Charlotte Parent April 2018

April 2018 • Free

& FOOD S S FITNE ISSUE

COOKING WITH KIDS CU LIN AR

Plan the Perfect Spring Picnic

Y LESSONS FOR A

ES G LL A

KID PIERCINGS

What's Safe, What's Not?

FIT AS A FAMILY

Finding active pursuits of togetherness charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2018 1

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We’ve been caring for generations of Carolinians for 95 years.

Share your family’s CEENTA story and you’ll be entered to win a family stay at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC! Enter to win April 1-30, charlotteparent.com/CEENTAstories. charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2018

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APRIL 2018 | charlotteparent.com

CONTENT › APRIL 2018

18 Fit as a Family Creative ways to make fitness part of your family routine

20 Plan the Perfect Spring Picnic Quick recipes, smart gear and scenic spots to enjoy eating al fresco

22 Cooking With Kids A recipe for fun and growth through culinary pursuits at all ages

24 The Truth About Food Labels Understanding the hype of healthy food labels and packaging

26 From the Farm to Farmers Market Make it more than just shopping for fruits and vegetables

28 Pretty, Pretty Piercings What you need to know about

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piercings for kids

IN EVERY ISSUE 7 14 17 30 39 40

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

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CALENDAR 31 Our Picks 32 Spring Festivals 35 On Stage

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31 charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2018

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Welcoming Our New Furry Family Member

M

y family has pondered adding a dog to our brood for a few years. While contemplating about a fur-child,

we had another child. As he’s grown from a baby to a thriving 2-year-old, so has the desire of my husband and oldest son to get a dog. Dogs are cute and lovable, but when the discussion came up about getting a dog, all I could think of was adding more responsibility to our already busy family life. So when I got a text from my husband that he’d made an inquiry on a dog, my anxiety level spiked. I’m not a dog hater, but

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getting a dog is like adding another child to your family. Just like a child, a dog needs lots

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of love and care. He or she must be fed, and needs exercise, baths and vet visits — not to

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mention leash and house training for puppies.

On the flip side, a dog provides companionship to its pack of people and can become a best buddy for children. The best-buddy factor is what pushed me to agree to meet, and ultimately get Woody. Woody has caused some havoc in the house. He’s a 4-month-old puppy who came house trained and crate trained, which

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is a win. He is smart and definitely loyal. He sneaks shoes when he can find them,

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but he’s also teaching us to put our stuff away, because if we don’t, it’s fair game to

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be a chew toy.

My 8-year-old is stepping up to make sure the pup has food and water, and gets plenty of exercise. I find that I am taking more walks to be sure Woody gets his exercise, which in turn is exercise for me. We’ve also made walking the dog an afterdinner family activity. Being active together can help instill lifelong healthy fitness habits in children. The feature on page 18 offers more ideas for getting fit as a family.

Dogs live life to the fullest and don’t dwell on the hard stuff. They also love unconditionally and are true to their personalities — lifestyle characteristics that can beneift children and adults if put into practice. National Pet Day is April 11. If you have a dog or other pet, be sure to celebrate. If you don’t have a pet, take some time to consider if a dog would be a welcome addition. The Humane Society and the

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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.

Greater Charlotte Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) always has pets available for adoption. For guidance on how to choose the right pet for your family, check out our story Pet Project: Choosing the Right Pet for Your Family on charlotteparent.com.

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

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#DiscussCLT Join us April 25 for a #discussCLT event, powered by OrthoCarolina, and produced with our sister publication Charlotte Magazine, where we discuss how technology is affecting children’s mental health.

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The Digital Issue Connect to Charlotte Parent wherever you go with the magazine’s tablet edition available via magzter.com. It’s free with just a quick signup. magzter.com

Win Tickets to “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure” Based on the hit animated movies, “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure” brings Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melmann the giraffe and Gloria the hippo, along with the scheming penguins to Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, April 13-May 6. Enter to win a family four-pack of tickets to the performance of your choice.

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We Make Children Safer, Healthier, and Smarter™

Great Wolf Lodge is partnering Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to raise funds and awareness about childhood cancer. Photo courtesy of Great Wolf

Spring-a-Palooza Staycation at Great Wolf Lodge Not all family vacation destinations need include long hours of road tripping and weaving through the airport. Through April 15, Great Wolf Lodge, located in Cabarrus County — a 30-minute jaunt up Interstate 85 and practically next door to Concord Mills — is hosting Spring-a-Palooza. The event includes picnics, bubble parties, self-guided scavenger hunts and spring-themed crafts in addition to the indoor, climate controlled waterpark.

As part of Spring-a-Palooza, Great Wolf Lodge is partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to generate funds and raise awareness to help end childhood cancer. Stop by the lemonade stand in the Grand Lobby for complimentary lemonade to be enjoyed together picnic-style. Exclusive color-changing cups are available for $2.50, and 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the cups are donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a charity whose mission is to change the lives of children with cancer through funding impactful research, raising awareness, supporting families and empowering everyone to help cure cancer.

Access to the waterpark requires at least a one-night stay at the hotel. Check-in is at 4 p.m., but you can come early and enjoy the waterpark beginning at 1 p.m. the day of your check-in. And though checkout is at 11 a.m., guests can stay and play at the water park the day of check-out. There are pools with slides for all ages, sizes and swimming abilities. greatwolf.com.

AspieCon Combines Comics and Community Resources April is Autism Awareness Month. The second annual AspieCon is happening April 14, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., at Queens Sports Complex on Tyvola Road, and meshes comic book and pop culture with the best aspects of a community resource fair. Produced by Southeast Psych, events include an Abari Game Bar with a classic arcade game to play, a video-gaming area with Xbox 1 consoles, character meet-and-greets, and pictures with Batman, Supergirl and Wonder Woman, plus a craft area and live music from School of Rock Charlotte’s House Band. An expert panel also will be answering questions on parenting a child with Asperger syndrome and on the autism spectrum, in addition to community resource vendors and a cool down tent for anyone who needs a break from all the excitement. Tickets are $5-$15 purchased online, $7-$20 at the door. aspiecon.com.

Birdhouse Contest at Wing Haven Garden From April 4-21, visitors to Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary can cast a ballot for wackiest and most creative birdhouse as part the third annual Birdhouse Building Contest. The birdhouses showcased were designed and built by children, families, scouts and anyone interested in making a cozy house for a feathered friend.

While checking out the various birdhouse designs, learn why birdhouses and nesting sites are important to the bird population. Also be sure to visit the children’s garden for hands-on learning opportunities, and ab opportunity to meet the garden chickens.

Ballots are available for a $1 donation that benefits children’s and family programming at the garden. Visit April 5-6 for the annual spring plant sale. Wing Haven Garden is located in Myers Park on Ridgewood Ave. winghavengardens.org.

charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2018

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›

FYI

| education

Celebrate Earth Day

Spark inquiry about science and the environment on Earth Day, April 22, with these activities.

Which decays faster — a banana peel or a Styrofoam cup? Find out with “Nancy B’s Science Club Garbage to Gardens Compost Kit and Decomposition Book” (pictured above) designed for kids age 8 and older. $24.99, amazon.com.

Celebrate Earth Day at the Anne Springs Close Greenway annual Earth Day Celebration April 21.

Located in Fort Mill, enjoy cane-pole fishing, border collie demonstrations, face painting and line-led horse rides. Entry is free day of the event. ascgreenway.org.

Download the PBS Kids Play and Learn Science! app. Twelve games cover core topics in Earth science, physical science and life science to build science inquiry skills through teachable and real-world moments. It also includes a parents section with ideas for activities to do offline. pbskids.org/apps.

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Frances Millen, (back row, far right), was named one of North Carolina’s top two youth volunteers of 2018 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Photo courtesy of Prudential

Founder of E2D Wins Prudential Spirit of Community Award Frances Millen, a senior at William Amos Hough High School, has helped level the technology playing field for students in her community by providing more than 4,000 laptops, along with software and internet access, through the nonprofit Eliminate the Digital Divide (E2D) that she co-founded in the seventh grade. For her efforts with E2D, she was named one of North Carolina’s top two youth volunteers of 2018 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism.

Frances initially identified 54 kids at her former elementary school whose families had no computer at home.

She then raised money to furnish them with refurbished computers and new software, and persuaded the mayor of Davidson to provide low-cost broadband access. She also coordinated college students to teach the families how to use the technology. When Lowe’s Home Improvement offered to give Frances 500 decommissioned laptops per year, she decided to expand her project to 140 public schools in Charlotte. She also launched an annual Mega Lemonade Day, a day when kids from 100 elementary schools across Mecklenburg County set up lemonade stands to raise money for E2D. Learn more about the nonprofit E2D at e-2-d.org.

REAL School Gardens Grow Two Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are gaining outdoor classrooms thanks to REAL School Gardens Big Digs.

Through partnerships with AT&T and Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, more than 100 corporate volunteers are working with school staff at Tuckaseegee Elementary to build an outdoor classroom in April. In May, REAL School Gardens is partnering Duke Energy Foundation to create an outdoor classroom at Walter G. Byers School. The outdoor learning spaces provide teachers and students hands-on, STEM-infused learning in core subjects, including math, science and reading that fosters cognitive and social-emotional skills, such as collaboration and problem-solving, as well as student engagement. realschoolgardens.org.

76%

APRIL 2018 | charlotteparent.com

of parents say responsibility for helping children learn academic skills is shared equally between themselves and schools.

Source:Education Development Center and SRI International

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FYI | health

Dogs can help children with ADHD focus their attention. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Beat Athlete Burnout The landscape of youth sports has gone through a large transition from unstructured pick-up games to yearround involvement in organized activities. With the rise of organized sports, many children choose one sport to stick with rather than trying out a variety.

Many families hope that by focusing on one sport, their child’s chances of receiving a college athletic scholarship are higher,” says Dr. Jennifer Gaitley, a pediatric sports medicine specialist with Novant Health Pediatric Sports Medicine. “Focusing on only one sport or playing without a break can lead to overuse injuries and burnout in youth athletes.”

Backed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Gaitley recommends the following three tips: 1. Youth athletes should have at least three total months off from their specific sport of interest. This can be done in one-month increments.

2. During the break, young athletes can remain active in other activities.

3. Youth athletes should have at least one to two days off per week from their primary sport of interest.

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Pet Power: Health Benefits of Kid-Animal Interaction Studies show that dogs are helping bridge social gaps for children with ADHD and children on the autism spectrum. One study found that dogs can help children with ADHD focus their attention. Researchers enrolled two groups of children diagnosed with ADHD into 12-week group therapy sessions. The first group of kids read to a therapy dog once a week for 30 minutes. The second group read to puppets that looked like dogs. Kids who read to the real animals showed better social skills and more sharing, cooperation and volunteering. They also had fewer behavioral problems.

Another study found that children with autism spectrum disorder were calmer while playing with guinea pigs in the classroom. When the children spent 10 minutes in a supervised group playtime with guinea pigs, their anxiety levels dropped. The children also had better social interactions and were more engaged with their peers. The researchers suggest that the animals offered unconditional acceptance, making them a calm comfort to the children.

Source: NIH News in Health

The M.E.A.T. of Healing Injuries Most parents have heard the acronym R.I.C.E — rest, ice, compression, and elevation — following an injury. This once gold-standard treatment has become somewhat outdated because complete rest and ice may delay healing. One of the newer trends for faster recovery is movement, exercise, analgesics, and treatment — M.E.A.T. Physical Therapist Ken Breath with OrthoCarolina Huntersville says that inflammation is actually critical for soft tissue repair or regeneration of muscle cells because it triggers certain hormones and cells to the site.

It’s OK to apply ice for five minutes or less to control immediate pain after an injury until the area is numb. The appropriate window for short-term icing is the first six hours following an injury, again with the primary intention of pain control. Exercise and gentle movement are the best ways to increase blood flow to soft tissues, allowing increased nutrients and oxygen to be delivered to muscle creating a faster recovery. If after 24 hours, the injury is without swelling then heat is OK and exercise is encouraged.

Seek ongoing professional treatment for injuries that are not improving, weakness that remains once pain settles, or if the child is unable to return to activities without pain or compensations.

charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2018

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APRIL 2018 | charlotteparent.com

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Get a brochure and find a camp near you! iDTechCamps.com | 1-844-788-1858

Mercedes Cotchery with her husband Jerricho Cotchery and their five children.

Photo by Two Little Monkeys Photography

›

FYI | people

Best advice ever received: Two things: A baby has never cried himself to death, and to be successful in this life, one must know what they do not know.

Proudest parenting moment: Children are busy, fast, and rough and tumble.

Whenever life slows down enough, and God gives me a glimpse into the people they are when life is good, it melts my heart every time. I adore the times when they are being endearing to one another. When Nicholas stops everything to assist Journey with her backpack, or when Jacey goes to the store and remembers to bring a gift back for each of her siblings. Or when one naughty boy has wronged the other and the victim is moved to tears as the culprit is admonished. These

Get to Know: Mercedes Cotchery

are the moments I would never want to miss.

These are the times when it is all worth it.

BY MICHELE HUGGINS

Lowest parenting moment: When you

M

are a parent there isn’t just one low moment

ercedes Cotchery is a writer and speaker, and wife of former NFL Carolina Panther standout Jerricho Cotchery. She is a proud mother to five beautiful children ranging in age from 1 to 10 that are adopted and home-schooled. She serves as an advocate for promoting the importance of faith, education and growing together as a family and strives to help all mothers be PheMoms — Phenomenal Moms — on her blog Mommy Moments, Meltdowns and Mercy.

