Charlotte Parent September 2014

September 2014 • Free CharlotteParent.com

BE YOUR

OWN BOSS

Making it as a MOMPRENEUR

15 Local Festivals and Fairs

+

TOP NC Family-Friendly Companies

Join us for Moms@Work Sept. 26 See page 37

Letting Go of Mommy Guilt CharlotteParent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014

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september 2014 32

features

24 A New Generation of Mompreneurs What it takes to run your own business and

be Mom, too

29 Managing Mommy Guilt

Strategies to nix the guilt and make time at home and work quality time

32 2014 N.C. Family-Friendly 50 Get to know 50 companies in North Carolina that keep families in mind

36 4 Things You Didn’t Know Would Make You Happier at Work A new way of thinking about your daily grind

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at the office

38 Workday Stats

Facts and figures on parents in the workforce

in every issue

4 from the editor 9 family fyi 12 doc says 14 chalk talk 15 step up 19 food for thought 20 mother of style 22 growing up 41 getting out 42 daily calendar 48 excursion 51 daddy derek 52 carolina smiles

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Photo by Maura MacKinnon macphotography9.weebly.com.

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September 2014 • Free CharlotteParent.com

24

BE YOUR

OWN BOSS

Making it as a MOMPRENEUR

38

15 Local Festivals and Fairs

32 + TOP NC Family-Friendly 37

Companies

Join us for Moms@Work Sept. 26 See page 37

Letting Go of Mommy Guilt

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CharlotteParent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014

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FROM THE EDITOR MICHELE HUGGINS GROUP PUBLISHER

The Mom Mind Files

Sharon Havranek

PUBLISHER/ EXECUTIVE EDITOR Eve White

EDITOR

Michele Huggins

ART DIRECTOR Melissa Stutts

DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER Susannah Carpenter

B

eing a mom who works outside the home means a very busy schedule. It’s challenging to say the least. You may clock out from the office, but you can never clock out from the job of mom. From making breakfast and packing lunches to homework and bath time, finding “extra” time when you are a parent takes strategic planning.

I understand the juggling of schedules and trying to find balance, but for me it’s more about how I organize it all in my mind. That organization includes prioritizing and then compartmentalizing the different chunks of my life: my child, my husband, our family, friends (who help me refill my sanity tank), work and play. Of course it gets broken down even further from there – housework, yard projects, extended family, birthday parties, camp … you know how it goes.

As I grow older, I’m learning to be more honest with myself, and realize that I can’t do it all, and that sometimes you have to just stop, breath and really think about what matters most. Somehow though, guilt still creeps in when you don’t have that extra time to do all the things you want and need to do.

This is our annual work-life issue, where we delve into the subject of work-life balance, including mommy guilt! We hear from four moms (page 28) who discuss how they manage their schedules in an effort to let go of the mommy guilt and enjoy each area of their life. For some moms, becoming their own boss is the gateway to flexibility, though no less demanding a job.

If you’ve ever pondered what it takes to start your own business, we give you answers on page 24.

We also present our annual N.C. Family-Friendly 50 companies (page 32), highlighting companies for their mindfulness to benefits that help parents and families. Also, if you haven’t already, made plans to attend our annual Moms@Work event on Sept. 26 at the Charlotte Convention Center what are you waiting for? We have some awesome speakers lined up for breakout sessions focused on finding simplicity and success in our daily routines. Find out more at CharlotteParent.com/momsatwork.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Mikala Young

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Resa Goldberg

SALES TEAM LEADER Leslie Hatheway

lhatheway@charlotteparent.com

MEDIA CONSULTANT Jen Byrum

jbyrum@charlotteparent.com

Dawn Field dfield@charlotteparent.com

ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR Kia Moore

ads@charlotteparent.com

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Cher Wheeler

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Logan Eason

MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Karen Rodriguez

PRESIDENT

Donna Kessler

DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING Donald Horton

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR Shelonda West

PUBLICATION MANAGER Kris Miller

CONTACT US

Phone: 704-344-1980 | Fax: 704-344-1983 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 302 | Charlotte, NC 28203 advertising@charlotteparent.com | editorial@charlotteparent.com Circulation 109,000. 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.

Cheers,

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

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2014 Bronze Award Winner Editorial Awards Competition

CharlotteParent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014

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what’s new at …

MOMSENSE

CHARLOT TEPARENT.COM

Check the MomSense blog for ways to save a dime, and a list of local fall consignment sales …/blogs

Pin-spiration:

POPSICLE STICK SCARECROW Celebrate the harvest season with this simple scarecrow craft, good for all ages.

Pinterest/CharlotteParent

EXCEPTIONAL CHILD GUIDE

MOMS@WORK EVENT

GO. PLAY. SEE APP

More than 335 resources to help families of children with special needs live full lives. Read it on your tablet or desktop.

Learn, laugh and connect with other working moms at this year’s Moms@Work event happening Sept. 26.

Find details and purchase tickets online.

Find out why Charlotte is a great place to plant family roots, plus loads of things to do with the kids, now in a handy app.

…/exceptional

Pinterest.com/ CharlotteParent

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…/momsatwork

Facebook.com/ Cltparent

…/gps

@CharlotteParent

CONTEST:

S O - S T YL I S H! D I A P E R C LU TC H G I V E AWAY Win an ultra chic SKIP * HOP Soho Diaper Clutch. Perfect for moms on-thego. Contest ends Sept. 21 … /contests

instagram.com/ CharlotteParent

Experience our annual guides in a whole new way with our new

iPad apps!

Exceptional Child

GPS [Go. Play. See]

Education Guide

Download free, enhanced versions of our annual guides and watch them come to life with multimedia, slideshows, videos and interactive directories. Everything you need at your fingertips!

Available now for iPad.

BROWSE LOCAL AFTER-SCHOOL AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS dance • drama • tutoring art • music • sports and more! charlotteparent.com/enrichment

fyi

FAMILY

Ph

o to

by Pat

ri c k S c h n e i der

Power UP

The Grid ... Powered by Goodwill offers computers and accessories at reduced prices, and has a computer lab and kids club in the works.

A Triple Trove of Parenting Props

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new parenting program in North Carolina is challenging the common misconception that parenting support is only beneficial for at-risk families.

“Having Triple P in the community sends the universal message of positive parenting” says Cathy Henderson, Triple P coordinator in Charlotte.

“Triple P has a level for every parent.”

A family dealing with a child who refuses to pick up his toys could benefit from the program’s selected seminars, a light intervention that gives parents the basics of positive parenting. Topics range from “Raising the Confident, Competent Child” to “Raising

Responsible Teenagers.”

If bedtime is a nightmare or a child refuses to do anything asked of her, parents can utilize Primary Care, a short series of one-on-one consultations with a trained provider that deal with a specific behavioral problem.

If the child constantly misbehaves, Group Triple P gives parents an opportunity to meet with other parents in similar situations.

Triple P was originally developed by a professor in Australia and was officially named and launched in 1992.

Since then, the evidencebased program has been brought to more than 24 countries worldwide. Last year, a grant from the North

Carolina Department of Public Health provided Triple P training for numerous community partners and nonprofit agencies in the state.

Charlotte was one of the first eight counties to get on board, with other counties following closely behind. The program is now available at childcare facilities, preschools, various churches, and mental and medical health providers, among other organizations, in 34 counties.

The website offers parenting news, hot topics and tips, as well as information about the program and where to find providers. triplep-parenting.net

The National Family Empowerment Conference Family Fest is an outdoor family fest that includes a kid’s corner, single-parent workshops, youth bakeoff and family fashion show. Wear something to represent what you love and join in the hand-toshoulder “Love Train” as it marches around the block at noon. Happening Sept.

27, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Carole A. Hoefener Center on East Seventh Street. yenergyfoundation.org.

10% Of mothers with master’s degrees, medical or law degrees are opting out of the workforce to care for their families Source: Pew Research Center, 2014

CharlotteParent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014

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fyi : : COMMUNITY

*

good deed: Nick Greene

get real with

Terrance Bates Quick stats: 40, news anchor on WCCB News Rising …

Family tree: lives with wife Tamara and daughters Taryn, 5, and Terra, 4 … Favorite indulgence: Harris Teeter chocolate chip cookies …

Favorite outing: summer concerts at Stonecrest with my family … Favorite local eats: Pio Pio is the absolute best! … iPod: I don’t own an iPod. I listen to the radio in my car and finally put some CDs in the player, which includes Earth Wind and Fire, Notorious B.I.G., Pharrell and “Let it Go” from “Frozen”. …

Latest read: “The Blood Sugar Solution: 10-Day Detox Diet” by Mark Hyman …

DVR: “Lone Survivor” with Mark Wahlberg … In your bag: I don’t carry a bag, but I always have my cell phone, keys and wallet in my pockets … Can’t live without: my cell phone. I’m always calling friends, checking email, apps or Facebook … Stress buster: playing soccer in a competitive over-40 league, in addition to a couple pickup games each week.

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Nick Greene, a freshman at Myers Park High School, is making plans to attend a senior prom this year. Through The Sandbox, an organization that helps families that have a child diagnosed with cancer or life-altering illness, Nick will join others at An Evening of Believing, a prom for kids, teens and young adults. Leading up to the Sept. 19 event, Nick has attended numerous organizational meetings and met with his paired prom partner to discuss tuxedos and other “guy stuff.” In addition to prom night, he has also helped recruit other volunteers and prepare and deliver “love baskets” to families.

But the prom is what he is most looking forward to. “We are trying to create a bond so the kids don’t feel alone and we will make sure they are having fun,” says Nick. “It will be a successful night if everyone leaves with a smile.” gotsandbox.org.  Nick Greene has helped organize and plans to attend An Evening of Believing prom, hosted

by The Sandbox.

Lucky 11 Eleven Charlotte-area girls will share the limelight with skating superstars and Olympic athletes at the 2015 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Greensboro next January.

The girls, who skate with Carolinas Figure Skating Club in Indian Trail and Silver Star Figure Skating Club in Charlotte, range in age from 7-12 and were selected to be sweepers for their strong skating skills and ability to stop quickly. As sweepers, they will clean the ice of mementos tossed onto the ice by spectators.

