Charlotte Parent Charlotte Jan 2019

January 2019 • Free

the

HEALTH Y FAMILIE S ISSUE

COMING IN 2019

On-stage shows not to miss

The Trump Tax Code Will it affect your family finances?

Raise an Ambitious Child Strategies to help set and meet goals

Diagnosis Destination Where to go for bumps, charlotteparent.com | JANUARY 1 bruises and 2019 breaks

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools

Now Enrolling!

Together

discovermacs.org | PK-12 Financial Aid Available Admissions: 704.370.3273

We Excel

Charlotte Catholic | Christ the King | St. Ann | St. Gabriel | St. Patrick St. Matthew | Holy Trinity | St. Mark | Our Lady of Assumption

CONTENT › JANUARY 2019

14 Diagnosis Destination Where to go for unexpected illnesses and injuries

18 The Trump Tax Code How do the latest tax code changes affect families?

20 5 Steps to Create a Will Why it’s important to have plans in place just in case

14 IN EVERY ISSUE 7 11 12 13 22 31 32

FYI Growing Up Thrive Families Managing Media Excursion Daddy Derek Faces and Places

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CALENDAR 23 24 25 26 29

Our Picks Daily Calendar What’s Coming in 2019 On Exhibit On Stage

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Charlotte Parent

CP

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Set the Pace for a Happy, Healthy New Year

morrismedianetwork.com

EDITOR

I

Michele Huggins

n the blink of an eye, 2019 is here,

ART DIRECTOR

wide open to fresh beginnings.

The beginning of a new year is a

good time to reset, reflect and make resolutions for the months ahead.

Achieving resolutions, however, takes action, the right mindset and willpower. With that in mind, I’m implementing five philosophies to help set the pace for 2019.

1. Find the positive. Finding the sunny side when things seem a bit grey can be hard to do, but a positive outlook can carry you through tough times. Smile more, fret less.

2. Cut the clutter. Not only do I want to de-clutter the “stuff ” in my house, it’s a good time to assess priorities about what really matters in life, and make more time for priority people and places.

Melissa Stutts

SENIOR DIGITAL DIRECTOR, PRODUCTS + MARKETING Allison Hollins • allison.hollins@morris.com

DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR Andy Smith • andy.smith@morris.com

MEDIA CONSULTANTS Fawn Anderson • fawn.anderson@morris.com Kathy Thompson • kathy.thompson@morris.com

ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR Julianne Clune • julianne.clune@morris.com

MORRIS MEDIA NETWORK DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING Donald Horton

DIRECTOR OF PUBLISHING SERVICES Karen Fralick

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

3. Embrace the journey. The daily routine with kids is filled with activity, even

Cher Wheeler

chaos at times, but it’s not so much the destination as it is the journey when it comes to parenting. Savor that journey, because life happens fast.

4. Pay it forward. We all need a shoulder to lean on from time to time.

Being an asset to someone who is changing course or struggling to overcome a situation is simple kindness.

5. Schedule check-ups. Keeping a regular relationship with a primary care physician, getting regular dental check-ups and checking in at the gym are important to stay on the track for your health. Don’t wait, schedule appointments for you and your family’s health care.

CONTACT US charlotteparent.com 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 302, Charlotte, NC 28203 phone: 704-344-1980 • fax: 704-344-1983 email: info@charlotteparent.com advertising@charlotteparent.com Circulation 35,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Charlotte Parent reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication’s standards. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

This is our healthy families issue. From health care to finances, we share expert advice for a strong start to 2019. We also introduce a new column, Thrive, written by parenting coach and mom Bea Moise that offers insight into purposeful parenting, especially parenting children with special needs. Check it out on page 10. Here’s wishing you the brightest beginning in 2019.

A Publication of the Visitor Publications Division of Morris Communications Company, L.L.C. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901 Chairman President & CEO William S. Morris III William S. Morris IV

HAVE IDEAS TO SHARE? Email editor@charlotteparent.com.

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JANUARY 2019 | charlotteparent.com

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Monster Jam! The unexpected, unscripted, and unforgettable familyfriendly motor sport, is returning to Charlotte on Jan. 11 and 12 at Spectrum Center in uptown Charlotte.

Enter to win a family four pack of tickets to experience the high-flying fun.

The Doctor Is In Whether it’s guidance on when to take out wisdom teeth or how play therapy can add tools to a child’s emotional toolbox, area health-care practitioners share advice and strategies for having healthy, happy children.

… /contests

.../blogs

The Digital Issue Connect to Charlotte Parent when you are on the go with the magazine’s tablet edition available via magzter.com. It’s free with a quick sign-up. magzter.com.

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Parenting Expert Dr. Wendy Mogel Presents at Joined in Education Event Dr. Wendy Mogel, a New York Times best-selling book author and renowned parenting expert, is the keynote speaker at the Joined in Education event happening Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Providence Day School.

Learn effective ways to talk with your children from Mogel, a practicing clinical Dr. Wendy Mogel, psychologist and author, keynote psychologist, developed an speaker at the Joined in Education event happening Jan. 30 at Providence Day School. Photo courtesy of effective series of “voice lessons” Dr. Wendy Mogel that she shared with parents who were struggling to relate to their kids. The results were immediate: A shift in vocal style led to children who were calmer, listened more attentively, and communicated with more warmth, respect and sincerity.

The voice lessons are the basis of her most recent book “Voice Lessons for Parents: What to Say, How to Say It, When to Listen,” which explains the vocal stylings, and the most effective ways to talk about your children to teachers, coaches, nannies, caretakers, grandparents and partners.

Mogel has also authored perennial bestseller “The Blessing of a Skinned Knee,” and the critically-praised “The Blessing of a B Minus.” Tickets to the event can be purchased at joinedineducation.org/tickets.

Novant Health Sports and Performance Offers Free Youth Injury Assessments Novant Health Sports and Performance Medicine powered by EXOS has partnered with Sparta Science, a Silicon Valley company that applies data and technology to reduce sports injuries and improve results and range of motion for athletes, to provide youth injury assessments using a software platform previously available only to elite sporting organizations.

In a 60-second test, Sparta Science collects data from a series of movements on a force plate and is able to predict injury risk with proven accuracy based on comparable data. The software also allows Novant Health coaches and trainers to pinpoint imbalances caused by training and playing history, identify risk of injury, and optimize workouts to create balance and reduce risk of future injury.

Anyone interested in a free youth injury risk assessment can email exos@novanthealth.org for more information. For location and hours, visit novanthealth.org/exos.

Digital Trends for Teens in 2019 With the new year comes new trends. Be on the look out for these apps and digital trends with kids.

1. Video Chat apps like HOLLA are increasingly popular as a way for people to connect and interact. Not only are people using video chat apps to stay in touch with longdistance friends and family, but also for younger generations, they are replacing face-to-face interaction.

2. Live streaming apps like Tik Tok are only going to increase as users contend for their 15 minutes of viral fame. With the rise of influencers and YouTube stars, more kids are vying for their spot in the limelight by recreating popular dance moves, creating their own video tutorials and taking part in viral challenges.

3. Friend finder apps like Flamingo are becoming more and more popular, as people try to grow their social media followings and increase their popularity online by connecting with other users. The rise of digital communities continues to increase as people continue to search for their niche.

Source: Zift charlotteparent.com | JANUARY 2019

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FYI

Kickstart Conversations About Kindness A new initiative from Children’s Theatre of Charlotte titled The Kindness Project is dedicated to producing plays that support messages of showing kindness to everyone. The next play in the series is “A Sick Day for Amos McGee,” on stage in May. In the meanwhile, check out these books recommended by Charlotte Mecklenburg Library that champion kindness.

“I Walk with Vanessa: A Story About a Simple Act of Kindness,” written and illustrated by Kerascoet is a story about a new girl in school who feels isolated as everyone chatters around her. When she is outright bullied, another schoolmate who notices the bullying shows up the next morning to walk the new girl to school. Told entirely through pictures, this wordless book is uplifting and includes notes on helping someone who is being bullied. Best for ages 4 to 8.

“The Invisible Boy,” by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated

by Patrice Barton, tells the story of Brian, a quiet kid who often feels completely invisible. When a new student is singled out and made fun of at lunch one day, Brian draws a picture and slips it in the boy’s cubby. Soon they form a friendship that makes Brian feel like he’s visible for the first time. The illustrations take Brian from smudgy black and white into bold color as he begins to be seen. Best for ages 6 to 9.

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‘Early Check’ Study Targets Rare Health Conditions in Newborns RTI International is leading a new research study for newborn babies in North Carolina. Early Check is a free screening study designed to identify rare health conditions before symptoms appear, and to look for better treatments to help babies living with these conditions. After receiving the mother’s consent, the study uses the same blood sample taken for regular newborn screening to test for two additional rare conditions: fragile X syndrome — the leading inherited cause of intellectual disability, and spinal muscular atrophy — a serious neuromuscular disease that may cause early death among infants. These conditions currently are not included in standard newborn screenings in North Carolina. The North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health’s Early Check staff performs the additional screenings. For the extra tests, RTI is also working in partnership with University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University and Wake Forest School of Medicine. New or expecting mothers in North Carolina can sign up for Early Check using the online portal https://portal.earlycheck.org.

Bye Bye Blinds With Cords The end of 2018 marked the final manufacturing of pre-made window treatments with a corded option. Wand tilts now come standard on horizontal and vertical pre-made blinds as opposed to a corded tilt option. The ban on corded blinds is in response to a study published in Pediatrics medical journal that showed from 1990 to 2015 nearly 17,000 children younger than age 6 were treated in emergency rooms for window-blind related injuries. Almost 90 percent of these incidents occurred when children were under the care of parents. To raise awareness of hazards and safety of window treatments, a “Best for Kids” certification label on window treatments is being added to products that either have no cords, no operating cords, or the inner cords cannot be accessible or form a loop, as defined by the industry’s safety standard to eliminate any potential strangulation hazard. Cellular shades, pleated shades, roller shades or solar shades are good alternative choices to blinds. If you prefer corded blinds or shades, shorten the cord to 33-40 percent of the blind. Also, ensure that cord cleats are in place and high enough on the wall so that when a shade is pulled up, the cord can be wrapped around the cleat to keep it from dangling and it can’t be reached by a child.

