Charlotte Parent Charlotte Sep 2018 by Morris Media Network

September 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ Free

IS YOUR SMARTPHONE AFFECTING YOUR KID?

New Mom, NEW BIZ Launching a new business with a baby in tow

MOM Getaways

Consignment Sales

Fall Festivals and Fairs 1

charlotteparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2018

CONTENT â&#x20AC;ş SEPTEMBER 2018

New Baby, New Business Meet local entrepreneurs who launched their businesses as new moms with infants in tow

Put Down the Digital Device How is your time on a smartphone affecting your children?

4 Well-Deserved Mom Getaways Refresh, recharge and reset at these nearby destinations

Seeing the Color of Culture Why we should be teaching our children to recognize differences in race, color and culture

5 Fall Festivals Not to Miss From cultural and culinary to playful and artistic, top picks for fall-fest fun

IN EVERY ISSUE 5 10 11 24 32

FYI Growing Up Families Managing Media Excursion Daddy Derek

CALENDAR 25 26 27 29 30

Our Picks Daily Calendar Festivals and Fairs On Stage Fall Consignment Sales

22 charlotteparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2018

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Being Mindful in Times of Mayhem morrismedianetwork.com

friend recently told me about a

EDITOR

Michele Huggins

handy app called Calm that she

ART DIRECTOR

uses for some quick mindfulness

and meditation. The app comes with guided meditations for helping with anxiety and stress, stories to help promote better sleep, and calming music. What I liked best about my friend’s mention of the app is when she followed with “if anybody can use some calm, it’s a mom.” I couldn’t agree more. Becoming a parent includes the joys of boundless love and bonds that grow with your child, but parenthood also comes with a

Melissa Stutts

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load of responsibility, learning experiences, uncertainty, life changes and fielding good and bad curveballs. Add those responsibilities in with the usual routine of work and life, and balancing it all is like a monkey teetering on a see-saw juggling 10 balls at once (or maybe that’s just how I feel sometimes). Work-life balance is something I think most parents agree is just a nice bundle of words to disguise the chaos that comes and goes with work, life, kids’ school schedules, extracurricular activities and the life of parenting. One week, month or year you may be in the perfect flow, but then in a flash it can all change. But as the saying goes, you can’t

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take care of anyone if you don’t take care of you. Two moms that know a little bit about the juggling act of working and parenting are Sarah Baucom and Sarah Hamer. Both Sarahs started new businesses while also adjusting to being new moms with infants. If you’ve ever considered starting your own business, be sure to read their stories on page 12 for insight into how to make it work and a plethora of great resources to get your business idea off the ground. When you need some time for you, consider some of the nearby getaways mentioned in the story on page 18 that are within an hour’s drive. From Ballantyne to Lake Norman, there are plenty of places to relax and recharge.

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September is also the start of fall festival season. Take advantage of cooler temperatures enjoying some of Charlotte’s best festivals. We share five of our favorites on page 22, and then check out the full round-up of fairs and festivals on page 27. Wherever you find yourself this month, be present, be mindful and try to take a deep breath for being in that moment.

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

SEPTEMBER 2018 | charlotteparent.com

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

Special Connections CLT Parents, therapists and educators share their experiences, challenges and triumphs throughout their journeys of raising children with special needs in the blog Special Connections CLT.

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

Win Tickets to Disney on Ice Rev up for fun on the ice with four favorite Disney stories at Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment Sept. 27-30 at Spectrum Center in uptown Charlotte. Enter to win a family four-pack of tickets on us.

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Credit: Feld Entertainment

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SEPTEMBER 2018 | charlotteparent.com

Grandparents’ Day in the Queen City

Support Pediatric Cancer Research at the Isabella Santos Foundation 5K/10K for Kids Cancer. Photo by Beth Wade

Grandparents’ Day is Sept. 9. Try these simple ways to show Grandma and Grandpa that you care.

Run to Support Pediatric Cancer Research Grab your running shoes and craziest purple gear, and join the Isabella Santos Foundation for its 11th annual 5K/10K for Kids Cancer and 1-mile Fun Run happening Sept. 29 in Ballantyne Corporate Park. The family-friendly event provides fun for the entire family, including food and refreshments, a silent auction and raffle, and a Kids Zone with games, face painting, slides, jump house and photo booth. Race activities take place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. with the Kids Fun Zone and Silent Auction/Raffle open from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. “Our annual 5K and 10K for Kids Cancer brings our community together to help celebrate Isabella’s life, raise funds for pediatric cancer research and to commemorate Childhood Cancer Awareness Month,” says Erin Santos, executive director and president of the Isabella Santos Foundation. “This is a fun, family-friendly event so we encourage people of all ages to join us in running or walking and turning Ballantyne into a sea of purple. Four-legged friends are welcome too.” Registration fees vary and participants may register individually or as a team. Participants can further support the cause by creating a personal fundraising page and raising donations. Those not able to join the race can register as a phantom runner and receive a T-shirt through the mail. For more information or to register, visit isabellasantosfoundation.org.

Farm to Fork Event Comes to Charlotte Make plans to attend the Farm to Fork in the Garden, hosted by the Piedmont Culinary Guild, at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Sept. 23. The event is a celebration of the local food community and the people who work so hard to bring local foods to restaurant plates yearround. The event includes 20 different tasting stations, where chefs and farmers are paired together to create and craft a dish that features locally sourced ingredients. Chefs attending include Paul Verica from The Stanley, Ashley Boyd from 300 East, Andrew Dodd from Stagioni to name only a few. Bring a blanket to spread out on the lawn and enjoy live music, hear talks on sustainability and eating well, shop the local purveyor’s pavilion and enjoy craft beverages from local brewers, wineries and distillers. Bring the kids along to enjoy a day frolicking at Lost Hollow Children’s Garden while you sample some tasty creations for some of North Carolina’s finest chefs. Tickets are $85 for adults, and children under 12 are admitted free with a paying adult.

Explore the great outdoors on a nature hike at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. The “Plants With Grandparents” hike celebrates National Grandparents’ Day while also throwing in some plant education.

Take time to stop and smell the flowers at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens or the botanical gardens and greenhouses at UNC Charlotte.

Help Grandma bake her blue-ribbon apple pie, but first, bring the whole family to pick their own farm-fresh apples. Windy Hill Orchard expects this season’s apples to be ripe for the picking in early September.

Send a homemade card. Whipping out glue, glitter, paint and markers may sound like a mess, but you and your child can make more than a card — you’re making memories.

charlotteparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2018

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FYI | education

“Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog” “Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog: Gameday in the Carolinas,” written by Marnie Schneider, granddaughter of former Philadelphia Eagles owner Leonard Tose, and her daughter, Goldie, follows young football fan Fredricka (Freddie) and her dog Fumble on a tour of the history and highlights of the Carolinas culminating in an exciting Carolina Panthers’ football game. Throughout the book, Freddie and Fumble tour a variety of historical sites in the Carolinas including the Arthur Ravenel Junior Bridge in Charleston, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ dinosaur exhibit, the site of the first flight in Kitty Hawk, and a stop to thank service members at Fort Bragg, before arriving in the Queen City to cheer on their local teams. A portion of the proceeds from book sales support USOs of North and South Carolina and local animal shelters. The book is available online at footballfreddie.com.

Text ReadCLT to 70138 to receive Ready4K text messages with ageappropriate tips on boosting reading skills.

Bank of America Challenge Grant to Benefit READ Charlotte and Third Grade Reading Outcomes Bank of America has issued a challenge grant to Read Charlotte, pledging $50 for every parent or caregiver that enrolls in Ready4K text messages in the 2018-2019 school year, up to a total of $100,000. Read Charlotte brought Ready4K to Charlotte-Mecklenburg in 2017 as a free and easy source of tips and advice for families to help prepare their kids for Kindergarten. About 2,500 local families with children age 5 and younger have received a total of about 340,000 text messages thus far. The texts, which are available in English and Spanish, deliver age-appropriate tips and advice proven to boost learning in young children. This fall, Ready4K is expanding and is now available for Mecklenburg County families with children from birth through third grade. The K-3 content spans across language and literacy development, socioemotional learning and even early math. “Empowering families to support literacy at home is one of our key strategies in getting 80 percent of our third graders reading proficiently by 2025. We know that Ready4K is a powerful tool to make it easier for families to know what to do,” says Read Charlotte executive director Munro Richardson. To receive Ready4K text messages, text ReadCLT to 70138 or complete the online form at readcharlotte.org/text.

Corvian Community School Opens Doors to new High School Corvian Community School opened its first high school with the start of the 2018-19 school year. The public charter school, currently serving children in grades K-9, puts a focus on health and wellness to guide students to a happy, healthy life and to be well-equipped for the future. The 70,000-square-foot high school facility sits on nine wooded acres. There is a Black Box Theater, two-story commons area with a grand staircase, area for dining, studying and collaborating, and a media nook with soft seating and a 72-inch electric fireplace, plus a fab lab for students to use as a platform for innovation and invention. A state-of-the-art weight room showcases a treadmill, elliptical, rowing machine, free weights, and three TRX systems. It also houses a regulation-size gym with seating for over 300 people. Multipurpose fitness rooms are available for dance, yoga and other classes. Two large art studios with potters’ wheels and kilns, and custom biology and chemistry labs enhance 21st-century learning. Learn more about the newly opened high school at corvian.org.