Walk Now For Autism Speaks One in 68 children is diagnosed with autism. Help make a difference by joining in the Walk Now For Autism Speaks at zMax Dragway Sept. 27, beginning at 10 a.m. Funds raised help support autism awareness and research. walknowforautismspeaks.org.

fyi : : WELLNESS Identifying Signs of Mental Health Disorders in Youth

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he World Health Organization states major depression is the leading cause of disability among Americans ages 15 to 44. Children and teenagers suffer from depression and bipolar disorder, similar DOC SAYS to adults, but their symptoms may be slightly

BY DR. GREY CLARY different. Eleven percent of children will suffer from an episode of depression by age 18. So, what are common signs of depression in youth? The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends that if one or more of the following symptoms are visible in your child, you should seek professional guidance.

• Signs of helplessness, low energy, hopelessness, sadness or crying spells • Low self-esteem, guilt, isolation, frequent absences from school or poor performance in school • Increased sensitivity to rejection or failure, increased irritability or hostility • Frequent complaints of headaches or stomach aches • Change in eating and sleeping patterns • Family history of depression or bipolar disorder • Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self-destructive behavior Bipolar disorder can include the above symptoms but may also include severe changes in mood with unusually happy or high-energy episodes, or irritability and anger. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to decrease the risk of complications. Suicide is the most troubling complication of depression. It is the third-leading cause of death in adolescents. One of the most worrisome statistics is that a previous suicide attempt may lead to future attempts.

What can you do if your child has suicidal thoughts? Increase family and school connectivity, reduce access to firearms, help boost his or her self-esteem and reward academic achievement. More than 30 percent of those who attempt suicide will tell someone before the attempt. It’s important to become involved and listen to your child.

You may learn your child is depressed, or is suffering from bipolar disorder, substance abuse, bullying or relationship issues.

If your child displays any of these signs, consider contacting your primary care provider or pediatrician. They may be able to evaluate and treat your child, or if necessary, refer your child to a therapist or psychiatrist. Treatment options include psychotherapy and medication, which have both proven to be effective in adolescents.

The one constant is hope. Being available and involved in your child’s life will reduce these risks. You can find additional information from the American Academy for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr. Grey Clary is the medical director of behavioral health and psychiatry at Novant Health.

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An active child may be more likely to have high grades. A recently released study showed that children who tested well on cardiovascular fitness and motor ability did better in school, and those with lower levels of cardiorespiratory capacity and motor ability had lower grades.

Yet another reason to promote physical activities for children.

Having the television on in the background while playing with a toddler could hinder his or her language development, according to a study published in the Journal of Children and Media. The study states that American children younger than 2 are exposed to an average of 5.5 hours of background TV per day. When the TV is on, parents pay more attention to the TV and speak fewer words and phrases, including new words, to their child. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children younger than 24 months should not watch TV or have any other screen time.

Children ages 10-15 who spend a small amount of time playing electronic games may be betteradjusted than those who never play, or who play too much. A recent study suggests that children who play electronic games for less than one hour per day have better psychosocial adjustment, compared with those who do not spend any time playing games.

CharlotteParent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014

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fyi : : EDUCATION

School News If you are home schooling or just have an interest in home schooling, don’t miss the Back to Home School Fair Sept. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Beatties Ford Road Regional Library. The free event features homeschool support groups and businesses that support home schooling.

O

App Alert: Marco News-O-Matic Check out this interactive current events app that boils down daily news into simple articles.

Topics include world events, science, sports and stories that kids love.

Earned five stars from Common Sense Media.

Ages 7 and up. iPhone and iPad. Free.

Tip Be a cheerleader for your child at homework time, but resist the urge to grab the ball and carry it down the field yourself.

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How to Handle a Possible Learning Disability hildren with learning disabilities usually have normal IQs;

CHALK TALK

BY MARGE EBERTS AND PEGGY GISLER

their problem lies in how their brains process and use information. They could have an auditory processing, visual perception, communication or other disorder. There is no one description that describes all children with learning disabilities.

If you suspect your child has a learning disability, the first step in helping your child is to find out as much as you can CharlotteParent.com

about learning disabilities.

This is quite easy to do because many websites give good descriptions of learning disabilities, including LDOnline at ldonline.org, and the National Center for Learning Disabilities at ncld.org.

The second step is to gather as much information as you can about your child that makes you think that he or she may have a learning disability, then talk to your child’s teacher. If the teacher agrees with your concerns, the next step is to ask for a formal evaluation of the child in the classroom.

On the basis of this

observation report, a decision can be made on whether or not to test your child for a learning disability. When the testing is completed, you receive a copy of the results and a meeting can be scheduled to go over everything in the written report. At this meeting, you will find out whether or not your son has a learning disability and if the child qualifies to receive special education services.

Marge Eberts and Peggy Gisler are experienced teachers who together have more than 60 educational publications to their credit.

LIFE

Communicating for a Better School Year

C

ommunication is the key to a successful relationship. That bit of wisdom is something every parent and stepparent knows well, and it holds true for school relationships, as well as interfamilial ones. School counselor Elizabeth STEP-UP Coleman

BY KAREN M. ALLEY offers these ideas on how to communicate with your child’s school.

Be sure to share your custody agreement with the school. The staff is bound by law to do exactly what the agreement says, and it helps if everyone is on the same page from the beginning.

Be proactive in communicating with your child’s teacher. Make sure your child’s teacher is introduced to or are aware of everyone involved in your child’s life, including both

parents, stepparents and boyfriends or girlfriends. The more a teacher understands a child’s situation, the easier it will be for them to get to know the child and their needs.

Be aware of your rights as a parent or stepparent. Schools are legally obligated to follow the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which limits who has access to the child’s records.

Don’t be afraid to ask for small favors.

We all know that most communication goes home in the backpack, so it just happens that whichever parent has the child that day gets to see it first, and sometimes only. Feel free to ask that communication from the school, including things like progress reports, report cards and classroom news, be sent to both parents. You can also ask to schedule two different parent/

::

fyi

teacher conferences. Teachers will gladly accommodate these requests, as they know students do best when all of the adults in a child’s life are involved and informed about behavior and academic progress.

Utilize your resources. Your school’s guidance counselor can be a great help for kids who might be dealing with stress or anxiety, or just need someone to talk with.

Remember, communication is a two-way street. Be proactive in your child’s educational relationships, but also be receptive to feedback from teachers and counselors. Working together will only benefit your child.

Karen Alley is a freelance writer who lives in the Triad area and is happy to be part of a blended family.

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fyi : : LIFE

TOP 5 Leading Moms in Business

Parenting Toolbox: Allowance Apps Having trouble keeping up with your kids’ finances — let alone yours? Here are three apps you can use to easily track and update their accounts.

1. Dressing Your Truth: dressingyourtruth.com 2. Giveaway Bandit: giveawaybandit.com

1.

Allowance Manager. Track weekly allowance and set it up for automatic “deposits.” No money is exchanged with the free version, but the paid “Pro” version can be set up to work like a debit card. Available for Android devices and iOS devices 4.2 or later. allowancemanager.com.

2.

iAllowance. Track household chores, then schedule or deduct payments if chores aren’t completed. $3.99. Available for iOS devices using iOS 5.1.1 or later. jumpgapsoftware.com/iallowance.

3.

MoneyTrail. Track allowance and encourage kids to log expenses and cash exchanges. Available for $1.99 on iOS devices using iOS 4.3 or later; $1.99 for Blackberry devices; and $.99 for Android devices. moneytrail. net/home/infooverviewmobile.

3. Carbon Three: carbonthree.com 4. Ask Doctor G: askdoctorg.com 5. Jeneration PR: jenerationpr.com Source: 2014 Top 100 Leading Moms in Business Winners compiled by StartupNation. startupnation.com.

R i n g e r To s s p h o t o c o u r t e s y o f To d d A d a m s . t o d d a d a m s p h o t o g ra p h y. co m

choices ... NEW MUSIC FOR KIDS

The Pop Ups, often described as “Radiohead-meets-the-Beatles for kids,” released their newest album, “Appetite for Construction,” in August.

Sophisticated pop beats and get-down rhymes and rhythms make it fun for the entire family. iTunes, $9.99. thepopups.com.

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The first new Raffi Kids’ CD in 12 years, “Love Bug” is a collection of 16 songs that engage children in a broad range of fundamental topics, such as love, nature, imagination, chores and the need to slow down and enjoy life. $9.99, raffinews.com.

The Not Its fit into what’s called the “kindie rock” genre. Punky riffs and sly humor is clearly evident on their newest album, “Raise Your Hand.” High-energy songs, such as “When I Fell (The Scab Song)” and “Motorcycle Mom” are based on the band members’ experience as parents. $7, wearethenot-its.com.

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fyi : : LIFE

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

BY HEIDI BILLOTTO

Balancing Life and Dinner too

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hen life seems crazy busy and time is at a premium, don’t succumb to the drive thru. Instead cook ahead and then use a master recipe to create several meals. Ratatouille is more than a classic movie about a gourmet rat. This one-pot dish is the perfect do-ahead to serve on its own as a vegetarian offering or combined with grilled chicken, meat or fish for a heartier meal; or serve hot, warm or cold as a side dish, over pasta or as a topping for homemade pizza.

ROASTED RATATOUILLE • 3 Japanese eggplant, unpeeled cut into 1/4-inch slice • 3 medium zucchini, cut crosswise into 3/4-inch slices • 1 red bell pepper, chopped • 1 green bell pepper, chopped • 2 Vidalia onions, thin sliced • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 1 pound button mushrooms, halved or quartered • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4-5 whole firm but ripe tomatoes, sliced • 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley, minced • 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

1 Place eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers and onion in a roasting pan lined with parchment paper. Place in a preheated 400-degree oven and roast for 20 minutes until vegetables are lightly browned. An easy alternative method of cooking is to cut veggies into larger pieces and place them on a grill grid and grill for six to eight minutes a side over medium high heat until lightly browned. Reserve.

2 Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. When hot, add mushrooms and garlic; cook for just a minute or two.

3 Stir in tomatoes, roasted or grilled vegetables, any juices that have gathered and the herbs.

4 Continue to cook for another 10 minutes. Add sea salt and pepper to taste. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes.

5 Ratatouille keeps in the fridge for about a week; freezes well for up to six months and reheats well on the stove top, oven or microwave.

Heidi Billotto is a culinary expert who hosts cooking classes throughout the Charlotte area. Find more at heidibillottofood.com.

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fyi : : LIFE

MOTHER OF STYLE »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»» BY WHITLEY ADKINS HAMLIN Photo courtesy of Donna Jernigan. momentsbydonna.com

Isaac Mizrahi New York “Lamis” Pump $134.95, available at Nordstrom. 

