October is ADHD Awareness Month—a time to celebrate brain differences, not judge them. When you understand how the ADHD brain functions and processes information, you are more likely to parent productively, as opposed to feeling frustrated because nothing is working.…
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,…
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.…
Q: Hi, Molly! My 7th grader has a girl really interested in him and he really likes her, too. Any podcasts for teens and healthy relationships, age-appropriate steps, basically respecting one another and taking it SLOW. I’m certain it’ll fizzle…
Prepare for a safe summer
A smaller number of households are doling them out, but at what cost?
Mindy Vergakis is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice, working with children, adolescents, and families. Formerly a counselor at Charlotte Latin, she specializes in ADHD, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and behavior challenges and offers individual and family counseling, as…
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…
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…
Celebrate spring at these area Charlotte-area festivals.
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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.…
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…
A list of local spots that are friendly to families with food sensitivities
KICK OFF NEW YEARS DAY WITH A 5K Celebrate the start of 2025 at the Charlotte New Year's Day 5K on January 1 in University City. This family-friendly 5K begins at 10 a.m. and follows along Mallard, Barton, and Toby…
Plan a skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing adventure for the family this winter in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia
Know before you go to the annual holiday race
CELEBRATE DIWALI AT OPTIMIST HALL Come to Botiwalla on Friday, November 1 and celebrate Diwali, a festival of lights that marks India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. The family-friendly evening includes food specials like a pani puri…
An Interview with Kim and Penn Holderness
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…
Insight and tools to managing the stress and complexities of divorce
Charlotte-area doctors, dentists, chiropractors & therapists.