SEPTEMBER 2018 | charlotteparent.com

The additional number of psychologists, counselors and social workers employed across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district for the 2018-19 year. Source: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

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FYI | health

Mindfulness to Reduce Stress at Work and Home A modest amount of stress can be normal at home and work, but sustained levels of stress can be harmful and may lead to numerous health issues, and affect professional and family relationships. With practice, mindfulness can break habitual patterns of thinking, judging, feeling and acting, and can improve better decision making throughout the day. Dr. Laura Snyder, regional director, Health Strategies for UnitedHealthcare suggest the following mindful breath exercises when noticing that twinge of tightness, anxiety or stress that many of us experience during the day. 1. Bring awareness to your body and the sense of the natural breath in the body. 2. Inhale through the nose, and exhale either through the nostrils or through the mouth as if breathing out through a straw. 3. Repeat the inhale, and then the exhale. Notice the air entering the body, the pause after the in-breath and the air leaving the body on the out breath. 4. Focus on this technique for five to seven minutes, slowly inhaling and then slowly exhaling.

Time to Schedule an Eye Exam Studies show that up to 80 percent of learning is visual and vision changes can occur without a child even noticing. Clear, comfortable vision doesn’t just make it easier to read what the teacher writes on the blackboard, it also helps children process and remember what’s being taught. In addition, children today have more digital tools at their disposal than ever before, including tablets, smart phones, e-readers and videogames for both educational and personal use. To decrease chances of acquiring digital eye strain, or minimize the cosmetic condition Resting Squint Face, MyEyeDr. shares pointers for parents to ensure their student’s eyes are healthy as they head into the new school year. Arrange an eye-friendly workspace. Organize a space in your home that optimizes workflow without straining your student’s eyes. Position the desk so that digital devices are sitting at least 20 inches away from their face to decrease eye strain. Schedule breaks. Encourage children to give their eyes a break. Whether this is short and simple, incorporating the 20-20-20 rule by looking away from digital devices at an object on the wall, at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes; or breaking up the day with some time outside, limiting digital device usage can reduce the harmful effects increased exposure can have on the eyes. Schedule an annual eye exam. Headaches, clumsiness, decreased attention span and poor academic performance can all be related to vision impairment or not wearing the right prescription. Adhere to an “every kid, every year” mantra for back to school eye exams. Healthy vision is essential to a child’s ability to learn and achieve their academic potential, as well as playing sports and other activities.

Trust Your Gut: Sick Care After Hours When your child isn’t feeling well and the pediatrician’s office is closed, does your child need to be seen right away? Dr. Kym Selden, a pediatrician with Novant Health Pediatrics Lake Norman, says the answer isn’t always clear-cut, however, there are some general tips to help you make your decision. As a general rule of thumb, if it’s something you’d take your child to their pediatrician for but it can’t wait until morning, you should visit a pediatric urgent care clinic. Urgent care is the best option for injuries and illnesses that do not require 9-1-1 but still need to be treated right away. If your child, however, shows fast or labored breathing, has severe or persistent vomiting, faints or has a loss of consciousness or a seizure or is an infant less than 3 months old with a fever higher than 100.4 degrees, head to the emergency room. charlotteparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2018

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FYI | people Charlotte Independence professional soccer player Jorge Herrera with his wife Carolina and sons Emiliano, 3, and Jeronimo, 10.

Get to Know: Jorge Herrera BY MICHELE HUGGINS

orge Herrera plays soccer for the Charlotte Independence soccer team, an expansion team of the United Soccer League. He and his wife Emily are parents to Jeronimo, age 10, and Emiliano, age 3.

Where in Charlotte do you live? Where did you grow up? I grew up in Colombia, South America. I was born in Bogota, Columbia and moved to Neiva, a city south of Bogota, when I was 3 years old and came back to Bogota when I was 11. We now live in Stallings, North Carolina. Tell us about your job. What do you like most about it? What are the challenges? My job is to play professional soccer for the Charlotte Independence soccer team, although my main job is to be a husband and dad. What I like the most about my job is the many places and people that I

have met throughout my career. I wouldn’t say challenges, but my work’s schedule is tricky to handle some time. What’s the hardest part of juggling family life and work life? The hardest part is when I have to travel for away games and my family stays home. I would love to have them in the stands for every game that I’m playing on but that’s not possible many times. What is your favorite thing about raising a family in Charlotte? The community. We have been very fortunate to be surrounded by this amazing community that has been

SEPTEMBER 2018 | charlotteparent.com

helping and supporting us in so many ways since we got here. So, muchas gracias Charlotte.

that his little brother. I feel terrible afterwards.

Best advice ever received: Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.

What are three things you can’t live without? 1. God. 2. Family. 3. Friends.

Proudest parenting moment: When my kids tell me “Te amo papá” (I love you Papa).

What is your favorite Instagram account? @carovargas51

Lowest parenting moment: One of the moments that I don’t feel like the best dad in the world is when my kids start bothering each other and I ended up being harder on my oldest son because I think he should understand me better

Last book read? “Cómo Pastorear el Corazón de Su Hijo” (Shepherding a Child’s Heart) by Tedd Tripp. What inspires you? Jesus Christ

Join us at the 2018

Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier school fair is back!

Saturday, October 13, 12-4 PM Spirit Square Uptown 345 N. College St. Meet one-on-one with representatives from the top Charlotte-area schools from grades pre-K through 12 at Charlotte Parent and Charlotte magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3rd annual School Fair.

This FREE event is fun for the whole family!

Learn more at CharlotteParent.com/schoolfair

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSOR

charlotteparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2018

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GROWING UP ELEMENTARY YEARS

Be sure second- and third-story windows cannot be open more than four inches to prevent accidental falls.

Beyond Baby Gates Keeping kids safer at home BY MALIA JACOBSON

ith less time away from a caregiver’s gaze than kids enjoyed a few decades ago, children today may be the most supervised generation yet. Even with more caregiver supervision, one fact remains, kids are prone to accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accidental falls and injuries are still the leading cause of death for children under age 14, and most accidents occur in or around a child’s home. “While we can’t eliminate every possibility, our best defense is to make our homes as safe as possible,” says child-proofing expert Kenny Lynerd, owner of Child Safe Home Inc. in Cary, North Carolina. Here’s how to keep kids safer, from birth through the teen years.

EARLY YEARS

Splash Guard Mention baby-proofing and most new parents think of baby gates and cabinet latches. While these items are important — baby gates should be screw-mounted at the top and bottom of all staircases — they don’t address all household hazards. “Baby gates and cabinet latches are great ways to keep your babies and young children away from dangerous areas and items in your home. However, there are many other dangers in the home that you might not think of as a new parent,” says Annie Trostel, health education specialist in the Center for Childhood Injury Prevention at Texas

SEPTEMBER 2018 | charlotteparent.com

Children’s Hospital. Take the bathroom — a space brimming with potential safety hazards, from cleaning and grooming products to the water in the toilet. Use doorknob covers to keep toddlers out of the bathroom, and move hazardous products like rubbing alcohol, nail polish, polish remover, cleaning products, bath salts and perfumes into an upper cabinet — preferably secured with a latch. Use toilet locks to keep the toilet lid closed. Top-heavy tots can tip into the bowl and drown in just a few inches of water, Trostel says.

Window Wellness Childhood safety hazards don’t disappear once kids outgrow baby gates. Falls from secondor third-story windows send thousands of kids to the hospital each year, and parents may not think about securing windows when kids grow past toddlerhood. Never assume that a window screen can prevent a fall, says Stopat4, a child window-fall prevention organization. Its guideline for window safety is easy to remember: Kids shouldn’t be able to open windows more than four inches. This means installing window stops on windows within a child’s reach, or child-safe window guards for windows that you may want to open more than four inches. If you’re building a home or installing new windows, ask about built-in limiting devices to keep windows from opening wider than four inches. Teach children never to sit or play on windowsills, no matter how inviting they seem, and move all furniture that kids can climb onto away from windows, Lynerd says. TEEN YEARS

First-Aid Brigade Make teens safety stakeholders by enlisting their help in assembling and maintaining one or several family first-aid kits. First, pick an easy-to-access spot for your kit — one that is simple to point out to babysitters and visiting relatives. Choose a durable, cleanable container — a small fishing tackle box or hard-side makeup kit works well. Find a list of recommended items for a family-size first-aid kit on the American Red Cross website at redcross.org, Trostel advises. Make sure to include less obvious items like a space blanket, tweezers and scissors. Don’t forget to complete the kit by adding needed medications for family members and phone numbers of emergency contacts. Take first-aid knowledge further by enrolling your teen in a first-aid and CPR course, and take comfort in the knowledge that your not-so-little kid is a lot safer, both inside and outside the home. Malia Jacobson is a nationally published health and parenting journalist and mom.

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FAMILIES MANAGING MEDIA center of their parent’s world, the more they feel the burden of their parent’s happiness,” says Dawn Woods, a Charlotte-area teen counselor. Trust and respect. Broadcasting private family moments can breach trust. Closely related to trust, your child needs to know you respect him even if you don’t see what’s wrong with posting his report card. Respect can be built by not sharing too much personal information about someone.

All those photos shared on social media may be taking away some of the special meaning behind the moments.

Modeling. If you send the message that it is OK for you to share photos of your kids, they may assume that it is OK for them to share photos of you on their social media. The Golden Rule (treat others the way you want to be treated) applies here.