On Trend Fashion

for Fall As we near the time to put away our cute little strappy dresses, flip flops and T-shirts, most of us say goodbye to summer with a heavy heart. As we head into fall, find comfort in luxurious tweeds, houndstooth, pattern-blocking and statement-making pieces ... maximalism galore, oh my!

The statement necklace. Take any outfit from drab to fab with a statement

Perfect Pump

Looking for the perfect pump for work? Classic menswear fabrics, such as herringbone and tweed, are a modern take on the gentleman’s looks, but with a feminine twist. Classic haberdashery with ladylike leadings, “borrowed from the boys” has never looked better. 

Over-the-Knee Boots

These are “the” it boot for fall. Pair with a dress, skirt, slim pants or jeans, to turn heads day or night. 

necklace. For an even more exciting look, layer on baubles of different lengths and textures around your neck, all together.

Texture blocking. I can never get enough of mixing and matching when it comes to playing with pattern in my wardrobe, but how about texture? An equally statementmaking, yet perhaps even bolder, option is mixing textures in your dress, or opt for pumps with mixed materials. Pair leather with silk, suede, herringbone and tweed.

Yes, put it all together for a look that’s fearless maximalism, yet class with a capital C.

Snake prints. From wardrobe styling to interior design, animal print is always in

style. This fall’s “it” animal print is the reptile-skin pattern. Slinky and sleek, this reptile skin pattern pairs perfect for day or night with everything with from prints to solids.

Candy-apple red. Seen everywhere from the runways to on celebrities and in lip colors, this exciting hue allows for an unexpected yet seamless transition from summer to fall. Wear this color in a shoe, pairing it with a tan or grey dress or with crisp denim. Likewise, this color in a dress looks radiant for any festive occasion paired with a tan or black pump. Looking for a wildcard color pairing? Purple or mustard yellow!

Whitley Adkins Hamlin is a local stylist and mom to two boys under age 5. Read her Mother of Style blog at CharlotteParent.com/blogs.

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Boots by Dolce Vita, $200, available at Belk stores or belk.com.

fyi : : LIFE

Growing up:

Making Good Choices

H

elping kids learn to make good choices is a powerful way to foster future success. We beam with parental pride when our toddler chooses to share a toy, or when our teen GROWING UP

BY MALIA JACOBSON swaps candy for fruit. But how can we help raise kids who make good choices when we’re not around? The fact is, kids make stupid decisions from time to time, and that’s OK, says family therapist Michelle P. Maidenberg, president of Westchester Group Works in Harrison, New York. But parents can help set kids on the path toward making better choices, for life. Read on for age-by-age strategies for supporting strong decisionmaking skills, from toddlerhood through the teen years.

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three.

0-5 years

MESSAGE MAGIC

Beware of constantly warning your tot to be careful or swooping in to hurriedly complete a task he’s trying to accomplish himself. “By always cautioning against risk or doing things on his behalf, you may be communicating that he isn’t capable or trustworthy and can’t make good decisions independently,” says Maidenberg. Parents also send important messages through their own actions.

Model effective problem-solving skills and sound decision making in your own life to impart these skills to kids. If you tend to procrastinate, flip flop between choices, or wallow in disorganization, your child may follow suit. Make a habit of sticking to your plans and seeing your choices through, and discuss the impact of daily decisions with your child. When something doesn’t work out the way you’d hoped, talk through what you might have done differently in age-appropriate language; for example, “Mommy decided to sleep later this morning, and now I’m sad because I missed my daily run.”

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6-12 years

FAILING UP

During the school years, decision-making prowess starts to show — and sometimes, so do poor choices. But these small failures can actually help build stronger decision making skills down the road. The key is letting kids experience minor falls, and figure out how to get back up. Radio personality Julie Gates of the Gene and Julie Show on Raleigh’s WRAL-FM learned that 9-year-old Sophia’s small mistakes could actually build decision-making power.

“When Sophia was 6, she accidentally left her lunch in the refrigerator, and my first instinct was to jump in the car and shuttle it to school.” Then Gates remembered Sophia’s teacher telling her that a small mishap like a forgotten lunch can present an opportunity to build decision-making skills, confidence and pride. Sophia didn’t go hungry; she decided to ask her classmates if they had anything they could share. “One shared his apple slices and another had an extra granola bar. She was so proud she was able to find a solution all by herself,” says Gates. “And she never forgot her lunch again.”

FEAR FACTOR 13-18 years

Juggling college applications, summer jobs, and relationships brings on a boatload of decisions for teens, along with a possible fear of failure.

A teen who procrastinates and seems to avoid big decisions may be afraid to fail. If your teen seems to drag her feet with decisions, talk to her about her fears, says Maidenberg. Encourage more independent decision making by addressing fear-flooded beliefs like “I won’t be able to do it,” “I won’t be good at it,” or “They won’t like me.” Help your teen see past fears by reminding her that she’s capable of achieving when she sets her mind to something. Don’t feed counterproductive fears by belittling a teen for a poor choice. Saying “You’re a moron!” or “What’s wrong with you?” communicates shame and hurts selfconfidence, while phrases like “Everyone makes a bad choice now and then.

What can you do differently next time?” motivates better choices, both now and in the years to come.

reach more moms!

Reserve advertising space in our annual Education Guide.

Ad Deadline: Sept. 26 Hits Stands: Oct. 28 Don’t miss out! Call 704-344-1980 or email advertising@charlotteparent.com.

A NEW GENERATION OF

Mompreneurs

S o you think you wa nt to sta r t a business ‌

BY RESA GOLDBERG

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Heather McDonnell owns Sweet Tea cupcakes. Photo by Poprock Photography

H

eather McDonnell knows how to blow up a Twitter stream almost as good as she cooks up impossibly delish Sweet Tea cupcakes.

That’s precisely what happened three years ago when she won the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.” The news went viral, and she received thousands of kudos via social media. Of course, using Instagram to post pictures of daily specials and answering customer comments on Yelp is more than just keeping up with technology to her.

“I basically started my business through Facebook and Twitter,” says McDonnell, owner of Cupcrazed Cakery in Fort Mill, South Carolina—which boasts 17,000 followers on Facebook. “It’s fun now, but in the beginning, getting started wasn’t just hard; it was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done.”

A thorough business plan and subsequent bank loan, too many 20-hour workdays and a strong passion for her company put Cupcrazed on the fast track.

Yet McDonnell still worried that she couldn’t afford to pay staff to help with the workload. Most of all, she worried that she was neglecting her four children— now ages 6 to 19 — when she was at the shop.

Steps to Start-up McDonnell is typical of many mompreneurs who struggle to find balance

between their family and their business, which most have traditionally started in their homes. It’s not a new phenomenon but the term “mompreneur” was coined in the late 1990s by Ellen Parlapiano and Pat Cobe, co-authors of “Mompreneurs: A Mother’s Practical Step-by-Step Guide to Work-at-Home Success” and “Mompreneurs Online: Using the Internet to Build Work@Home Success.”

They also created mompreneursonline. com and actually trademarked the term “mompreneur.” Today the term is simply used to describe a female business owner who actively balances the roles of mom and entrepreneur.

Although there are no statistics for the number of mothers who own businesses, it is estimated that there are more than 8.6 million womenowned businesses in the United States, generating more than $1.3 trillion in revenues and employing nearly 8 million people, according to American Express OPEN’s 2013 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report. That’s an increase of 5 million businesses in two years.

North Carolina is in line with that trend. “Most reports show significant increases in the growth of women-owned businesses in North Carolina, including the SBA’s Office of Advocacy Report,” says Mike Ernandes, public affairs

specialist for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s North Carolina District Office in Charlotte. “I think this growth is encouraging for women interested in starting businesses all over the state.”

Despite the rising numbers of women opening their own businesses, they still face the challenges in getting access to capital and improving access to markets, including the federal government. The SBA is trying to make that easier. In July, the organization eliminated the requirement that lenders perform cash flow and debt coverage analysis on loans under $350,000.

The SBA also implemented a new business credit-scoring model that combines an entrepreneur’s personal and business credit scores to make it easier and faster for lenders to work with new business owners.

Many mompreneurs still choose to go at it alone, or with help from family and friends. Others adopt a “if you can’t beat them, join them” mentality by accepting monies from female “angels,” or firms that invest in women-owned startups.

In 2008, Brandi Tysinger-Temple, full-time mom to four kids, started sewing clothes for her girls as a hobby. Within a matter of weeks, after she started selling her products on eBay, she had to hire dozens of relatives and friends to help her address the demand. By 2010, she transferred her eBay store to Facebook, which really kicked off her children’s apparel company. She named it Lolly Wolly Doodle, and has since moved it to a 19,000-square-foot brick-and-mortar facility in Lexington that is half funded by the state of North Carolina.

“By creating jobs in our community it not only creates amazing product but amazing opportunities as well,” says Tysinger-Temple.

Growing a Good Idea When moms develop physical products, as Tysinger-Temple did, there is a period of development each one must navigate.

Claire O’Neal, founder of Pogginz bike CharlotteParent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014

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Helpful Resources for Mompreneurs “Entrepreneur” Magazine’s Mompreneur Center offers business ideas, resources and feature articles. entrepreneur.com/mompreneur National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) represents women entrepreneurs across all industries with 5,000 members in 60 chapters nationwide, including Charlotte. nawbo.org The Small Business Administration just unveiled a special resources page for women business owners. sba.gov/nc. Scroll down to “For women business owners.”

Claire O’Neal , founder of Pogginz helmet accessories.

accessories for kids and an avid biker, looked into plastic injections and foam to make the helmet accessories, and tried various methods of attaching the pieces to a helmet. She even tried using super strong magnets but then realized they were not safe for young children.

O’Neal eventually began working with Betsy Hauser Idilbi, former president of a company called Little Idea Product Development that merged with product development giant Eventys last year.

O’Neal says Hauser Idilbi was instrumental in helping her settle on final designs.

Hauser Idilbi had experience with fabric and suggested O’Neal material. “I fell in love with the glitter vinyl, which is weather resistant and easy to clean, and now that is a Pogginz trademark,” she says.

Then they put the Pogginz designs on Etsy (20 cents per listing) just to see how many people favorited each one.

“It was a simple way to decide what products to produce and which to abandon,” explains Hauser Idilbi, who

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observed that although O’Neal often said she didn’t understand business, really she was quite business savvy.

