tools to managing the stress and complexities of divorce
ASK A MOM: Parental controls, saving and investing, and gender disappointment
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.…
DARBY CAMP: The Charlotte teen and rising Hollywood star IRL
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…
ASK A MOM: Financial literacy, first dental visits, and setting boundaries with a new baby
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…
UNPLUG AND PLAY
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…
10 Ways to be a Better Sports Parent From a Former NFL Coach
Expert Jeremy Boone’s tips on how to best support your little athletes
ASK A MOM: Sunscreen battles, indoor summer activities, and going with your parenting gut
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…
KID-FREE IN THE QC
All parents need some adults-only time to laugh, enjoy a meal, or catch a show or exhibit. A meal and an activity can seem like a big commitment when you factor in time and the cost of a sitter. These…