Stop! Don’t Post That Why parents should not overshare photos of their kids on social media BY MELANIE HEMPE

our 6-year-old son made you the sweetest Mother’s Day card. Your teen scored the winning soccer goal. Your daughter just turned 11. You want to share pictures of these

events and accomplishments. No harm, right? Consider this: the average child has had 1,500 pictures posted online by parents before the age of 5. You mean no harm, but when you publicly share photos, you reduce the benefits of your family’s special private times and traditions, and it may hurt your child. Why Privacy Really Matters to Kids Relationship. “When parents over post, I believe it changes the nature of the parentchild relationship,” says Richard Freed, PhD, author of “Wired Child.” Parents go from experiencing moments of shared experiences with their children to focusing on perfect photos and videos for their life online. “The phone replaces the more important high-fiving a child and looking them in the eye and saying ‘nice going’ when they performed well or learned to ride a bike. It leads kids to feeling that they are to perform rather than simply be who they are,” he says. Attachment. Gordon Neufeld, PhD, makes a strong argument for building family attachment in his book “Hold on to Your Kids.” Your private family traditions, rituals

and memories attach your child to your family. When you share those sacred moments, that attachment may weaken. Individuality. Privacy helps your child maintain autonomy and individuality. By middle school, children learn to define who they are partly by exercising power over information that is shared about themselves. They need to determine what they want to be known by in order to gain independence. Anxiety. Family privacy is really important to preserve. Wouldn’t it be strange if all of your work-related accomplishments (and failures) were randomly posted on social media by your boss? Feeling like they are the center of their parent’s world is stressful for kids. “The more the kids feel like they are the

How to Post Pictures of Your Kids Even if you ask your child’s permission to post a photo, he wants to please you, so he will most likely say it is OK. When you get the itch to post, consider this: • When in doubt, don’t post! • Wait 48 hours to share. When given some time, you may decide it’s not so important after all to share those pictures. • Be honest. If you are sharing your kids’ accomplishments to get “likes” or other forms of social applause for your parenting skills, resist. • Determine what your social-media-free family events are: birthdays, family trips, etc. • Print a digital scrapbook for your family instead. They will love it especially if you journal your family memories. • Consider a small private social media group for extended family only to share family photos. Think back to your childhood and ask yourself how you would feel if your parents posted every moment — the mundane, the momentous, the embarrassing — of your life. Keep those private family memories in photo albums and scrapbooks, and off social media. Melanie Hempe is the founder of Families Managing Media. For more information, visit familiesmanagingmedia.com.

charlotteparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2018

NEW BABY, NEW BUSINESS

Being a new mom isn’t easy. Launching a business isn’t, either. But doing both at once? It’s not as crazy as it sounds. Here’s how two local moms made it work

BY ALEIGH ACERNI Whether you’re someone’s boss or someone’s employee, the new working mom juggle isn’t easy — and it isn’t for everyone. The same could be said for entrepreneurism. After all, it’s a bit like birthing a business. Of course, there can be some great perks to being your own boss, (Flexible schedule? Yes, please.), but that’s not to say there won’t also be challenges. We spoke with two local entrepreneurs who launched their businesses as new moms — and wouldn’t have it any other way. Here are eight lessons from their inspiring stories.

1. TIMING ISN’T ALWAYS EVERYTHING If there’s never a perfect time to have a baby, there’s also never a perfect time to launch a business. Women, in many ways, have the mindset to tackle both. “I really enjoy working with women business owners,” says Eileen Joyce, lead economic business specialist for the North Carolina chapter of the U.S. Small Business Administration. “What I’ve seen in moms who start a business or they own a business and they become moms [is that] women are much better at juggling and scheduling, prioritizing, multitasking. And it really shows up in their business too.” For Sarah Baucom, an entrepreneur and mother of two, there was no reason to wait. Her first child was just 3 months old when she founded Girl Tribe Co., a women-positive graphic T-shirt company. “For me it felt so emergent,” says Baucom, who launched Girl Tribe with fellow mom Carrie Barker while also holding down a full-time job. “Every single day, in those early

years, we weren’t working in the same office, but we worked all day long together over Gchat, and text and calling. When you’re fueled by something, there’s no stopping that. That’s the exciting part. You wait your whole life for that moment.” Escape Tactic owner Sarah Hamer took a slightly different path, leaving her job as an analyst at Red Ventures to launch an escape room business. She intended to have it up and running before her first child was born, but finding a location proved more difficult than she expected. “There were a lot of places that didn’t want to rent to us,” Hamer says. “It was almost a year of trying to find a place. We’d get pretty close and then something would fall through. By the time we closed on a property, I was seven months pregnant.” The timing may not have been ideal, but Hamer couldn’t fathom turning back. “In some ways I think [the timing is] a blessing in disguise, because even I can laugh at how crazy this is. It seems comical that you would be going into labor when there’s a bulldozer at your building.”

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2. SEIZE THE DAY Girl Tribe’s biggest break came when the Carolina Panthers ended up in the Super Bowl six weeks after the company’s first pop-up event and the idea to make femalefriendly T-shirts to support the home team took hold. “I was looking around and I was like, oh my God, these shirts are so ugly that everybody is wearing! We can do better than this,” Baucom says. There were, of course, some challenges. In addition to a tight timeline to get new T-shirts designed and printed before the big game, Baucom’s cofounder, Barker, was now the one with the baby who was just 3 weeks old. Baucom came up with a concept and a basic design — a tongue-incheek mashup of a famous line from “Star Wars” and Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly that read, “Luke, I am your future wife.” She tossed up a post on Facebook to gauge interest and there was a lot of positive response. Then it was go time. “Carrie cleaned up the graphics; the Super Bowl was two weeks later. We had lines of women come in to buy. Exhausting every screen printer

in town,” Baucom says. “We were like, ‘This is awesome!’ We were on the news three times that week for Super Bowl shirts.”

3. ASK FOR ADVICE “Motherhood also prepares you on how to seek advice. I find women are more apt to ask more questions of more people, whether they’re going to talk to fellow business owners about who’s your accountant, who’s your lawyer and why?,” Joyce says. “I’m amazed at the business owners who don’t do that. When I ask, ‘Why didn’t you ask another business owner, why didn’t you seek three quotes?’ They don’t have an answer. Mothers make great business owners.” From connecting with fellow business owners to finding vendors or employees, one of the most important new business tactics for Girl Tribe was getting out there and meeting people while promoting their business. Baucom and Barker attended conferences to see what other business owners were up to. Then they focused on local entrepreneurs, asking for meetings over coffee to seek advice and opinions.

“The biggest thing we’ve ever done is just network constantly. I tell people that all the time,” says Baucom, adding that nine out of 10 people she asked to coffee said yes. “Those people are some of my strongest supporters to this day. And now, people take us to coffee. Now I can give that advice.”

4. BE READY TO LEARN — CONSTANTLY New moms are often eager to learn, and there’s no shortage of friends and family — online or in person — to learn from. That hunger for finding out what works for others also translates well to the business world, but keep in mind some lessons are best learned firsthand. “I love all the lessons we’ve learned, even if they were really crappy at the time,” Baucom says. “I think when you’re an entrepreneur it feels, especially early on, like the most excited you’ve ever been in your whole life, constantly. We’re much more grounded now.” She encourages anyone who is thinking of starting a business to seek and accept help “Sometimes we have a hard time asking for help. I know when people ask me for help I love to help them if I can.”

5. FOCUS ON FINANCES It’s important to have a handle on your finances from the start and be prepared for whatever curveballs might come your way, something Hamer found out firsthand. “As a planner I had these financial models, employee models, everything modeled out. And then there are delays you

would never imagine,” she says. One example? Mecklenburg County was hacked in December 2017, the county’s electronic files were frozen, and the hacker demanded $23,000 in exchange for an encryption key that would release the files. For Hamer, that meant the inspectors who needed to check out her building were delayed. She couldn’t open for business until that final step was complete. “If you can’t take it in stride it can be really defeating,” she says. “Who would’ve expected the city getting hacked? And that has real impact. I remember reading that [in the newspaper] and thinking, ‘We’re in trouble. This is going to delay things for weeks.’” Baucom and Barker didn’t pull a salary during Girl Tribe’s first three years. Instead, they invested their profits back into the company. “For any entrepreneur, get your money right as soon as possible. I think that’s so important,” Baucom says. “If you don’t have your money right, then what are you doing?”

SCIENCE HAS NEVER BEEN SO MUCH FUN!

6. FIND YOUR PEOPLE Sometimes the support you need as a new mom and new entrepreneur isn’t business related at all. For Hamer, it was Mom 2 Mom, a Facebook group of local moms, that helped her feel supported. “I couldn’t have made it through without their encouragement. If you feel isolated as a mom, it can feel really daunting,” she charlotteparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2018

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8. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

we’re just going to keep trying to do it. We’ve always been confident in our own work ethic more than anything else.” And don’t forget: Your kids are watching. Parental entrepreneurship was found to be a strong determinant of a person’s own entrepreneurship, according to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Economics. Researchers from the Swedish Institute for Social Research at Stockholm University and Amsterdam School of Economics at the University of Amsterdam found that in Sweden, having an entrepreneur for a parent made a child 60 percent more likely to become an entrepreneur. Their conclusion? Unsurprisingly, parents are powerful role models. Baucom’s parents are both entrepreneurs, and her young daughter is already paying attention to her hard work and her successes, although she may have unique ideas about what those successes are. “Once I said, ‘What does Mommy do?’ And [Baucom’s daughter] said, ‘Mommy makes cookies,’” Baucom laughs. “I had gotten custom cookies for all the Girl Tribe sponsors. She helped me with that.” “People want to know how we did it as moms. My answer is always, ‘I don’t know.’ You just do it,” adds Baucom. “Your kids are asleep, you’ve got a job, you’ve got two hours. Don’t waste those two hours on Facebook. This is go time. [Having a child] just made me more focused. It makes you better at time management.”