“Moms who have taken a leave from the business world to take care of family don’t give themselves enough credit for how much they already know and how much they have learned as a parent,” says Hauser Idilbi, who recently co-founded Tech Talent South, an intensive web development program with four campuses across the Southeast. “My advice to new mompreneurs is to be confident in your product and your ambition. You’re the one who put tireless hours in developing it and had the guts to get it off the ground. Don’t forget that.”

Balancing Business and Family While building her business, O’Neal was also learning how to pivot fast and go from executive to soccer mom in seconds. How did she strike a balance? She admits that she certainly has not mastered the art of balancing family and business, but she tries

to think of creative ways to stay involved in her kids’ lives as well as involve them in hers. Her 16-year old son and 11-year old daughter help out with everything from packaging to assisting at events. Her daughter handles her Instagram.

McDonnell of Cupcrazed Cakery says her balance began with a solid foundation in the form of assistance from those closest to her. She says the first year her store was her “new baby” and her husband would take care of their children; her mother and friends would stop by to help her do dishes at the store and her sister-in-law was her office manager so she could focus on building her business.

“I still have days that I feel like I’m on a teeter-totter, but I’ve worked out most of the kinks,” says McDonnell. “Now I can go home after a full day and make dinner, help the kids with their homework, and the laundry pile isn’t as scary as it used to be!”

Resa Goldberg is a freelance writer and editor in Charlotte with two teenage boys.

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MANAGING

Mommy

Guilt Four moms share how they juggle work and family

M

ommy guilt. If you’re a woman with children, you’ve

felt it — sometimes just a little, sometimes a lot. Mommy guilt is

BY ANNE WOOTEN GREEN

an equal-opportunity offender — it strikes whether you’re 25 or 45, CEO of your home or a Fortune 500 company, living in a small town or a big city.

Women who work outside of the home haven’t cornered the market on it. Work-from-home and part-time-work moms feel it, too. Mommy guilt also doesn’t discriminate between women who have family around to help, or moms who depend on nannies, babysitters, daycare or school to keep their kids safe and happy.

Full-Time Guilt Kristi Roe, 41, of Charlotte sees mommy guilt from both sides, as a mother and a family counselor. Roe, who has two children, Spencer, 6, and Harper, 5, is director of patient experience at Carolinas Healthcare System. She previously had her own counseling and consulting business, and still counsels several clients, mostly women, with family issues.

Mommy guilt is real, says Roe, but the level of guilt, “depends on who you are,” she says. “All moms have some level of guilt. I think many women feel pressure to do things a certain way … the food they feed their children, the way their children behave. Parenting is intense. Sometimes women lose themselves in their child; they

try to micromanage everything.”

Roe works long hours and travels frequently. When her son was born, she started with a nanny and worked part-time for a while. “But when my daughter came, we put both of them in daycare full-time.

And they were both fine.”

Roe and her husband Greg, who is an IT security analyst at Wells Fargo, have no family in the area. “We’re here totally alone. It was a hard struggle entering mommyhood.” When asked if she has mommy guilt? “Oh, absolutely I do. But I’m very passionate about my career path. My job is important to me. I’m ambitious. The guilt would be worse if I didn’t feel good about my children’s lives. But I do.”

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Carrying the Load Libby Perry, 33, of Cary, confirms Roe’s view that some moms feel guilty if they can’t manage everything.

“I feel guilty for working with young kids at home. I feel guilty when I think I am letting the 4-year-old watch too much TV. I feel guilty if I think that maybe I spend too much time looking at my phone around the kids. I feel guilty that I don’t take as many pictures of the 1-year-old as I did with the 4-year-old. I feel guilty that I don’t always cook healthy enough meals.”

A Pittsburgh native, Perry works for a software company in Raleigh. She has two children, Meadow, 4 1/2 and Domenic, 1 1/2. Her husband, Tony, 32, works as an executive for a pharmaceutical company is Raleigh.

Perry said she is lucky that her employer let her go to a 30-hour workweek after having her second child. While her husband works long hours, she said she tries to make running a house while working and having a family as easy as possible.

“Things like Lowes Foods to Go, Amazon Prime and a house-cleaning service are things that help,” she says. “I wish I had more time with my kids. And I wish the kids and I had more time with my husband, she says. “As far as lessening the guilt, I’m still looking for ways to do that. I just remind myself that I am doing the best I can right now. Sometimes I feel like I am in survival mode!”

Making Hard Choices Even moms who have plenty of family around still feel the twinges of guilt. That’s the case for Sherri Weddle Bowen, 44, of Winston-Salem, who is the director of the office of the president at Forsyth Technical Community College. She is also the college’s team captain for the March of Dimes and sells a line of flameless candles.

She had her children while working on her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

“What was I thinking?” she said. Her two children, Cody, 10, and Dakota, 8, spend

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most of their free time with her husband, Marty, 45, a captain at the Lewisville Fire Department, her parents or her in-laws.

Even with family members to help care for her kids, Bowen says “there are times I feel the mommy guilt … but you still have to do stuff for yourself.”

Bowen juggles kids, husband, job and other activities with “lots of planning.” Each year, she takes her boys to school on the first day of classes, and goes in late to work, “but that’s the only time I do it, and I don’t pick them up.” And her husband is the primary cook in the house. “I say that you can pick two of three things: your sanity, a clean house or your family. I choose sanity and my family and kids.”

Give Yourself a Break Amanda Harrell, 39, of Raleigh, a licensed marriage and family therapist at 3-C Family Services in Cary spent the beginning of her career “going full throttle, going 100 percent. “I was working from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day,” she says. She then had her first child, daughter Harper, now 6. Harrell says she had to figure out how to keep her long hours along with a newborn. But when her twin boys, Quaid and Hudson, now 4, came along, she said, “it was an easy choice” to begin working part time.

Now she works two days a week, seeing clients “back-to-back” from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. When she counsels a woman who is feeling mommy guilt, she first tries to determine if the guilt is justified or not justified.

“A lot of women are walking around with unjustified guilt. They feel they’re not doing enough. They feel unworthy.

In that case, there is a lot of work we can do to figure out and get to the bottom of their feelings.”

If the guilt is justified, she works with the woman to figure out ways to spend

Tips for Managing MOMMY GUILT Don’t compare: Log off Pinterest and stop chatting with the PTA moms, because what you think is an ideal mom just doesn’t exist.

See the benefits: If you work outside the home or from home, realize that your family is not only benefitting financially, but you’re also setting an example for your kids. They will be proud of your accomplishments Be kind to yourself: Kids don’t need a perfect mom. They just need unconditional love.

Don’t separate work and family: If you’re passionate about what you do, share it with your kids. It’s a way to teach them important life skills.

Be present: It’s hard not to check your email when you’re at home, but setting limits can ensure you’ll be fully engaged when you’re with your children.

Make “me” time: Just because you’re home doesn’t mean you have to devote every second to your child. Take 15 minutes to exercise, meditate or watch TV to recharge. more time with her kids. “Maybe you do something special with your kids at the end of the week, maybe you attend a baseball game or other activity they are involved in on the weekends,” she says. Even though her husband Jim, 39, an attorney, “works insane hours,” they find time together as a family on weekends. “The kids go to bed fairly early now, so that’s a way my husband I can have time to hang out.”

“Moms need time to themselves,” says Harrell. “Many have a hard time doing something nice for themselves. If you lack energy, are running on empty, you’re doing things halfway with your children.”

Anne Wooten Green is a freelance writer and editor from Winston-Salem.

She still feels mommy guilt even though her children are 26 and 22.

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2014 N.C.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

{ Fewer than 100 U.S. Employees } Achieve Therapy Services No. of U.S. employees: 20 N.C. location: Charlotte This all-women company prioritizes work-life balance by allowing children in the workplace and flexible schedules.

Achieve Therapy also offers full benefits, a retirement plan and paid time off. If an employee’s child needs therapy that his or her insurance won’t cover, Achieve Therapy Services offers it free of charge. achievetherapyclinic.com.

Lyerly Agency No. of U.S. employees: 9 N.C. location: Belmont Lyerly Agency allows flexibility for employees with families. Half-day Fridays allow employees to enjoy an extended weekend. Lyerly Agency fosters a family-style work environment with company members often eating lunch together. The company pays for 100 percent of employee benefits. lyerly.com.

Flexible work schedules, child care referral services and wellness programs are just a few ways businesses help make life easier for employees. In partnership with the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, Carolina Parent, Charlotte Parent and Piedmont Parent magazines reviewed submissions from North Carolina companies that honor family-friendly practices. Fifty were selected for a spot on our exclusive N.C. Family-Friendly 50 companies list. Included here are details about Charlotte-area companies. See page 34 to see all 50 companies that made the list.

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Speechcenter Inc. No. of U.S. employees: 75 N.C. locations: Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Boone Speechcenter helps parents meet child care needs by providing flexible scheduling and telecommuting options, and families may be eligible to receive reimbursement for child care services.

Employees are offered personal development assistance, therapy materials, travel reimbursements, home office materials and life insurance packages. speechcenter.net.

Find details about all the 2014 N.C. Family-Friendly 50 companies at ncfamilyfriendly.com.

{ 100-50 U.S. Employees } Charlotte Christian School No. of U.S. employees: 180 N.C. location: Charlotte Highlights of family-friendly programs include free, extended-

Providence Day school physical education teacher and varsity girls basketball head coach Josh Springer runs the track with his ďƒœ son and other students during the annual Turkey Trot.

day after-school child care on teacher workdays, fall family tailgates, parenting groups, retirement plan options and a generous time-off policy. Life, health, dental and vision insurance benefits are offered, and employees have access to a healthy dining program that offers a free gourmet lunch each day. charchrist.com.

Elliott Davis No. of U.S. employees: 488 N.C. locations: Charlotte and Raleigh Elliott Davis offers flexible schedules and workloads. Employees receive an additional discount on health insurance premiums by participating in employeepaid annual clinical health assessments.

Elliott Davis offers a maternity care program for expectant mothers, and provides child care and elder care referrals. elliottdavis.com.

L&E Research No. of U.S. employees: 150 N.C. locations: Raleigh and Charlotte Many employees work from home or part-time, and are paid based on productivity to allow for the most flexibility. L&E Research provides health, dental and vision insurance as well as necessary technology for employees to telecommute. Paid maternity and paternity leave, and child care resources and referral services are also offered. leresearch.com.

Mulkey Engineers & Consultants No. of U.S. employees: 131 N.C. locations: Cary and Charlotte Mulkey offers flexible schedules, telecommuting, a partnership with a nearby child care center, a wellness program and after-work family-friendly social events. Employees can bring children to work on school holidays or as necessary. mulkeyinc.com.

