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…
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…
The holidays can be a sensory explosion—and not just for children. I’m talking about parents, too. As soon as the holiday season kicks off, your to-do list goes from 1 million to 10 million items, with shorter deadlines and more…
Q: Kids are 12, 9, and 7. What are some good YouTube channels that are entertaining but not just complete brain rot? A: Honestly? I don’t like any of them. Even YouTube Kids, which is marketed directly to children. My…
TURKEYS IN DISGUISE By Cynthia Platt Illustrated by Josh Cleland A hilariously fun read-aloud picture book where children think quickly and creatively to disguise a group of turkeys and save them from becoming Thanksgiving dinner! THE HUMBLE PIE By Jory…
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) has a robust magnet program that gives students access to free Montessori School, STEAM Academies, Dual Language Immersion (with your choice of five languages!)—programs that would otherwise cost you thousands in tuition. Elementary magnet schools are…
This month I’m cooking with my 8-year-old neighbor, Luke Tolley, and we’ve prepared what Luke calls “Mystery Baked Sandwiches.” This is a fun one, and it’s super simple. So simple, in fact, there’s not really a formal recipe. All you…
In a world that often feels hurried and disconnected, Elizabeth Anne Russell is on a mission to bring back kindness, confidence, and the lost art of good manners. As founder of Mannerly and the Charlotte School of Etiquette, she’s helping…
Get a little side help, or go full turkey to pie
CELEBRATE FALL IN STATESVILLE Head to downtown Statesville on Saturday, November 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Statesville Pumpkin Fest. Look for a classic car show; a kids’ zone with inflatables; live entertainment; food vendors; and beer, wine,…
Updated October 2025 Charlotte Allstars 11011 Monroe Rd. Matthews Charlotte Allstar’s offers use of their gym which includes an inflatable obstacle course, slides, trampolines, foam pit, swinging rope and more. Birthday parties include a party hostess, setup and cleanup, one…
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.…
Vicky Little’s clients hired her to reconfigure their second floor to accommodate a laundry room and two bathrooms—with one big ask: keep the charm of their two-story Myers Park home intact. The 3,600-square-foot house had the typical trappings of a…
Q: I’ve heard and seen lots of reports about kid accidents on e-scooters and e-bikes. Yet they’re all around our city and fairly convenient. Should my kids ride them? At what age? What are the ultimate risks and how do…
When my children were little, discussions about what costumes to wear for Halloween began in September. They loved dressing up, attending Halloween parties at school, trick-or-treating with friends, and then sorting (and eating) the candy they collected. While my children…
Here are 20 options for birthday gifts under $25 for kids, tweens, and teens.
Getting kids to decide on their Halloween costume is half the battle. Not changing their minds in late October is the other. Finding the costume should be easy with these local shops: Morris Costumes 800-522-2956 4300 Monroe Road Spirit Halloween …
Traveling with a baby for the first time can feel like stepping into the great unknown, even for seasoned parents. How many diapers should you pack? What about entertainment, nap schedules, TSA rules? Should you gate-check your stroller? We sat…
CATCH A SPOOKY MOVIE UNDER THE STARS Head to Stowe Park in downtown Belmont for a family movie night on October 4 and 25. Belmont Movies in the Park will feature outdoor showings of The Addams Family (Oct. 4) and…
When my son was in a tween, he asked if he could take golf lessons. I signed him up for introductory lessons with a golf pro. He enjoyed it so much I sent to a summer golf camp for a…
Prepare for a thrilling weekend or evening scare at one of these haunted houses or trails.