Where in Charlotte do you live? Where did you grow up? We live about 20 miles north of Charlotte in Concord. We have lived in this area for two years.

Tell us about your job. What do you like most about it? What are the challenges?

I am a budding writer and speaker, with my thoughts headquartered on my blog Mommy Moments, Meltdowns and Mercy.

I home-school my five children, and teach grammar and writing to other middle school students once per week. Writing is absolutely wonderful. I love words. The gift of being able to provoke emotions through prose is a gift and one that we should not take lightly. My inspiration comes in many forms. Once my creative juices begin to flow, the most testing aspect is maintaining a consistent voice.

Teaching is one of the most difficult jobs I have ever done because it requires a huge amount of patience and a great trust in God. It is also the most rewarding. I love being with children and shepherding them through life.

What’s the hardest part of juggling family life and work life? The lines of family life and work life are quite blurred for me, perhaps that is the most difficult part. Am I a mommy? Am I a teacher? Is this a private moment? Should this moment become a blog? My solution: I travel the road with the least amount of turbulence.

What is your favorite thing about raising a family in Charlotte? I love Charlotte’s pace of living. Life here slows down just enough and I can be busy just living.

of parenting. There are several and for good reason. I’d prefer not to call these moments low parenting moments. Instead, these are opportunities for me to grow closer to God and become a better Double P (a better parent and person). As a parent, I have gained more patience while home-schooling and as a person, I have gained more humility. I am not perfect, but I have improved.

Name three things you can’t live without: 1.

Devotional time.

2.

Lip gloss.

3.

A good brow pencil.

Favorite Instagram account: I must shamelessly plug my own account: @mercedescotchery.

Last book read: I read several books at once. The last book that I completed was “Teaching From Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakeable Peace.”

What inspires you?

Philosophy and nature. charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2018

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GROWING UP Make outdoor play a shared adventure.

Draw up a nature scavenger hunt for kids to complete with friends, take part in the rockpainting craze and allow kids to paint, hide and search for rocks with pals, or simply set up a sprinkler on a hot day. Consider investing in large-scale play equipment like a climbing gym, treehouse or trampoline to attract kids and their friends to the backyard for active play. Of course, kids need time to unwind on their own, too.

Create a quiet space with a hammock or a shaded area under a canopy to encourage kids to spend time in nature reading, reflecting and relaxing.

Teen Years

Green Sprouts Raising kids who love the outdoors

BY MALIA JACOBSON

V

olumes of research assert that kids have less unstructured playtime than their parents did and spend less of that playtime outdoors. In a study published in the journal Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, more than 70 percent of mothers report that they played outdoors every day as a child, but just 30 percent say their children do the same. Researchers believe this shortage of outdoor play is hurting kids because children who spend more time outside in nature reap academic, social, emotional and physical gains.

Ready to begin encouraging an enduring love of nature? Here’s how to get your child off the couch and into the great outdoors, from toddlerhood into the teen years.

Early Years

Explore Outdoors Activities like squishing mud through their fingers, watching bugs march across a sidewalk and splashing in puddles deliver hands-on learning that ignites the five senses. Create an outdoor space that encourages creative, brain-building play for toddlers using basic, inexpensive materials, says Mary Kingsley, director and lead teacher at The Kinder Garden Preschool in Raleigh, a nature-based school where most of kids’ time is spent outside.

“Children are natural scientists. Placing stumps and logs in the area and allowing them to naturally decompose can offer excellent learning opportunities about nature,” Kingsley says. “Kids can watch for

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APRIL 2018 | charlotteparent.com

the bugs that help the process, like bess beetles, worms, ants and termites.”

Turn an old sandbox into a site for sensory play by swapping out the contents.

Use rice, dried beans, birdseed or dried corn along with funnels and measuring cups to let kids explore a variety of textures. Provide a bin of water and a few cups, spoons and pans for a “mud kitchen,” and kids can spend hours in happy, messy outdoor play.

Green Goals Teens need outdoor time as much as their younger counterparts, says Julie Kandall, educational director of the Columbus Pre-School in New York City.

“For older tweens and teens, finding time to unplug from their smartphones, iPads, computers and other forms of technology and spend time outdoors is essential for the development of brain pathways, as well as developing all the senses,” Kandall says.

As teens seek to define their identity, volunteer work and entrepreneurship offer opportunities to build outdoor time into a busy schedule while earning cash and rounding out college applications. Teen volunteers can help maintain hiking trails, hand out water at a marathon aid station, pull weeds at a community garden or work with young kids as a camp counselor. Those with an entrepreneurial streak can bolster their bank accounts as a dog walker, house painter, powerwasher or lawn-mower. Earning certifications that translate into outdoor work — such as lifeguarding or refereeing — allows teens to develop their budding sense of self, provides opportunities to earn money and fosters a love of the outdoor world.

Elementary Years

Backyard Buddies Getting kids at this age to leave the online world takes effort. School-age children are drawn to environments that are more social, Kingsley says.

Malia Jacobson is a nationally published journalist. Her latest book is “Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.”

charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2018

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Memories, Unfading.

Besides retro motels and charming cottages, an oceanfront playground, and a family-friendly aquarium, you can still experience the kind of beach vacation you had as a kid at Kure Beach.

KureBeachVacations.com | 888-587-3224

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FAMILIES MANAGING MEDIA smartphones than children who don’t. Are you ready to risk what your child might stumble onto?

Consider the mental-health risk.

Research shows that adolescent mental well-being and happiness has plummeted with the arrival of smartphones, much of it tied to social media, which is easily accessible with a smartphone.

“Excessive social media use can impact a child’s psychological, cognitive, and social development, causing relationship issues, poor grades, anxiety and depression,” says child psychiatrist Victoria Dunckley.

This season called childhood will be over in a flash — don’t sabotage it with one premature decision.

Is Your Child Ready for a Smartphone?

BY MELANIE HEMPE

Y

ou’ve heard the pitch. Her best friend has a smartphone, so when does your daughter get to have one? Your son is begging you too, every day. Their questioning can make you

as anxious as it makes them. So how do you know when your child is ready? Consider the following when determining the best age to get your child a smartphone.

Check their maturity. Kids don’t use phones the way adults do. The human brain takes a long time to develop, and the frontal cortex — the judgment and reasoning center — is the last to “come in.” Teen brains are not mature. Many teens even take a U-turn and seem to become less mature once a phone becomes a crutch.

Your children can demonstrate their readiness by their level of responsibilities with non-tech activities at home. Put the ball back in their court. Do they walk the dog, practice the piano, and do homework without your daily reminders? Can they clean the bathroom and the kitchen the way you do? To become responsible, independent kids, it is best to master some real-life skills before adding distractions that could increase their anxiety and derail their development. If you still wash

their clothes and remind them to brush their teeth, your children are telling you they’re not ready for the responsibility of a smartphone or social media.

Consider their communication skills.

Face-to-face communication can be one of the first things to go when a child gets a smartphone. Can your child can initiate and carry an interesting conversation with an adult, while making sustained eye contact? Can she call a parent to confirm a carpool ride? Does your child talk with you about things that really matter? Be sure these things are dialed in before handing over a smartphone.

Unsettling graphic images. More graphic content is seen by children who have

Follow the phone company’s lead. Did you know that according to the Federal Communication Commission, a child must be 18 to legally purchase a smartphone?

Many parents actually agree with this and use this as a guideline. “But we let our kids drive cars and they can’t buy them,” you say.

Yes, but not until they are at least 16, have gone through extensive training, taken a test (usually failing it the first time), and are under strict rules even after getting their permit.

If you want your child to have a phone so he or she can keep in touch after school, start with a basic phone. A simple start is a teaching tool. Having a basic phone doesn’t come with the apps that can lead to less faceto-face communication, social anxiety and graphic images.

The next time he or she asks for a smartphone, confidently smile and say, “You are not ready yet.” Then invite some of the kids’ friends over, make pizzas from scratch and ask the friends to leave their smartphones in a basket at the door.

Melanie Hempe is the founder of Families Managing Media, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families reduce childhood screen overuse and reconnect families. For more information on local seminars and workshops visit familiesmanagingmedia.com. charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2018

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Fit4Mom classes incorporate strollers into the 60-minute workout.

Photo by B. Mae Photo

W

orking out and being active has become a Brammer family tradition. It was sparked by a karate class the family took more than 10 years ago. The class offered a two-for-two registration special: after two enrollments, two more people could participate for free.

The deal was so good that Vickie Brammer, her husband Frank Brammer and their children Hannah, then 6, and Michael, then 4, joined. The Brammers found that they enjoyed karate and being active together.

The kids continued classes with Hannah earning her first- and second-degree black belt, and Michael a brown belt.

The family has continued its journey of active togetherness, embarking on new adventures and excelling in individual athletic pursuits. The family enjoys taking walks around the block throwing the football, Spartan training at their local YMCA and preparing for 5K races together. It brings the family closer together and makes everyone happier, Vickie Brammer says.

“We have a lot of time together. We also find our kids are in better moods when they are active,” she says. “One of the biggest things they [kids] see is that fitness is important to me and my husband, and it’s a lifelong thing.”

Get Creative at Home

FIT AS A FAMILY Making time to be active together as a family increases health benefits and opportunities for communication

BY COURTNEY MCLAUGHLIN

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APRIL 2018 | charlotteparent.com

If your family is ready to start adding physical fitness to its list of things to do, get creativite says Len Saunders, a best-selling author and motivational speaker in the fight against childhood obesity. Saunders has taught physical education for more than 35 years. He says getting healthy at an early age is an investment.

He suggests starting with something fun and easily accessible like a scavenger hunt where family members scout out clues and perform activities like jumping jacks or jogging in place. Children may also enjoy creating and running an indoor or outdoor obstacle course. Ever tried commercial-sizing? During a commercial or computer break, get up and move or dance. When parents are moving more, kids catch on.

STROLLING INTO FITNESS

AIR Charlotte offers Mom+Me Workshops for children ages 5-7 and their moms. Photo courtesy AIR Charlotte

“For kids, the truth is, they don’t have to go to the gym for hours and hours. Be creative and come up with things without taking away things they like,” Saunders says. “Kids are really very observant and the number one people they watch most is their parents.”

Take a Class Sometimes embarking on a new activity is the perfect way to spark fitness inspiration.

Kerri Flanigan is owner and trainer of AIR Charlotte, an aerial fitness program.

The high-flying classes focus on strength, flexibility, core and cardio training using silk hammocks to climb, hang, swing and fly. AIR Charlotte offers classes for children ages 8 to 12, plus teen classes and Mom+Me Workshops for moms and kids ages 5 to 7.

It’s a great way for younger kids to learn their strengths and interests, as well as put to use listening skills.

“It’s super hands-on so parent and child work to get in and out of poses as well as play games,” Flanigan says. “Active listening skills come into play when the instructor has to demonstrate an exercise.”

The Morrison YMCA recently redesigned a circuit-training class to be family friendly. Children age 8 and older get a workout jumping rope, running steps, holding planks, doing cardio stations and taking on other challenges. The Brace

So what is the best age to start getting active as a family? It’s never too early to set a good example, says Colleen Varnum, owner of Fit4Mom Lake Norman, which offers Stroller Strides, Body Back and Our Village classes. The classes help moms in all stages of motherhood attain their fitness goals and stay active. Babies and toddlers are welcome, and strollers are often incorporated into the 60-minute workouts that include cardio, strength training and core restoration.

“After almost every class you’ll see the kids playing ‘mommy’s workout,’ doing wall sits, planks and push-ups. It’s the cutest thing, but it is the message that showing your kids that exercise can be fun,” Varnum says.

In addition to Fit4Mom Lake Norman, Fit4Mom Charlotte hosts classes in Dilworth, south Charlotte and Waxhaw.

Family YMCA also offers Spartan training to gear up families for races. Even if you don’t belong to a YMCA, most facilities have outdoor tracks or playgrounds that are open to the public without a membership. Call your nearby YMCA branch to see what is available.

Go Outside and Play Integrating activity into your day is simple — just get outside and start moving, says Kathy Stieglitz, a certified personal trainer and owner of Get Serious! Personal Training.

“I encourage families to walk the dog together or take a bike ride in the neighborhood,” Stieglitz says. “Maybe a friendly game of hoops in the driveway.

Encourage the kids to join you.”

When the family workout needs a new place to feel the burn, the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers more than 30 outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, flat-water kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, mountain biking, climbing, ropes courses, zip lines and trails.

“Each is designed to provide families the opportunity to get outside and experience something new or something they can enjoy together,” says Eric Osterhus, communications and brand manager for the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Charlotte’s extensive greenway system also offers great opportunities for biking, riding scooters, jogging and walking without the interference of traffic.

Opportunity for Communication Elevated heart rate, better sleep, burning calories and the adrenaline rush that comes with working up a sweat are tangible benefits of regular athletic activity, but family activity together also creates time to talk and connect. There also are many opportunities for encouragement and respect during a parent/teen workout.

“I encourage parents to exercise with their teens so the parent can see what their child is capable of doing and I like for the child to see what mom and dad can do,” Stieglitz says.

The first step in being active together as a family is making it a priority. “You can only realize the family bond and health-boosting benefits if you’re consistent with your training time together. You need to prioritize it and plan other activities around it — not instead of it,” Stieglitz says.