JANUARY 2019 | charlotteparent.com

LEARN MORE AT OUR NEXT OPEN HOUSE

Educating 2 years old - 12th grade

Sunday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m.

Register today at www.davidsonday.org

Have Fun and Learn to Read Learn fun ideas and activities you can use to support early literacy at home with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Learn how to use the ABCs of Active Reading one-on-one with your child. Parents and caregivers come prepared to play and learn together with your child. Find a workshop near you at cmlibrary.org/active-reading

310 North Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202 (704) 416-0100 • cmlibrary.org

charlotteparent.com | JANUARY 2019

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FYI | people

Sarah Cherne is the president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas. Photo courtesy of Sarah Cherne

Get to Know: Sarah Cherne

BY MICHELE HUGGINS

S

arah Cherne is the president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas. She and her husband Damon Cherne have two sons: Alex, age 19, and Ethan, age 17.

Where in Charlotte do you live?

Where did you grow up? I grew up in a small, rural coastal town in Maine. Our family lives in south Charlotte near Olde Providence.

We have lived in the area since 2008. My children attended Olde Providence Elementary and Carmel Middle School before attending Charlotte Christian High School.

Tell us about your job. What’s it like? What do you like most about it? What are the challenges? I am the president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas. It is the most exciting yet most challenging leadership role I have assumed in my 20-plus years of nonprofit work. What I love about this role and Junior Achievement is that it provides hope, vision and a path to economic success for youth Alongside JA’s army of volunteers, we use K-12 curriculum programs to empower young people to own their economic success by preparing for their future.

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While the role is a new challenge every day, I feel great connection and calling to the work that we are doing. And I believe wholeheartedly in the impact that it creates in the lives of the students and volunteers we serve.

What’s the hardest part of juggling family life and work life? It is a challenge balancing career and family. I find that there are seasons of life where work takes a back seat and sometimes when family takes a back seat. I think the best way to manage is to prioritize. I have made it a point to never miss a sporting event as this is what is important to my boys.

I ask my boys what they think is important and then I make that a priority. I also know that I can’t do everything, so I work hard to schedule the things that are important, and this differs for every family.

I also believe in the “divideand-conquer mentality” and that our family is like a team where everyone plays a part, including my boys. As a part

JANUARY 2019 | charlotteparent.com

of Team Cherne, my boys have learned how to push the vacuum cleaner, wash and fold laundry, and cook and clean their rooms to my standards. I also have an incredibly supportive husband.

His partnership has been critical when I had to work extensive hours as we built the new Junior Achievement facility.

What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Charlotte? The opportunities that exist in this city for families is amazing. I see Charlotte as a very family-focused city that has been a wonderful place to raise our children and a fantastic place for me to work in service to our community.

I also know, however, that there are a lot of students in Charlotte who do not have a strong family structure or the same opportunities my boys have had, and my hope is to bring this opportunity to all youth who engage with Junior Achievement.

Best advice ever received: Another CEO told me that as the leader, it was my job to “get in my helicopter” and hover over the organization and survey the lay of the land. Looking at the entire picture from a higher place or whole point of view perspective has been instrumental to understanding systems and how best to make decisions.

Proudest parenting moment: There are many moments when I have been bursting with pride for both of my boys but in different ways. I am proud when they receive recognition for something to which I know they have given their all, either a paper in a class, or in the sports they love to play.

I am proud when they stand up for what they believe in and are not afraid to confidently and respectfully speak their mind and heart. I am proud of the fact they both work and have since turning 16 years old. I believe work experience adds tremendous value to their life. Seeing them accomplish their goals as young men makes all the hard work and sacrifice of parenting worth it.

Lowest parenting moment: There have been times of grave disappointment in my parenting journey, and the blame would need to be on me and my response or reaction to a trying situation. As a passionate person who embraces life with gusto, this also spills over into my reactions, especially when my children were younger and harder to reason with.

What are three things you can’t live without: Jesus is the one and only thing that I can’t live without.

I feel blessed by my family and the life we have created, but I also know this is all temporary. It is the relationships with others and the love we can show through our actions that have lasting impact.

Favorite Instagram account: @JACenCarolinas Last book read: “High Definition Leader” by Derwin Gray What inspires you? Helping people and the ability to positively influence one another is the greatest motivator for me. I find such satisfaction in helping others and when I can make a difference in the life of a co-worker, friend, volunteer, student or child, this really fulfills and inspires me.

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GROWING UP

Encourage growth by helping children break goals into smaller, more manageable tasks, Harris says. After each smaller goal is met, ask children how they feel about their achievement (“Do you feel proud of yourself?”) to build inner motivation and self-esteem.

Visualization is another powerful tool to help kids work toward goals, says Anita Lesko, registered nurse, author and national expert on neuroplasticity. To use visualization at home, help kids settle into a quiet space without electronic distractions. After breaking a goal down into smaller steps, ask kids to visualize themselves achieving each smaller goal, along with the final, larger goal. Ask kids how they’ll feel when they reach their final goal. Drawing, painting, or creating a collage of themselves achieving their goal enhances the exercise and serves as a lasting visual cue.

Mission Ambition

TEEN YEARS

Helping children set and achieve goals

BY MALIA JACOBSON

A

s parents and caregivers, we all have goals for the kids in our care — from building healthy habits like daily exercise to hitting big milestones like a state championship. The most meaningful goals, however, are the ones children set for themselves. Setting and working toward goals helps build important skills like resourcefulness, problem solving and autonomy.

Parents’ enthusiasm to encourage kids toward their goals can sometimes go awry, and caregivers may use negative, counterproductive or even damaging strategies in a quest for achievement.

Here’s how caregivers can help children nurture the skills they need to set and reach goals.

EARLY YEARS

Gold Star Toddlers and preschoolers may be ready to begin working toward goals with the help of adults in their lives — think small, achievable milestones in keeping with tots’ physical and emotional capabilities. Tasks like learning to get dressed in the morning or make the bed are within the grasp of many 4-year-olds, while more complex skills like tying their own shoes might be years away. Caregivers often use rewards to help young children reach goals, which can be effective when rewards are used properly, says licensed therapist and accredited Positive Parenting Program coach Lakisha Harris of Harris Counseling and Coaching in Charlotte.

“Rewards are effective when a child is aware of what is expected, advised what the reward will be in advance, as well as the consequence for not achieving the goal.”

Don’t confuse bribes for rewards, warns Harris. By offering a short-term reward for compliance, bribes teach children that they only need to perform when they get something in return.

ELEMENTARY YEARS

Visual aid School-age kids have lots of opportunities to set goals — from mastering a 10-speed bike to earning a top score in math. Building internal motivation and persistence required to reach goals, however, doesn’t happen overnight.

Help, Don’t Hover As kids grow into teenagers, goals get bigger and stakes get higher. Objectives like getting into college, landing an internship or earning a scholarship are indeed significant. Achieving these goals can have a lasting impact on a teen’s transition to adulthood. Experts say the weighty goals of adolescence are ones teens should mostly navigate on their own with parents serving as a guide instead of steering the course themselves. Parents can encourage skill building by asking teens to develop a work plan for large goals like SAT prep or college admissions with required parental check-ins along the way, Harris says.

“By giving teens the opportunity to develop their own plan, parents are comforted knowing they have check-in times for accountability. It is also very helpful for parents to talk with their teen about challenges, and some possible solutions for resolving each ahead of time.”

Guiding teens toward their goals without pushing paves the way for teens to feel a sense of achievement once those goals are met, which for parents, is the best reward of all.

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and family journalist.

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THRIVE Don’t compare your life to others, says Bea Moise, pictured here with her son who has autism. Photo courtesy of Bea Moise

living with special needs requires realistic expectations of what your child is capable of doing. Changing expectations does not mean that you are lowering the bar, but the timeframe and how things are done will look different. Acquire the tools that you need to work toward realistic expectations.

Invest in your child and yourself by purchasing books, attending groupnetworking sessions, and reading articles on your child’s diagnosis. Get the tools that you need to move to the next phase.

SEEK ADVICE. You may benefit from seeking professional guidance with dealing with your own bias and stigmas that you may have about special needs. Talking to someone about how you feel and your concerns about the future can help you gain control of fears and anxiety about your child’s future.

Accepting a Special Needs Diagnosis See past the challenges to enjoy the possibilities

BY BEA MOISE

W

e all want to be accepted. Parents, in particular, want their children to be acknowledged, feel wanted and loved by the people that they encounter. From peers to adults, acceptance is an important aspect of human connection. But what happens when it is you, the parent, who is having a hard time with acceptance?

For parents who learn for the first time that their child has special needs, their personal response is usually filled with uncertainty and emotions. When I was told that my son had autism, my response was, OK, let me start with interventions. My husband’s response, however, was, “let’s get another opinion and wait until he is 6 years old before ‘labeling’ him.” He was filled with questions and concerns, and it took him a longer to accept the diagnosis.

The sooner you accept the diagnosis, the sooner you can begin to enjoy the possibilities and potential of your child. While he or she may never meet your previous expectations, you will soon discover there are other perspectives. To fully accept the diagnosis, you have been given here are some things you can do.

DON’T COMPARE. Judging your life or another person’s life based on social media or another family’s day-to-day existence is a definite way to hinder progress. It is hard to focus on what you and your family need if you are basing it on someone else’s life. Use social media as a resource tool for groups and networking with other families

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who have experienced a similar situation.

You may find yourself hanging out with a different social group of like-minded individuals who can help you establish a new tribe.

FIND YOUR TOOLS. In the world of special needs, success looks different. Success when

A SECOND OPINION IS OK. It is always a good idea to get a second or even third opinion. Making sure that your child has the correct diagnosis can only be beneficial for seeking interventions. Putting a child through multiple testings to simply come up with the same conclusion, however, is not beneficial. There are different types of professional assessments that a child can receive when trying to determine if there is a developmental delay. A child psychologist, psychiatrist or educational psychologist can provide an assessment. While these assessments can be costly, when correctly performed, they can provide an accurate profile of a child’s abilities. Once your child’s diagnosis has been confirmed, move forward with putting interventions in place.

