Seasonal

Family Day Trips for Charlotteans to Cap Off the Summer

All are within two hours of the city

Tiffany Wolff,

Most Recent

How to Nurture an Attitude of Gratitude

Courtney Onge,

Thanksgiving may get short shrift in retail stores or the media, but you can nurture thankfulness this month and year-round in your children’s hearts and minds.

Ages & Stages: Pregnancy: Expecting the Best This Holiday Season

Carmen Short-Shagam,

The holidays have always been a time of anticipation and expectation — whether it’s remembering a family awaiting the birth of a small child long ago, or bubbly children anticipating Hanukkah gifts or Santa Claus — the season is a natural time to be expecting a bundle of joy. Follow these tips to be sure you’re expecting the best holiday season ever!

Just Next Door: McAdenville

Eve White,

McAdenville, N.C. — known as Christmas Town, USA — lights up each year to entertain and delight families from all over the area. Located in Gaston County just west of Charlotte, this small textile town, population* 619, hosts more than 600,000 visitors annually from Dec. 1-26 for the Christmas Lights celebration.

December Musings: Seasonal tips, family traditions and ideas

Charlotte Parent,

Charlotte Parent staffers share traditions and tips to make the holidays joyful.

Great Gifts for the Grown-Ups

Site Staff,

It can be hard to shop for folks older than 9, but adults like gifts too. Here are some they'll love!

Home for the Holidays: Being Mom in Your Mom's House

Jenn Q. Goddu,

Nigel Bronson is an inquisitive and enthusiastic 2-year-old who likes to run and explore. His mom thinks that’s just fine; if he falls, he learns to slow down. "With a child, it’s better they learn through experience," explained Courtney Bronson of Charlotte. "I can say, ‘No, Nigel. Stop Nigel, don’t do that,’ but Nigel is going to do it until he learns there are consequences to it. I’d rather he learn that than to continually holler and go after him."

What Do Teachers Want?

Courtney Onge,

Holiday gift lists grow as our families do, thanks to the teachers, coaches, choir directors, dance instructors, bus drivers and others who enrich our children’s lives. What do they really want?

12 Ways to Say 'I Love You' to Kids

Kathy Sena,

It’s fun to find creative ways to show our kids we love them. Here are some ideas for sharing the love on Feb. 14 — and all through the year.

Take a Time-Out for Love

Eve Nicholas,

Even if you can only spare a weekend away or a simple dinner-and-a-movie night out, a brief parental "time out" might be just the thing to clear your mind and revitalize your relationship, which is good for the entire family.

8 Earth Day Activities for Kids

Jacqueline Bodnar,

If you haven’t introduced your child to celebrating the global day that is set aside for appreciating the environment, there is no better time than the present to start.

7 Tips for Family Farmers' Market Fun

Kelly Yale,

Farmers’ market outings are fun (and educational) for kids

Bigstock Mother S Day Breakfast 31816211

Mother's Day Breakfast in Bed for Mom

Jessica Fisher,

A step-by-step guide for dads and kids to make the perfect breakfast in bed for Mom on Mother's Day.

Campfire Cooking

ARA Content,

Learn about cooking outdoors over the campfire and try out these two new recipes.

10 Activities Under $10

Caitlin Dover,

A list of fun, family ideas and activities in the month of June for $10 and under.

Fox on Fatherhood: Coach John Fox Talks Family and Sports

Eve White,

John Fox's thoughts about family life — on the field and off.

Five Ideas for Father's Day

Kenneth Brown,

Great ideas on how to say "you're special" to your dad.

Par for Pop: Local Golf Course Listing

Kenneth Brown,

Get out on the course with Dad. Here's a list of golf courses in the Charlotte area. Father's Day or any day is a good time for Dad and the kids to be together.

National Backyard Camping

Meaghan Clark,

There's a special night designated for backyard camping. Check out what to do, where to register and how to make your night outdoors a memorable one.

5 Quick and Easy Halloween Costumes

Heather Hayes,

Great costume ideas for those parents who want to put their own touch on a special outfit.

Rookie Dad: Halloween — What’s In It for Us Parents?

Brian Krantz,

Our resident dad shares why he loves Halloween and how parents can help get everyone in the spirit.

Homemade is Best

Meaghan Clark,

Special costumes can be made at home with a little elbow grease and ingenuity. Read about how it can be done and find resources brimming with great ideas.