Courtney McLaughlin is a mother to a 12year old daughter and freelance writer who is grateful to her family for teaching her the importance of being active from an early age.

charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2018

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Plan the Perfect Spring Family Picnic

BY LAUREN RAMIREZ

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ewel tones and heavy layers make way for pastels, open-toe shoes and fragrant, longer days during spring. The grass needs cutting, gorgeous bushes bloom and allergies to nature’s own brand of confetti — in the form of pollen — kick into overdrive. Yes, spring in North Carolina is magical — so much so that it can inspire some extra-special adventures with your family in the great outdoors.

Nothing says “spring” or “quality time” quite as well as a meal shared in the form of a neatly packed picnic. Or, it could be a disheveled one. The point is to spend this time in nature with loved ones.

TOP PICNIC SPOTS 20 14

Charlotteoff area ers The Triangle ers off perfectly perfectly picturesque picnic picturesque picnic locations locations come spring —you’re come spring — whether whether you’re at Stowe looking for a pieceDaniel of outdoor Botanical Garden for B. a piece sanctuary at William Umstead of outdoor sanctuary Jetton State Park in Raleigh, or Sarah P.

APRIL 2018 2018 || carolinaparent.com charlotteparent.com APRIL

Park hitting up in a little slice or of a Duke Gardens Durham beach on Lake Norman.ofOther the historic University North honorablecampus mentions include Hill.

Carolina in Chapel LattaOther Park and Freedom Park in notable mentions Dilworth, Romare Bearden for Raleighand include Pullen Park or Ward Arboretum, Park uptown.

Park, JCFirst Raulston

Other scenic spots: the WRAL Azalea Garden Independence Park for its view and the Raleigh Rose Garden. of uptown andcheck playground, In Durham, out theand Colonel Francis BeattyCampus Park for a American Tobacco picnicand by the playground, lawn West Point onand thebike Eno trails by the lake. park along the Eno River.

Picnic-Perfect Recipes

Yvonne Madden of Charlotte is stepmom to Ivy, an aspiring young chef. Madden and her stepdaughter use any opportunity they can to spend time together in the kitchen. Madden’s Vietnamese heritage drives her love of delicious, fresh foods, so her suggestions for picnic goodies do not disappoint.

If you’re picnicking in an area where a grill is available, Madden suggests considering burgers for your main course.

“Ivy loves making patties with me.

You can have most school-age kiddos mix the ground beef and form them into patties," she says. "In fact, any ground meat or meat substitute works wonderfully for this. You can also buy premade patties from any of our fresh, local grocers.”

Madden also raves about the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in the Queen City and Triangle region.

“We’re really lucky to live in a climate where we can access most anything any time of the year,” she says.

A true hallmark of North Carolina is that fresh produce is often locally sourced, making it more economical.

“Pre-slice everything and toss them into some Ziploc baggies for easy snacking,” Madden advises. “Bonus: Kids can help bag up the veggies and fruits.”

Though some fan-favorite recipes call for it, mayonnaise is not the most picnic-friendly of foods since it can spoil if not refrigerated. Madden’s suggestion: Replace it with pesto in salads. One of her favorite recipes involves slicing up a handful of cherry tomatoes and adding in some mozzarella pearls, fresh basil,

pesto, olive oil, and salt and pepper.

Madden says this dish offers the perfect accompaniment to crusty bread, can be eaten alone or be made into a sandwich.

Another tasty traveling recipe is bowtie pesto pasta salad. Just toss boiled bowties with pesto, then add some salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese.

For a sweet but healthy treat, scoop out the centers of large strawberries and fill them with melted chocolate chips using a small spoon or piping bag, then store them in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or so until the chocolate hardens. Use an egg carton to prevent the strawberries from tipping over.

Prepackaged Goodies

If you’d rather spend less time preparing for and more time enjoying your spring family picnic, consider purchasing seasonal, prepackaged foods.

“Not only do you get to enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of someone else’s labor, but you’re actually able to be present in the moment with your kiddos, saving time and potential frustration when things don’t go according to the plan,” says Durham-based nanny Krysta S. Suggestions include nongreasy chips that don’t leave a residue, and prepackaged salads, fruits and veggies.

Add some precooked grilled chicken strips and you’ve got this picnic “in the bag.”

Lauren Ramirez of Lexington is a new mom, former teacher and higher education professional.

EXTRA TIP: If you’re planning to be out for a while before eating, partially freeze water bottles to surround your food in the cooler. Not only do frozen water bottles do a fantastic job of keeping your goodies cold, they also come in handy once the ice melts. Use your own reusable water bottles to score extra eco-friendly points.

HASSLE-FREE ACCESSORIES Pack the right accessories to achieve picnic perfection. Here are a few good ideas to consider.

CAMCO’S HANDY MAT WITH STRAP This mat folds out to 60-inches by 78-inches and into 10.5-inches by 15-inches for storage.

(A 72-inch by 108-inch mat is also available).

Built-in handles assist with easy transport, and the mat also features convenient pockets and mildew-resistant material that can be cleaned with soap and water. camco.net and amazon.com, $7.64-$19.43.

REI’S SEA TO SUMMIT ALPHA UTENSIL SET This fork-spoon-knife combination is made from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy for increased durability and weighs only 1.33 ounces. The product includes a small accessory carabiner so you can clip all three utensils together. rei.com, $19.95.

SCUDDLES COOLER PICNIC BASKET This modern take on the nostalgic wicker basket features strong leather straps and keeps food hot or cold for 12 hours. The cooler includes a set of four stainless steel spoons, forks and knives; four plastic wine glasses; four washable napkins; salt-and-pepper shakers and a bottle opener. scuddlesusa.com, $35.99. (Scuddles also offers a picnic backback for $49.99.) charlotteparent.com carolinaparent.com || APRIL APRIL 2018 2018

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Child Chefs

Child Chefs

TIPS TO GET KIDS COOKING IN THE KITCHEN

BY BRYAN M. RICHARDS

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s our son transitioned from a peaceful, napping baby into a gets-into-everything, mobile toddler, our family dinners transitioned from the highlight of our day to the most dreaded hour. We eventually threw our hands in the air and resorted to the one thing we vowed never to do as young parents — use the television to babysit while we cooked.

A neighbor suggested that we borrow their learning tower (an adjustable height kitchen step stool) and incorporate our son into our passion for food. While he wasn’t quite old enough to help, the ability to watch us kept him occupied until we were ready to sit down to dinner as a family.

The next night, as we started to prep dinner, we heard a scraping noise across the kitchen. Our son was pushing his learning tower into place so that he could help us cook dinner. Since then, he continues to join us in the kitchen while we’re cooking, and we are enjoying benefits that extend well beyond keeping his active body occupied.

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MENTAL PREPARATION “There’s a lot of research that shows that teaching your kids to cook helps develop confidence and builds problem-solving skills,” says Sarah Schlichter, registered dietitian and blogger at Bucket List Tummy. “It also models balanced food choices.”

Ginger Cayson, owner and operator of Charlotte’s Flour Power Kids Cooking Studio, cautions not to be afraid of the mess that often follows kids in the kitchen. She admits it’s a struggle when her own three daughters help in the family kitchen.

“But the mess from cooking together is a lot less permanent than that from arts-and-crafts projects,” Cayson says.

Once you become OK with the fact that the kitchen might be a little messier than normal, let your kids help plan meals.

“Start with a lunch-box planner and have them help pack their lunches,” says Kristen Poynton-Chidsey, blogger at A Mindful Mom. Move on from lunch to letting the kids help plan the weekly dinner menu.

Erin Brighton, director of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council and supervisor of FoodCorps for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, posts shopping and meal wish lists to the refrigerator that her five children can add to.

“If they have a role in the selection, kids will make healthier choices,” she says.

For older kids, meet them in the middle with technology. “My daughter loves to look through Tasty

and Yummly videos to help pick recipes,” Cayson says.

“Once kids watch those videos, they get excited.”

Schlichter then suggests taking the show on the road or, in this case, to the grocery store.

“Bring kids to the grocery store and let them pick out ingredients using their own carts. It helps develop autonomy.”

LET THE COOKING BEGIN Ingredients in hand, it’s time to cook. There’s really no age too young to start inviting your kids into the kitchen.

“You can start as young as 6-months old,” Schlichter says. “Bring their high-chair into the kitchen to watch. It forms memories.”

Options of ageappropriate tasks are endless.

Think ahead and assign tasks your kids can handle. At age 2, my son pinches spices out of a bowl to sprinkle over vegetables, and stirs marinades and sauces.

Brighton says that at age 3, her kids were cracking eggs.

By age 7 they were opening cans, and at age 12, they were cutting vegetables.

“Don’t be afraid to teach kids proper terms and techniques,” Cayson says. “If they’re braising, tell them that they’re braising and what that means. Tell them cinnamon is from the bark of tree. It makes the food more interesting.”

Once there’s excitement in the kitchen, start to introduce new flavors and textures through experimentation.

“Since there are many, many ways to prepare a single item, it’s the discovery of texture

and flavor that brings a dish to life,” says Alyssa Wilen of Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen.

A simple way to do this, suggests Poynton-Chidsey, is with broccoli. Try roasted broccoli one week, steamed the next, and sautéed the following. Ask your kids what they thought of the differences.

“Look at what’s seasonal and inexpensive like kale,” Brighton says. “Add it into other dishes like meatballs and meatloaf.”

WHAT ABOUT PICKY EATERS? Introducing new foods can be a problem for picky eaters.

A rule that Cayson enforces at Flour Power Studio classes is “don’t yuck somebody else’s yum.” All kids have to be a part of putting the recipe together even if they don’t think they will like the end product. She tells her students to think of it as a science project. Most kids will try the food at the end of class and often ask for seconds or thirds, she says.

“I’ve never seen a child not eat something that they made themselves,” Brighton says.

Wilen agrees.

“Oftentimes, a parent will drop off their child to a cooking class or camp thinking they don’t really like a certain type of food, and then they’re surprised to watch them eat it. All it takes is their involvement in the dish to be convinced it’s not so bad.”

yourself by focusing less on perfection and more on the shared experience when cooking with children.

“Give grace to the kids,” Cayson says. “You want to set high expectations, but it’s not going to be perfect. The dice might not be perfect on the onion. You might get chunks of garlic in the sauce. That’s all right. It will still taste good.”

Remember, too, that not all meals have to be extravagant.

“Cooking doesn’t have to be an hour-long meal experience,” Schlichter says. Break it down to something simple.”

For example, when in a pinch Brighton suggests picking up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and prepping some simple sides at home. A favorite in her house is to mix a can of black beans with fresh squeezed lime juice and garlic.

“You might not think that’s cooking, but they do.”

Bryan M. Richards is a craft beer, food and travel writer who lives in Charlotte with his wife and their 2-year-old son.

Bryan Richards making pizzas at home with his 2-year-old son Deacon. Photo courtesy of Bryan M. Richards

NO PRESSURE Cooking together can build memories that last a lifetime.

Take some pressure off charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2018

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THE TRUTH ABOUT FOOD LABELS Deciphering the hype of health claims on food packaging

BY SAMANTHA EATON

C

onsumers are more health conscious than ever, so food manufacturers are compelled to convince shoppers that their products are healthy — especially processed foods. Research shows adding health claims to front labels affect people’s choices by making them believe a product is healthier than the same product that doesn’t make similar claims. Food companies tend to use health claims that are misleading to trick people into thinking their product is healthier than it actually is.

The front of a food package has one purpose: to make you buy the product. There are very little restrictions and rules to what companies can write on food labels and packages, so it’s hard for consumers to navigate what’s actually healthy and what’s not. Here are some examples: All Natural: Words like “natural” on a package are used to persuade consumers into thinking a product is made with healthy ingredients.

The Food and Drug Administration has no regulation on what qualifies as natural for labeling, thus touting a product as “all natural” can mean a lot of different things depending on who is making the product.

Made With Real Fruits and Vegetables: If a label says that it’s made with fruits and vegetables, check the ingredients list to see what fruits and vegetables are included, and look to see where they fall in the list.

If they are listed toward the bottom, you’ll know very few were used to make the product.

No Added Sugar or Reduced Sugar: Some products are naturally high in sugar. The fact that they don’t have added sugar doesn’t make them healthy. Unhealthy artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose, may be added to those products that claim to have reduced sugar to give them their sweet flavor.

Gluten-free: Gluten-free does not equal healthy. It simply means that the product doesn’t contain wheat, spelt, rye or barley. Many healthy foods are naturally gluten-free, including rice, veggies, meats, nuts and seeds, but gluten-free foods can just as easily be highly processed and loaded with unhealthy fats and sugar as other processed foods.

Low-Fat: This label almost always means that the fat has been reduced

Multigrain: This may mean more than one type of grain is in the product, but those grains are likely refined, stealing away the value of multigrain. Read the ingredients list to see what grains are included.

at the cost of adding more sugar or artificial sweeteners. Be very careful

Made With Whole Grain: This can be misleading. Check the ingredients list and see where “whole grain” is placed. If it is not in the first three ingredients, then the amount is negligible.

processed junk foods, similar to processed low-fat junk foods. Carbs

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and read the ingredients listed on the back.

Low-Carb: Processed foods that are labeled low-carb are usually just are the body’s primary energy source, we need them, but it’s important to read the label to see what ingredients are used.