Providence Day School No. of U.S. employees: 300 N.C. location: Charlotte Providence Day School supports work-life balance by offering a health reimbursement account, an extendedday program for working parents, generous maternity/paternity leave, and a PDS Cares program that provides meals, and transportation to doctors’ appointments for families in times of need. providenceday.org.

{ 501-3,000 U.S. Employees } Alston & Bird LLP No. of U.S. employees: 1,602 N.C. Locations: Charlotte and Durham Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave are offered as well as paid walks, runs and bike rides for charitable causes. The firm provides 20 back-up care days per child yearly and three months paid parental leave for primary caregivers. It also supports adoptionrelated expenses and offers the College Coach Program to help prepare families for the college-planning process. alston.com.

Inmar No. of U.S. employees: 1,868 N.C. locations: Winston-Salem, Rural Hall and Charlotte Inmar provides health/dental and vision benefit plans from day one of employment. A wellness program designed to promote fitness and reduce obesity and tobacco use is offered for the whole family, and Inmar offers partnerships with local child care facilities. inmar.com.

OrthoCarolina No. of U.S. employees: 1,200 N.C. locations: Charlotte and multiple western N.C. locations OrthoCarolina offers flexible hours, varied days and job-sharing as well

as maternity/paternity leave, on-site lactation facilities, child care resources, paid time off and wellness options, such as fitness classes, a YMCA partnership and discounts, a 24-hour nurse line, and health coaching and classes. orthocarolina.com.

{ 3,001-10,000 U.S. Employees } BDO USA LLP No. of U.S. employees: 3,879 N.C. locations: Charlotte, Raleigh and High Point Through partnerships, BDO offers many resources to parents such as child care, back-up child care, education programs, resources for expecting parents and more. Flexible schedules are offered, and counseling is provided for marital, parental, financial, substance abuse and smoking cessation. Productivity and time management seminars are also offered. bdo.com.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina No. of U.S. employees: 4,659 N.C. Locations: Multiple locations throughout N.C. BCBSNC offers stress management, financial management and wellness workshops. On-site features include health clinics, gyms and lactation facilities. ParentNet ensures that all employees understand the benefits and offerings for parents. ParentLife is a resource center for prospective, new and working parents. There is also a WorkLife SuperStar contest held to recognize outstanding working parents. bcbsnc.com.

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companies were nominated and provided information How They Honored about benefits and programs via surveys and supporting employee Were testimonials. Information was reviewed at the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School in Chapel Hill, and the final list of selected Selected companies was determined in partnership with the business school.

TIAA-CREF No. of U.S. employees: 9,200 N.C. Locations: Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Durham A wide variety of services for employees are provided through the Employee Assistance Program, including child/adult care, shortterm counseling, a reimbursement program, and before and after school care. The EAP’s services are even extended to family members. An on-site health clinic is available, and a health advocate system helps employees navigate the health care system. tiaa-cref.org.

{ 10,001+ U.S. Employees } Bright Horizons Family Solutions No. of U.S. employees: 19,034 N.C. locations: Multiple locations throughout N.C. Bright Horizons provides a wide range of benefits such as a comprehensive employee assistance program, college tuition reimbursements, college counseling, child care discounts for employees, elder care resources and referral services, and remote and flexible scheduling options. brighthorizons.com.

work options. EY has been among Working Mom’s “Top 100 Companies” to work for 15 consecutive years. ey.com.

Fifth Third Bank No. of U.S. employees: 21,000 N.C. locations: Multiple locations throughout N.C. Flexible schedules are allowed to fit employees’ needs. Fifth Third Bank offers work/life balance seminars and programs that encourage stress management, healthy eating and exercising during the workday. In 2012, Fifth Third Bank was voted a leading company for employees with disabilities. 53.com.

IBM Corporation No. of U.S. employees: 100,000+ N.C. locations: Charlotte and RTP IBM has a long-standing belief in work-life balance for all employees including flex time, the ability to work from home, paid maternity leave, mental health assistance, lactation rooms on-site, financial support for adoptions, and assistance finding child care and elder care. us.ibm.com.

Ernst & Young LLP No. of U.S. Employees: 175,000 N.C. Locations: Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh The EY Assist program provides information to employees on topics ranging from nutrition to college admission to counseling. EY offers parental leave for mothers and fathers, lactation facilities and flexible

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IBM Take Our Children to Work Day - April 2014 

The 2014 N.C. Family-Friendly 50 Achieve Therapy Services Advanced Home Care Alston & Bird LLP The Angus Barn LTD ARCA Arts Together Arysta LifeScience North America Auto Logic Bayer CropScience BDO USA LLP Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Bright Horizons Family Solutions

IBM Corporation Inmar Integrated Laboratory Systems Kindermusik International L&E Research Lyerly Agency Mims Distributing Company Mulkey Engineers & Consultants Nationwide Insurance Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries Inc. OrthoCarolina

Capitol Broadcasting Company

Providence Day School

Caterpillar Inc. Building Construction Products Division

Replacements Ltd.

Charlotte Christian School Coastal Federal Credit Union Cognitect, Inc. Copernicus Group IRB Duke University & Health System

Qualcomm Research Square Rex Healthcare RTI International SciWorks Smart Start of Forsyth County Speechcenter Inc. The Steel Network Inc.

Durham Academy

TIAA-CREF

Elliott Davis

WakeMed Health and Hospitals

Ernst & Young LLP Fifth Third Bank Hill, Chesson & Woody Hope Community Church

Ward Black Law Workplace Options

FREE FREE

2014-2015

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PUBLICATION

WHY Music Therapy Works UNDERSTANDING Asperger’s

Does Diet Make a Difference?

ON STANDS NOW!

335

SPECIAL-NEEDS RESOURCES AND SERVICES

335 resources to help families of children with special needs thrive.

charlotteparent.com/exceptionalchild

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4 Things You Didn’t Know

Would Make You Happier at Work

BY CARSON TATE

Is putting work and happy in the same sentence an oxymoron? Yes? Let’s challenge that thinking and reconsider four things at work that can actually make you happier.

1. Routine tasks. Conventional thinking says that routines are boring. How can something boring actually make you happier?

It is not the routine tasks that actually make you happier, it is the time you gain through routine tasks. Neuroscience has shown that developing routines for tasks you frequently do embeds them in your brain creating a pattern. As a result, you actually spend less time and attention on that task.

2. Embrace challenging or stretch assignments that leverage your strengths. The project that seems overwhelming, the promotion that would require you learn an entire new division within your company, or the opportunity to transfer to your firm’s London office could all be considered challenging. However, it is in these challenging or stretch assignments that we most often experience flow. Psychologist Martin Seligman asserts that the flow state is one of the three main drivers of human happiness. When it gets too easy or too comfortable often times you are not in the flow. Go with the flow to find your happiness.

3. Turn off your email notification alarm. Constant interruptions and working on someone else’s agenda are not the ingredients for happiness at work. Turn off the notification pings and pop-up messages. When you turn off the incessant interruptions, two things happen: You take back control of your time — and control has been shown to be important for happiness — and you can focus your attention on your priorities.

4. Say yes. Traditionally, we are told to be happier we need to say “no” more often. While I agree with this, I actually think that to be happier at work we need to say “yes” more often. However, there is a caveat. When you say “yes,” say it with your full heart and mind, and know how each “yes” will make you happier. Say “yes” today and really mean it and see if you don’t smile.

Carson Tate is part coach, business consultant and professional organizer who is the founder and principal of Working Simply Inc. Tate will lead the breakout session “Work Simply. Live Fully” at our Moms@Work event, Sept. 26 at the Charlotte Convention Center. Details on page 37.

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Find a BALANCED approach TO YOUR 17th moms@work

BUSY LIFE

charlotteparent Friday, Sept. 26, 2014 Charlotte Convention Center, 7:30-11:45 a.m.

Join us for expert-led breakout sessions on stress

PRESENTED BY:

management, family finances and work-life balance, plus a continental breakfast, exhibitors and door prizes! Learn, laugh and make new connections as we celebrate working moms and the N.C. Family-Friendly 50 companies.

featuring:

TICKETS

Â

SONJA GANTT

CARSON TATE

PAULA GUILFOYLE

KELLY M. MEANY

Broadcast Veteran and anchor at WCNC-TV

Founder and Principal of Working Simply

Owner and President of Claim Leadership

District Manager and Vice President, Wells Fargo

$40/person $375/group of 10

charlotteparent.com/momsatwork Contact 704-248-5214 or advertising@charlotteparent.com about sponsorships and exhibitor space.

Charitable partner:

CharlotteParent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014

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WORKDAY Stats 48

the percent of working parents who fear family responsibilities could get them fired Source: Bright Horizons Family Solutions study

71%

OF ALL MOTHERS WORK OUTSIDE THE HOME Source: Pew Research Center

The date to mark on your calendar to attend Charlotte

$

1,415

median weekly earnings for full-time working woman with a college degree Source: knowlegecenter.com/Bureau of Labor Statistics

Early Bird Gets the Worm …

10.2% 75% of mothers with children ages 6-17 work outside the home

64% of mothers with children under age 6 work outside the home

57%

26.7%

of early birds feel overworked

of night owls feel overloaded

Source: Advise America

of mothers with children under age 1 work outside the home

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Parent’s Moms@Work event.

181 Source: National Partnership for Women and Families

The number of countries around the world that provide paid maternity leave. The U.S. is not part of this group.

Working parents spend more than half of their paid vacation time taking care of family responsibilities — especially during the summer months.

Source: Bright Horizons Family Solutions study

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G O! ETTING UT

COMPILED BY MIKALA YOUNG

September 2014 go. see. play.

6

15

19

26-27

Plaza Midwood Public Library 1623 Central Ave. 704-989-4885 foundation.cmlibrary.org/ rockandread

314 E. Plaza Drive, Mooresville 704-677-6714 terikidzconsign.com

ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center 300 E. 7th St. 704-416-4600 imaginon.org

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte Wells Fargo Playhouse at ImaginOn 300 E. 7th St. ctcharlotte.org

Head on over to Plaza Midwood for a morning of fun, laughter and celebration at the Rock and Read 5K Run Walk. Every member of the family can enjoy live music at every mile and a festival atmosphere at the finish line. The kids fun run and dash starts after the 5K. Help raise at least $25,000 for the library’s books and budget. 8-10 a.m. Kid’s Dash at 8:45 a.m. $5-$30.