Confidence and believing in their own work ethic is what has helped to propel Girl Tribe Inc. “It doesn’t matter what we do,

Aleigh Acerni is a writer who lives in Charlotte with her husband and 4-year-old daughter. She understands the hustle and keeping on top of deadlines and the job of being a mom.

says. “It’s hard whether you’re running a business, staying at home or working a corporate job. We’re all just trying to do what’s right for our kid at that moment. That’s helped keep things in perspective.” Then there’s the support a new business owner gets at home, especially when there are kids at home too. “Carrie and I are really, really lucky that both of our husbands are super supportive,” Baucom says. “It’s really important to feel like you’re held up.” Hamer agrees. “My husband’s such a huge help. He has his fulltime, demanding job, but that he is willing to help with the business when I need help on top of his normal job is huge and such a relief; sometimes it doesn’t feel like it’s all on my shoulders,” she says. “I really couldn’t have done this without him.”

7. SEEK BALANCE Like with parenting, it’s important to have perspective — and remember that change is coming. “It’s important to embrace, when things are really chaotic, that this is just how things are today. Or this week. Or this month,” Hamer says. The feeling of not being fully available as mom or business owner is typical, but as Hamer says, “You just kind of have to own that and accept what the outcome is. When I feel like I’m fighting myself — when I feel like I’m at work and should be at home — nobody wins.”

START-UP RESOURCES There are many local organizations and resources to help new entrepreneurs launch and strengthen their businesses. Here are a few recommended by Eileen Joyce, lead economic business specialist for the North Carolina chapter of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Many of these programs receive funding from the SBA. “I always recommend, go see them all. You never know what kind of advice you’re going to get from somebody. If you get three different opinions, you can say, what is the best kind of advice for me?” she says. “Outback Steakhouse, Federal Express, Ben & Jerry’s, Winnebago, America Online and Crate & Barrel all were started with SBA help.” Minority, Women and Small Business Enterprises Program. This program helps small businesses and women and minority entrepreneurs participate in construction and professional services contracts. mecknc.gov/edo/MWSBE. SCORE Charlotte. Through SCORE, active and retired business leaders offer free, confidential business counseling. charlotte.score.org. Small Business and Technology Development Center. Located on the University of North Carolina at Charlotte campus, the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) offers confidential, in-depth counseling, education and resources to small and midsized businesses. sbtdc.org. Women’s Business Center of Charlotte. The Women’s Businnes Center of Charlotte helps women-owned businesses start and grow through counseling, seminars and classes, loan-package preparation assistance and networking opportunities. theinstitutenc.org/wbcc. Small Business Center at Central Piedmont Community College. CPCC’s Small Business Center offers tuition-based courses, a non-degree certificate program, networking events, free seminars and counseling, and a business resource library. [Note: If CPCC isn’t convenient for you, check your nearby community college}. cpcc.edu/sbc. National Association of Women Business Owners. The National Association of Women Business Owners is the only dues-based national organization representing the interests of women entrepreneurs. nawbocharlotte.org. charlotteparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2018

E H T N W P UT DO DEV IC E L A T I G I D How is the time you spend on your phone affecting your children? BY BRYAN M. RICHARDS

“I don’t like the phone because my parents are on their phone every day,” wrote a Louisiana second grader in response to an assignment in which her class was tasked with describing something they wished was never invented. You may have seen the story that went viral earlier this year as a cutesy interlude on the evening news that the anchors laughed off as “something parents should think about.” The time adults spend on their phones, and the effects it has on our children is no laughing matter. The Louisiana second grader gets it. She went on to write “A phone is sometimes a really bad habit. I hate my mom’s phone, and I wish she never had one.” Even more damning? Three other students in this elementary classroom agreed with similar responses. The harsh truth is that our incessant phone usage — be it texting, scrolling through Instagram, or reading the news — is having a effect 2018 on our| children in many ways. 16negative SEPTEMBER charlotteparent.com

LACK OF SOCIAL ATTACHMENT Have you ever noticed that when you smile at a baby, she smiles back, and when you frown at her, she frowns? This is something Melanie Hempe, registered nurse and founder of Families Managing Media, describes as mirror neurons, and it’s crucial to a baby’s attachment to their parents and later social interaction with others. “The only way babies can attach is to see our face,” Hempe says. “When you’re staring at your phone and talking to them, it means nothing.” This lack of attachment, however, isn’t just relegated to babies. It’s relevant to children of all ages. “It’s about checking in with your children,” says Amanda Zaidman, licensed clinical social worker and owner of Constructive Parenting. “‘What are you excited about today? What are you nervous about?’ You can’t talk about these things when you’re consumed by your phone.”

Lisa Pennington, a licensed psychologist and founder of Lisa Pennington and Associates agrees. “The more a parent is on the phone, the less attentive they are. It’s in those moments that kids will act out to get attention,” Pennington says. What starts out as minor temper tantrums can lead to much more serious developmental issues like falling grades and withdrawal from social activities like little league and gymnastics. What can you do? For infants, refrain from using your phone during feeding times. While that may seem like boring down time to you, your baby is looking up at you and craving your attention. For older children, dedicate a time each day to interact one-on-one with your child. Avoid multitasking during this time. Spending time together while your distracted with errands doesn’t count. Also, make sure your phone is off during this time. STUNTED VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT “Studies are overwhelming that kids who hear the right amount of words do so much better when it comes to literacy and vocabulary development,” Hempe says. It’s what experts often refer to as the 30 million word gap. The gap previously was more common in impoverished communities and schools. Today, the 30-million word gap is threatening homes where too much phone time by parents is prevalent. “Our phone in our digital words is not all bad — it helps us keep in touch with grandparents via video chats — but it’s stealing words from our kids,” Hempe says. When you’re lost in a heated Facebook conversation about whether or not kids should sleep in their parents’ beds, are you really engaged with the question your son is asking you? Conversation is more than passive listening and distracted responses. It’s tone, annunciation and inflection. It’s the 30 million words our kids need to see and hear before they turn 4. What can you do? Be present with your children. Set the phone down and kneel to

their level when they have a question for you. Spend a half-hour each day technology free reading with books. If too much “Goodnight Moon” becomes maddening (guilty as charged), read to them from one of your magazines. Inspire awe with a travel or sports magazine. NEGATIVE MIRRORING The old phrase “do as I say, not as I do” didn’t work when our parents said it to us. Why, then, do we think it will work when we say it to our children? “We’re worried about kids and too much time on screens, but we expose them to a lot from our own behavior,” Pennington says. Seeing us constantly checking our phone only tells our kids it’s OK for them to do the same. The dangers of kids being in front of screens too much has been the topic of entire books, yet, two perils stick out. The first is that our screen time directly leads to our children’s inability to cognitively process in the real world. The danger here is that children don’t have to be brave when screens make things easy. Why breakup with your girlfriend in person when it’s easier to do it over text? Think of the ramifications that this default could have on marriages and interactions with co-workers. Our constant use of phones also teaches children that it is not OK to be bored. “Boredom is really important for kids as it lets their brains re-boot,” Zaidman says. “When we’re bored, that’s when creativity flourishes. If our brain is always working, it isn’t being creative.” Think of your own mental exhaustion from the dopamine hit you receive from each task you complete, email you reply to or social media interaction you respond to. What can you do? Create phone free times and zones in the house. For example, don’t allow the use of phones by you or your children at the family table or after the work day is done. Also, create phone charging stations outside of the bedroom to avoid getting lost in email or social media before you go to bed or first thing in the morning when you wake up.

UNNECESSARY STRESS AND ANXIETY “There are parents that don’t think twice about having the news on in the background all the time,” Pennington says. “Kids are fearful of things they wouldn’t typically be exposed to. I had kids come into my office that were tearful and afraid after the election because there was so much backlash in the media. In a child’s day-today life, they shouldn’t have this much fear.” These messages don’t just come from TV, they also come from the news feed on your phone. Take out your smartphone right now and swipe right. What headlines do you read? Are any of them positive? When you read these articles, how do they made you feel? Like in the modeling example above, what are your children learning from your reaction? “Even something as simple as notifications from a weather app causes anxiety in kids,” Pennington says, as she relates taking a beach vacation with her family while Hurricane Chris flirted with the coast of North Carolina. Those notifications lead to turning on the TV, which only instills more worry. What can you do? Reduce your news intake around your family. Turn off the morning or evening news when the family sits down to eat. Silence news notifications on your phone. Remove news topics that can serve as trigger points from your phone’s news feed. “Time that we spend with our kids is precious,” Zaidman says. “It’s that shortestlongest time conundrum. That hour may feel boring with our long list of “do’s,” but time is short, and it’s easy to look back with regret. Spend time cuddling instead of looking at your phone to find out what’s next on your schedule.” Bryan M. Richards is a beer, food and travel writer who has happily added parenting to his family credentials. His work has appeared in Men’s Journal, Beer Advocate and just about anything with the word Charlotte in it. He’s still struggling to balance his own phone usage with parenting a toddler.

charlotteparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2018

Splurge on a treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte, which includes use of the pool, aqua lounge, relaxation lounge and Himalayan salt lounge. Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte or take a self-guided walking tour of Fourth Ward. Splurge on a spa treatment at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, which includes use of the pool, aqua lounge, relaxation lounge and Himalayan salt lounge. Sign-up for a wine-blending class at the hotel’s Hidden Wine boutique.