Beatrice (Bea) Moise is a board-certified cognitive specialist and is the founder of A Child Like Mine, a company created for educating parents of children with unique behavioral and learning needs, while giving them the tools they need to be successful at home. She is also a parenting coach at Southeast Psych in Charlotte. She and her husband have two children, Jacob — who is awesomely autistic — and Abigail who is simply marvelous.

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FAMILIES MANAGING MEDIA What do you value as a family? Whether it’s the latest Lego set or an outing to an escape game or laser tag, help your child earn points toward that instead of granting screen minutes or hours. Time with you can increase family attachment, a critical factor in combating screen addictions. Once the habit has been broken, use the following ideas to introduce a balanced approach to screen time.

Keep screens out of sight and out of the bedroom. Stow away consoles and TV remotes to promote intentional use instead of the default activity.

Place fun activities in clear view. Keep board games, puzzles, playing cards, magazines, newspapers, photo albums, and books out in the kitchen and family room. If they are put away, they will not be used as much.

Reset Screen Habits in the New Year Small changes can make a big difference

BY MELANIE HEMPE

D

o you find yourself in constant conflict over screen time in your home? Are you arguing and trying to set limits and controls? It could be because your kids have developed a

screen habit as their go-to, almost unconscious activity. The new year is the perfect time to make needed screen adjustments for your children. Breaking bad screen habits seems like an impossible dream for many families, but little changes can bring big results in your home. A habit is made of three parts: a cue, a routine, and a reward. In order to reshape your child’s screen habit, you must change one of these parts. Try these steps to change your child’s screen habits.

Track screen habits. Spend a week or 10 days keeping track of the time your children spend on a screen. Write down when they play, how long they play, what they are playing, who they are playing with, where they are playing (what part of the house), and the reason for play (bored, depressed, lonely, etc.).

Interrupt the cue. If your child is in the habit of gaming right when he comes home from school, then change it up. Figure out a way for him to hang out with nongaming friends or play a sport after school instead. Change the routine when he walks in the door. If your child games before bed every night, then do something as a family

instead. Read aloud, play a round of cards, or do any activity that allows you to connect face-to-face before bedtime.

Rethink the routine. Many kids adopt bad screen habits because parents leave the activity planning and picking to their children. Parents should structure healthy activities even for older teens if needed. Try cooking together, doing chores together, biking and camping as a family, or planning family fun nights out to ball games and the theater. The key is doing new things together.

Change the reward. Don’t let screen time be the only reward you dole out at home.

Be prepared with food. Have healthy snacks out and ready when you connect with your kids after school. Take this opportunity to put your screen away and listen to how his or her day went. Sharing food is a bonding routine; it stimulates conversation and can reset a potentially isolating time of day.

Replace the old screen-time rewards with activities that include face-to-face time.

The best rewards are physical activities or creative endeavors and more time spent with parents and siblings, not more screen isolation.

Relax, smile, use humor and have fun together. When they look back at their childhood, your kids will hang on to the little things that make your family special, not memories of endless hours in front of a screen.

Melanie Hempe is the founder of Families Managing Media, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families reduce childhood screen overuse. For more information on local events, reclaiming your kids, and reconnecting your family, visit familiesmanagingmedia.com.

charlotteparent.com | JANUARY 2019

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DIAGNOSIS DESTINATION Where to take your child for illnesses, injuries and accidents

BY CAITLIN WHEELER

Your son has fallen out of a tree house and hit his head. He is conscious, but groggy. Do you call 911? It’s the middle of the night and your daughter is coughing so much she can’t sleep. Do you pack her into the car and rush to the emergency room, or make her as comfortable as you can and wait until your pediatrician’s office opens in the morning?

In stressful moments, making a quick judgment call about where to turn can be daunting. Do you head to the ER, urgent care, your pediatrician — or can you find the information you need through an online doctor? Before you decide, consider the pros and cons of your options.

Emergency Room When there’s blood, or a moaning child, many parents choose to take their child to the emergency room out of pure panic. And, says Dr. Clay Bordley, an associate professor of pediatrics and chief of the division of pediatric emergency medicine at Duke University Medical Center, this can absolutely be the right choice. “If the issue is truly life-threatening, you will be seen efficiently and quickly and you will have access to all the resources the hospital has to offer,” he says.

On the other hand, if the ER triage determines your child is not in immediate danger, you may have to wait for hours. “The waiting area can be less than pleasant, especially on a Friday or

Saturday night, when there can be some drunkenness and unruly behavior,” Bordley says. You may also see some unsightly injuries, which can be upsetting to a child.

get the medicine you need, but the urgent care doctor might completely overlook an issue of ongoing constipation, which might have caused the infection.”

Urgent Care “Urgent care can be a great option,” says Dr. Ty Bristol, pediatrician and medical director at UNC Pediatrics of Panther Creek in Cary, North Carolina. These centers offer extended hours and solutions a pediatrician’s office won’t have, like medication to treat serious asthma attacks, X-ray equipment and the ability to stitch minor wounds. Like the emergency room, the urgent care staff triages patients and takes those who have the most serious health issues first, which can mean a long wait.

If you do go to an urgent care center, make sure to let your regular pediatrician know about the visit. “You and your pediatrician are partners,” Dr. Bristol says. “A pediatrician will see the bigger picture. You might go to the urgent care for a urine infection and promptly

Pediatrician The primary difference between bringing a child to the emergency room or urgent care center and your child’s pediatrician is the long-term relationship you ideally develop with your pediatrician. Such a relationship addresses “whole health” issues and should lead to preventive care.

“If a pediatrician sees the emergency situation, [he or she] can look at all of the child’s records to understand whether it’s a one-time illness or a pattern or long-term condition,” says Dr. Martha Perry, medical director of the UNC Children’s Primary Care Clinic in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. “They can also help with recovery, strengthening and rehab.”

Being available is an important part of addressing whole-health issues. Dr. Perry notes that many pediatric offices

RECURRING MEDICAL ISSUES If you find yourself repeatedly relying on the emergency room or the urgent care center for your child’s recurring health issue, consider a different approach. While it is vital to get your child’s breathing under control if he has a severe asthma attack or allergic reaction, a visit to the emergency room is only a temporary solution.

Dr. Sheila Kilbane, an integrative medical practitioner in Charlotte, suggests looking at a child’s diet, allergies and personal environment to come up with a whole-health solution. Dr. Kilbane takes a limited number of patients, which allows her to conduct thorough testing to identify the trigger for a child’s medical issue. She says she enjoys the detective work, combing through records and getting to know her patients as she solves each problem, and she has had great success in treating issues such as colic, reflux, ear infections, eczema, constipation, allergies and asthma.

“It is important to address what’s going on in the gut,” she says.

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“Research on the micro-biome is exploding, and with a lot of these illnesses, research shows it’s triggered by food sensitivity. Dairy and eggs are a big culprit.” Dr. Kilbane also finds issues that exist in a child’s environment, whether this ends up being dust mites in a mattress, or an allergy to local vegetation. She typically works with a patient for about a year.

“Once we’ve found the underlying trigger and reduced the symptoms through diet and environmental control, the patient goes back to relying on their pediatrician and continuing with the integrative solution on their own.”

Insurance does not usually cover integrative health services, and Dr. Kilbane knows this makes it difficult for some families. She's published “Healthy Kids Happy Moms: A Step-by-Step Guide to Improving Many Common Childhood Illnesses,” and offers several online courses on her website, sheilakilbane.com.

WHERE TO GO FOR COMMON AILMENTS FEVER Dr. Clay Bordley, an associate professor of pediatrics and chief of the division of pediatric emergency medicine at Duke University Medical Center, says fever is one of the most common reasons parents take a child to the emergency room and yet, he adds, it is rarely an emergency.

“It’s not the number on the thermometer,” he says, “it’s how the child looks and whether it’s combined with another serious symptom.”

Infants are a special case. While a 104-degree fever may

simply mean your 5-year-old’s immune system is at work, a fever of even 100 degrees can indicate a serious infection in an infant.

If your child’s fever is accompanied by other symptoms, such as crying, which may signal pain, unresponsiveness or stiffness, or if a fever lasts longer than several days, call your physician. If your child’s fever responds well to pain relievers and he has had the fever for only a couple of days, keep your child comfortable and well hydrated, and give your pediatrician a call with concerns.

R E S P I R ATO R Y I S S U E S If a child’s airway is even partially blocked and he is choking, turning blue, or otherwise having trouble breathing, call 911 for assistance or head to the emergency room.

Most urgent care sites can help with illnesses that are not life-threatening, such as asthma attacks, pneumonia, bronchitis, strep throat and other upper respiratory issues, such as those

related to the common cold. If coughing, congestion or chest pain makes breathing uncomfortable for your child, call and/or schedule a visit to your pediatrician. The nurse can listen to your child breathing and let you know whether you should bring him in.

B R E A K S , S P R A I N S A N D F R AC T U R E S Most urgent care centers have X-ray equipment and the expertise to deal with minor breaks. If there is an obvious deformity like the bone is pointing in the wrong direction or has punctured the skin, go to the emergency room. An emergency room should have specialists that can deal with repair, as well as anesthesiologists to provide sedation for younger children as needed.

If the injury is painful or swollen and doesn’t seem to

improve after a day or two, call your pediatrician. While pediatric offices don’t usually accommodate X-ray equipment, some pediatricians are able to look at photographs of the injury and suggest the best next step. If the injury is swollen and bruised, but your child is able to put weight on it or otherwise use it, then ice the injury on and off for the first few hours and keep it elevated.

Call your doctor’s office for further advice about wrapping it and keeping it immobilized.

N E U R O LO G I C A L I S S U E S Dr. Bordley advises calling 911 or going straight to the emergency room if a child hits his or her head and is unconscious or nonresponsive, repeatedly throwing up, disoriented, has severe headaches or displays personality changes.

If your child is experiencing a minor concussion, an urgent care physician or pediatrician can perform a neurological and cognitive checkup to assess whether he or she needs additional care at a hospital.