Get ready for the fall season and find hundreds of gently used clothing, toys, furniture and more at the Teri Kidz Consignment Sale. Whether you’re looking for infant clothing for your baby who’s outgrown his clothes, shopping for seasonal clothing or looking to buy another stroller, with 22,000 square feet of chidren’s items for sale, you’ll likely find what you need. Sept. 14-20.

Whether the kids want a pet dinosaur or just love learning about them, Ed Bound’s Dakota and Friends is a chance for the family to meet “live” dinosaurs.

The realistic replicas are controlled from the inside to mimic real dinosaurs. A small camera inside Dakota, a life-size Deinonychus, allows the dino to see and react to children. Three baby triceratops usually tag along. 11:30 a.m. Free.

Discover what it means to grow up in a utopian world at the on-stage performance of "The Giver." Based on the book by Lois Lowry, the protagonist Jonah is chosen for special training to receive and keep the memories of the community. He learns the truth about life and many more valuable lessons along the way.

Recommended for ages 9+. 3 and 7:30 p.m. performances. $10.

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Fall Festivals and Fairs 1 MONDAY Cabarrus County Fair

Matthews Alive!. Celebrate Labor Day weekend with rides, amusements, carnival midway and games. $1 per ticket for rides. Sept 1. Mon., 9am-5pm.

Downtown Matthews, corner of John and Trade Streets. matthewsalive.org.

Yiasou Greek Festival. Enjoy homemade Greek food, rides for young children, art and shopping. $3, free for children 12 and under. Sept 4-7.

Thur., 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat., 11am-10pm; Sun., Noon-8pm. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 E. Blvd. yiasoufestival.org.

Cabarrus County Fair. State-of-the art rides, live concerts, and lots of family entertainment, including pig racing. $3-$7. Sept 5-13. Mon.-Fri., 4pm-11pm, Sat., 1pm-11pm, Sun., 1pm-10pm. Cabarrus Arena, 4751 NC Hwy. 49 N., Concord. 704-786-7221. cabarruscountyfair.com.

Festival of India, Sept. 13-14

20th Festival of India. Be dazzled by the richness of Indian culture. $5-$7.

Sept. 13-14. Fri.-Sat., Noon-7pm. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. indiafestival. iacofcarolinas.org/.

AutoFair. Marvel at the special collection of rare and unique vehicles.

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Kids can enjoy the Play Zone with bounce houses and face painters. $10; Kids under 13 free with adult. Sept 18-21. Thurs.-Sat. 8am-6pm; Sun. 8am-4pm. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy S., Concord. 704455-3267. charlottemotorspeedway.com.

Fiddle ‘n Pig Shindig Annual BBQ & Bluegrass Festival. Join other families on the lawn for food, live music and family activities. $5 on Friday, $6-$10 on Saturday. Sept 19-20.

Fri., 6pm; Sat., 11am. Anne Springs Greenway, 288 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill. 803-547-4575. ascgreenway.org.

Festival in the Park. Enjoy music, art, food and children’s activities in a fair-like atmosphere. Free. Sept 19-21.

Fri., 4-9:30pm; Sat., 10am-9:30pm; Sun., 11am-6pm. Freedom Park, 2435 Cumberland Ave. 704-338-1060. festivalinthepark.org.

Lincoln County Apple Festival.

Live entertainment, food, crafts, and children activities. Free.

Sept 20. 9am-4pm. Downtown Lincolnton, Main Street, Lincolnton. lincolncountyapplefestival.com.

Denver Days. Includes a student fun night and fun day for children with special needs. Free. Sept.

25-28. Wed., 4-10pm; Thurs., 1-10pm; Fri., 4-11pm; Sat. Noon-11pm.

Downtown Denver, 3635 N. Hwy 16. denverlakenormanrotary.com.

Day Out With Thomas. Take a 25-minute ride in a full size Thomas the Tank Engine, visit with a life-sized Percy, participate in storytelling, live music and build with Mega Blocks. $22-$24.

Sept. 26-Oct. 5. Fri.-Sat. 9am-5pm; Sun. 1-5pm. NC Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer.

704-636-2889. nctrans.org.

CharlotteParent.com

Mount Holly Arts and Music Festival. Live musical entertainment, vendors, food and a kids zone. Sept 26-27. Free. Fri., 6-10pm; Sat., 11am-10pm. Historic Downtown Mount Holly, 106 S. Main St., Mount Holly. 704-827-5262. mounthollyartsfestival.com.

Artfest of Matthews. View the works of more than 50 local artists that will be on display and for sale. Featuring a children’s hands-on art area with pottery lessons and craft making. Free.

Sept 27-28. Sat., 10am-5pm; and Sun., noon-5pm. Matthews Town Green, 232 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704847-4411. matthewsnc.gov.

Fall Into Fun Festival. Live entertainment, kid’s area that includes putt-putt and a cornhole tournament, and the South Carolina chili championship cook-off. Free. Sept 27.

10am-3pm. City of Light, 3000 World Reach Drive, Indian Land, S.C. 803-8047042. indianlandfallfestival.com.

Kaleidoscope Cultural Arts Festival. Enjoy magicians and jugglers, plus works by woodworkers, potters, and jewelry makers. Free.

Sept. 27. Noon-4pm. Downtown Kannapolis, 216 W. Ave., Kannapolis.

828-231-5037. kannapolisarts.com.

Day Out With Thomas, Sept. 26Oct. 5

Labor Day! Charlotte Kosher BBQ Championship.

Pickle- and watermelon-eating contests, live entertainment, a kids play zone and lots of barbecued food.

Free. 11am-3pm. Jewish Community Center, 5007 Providence Road. 704944-6835. charlottekosherbbq.com.

2 TUESDAY Afternoon Adventures. Develop literacy and critical-thinking skills through books and hands-on activities. Ages 5-11. Free. 5pm. Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road. 704-416-3000. cmlibrary.org.

Library Scavenger Hunt. Learn more about your library and the variety of resources available. Ages 5-11.

Free. 5pm. Scaleybark Library, 101 Scaleybark Road. 704-416-6400. cmlibrary.org.

3 WEDNESDAY Alphabet Tales. A back to basics story time that encourages a love of books and alphabet recognition. Ages 4-5.

Free. 11am. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 704-6642927. ci.mooresville.nc.us.

4 THURSDAY Harrison UMC Fall Children’s Consignment Sale. Great deals on gently used baby and toddler clothing, maternity clothing, baby equipment, bedding, toys, children’s furniture, strollers and more. Free.

Harrison United Methodist Church, 15008 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville. humcfaithcircle.org.

Listen and Move. Participate in stories, songs and movements that build gross motor skills. Free. 11:30am.

Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Drive. 704-416-4800. cmlibrary.org.

Tales for 2’s and 3’s. Have fun listening to stories and singing songs that will enhance early literacy skills. Ages 2-3.

daily calendar Free. 10am. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 704-664292. ci.mooresville.nc.us.

5 FRIDAY Covenant Community Preschool Consignment Sale. Shop for fall and winter clothes. Free. 6-9pm.

Covenant Community Preschool, 317 S. Chester St. 704-864-5675. covenantcommunitypreschool.com.

Harrison UMC Fall Children’s Consignment Sale. Great deals on gently used baby and toddler clothing, maternity clothing, baby equipment, bedding, toys, children’s furniture, strollers and more. Free.

9am-1pm. Harrison United Methodist Church, 15008 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville. humcfaithcircle.org.

Movies in the Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for outside entertainment. Come early to participate in giveaways and premovie entertainment. Free. 6pm.

North Mecklenburg Park, 16131 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville. 704-7662220. huntersville.org.

Movies in the Park. Come early for entertainment before the feature film “Despicable Me 2,” presented

by Radiant Life Fellowship Church.

Free. 7pm. Blythe Elementary, 12202 Hambright Road. moviesintheparkhuntersville.com.

Play with Me. Developmentally appropriate toys for children. Special community guests will be available to discuss child development and behaviors. Birth-3 years. Free. 10:30am.

Mooresville Public Library, 304 South Main St., Mooresville. 704-664-2927. ci.mooresville.nc.us.

Sensory Storytime. Songs, stories and movement specifically designed for children with autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration issues or other developmental disabilities.

Registration required. Free. 10:15am.

Matthews Library, 230 Matthews

Station St., Matthews. 704-416-5000. www.cmlibrary.org.

6 SATURDAY Backcountry Days. Celebrate the Piedmont backcountry featuring music by the Charlotte Folk Society, plus crafts and games. $7, free for children 5 and under. 1-5pm.

Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Drive. 704-568-1774. charlottemuseum.org.

Covenant Community Preschool Consignment Sale. Shop for fall and winter clothes. Congsignors receive 70 percent off of sales.

Free. 8am-noon. Covenant Community Preschool, 317 S. Chester St. 704-864-5675. covenantcommunitypreschool.com.

Family First: Sculptural Practice. Join the Harvey B. Gantt center and Daniel Stowe Botanical gardens to learn how to sculpt. $12, free for children and members. 10am-2pm. Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 704-825-4490. ganttcenter.org.

Harris Y Kids Konsignment Sale. A mega-sale of gently used clothes, toys, games, books and more.

Free. 8am-4pm. Harris YMCA, 5900 Quail Hollow Road. 704-716-6800. ymcacharlotte.org/branches/harris.

Harrison UMC Fall Children’s Consignment Sale. Great deals on gently used baby and toddler clothing, maternity clothing, baby equipment, bedding, toys, children’s furniture, strollers and more.

Free. 8am-noon. Harrison United Methodist Church, 15008 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville. humcfaithcircle.org.

Home Depot Kids Worshop. Build a Wizard of Oz birdhouse to take home.

Ages 5-12. Registration required. Free.

9am-noon. Home Depot Locations. workshops.homedepot.com.

LKN Mothers of Multiples Fall/Winter Consignment Sale. Cash-only sale incuding gently used children’s

and maternity clothing, toys and baby equipment. 7am-1pm. Brawley Middle School, 132 Swift Arrow Drive, Mooresville. lknmom.org.

Rock and Read 5K Run or Walk. Enjoy live music, a festival atmosphere, and kids’ dash to support and increase awareness about Charlotte public libraries. $5-$30. 8-10:30am. Plaza Midwood Public Library, 1623 Central Ave. 704-989-4885. foundation. cmlibrary.org/rockandread.

7pm. Sponsored by Duke Energy.

Free. 4-8pm. Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-8666900. schielemuseum.org.