4 Mom Getaways You Deserve REFRESH, RECHARGE, RESET WITHOUT TRAVELING FAR FROM HOME BY VANESSA INFANZON Everyone needs to connect with friends, and a getaway without kids can energize a busy mom. Planning a distant trip can be difficult with varying family schedules, but a weekend trip not far from home may be put together quickly and still provide the time away moms need. Here are four local destinations that offer the perfect escape for moms and their friends. Lake Norman: LAKESIDE LIVING The towns of Davidson, Cornelius and Mooresville are a quick drive north on Interstate 77 and offer art galleries, theater, hiking and biking. Book a sightseeing or dinner cruise on Lake Norman at Queens Landing in Mooresville. See a performance at Davidson Community Players. Browse the exhibits at Davidson College Art Galleries and shop for handmade art at Wooden Stone Gallery, then plan on a massage or facial at Ahlara International Day Spa and Boutique. Jetton Park on Lake Norman in Cornelius is a 104-acre park with 1.5 miles of walking

and biking trails, and picnic decks overlooking the water. Lake Norman State Park in Troutman rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes and pedal boats for use on Park Lake. WHERE TO EAT: Window-shop, see a movie or grab dinner at one of the restaurants, including Midwood Smokehouse or Dressler’s Restaurant at Birkdale Village. Check out Hello, Sailor for casual lakeside dining, or Kindred in downtown Davidson for something a bit more upscale. Plan lunch at The Pickled Peach and brunch on Sunday at Fork! WHERE TO STAY: Houses, condos

and cottages are available through

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Airbnb, and some have waterfront views of Lake Norman. Stay at Davidson Village Inn in the heart of downtown Davidson; or for a cozy bed-and-breakfast option in a renovated 1908 home, try The Cedars Davidson with a madeto-order breakfast prepared by a trained chef. Uptown Charlotte: MUSEUMS AND MORE Make it an uptown getaway visiting museums and trying new restaurants and sipping a cocktail with a view atop a rooftop. Visit Mint Museum Uptown, The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Crafts,

WHERE TO EAT: Drink a latté and share a salted caramel brownie at Amélie’s French Bakery and Café Uptown. Enjoy one of the specialty sandwiches at Coco and The Director. The Asbury at the Dunhill Hotel serves a weekend brunch menu with mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, sticky biscuits, chicken and waffles and a sun-dried tomato hummus bowl. Stoke Charlotte’s avocado toast, chicken biscuit, French toast and omelet are on its all-day weekend menu. Have a cocktail at the Merchant and Trade, the rooftop bar at The Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel. WHERE TO STAY: Try “Name Your Own Price” on priceline.com for a great deal on an upscale hotel. Airbnb lists high-rise apartments and condos in center city with views of uptown and walkability to restaurants and attractions.

Ballantyne: ACTIVE RELAXATION Fill a weekend with activities and relaxation in Ballantyne. Get your fitness fix with a 2-mile hike on the Lower McAlpine Greenway starting at the entrance on Johnston Road. Bring your mountain bike to ride the 3-mile trail at Ballantyne District Park, near the Morrison Family YMCA. Take a yoga class at Enlighten or spin class at CycleBar Waverly. Make the 45-minute drive for a special excursion to Treehouse

as The Fairfield Inn and Suites, Hilton Garden Inn and TownePlace Suites by Marriott have outdoor pools and are a short drive from attractions.

Vanessa Infanzon is a local freelance writer and mom. Follow her on Instagram @morethanVMI.

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at The Yolk Café for perfect eggs, chicken and waffles and homemade brown butter buttermilk biscuits. Stop by Legal Remedy Brewing for beer and appetizers in a neighborhood bar atmosphere. Try the truffle fries or giant hot pretzel and pimento cheese. Brunch at The Flipside Restaurant and enjoy poached eggs, lobster omelets or a Rock Hill Chilaquiles (fried tortilla with chorizo and salsa). Reward yourself with dinner at The Pump House and be sure to check out the view from the top floor. Enjoy coffee, a glass of wine, craft beer and charcuterie plates at the Grapevine Bar and Café. Look for live acoustic music and beer tastings on their calendar.

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Rock Hill: OUTDOOR EXCURSION Drive 30 minutes south of Charlotte to the city of Rock Hill for breweries, restaurants, parks and river activities. The Riverwalk on the Catawba River is a community with homes, shops, restaurants and bars. Walk the 3.35-mile Riverwalk: Piedmont Medical Center Trail

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WHERE TO STAY: The Ballantyne, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte offers weekend packages with options for brunch in the hotel’s Gallery Restaurant, a Culture and Culinary Excellence Tour, spa treatments, golfing, wine and whiskey tastings, and afternoon tea. Other overnight accommodation options include hotel rooms at Aloft and Courtyard by Marriott, along with private guest houses, condos and apartments through Airbnb.

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WHERE TO EAT: Ballantyne Village has shops, restaurants and a movie theater. Spend a morning sipping coffee at Rush Espresso Cafe and Wine Bar or lunch at Stewart Penick’s Terrace.

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charlotteparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2018

SEEING ALL

COLORS Why we shouldn’t teach our kids to be color blind and what to do instead BY LIZ ROTHAUS BERTRAND For many people, race is a topic that’s difficult to discuss, especially with kids. Avoidance, however, has complicated rather than improved our relationships with one another. In recent years, America has been rocked by the rising frequency of racially motivated hate crimes, deadly incidents of racial profiling, a resurgence of resegregated schools and daily reminders of inequity. While families of color often feel compelled to have “the talk” about racial bias with their children for safety’s sake, too often families are silent. One reason may be they don’t know how to start the conversation. Here’s a look at how we all can begin having fact-based, healthy conversations about race to promote understanding and positive change in our community. WHY SHOULD WE BE TALKING ABOUT RACE? We all have different physical features, cultural traditions and languages, but the concept of race is not biologically real. It is a system of power that has been reinforced over hundreds of years through social, political and economic means. “It’s basically been laws and practices that have separated [individuals] into people groups with whites at the top and blacks at the bottom,” says Dr. Lucretia Carter Berry, an antiracist consultant and educator. Perceptions of race affect the way we interact with one another and institutions, as well as our placement in society.

“It’s related to every aspect of our experience whether or not we know it,” says James Ford, cochair of the Leading on Opportunity Task Force. “Not just for families of color but white families as well.” Understanding how race has been used for the advantage of some people and the disadvantage of others is essential to make sense of many issues our community and country are struggling with today. “Even if you’re a good person, your experience within society will be radically different based on your culture and based on your appearance,” says Ford, who was also the 2014-

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2015 North Carolina Teacher of the Year. The idea that equality comes from ignoring difference simply isn’t true. “We should be color rich and embrace and celebrate all the ways that we can show up in the world,” says Janeen Bryant, founder of Facilitate Movement, a consulting agency that helps museums and nonprofits engage new audiences and build community. “... I think ‘color blind’ is a cop out for when people have difficulty talking about difference.” Ignorance is also dangerous because it can warp our world view and prevent people from speaking honestly with one another. It can also affect our ability to build authentic relationships and feel safe around people who are different from us; it also devalues others with harmful consequences. “If children don’t see race, then they don’t see racism,” Ford says. “If you teach them not to see ‘color,’ what you’re really telling them is not to be attentive to difference. And they’ll start to grow indifference to injustice based on race because we made it taboo to discuss those things.” How to Start the Conversation One of the most important things for parents to do first is educate themselves with factual and historically accurate information. “There needs to be preparation,” Bryant says. “A little bit of research and some key points [parents] want to make.” Learning how government policies from decades ago are still relevant today is also important, says Amy Hawn Nelson, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, who has written extensively on educational equity in Charlotte. For example, the practice of redlining, which began in the 1930s, dictated where people of color could live and prevented them from qualifying for home loans and buying homes. That, in turn affected their ability to accumulate wealth and pass it on to future generations. Neighborhood composition also affected business development and where schools were built. “You think that’s generations ago but deed restrictions 80 years ago still affect families,” Nelson, who grew up in Charlotte, says. Appreciating Difference and Building Empathy Conversations about race and justice should

be relevant to your child’s life and experience. “Everything has to be age appropriate,” Berry says. “It’s not the 400 years of history placed on the shoulders of your preschooler.” These should be ongoing conversations and it’s easier if you start them when kids are small. For instance, it’s normal for young children to notice difference as they encounter new experiences and people. Instead of shutting down this type of observation, help them explore it in a healthy and respectful way. “Parents should be talking about skin tones right away with little kids,” says Berry, who started Brownicity, an anti-racist resource for families and educators, with her husband. “The construct of race is complicated. But just as they’re learning colors… kids should learn [to talk] about skin tones.” Since her family is multi-ethnic, she and her husband consciously started the conversation early with their three daughters. They normalized it and gave their skin tones beautiful names. This approach has provided a framework for later conversations about ancestry and race. If your children’s friends come from diverse backgrounds, use that as another conversation starter, suggests Ford, who previously taught World History at Garinger High School. Ask what they like about their friends and differences they may have noticed like language(s) spoken at home, foods they eat or other cultural traditions, “[C]ultivating an appreciation for these differences is important,” says Ford, and they should be treated as assets rather than deficits. Over time, the conversation can be expanded to explain in personal ways that,