S TO M AC H I S S U E S / P O I S O N I N G If you suspect your child has swallowed something hazardous, such as a small battery, cleaning liquid, unauthorized medication, etc., and is unconscious or having convulsions or seizures, call 911. If you think your child has swallowed something hazardous but does not appear to have any reaction, immediately call Poison Control at 800-222-1222 or call 911.

If your child’s stomach pain is severe and accompanied by fever, vomiting, difficulty breathing or lightheadedness, call your pediatrician or head to the urgent care.

If your child has a stomachache but is able to keep down fluids, keep him or her home for observation. If the pain persists, call your pediatrician.

SKIN ISSUES/BLEEDING Head to the emergency room if an accident, animal bite, or other injury causes extensive damage or uncontrolled bleeding, or if your child has an allergic reaction to a bug bite or sting, or an infection from an animal bite. Rashes accompanied by a high fever should also be addressed in the emergency room.

An urgent care is a good place to go for minor cuts that

need stitching, however, if it’s not pediatric-specific urgent care, there may not be anesthetics available.

A pediatrician’s office typically does not provide stitching for cuts (call in advance to find out), but the pediatrician usually can treat a rash or other recurring skin conditions.

charlotteparent.com | JANUARY 2019

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There’s a reason for all this sneezin.’

Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center has the only pollen counter in the Charlotte region.

We post daily counts on our website as a public service from February to November.

If you suffer from seasonal allergy symptoms year after year, our board-certified allergists can test you to discover exactly what you are allergic to, create a customized treatment plan that over time can lessen the severity of your allergies, and, in many cases, cure your allergies altogether!

Call 704.372.7900 to schedule an appointment at one of our area office locations.

Pollen and Mold Levels

Pollen counts updated daily from Feb 15 - Nov. 15.

(Chart above is for illustrative purposes only.)

breathe » live » thrive | carolinaasthma.com

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offer expanded hours that include the availability of walk-in visits during weekends.

including pink eye, rashes, diarrhea, lice, swimmer’s ear and ringworm.

On-Call Professionals Increasingly, there are other off-hour options as well. Private on-call doctors and nurses are available to come to your house.

Nurse practitioner Tiffany Lightner Menist of Branch Out Pediatrics in Charlotte chose to leave a large practice after 10 years because she wanted to make a more personal connection with her patients.

While she encourages patients to visit pediatricians for annual checkups and vaccinations, she can take care of everything from sports physicals to strep throat and asthma treatments. Home visits, she says, decrease anxiety for everyone.

“Parents don’t have to pack all their kids into the car, and sick kids can stay in their PJs in their own bed,” she says. Home visits can be particularly great for new mothers who may want to avoid exposing their newborns to other sick kids. Insurance typically won’t cover this type of practice, but Menist says her patients appreciate the lack of paperwork and simplicity of an upfront payment.

Online Resources When asked about the reliability of online medical resources, Bristol cautions that while some sites can be helpful, there’s “plenty of questionable advice out there.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ website, aap.org, is a reliable source of online information. The AAP also has endorsed healthychildren. org, kidshealth.org and mayoclinic.org.

Virtual Visits If you’re comfortable with technology and your child has a non-urgent medical issue, consider a virtual visit.

This online health care option allows you to schedule a call or videoconference with a physician at any time, from any place.

Atrium Health offers virtual visits and Novant Healthcare offers e-visits and virtual visits for evaluations of some ailments,

When in Doubt “If you are in doubt, and you feel you have time, the best thing to do is to call your pediatrician’s office,” Dr. Bristol says.

Most practices have a nurse triage line as well as an on-call pediatrician. These nurses are trained to determine the severity of your child’s situation and can recommend a course of action over the phone. Newborns under the age of 3 months with any kind of health issue should promptly be seen. Urgent care centers typically don’t offer pediatric expertise for this age group, so be sure to call in advance, consult your pediatrician and, when necessary, go to the emergency room.

“It’s impossible for a parent to understand all the nuances of an illness,” Dr. Bristol says.

Dr. Perry adds that a nurse or doctor can often walk a parent through what her or she needs to do to prevent a visit to the emergency room, which is ultimately better for everyone.

Caitlin Wheeler is a freelance writer in Durham.

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Signup Now for Weekly Tour and Information Session¸

BY LAURA LACY

The Trump

TAX CODE How the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act may impact your family budget

Tax season is here, and it’s the first time taxpayers will fully take President Donald Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into account as they file their taxes this year.

Signed into law in December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was the ‘largest tax overhaul since 1986,” according to the Tax Policy Center report, “Effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: A Preliminary Analysis.”

The far-reaching consequences of the law have yet to be seen, but there are some aspects of the new tax codes that families should pay particular attention to.

“There are things inside this tax reform bill that will, of course, affect families, certainly depending on how many children they have, how high their income is and … whether they claim the standard deduction or not,” says Courtney Edwards, associate director of the UNC Tax Center in Chapel Hill, established by the UNC KenanFlagler Business School.

A draft of the new 1040 form shows it will be a smaller, postcard-sized document that the Trump administration promises will simplify and shorten the filing process. What else do you need to know as you prepare to file? North Carolina tax experts weigh in.

TAXES

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Fewer Exemptions but Higher Deductions The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act nixed the personal and dependent exemptions many taxpayers have used in the past to reduce their taxable income, but higher deduction amounts may balance this out.

Edwards explains that before the new law was passed, the personal and dependent exemption “was $4,050, but you multiply that by the number of taxpayers on the returns, and for a married couple that would be two, and also however many dependents they had,” she says. “So a large family would’ve had a very large reduction in their income, potentially, for this personal dependency exemption, and now it’s going to zero.”

While that, on its face, might seem financially detrimental to families, the bill’s deductions component might take out some of the sting.

“Balancing that somewhat is the fact that, in this tax reform bill, the standard deduction amount, which is separate and apart from personal dependency exemptions, was almost doubled for all taxpayers,” Edwards says.

In 2017 a married couple filing jointly could claim a standard deduction of $12,700. If they were instead considering claiming itemized deductions, such as charitable donations,

mortgage interest, etc., the total of those deductions would have had to exceed $12,700 to make their taxable income lower than it would have been had they just taken the standard deduction. In 2018, however, the standard deduction for a married couple rose to $24,000, Edwards points out.

This could alter how some families approach their taxes this year, says David T. Dufault, an estate planning and business law attorney with Sodoma Law in Charlotte. There are “a certain number of people who are going to fall into that group where they’ve itemized for years, but now the standard deduction is going to be more beneficial because they get a bigger deduction against income.”

The Child Tax Credit Increase Another component of President Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that especially affects families is the rising child tax credit for any child under age 17 (age 16 and younger). Previous tax laws included a child tax credit, but the new bill raises the phase-out ceiling.

“You would take a credit against the actual taxes that you owed,” he says. “Under the new law, that credit has been doubled from $1,000 to $2,000 per child,” Dufault says.

That’s not the only benefit to the new child tax credit, Edwards points out.

The previous child tax credit was subject to a phase out.

“A phase out just means it’s slowly reduced as income gets higher, so that the benefit ultimately can be just completely wiped out,” he says. “That phase out doesn’t kick in until the taxpayer’s income is over $400,000 (for joint filers) — and it used to be $110,000.” (The phase out limit is $200,000 for all other taxpayers.) So, more families can benefit from the credit now that the income threshold for the phase out has been raised.

Additionally, a $500 “family credit” has been added for dependents not eligible for the child tax credit, a new feature of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. To find out if you have qualifying dependents in your house, visit forbes. com, and search for “When Seniors Become Dependents.”

Changes to 529 Plans Many parents choose to fund their child’s education with a 529 plan. In North Carolina, there’s no limit to the amount a parent, grandparent, other relative or family friend can put in the account. But in previous years, funds could only be withdrawn tax-free to pay for college, says H. Lee Miller, a Raleigh-based CPA. “Starting this year, they can also be used for tuition at elementary or secondary, public, private or religious school up to $10,000 a year, whereas before you couldn’t take the money out of it, or if you did, you were taxed on it,” he says.

Finding Resources to Help Dufault warns that some taxpayers who historically have gotten a refund or have owed very little taxes might see a higher tax bill this year with changes in withholdings. He advises taxpayers to plug their information into the online withholdings calculator at apps.irs.gov/app/ withholdingcalculator to avoid any surprises come April 15.

Feeling a little overwhelmed with all of this information? Both Dufault and Edwards say seeking professional guidance is worth considering as you navigate the changes.

“I do think that because there is some uncertainty this year, and because we’re going to be faced with what appears to be a whole new set of [tax] forms, I think this might be a time when families or taxpayers who traditionally did their own taxes might get some benefit from reaching out to a tax professional just to make sure that they’re doing it right — and make sure that they’re not missing anything,” Dufault says.

Edwards agrees. “In this first year, I think talking — to the extent it’s possible— to a trusted advisor is always a good idea,” he says.

“Because there are a lot of moving parts in this reform bill that affects families and non-families alike.”

Laura Lacy is a freelance writer based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

charlotteparent.com | JANUARY 2019

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5 Steps to Create a Family Will Gain peace of mind with a family estate plan in place

BY CHRISTA C. HOGAN

If making a will has languished for years on your to-do list,

you’re not alone. A 2017 study conducted by Caring.com, an online resource for caregivers, found that six in 10 adults in the U.S. don’t have an estate plan in place, which leaves millions of Americans struggling each year with expensive, complicated arrangements on behalf of deceased loved ones.

Making a will is especially important for parents, who may otherwise leave the care of their children up to the courts and protective services if they die intestate, or without a will. Here’s how to start off 2019 with more peace of mind and a family estate plan in place.

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1. Choose your estate planners.

Although you can use online legal resources and go it alone, there is benefit from working with an experienced estate planner. The National Institute of Certified Estate Planners suggests working with a team that includes an attorney and a financial adviser who can help you avoid costly mistakes. For recommendations, talk to friends and family who have created a will or visit nicep.org.

Creating an estate plan can cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on your assets and wishes, and could take several weeks to prepare and finalize. Many estate planners offer a free initial consultation, where they can advise you on your needs and estimate costs.