10 WEDNESDAY Tales for 2’s and 3’s. Have fun listening to stories and singing songs to enhance early literacy skills. Ages 2-3.

Free. 10am. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 704-664292. ci.mooresville.nc.us.

7 SUNDAY

11 THURSDAY

Davidson Concerts on the Green.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics for a night of live music. Visit website for the full schedule. Free.

6-8pm. Davidson’s Village Green, Main Street and Concord Road, Davidson. concertsonthegreen.com/about.htm.

Harris Y Kids Konsignment Sale. A mega-sale of gently used clothes, toys, games, books and more.

Free. 1-3pm. Harris YMCA, 5900 Quail Hollow Road. 704-716-6800. ymcacharlotte.org/branches/harris.

Book Start Art. Learn about children’s book illustrator David Frampton, and extend learning through an art activity using the illustrator’s technique. Ages 5-11. Free. 3:30pm.

West Boulevard Library, 2157 West Blvd. 704-416-7400. cmlibrary.org.

Listen and Move. Participate in stories, songs, and movements that build gross motor skills. Free. 11:30am.

Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Drive. 704-416-4800. cmlibrary.org.

Summer Concert Series. Enjoy an evening of music with the family and visit the True Crafted Pizza food truck. Free. 6pm. Anne Springs Close Greenway, 288 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill. 803-547-4575. ascgreenway.org.

8 MONDAY Library Anniversary Celebration.

Celebrate West Boulevard Library’s 29th anniversary. Enjoy free programs and refreshments for the whole family. Free. 3pm. West Boulevard Library, 2157 West Blvd. 704-4167400. cmlibrary.org.

Sensory Storytime. Join this program filled with songs, stories and movement specifically designed for children with autism spectrum disorders, and other sensory integration issues. Free. 10:30am.

Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road. 704-4163000. cmlibrary.org.

9 TUESDAY Free Tuesday at The Schiele. Enjoy a late afternoon exploring exhibits and the nature trail. Stick around for a special showing of Skyquest at

12 FRIDAY Assurance UMC Children’s Consignment Sale. Items for sale include boys and girls clothing from newborn to size 16, strollers, toys, books, maternity clothes and more.

Free. 9am-7pm. Assurance United Methodist Church, 9700 Mt. HollyHuntersville Road, Huntersville. 704391-9567. assuranceumc.org.

Cloud 9 Consign. Children and teen consignment sale. Cash only. Free.

6-8:30pm. Southbrook Church, 5607 Monroe-Weddington Road, Weddington. 704-814-7372. cloud9consign.blogspot.com.

CharlotteParent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014

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Movies in the Park. Watch the movie “Planes” and enjoy free popcorn and soft drinks. Free. 6pm. Harrisburg Park, 191 Sims Pkwy., Harrisburg. 704-455-5614. harrisburgnc.org.

Orienteering at Night. Learn how to find your way at night in the woods with just a map and compass. Ages 12 and up. $6-$7. 6:30-11:30pm. Latta Plantation Nature Center, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 704-875-2312. parkandrec.com.

Sensory Storytime. Songs, stories and movement specifically designed for children with autism spectrum disorders or other developmental disabilities.

Registration required. Free. 10:15am.

Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews. 704-416-5000. cmlibrary.org.

Story Explorers. Explore books through interactive activities including math, science and games. Ages 5-11. Free.

3:30pm. Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews Mint Hill Road. 704-416-5200. cmlibrary.org.

13 SATURDAY Assurance UMC Children’s Consignment Sale. Items for sale include boys and girls clothing from newborn to size 16, strollers, toys, books, maternity clothes and more. Free. 8am-noon. Assurance United Methodist Church, 9700 Mt. HollyHuntersville Road, Huntersville. 704-3919567. assuranceumc.org.

Cloud 9 Consign. Children and teen consignment sale. Cash only. Free.

8-11:30am. Southbrook Church, 5607 Monroe-Weddington Road, Weddington.

704-814-7372. cloud9consign.blogspot.com.

Guiding Parents to Services ASD Workshop. An interactive program within Smart Start of Mecklenburg County for families of young children with an Autism Spectrum diagnosis. Free.

10:30am. ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St. 704416-4600. imaginon.org.

Musical Petting Zoo. Make your own music with woodwinds, brass, percussion and stringed instruments. Free. 11am.

ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St. 704-416-4600. cmlibrary.org.

Scales and Tails. Meet and greet some reptiles and amphibians that call the

Carolinas home. $8, includes museum admission. 10am-1pm. Charlotte Nature Museum, 1658 Sterling Road. 704-3726261. charlottenaturemuseum.org.

Sensory Storytime. Filled with songs, stories and movement specifically designed for children with autism spectrum disorders or other developmental disabilities. Ages 3-7. Registration required. Free. 10:15am.

South County Regional Library, 5801 Rea Road. 704-416-6600. cmlibrary.org.

14 SUNDAY Davidson Concerts On the Green. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics for a night of live music. Visit website for the full schedule. Free. 6-8pm. Davidson’s Village Green, Main Street and Concord Road, Davidson. concertsonthegreen.com/ about.htm.

15 MONDAY Sensory Storytime. Songs, stories and movement specifically designed for children with autism spectrum or other developmental disabilities. Registration required. Free. 11:15am. Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews Mint Hill Road. 704-4165200; and 10:30am. Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road.

704-416-3000. cmlibrary.org.

16 TUESDAY Cultural Exploration: Hispanic Heritage Month. Learn the basic steps for and history of Latin dance styles, including salsa, bachata, and merengue. Ages 5-11.

Free. 4pm. West Boulevard Library, 2157 West Blvd. 704-416-7400. cmlibrary.org.

Rookie Science. Discover the world of science through books, hands-on educational activities, and experiments.

Ages 5-11. Free. 5pm. Beatties Ford Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road.

704-416-3000. cmlibrary.org.

17 WEDNESDAY Preschool Storytime: For Me, for You, for Later. Learn about financial literacy skills through making choices and decisions.

Learn how people, things and money have value. Ages 3-5. Free. 10:30am.

Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road. 704-416-3000. cmlibrary.org.

NASCAR racers and big wins on exhibit at the Rockin’ and Racin’ Exhibit at NASCAR Hall of Fame.

on exhibit DISCOVERY PLACE Alien Worlds and Androids. Join scientists in their search for alien life within and beyond our solar system, discover strange alien like creatures found here on Earth, and learn about the technologies used to explore remote solar systems and extreme environments found on Earth. $12-$15, includes museum admission. Through Sept. 14. Mon.-Fri., 9am-4pm; Sat., 10am-6pm; Sun., Noon-5pm. 704-372-6261. discoveryplace.org.

301 N. Tryon St.

IMAGINON: THE JOE AND JOAN MARTIN CENTER Once Upon a Time ... Exploring the World of Fairy Tales. Explore all of the classic fairy tale stories in an extravagant way. Free. Through Sept 7. Tues.Thurs., 10am-7pm; Fri.-Sat., 10am-5pm. 704-416-4600. imaginon.org.

300 E. 7th St.

NASCAR HALL OF FAME Rockin’ & Racin’ Exhibit. Explore artifacts including the 1959 Chevrolet Corvette featured in a famous country star’s music video. Starting at $17.95, free for children under 5. Through Jan. 2, 2015. Mon.-Sun., 10am-6pm.

704-654-4400. nascarhall.com. 400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

FUN

For more things to do and F U N to see what’s happening next month, go to CharlotteParent.com /calendar CharlotteParent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014

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101 Dalmations at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte Sept. 19-Oct.19.

18 THURSDAY

23 TUESDAY

Listen and Move. Participate in stories, songs and movements that build gross motor skills. Free. 11:30am.

Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Drive. 704-416-4800. cmlibrary.org.

Water for Wildlife. Learn how to make water features that serve local wildlife.

Free. 7-8pm. Rogers Hall, Queens University of Charlotte, 1900 Selwyn Ave. crown-clt.weebly.com/.

Storytime in the Secret Garden. Share a story of Peter Rabbit followed by a walk through bunny paradise. Enjoy a snack and the children’s garden afterwards. $5 for non-members.

10-11am. Wing Haven Gardens, 248 Ridgewood Ave.704- 331-0664. winghavengardens.com.

19 FRIDAY

on stage CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CHARLOTTE 101 Dalmatians. Follow Pongo, Missis and their two lovable dalmatians that are trying to rescue their puppies from the clutches of the scheming Cruella de Vil and her bumbling henchmen. $12. Sept. 19-Oct.19. See website for list of times. 704-973-2828. ctcharlotte.org.

The Giver. Watch the adventure’s Jonah must go on to discover his world and his destiny. Ages 9 and up. $10. Sept. 26-27. Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 3 and 7:30pm.

704-973-2828. ctcharlotte.org. 300 E. 7th St.

PNC MUSIC PAVILION One Direction: Where We Are Tour. See the English-Irish pop band up close in the Queen City. $95+. Sept. 27. 7pm. ticketmaster.com. 707 Pavilion Blvd.

The Charlotte Parent calendar lists free and low-cost local events targeted to children and families. Time, dates and details subject to change. Call venue to confirm.

Want to get listed? Go to CharlotteParent.com/calendar, then click on Submit an Event.

CALENDAR POLICY:

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CharlotteParent.com

Dakota and Friends. Meet and interact with Dakota, an life-size dinosaur, and his friends. Free. 11:30am. ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St. 704-416-4600. imaginon.org.

Sensory Storytime. Songs, stories and movement specifically designed for children with autism spectrum disorders or other developmental disabilities. Registration required.

Free. 10:15am. Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews.

704-416-5000. ; and 1pm. University City Regional Library, 301 E. W. T. Harris Blvd. 704-416-7200. cmlibrary.org.

20 SATURDAY Bags in the ‘Burg and Market on Main. Enjoy a kids area that includes face painting, inflatables and a cornhole tournament. Free.

10am-2pm. Harrisburg Town Center and Veteran’s Park, 4100 Main St., Harrisburg. 704-455-5614. harrisburgnc.org.

Be Great 8K and Fun Run. Join The Boys and Girls Clubs of York County and the Kiwanis Club of Rock Hill to raise awareness and funds for their programs serving students in York County. $25-$30. 8am. Winthrop University, 701 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill.

803-324-7920. bgcyc.org.

22 MONDAY Creating with Books. Listen to stories and extend learning through a variety of hands-on activities. Ages 5-11.

