Between after-school activities, homework, and work commitments, finding time for a family dinner can feel impossible. Yet sharing a meal together—even just a few times a week—offers lasting rewards. Research shows that kids who regularly eat with their families enjoy…
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
Each month, our 11-year-old resident foodie visits a different Charlotte-area restaurant that’s kid-friendly—but not a kid-topia. He orders something he’s never tried before and reports back with his recommendations for kids and their parents. Here is his review of Ted’s…
Now that families are in back-to-school mode, it’s a great time to try out this month’s recipe for Everything Cookies. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and flavor and they’re great for breakfast on-the-go, lunch boxes, and afternoon snacks. If you…
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.…
A list of certified consultants to support your breastfeeding journey.
The only thing worse than a trip to the DMV is a trip to the DMV with your new teen driver. From ensuring you have the right paperwork to setting your child loose behind the wheel, it’s nothing short of…
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…
Each month, our 11-year-old resident foodie visits a different Charlotte-area restaurant that’s kid-friendly—but not a kid-topia. He orders something he’s never tried before and reports back with his recommendations for kids and their parents. Here is his review of Toastique…
This month, I wanted to share a recipe for one of my favorite pasta casseroles. It’s a great dinner for family or friends, and it’s easy to make ahead and reheat when you’re ready to serve. This recipe is like…
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…
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…
The best inventions are often born from necessity, and this was certainly true for Stacy and Michael Baker, co-owners of Grow Café. As working parents with two daughters under age 4 (they also have a 17-year-old son), they struggled to…
Expert Jeremy Boone’s tips on how to best support your little athletes
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…
Holidays are a great time to start a family tradition—and some of the most delicious traditions start in the kitchen. This 4th of July flag-themed flatbread recipe came to be two summers ago on a family weekend in the mountains…
Each month, our 11-year-old resident foodie visits a different Charlotte-area restaurant that’s kid-friendly—but not a kid-topia. He orders something he’s never tried before and reports back with his recommendations for kids and their parents. Here is his review of Curry…
Try one of these family hikes that make a great day trip from Charlotte.
The 52-year-old dad has amassed a following by finding the humor in raising teens.
Summertime is when peaches, berries, and melon are in their prime. Depending on where you live and shop, you may also find local plums, grapes, and figs. Take your kids to any local farmers market to meet the farmers who…
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…
Charlotte-area doctors, dentists, chiropractors & therapists.