2. Select a guardian. A guardian will be responsible for the care of your children in your absence.

Selecting a guardian for your children might be one of the toughest decisions you’ll make, says attorney Liza Hanks, author of “The Mom’s Guide to Wills and Estate Planning.” You’ll want to consider whether or not the guardian you choose is able to provide a stable home environment, raise your children with the values you hold most strongly, meet the physical challenge of raising kids and make sound decisions regarding your children’s futures.

Hanks advises choosing someone who is the best fit for the present time and evaluating your choice of guardian(s) every five years. Once you’ve decided on a guardian, talk with that person to be sure he or she fully appreciates the responsibility and is prepared to follow your wishes to the best of his or her ability.

3. Choose an executor and/or trustee. An executor carries out your wishes as expressed in your will. He or she also is responsible for winding down your affairs, including paying off outstanding financial obligations and mediating disputes among heirs.

According to the American Bar Association, choosing an executor to carry out a will may save families the unnecessary costs and time involved with bonds and court supervision.

Choose a trusted, responsible person familiar with your affairs to serve as executor.

A trustee is responsible for the execution of a trust. Parents of minor children may place their assets in a trust to be distributed to their children according to specific guidelines. When choosing a trustee, be aware that your trustee may be involved in the process for months

or even decades, depending on the will and ages of your children.

4. Make important health care decisions. A will conveys your wishes in the event of your death, but what if you’re injured and unable to communicate your wishes? North Carolina residents can use a living will and health care power of attorney to make decisions regarding medical treatment. Consider whether you want to incorporate life-prolonging measures taken if you suffer from a serious injury or illness that leaves you unable to communicate your wishes. You can also appoint a health care power of attorney to make these decisions on your behalf should you be unable to do so.

5. Gather paper work. You’ll need to provide your estate planner with a number of important documents.

These documents might include real estate deeds, vehicle titles, and recent statements associated with your bank accounts and investments. An estate planner may also ask for a list of your outstanding debts, including mortgages, car loans and credit cards.

To designate beneficiaries to receive any of your assets, such as investments and retirement savings, you’ll need to provide their full names, accurate contact information and social security numbers. You may also need to provide a copy of your minor children’s birth or adoption certificates.

Creating a will is an important step in securing your family’s future.

Make 2019 the year you put your wishes in writing with a solid estate plan.

Christa C. Hogan is a local writer for kids and adults, and a mom to three boys.

LEGAL GLOSSARY Estate: The assets and liabilities of a dead or bankrupt person.

Executor: A person who is named to carry out the details of a will.

Guardian: A person legally placed in charge of the affairs of a minor or of a person of unsound mind.

Health Care Power of Attorney: A person designated to be the representative, or agent, of someone who is unable to make or communicate decisions about all aspects of their health care.

Probate: The official legal process of proving that a will is valid, and of distributing the property and carrying out the actions as directed by the will.

Power of Attorney: The authority to act on behalf of a person in certain specified matters, such as financial dealings, or in general.

Trust: An arrangement by which property is put under the ownership and control of a person (trustee) who bears the responsibility of administering it for the benefit of another (beneficiary).

Will: The legal statement of a person’s wishes concerning the disposal of his or her property after death.

Source: Webster’s New World College Dictionary and legalzoom.com

charlotteparent.com | JANUARY 2019

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›

EXCURSION

Savannah Tours Bring History to Life

BY MARILYN JONES

Y

our kids might not know who General James Oglethorpe and Forrest Gump are, but they’re sure to recognize a pirate — and they can meet one from The Pirates’ House restaurant in Savannah aboard Old Savannah Tours trolley during the company’s Historic On/Off Tour.

The Pirates’ House, serving meals and beverages to seafarers and pirates since 1753, is one of Old Savannah Tours’ hop-on-and-off stops. Characters from pop culture and Savannah’s storied past visit passengers at several locations along the tour route. At The Pirates’ House, passengers hear about the scoundrels who came ashore and dined in the establishment.

In 1733, Savannah became Georgia’s first city and was laid out in a series of grids featuring public squares. Twenty-two of the original 24 public squares still remain.

Blessed with rich soil and a favorable climate, Savannah’s bordering lands became home to cotton and rice fields during a time when plantations and slavery resulted in a profitable enterprise. Savannah also served as a strategic port city during the American Revolution and Civil War. The city was spared from destruction by Union forces during the Civil War because of its beauty.

Union General William Sherman even decided to present the city to President Abraham Lincoln as a Christmas present.

Old Savannah Tours are offered year-round except on Saint Patrick’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tours cost $28 for ages 13 and older and $12 for ages 12 and younger. Ages 5 and younger can take the tour at no cost. Old Savannah Tours also offers a Historic Overview tour, Grave Encounters tour, Savannah Experience tour, Land and Sea tour and Discover Savannah Girl Scout tour. Private

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Take a carriage tour to learn about the history of the people and places of Savannah. Photo courtesy of Visit Savannah

tours can also be arranged. Learn more at oldsavannahtours.com.

Past becomes present and is fun, interesting and educational when experienced on one of the many tours offered in the city. Here are a few other family-friendly tours to check out while visiting Savannah. Don’t forget to tip your guide 15-20 percent upon completion of the tour.

Old Town Trolley Tours: This hop-on-andoff tour offers GPS tracking so you know exactly when the trolley will arrive at each stop. Tour guides combine interesting facts with humor and make 15 stops throughout the historic district, including Forsyth Park, museums and historic homes open for public view. Tours are offered year-round and cost $33 for ages 14 and older, $16 for ages 4-12, and ages 3 and younger tour for free. trolleytours.com/savannah#home Plantation Carriage Company: For an even more authentic experience, hire a horse-drawn carriage. Knowledgeable guides take passengers for a carriage ride along 25-30 blocks during the 50-60 minute tour throughout the city. Tours are offered year-round and depart from Ellis Square at the corner of Barnard and

West Congress streets every 20 minutes.

For the company’s Historic Tour, tickets cost $25 for ages 12 and older, $12 for ages 5-11, and ages 4 and younger tour for free. plantationcarriagecompany.com.

Historic Savannah Carriage Tours: History and ghost tours are offered year-round and depart from the carriage stand near the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Bay Street. Tickets cost $25 for ages 12 and older, $12 for ages 5-11, and ages 4 and younger can tour for free if the child sits in an adult’s lap (one child per adult). savannahcarriage.com.

Savannah Riverboat Cruises: Float along the Savannah River during one of Savannah Riverboat Cruises’ Narrated Harbor Sightseeing Cruises — a great way to learn about the Savannah River and what its historical value to the city. This hour-and-ahalf cruise is accompanied by the captain’s narrative description of the port. Views along the way include Old Fort Jackson, the historic riverfront and the city skyline.

Cruises are offered year-round. Tickets cost $24.95 for adults and $15.95 for children. savannahriverboat.com.

Marilyn Jones is a freelance writer specializing in travel.

JANUARY 2019 OUR PICKS

COMPILED BY TIFFANY WOLFF

Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt | Jan. 18 It’s opening day for “Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt.” Fans of the Judy Moody book series don’t want to miss the on-stage performance by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte as Judy and her brother Stink set sail to find Scurvy Sam’s secret pirate treasure. To find the loot, they race to crack codes and solve tricky puzzles to find the treasure before their swashbuckling rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl. Recommended for ages 4 and older. Tickets start at $25. ctcharlotte.org.

ASC Connect With Culture Days | Jan. 25-26

Make collage art at the Mint Museum’s Sunday Fun Day event, Jan. 20. Photo courtesy of the Mint Museum

Sunday Fun Day: Collage Under Construction | Jan. 20 Layer color transparencies to build a suncatcher, play with paint and bubble wrap to make a mixed-media masterpiece, and piece together a portrait with collage artist Monique Luck at Sunday Funday from 1-4 p.m. at the Mint Museum Uptown. Dress to stretch at a family yoga session and enjoy viewing the latest exhibition Under Construction: Collage From The Mint Museum. It’s free for children and $6 for adults. mintmuseum.org.

Explore Charlotte's diverse arts, science, history and heritage with the return of the Arts and Science Council’s Connect with Culture Days.

Explore cultural hubs like Charlotte Museum of History and Pineville Elementary School for multiple experiences in one location, such as a West African dance class, STEM activities and hands-on art opportunities, plus there's no cost to visit the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, Mint Museum Uptown, Levine Museum of the New South, and Wing Haven Gardens. Find a full schedule of events at artsandscience.org.

Watch monster trucks smash, crash and amaze at Monster Jam, Jan. 11-12 at Spectrum Center. Photo by Feld Entertainment.

Monster Jam | Jan. 11-12 Monster Jam, the unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable family-friendly motor sport brings a new level of high-flying, four-wheel excitement to the entire family with six different competitions. See the trucks roar at Spectrum Center in uptown Charlotte, Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at 1 and 7 p.m. Tickets start at $20. ticketmaster.com.

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› CALENDAR 1 TUESDAY NEW YEAR’S DAY First Footin’ at Rural Hill. Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville.

11am-2pm. FREE. 704-875-3113.

Join in the annual vigorous walk and celebration of Hogmanay, or Scottish New Year. ruralhill.net.

WBT Holiday on Ice. NASCAR Hall of Fame, 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 10am-10pm. $10-$14. 704-6544400. Make memories skating on the outdoor ice rink in uptown Charlotte. holidaysatthehall.com.

Step into our Story!

Accepting Applications Grades K-12 carmelchristian.org

2 WEDNESDAY ASC Presents: The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Scaleybark Library, 101 Scaleybark Road. 4-5pm. FREE. Work with local artists to contribute to a permanent art installation to be displayed at the Scaleybark Library. cmlibrary.org.

Skate Park: Bowl Sesh. Naomi Drenan Recreation Center, 750 Beal St. 3:305pm. FREE. Improve bowl-skating skills like finding new lines plus improve airs and grinds. parkandrec.com.

3 THURSDAY Beauty of Science. Belle Johnston Pineville Community Center, 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville. 10:30am. FREE. Mix, measure and produce a beauty product based on historical African-American methods. artisanprep.org.