Free. Monday 2pm. University City Regional Library, 301 E. W.T. Harris Blvd. 704-416-7200. cmlibrary.org.

24 WEDNESDAY Tales for 2’s and 3’s. Have fun listening to stories and singing songs that will enhance early literacy skills. Ages 2-3.

Free. 10am. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 704-664292. ci.mooresville.nc.us.

25 THURSDAY Listen and Move. Participate in stories, songs, and movements that build gross motor skills. Free. 11:30am.

Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Drive. 704-416-4800. cmlibrary.org.

26 FRIDAY 17th Annual Moms@Work Conference.

Explore strategies and approaches for balancing a successful career and a happy home. Breakout sessions include “Cut Yourself a break” and “Work Simply. Live Fully.” Adults only. Registration required. $35.

7:30am-noon. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. 704344-1980. charlotteparent.com/ momsatwork.

Bug Ball. Put on a pair of wings and dress as your favorite bug. Festivities include activities, games, butterfly dancers, silent auction, special foods and drinks. . Registration required. $10 and up. 5:30-9pm. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont. 704-825-4490. dsbg.org.

Movies on the Green at Promenade on Providence. Enjoy an evening watching the feature film “The Lego

Movie.” Free. 7-10pm. Promenade on Providence, Providence Road and Ballantyne Pkwy. http:// promenadeonprovidence.com/.

PWS Children’s Consignment Sale.

Shop for baby and children’s clothing and gear, toys and maternity items.

Free. Call for times. First Presbyterian Church Gastonia, 1621 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-864-2651. presbyterianweekdayschool.org.

Rockin’ and Reelin’ Summer Movie and Music Series. Watch the film “Bad Romeo” under the stars.

Free. 7pm. Pineville Lake Park, 1000 Johnston Drive. 704-889-2400. townofpineville.com.

27 SATURDAY Back to Home-School Fair. Learn about different home-school options, plus activities including face painting. Free.

2-4pm. Beatties Ford Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road. 704-4163000. cmlibrary.org.

Family Hiking Day. Introduce the kids to hiking and the benefits that come from being active and spending time outdoors. Free. 10am-noon. Anne Springs Close Greenway, 288 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill. 803-547-4575. ascgreenway.org.

National Family Empowerment Conference Family Fest. Wear something representing what you love, play in the kids’ corner, and enjoy a fashion show. 9am-6pm. Carole A. Hoefener Center, 610 E. 7th St. 704567-5118. yenergyfoundation.org.

Preschool Storytime: Daddy and Me. Hear stories, sing songs, and develop reading skills. Ages 3-5 with male caregiver. Free. 10:30am. South County Regional Library, 5801 Rea Road. 704-416-6600. cmlibrary.org.

PWS Children’s Consignment Sale.

Shop for infant and children’s clothing and gear, toys and maternity items.

Free. Call for times. First Presbyterian Church Gastonia, 1621 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-864-2651. presbyterianweekdayschool.org.

Sensory Friendly Films: “Dolphin Tale 2.” Bring your own gluten-free, casein-free snacks. $4-$6. 10am. AMC

Concord Mills, 8421 Concord Mills Blvd.; and and AMC Carolina Pavilion, 9541 South Blvd., Charlotte. autismsociety.org.

Kids put on their fairy wings and bug costumes for the annual Bug Ball. 

28 SUNDAY Early American Cornhusking. Visit the Backcountry Farm to learn about the uses of corn and grind corn by hand. $7-$10, includes museum admission.

1-5pm. The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-8666900. schielemuseum.org.

PWS Children’s Consignment Sale.

Shop for infant and children’s clothing and gear, toys and maternity items.

Free. Call for times. First Presbyterian Church Gastonia, 1621 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 704-864-2651. presbyterianweekdayschool.org.

Sunday Fun Day: Dots, Dashes and Paint splashes. Color “outside the lines” with splashy painting projects. $6 for adults, free for kids. 1-4pm. Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St.704337-2000. mintmuseum.org.

29 MONDAY Read and Recycle. Re-purpose used books to create usable items. Ages 12 and up. . Free. 5pm. Cornelius Library, 21105 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. 704416-3800. cmlibrary.org.

Sensory Storytime. Join this program filled with songs, stories and movement specifically designed for children with autism spectrum or other developmental disabilities.

Registration required. Free. 11:15am.

Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews Mint Hill Road. 704-416-5200. cmlibrary.org.

30 TUESDAY Read with Baron the Dog. Read a book to Baron, the lovable long-haired German Shepherd, a certified therapy dog. Free. 3:30pm. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville.

704-664-2927. ci.mooresville.nc.us.

Rookie Science. Discover the world of science through books, handson educational activities, and experiments. Ages 5-11. Free. 4pm.

Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road. 704-416-5200. cmlibrary.org.

All Abuzz About the Bug Ball

BY MIKALA YOUNG

O

n Friday, Sept.

26, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, will “wow” more than 300 guests at the annual Bug Ball. The fundraiser event invites both old and young to dress the part by wearing their favorite bug costumes. The night is created for families, so plan to let the kids loose for activities, including a caterpillarcrazed inflatable. Take fun photos inside the insect photo booth, and create nature-inspired bug frames and fly-swatter art. Charlotte Youth Ballet also performs.

A silent auction gives an opportunity for parents to silently bid packages perfect for family outings with all proceeds going to support school programs at the garden.

Children and families of all ages are encouraged to attend the event that begins at 5:30 p.m. Registration is required, and deadline to get tickets is Sept. 19. Ticket costs vary based on the fundraiser package you choose, starting with the Caterpillar package at $10 for ages 3 and under, up to the Venus Flytrap package priced at $75.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden offers programs throughout the year for school groups and families, including instructor-led programs or self-guided tours with a variety of topics in gardening, plant science, nature and outdoors. Call 704-825-1252 or find information at dsbg.org.

CharlotteParent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014

47

Excursion High Rock Lake

BY MICHELE HUGGINS

hile I understand that some people shutter at the idea of pitching a tent and sleeping under the stars, it’s a shame to miss out on the beauty of North Carolina’s lakes and great outdoors. Plus an evening spent making s’mores and watching a crackling fire while listening to crickets under the stars is something to share as a family, and a trip that is often not forgotten.

At High Rock Lake Campground and Marina, you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city without pitching a tent or losing all the comforts of home. The private campground has 10 lakeside, air-conditioned cabins to rent that each

W

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sleep four to six people.

Each cabin has a covered porch, refrigerator and electricity, as well as a shower and bathroom. The six-person cabin we stayed in had a loft, which was lots of fun for the kids when they wanted a break from the outdoor activities.

Fishing and boating are two ways to wile away the day on this tranquil part of High Rock Lake. Live minnows or worms can be purchased at the office/ convenience store/snack bar located at the campground.

You can fish by your cabin or off the larger dock near the office. If you have a boat, you can tie up at a dock by your cabin ($5 fee per day), but if you don’t have your own boat, you can also do a half- or full-

CharlotteParent.com

day pontoon boat rental.

Swimming in the lake by the campground isn’t allowed (though there are nearby beach access points by car or boat), but kids who love water can kick around in the large in-ground pool. After they dry off from a swim, the playground and basketball court await.

No need to bring along a coffee maker. Get your morning cup-of-joe at the store. First cup is free, and any after that costs a few dimes. A charcoal grill and picnic table make it easy to cook beside your homeaway-from-home, or you could opt for a breakfast sandwich, grilled cheese, burger or hot dog from the

TOP: Cast a line from the shore at High Rock Lake Campground and Marina.

snack bar inside CENTER: One view the store. from the campground.

Lexington, known for its wood-smoked barbecue and vinegar-andketchup-based sauce, is only a half-hour drive down the road, making barbecue another good meal choice.

After dinner or for a midafternoon treat, pop into the store snack bar for a scoop of ice cream on a sugar cone.

Cabin rentals range from $69-$85 per night. Find out more at highrocklakecampground.com.

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DADDY DEREK

BY DEREK JAMES

Helping Your Kids Make Good Cents

Tyler, 5, enjoys a good game of Parcheesi.

I

n last month’s column I talked about how my oldest son Tyler wanted a Wii U for his sixth birthday and how I refurbished my wife’s old original Nintendo and gave it to him instead.

We felt spending more than $300 on a video game system for a preschooler probably wasn’t the best move. Tyler’s birthday has come and gone, and he still occasionally talks about wanting a Wii U, especially after he plays the demo version at Target.

Tyler has a savings account at our credit union that is made up of about $75 from piggy bank withdrawals.

Nana and Pop Pop fund it with change for him. We have a separate investment account for birthday gift money. When Tyler first asked us for the game system, we told him that if he saved up enough money to buy it

himself he could have it. We did that knowing that by the time that would happen he’d want something else.

Tyler thought he had found a solution for his lack of cash. “Daddy, if you sell people your gold things they’ll give you lots of money for them! I’m going to sell them my gold tee ball and soccer trophies,” he explained. Tyler told me how he saw some Cash for Gold ads on TV. Is Nickelodeon running them or is he secretly watching Fox News Channel when I’m not looking? I didn’t have the heart to tell him they weren’t real gold. I just told him they were too special to sell.

Tyler has learned about the connection between work and money, why we must save in order to get the things we want and that Daddy only

gets Starbucks on special occasions because it’s way too expensive. I read somewhere that kids’ money habits are formed by the age of 7, so it’s important to start early.

My wife and I are big believers in the teachings of financial expert Dave Ramsey. She’s always been a saver; I’d always been a spender. Listening to Ramsey’s radio show and reading his books finally knocked some money sense into me. We’re currently working our “debt snowball” in order to become debt free except for our home. I was excited to recently have Dave’s daughter Rachel Cruze on WCCB News Rising to discuss a new book she and her dad have written called “Smart Money Smart Kids.”

Tyler already has some of the basic principals she and her father recommend in the book. Cruze says our kids need to learn about working, spending, saving, giving and debt as soon as we can start teaching them.

You can start as early as 3- or 4-yearsold. Cruze says the envelope system with envelopes for spending, saving and giving can go a long way.

The concept of debt may take a bit longer. Tyler doesn’t completely understand it yet. As long as he has it figured before he heads off to college, we’re good. I’m not going to let him make the same mistake I did of signing up for a credit card with an APR higher than 20 percent. I don’t want him to ever have to sell those “gold” trophies to pay his bills.

Derek James is a host on WCCB News Rising, and lives with his wife and two sons, ages 3 and 6. Read more from James in his Daddy Derek blog at CharlotteParent.com/blogs.

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