PARENT TO KNOW: Molly Phillips

The assistant director for education at the Bechtler talks childhood art, scissor lessons, and her new library discovery. 

We’re talking with Molly Phillips, the assistant director for education at Bechtler Museum of Modern Art . In recognition of the importance that exposure to art has on child development, the museum recently began a partnership called Bechtler Art Stories with MECK Pre-K, the county’s preschool education program. The initiative connects children’s books to artwork in the Bechtler collection and provides early learners with high quality arts enrichment through process-based activities that preschoolers can take home and use again with their families.

Here, the mom of two talks childhood art, scissor lessons, and her new library discovery.

Tell us about your family. How many children do you have and what are their ages?

It’s me, my husband, Bobby, and two kiddos. Nell is 5 and Forrest is 5 months old. We also have two cats, Paul and Puttles.

What role does art play in children’s development? And how have you exposed your children to the arts?

Art plays a big role in child development. It helps children build motor skills and develop creative thinking and problem solving. Before we all learn to speak and read, we build visual literacy. Looking at art and experimenting with creative materials is such a wonderful way to support that, and gets children excited about learning.

At our home, we’re constantly creating sculptures from old boxes or drawing stories together. Even simple materials are great for helping children be creative. And of course, I try to take them to different arts organizations around Charlotte, especially the Family Days at Bechtler. The next one is on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, to go along with the opening of our spring show, “Virginia Jaramillo: Principle of Equivalence.”

Hardest part about being a mom?

It can be hard to balance and embrace all the chaos that comes with parenting. Some days are unpredictable, and you just have to roll with it!

Favorite part about being a mom?

There is so much joy in being a mom. Kids are magical people and I’m so happy I get to see my kids grow into these amazing beings. It’s incredible that I get to know them for the rest of my life.

Biggest parenting fail to date?

Oh gosh – there are many but one that stands out was a recent one. Nell loves using scissors and snuck a pair of kids’ scissors into the playroom. I walked in and found a little pile of her hair on the floor! I realized we hadn’t talked with her about what scissors are used for. Now we make sure to mention that before she uses them.

Best parenting advice you ever received?

Every child is different – what works with one might not work with the other. Having a new baby has certainly reminded me of that. Forrest is a very different baby than Nell was. I’m doing a little bit of re-learning right now.

Marriage advice for new parents?

I heard this from author Emily Oster and it has been so helpful for us. Make sure to schedule time to check in with one another and talk about parenting. Life moves so quickly, especially in those early days and saving time to talk through how you’ll handle the trickier situations or parenting choices is key.

Parenting support you could not live without?

I feel really lucky to have found a workplace that is as supportive as the Bechtler. Everyone is very understanding when it comes to balancing work around parenting. And it helps to swap parenting stories with my colleagues!

Phase you feared your child would never grow out of?

When we first brought our son home from the hospital, our older daughter started waking up in the middle of the night and knocking on our door very, very loudly. It lasted a few weeks and felt like no one in the house was getting any sleep. I’m so glad that’s over.

Favorite way to spend an unscheduled day with your kids in Charlotte?

Taking a family walk to Squirrel Lake Park in Matthews or the local library and then grabbing drinks and snacks at Carolina Beer Temple in downtown Matthews.

You have a whole day to yourself. What do you do?

I might go for a hike at one of the nature preserves – I especially like Reedy Creek in Charlotte. Then I’d find a place to grab coffee and read a book before heading home to cook an elaborate meal. I love trying new recipes but don’t always have the time.

Favorite Charlotte restaurant?

I love White Duck Taco Shop in Matthews. The fish taco is so good!

Favorite place to shop in Charlotte?

Betty by Moxie Mercantile in Plaza Midwood is a great place to shop. And they host Betty Bookworms on Fridays – sometimes you can find me there reading stories to kiddos and their caregivers and sharing information about the Bechtler.

What local amenity/retailer/service could you not live without?

I could not live without the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. They have incredible programming for families and my daughter loves picking out books to bring home and read. We recently discovered they host Puzzle Swaps at different locations – it’s been fun to trade in puzzles we’ve finished and find new ones to start.