Board Game Night at Barnes and Noble.

Barnes and Noble, 3327 PinevilleMatthews Road. 6pm. FREE. Bring friends and join in the monthly board game night. barnesandnoble.com.

4 FRIDAY CML Presents: Music With Holly.

ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 18 months-5 years. 11:30am-noon. FREE. 704-4164600. Join Holly Johnson in a music and movement program that features listening to songs and playing a variety of instruments. cmlibrary.org Crews Family Fun Night. Crews Recreation Center, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews.

6-9pm. FREE. 704-708-1289. Enjoy

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entertainment, food and drinks. matthewsfun.com.

MyGym Lake Norman Puppet Show.

Barnes and Noble, Birkdale Village, 8725 Townley Road, Huntersville.

10:30am. FREE. The local puppeteer troupe from MyGym Lake Norman leads interactive and imaginative puppet show with songs and book readings. barnesandnoble.com.

Open Mic Night. McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St. 7:30-9:30pm. FREE. Instrumentalists, singers, dancers, storytellers, poets, jugglers, magicians and others perform. Audience seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. blumenthalarts.org.

5 SATURDAY Experience Clay With Clayworks. Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 1-4pm. $6-$15, children age 4 and younger admitted free. Includes museum admission. Experience demonstrations from Clayworks in the atrium from 2-4 p.m. and join in a hands-on demonstration from 1-4 p.m. mintmuseum.org.

Family First Digital and Traditional Comic Book Creation. The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture, 551 S. Tryon St. Ages 11 and older. 11am-1pm. $5. Learn how to create transcendent worlds in a oneof-a-kind comic book workshop with former Gantt Center exhibiting artist, Marcus Kiser. ganttcenter.org.

Family Fun Nature Hike. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road.

Ages 7 and older. 2-3:30pm. FREE. Discover something new on this guided 2- to 3-mile hike while playing environmentally educational games. parkandrec.com.

Miss North Carolina U.S. International.

Duke Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 345 N. College St. 6:30pm. $20-$25. 704-372-1000. Watch the Miss North Carolina U.S. International Pageant where North Carolina’s next representative is crowned. missncusinternational.com.

The Vanishing Holiday: Twelfth NightOrigins and American Traditions.

President James K. Polk State Historic

› Site, 12031 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville.

2-4pm. FREE. Learn the origin and prominence of Twelfth Night from its medieval continental origins through Shakespeare’s 1602 play, to observances in Colonial Carolinas.

6 SUNDAY On Stage: Matthew Bourne's Cinderella.

See page 29.

Dia de Reyes: Three Kings Day. Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St. 2-4pm. $2-$4, children age 5 and younger admitted free. 704-3331887. Celebrate with music, dance and family activities. Refreshments include hot chocolate and King’s Bread provided by Las Delicias Bakery. museumofthenewsouth.org.

Haiku Stroll. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. Ages 12 and older. 2-3pm. FREE. Discover the wonder of haiku and its connections to nature. parkandrec.com.

7 MONDAY Family Storytime: Pajama Storytime.

Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 7-7:45pm. FREE. Come dressed in pajamas to enjoy stories, songs and movement activities. Milk and cookies served. cmlibrary.org.

Homeschool Day at Discovery Place Science. Discovery Place Science, 301 N. Tryon St. 9am-noon. $3-$15.

See an IMAX film, learn more about homeschool programs, and check out class demonstrations. A copy of valid teaching certificate or NCDNPE home school certificate is required for discount. science.discoveryplace.org.

8 TUESDAY On Stage: Matthew Bourne's Cinderella.

See page 29.

Creative Writing. Berewick Recreation Center, 5910 Dixie River Road. Ages 5-12. 3:30-5:30pm. $15. Improve grammar and punctuation skills while having fun writing poetry and short stories. parkandrec.com.

Preteen Scene: Comic Book Club (Cosplay). Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road. Ages 8-11. 4:305:30pm. FREE. Come for books and

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literacy activities that help improve critical-thinking skills. cmlibrary.org.

Snowman Sundae. Mountain Island Library, 4420 Hoyt Galvin Way. Ages 5-11. 4:30-5:30pm. FREE. Enjoy a winter story, games, and songs and make a delicious snowman sundae. cmlibrary.org.

Toddler Tuesday at Sea Life CharlotteConcord Aquarium. Sea Life CharlotteConcord Aquarium, 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord. $15 for adult. 866-2291573. Get one free child ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket on Tuesdays.

Children ages 3-12 receive discounted admission of $5. visitsealife.com.

Victory Bounce Sessions at BounceU. BounceU of Matthews, 9129 Monroe Road, Ste. 145-150, Matthews; and 10624 Metromont Pkwy., Suite 300.

Ages 2 and older. FREE. 704-921-8771.

Families with children with special needs and their siblings can bounce for free the second Tuesday of each month.

Call for times. bounceu.com.

9 WEDNESDAY On Stage: Matthew Bourne's Cinderella; Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. See page 29.

College 101: Demystifying College Admissions for Parents. Mountain Island Library, 4420 Hoyt Galvin Way. Ages 12 and older. 6:30-7:30pm. FREE. This workshop assists with college searches, application and admission requirements, scholarships and financial aid, as well as college related stress felt by families. cmlibrary.org.

Homeschool Rally Junior Edition.

ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 5-11.

11am-1pm. FREE. Learn about forensics and the five sensational senses. imaginon.org.

Itsy Bitsy Music Time. Lanti Music, 323-E Unionville Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail.

Ages 5 and younger. 11am-noon. $5 per child; $10 per family. Instruments, parachutes, balls, beanbags and lots of fun props are used to create a magical experience of music, movement, story time and play. Preregistration is required.

Cash only. lantimusic.com.

Get tickets early for 2019’s hottest kid shows, including JoJo Siwa. Photo by Noam Galai Getty Images for Nickelodeon

WHAT’S COMING IN 2019 Wild Kratts LIVE 2.0. (Feb. 23). The all-new action-packed touring production of Wild Kratts LIVE 2.0, Activate Creature Power! brings the stars of the Emmynominated hit PBS KIDS series to the stage.

Tickets start at $30. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 1pm. 800-7453000. ovensauditorium.com.

American Girl Live! (March 7-9). Join the American Girl characters as they follow their hearts, share their dreams and learn the power of friendship in this on-stage musical. Tickets start at $25. McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.

Peter Pan. (March 8-17). Let imagination take flight on a spectacular journey to Neverland! The Charlotte Ballet performance promises high-flying adventure, extravagant sets and costumes and marvelous dance. $15-$85. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. 704-414-2766. charlotteballet.org.

Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! (March 13). Everyone’s favorite furry puppets come to delight and entertain. Tickets start at $25.75. Ovens Auditorium, 2900 E. Independence Blvd. 6pm. 800-745-3000. ovensauditorium.com.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Live!

(April 7). Ride along on an exciting adventure as Daniel learns what it takes to be king. The engaging, full-scale musical

production is filled with magical moments and sing-along fun. Tickets start at $25.75.

Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 800-745-3000. ovensauditorium.com.

JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The Tour. (June 20). Nickelodeon star and YouTube sensation JoJo Siwa stops in Charlotte on her first-ever U.S. concert tour. Tickets start at $39.50.Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 6:30pm. 800-7453000. ovensauditorium.com.

Cirque du Soleil presents CRYSTAL. (July 17-21). Circus arts and the world of ice skating take the audience on a journey into a whimsical frozen playground. ickets start at $48. Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St. TFamily packs available for $60. cirquedusoleil.com/crystal.

CATs. (Aug. 13-18). CATs, the recordbreaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, comes to Charlotte. Tickets start at $25.

Blumenthal Performing Arts, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.

Disney's Aladdin. (Sept. 10-29).

Aladdin is brought to thrilling theatrical life in this bold new musical that sweeps you into an exotic world full of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance. Tickets start at $30. Blumenthal Performing Arts, 130 N. Tryon St. 704372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.

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ON EXHIBIT Collards + Culture: LATIBAH Reconstruction Tour. (Through Jan. 25). Sugar Creek Library, 4045 N. Tryon St., Suite A. FREE. See life-size exhibits and smaller art pieces that represent the Reconstruction period with the theme of Redefining Black America. cmlibrary.org.

African-Print Fashion Now! A Story of Taste, Globalization and Style.

(Through April 28). Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. $15$16; Free for children 4 and younger.

Includes museum admission. 704-3372000. Africa’s newest generation of couturiers and styles favored in Africa’s urban centers. mintmuseum.org.

Bug Lab. (Through May 5). Discovery Place Science, 301 N. Tryon St. $13$17, children younger than age 2 admitted free, includes museum admission. 704-372-6261. Experience the immersive world of bugs through larger-than-life bug models and hands-on activities and challenges. science.discoveryplace.org/explore.

Welcome to Brookhill. (Through Sept. 1). The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St. $7-$9, Children 5 and younger admitted free. See a collection of images that showcases the neighborhood and people that make up the community. ganttcenter.org.

Under Construction: Postwar Collage from The Mint Museum Exhibit. (Through Aug. 18). Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St.. $15-$6; Free for children 4 and younger. Includes museum admission.

Featuring more than 50 international artists and more than 100 works of art, Under Construction explores the growth of the collage technique and aesthetic in the work of Romare Bearden. mintmuseum.org.

26

10 THURSDAY On Stage: Matthew Bourne's Cinderella. See page 29.

Creating with Books. Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road. Ages 3-5. 11am-noon. FREE. Listen to stories and extend learning through a variety of hands-on activities. cmlibrary.org.

Preschool Explorers: Snow Fun. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. Ages 2-5. 10-10:45am and 11-11:45am. $4. 980-314-1128. Discover nature together through crafts, games, songs, animal encounters and outdoor exploration. Preregistration is required. parkandrec.com.

11 FRIDAY On Stage: Matthew Bourne's Cinderella; and Shrek the Musical. See page 29.

Adventure Seekers Kids Night Out. Anne Springs Close Greenway, 971 Tom Hall St., Fort Mill. Ages 6-14. 5:309pm. $25-$40. 803-547-4575. After a pizza dinner, kids enjoy action-packed, themed activities. Register online. ascgreenway.org.

