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 find a place in Charlotte where they could work remotely while their children played. “Both (girls) are pandemic babies, so ..read more

Kelly Hickman, principal designer at ES Design Studio, gets a lot of requests for understated, neutral interiors. So she was thrilled when the owners of a 12,800-square-foot home in Morrocroft wanted a color-blitzed bonus room for their two children. “The goal was to make the playroom cool, interactive, and full of really fun stuff so it didn’t look like a ..read more

Karly Barker is the founder of Courtside Kids – an activewear brand for boys and girls ages 2 – 14. Prior to starting her family, the Utah native was a broadcast news reporter and anchor. Karly and her husband moved to Charlotte in 2012, and after seeing a need and getting a little podcast inspiration from Spanx founder, Sarah Blakely ..read more

You don’t have to scroll social media too long to find videos poking fun of parents who behave badly at their children’s sporting events. They might cheer with a bit too much enthusiasm, question a coach, yell at a ref, or pressure their kid into thinking an Under-8 game is the World Series. Sports parents have a bad rap long before social media took aim. But how, at a time when the youth sports industry is booming, can you get it right as a sports parent? We’ve heard a lot about what you shouldn’t do, but what should you? Jeremy Boone, former speed coach for the Carolina Panthers, has been w ..read more

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 to make a diagnosis before age 3, but I just know in my bones something isn’t right. How can I get him evaluated so we can start treating this as early as possible? A: We have guts for a reason. Follow your gut. First, call the doctor back to let him/her know despite their recommendation that it’s too early, you would like to get your child evaluated. Ask ..read more

Are you raising a budding Julia Child or Guy Fieri? Give them a place to hone their cooking skills — and keep your kitchen clean — with these cooking and baking classes for kids in and around Charlotte. Preschoolers to teens can learn where food comes from, proper cooking techniques and how to take their cupcake game to the next level. Whether its a one day class or a one-week camp, they can enjoy tasty results and you might get help with dinner! Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen Chef Alyssa is passionate about cooking and has been head chef at some of the Queen City’s favorite restaurants. Lucky for aspi ..read more

With National Ice Cream Month in July, it’s a great time to get the family involved in some taste-testing to decide which is your fave. Here are 18 ice cream shops in Charlotte to get a cool treat this summer when you get a hankering for something sweet. 1. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams South End – 1920 Camden Road NoDa – 416 E. 36th St., #400 Park Road Shopping Center – 4203 Park Road Blakeney – 9828 Rea Road If you want to experience true artisan ice cream, Jeni’s is the place to go. There are plenty of choices for chocolate and vanilla lovers, but you’ll also find unexpected fla ..read more

All parents need some adults-only time to laugh, enjoy a meal, or catch a show or exhibit.  A meal and an activity can seem like a big commitment when you factor in time and the cost of a sitter. These three Charlotte establishments combine food and fun for a date night with your favorite person. Bowlero Charlotte 210 E. Trade St., D-164 704-716-9300 Uptown’s rebranded Queen City Quarter features Bowlero Charlotte, a hub for arcade games, bowling, and dining. More than 30 television screens, lights, music, and a DJ on Tuesday nights sets the scene for a party atmosphere. The bar’s seatin ..read more

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 when I started cooking with my niece, Emory. It’s an easy play on focaccia, made super simple with several cans of large, refrigerated biscuits, chopped cherry tomatoes, white cheddar cheese, pitted kalamata olives, and sliced mozzarella cut into stars. At the time, Emory was 2 and excited to be helping in the kitchen. The idea for this holiday bread came from Emory’s ..read more

Looking to take a breather from your family’s packed summer schedule? When you’re ready to log off, power down, and unplug, take a two and a half hour drive to southern Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and treat yourself to a weekend—or full week!—at Primland Resort. While parents hit the links or enjoy a hot stone massage, kids can have an outdoor adventure at the Junior Mountaineers Kids Club. Here are 8 things to know about this summertime playground:   Primland Resort is in Meadows of Dan, Virginia Accommodations are family-friendly. The free-standing Fairway or Pinnacle Cottag ..read more