TikTok Star Chip Leighton is Capitalizing on Teen Cringe
The 52-year-old dad has amassed a following by finding the humor in raising teens.
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ASK A MOM: Sharpee damage, summer boredom, and attention-seeking toddlers
Q: Hi, Molly! This probably sounds familiar: My 3-year-old took a black Sharpie to my white wainscotting AND upholstered couch. He drew X’s down the staircase and into the living room “to protect his sister from the ninjas.” (I swear…
PARENTING AND SOCIAL MEDIA: Why I Stopped Posting Photos of My Social Life
I want my kids to be thoughtful and self-assured. My own social media habits demonstrated the opposite.
5 Pieces of Advice from a Mom of Big Kids
Since becoming a parent almost 30 years ago, not a day has gone by that I haven't questioned myself and wondered, "Did I do the right thing?" or "Could I have handled that situation better?" The reality is that there…
IN THIS TOGETHER: Meet the NICU nurse, the mom, and the baby girl who defied the odds
Baby Penelope’s 205-day stay at the NICU with Novant Health NICU nurse Courtney Hass
Neurodivergent Travel: 3 Destinations That Are 4 Hours or Less from Charlotte
If you’re looking for easily accessible, neurodivergent-friendly destinations for your family, here are three that are a short drive from Charlotte. GREENVILLE, SC With plenty of parks, trails, and museums, this pedestrian-friendly city has plenty to offer families for a…
How to Survive Jet Lag With Kids
Bring the kids, ditch the jet lag
ASK A MOM: Separation anxiety, social media, and self-esteem
Q: My 10-year-old cannot handle it when we go away for the weekend or even an overnight trip. The separation anxiety and homesickness for us makes it almost not worth going. It doesn’t matter who she stays with—grandparents, best friend—there’s…
Mom, Do I Look Fat?
Your teen daughter is getting ready for a party with friends and seems angsty. She's staring in the mirror, looking at herself from every angle, pulling at her clothes and visibly upset. “Mom,” she says, “Do I look fat?” While…
ASK A MOM: Swifties, six-packs, and spoiled kids
Q: My daughters (6 and 9) are big time Swifties and want to dress up with friends for the Super Bowl. What are some easy, inexpensive outfits or accessories I can get them? A: Have I ever been more excited…
ASK A MOM: screen time alternatives, budgeting, and gaming safety
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…
A Novel Idea: Making book clubs fun for kids of all ages
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…
ASK A MOM: Holiday travel, affordable stocking stuffers, and underage drinking at home
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…
Teens and Social Media: How to Protect Their Mental Health
What therapists want you to know about the risks and rules you might consider
PARENT TO KNOW: Justin Perry
Justin Perry is a therapist and founder of Perry Counseling Healing and Recovery PLLC. He has over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma, and/or are managing mental health and substance use disorders.…
ASK A MOM: Consequences, babysitters, and bedtime routines
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,…
ASK A MOM: pronouns, plane etiquette, and learning to tie shoelaces
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 101
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…
48 Hours in High Point
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,…
ASK A MOM: Restrictive eating, talking to your teens, and improving sleep quality
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…
ASK A MOM: Sunscreen, dry drowning, and controlling children
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…
HOME ALONE: How to get rid of your husband and kids for two days
The obsession began this past holiday season. I am a Christmas decorating enthusiast and turn my home upside down in November in decorating mayhem. Until complete, it is a chaotic, divorce-worthy mess. Last year, I made my husband a deal:…
PARENT CAMP: Why should kids have all the fun this summer?
You might feel sad—and maybe a bit nostalgic—after you leave your kids at a sleepaway camp. Afterall, the memories we make—the friendships, camp songs, and late nights roasting s’mores—stay with us into adulthood. So why can’t parents relive some of…
12 Things To Know About LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta
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…