Light: Processed to reduce either calories or fat, but some products are simply watered down. Carefully check the ingredients list to see if anything has been added in making the product “light,” including sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Zero Trans Fat: This term actually means “less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving.” If serving sizes are misleadingly small, the product can actually contain a lot of trans fat. Also beware of partially hydrogenated oil in the ingredients list of products labeled zero-trans fat.

Samantha Eaton studied at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and is owner of Healthy Eaton. Based in Charlotte, she coaches clients using a holistic approach to make eating easy, fun, nutritious and delicious.

FORTIFIED VERSUS WHOLE FOODS When it comes to fortified or enriched products, artificially derived nutrients have been added that our bodies don’t recognize, can’t always digest and may be loaded with added sugar, so it’s best to get your vitamins and nutrients through real whole foods.

Juice: Many juices are fortified with necessary vitamins and minerals, including a daily dose of vitamin C. Juice, however, is very high in sugar content, even when no sugar is added. Instead, offer strawberries or a mandarin orange. Both are packed with vitamin C and are a sweet treat.

Vitamin C is also found in broccoli, potatoes and tomatoes.

Cereal: Many cereals are fortified with vitamin B6 and B12, but pay attention to the serving size and sugar content. Beans, dark leafy greens, poultry and fish, especially salmon, are good sources of vitamin B6. Vitamin B12 is found in poultry, eggs and dairy products.

Oatmeal: Fortified oatmeal typically is high in B vitamins, folic acid, vitamin A and iron, but packaged instant oatmeal is often laden with added sugar. Opt instead for whole or steel-cut oats that can be done overnight or in advance and then add yogurt and fruit to make a tasty, healthy bowl of oatmeal.

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charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2018

25

FROM THE

Farm to Farmers Market

10 simple ways to make a visit to the farmers market fun for kids

BY SARA BARRY

F

armers markets are cropping up all over. From town greens to city parks and rest stops on highways, farmers are gathering with their wares. Farmers markets are a great way to stock up on fresh local produce, but they can be a fun family outing too. Each market is different with different vendors and different feels. Some are like a festival. Others are more straightforward. You may find only farm-raised foods or prepared foods, handcrafted items and other goods. Find a farmers market that is convenient in location and time, and make a family date to check it out. As you get to know the people and learn more about cycles of food and new ideas, the farmers market becomes more than just a place to grab something for dinner. It’s a connection to local food and community. Following are 10 things to do at the farmers market to make the trip more than just shopping for fruits and vegetables.

1. Discover new foods. You’ll find plenty of green beans and lettuce and tomatoes at most markets (in season, of course), but you’ll also find items you may not have enjoyed yet. Have you ever had celeriac or husk cherries? You might just find them at your farmers market. Don’t get intimidated by unusual vegetables. Ask

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questions: What is that? What does it taste like? How would you cook it? Choose something new to take home.

2. Seek out a rainbow. We know that eating a variety of different color vegetables and fruits is good for our health. See if you can find and buy a full rainbow. This may be easier in some seasons than in others, but by looking around you can discover foods in colors you never expected: black radishes, green tomatoes, purple carrots, blue potatoes. If you don’t try a new food, try a familiar food in a new color.

3. Get growing. If you want to grow your own garden, farmers markets often have seedlings to get started. Ask vendors for advice on planting and growing the plants you are choosing.

4. Notice what’s in season. With food shipped all over the country, we get used to having every kind of food available to us at any time.

When we buy foods in season we are more closely connected to local changes. As an added benefit, you may find varieties bred for taste rather than sturdiness for shipping.

5. Connect. Some people catch up with friends and neighbors at their weekly farmers market. Parents chat, while kids run around together. Families make plans for dinner with the ingredients in hands. You can also connect with the vendors and learn about their farming or production practices.

6. Have a scavenger hunt. Give your kids a list of things to look for while you shop. Think a red fruit, a green vegetable, the biggest vegetable, the smallest one, a fungus. Remind them to be aware of other shoppers and to point out items rather than grab them unless you plan to buy all the items on your list.

7. Listen, dance, do. Some farmers markets offer more than shopping. You may find anything from live music and dancing to activities for kids, like stories, crafts or visiting animals. Also look out for food swaps, workshops and demonstrations.

8. Which part of the plant? The fruits and vegetables we eat make up many different plant parts. For example, we eat the seeds of peas, the roots of carrots, the leaves of lettuce, the stem of celery, the flowers of broccoli, and the fruit (along with the seeds they contain) of cucumber. See how many different parts of plants you can find for sale. How many different plant parts do you like to eat?

9. Have a snack. With the variety of food around, you are likely to get hungry. You can chomp on the carrots or nibble lettuce you buy — or you may find other tempting delicacies. Many markets feature bakeries and prepared food vendors too. I’ve sampled bread, flavored oils and vinegars, hummus, jerky, cheese, kimchi, pickles, and have seen sandwiches, soup, gelato and other snacks ready to enjoy on the spot.

10. Make a meal. Going to the farmers market with a list of specific ingredients can be an exercise in frustration. Maybe the peaches aren’t ripe yet or the spinach sold out. Instead, try going with a looser list like salad and fruit. Go with the intention of creating a meal. Start with whatever catches your eye and riff on that. See how many items for your meal you can get from the farmers market and supplement at home. Two ways to use almost anything you find: Make pizza and top it with market veggies, or use veggies, eggs and cheese from the market to make an omelet.

Find a list of local farmers markets on charlotteparent.com/thingstodo.

Sara Barry is a writer, gardener, and lover of seasonal foods. She loves the farmers market to help get her garden started, fill in the gaps of things she doesn’t grow, provide fresh produce in the dead of winter, and introduce her kids to veggies they might to try otherwise.

charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2018

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PRETTY, PRETTY Pierc

TTY, PRETTY Piercings What should you consider before getting your child’s ears (or anything else) pierced? We get straight to the, er, point

BY ALEIGH ACERNI

N

ot too long ago, my 4-year-old daughter studied me intently.

Then she cocked her head, cleared her throat, and said, “Mommy, can you take me to a place where someone can put holes in my ears?

I want to wear earrings like you.”

This innocent question from my jewelry-loving daughter sent me on a quest for information. How do I make sure she gets pierced safely?

And what I can I do to ensure she won’t end up with slightly uneven piercings like mine?

The American Academy of Pediatrics released its first-ever report on tattooing, piercing and scarification in adolescents and young adults in the fall of 2017.

The pediatrician and piercing professional I spoke with echoed much of the same advice found in the report. Here’s what parents should know.

YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN Unlike tattoo parlors, there are no safety regulations or inspections for piercing facilities in North or South Carolina. That doesn’t mean it isn’t safe to get a piercing done here, but it does mean that the burden is on the consumer to make an informed decision about

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the facility and the expertise of the person doing the piercing.

Whether you have your child’s ears pierced at the mall, the pediatrician’s office or at a piercing shop, it’s important to keep in mind that any piercing is a cosmetic procedure, says Dr. Rhonda Patt, a pediatrician with Charlotte Pediatric Clinic and past president of the Charlotte Pediatric Society.

As with any procedure, there can be risks. “The skin is a part of the body’s immune system. Any time this barrier becomes disrupted, bacteria may be introduced into deeper tissues, leading to infection,” Patt says.

WHAT ABOUT BABIES? For infants, whose immune systems are just getting started, it can take longer for piercings to heal. It also is important to consider the immune system, especially for younger children and for children with autoimmune disorders or allergies.

“Your immune system is what heals a piercing,” says Cindy Goode, manager and head piercer at SADU Body Modifications, located in the Plaza Midwood area of Charlotte.

APRIL 2018 | charlotteparent.com

Fledgling immune systems are one reason piercers at SADU prefer to wait until a child is at least 5 years old, a more conservative benchmark than the American Academy of Pediatric’s recommendation to hold off piercing a child’s ears until he or she is at least 6 months old.

“Most people who pierce ears also require that a child or infant has had at least her initial hepatitis B and tetanus vaccinations prior to piercing,” Patt says. She also suggests that parents carefully consider the jewelry they select.

“Because earrings are small and children are very oral, a loose earring can be a choking hazard.”

Best options: screwback earrings or earrings with notches to keep the back in place.

TOP PRIORITY: CLEANLINESS Experts agree that clean, sterilized equipment is key to the process, and this is where the method of piercing can come into question.

Piercing guns, while convenient, have some downsides. Some European countries and U.S. states have banned the use of piercing guns, noting that surgical needles

are sharper, more precise and more sterile.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most piercing guns, even those that are loaded with single-use cartridges, aren’t sterilized between procedures. The Association of Professional Piercers considers piercing guns to be unsafe because although they can be disinfected, they cannot be sterilized in a medically recognized way. Most professional piercers use an autoclave — a heated, pressurized container — to sterilize equipment. The difference?

Disinfection reduces the number of microorganisms on an object; sterilization kills them all. This is no small issue when you consider the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that new hepatitis C virus infections nearly tripled from 2010 to 2015, reaching a 15-year peak.

“Professional piercers do not use piercing guns,” says Goode, who prefers single-use, hollowpoint, tri-beveled surgical needles for her piercings. “[Piercing guns] cause a lot of trauma to the tissue; it often leads to impaction.

[Piercing guns] can’t be autoclavesterilized. Everything we use is

Once a child reaches age 5, he or she is usually able to understand giving consent to the procedure and the after-care commitment of getting a piercing, Goode says, however she recommends waiting until a child is about 8 or 9 years old for ear piercings.

At this stage in life, she says, the changes in a person’s body aren’t as rapid and there’s less of a chance that a piercing will move around on the earlobe — a situation she often has to fix.

For older children who might be interested in more advanced piercings, it’s important to check your child’s school policy on visible piercings, especially if they participate in sports. Goode suggests waiting until at least age 10 for a second earlobe piercing;

MATERIALS MATTER “This generation has more sensitivities and allergies than the last. So it’s very important for the jewelry to be high quality,” says Goode, who uses implantgrade materials for her clients, preferably titanium. “That’s the same thing that would be use for a knee replacement. It’s biocompatible, it’s hypoallergenic, and it’s a lot easier for the body to heal that way.”

Patt recommends gold posts and suggests parents avoid plated earrings, which can wear away, exposing allergy-inducing nickel beneath.

A piercing professional should give you all the information you need about caring for your piercing — and many piercing shops, including SADU, recommend coming back for a checkup after 30 days.

Aleigh Acerni was inspired to write this story after her 4-year-old asked if she could “find someone who puts holes in people’s ears” because she wants to wear earrings—just like her mommy.

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CONSENT AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

13 for a cartilage piercing; age 14 for nostrils, lips and navels; age 15 for a tragus; and 17 or 18 for an industrial piercing. These piercings are “a bit more intense on the pain scale,” she says, and they take longer to heal. A navel piercing can take up to nine months to heal.

Finally, don’t forget about some of the ramifications of a new piercing, warns Goode.

Fresh piercings can’t go in the pool, which means late spring or early summer might not be the best time of year to make an appointment.

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single-use, from the markers that we mark the earlobes with, to the needle, to the jewelry.”

Goode recommends that parents seek out an experienced piercer who has had ongoing training and an understanding of basic anatomy.

“Ask for documentation.

Look at portfolios. Make sure the piercer is comfortable with children and talking to children,” she says.

One of the most common complications of piercings is to develop keloids, a type of raised, fibrous scar tissue that can form in response to a trauma such as a piercing.

“Keloid formation tends to run in families,” Patt says. “If there is a family history of keloid formation, then this should be discussed with your child’s doctor prior to piercing.”

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A SUMMER ADVENTURE THAT LASTS AN ETERNITY

K5-10TH

charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2018

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EXCURSION

Grayson Highlands Find kid-friendly adventure with wild ponies and family hikes

BY MYRA WRIGHT

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f you’re looking for a unique weekend camping spot, consider Grayson Highlands State Park, just north of the Virginia-North Carolina border in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. Known for its scenic mountain peaks, kid-friendly trails and wild ponies, this 4,822-acre park is near Mount Rogers — Virginia’s highest peak — and offers a variety of outdoor activities for all ages, making it a must-visit destination for families.

Wild Ponies No trip to Grayson Highlands is complete without seeing its wild ponies. The U.S. Forest Service released the herd, which numbers about 150, into the area in 1975 to control brush growth in the area’s balds, a once heavily forested region that was cleared with extensive logging during the late 19th century.

To see the ponies, start at Massie Gap and hike the Rhododendron Trail, which connects to a portion of the Appalachian Trail. The moderately challenging trail crosses Wilburn Ridge to Rhododendron Gap, one of the best spots in the park to see the ponies.

The ponies are usually gentle and accustomed to visitors, but park officials warn hikers not to approach, feed or pet them. If startled, the ponies might bite or kick.

There are plenty of opportunities for great photos with scenic mountain peaks as the perfect backdrop. The trail is rocky, so be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes.

Trekking poles or hiking sticks are helpful, especially for young hikers.

Hiking Trails Grayson Highlands State Park offers 13 trails that vary in length and intensity. On your quest to see the wild ponies, you can

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APRIL 2018 | charlotteparent.com

Approximately 150 wild ponies roam throughout Grayson Highlands State Park.

Photo courtesy of Myra Wright continue on the Appalachian Trail that leads to the summit of Mount Rogers at 5,729 feet for sweeping and spectacular views.

