Parents plan family vacations fully intending to make everybody happy, but, let’s face it, if the kids ain’t happy, nobody’s happy. With that in mind, you’ll want to take special care to select a destination that appeals to the kids, even involve them in the planning process, so that it truly is a "vacation" for everyone!
Since September 11th, we have been subject to many new security precautions. Knowing the alternatives, most of us understand we must tolerate these new regulations, along with whatever extra time and energy they require. But, as parents, we now have even more "red tape" to get used to. We have researched some of the new rules for you to help you become more aware and better prepared for your child’s next trip.
Ask anyone from the Carolinas about Fort Mill, and they’re likely to respond with, "nice little town . . . great schools!"
Hurricanes, terrorist attacks, accidents, old age, war and terminal illnesses are a part of life today. Death is never an if — it’s a when event. And with loss of people, pets and the familiar comes a stinging sadness. Educating children about death and guiding them through grief is something we prefer to avoid. But it’s one of our teachable moments. With our help, children can appreciate the feelings that are unique to this occasion, learn new coping skills and how to embrace life.
Would your child know what to do in an emergency? Meet five young heroes who acted fast when it mattered most.
How to get your children interested - and keep them interested - in gardening.
My son Crawford loves Japanese anime cartoons. I restrict them, because I think these battle cartoons promote fighting to solve problems. Thus ensued our own family battle. ...
Tips from a doctor on how you can make the most of your appointment.
Our family has put a lot of miles under our belts (seat belts, that is). And during our travels we’ve gotten to know each other better.
It has been many years since I attended summer camp. My memories are of towering East Texas pines surrounding lakes, care packages full of cookies from my parents and friends I thought would last a lifetime.
January marks the beginning of a new year. And we’ve definitely had a lot of experience with new this year at Charlotte Parent. We started the year with a new editor ... me. And we ended with a new Web site at www.charlotteparent.com. And all the while and in between we’ve welcomed new readers ...
Camp season is upon us. Before sending your child to day camp, here are some suggestions.
When preparing for the arrival of their baby, parents can develop quite a long checklist of all that needs to be done. One item that tops many to-do lists is decorating the nursery. For parents who want to truly transform a room, choosing to decorate the walls with a mural is becoming increasingly popular.
Beyond technology ... Do I want to know? Before modern technology allowed expectant parents to determine the sex of their babies prior to birth, eager moms and dads devised interesting ways to figure it out. Are you carrying high? It’s a girl. Carrying low? Must be a boy. If you’re gaining weight in your face, it’s a girl. No? Paint the nursery blue! Everything from a ring on a string to urine examination (don’t ask) were used in an attempt to satisfy their curiosity.
From stork cubs to frozen dinners, planning and organization go a long way when scheduling meals around recovering from childbirth and caring for your newborn.
Your baby has a lot to learn about his new world, but you can help him grow up to be a healthy and confident child by developing these abilities through play.
New babies and new parents have a world of goods awaiting. Here are a few books, great gear and media items to help you get started.
So many times I have uttered these two words and wanted to stand behind them. Whether it was on a home improvement project gone seriously wrong (all you DIYers know what I’m talking about) or while writing a story where the blank page stared back at me, I have longed for the guilt-free conscience needed to abandon all obstacles and just walk away from a challenge.
You can find Big Daddy’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar by traveling west on Hwy. 150 from exit 36 on I-77. It’s a humongous, stand alone, NASCAR-laden (on the roof), single story structure that you will, without fail, notice when driving by. It’s an excellent example of a business that brazenly markets itself to the passing traffic.
Some of my finest childhood memories are of sweltering summer days spent wading through the shallow creek close to home. With an empty jar in hand, my neighborhood buddies and I spent hours catching minnows and examining streambed rocks in search of the best skipping stone.
The third Sunday in June, all eyes are on dads. Cards line the shelves, sale circulars flood the newspaper and special deals abound. The rest of the year, information for dads can be hard to come by.
"I want to quit!" is becoming as prevalent as the droning chant, "Are we there yet?"
When it comes to keeping baby cool during the heat of the summer, it’s all up to the grownups.
Hut-Hut! The sounds of football — running, tackling, crushing — reverberate as the kids slam into one another defending their team. All are the sweet sounds of a mother’s nightmare!