unfortunately, some friends’ experiences may be different just because of what they look like: how one family may not get treated the same way as others if they are pulled over by the police because they are African American or a friend Arab descent may be more likely to be stopped in a security line at the airport because of her Arab ancestry. Asking children questions relevant to their own lives makes lessons more memorable, Bryant says. When Bryant served as vice president of education at the Levine Museum of the New South, she would look at visiting school groups and pick something really inconsequential — like who was wearing earrings or a blue uniform that day — ask them to imagine they couldn’t change that aspect of themselves but were treated differently for it. “(Children) realize that that’s deeply unfair very quickly,” Bryant says. Creating a Better Future for all Berry compares building an antiracist consciousness to the green movement’s efforts to protect the earth. It takes intentionality to raise awareness, change habits and create a more just world. Buying books and toys that are inclusive for home or your child’s classroom, choosing doctors and other professionals with different backgrounds are some of the ways we can show our children the truth of a multi-hued world. “I think it’s really important not only to have books with brown and black faces and different languages, but people of color doing every day, normal things,” Hawn says. The way we talk about race also should be

updated. Charlotte is a “plurality community,” which means no ethnic or racial group represents a majority, Nelson says. We also need to show children how to combat bigotry when encountered. That means speaking up even when it’s uncomfortable. “We have to model what we want the children to become,” Berry says. “For children to be more actively antiracist, they can’t do that without us showing them how to do it.” For Bryant, that means her 12-year old daughter often accompanies her to community protests and advocacy events. She tries to provide a framework for what they are doing before they arrive and, afterwards, asks her what she thought of the experience. “[Kids] are absorbing all the time: hate and love and self-righteousness … we have to make space for them to sort them all out,” Bryant says. We can also look to history for examples of people of various backgrounds who worked for social justice to serve as models for our children to emulate. Ultimately, the message to kids should be truthful, hopeful and empowering. Berry tells school children: “You have the substance to change this. The fact that you’re learning about it right now, you’re going to be finding ways to change the world and make a difference.” Learning and acknowledgement are the first steps; continuous engagement and informed action can help to move us forward. As Bryant says, “We co-design the future we want to build.” Liz Rothaus Bertrand is a writer and mother to two boys, ages 6 and 9.

RESOURCES FOR HEALTHY CONVERSATIONS ABOUT RACE BOOKS: “All the Colors We Are/Todos los colores de nuestra piel: The Story of How We Get Our Skin Color/La historia de por qué tenemos diferentes colores de piel” by Katie Kissinger.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS: GenerationNation helps students learn about and engage in civic issues. generationnation.org.

“A Young People’s History of the United States,” by Howard Zinn.

On The Table CLT happening Oct. 24. This second annual event of community conversations will focus on the legacy of segregation. onthetableclt.org.

“Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Kids in a Racially Unjust America,” by Jennifer Harvey.

Southeast Asian Coalition is a great resource for elevating youth voices and talking across race. seacnc.org.

Latin American Coalition works toward inclusive engagement, social justice and equity for people of all backgrounds. latinamericancoalition.org

WEBSITES: Brownicity. Resources to promote healthy conversations and dismantle racist beliefs. brownicity.com. Teaching Tolerance. Free resources for social justice and anti-bias education, created by the Southern Poverty Law Center. tolerance.org.

charlotteparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2018

Festival in the Park is one of Charlotte’s longest running arts festivals that features local artisans, entertainment and activities for families. Photo by Tom Schellin Photography

5 Fall Festivals not to Miss NOT TO MISS

From cultural and culinary to playful and artistic, there is plenty of family festival fun to be had this fall BY ALYSSA RUANE

Festival season isn’t just for free-spirited college students. There are plenty of fall fests for the whole family to enjoy in Charlotte ranging from spirited cultural extravaganzas to costumed medieval experiences, here are our picks.

MATTHEWS ALIVE (AUG. 31-SEPT. 3) Nail down those Labor Day weekend plans without expending any labor at all — Matthews Alive will embolden the small town south of Charlotte with endless entertainment beginning Aug. 31. The parade on Saturday morning inspires young ones to cheer and bop to the beats of marching bands, while the full four days of activities all feature cultural enrichment. See works by various Charlotte artisans and makers as you enjoy onstage entertainment. The festival also includes cash-only fair rides and games to fuel your nostalgia. Onehundred percent of proceeds go back to the nonprofits that

support the community. Perfect for: Parents craving simpler times, when the line at the merry-go-round was the hardest part of the day. matthewsalive.org. YIASOU GREEK FESTIVAL (SEPT. 6-9) Could a festival be named more appropriately? “Yiasou” is the Greek word for “hello,” “goodbye” and “cheers,” which is fitting considering the early September fest includes wine tastings, live music and authentic Greek cuisine, among other cheers-worthy details. As for the children, the Kids Playland is a must — rides, face painting, and cultural delights for older kids (take an Instagram shot with a

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Spartan warrior) all await eager souls. The festival is held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral on East Boulevard, where tours of the Cathedral also play a part in the fun. No worries if you’re not of Mediterranean heritage — the festival is said to be a time when everyone can be Greek. Yiasou to that! Perfect for: Families looking for a taste of cultural enlightenment amidst the festivities. yiasoufestival.org. FESTIVAL IN THE PARK (SEPT. 21-23) Charlotte’s Freedom Park celebrates its 54th year of Festival in the Park with the same fixins’ that drew in visitors five decades ago:

music, food and arts. A relaxed atmosphere with big-band tunes reverberating across the park’s lake and a magician stage to ignite wonder, this three-day fest from Sept. 21 to 23 welcomes first-timers and veterans alike.The party goes until 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, thanks to the charming string lights amping up the atmosphere when darkness descends. Little ones can don creative face paints, and art, craft and jewelry lovers can purchase locally made jewelry and art from one of the many on-site vendors. Browse and buy fine oil paintings and well-crafted pottery from artisans, or show your children how they’d look in caricature form. Everyone

enjoys the artful experiences at Charlotte’s oldest arts festival. Perfect for: Outdoor, leisure or arts enthusiasts who could use an evening moseying around the lake while scents of local fare waft through the air. festivalinthepark.org. CHARLOTTE KIDS FEST (SEPT. 22) A one-day soiree at the end of September, the free Charlotte Kids Fest in University City aims to motivate young minds using artistic, creative, and educational experiences (proceeds benefit the CharMeck Library Foundation, so plus-one for literacy!). Curious kids can learn everything from juggling, magic and Lego robotics to reading and performing arts at this inspiring event. For the more playful types, there are opportunities to get the blood pumping with Hula-Hooping and yoga. Though kids of all ages are welcome, the activities are probably most enjoyed by young ones under age 10. Some of Charlotte’s favorite food trucks will be in attendance, along with other fest-friendly food — just don’t forget to stop by the main stage to see who’s performing. DJ Festivus may be slinging unique sounds ideal for impromptu boogie moments, and catching dad dancing on candid camera might be the highlight of your entire year if you time it right. Perfect for: Kids at heart and children under age 10 who have expressed interest in creative hobbies. charlottekidsfest.org.

CAROLINA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL (SEPT. 29-NOV. 18) Experience the enchantment of Fairhaven, the name of the Renaissance-era village that takes over the rolling hills just off Poplar Tent Road in Huntersville every Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 29 to Nov. 18, 2018. History comes to life at this popular festival in its 25th year featuring jousting knights on horseback, arts and crafts, pay-as-you-play games and rides, and, of course, liplicking medieval eats. The majestic sport of falconry is another must-see attraction as you explore Charlotte’s own version of Camelot, and 12 total stages are alive with comedy, dance, and circus-like entertainment each day. So go ahead, chomp into that turkey leg and ride the world’s largest rocking horse — everyone’s partying like it’s the 11th century, and rumor has it that the Queen has ordered you to enjoy thyself. Perfect for: Halloween and history lovers. Fantasy is at an all-time high with this annual event, and dressing up is encouraged. carolina. renfestinfo.com. Alyssa Ruane is a freelance lifestyle writer currently enjoying lake life in Huntersville. She also has bylines in Charlotte magazine, Charlotte Home + Garden, and Charlotte Wedding.

