As a mom of three boys, ages 4, 5, and 7, Kiara Harlow wanted—and needed—a playroom where her kids could literally climb the walls. When she met Cassie Albergotti, co-founder of Wild Child, she knew she found a solution. Their…
Q: "My 11-year-old has become a “Sephora kid,” and I swear some of her skincare products are more expensive than mine! This seems excessive for a tween. Are there any cheaper, drugstore alternatives to tide her over until she ACTUALLY…
Bring the kids, ditch the jet lag
It’s a struggle most parents know well: How much sugar is too much? When should you limit it? And how do you even know where to start? Charlotte Parent turned to some experts to find out what parents need to…
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…
After living in a series of rental homes, Liz Farrar and her husband, Daniel, fell in love with a 3.6-acre lot off Carmel Road in south Charlotte. They planned to renovate the house and make it work for their four…
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…
Updated February 2025 Denise Antonacci Salon This award-winning SouthPark salon counts many local celebrities and high-profile Charlotteans as clients, but you may not know that they offer kid's services, too. Kid's cuts (10 and under) start at $40, depending on…
If you ever wonder where you can take your neurodivergent child around Charlotte, well, wonder no more. I’ve done the research with my own children to save you time and narrow down the search for sensory, budget-friendly, and fun places…
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…
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…
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: 2023 It’s time to start tackling those holiday wishlists, so we caught up with our resident toy expert Dan Weiss, owner of Harper & Skyler’s Toys & Sweets, to find out which items he can’t keep on…
What therapists want you to know about the risks and rules you might consider
Jess Ebert had already worked on a number of rooms in her clients’ Dilworth bungalow when they hired her to redesign their 4-year-old son’s bedroom. “With this house, we did a phased approach,” Ebert says. “Phase 1 was four years…
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,…
As my daughter’s 8th birthday approached, we started discussing what kind of party she wanted. I thought she might say bowling or gymnastics, but she asked for a Survivor-themed party. I wasn’t sure how execute that until I did a…
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…
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…