Date Night Drop-Off. Crews Recreation Center, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews. Ages 6-13. 5-9pm. $10 per child; $5 per additional child. 704-708-1289. Children are invited to come out and participate in a variety of different games and activities. Pizza and refreshments served. matthewsfun.com.

12 SATURDAY On Stage: Matthew Bourne's Cinderella; and Shrek the Musical. See page 29. #STEAMSaturdays. Hurt Hub@Davidson, 210 Delburg St., Davidson. Grades K-8. 9-10:30am. $30. STEAM learning activities, including the Lego WeDo 2.0 kits. Other locations: Hygge West on Remount Road in Charlotte, and Ballantyne. Register online. digi-bridge.org.

2nd Saturday at NASCAR Hall of Fame: Inductee Orientation. NASCAR Hall of Fame, 400 East Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Includes museum admission. Learn how and why new inductees were selected into the Hall of Fame, plus hands-on activities. nascarhall.com.

ASC Culture Blocks: Drums4Life. West Boulevard Library, 2157 West Blvd. 11am-1pm. FREE. Experience the spontaneous creation of music on a variety of percussion instruments with Drums for Life. cmlibrary.org.

Bilingual Stories and Music. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. Recommended for ages 6 and younger.

11:15am-noon. FREE. Criss Cross Mangosauce presents a Spanish/English story time with music, plays and stories.

All families interested in raising bilingual and globally minded children are welcome. mintmuseum.org.

Howl at the Moon. The Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. Noon-4pm. $6-$7, Children age 3 and younger admitted free. Includes museum admission. 704-866-6900. Learn about wolves,

JANUARY 2019 | charlotteparent.com

coyotes, foxes and their canid ancestors during January’s Wolf Moon. schielemuseum.org.

Learn to Ride. Arbor Glen Rec Center, 1520 Clanton Road, Charlotte. Ages 3 and older. 10am-2pm. FREE. Toss off the training wheels, and learn to glide, balance, peddle, pump and ride. parkandrec.com.

13 SUNDAY Winter Wonderland Skating Rink. Southpark Mall, 4400 Sharon Road. $12-$17. Ice skate on the outdoor rink. Hours are Mon.-Thurs., 3-11pm; Fri. 3pm-12am; Sat. 11am-12pm; Sun. 11am-11pm. winterwonderlandsouthpark.com.

14 MONDAY On Stage: A Simple Space. See page 29.

Book Art: Origami. Lake Wylie Public Library, 185 Blucher Circle, Lake Wylie. Ages 11-17. 6-7pm. FREE. Create various origami projects using recycled book pages. All materials provided. Register online. yclibrary.org.

Kids' Day at Dish It Out. Dish It Out, 7828 Rea Road, #C. Ages 15 and younger. 10am-8pm. $3 per hour. 704-5444848. Each Monday through May, children under age can paint pottery for $3 per hour. dishitout.net.

15 TUESDAY On Stage: A Simple Space; and The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. See page 29.

College 101: Resources to Help Pay for College. Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road.

Ages 12 and older. 6-7pm. FREE. College Foundation of North Carolina representative discusses FAFSA and how to find resources to help pay for college. cmlibrary.org.

Rookie Science: Pine Trees. Mountain Island Library, 4420 Hoyt Galvin Way. Ages 5-11. 4:30-5:30pm. FREE. 704-416-5600. Discover evergreen tree science through books, hands-on educational activities and experiments. cmlibrary.org.

Story Time and More. Children's Garden at Wing Haven, 260 Ridgewood Ave. 10-11am. Free for members; $10 for nonmembers. Join Rutherford Rabbit to enjoy a seasonally themed story and craft activity in the children’s garden. Cost is per family, not per participant. winghavengardens.org.

16 WEDNESDAY On Stage: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. See page 29.

Night Hike. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road, Charlotte. Ages 10 and older. 6-7:30pm. FREE. 980314-1128. Explore and listen for nocturnal animals while getting some exercise. Registration required. parkandrec.com.

Tot Time. Perfect Balance, 8850 Monroe Road. Ages 5 and younger. 11:30am-12:30pm. $5-$6. 980-

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CALENDAR 299-8445. Bring little ones for an hour of free play in the gym. perfectbalancecharlotte.com/ tot-time.

17 THURSDAY On Stage: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. See page 29.

Little Bit Fit Time. Charlotte Allstar Gymnastics and Cheerleading, 11011 Monroe Road, Matthews. Ages 5 and younger. 10:30am-noon. $3-$5. 704246-8611. With parental guidance, toddlers and preschoolers can jump on the trampoline, play in the foam pit and crawl through obstacles. Cash only. charlotteallstars.net.

Toddler Time at Big Air. Big Air Trampoline Park, 2408 Sardis Road N. Ages 6 and younger. 10am-1pm. $8. Big Air Trampoline Park opens its doors for little ones to jump at their own speed and comfort level. bigairusa.com/charlotte/toddler-time.

Toddler Time at Sky Zone. Sky Zone, 10200 Centrum Pkwy., Pineville. Ages

5 and younger. 10-11am. $8. Little ones discover the joy of being active under the supervision of their parents and without interference from bigger kids. skyzone.com/charlotte.

18 FRIDAY On Stage: Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt; and The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. See page 29.

Nature Exploratorium. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. Ages 6-11.

3:30-4:30pm. FREE. 980-314-1128.

Together as a family, participants create games and activities while learning from nature. Registration is required. parkandrec.com.

Owl Prowl Family Hike. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road, Charlotte. Ages 6 and older.

7-8:30pm. FREE. 980-314-1128.

Explore McDowell Nature Preserve after dark in search of these nocturnal wonders of the sky. parkandrec.com.

19 SATURDAY

On Stage: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. See page 29.

Family Night at the Charlotte Checkers. Bojangles' Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte.

6-8:30pm. $18.50+. It's Family Night and NASCAR Night, which includes autograph sessions and appearances

by Kurt Busch, Ryan Newman, Joey Logano, Regan Smith and Corey LaJoie. gocheckers.com.

Family Winter Hike. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road, Charlotte.

Ages 7 and older. 10am-noon.

FREE. 980- 314-1128. Discover what animals are out and about while enjoying time outdoors. Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa after the hike. Registration required. parkandrec.com.

Stories in the Woods. UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, 9090 Craver Road.

2-3pm. FREE. Visit the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens for picture books and literacy activities. Meet at the

picnic tables in the Susie Harwood Garden, and bring a blanket. gardens. uncc.edu.

Toddler Time at Sky Zone. Sky Zone, 10200 Centrum Pkwy., Pineville. Ages 5 and younger. 9-10am. $8. Little ones discover the joy of being active under the supervision of their parents without interference from bigger kids. skyzone.com/charlotte.

20 SUNDAY On Stage: Charlotte Symphony Chamber Choir with Kenney Potter: Music at St. Alban’s; and The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. See page 29.

Frog Fables and Turtle Tales. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road.

Ages 2 and older. 3-3:45pm. FREE. Step inside the world of turtles, frogs and snakes through a literary adventure and animal meet-andgreet. parkandrec.com.

Discover your capable, confident Montessori child.

Visit us online to RSVP for one of our upcoming events, or to book a tour.

We’d love to show you around! guidepostmontessori.com/prosperity (704) 503-6000 4755 Prosperity Church Road Charlotte, NC 28269

GP112918

Infant • Toddler • Preschool Kindergarten • Elementary Spanish Immersion programs available!

GP-CharlotteParent (18-1129).indd 1

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21 MONDAY MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Celebration. Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St. 10am-4pm. $6-$15, children age 5 and younger free. Includes museum admission.

Enjoy performances and activities to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. museumofthenewsouth.org.

MLK Day Celebration. The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St. 9am-5pm. FREE. Celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. with art-making workshops, guided tours and film screenings. ganttcenter.org.

22 TUESDAY Reedy Outdoor Survival School Day. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. Ages 10-12.

9am-4pm. $40. Winter yields a host of new challenges in survival situations.

Test abilities and knowledge to endure winter time conditions. parkandrec.com.

Winter Festival at Morrison Regional Library. Morrison Regional Library, 7015 Morrison Blvd. Ages 3 and older.

2-4pm. FREE. Enjoy winter themed literacy activities and story times. cmlibrary.org.

23 WEDNESDAY Little Aviators. Carolina's Aviation Museum, 4672 1st Flight Drive. Ages 3-5 years.

9-10am. $5 per child with paid adult admission of $12. Join in an hour of exploring aviation through stories, crafts and hands-on experiences that are STEM-focused and aligned with NC Pre-K curriculum standards. carolinasaviation.org.

Puppet Show. Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill.

6:30 pm to 7:00 pm. FREE. Bring the entire family out to enjoy puppet shows, songs, and movement activities that support early literacy skill development and help foster a love of books and reading. cmlibrary.org.

See heroes in action during Marvel Universe Live! Jan. 25-27 at Spectrum Center. Photo

by Feld Entertainment

ON STAGE Matthew Bourne's Cinderella. (Jan 6-12). Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. $25+.

704-372-1000. See this thrilling twist on the classic fairy tale. Set in London during World War II, a chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella and her dashing RAF pilot, together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the Blitz. See website for showtimes. blumenthalarts.org.

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. (Jan. 9).

Dale F. Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth Ave. 7:30pm. $45+. 704-330-6534. Orpheus Chamber Orchestra performs without a conductor, rotating musical leadership roles for each work and striving to perform diverse repertoire through collaboration and open dialogue. tix.cpcc.edu.

Shrek the Musical. (Jan. 11-12). Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. $15. 704-372-1000. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, this Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure brings all the beloved characters from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears. blumenthalarts.org.

A Simple Space. (Jan. 14-15). Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. 7:30am. $19.50+.

Seven skilled acrobats push their physical limits without reserve. Supported by driving percussion, immersed in every moment, “A Simple Space” evokes real responses in audiences, visceral rather than cerebral. blumenthalarts.org.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. (Jan. 15-20). Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. $25+. This adaptation of the best-selling Disney-Hyperion novel by Rick

Riordan, “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” is a must-see for Percy Jackson fans. blumenthalarts.org.

innovative collaboration and experience Shakespeare’s enduring tales in a fresh, provocative way. charlotteballet.org.

Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt. (Jan. 18-Feb. 10). Wells Fargo Playhouse, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 4 and older. $25+. Judy and her brother, Stink, set sail to find Scurvy Sam’s secret pirate treasure. To find the loot, they race to beat their swashbuckling rivals, Tall Boy and Smart Girl, to see who reaches the treasure first. ctcharlotte.org.

The Jungle Book. (Jan. 25-Feb. 3).

Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson. $10 in advance, $12 at door. In this actionpacked adaptation of the classic adventure story, precocious Mowgli grows up believing he's as fierce a wolf as any of the members of his pack.

When he learns he is actually a human, he must discover how to reconcile these very different identities. See website for performance times. davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

Charlotte Symphony Chamber Choir with Kenney Potter: Music at St. Alban’s.

(Jan. 20). St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 301 Caldwell Ln., Davidson. 3pm. $10-$20, children younger than 12 free. Directed by Kenney Potter, the main composition will be “The Consolation of Apollo,” a musical setting of the radio transmission from the first manned spaceflight to the moon and back to Earth. musicatstalbansdavidson.org.

Marvel Universe Live! (Jan. 25-27).

Spectrum Center, 333 E Trade St. $20+.

Marvel fans, assemble for this live, legendary battle to defend the universe from evil.

The Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy and Spider-Man join forces with Doctor Strange, master of the mystic arts, in this all-new, spectacular arena stunt show. marveluniverselive.com.

Innovative Works. (Jan. 25-Feb. 16). The Patricia McBride & Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance, 701 N. Tryon St. $25-$80.

In a daring experiment, the works of William Shakespeare come to life at Innovative Works through a creative collaboration with UNC Charlotte. See the culmination of this

Shen Yun. (Jan. 25-27). Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. $80-$150. 704-372-1000. Celebrate 5,000 years of Chinese culture with dance, music, costumes and digital backdrops. blumenthalarts.org.

Family Night XX: Doug Berky. (Jan. 29).

Clover School District Auditorium, 1625 Highway 55 East, Clover. 7pm. $5-$10.

803-222-8018. Doug Berky’s original performances are an intricately woven fabric of Commeida Del Arte, physical comedy, mime, mask theatre, clowning, circus arts and storytelling. This visual feast is filled with fanciful characters, plot twists and gems of wisdom. clover.k12.sc.us/Page/10424.

National Geographic Live! Live from Above. (Jan 29). McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 7:30pm. $19.50+.

Blumenthal Performing Arts and Discovery Place Science have joined forces to create a new and unique experience for Charlotte area “explorers” interested in exploring the natural world. The show brings astronaut Terry Virts to the stage. blumenthalarts.org.

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24 THURSDAY www.musicquarterscharlotte.com Piano Violin

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On Stage: Marvel Universe Live!. See page 29.

Preschool Explorers: Outside ABCs. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. Ages 2-5.

10-10:45am. $4. 980-314-1128. Little ones and adults discover nature together through crafts, games, songs, animal encounters and outdoor exploration. Preregistration is required. Time slots are 10-10:45am and 11-11:45am. parkandrec.com.

25 FRIDAY On Stage: Innovative Works; Marvel Universe Live!; Shen Yun; and The Jungle Book. See page 29.

ASC Connect With Culture Day. Various locations.

11am-6pm. Experience Charlotte's art, history, science and heritage with cultural activities at hubs throughout the city. See the webstie for full list of experiences. artsandscience.org.

Yoga Story Time. Barnes and Noble Birkdale Village, 8725 Townley Road, Huntersville. 10:30am. FREE. Kids can learn some basic yoga positions that go along with the story. barnesandnoble.com.

26 SATURDAY On Stage: Innovative Works; Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad Mad Mad Mad Treasure Hunt; and Marvel Universe Live!; Shen Yun; and The Jungle Book. See page 29.

ASC Connect With Culture Day. Various locations.

11am-6pm. Experience Charlotte's art, history, science and heritage with cultural activities at hubs throughout the city. See the webstie for full list of experiences. artsandscience.org.

Family Days at Cabarrus Arts Council. Cabarrus Arts Council, 65 Union Street S., Concord. 1-4pm. FREE. 704-920-2753. Create art at Creation Stations throughout The Galleries. Stay for a special 1:30 p.m. performance of Opera Carolina “A Busy Bee” in the Davis Theatre. cabarrusartscouncil.org.

27 SUNDAY

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JANUARY 2019 | charlotteparent.com

On Stage: Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad Mad Mad Mad Treasure Hunt Sensory Friendly Performance; Marvel Universe Live!; Shen Yun; and The Jungle Book. See page 29.

Craft for Vietnamese Lion Dance. Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Drive. Noon-4 p.m.

FREE. To celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year, visitors are invited to discover the history behind the

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popular Vietnamese lion dance and create dancers of their own to take home. charlottemuseum.org.

Natural Happenings: Winter Campfire. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. 2-3:30pm. FREE. Learn how to build a fire and enjoy s’mores and hot cocoa with the family. parkandrec.com.

28 MONDAY Homeschool Mondays: Story Explorers. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. Ages 5-11. 2-3pm. FREE. Develop literacy and criticalthinking skills through books and hands-on activities about Iceland. cmlibrary.org.

Owlets Nature Play Dates. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. Ages 3-6.

10am-11:15am. FREE. Owlets explore nature with hands-on experiences to enthrall the senses and engage the imagination. parkandrec.com.

29 TUESDAY On Stage: Family Night XX: Doug Berky; and National Geographic Live! Live from Above.

See page 29.

Hickory Grove Happy Heart Girls. Hickory Grove Recreation Center, 6709 Pence Road. Ages 8-12.

6:15-7:15pm. FREE. 980-314-1122. The program is designed to provide girls the opportunity to express themselves, gain an experience in different activities and assist in developmental growth through socialization. parkandrec.com.

30 WEDNESDAY Child Safety Seat Inspection Station. Matthews Police Department, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews.

8-11:30am. FREE. Certified technicians check and help install car seats. Bring your vehicle, seat and if possible the child for the most assistance. No appointment necessary. safekidscharmeck.org.

Toddler Storytime at Barnes and Noble. Barnes and Noble, Morrison Place, 4020 Sharon Road. 11am.

FREE. 704-364-0626. Come join story time with other families. barnesandnoble.com.

31 THURSDAY On Stage: Innovative Works. See page 29.

The Wildlife Geeks. Fort Mill Public Library, 1818 2nd Baxter Crossing, Fort Mill. Ages 6-11. 5:30-6:30pm.

FREE. See the The Wildlife Geeks special program at Fort Mill Public Library. Registration required. yclibrary.org.

The Charlotte Parent calendar lists free and low-cost local and regional events for children and families. To submit an event for consideration, go to charlotteparent.com/calendar, then click on Submit an Event. Submission deadline for print is the 1st of the month prior to the next month’s publication.

Time, dates and details of events are subject to change. Call venue to confirm.

Growing a Giving Spirit in Children

Derek James' sons, Tyler and Chase, with Jon Wilson from WCCB News Rising, donate school supplies to Classroom Central.

Photo by Derek James

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DADDY DEREK

BY DEREK JAMES

Y

ou don’t need to wait until your kids are in middle school to help them develop a passion for community service.

Children can learn how essential it is to give back and help others at an early age.

Helping is already in a child’s DNA — you just need to provide them with the right opportunities. Here are just a few ways you can help get your kids started on a compassionate path.

Make Them Aware You don’t need to dump all the world’s problems on your children, but it’s important for them to understand that there are other people in need and that many of them are children. Use real events to show need. I remember the first time my son Tyler was with me as I gave food to a homeless person in need. When I explained to Tyler that homelessness also affects kids, his mind was blown. He said, “That’s not fair.” He’s right. One way you can help homeless children locally is through A Child’s Place.

Be A Role Model Parents who give are likely to have kids who give. Show your kids that there is joy in giving and helping. My boys understand that sometimes I miss out on family time because I’m donating my time to host a charitable event in the community. After being a part of one of these events or raising money for an important cause like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Charlotte Chapter, I tell my boys what these organizations do to help others, and

let them know how good it made me feel to assist using my gifts.

Give Together You can make giving a family affair. Tyler and I run and raise funds for several charitable 5k events every year that help children. Participating on this level also leads to great natural conversations about helping. I remember how Tyler appreciated his health after learning more about childhood cancers at the Isabella Santos Foundation’s 5k for Kids Cancer. There also are plenty of volunteer opportunities to be found through your child’s school or through your church.

Give Small It’s essential to give in small ways, too.

Children can give a small portion of their allowance or money from the tooth fairy to one of their favorite charities. If they don’t know who to assist, help them look up some options based on their interests.

If they love sports, maybe they could help volunteer at a Special Olympics event.

As your kids get older, they may be able to help tutor younger kids or assist in an

after-school program. Once they hit 13, kids can volunteer at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina with adult supervision.

Give Often Giving back and helping others needs to happen more than once or twice a year.

Look for opportunities on a regular basis.

That charitable spirit develops faster given more chances. Consider buying a new toy for a child at Levine Children’s Hospital or making a blanket. When you’re out shopping, purchase extra school supplies to donate to Classroom Central throughout the year.

Beginning a new year can be an exciting time. Helping to show your kids that the wisdom and pleasure of acting on a “giving spirit” extends far beyond a few weeks in December is probably the best resolution you could make. The old adage is true: give and ye shall receive.

Derek James is a host of WCCB News Rising. He and his wife live in Charlotte with their sons who are ages 7 and 10. charlotteparent.com | JANUARY 2019

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FACES & PLACES

My son Carter was taking some time warming up to his new baby brother. I caught this sweet moment of him tucking his brother in when he thought no one was looking. Photo and memory by Jessica Burney of Fort Mill.

Share your real-life moment at charlotteparent.com/contests.

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JANUARY 2019 | charlotteparent.com

Spring

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