Be sure to download a trail guide from the park website to help you navigate and find kid-friendly easy hikes, such as the Haws Flat Trail short 0.7-mile trek. The Rock House Ridge Trail is a moderate 1.25-mile loop near a picnic area and rebuilt homestead site with a cane mill, two log cabins and a springhouse. A more difficult, but favorite additional trail, is the Wilson Creek Trail, a 1.8-mile hike that passes several waterfalls.

Camping Campgrounds are open the first Friday in May through the first Monday in November and include tent and standard sites with electricity and water. If you have horses, the Chestnut Hollow Horse Campground offers primitive camping during March, April and November in addition to regular-season camping that includes electric and water hookups, stables and parking for trailers.

Camping costs range from $24-$79.

Fishing and Boating Take a canoe down the New River through pristine scenery. Guided canoe trips for

6-14 people are offered Memorial Day through Labor Day. The 6-mile trip takes about six hours. Pack a lunch, water and closed-toe shoes.

The park is also known for its wild trout streams. Anglers can enjoy catching brook and wild rainbow trout while surrounded by the scenic views of Grayson Highlands. Don’t forget to check the park website for fishing permit and license information.

Visitor Center Find educational exhibits on native plants and animals in the area, as well as early pioneer life at the park’s visitor center. The gift shop at the visitor’s center features handmade crafts from local artisans. The center is open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. During the off-season, it’s open Thursday through Sunday. Park admission ranges from $5-$7. Learn more at dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/ grayson-highlands.

Myra Wright is the digital editor of Carolina Parent and Charlotte Parent. She frequently explores state parks with her husband and three kids.

April

OUR PICKS

COMPILED BY ADDIE GOTTWALD Kick off the Knights season with a series of events during opening weekend, April 12-15.

Photo courtesy of Laura Wolff

Come-See-Me Festival | April 12-21 It’s 10 days of spring celebrations throughout the town of Rock Hill. Attend the parade on April 12, make ice cream sundaes with Mother Goose on April 15, take part in a Teddy Bear Tea Party on April 17, or compete in a coloring contest on April 19. You can also watch theater performances, participate in a frog race, see live musical performances and more. See website for event schedule. Various locations throughout Rock Hill. comeseeme.org.

“Madagascar: A Musical Adventure” | April 13-May 6 See favorite characters from the “Madagascar” movies, including Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo at this on-stage performance by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Performances run Friday through Sunday with a sensory-friendly performance on April 21 at 11 a.m. and an ASL sign-interpreted performance on May 5 at 3 p.m. See website for performance schedule. $12-$28. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. Seventh St. ctcharlotte.org.

Movies In the Park: “Coco” | March 5 Pack a family picnic dinner and spread out a blanket on the lawn to watch “Coco,” the critically acclaimed movie that won Best Animated Feature Film at the 2018 Oscars. 6-10 p.m.

Free. Veterans Park, corner of Main and Maxwell streets, Huntersville. huntersville.org.

Check out an array of family-friendly events during Rock Hill’s Come-See-Me Festival, April 12-21. Photo courtesy of Blackston Photography

Charlotte Knights Opening Weekend | April 12-15 It’s opening weekend for the Charlotte Knights 2018 season and the team is kicking things off with Friday fireworks, Homer the Dragon’s birthday celebration and a Lego weekend. Creative play, family challenges, photo opportunities with large-scale Lego models, and a chance to build and launch Lego creations down a race ramp are happening throughout the four-game home stand. Kids can run the bases after the Sunday game. Tickets start at $23. Thursday-Saturday. 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 2 p.m. BB&T Ballpark, 324 S. Mint St. charlotteknights.com. charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2018

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CALENDAR Attend the Tractors and Trains Festival at the N.C. Transportation Museum April 13-14.

N.C. Transportation Museum

Earth Day Celebration and Hooked on Cornelius. (April 21). Robbins Park, 17738 W. Catawba Ave., Cornelius. 10am-noon. FREE. 704892-6031. Enjoy arts and crafts, demonstrations, wildlife habitat improvements and nature walks. cornelius.org.

Pet Palooza Festival and Walk. (April 21).

Independence Park, 300 Hawthorne Lane.

10am-3pm. $35 registration fee for the walk.

This event kicks off with a fundraising 2K walk followed by live music, beer and food trucks, a pet adoption area and picnic pavilion. humanesocietyofcharlotte.org.

SPRING FESTIVALS The Charlotte Spring Festival. (Through April 15). Route 29 Pavilion, 5650 Sandusky Blvd., Concord. $5-$8. Enjoy this fair that features amusement rides, an assortment of food and drink, a petting zoo, carnival rides and games. Mon.-Fri., 4-10pm; Sat.-Sun., 1-10pm. southernexpo.com.

North Carolina Science Festival. (April 1-30). Various locations. This statewide festival celebrates STEM activities, including science programming at ImaginOn and a Star Party at the McDowell Nature Center. See website for events and details. ncsciencefestival.org.

Pennzoil AutoFair Presented by Advance Auto Parts. (April 5-8). Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Concord. $11; FREE for children age 13 and under with a paying adult. 800-455-3267. Features more than 10,000 automotive vendor displays, plus a play zone for kids. charlottemotorspeedway.com.

Sensoria: A Celebration of Literature and the Arts. (April 6-15). Various locations. A literary festival that celebrates literature, music, visual arts, history, culture and food. See website for full schedule of events and admission fees. sensoria.cpcc.edu.

Paws in the Park. (April 7). Pineville Lake Park, 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville. 10am-3pm. FREE. Bring your family, including dogs, for music, demonstrations, dog contests, food trucks, a

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kids’ playground and dog walk, plus more than 150 vendors and 25 dog rescue groups with dogs available for adoption. facebook.com/ blackdogappreciationdayblackdogwalk.

Come-See-Me Festival. (April 12-21). Various locations throughout Rock Hill. Price varies per event. 803-329-7625. This festival features more than 80 activities, including a parade, the Mayor’s Frog Jump frog jump, sporting events, a beach bash, skydiving, Midway rides, an Everything Trucks event, and fireworks finale.

See website for event schedule. comeseeme.org.

EarthFest. (April 14-15). Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont.

11am-3pm. $7-$13, includes museum admission.

704-825-4490. Celebrate an early Earth Day with crafts, lawn games, live music, guided hikes and horse-drawn carriage rides, plus information on sustainable living. dsbg.org.

Tractors and Trains Festival. (April 14). N.C. Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive, Spencer. $4-$12. 704-636-2889. View antique farm equipment and modern tractors, plus live music and games. nctrans.org.

Earth Day on the Greenway with Kids in Nature Day. (April 14). Four Mile Greenway behind the Matthews Community Center, Matthews. 10am-2pm. FREE. Celebrate Earth Day with eco-friendly exhibits and vendors, hikes,

APRIL 2018 | charlotteparent.com

fishing, scavenger hunts, kids crafts and fairy houses, food and music. matthewsnc.gov.

Festival of Food Trucks. (April 14). Downtown Mooresville, N. Main Street between Moore and Iredell avenues, Mooresville. 5-8:30pm.

FREE admission. Sample gourmet fare, stroll the streets, shop and listen to live music. This event occurs the second Saturday of each month through October. downtownmooresville.com.

‘Tawba Walk Arts and Music Festival.

(April 14). Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St., Cornelius. 2-8pm. FREE. An eclectic art crawl that showcases local vendors, live street performances, plus a variety of food and activities for kids. oldtowncornelius.com.

Tuckfest. (April 19-22). U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. FREE admission, $5 parking fee. Celebrate the great outdoors with outdoor competitions, exhibitions, demonstrations and live music.

Children can participate in obstacle challenges, kids yoga and bicycle races. tuckfest.org.

Earth Day Celebration. (April 21). Anne Springs Close Greenway, Dairy Barn Entrance, 288 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill. 11am-3pm. FREE. Border collie demonstrations, kayaking and canoeing, geocaching, face painting and lead-line farm animals. Showcase your creativity with a fun and environmentally-friendly costume in the “Recycled Runway” contest. ascgreenway.org.

Loch Norman Highland Games.

(April 21-22). Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. 10am-4:30pm. $6-20. 704-875-3113. Experience dancing, bagpipe bands, Highland athletics, a giant kids’ zone, haggis, Celtic Rock and traditional performers and Scottish country dancing. lochnorman.com.

International Fair. (April 26). Matthews Charter Academy, Mount Harmony Church Road, Matthews. Starts at 5pm. FREE. 980-339-5449.

Enjoy performances, food trucks and displays. matthewscharteracademy.org.

Arbor Day/Earth Day. (April 28). Chestnut Square Park, 320 Chestnut Pkwy., Indian Trail.

10am-2pm. FREE. Meet environmentally conscious vendors, take a tree home and learn how to take care of the planet. indiantrail.org.

Earth Day Birthday. (April 28). Museum of York County, 4621 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill. 10am-3pm. FREE admission. 803-329-2121.

Enjoy more than 25 educational exhibits, attend planetarium programs, participate in a scavenger hunt, win prizes, play games and more. chmuseums.org.

International Sandwich Festival. (April 28). Aldersgate, 3800 Shamrock Drive.

11am-6pm. FREE. 704-532-5410. Enjoy food from around the world and a rich blend of musical entertainment. Musical entertainment ranges from international vocal, instrumental and dance ensembles to jazz, soul and R&B. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. aldersgateccrc.com.

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1 SUNDAY EASTER & APRIL FOOL’S DAY Seaster. SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord, 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord. $11-$20, includes admission to museum. 855-4500512. Enjoy an interactive Easter egg hunt dive show, meet-n-greets with Sharky, golden egg hunts, seashell painting, a Waldo-themed scavenger hunt and educational workshops about sea animals and their eggs. visitsealife.com.

2 MONDAY Budding Adventures. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. Ages 3-7.

10-11am. FREE. 980-314-1119. Explore various nature topics in the classrooms before taking a forest walk to uncover the wonders of the natural world. Parent participation required. Register online. parkandrec.com.

Family Storytime: Splash Zone. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. 10:30-11am. FREE. 704-416-4630. Enjoy stories, songs and movement activities that focus on water, from its creatures to its physical properties. Stay after storytime to explore the splash tables in the courtyard and learn about buoyancy at the sink or float station. cmlibrary.org.

Rookie Science: Survival Skills. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 5-11. 1:30-2:30pm. FREE. 704-4164630. School-aged kids and tweens can play games and do activities themed around survival skills. Discuss a variety of animal survival tactics, from what you should do when a lion charges to how to survive a cobra bite. Practice fort-building skills, learn how to build a fire and explore the contents of a survival kit. cmlibrary.org.

3 TUESDAY Drop In and STEM. Gaston Public Library, 1555 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. Grades K-5.

3:30-4:30pm. FREE. 704-868-2164. Drop in for a variety of STEM-related activities. gastonlibrary.org.

Toddler Time Tuesday. Discovery Place KIDS – Huntersville, 105 Gilead Road, Huntersville. Age 18 months to 3 years.

10-11am. $10-$12 per workshop. 704-3726261. Parents or caregivers and toddlers can

enjoy hands-on nature-themed activities. kids.discoveryplace.org.

4 WEDNESDAY Child Safety Seat Check. Freedom Division office of Charlotte Mecklenburg Police, 4150 Wilkinson Blvd. 9:30-11:30am. FREE. Learn how to correctly install a child safety seat.

Bring your child, seat and vehicle and plan to spend at least 20 minutes. No appointment required. safekidscharmeck.org.

Child Safety Seat Inspection Station.

Matthews Police Department, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews. 8-11:30am. FREE. Learn how to correctly install a car seat with the help of a certified technician. Bring your vehicle, seat and if possible the child for the most assistance. safekidscharmeck.org.

Cultural Dance Program Presented

by Charlotte Ballet. Sugaw Creek Recreation Center, 943 W. Sugar Creek Road. 7-8pm. FREE. 704-336-7655. A drop-in dance class open to all ages and free of charge for participants. It also includes live accompaniment and a “Children’s Corner,” providing supervision and fun hands-on activities for children attending with their parent/guardian. artsandscience.org.

Free Wednesday Evenings at the Mint Museum. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road; Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 5-9pm. FREE. 704-337-2000.

Explore the Mint Museum exhibitions at no cost. mintmuseum.org.

Homeschool Rally Junior Edition: Slam and Slime. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 5-11. 11am-1pm. FREE. 70-4416430. Celebrate National Poetry Month by taking part in a poetry slam from 11am-noon. From noon-1pm, learn about the chemistry of polymers as you mix, observe and experiment with several kinds of slime. No registration required. cmlibrary.org.

Story Explorers: Birthdays Around the World. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 5-11.

2-3pm. FREE. 704-416-4630. Hear portions of the book “Birthdays Around the World”

by Margriet Ruurs and learn about how children in countries all across the globe celebrate their birthdays. cmlibrary.org.

On Stage: Time to Kill. See page 35.

CALENDAR

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7 SATURDAY

Grow-A-Groot. Gaston County Public Library, 1555 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. Teens.

4-5pm. FREE. 704-868-2164. Celebrate spring with a “Guardians of the Galaxy” inspired container-garden activity. gastonlibrary.org.

Movies In the Park: “Coco.” Veterans Park, corner of Main and Maxwell streets, Huntersville. 6-10pm. FREE. 704-7662220. See the movie “Coco” in the park. huntersville.org.

Rookie Science: Cryptozoology and the Study of Hidden Anima. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 5-11. 1:30- 2:30pm. FREE. 704416-4630. Listen to stories and discuss and view photos of animals that hide through camouflage in nature. Learn about hoaxes and not-yet-disproven images of Sasquatch, the Loch Ness Monster, and the Lake Champlain Thunderbird. cmlibrary.org.