SEE MORE FALL FESTIVALS AND FAIRS ON PAGE 27.

charlotteparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2018

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EXCURSION

Charleston Eco Excursions Discover the lowcountry’s natural side BY MARILYN JONES

e are barely underway when our boat captain, Mike, announces there are dolphins nearby. All 16 passengers — six children, six parents and four grandparents — clamber to one side of the boat to glimpse at the mammals coming to the surface and diving again. Our Barrier Island Eco Tour blue crabbing adventure is off to a great start, and we are already making discoveries along the South Carolina shoreline. Motoring along the Intracoastal Waterway, Captain Mike makes a stop so that John, our onboard naturalist, can pull up a crab trap from the depths and onto the boat. Inside are stone crabs, blue crabs and plant life that John uses for “show and tell” — a ready-made marine classroom. John talks about each crab species, the impressive cutting and crushing power of their claws, and how a female lays millions of eggs over her lifetime. John also shows everyone how to catch crabs the old-fashioned way — with a hand line and crab net. Our next destination is Capers Island, an undeveloped barrier island located about 15 miles north of Charleston. After Mike beaches the boat, he and John provide each of us with hand lines, already baited with chicken necks, and a net for our crabbing attempts. The children gleefully rush to the water’s edge to try their hand at crabbing, seeking just the right place for sure success. Soon they leave their lines behind and begin splashing in small tidewater pools and playing impromptu games of tag. An afternoon of sunshine and exploration lay ahead for the children as they

Children, parents and grandparents enjoy an afternoon of crabbing, shelling and swimming as they wait for the crab feast to begin. Photo by Marilyn Jones explore the island. One of Capers Island Heritage Preserve’s most beautiful features is Boneyard Beach. Its name comes from old, sun-bleached tree skeletons and stumps left on the shore from erosion. This area of deserted beach offers us a glimpse of what barrier islands looked like before beachfront houses and condos arrived. The afternoon’s grand finale is a crab boil. Mike and John have plenty of crabs for everyone to enjoy. When the time is right, and the crabs are perfectly steamed, Mike adds Old Bay Seasoning and dumps the crabs on two tables, arranging them around bowls of melted butter. John teaches everyone the proper way to crack open the crustacean for accessing the sweet meat. Barrier Island Eco Tours leave from Isle of Palms Marina. The Blue Crabbing Excursion is offered Memorial Day through Labor Day, and costs $36 for ages 12 and younger and $46 for ages 13 and older. Ages 2 and younger are free. The company also offers a Capers Wildlife Exploration tour and Dolphin Discovery Sunset Cruise. Learn more at nature-tours.com. For more information about the area, go to charlestoncvb.com. Marilyn Jones is a freelance writer specializing in travel. Her articles routinely appear in magazines and major newspapers throughout the U.S. and Canada.

WHERE Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms is located close to Barrier Island Eco Tours TO STAY and offers The Boardwalk Inn, The Village at Wild Dunes, vacation rentals, condominiums and cottages. Amenities include a private beach, golf, tennis and Dune Bug Club activities for ages 5-10. destinationhotels.com/wild-dunes.

SEPTEMBER 2018 | charlotteparent.com

OTHER CHARLESTONAREA ECO TOURS: Sandlapper Water Tours: The twohour Guided Nature Tour and Cruise of Charleston Harbor explores Charleston’s abundant coastal wildlife and the Charleston Harbor area. Tours cost $25 for ages 11 and younger, $35 for ages 12 and older. Ages 3 and younger tour for free. sandlappertours.com. Tideline Tours: By boat or kayak, guests learn about the South Carolina coast and its many inhabitants. The two-hour Salt Marsh Adventure boat tour is offered year-round and costs $35 for children ages 12 and younger and $45 for ages 13 and older. Kayak tours begin at $75. tidelinetours.com. The Center for Birds of Prey: Eagles, owls, hawks, falcons and other birds of prey are presented in an entertaining and educational manner via guided tours and flight demonstrations. Tour and Flight Demonstration and other programs are offered yearround. Tickets start at $12 for ages 6-17, $18 for ages 18 and older. Ages 5 and younger are admitted free. thecenterforbirdsofprey.org. Flipper Finders: The eco-tour company specializes in dolphin boat and kayak tours. Guests explore scenic waterways in search of dolphins. Adventures also include birding, shelling and exploring Morris Island Lighthouse. The Folly River Dolphin Boat Tour is offered March through early November and costs $35 for children and $45 for adults. flipperfinders.com

September 2018 OUR PICKS

COMPILED BY TIFFANY WOLFF

Pitchin’ for Wishes | Sept. 15

See Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites at ImaginOn uptown through Sept. 9. Image courtesy of Storyland

The Pitchin’ for Wishes Cornhole Tournament benefiting Make-A-Wish of Central and Western North Carolina returns to Freedom Park. The familyfriendly tournament features a bracketstyle cornhole competition, food, music, mascots from Charlotte’s professional sports teams, bouncy houses and children’s play zone. The deadline to register a team is Sept. 7. 11am-4pm. $60 for a two-person team; free for spectators. Freedom Park, 1900 East Blvd. pitchinforwishes.com.

CLT 250 Family Birthday Party | Sept. 30 Celebrate the Queen City’s 250th birthday at Levine Museum of the New South with snacks, performances and activities for children and free entry to see the museum exhibits. 10am-5pm. FREE. Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. Seventh St. museumofthenewsouth.org.

Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites | Through Sept. 9 Don’t miss the chance to see some of the most beloved children’s books brought to life at this hands-on exhibit at ImaginOn. Storyland transforms “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,”

Take a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer, Sept. 28-Oct. 7. Photo courtesy of N.C. Transportation Museum

“The Snowy Day,” “Where’s Spot?,” “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” “Abuela” and “Tuesday” into three-dimensional play and bilingual (English and Spanish) learning environments. 9am-5pm. FREE. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. Seventh St. imaginon.org/storyland.

Day Out With Thomas | Sept. 28-Oct. 7 Take a 25-minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt, visit Imagination Station with Thomas-themed activities including stamps, temporary tattoos, hands-on arts and crafts and a Thomas story-telling and video viewing area. Tickets start at $20. N.C. Transportation Museum, 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer. nctrans.org.

charlotteparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2018

› CALENDAR 1 SATURDAY Pet Adoption Event. SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Road. 10am-4pm. See a selection of dogs, puppies, cats and kittens available for adoption from The City of Charlotte’s Animal Care and Control at center court inside. charlottenc.gov. Full STEAM Ahead. Carolina’s Aviation Museum, 4672 1st Flight Drive. Grades 1-8. 11am-noon. Free for members; $3 for nonmembers. Join in an hour of hands-on creative learning while incorporating aviation and STEM principles. carolinasaviation.org. Get Going Geocache. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. Ages 7 and older. 2-3:30pm. FREE. 980-314-1128. Learn how to use a GPS and find caches around the preserve on a 2- to 3-mile hike. Preregistration required. parkandrec.com. Story Explorers. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 5-11. 2-3pm. FREE. Explore books and stories in creative ways through interactive activities including math, science and games. cmlibrary.org. Bearden Birthday Bash. Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church St. 7-10pm. FREE. Celebrate Romare Bearden Park with live music and activities. uptowncharlotteparks.com. On Stage: The Lion King. See page 29.

2 SUNDAY Bank of America’s Museums on Us Day. Locations vary. FREE. Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders can gain free access to participating museums in the Charlotte area, including The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture, Levine Museum of the New South, Mint Museum Randolph and Mint Museum Uptown. museums.bankofamerica.com. Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese. Chuck E. Cheese, 7701 PinevilleMatthews Road. 9am-11am. Free admission. Families with children with special needs can come before regular opening hours for smaller crowds, reduced lighting and noise, food and games and specially trained staff. chuckecheese.com. Revolutionary War Re-enactment. Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. 10am-4pm. $9; free for children 5 and younger. 704-875-2312. Explore Patriot and British soldier camps with the main battle

taking place at 2pm Saturday and Sunday. lattaplantation.org. What’s Wild in North Carolina. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. 1-5:30 pm. FREE. 980-314-1128. Test your animal knowledge and learn easy things you can do to help wildlife in your backyard. parkandrec.com. Reptile Encounters. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 2-3:30 pm. FREE. Meet some of the nature center‘s resident reptiles up close during one of these live animal shows. Thirty-minute shows occur at 2pm and 3pm. parkandrec.com. On Stage: The Lion and the Little Red Bird; and The Lion King. See page 29.

3 MONDAY LABOR DAY Charlotte Labor Day Parade. Uptown Charlotte. 11am. The parade marches south from the Hal Marshal Building down Tryon Street, through the square before turning left onto Third Street and then left onto College Street. charlottelabordayparade.shutterfly.com.

4 TUESDAY Dakota and Friends. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. 11am-2pm. FREE. Interact with “real” dinosaurs, pet a baby T-Rex or maybe watch an egg being hatched. Participate in reading, writing and roaring by reading aloud to dinosaurs. cmlibrary.org. Toddler Tuesdays at Barnes and Noble, Morrison Place. Barnes and Noble, 4020 Sharon Road. 11am. FREE. Intended for toddlers and older, this weekly story time includes classic tales and new favorites. barnesandnoble.com. Special Needs Jump Time. Sky High Sports, 601 N. Polk St., Pineville. 3-6pm. $5.50. On the first Tuesday of every month, Sky High Sports turns off the music, dims the lights and dials down the distractions for the comfort of our guests. During special jump sessions, one parent or therapist is admitted free per paying jumper. clt.skyhighsports.com. On Stage: The Lion King. See page 29.

5 WEDNESDAY Young Explorer Series. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. Ages 2-3. 10:15 am to 11:00 am. $4. Discover nature with your little one

SEPTEMBER 2018 | charlotteparent.com

through stories, crafts and activities related to soil and worm adventures. parkandrec.com. Rookie Science. West Boulevard Library, 2157 West Blvd. Ages 10-18. 4-5pm. FREE. Discover a world of science through books, hands-on educational activities and experiments. cmlibrary.org. On Stage: The Lion King. See page 29.

6 THURSDAY Muddy Boots. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. Ages 6 and older. 1-3pm. $4. Kids can learn how to navigate off-trail and build their confidence and comfort in wooded spaces. Plan to get wet and muddy. parkandrec.com. Movies on Main. Town Hall Lawn, 413 N. Main St., Mooresville. 6pm. FREE. See “Free Willy” and enjoy concessions. Movie starts at dusk. ci.mooresville.nc.us. On Stage: The Lion King. See page 29.