WellieWishers Friendship Tea Party.

American Girl Store, 440 Sharon Road. Ages 5+. 4-5pm. $13.50 per person; gratuity not included. 877-247-5223. Put on your wellies for a special WellieWishers Friendship Tea Party. Parties include a special menu, crafts, fun WellieWishers-inspired conversation cards, and a cupcake-decorating activity.

Reservations required. americangirl.com.

On Stage: Time to Kill. See page 35.

Art and Music Workshops by Guerilla Poets. West Blvd. Library, 2157 West Blvd.

Art workshop from 11am-noon. Music workshop from 12:30-1:30pm. FREE. 704416-7400. This month the art workshop theme is a bottled up project and the music workshop theme is improve and freestyle jam. artsandscience.org.

Bank of America’s Museums on Us Day. Locations vary. FREE. Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders can gain free access to participating museums in the Charlotte area, including The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, Levine Museum of the New South, Mint Museum Randolph, and Mint Museum Uptown. museums.bankofamerica.com.

Camping Basics. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. Ages 8+. 2-3pm.

FREE. 980-314-1119. Go over the essentials to make any camping trip a success. Register online. parkandrec.com.

Engineer in Residence Workshop: Filtration Systems. Discovery Place Science, 301 N. Tryon St. Programs held at 10am and 1pm. $13-$17, includes museum admission. 704-372-6261. Kids and families can learn the path water takes from lakes, homes and wastewater treatment facilities, while making and testing their own filters. Registration required. science. discoveryplace.org.

Junior Chefs. Morrison Family YMCA, 9405 Bryant Farms Road. Grades 1-5.

10:45am-12:15pm. $20; members, $15.

704-716-4650. Learn basic kitchen skills, including measuring ingredients and how to use a knife, and cook a couple recipes.

Sign-up online or in person at the Morrison Family YMCA. ymcacharlotte.org.

Weather or Not? Museum of York County, 4621 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill. $5-$8, includes museum admission. 803-3292121. Learn about clouds and extreme weather phenomena like lightning and tornadoes through ongoing activities. At 3:30pm, watch the planetarium show “Weather: Wonders and Mysteries Revealed.” chmuseums.org.

On Stage: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Time to Kill; and Tosco Music Party. See page 35.

6 FRIDAY Food Truck Friday South End. Sycamore Brewing, 2161 Hawkins St. 5-10 pm. Free entry. This family-friendly event features craft brews, wine, cider, live music and a variety of food trucks. ftf-southend.com.

Spring Food Truck Rally. Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. 4-8pm. Free entry; $5 parking. 704-875-3113. Enjoy food from over 20 food trucks, craft beer and wine, live music, bounce houses, games, hayrides and more. Bring cash as some vendors are cash-only. ruralhill.net.

Our Carolina Sky. The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 7pm. $5. 704-866-6908. Take a live tour of this month’s constellations and explore various topics ranging from the earliest history of astronomy to the latest advancements in the field. schielemuseum.org.

On Stage: Time to Kill. See page 35.

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CALENDAR

8 SUNDAY Bank of America’s Museums on Us Day. Locations vary. FREE. Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders can gain free access to participating museums in the Charlotte area, including The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, Levine Museum of the New South, Mint Museum Randolph, and Mint Museum Uptown. museums.bankofamerica.com.

Family Night: Checkers Versus Hershey.

Bojangles’ Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 1pm. $60 for a four pack. Save $45 on groups of four tickets when purchasing online. gocheckers.com.

On Stage: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; and Time to Kill. See page 35.

9 MONDAY Babes in the Woods. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. Ages 3 and younger. 10-11am. FREE. 980-314-1128.

Hit the paved, stroller-friendly trail with your little one and experience what nature has to offer. Registration is required. parkandrec.com.

Nature Story Corner. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. Ages 3-6.

10-11am. FREE. 980-314-1119. Unearth the untold narratives of nature through stories and then walk about the forest exploring and engaging the five senses. Parent participation required. Register online. parkandrec.com.

Pajama Rama on the Plaza. Plaza Midwood Library, 1623 Central Ave. 7-7:30pm. FREE. 704-416-6200. Wear your pajamas on the second Monday of each month for a family storytime that is perfect for bedtime. cmlibrary.org.

10 TUESDAY Free Entry to the Schiele Museum. The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 4-8pm. FREE. 704-866-6900. Get free entry to the Schiele Museum every second Tuesday of the month and every fourth Friday. schielemuseum.org.

Junior Golf Open House. Ballantyne Golf Academy, 13404 Ballantyne Corporate Place. 6-7pm. Ages 5-17. FREE. 704542-7635. Meet the new PGA teaching professionals, tour facilities, learn about results-focused junior programs, get

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your kids fit for U.S. Kids golf equipment and more. Preregistration required. ballantynegolfacademy.com.

Read With Baron the Dog. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville.

3:30-4:30pm. FREE. 704-664-2927. Children can practice reading skills by reading a book to Baron, the lovable long-haired German Shepherd, and a certified therapy dog. mooresvillelibrary.org.

11 WEDNESDAY Child Safety Seat Inspection Station.

Matthews Police Department, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews. 8-11:30am. FREE. Certified technicians check and help families install car seats. No appointment necessary. Bring your vehicle, seat and if possible the child for the most assistance. safekidscharmeck.org.

Cultural Dance Program Presented

by Charlotte Ballet. Sugaw Creek Recreation Center, 943 W. Sugar Creek Road.

7-8pm. FREE. 704-336-7655. This dance class is drop-in, open to all ages and free of charge for participants. It also includes live accompaniment and a “Children’s Corner,” providing supervision and fun hands-on activities for children attending with their parent/guardian. artsandscience.org.

Free Wednesday Evenings at the Mint Museum. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road; Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 5-9pm. FREE. 704-337-2000.

Explore the Mint Museum exhibitions at no cost. mintmuseum.org.

12 THURSDAY Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo Dance Party.

York Public Library, 21 E. Liberty St., York. Ages 5-9. 4:30-5:30pm. FREE. 803684-3751. Get your groove on with “Just Dance” Disney songs. Register online. cmlibrary.org.

Charlotte Knights Home Opener. BB&T Ballpark, 324 S. Mint St. 7pm. $23+. 704274-8300. charlotteknights.com.

13 FRIDAY Adventure Seekers Kids Night Out. Anne Springs Close Greenway, 971 Tom Hall St., Fort Mill. Ages 7-14. 5:30-9pm. $25 per child. 803-547-4575. Drop-off your kids for a night of pizza, games and activities. Weather permitting, there will also be a night hike, s’mores and archery.

Register online. ascgreenway.org.

APRIL 2018 | charlotteparent.com

Doll Hair Salon Spectacular. American Girl Store, 4400 Sharon Road. Ages 8+.

6-7:30pm and 7-8:30pm. $25, does not include gratuity. 877-247-5223.

Learn how to create new hairdos and highlights. Afterward, enjoy muffins, fruit and lemonade in the bistro. Registration required. americangirl.com.

Food Truck Friday South End. Sycamore Brewing, 2161 Hawkins St. 5-10 pm. Free entry. This family-friendly event features craft brews, wine, cider, live music and a variety of food trucks. ftf-southend.com.

Lego Weekend and Fireworks at the Knights Game. BB&T Ballpark, 324 S. Mint St. 7pm. $23+. 704-274-8300. Watch the Knights take on Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. As part of Lego weekend, enjoy activities like building tables for creative play, family challenges, photo opportunities with large-scale Lego models, and a chance to build and launch your own Lego creations down a race ramp, plus giveaways and prizes. Fireworks following the game. charlotteknights.com.

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

3:30-4:30pm. FREE. 980-314-2267. Hike with a McDowell naturalist to find new and unexplored areas for fun and adventure.

Registration required. parkandrec.com.

Venus Fly Trap. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. Ages 3-5.

11am-noon. FREE. 704-664-2927. Learn about the Venus Fly Trap and make your own to take home. Register online. mooresvillelibrary.org.

On Stage: Madagascar: A Musical Adventure. See page 35.

14 SATURDAY AspieCon. Queens Sports Complex , 2229 Tyvola Road. 8:30am-4pm. $7 for children, $20 for adults. 704-552-0116. AspieCon is everything you love about ComicCon combined with the best aspects of a community resource fair. It celebrates the diverse interests of individuals on the autism spectrum while also providing valuable resources and support. aspiecon.com.

Bilingual Stories and Music. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. Ages 6 and younger. 11:15am-noon. FREE. 704-3372000. Enjoy interactive bilingual (Spanish/ English) activities, including music, plays and stories. mintmuseum.org.

Catawba Lands Conservancy Pop-Up Picnic in Freedom Park. Freedom Park, 1900 East Blvd. 5:30-8:30pm. FREE. This picnic is designed to highlight local restaurants, local food and the importance of farmland conservation on eating local. catawbalands.org.

Family Campout. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road.

5:30pm-10am. $15 per person. 980-3141119. This is your opportunity to learn more about camping and to enjoy nature at a slower pace. Tents, marshmallows and breakfast are included. Enjoy a campfire, games and hikes. Registration required. parkandrec.com.

Family Cooking Workshop: Bunny Hop. Morrison Family YMCA, 9405 Bryant Farms Road. 2-4pm. $20; $15 for members. 704716-4650. Bring the family to the Curran Family Teaching Kitchen at the Morrison Family YMCA and make a festive recipe.

Registration is required in advance. Signup online or in person at Morrison YMCA. ymcacharlotte.org.

Flyer Pup Storytime. SAS Cupcakes, 9941 Rea Road, Suite C. 10:30am. $9. 704-295-1777.

Kids can listen to a story, frost cupcakes and meet the Flyer Pup. sascupcakes.com.

Girl Scout Badge Day. Wing Haven Garden, 248 Ridgewood Ave. 12:30-5pm. $15.

704-331-0664. Daisy scouts through senior scouts can work on a variety of badges, explore the garden, take on the Tulip Poplar Challenge and try a scavenger hunt. See website for a full list of badge offerings and times. winghavengardens.org.

Harrisburg 5K/10K and Health Expo.

Veterans Park, 4100 Main St., Harrisburg.

Registration fees apply for the 5K, 10K and Fun Run, but the Health Expo is FREE. 704-454-7800. Participate in the 5K or 10K at 8am, the 1-mile fun run at 9am, and attend the Health Expo from 8-10:30am. harrisburgnc.org.

Home Depot Workshop. Home Depot locations. FREE. Come join this month’s free workshop and craft at Home Depot.

Make a birdhouse to take home, receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Check the website to verify participating locations and to register. homedepot.com.

Lego Weekend at the Knights Game.

BB&T Ballpark, 324 S. Mint St. 7pm. $23+.

704-274-8300. Watch the Knights take on

› Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Enjoy Lego building tables for creative play, family challenges, photo opportunities with largescale Lego models, and a chance to build and launch your own Lego creations down a race ramp, plus giveaways and prizes. charlotteknights.com.

Merit Badge Workshop: Nature. Discovery Place Nature, 1658 Sterling Road. Ages 10-17. 9am-4pm. $15. 704-372-6261.

Boy Scouts can collaborate with museum naturalists to work towards their Nature Merit Badge. Register online. nature. discoveryplace.org.

NASCAR Hall of Fame: 2nd Saturday.

NASCAR Hall of Fame, 400 E. Martin Luther King Blvd. 10am-4pm. 12-$25, includes museum admission. 888-9026463. Explore the exciting elements of racing with a new topic and interactive activity. nascarhall.com.

Recycle The Runway. Northlake Mall, 6801 Northlake Mall Drive. Grades 9-12. 1-2pm.

FREE. 704-921-2000. See avant-garde fashion creations made by local high school students of recycled materials. shopnorthlake.com.

Victorian Lawn Party. Reid House, 134 W. John Street, Matthews. Noon- 4pm.

FREE. 704-708-4996. Enjoy games and crafts from the 1910s, dance around the Maypole, and tour the Reid House. matthewsheritagemuseum.org.

Visual Art Workshop presented by Community School of the Arts. Sugar Creek Library, 4045 N. Tryon St. 1-3pm.

FREE. 704-416-7000. Join in a visual-art project. Themes change each month. artsandscience.org.

War for Empire. Fort Dobbs State Historic Site, 438 Fort Dobbs Road, Statesville. 9am-5pm. $4. 704-873-5882. Join the soldiers, settlers, and American Indians from the 18th century to look at the French and Indian War history of North Carolina. fortdobbs.org.

Wild Wonder Saturdays: Benefits of Native Plants. Museum of York County, 4621 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill. 10am-2pm. $5-$8, includes museum admission. 803-329-2121. Dig into a discussion of why planting native plants is important for the piedmont to maintain natural diversity. chmuseums.org.

On Stage: Madagascar: A Musical Adventure; The Jolly Lollies Family

CALENDAR

Performances of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” run Friday through Sunday at ImaginOn until April 15.

Photo by John Merrick

ON STAGE The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. (Through April 15). ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 6+. $12-$28. 704-416-4600. Travel through the magical wardrobe to Narnia in this clever two-person adaptation of C. S. Lewis’ acclaimed tale. Performances run Friday through Sunday. See website for showtimes. ctcharlotte.org.

The Lion King Jr. (April 20-21). Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St. East, Matthews. Adults, $10; students and seniors, $9. 704-846-8343. The African savannah comes to life with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again. Thurs., 7:30-8:30pm and Fri., 2-3pm. matthewsplayhouse.com.

Time to Kill. (April 4-8). Eloise MacDonald Playhouse, 501 Queens Road. Ages 13+. $28. 704-372-1000. This intense play tells the story of a young, idealistic lawyer, Jack Brigance, defending a black man, Carl Lee Hailey, for shooting two white men in the courtroom where he now stands trial. See website for showtimes. theatrecharlotte.org.

The Little Shop of Horrors Theatre Production. (April 20-22). Ballantyne Arts Center, 11318 N. Community House Road. $10. The Teen Production Company presents this musical about a florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh.

Fri., 8pm; Sat., 4pm and 8pm; and Sun., 4pm. ymcacharlotte.org.

Tosco Music Party. (April 7). Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. 7:30pm. $13-$28. 704-372-1000. A showcase of eclectic music styles that engages the audience with singalongs throughout the evening. toscomusic.org.

As Far As The Eye Can See. (April 21). Hickory Grove Recreation Center, 6709 Pence Road. 2pm. Free admission. 704-968-4768. This youth showcase by the Glorious Performance Team illustrates the African-American experience from slavery to the election of Barack Obama. The full presentation is composed of six acts (pre-Civil War, early 1920’s, 1940’s, late 1950’s, 1968, and 2008). artsandscience.org.

Madagascar: A Musical Adventure. (April 13-May 6).

ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 4+. $12-$28. 704-416-4600. Come see this musical based on the Dreamworks movie. Join Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe, Gloria the hippo and plotting penguins as they bound onto the stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. Performances run Friday through Sunday. See website for showtimes. In addition, there is a sensory-friendly performance on April 21 at 11am and an ASL signinterpreted performance on May 5 at 3pm. ctcharlotte.org.

The Jolly Lollies Family Concert. ((April 14). York County Main Library, 138 E. Black St., Rock Hill. 3-3:45pm. Free. 803-981-5888. Get up and move at this high-energy family concert by singer-songwriters Liz Corwin and Holly Johnson, featuring music to guide children in imaginative play. yclibrary.org.

Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. (April 20-29). Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson. Ages 4+. $12. 704-892-7953. Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. is a modern version of the timeless tale about a boy who wouldn’t grow up. See website for showtimes. Performances run Friday-Sunday. davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

The Jungle Book. (April 27-28). Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St. E., Matthews. $9-$10. 704-846-8343. A tale of self discovery and adventure based on the classic tale of the young boy Mowgli, raised by wolves in the jungle, who must venture away from his home for the first time. Fri, 7:30pm and Sat., 2pm. matthewsplayhouse.com.

Charlotte Ballet Presents: Spring Works Family Matinee.

(April 28). Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. 2pm. $15-$85. 704-372-1000.

A special one-hour family matinee that includes excerpts from Charlotte Ballet’s “Spring Works,” including audience-favorite “Minus 16.” Special pre-show activities, including dance classes and a costume-creation station begin at 1pm. Performance begins at 2pm. charlotteballet.org.

Peter Pan. (April 28-29). Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St. E., Matthews. Adults, $10; students and seniors, $9. 704846-8343. The classic account of two boys and a girl who follow Peter Pan and the invisible fairy Tinker Bell into Neverland, where children never grow old and where Captain Hook and his pirates are outwitted Sat., 7:30pm and Sun., 2pm. matthewsplayhouse.com. charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2018

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CALENDAR Concert; and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. See page XX.

15 SUNDAY Homer The Dragon’s Birthday Celebration. BB&T Ballpark, 324 S. Mint St. 2pm. $23+. 704-274-8300. Celebrate Homer’s 29th birthday with Homer and his mascot friends at the Knights home game. Enjoy Lego activities like building tables for creative play, family challenges, photo opportunities with large-scale Lego models, and a chance to build and launch Lego creations down a race ramp.

Kids can run the bases after the game. charlotteknights.com.

Rock Hill Community Bike Rides.

Northside Recreation Center, 900 Annafrel St, Rock Hill. 2-4pm. FREE. Discover neighborhoods, parks and public facilities within Rock Hill. All riders must wear a properly fitted helmet and be able to ride a bike without training wheels. A limited number of bikes and helmets are available to borrow for ages 10 and older. onlyinoldtown.com.

War for Empire. Fort Dobbs State Historic Site, 438 Fort Dobbs Road, Statesville.

10am-3pm. $4. 704-873-5882. Join the soldiers, settlers, and American Indians from the 18th century to look at the French and Indian War history of North Carolina. fortdobbs.org.

On Stage: Madagascar: A Musical Adventure; and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. See page 35.

16 MONDAY Budding Adventures. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. Ages 3-7.

10-11am. FREE. 980-314-1119. Explore various nature topics in the classrooms before hiking the forest to uncover the wonders of the natural world. Parent participation required. Register online. parkandrec.com.

Kids’ Day at Dish It Out. Dish It Out, 7828 Rea Road, Suite C. Ages 16 and younger.

10am-8pm. $3 per hour. 704-544-4848.

Paint pottery for just $3 per hour each Monday through May. dishitout.net.

17 TUESDAY Sparkle and Shine. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. Grades

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K-5. 4:30-5:30pm. FREE. 704-664-2927.

Learn about the temperature and color of stars. Create two of your favorites to take home. mooresvillelibrary.org.

Storytime and More. Wing Haven Children’s Garden, 260 Ridgewood Ave. Ages 10 and under. 10-11am. $10 per family.

704-331-0664. Join Rutherford Rabbit in the children’s garden for a seasonally themed story and take-home craft activity.

Water the vegetable plants, dig for worms, explore the sensory and butterfly gardens and enjoy the Wing Haven chickens. winghavengardens.org.

Toddler Time Tuesday. Discovery Place KIDS - Huntersville, 105 Gilead Road, Huntersville. 18 months-3 years. 10-11am. $10-$12 per workshop. 704-372-6261.

Enjoy hands-on nature-themed activities. kids.discoveryplace.org.

Volunteens. Gaston County Public Library, 1555 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. Grades 6-12. 4-5pm. FREE. 704-868-2164. Drop by and earn volunteer service hours as you help library staff with special projects. gastonlibrary.org.

18 WEDNESDAY Child Safety Seat Check. Freedom Division office of Charlotte Mecklenburg Police, 4150 Wilkinson Blvd. 9:30-11:30am. FREE. Learn how to properly install a child safety seat in your vehicle. Bring your child, seat, and vehicle and plan to spend at least 20 minutes. No appointment required. safekidscharmeck.org.

Child Safety Seat Inspection Station.

Matthews Police Department, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews. 8-11:30am. FREE. Certified technicians check and help install car seats.

No appointment necessary. Bring your vehicle, seat and if possible the child for the most assistance. safekidscharmeck.org.

Cultural Dance Program Presented

by Charlotte Ballet. Sugaw Creek Recreation Center, 943 W. Sugar Creek Road.

7-8pm. FREE. 704-336-7655. This dance class is drop-in, open to all ages and free of charge for participants. It also includes live accompaniment and a “Children’s Corner,” providing supervision and fun hands-on activities for children attending with their parent/guardian. artsandscience.org.

Free Wednesday Evenings at the Mint Museum. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730

APRIL 2018 | charlotteparent.com

Randolph Road; Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 5-9pm. FREE. 704-3372000. Explore the Mint Museum exhibitions at no cost. mintmuseum.org.

Froggy Friends. Main Street Children’s Museum, 133 E. Main St., Rock Hill. Ages 6 and younger. 10 am-noon. $6 per person; children under 4 are FREE. 803-327-6400.

Enjoy special games and crafts with froggy friends. chmuseums.org.

Mini-Masters Workshop: Treasure Hunt. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. Ages 3-5. 1:30-2:45pm. $16 per child. 704-337-2000. Roam the museum in search of sparkling silver and gleaming gold, and make a special treasure box to take home. Registration required. mintmuseum.org.

Wee Wednesday. Main Street Children’s Museum, 133 E. Main St., Rock Hill. Ages 3 and younger. 10:30am. FREE. 803-3276400. Enjoy stories, movement with music, and a seasonal craft. chmuseums.org.

20 FRIDAY

trivia and younger children can play with the giant jenga set. There is also Bingo, scavenger hunts and gallery games.

Create your own works of art, wander the museum galleries and enjoy light bites and a cash bar. bechtler.org.

Food Truck Friday South End. Sycamore Brewing, 2161 Hawkins St. 5-10 pm. Free entry. This family-friendly event features craft brews, wine, cider, live music and a variety of food trucks. ftf-southend.com.

Museum Camp In: Boom, Pop, Fizzle.

The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 7pm-9am. $35. 704-8691033. Spend the night at the museum.

Watch and conduct demonstrations and experiments. Event includes an evening snack and breakfast. Advanced registration required. schielemuseum.org.

Music With Holly. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 18 months-5 years. 11:30a-noon. FREE. 704416-4630. Join in a music and movement program that is a fusion of learning and listening to all types of songs, playing various instruments, and using your body to express how you feel while doing so. cmlibrary.org.

PWS All Seasons Consignment Sale.

First Presbyterian Church Gastonia, 1621 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 9am-8:30pm.

Free admission. 704-864-2651. Shop for children’s clothing, toys and more. presbyterianweekdayschool.org.

The Sky’s the Limit: A Night of Astronomical Fun. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 S. York Road. Ages 5+.

8-10pm. FREE. 980-314-2267. Stargaze with a team of McDowell Naturalists as part of the 2018 North Carolina Statewide Star Party. Enjoy hands-on astronomy activities, view the night sky through a telescope, roast s’mores by a glowing campfire and explore the preserve on a starlit night hike. Registration required. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: Disney’s Peter Pan Jr.; Madagascar: A Musical Adventure; The Lion King Jr.; The Little Shop of Horrors Theatre Production. See page 35.

Bechtler by Night: Game Night. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St. 5-9pm. FREE. 704-353-9200.

Families with older children can play

Best Buddies North Carolina Friendship Walk. Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall,

19 THURSDAY Kids Make Comics. Fort Mill Public Library, 1818 2nd Baxter Crossing, Fort Mill. Ages 8-12. 4-5pm. FREE. 803-547-4114. Draw along to explore and create comics with author and illustrator Dave McDonald, using PowerPoint and interactive instruction.

Register online. yclibrary.org.

Tot Time. Perfect Balance, 8850 Monroe Road.

Ages 5 and younger. 11:30am-12:30pm. $5-$6. 980-299-8445. Enjoy an hour of open play in the gym. There is no instructor so parents or caregivers are in charge of their children. Ongoing Monday-Friday. perfectbalancecharlotte.com.

WellieWishers Friendship Tea Party.

American Girl, 440 Sharon Road. Ages 5+. 4-5pm. $13.50 per person; gratuity not included. 877-247-5223. Put on your wellies and join in a special WellieWishers Friendship Tea Party. Parties include a special menu, crafts, fun WellieWishersinspired conversation cards, and a cupcakedecorating activity. Reservations required. americangirl.com.

21 SATURDAY

› 4400 Sharon Road. 9am-noon. FREE. 612-382-4046. Walk to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There will be a bounce house, lawn games, DJ dance party and face painting following the walk. Money raised supports Best Buddies programs throughout North Carolina. Register online. bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/ northcarolina.

Cabarrus Arts Council Family Day. Cabarrus Arts Council, 65 Union St. S., Concord. 11am-2pm. FREE. Enjoy family activities centered around the Origin Story exhibition. cabarrusartscouncil.org.

Earth Day Nature’s Way Storytelling.

Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road. Ages 6+. 2-4pm. FREE. 509460-9279. Seven accomplished story tellers from the North Carolina Storytelling Guild would share stories to honor Earth Day. Recommended for children in elementary school and older. ncstoryguild.org.

Girls in STEM Workshop. Discovery Place Science, 301 N. Tryon St. $17. 704-372-6261.

Brownie Girl Scouts can work towards various badges during these workshops. Register online. See website for times, themes and ages. science.discoveryplace.org.

JDRF One Walk Charlotte. Carowinds Amusement Park, 14523 Carowinds Blvd. 7am. Fundraising is encouraged.

Participants can walk a 5K or 1-mile course at Carowinds Amusement Park to raise money for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research.

The walk goes through the all-new Camp Snoopy kids’ area, around the County Fair and up close to the Fury 325 giga coaster. carowinds.com.

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale. Merino’s Design Center, 500 S. Main St., Mooresville. 10am-8pm. $3 admission. Shop for bargains at this spring consignment sale. lakenorman.jbfsale.com.

Mini-Masters Workshop: Treasure Hunt.

Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. Ages 3-5. 1:30-2:45pm. $16 per child.

704-337-2000. Roam the museum in search of sparkling silver and gleaming gold and make a special treasure box to take home.

Registration required. mintmuseum.org.

PWS All Seasons Consignment Sale.

First Presbyterian Church Gastonia, 1621 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 8am-1pm.

Free admission. 704-864-2651. Shop

bargains at this consignment sale. presbyterianweekdayschool.org.

Wild Wonder Saturdays: Animal Oddballs. Museum of York County, 4621 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill. 10am-2pm. $5-$8, includes museum admission. 803329-2121. Set out on a guided tour to find out what odd adaptations many animals in the Piedmont and around the globe use to survive. chmuseums.org.

5K for Junior Achievement. Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Ave. 8-10:30am. $10$25. Bring the family to race day to support Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas.

A family-friendly WellABration will take place after the race in the Boileryard of Camp North End. Register online. juniorachievement.org.

6th Annual Statewide Star Party. The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 7-10pm. $5. 704-866-6908.

Explore the endless wonders of the spring cosmos during a live star show inside the James H. Lynn Planetarium’s dome theater, then step outside and discover these celestial sights using the planetarium’s telescopes. Trained staff are available to show you how the telescopes work. Prior to the show, hands-on activities are offered.

Telescope viewing is weather permitting. schielemuseum.org.

On Stage: Disney’s Peter Pan Jr.; Madagascar: A Musical Adventure; The Lion King Jr.; The Little Shop of Horrors Theatre Production; and As Far As The Eye Can See. See page 35.

Main St., Mooresville. 10am-2pm. Free admission. Shop for bargains at this spring consignment sale. lakenorman.jbfsale.com.

Sunday Fun Day: Earth Day. Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon Street. 1-4pm. Free for children, $6 for adults. 704-337-2000.

Construct a reusable shopping bag, collaborate on a natural earth artwork, and enjoy creative environmental-friendly activities, visit galleries, see artist demos, plus family yoga sessions. mintmuseum.org.

On Stage: Disney’s Peter Pan Jr.; Madagascar: A Musical Adventure; and The Little Shop of Horrors Theatre Production. See page 35.

23 MONDAY

22 SUNDAY

Celebrate Earth Day. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. Ages 3-5. 1-2pm. FREE. 704-664-2927. Make a fun craft using recycled materials, learn about Earth Day and how to help protect the planet. mooresvillelibrary.org.

Davidson’s Concerts on the Green.

Davidson Village Green, Intersection of Main Street and Concord Road. 6-8pm.

FREE. Enjoy Art on the Green and see a performance by The Davidson College Symphony. Bring a picnic or chairs. concertsonthegreen.com.

Nature Story Corner. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. Ages 3-6.

10-11am. FREE. 980-314-1119. Unearth the untold narratives of nature through stories and then walk about the forest exploring and engaging all of our senses. Parent participation required. Register online. parkandrec.com.

EARTH DAY Camp Thunderbird Open House. Camp Thunderbird, 1 Thunderbird Ln, Lake Wylie.

1-4pm. FREE. 704-716-6113. Enjoy some fun activities as a family, meet YMCA Camp Thunderbird staff, receive an in-depth tour of Camp Thunderbird and learn about summer programs. Register online. ymcacharlotte.org.

Creature Feature and Animal Feeding.

Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. 2-3pm. FREE. 980-314-1119.

Meet animals and have a chance to see some of them eat carrots, crickets and even a mouse. Register online. parkandrec.com.

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale. Merino’s Design Center, 500 S.

Magic Tree House Book Club. Belmont Library, 125 N. Central Ave., Belmont. Ages 7+. 3:30-4:30pm. FREE. 704-825-5426.

Take a closer look at the history, cultures, places and things encountered by Jack and Annie on their Magic Tree House Adventures.

Reading the books is not a requirement for attendance. gastonlibrary.org.

Read with Baron the Dog. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville.

3:30-4:30pm. FREE. 704-664-2927. Children can practice reading skills by reading a book to Baron, the lovable long-haired German Shepherd, a certified therapy dog. mooresvillelibrary.org.

24 TUESDAY

CALENDAR

25 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.

No appointment necessary. Bring your vehicle, seat and if possible the child for the most assistance. safekidscharmeck.org.

Cultural Dance Program Presented

by Charlotte Ballet. Sugaw Creek Recreation Center, 943 W. Sugar Creek Road.

7-8pm. FREE. 704-336-7655. This dance class is drop-in, open to all ages and free of charge for participants. It also includes live accompaniment and a “Children’s Corner,” providing supervision and fun hands-on activities for children attending with their parent/guardian. artsandscience.org.

Free Wednesday Evenings at the Mint Museum. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road; Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 5-9pm. FREE. 704-337-2000.

Explore the Mint Museum exhibitions at no cost. mintmuseum.org.

26 THURSDAY Tot Time. Perfect Balance, 8850 Monroe Road.

Ages 5 and younger. 11:30am-12:30pm. $5-$6. 980-299-8445. Enjoy an hour of open play in the gym. There is no instructor so parents or caregivers are in charge of their children. Ongoing Monday-Friday. perfectbalancecharlotte.com.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

Fort Mill Public Library, 1818 2nd Baxter Crossing, Fort Mill. Ages 9-11. 3:30-4:30pm.

FREE. 803-547-4114. Follow Percy Jackson on the most dangerous quest of his life, with activities, games and an Olympian craft. yclibrary.org.

Puppet Show. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 3-5.

11:30am-noon. FREE. 704-416-4630.

Explore stories and songs through a puppet show created and presented by the Spangler Library storytellers. cmlibrary.org.

27 FRIDAY Doll Hair Salon Spectacular. American Girl Store, Southpark Mall, 4400 Sharon Road.

Ages 8+. 6-7:30pm and 7-8:30pm. $25, does not include gratuity. 877-247-5223. Learn how to create several hairdos and highlights.

charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2018

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CALENDAR

Afterward, enjoy muffins, fruit and lemonade in the bistro.

Registration required. americangirl.com.

Free Entry to the Schiele Museum. The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 1-5pm. FREE. 704-866-6900. Get free entry to the Schiele Museum every second Tuesday of the month and every fourth Friday. schielemuseum.org.

Food Truck Friday South End. Sycamore Brewing, 2161 Hawkins St. 5-10 pm. Free entry. This family-friendly event features craft brews, wine, cider, live music and a variety of food trucks. ftf-southend.com.

NHRA 4 Wide Nationals. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Concord. $20-$55; kids under 13 admitted free with adult ticket purchase. Every ticket is a pit pass, so come early to see your favorite drivers and their cars up-close before a quartet of 10,000-horsepower, nitro-burning machines power down the dragstrip. charlottemotorspeedway.com.

On Stage: Disney’s Peter Pan Jr.; Madagascar: A Musical Adventure; and The Jungle Book. See page 35.

28 SATURDAY Dancing Stories With April Turner. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 3-11. 11-11:45am.

FREE. 704-416-4630. Enjoy performances of dance, stories and songs from Gambia, Guinea and Nigeria. Learn how West African dances and stories affirm community-building concepts of working together, integrity and perseverance. cmlibrary.org.

Girls in STEM Workshop. Discovery Place Science, 301 N. Tryon St. $17. 704-372-6261. Brownie Girl Scouts can work towards various badges during these workshops. Register online. See website for times, themes, and ages. science.discoveryplace.org.

Girls With Grit. Various Mecklenburg Park and Recreation Nature Preserves. Ages 11-14. 8:30am-4pm. $15. Middle school girls can develop new skills, explore the natural world and create lasting friendships while conquering recreational environmental challenges. Preregistration required. This event is happening at various nature preserves: Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, McDowell Nature Preserve and Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. parkandrec.com.

MillBridge Community Yard Sale. MillBridge Neighborhood, 1401 MillBridge Pkwy., Waxhaw. 7am-2pm.

Shop for bargains in MillBridge neighborhood in Waxhaw. millbridge-nc.com.

Mini Chefs: Sammies. Morrison Family YMCA, 9405 Bryant Farms Road. Ages 3-5. 9:15-10am. $20; members, $15.

704-716-4650. Cook one recipe and learn basic kitchen skills, such as measuring ingredients. Sign-up online or in person at Morrison YMCA. ymcacharlotte.org.

NHRA 4 Wide Nationals. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Concord. $20-$55; kids under 13 admitted free with adult ticket purchase. Every ticket is a pit pass, so come early to see your favorite drivers and their cars up-close before a quartet of 10,000-horsepower, nitro-burning machines power down the dragstrip simultaneously in one of the greatest spectacles in all of racing. charlottemotorspeedway.com.

STEM on the WING. Carolina Raptor Center, 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville. Ages 3+. 11am-3pm. FREE. 704-875-6521.

As part of the NC Science Festival, engage in hands-on experiments and STEM activities at the Raptor Center. Get nose-to-beak with the center’s birds. carolinaraptorcenter.org.

The Sarcoma Stomp Run/Walk. Christ Lutheran Church, 4519 Providence Road. 8-10am. $15-$30. 704-516-5113.

This family-friendly road race and walk event benefits the clinical trials and research at Levine Children’s Hospital and Levine Cancer Institute. In addition to food and drink, enjoy music, face painting, team mascots, photo booths, corn hole and other fun activities. sarcomastomp.org.

Princess and Pirates Storytime. SAS Cupcakes, 9941 Rea Road, Suite C. 10:30am. $9. 704-295-1777. Kids can listen to a story, frost cupcakes and meet with princesses and pirates. sascupcakes.com.

On Stage: Charlotte Ballet Presents: Spring Works Family Matinee; Disney’s Peter Pan Jr.; Madagascar: A Musical Adventure; and Peter Pan and The Jungle Book. See page 35.

29 SUNDAY Charlotte Knights Baseball Game. BB&T Ballpark, 324 S. Mint St. 2pm. $23+. 704-274-8300. Watch the Knights play the Norfolk Tides. Before the game, fans can play catch on the field from 1-1:30pm. After the game, kids can run the bases. charlotteknights.com.

NHRA 4 Wide Nationals. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Concord. $20-$55; children under age 13 are admitted free with adult ticket purchase.

Every ticket is a pit pass, so come early to see your favorite drivers and their cars up-close before a quartet of 10,000-horsepower, nitro-burning machines power down the dragstrip. charlottemotorspeedway.com.

Tea Time in the Garden. Wing Haven Gardens, 248 Ridgewood Ave. 4-6pm. $20-$35. 704-331-0664.

Enjoy traditional tea fare and pink lemonade as well as activities for children including a maypole. winghavengardens.org.

On Stage: Disney’s Peter Pan Jr.; Madagascar: A Musical Adventure; and Peter Pan. See page 35.

CALENDAR POLICY :: 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 5th of the month prior to the next month’s publication. Time, dates and details of events are subject to change. Call venue to confirm.

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APRIL 2018 | charlotteparent.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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We come to your camps, preschools, & after schools.

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DADDY DEREK

Modeling an Optimistic Outlook

BY DEREK JAMES

I

can’t say that I’m all “rainbows and sunshine.” I consider myself a cautious optimist. I’m generally optimistic about outcomes, but am aware that things can go wrong. And nothing annoys me more than others worrying about things they can’t change or control.

The hardest part of trying to raise an optimist is often the part that requires modeling optimism. How often do we complain about what we see on the news, about our bills, something that went wrong at work, or someone or something in our life that is annoying us? How often is that done in front of our kids? There are some solid lessons I have learned throughout my lifetime, and they seem to be working. So, in no particular order here is my approach to instilling an optimistic outlook in your kids.

Focus on solutions rather than problems. Instead of saying, “We’re never going to get to the restaurant on time,” try focusing on solutions like trying a different route to get there faster. Kids then see your ability to readily adapt.

Don’t take everything so seriously.

One of the best things to do is laugh off some of the bad. Laughing can help you and your kids feel better. I grew up in a family that got through tough times with laughter.

Now that I’m almost 40 years old, I still use laughter to get through hard times.

Last year when my dad was dying, he and I talked about whether or not he wanted any specific music played at his funeral mass. He said to me in a very serious manner, “There is this one hymn I have always loved.” I expected him to

suggest an old religious hymn. Instead, he looked at me and said, “It’s Miller Time.”

Laughter is the best medicine, right?

Kids and adults love praise.

Mind you, we’re talking about genuine praise, not the puffery that a lot of people throw out. Kids are experts at detecting phonies. If you constantly tell a kid he is the best at everything and that everything he does is great, he will know something’s up. The key to giving genuine praise is to be sincere and specific. A “Whoa, you are a little multiplication master! You’re faster than a calculator” goes a lot farther than “Good job, buddy!” It’s also important to acknowledge the work that went into honing the skill.

Be appreciative. In our family, we often talk about the importance of thanking people or recognizing people for going above and beyond. “Wasn’t it so nice of your teacher to give you that book to read?” or “It was so nice of Daddy’s bosses to give everyone a grocery gift card for Thanksgiving.”

I appreciate financial guru Dave Ramsey’s catch phrase when he’s asked how he’s doing. He says, “Better than I deserve.”

Follow their passions. Teach children to not be discouraged by naysayers. I often explain to my boys that if I had listened to the people who told me “no” or “I can’t,” I wouldn’t have a career in broadcasting.

Memories of people telling me I couldn’t accomplish my passion still pushes me to be better.

When I was in high school and worked at a small local radio station, one of my teachers told me that I would never work at a “real station” like (fill in the blank). Within two years, I had proven him wrong. So, to him, I say thank you, because his challenge pushed my internal drive to be successful.

(Also, nanny-nanny-boo-boo).

I am optimistic that these small changes can help you and your kids have a positive outlook. Hey, hope springs eternal.

Derek James is a host of WCCB News Rising.

He and his wife live in Charlotte with their two sons who are ages 9 and 6. charlotteparent.com | APRIL 2018

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FACES & PLACES

Parker loves reading. It is her favorite “toy.” When we told her it was Dr. Seuss’ birthday, she wanted to celebrate. We read five books by Dr. Seuss then celebrated with green eggs and ham. She actually ate the eggs, which was a big surprise. Photo and memory by Chrissy Volpe of Charlotte.

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

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APRIL 2018 | charlotteparent.com