7 FRIDAY Crafty Critters. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. Ages 4-11. 10:30-11:30am. $4. 980-314-1129. Explore the natural world through arts and crafts with different themes for each session. Registration required. parkandrec.com. MyGym Lake Norman Puppet Show. Barnes and Noble, Birkdale Village, 8725 Townley Road, Huntersville. 10:30am. FREE. The local puppeteer troupe from MyGym Lake Norman leads an interactive puppet show with songs and book readings. barnesandnoble.com. Yoga Story Time. Barnes and Noble, Birkdale Village, 8725 Townley Road, Huntersville. 10:30am. FREE. Stretch out your wiggles at children‘s yoga story time. barnesandnoble.com. Kids’ Night Out: Back to School Bash. Flour Power Kids Cooking Studio, 9826 Sandy Rock Place, Suite E. Ages 5-12. 6-8pm. $39. 704246-6069. Stir up a ton of fun making pizza, lava cakes, homemade cookies and cream ice cream. flourpowerstudios.com. Old Town Cornelius 2nd Friday Street Festival. Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St., Cornelius. 6-10pm. FREE. Enjoy a lineup of live music, food trucks, craft breweries, local artists and kids’ activities. The event is rain or shine. oldtowncornelius.com. On Stage: The Lion King. See page 29.

8 SATURDAY Lake Wylie Family Kayak Tour. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. Ages 5 and older. $15 single; $20 tandem. 980-3141128. Paddle the edges of McDowell Nature Preserve with our certified and experienced instructors while enjoying nature with your family. Tours are from 9:30-11:30am and 2-4pm. Preregistration is required. parkandrec.com. 2nd Saturday at NASCAR Hall of Fame: Race Day Rewind. NASCAR Hall of Fame, 400 E.Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Included with admission. Pairing with the current temporary exhibit, “1948: Proving Grounds,” explore old-school race weekends, how people traveled to the track, food, celebrations, clothes and sounds. nascarhall.com. International Vulture Awareness Day at Carolina Raptor Center. Carolina Raptor Center, 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville. 11am-3pm. $8-$12, includes Raptor Trail admission. Immerse yourself in “vulture culture” and learn why vultures are key to a healthy environment. carolinaraptorcenter.org. Family Fun Night: Kids in America Live. Mint Hill Town Hall, 4430 Mint Hill Village Lane, Mint Hill. 6:30-9:30pm. FREE. 704545-2335. See the high-energy band that pays tribute to the 1980s. The evening also includes a bounce house, face painting, food and family games. minthill.com. Rockin’ the Burg Concert Series. Harrisburg Park, 191 Sims Pkwy., Harrisburg. 6:30-9pm. FREE. This free, family-friendly outdoor concert series features food trucks, a beer and wine garden and interactive art. harrisburgnc.org. Movies in the Park. Stowe Park, 24 S. Main St., Belmont. 8pm. FREE. Bring chairs and blankets to watch movies in the park. Concessions available for purchase. cityofbelmont.org. On Stage: The Lion King. See page 29.

9 SUNDAY GRANDPARENTS’ DAY AND ROSH HASHANA BEGINS Discover Robotics With Luciana. American Girl Southpark Mall, 4400 Sharon Road. Ages 8 and older. 9:30-11:30am. $25. 877-247-5223. See a special robotics demo before programming a robot to respond to voice commands. After the workshop, enjoy

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CALENDAR

Enjoy a day of art and creative fun at the ‘Tawba Walk Arts and Music Festival in Cornelius, Sept. 22. Photo courtesy of Bella Love Inc.

FESTIVALS AND FAIRS Matthews Alive. (Aug. 31-Sept. 3). Come enjoy a parade, more than 150 arts and crafts vendors, 30 food vendors, games, rides, the Kids Connection interactive area and four stages entertainment. Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade St., Matthews. Fri., 6-10pm; Sat., 9am-9pm; Sun., noon-9pm; Mon., 9am-5pm. FREE. 704-708-1261. matthewsalive.org. Charlotte Kosher BBQ. (Sept. 3). Enjoy a barbecue contest, watermelon- and pickle-eating contests, live music, a kids’ zone and mechanical bull riding. Levine Jewish Community Center, 5007 Providence Road. 11am-3pm. Free entry. 704-366-5007. charlottekosherbbq.com. Pennzoil AutoFair Presented by Advance Auto Parts. (Sept. 6-9). See more than 10,000 automotive vendor displays, plus a kids’ play zone and fair food. Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy. South, Concord. 8am-6pm. $11; free for children 13 and younger with a paying adult. 800-455-3267. charlottemotorspeedway.com. Yiasou Greek Festival. (Sept. 6-9). Enjoy cultural exhibits and authentic Greek cuisine, homemade pastries, entertainment, live music and dancing. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd. Thurs., 11am-9pm; Fri.-Sat., 11am-10pm; Sun. noon-8pm. $3; free for children younger than 12. 704-334-4771. yiasoufestival.org.

music, brews and barbecue. Anne Springs Close Greenway, 291 Dairy Barn Lane, Fort Mill. 11am-9pm. $5-$12. ascgreenway.org. The Great Pumpkin Fest. (Sept. 15-Oct. 28). Family-friendly Halloween attractions for young children, including a costume parade, hay-bale maze, foam zone and rides. Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd. 10am-5pm. Daily ticket prices start at $48. carowinds.com.

Rock the Grill. (Sept. 28-29). Taste some of the best barbecue in the region, as well as entertainment, a car cruise and kids’ activities. Check website for daily schedule of activities. Fountain Park, 300 E. Main St., Rock Hill. Free admission. rockthegrillsc.com.

Denver Days. (Sept. 21-22). Come out for food, games, carnival rides and live entertainment. Rescue Squad Park, 7889 Galway Lane, Denver. Special Needs Fun Day held Friday, Sept. 21 from 1-3pm. Other hours are: Fri., 5-11pm; Sat., 11am-11pm. FREE; additional cost for rides. denverlakenormanrotary.com/denver-days.

Carolina Renaissance Festival. (Sept. 29-Nov. 18). Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Step back in time at the 25th Annual Rennaissance Festival. Enjoy entertainment, rides, shopping, food and free parking. Carolina Renaissance Festival Fairgrounds, 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville. Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-5:30pm. $14-$24. 704-8965555. carolina.renfestinfo.com.

Festival in the Park. (Sept. 21-23). Enjoy art vendors, a family fun zone and ongoing stage performances. Freedom Park, accessible from East Boulevard or Cumberland Avenue. Fri., 4-9:30pm; Sat., 10am-9:30pm; Sun., 11am-6pm. FREE; additional cost for rides. festivalinthepark.org. ‘Tawba Walk Arts and Music Festival. (Sept. 22). This art crawl showcases local vendors, two stages of live performances, craft beer, food trucks and activities for kids. Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St., Cornelius. 2-8pm. FREE. oldtowncornelius.com.

Cabarrus County Fair. (Sept. 7-15). Enjoy delicious food, more than 40 thrilling rides and 30 games and live entertainment. Check the fair schedule for daily events. Cabarrus Arena, 4751 NC-49, Concord. Fri., 4-11pm.; Sat. 1-11pm; Sun. 1-10pm; Mon.-Thurs. 4-10pm. $3.25-$7.50. Additional cost for rides. cabarruscountyfair.com.

Downtown Davidson Fall Arts Festival. (Sept. 22). Browse a wide variety of handmade gifts including pottery, jewelry, photography, metal work, textiles and reclaimed wood sign makers, plus live music and an interactive children’s art area. Downtown Davidson, 108 S. Main St., Davidson. 5-9pm. FREE. 704-975-5478. ci.davidson.nc.us.

Fiddle n’ Pig Shindig. (Sept. 8). Enjoy some of the Carolinas’ best bluegrass and folk music talent and an array of regional barbeque purveyors and other food trucks for one full day of

Union County Heritage Festival. (Sept. 22). Enjoy live entertainment, food, vendors, exhibitors, games, educational and creative activities for kids, free talks, heritage arts

demonstrations and cooking demonstrations. Union County Agricultural Center, 3230 Presson Road, Monroe. 8am-4pm. FREE. mastergardenersunioncountync.org.

UNC Charlotte International Festival. (Sept. 29). Art, crafts, costumes, food, music, dance and games combine to create the experience of traveling the globe in one day. UNC Charlotte, Barnhardt Student Activity Center, 9201 University City Blvd. 10am-6pm. FREE. ifest.uncc.edu. ArtWalk and JazzFest of Matthews. (Sept. 29). This one-day event and juried art show features juried artists, live jazz entertainment, art exhibits and children’s activities. Downtown Matthews, Station Street. 10am-6pm. FREE. matthewschamber.org. Latin American Festival. (Sept. 29). See internationally renowned musical acts and dance performances, a diverse authentic selection of Latin American food, and an interactive street festival environment with activities for the whole family. Symphony Park at South Park Mall, 4400 Sharon Road. Noon-8pm. Free until 2pm; $5 after 2pm. 704-458-8072. festivallatinoamericano.org.

charlotteparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2018

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PLANNING A FAMILY GETAWAY? charlotteparent.com/daytrips

SEPTEMBER 2018 | charlotteparent.com

› See dancers in electrified glow-in-the-dark suits perform dynamic routines and illusions, Sept. 26, at iLuminate at McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. Photo by Tim Dorey

brunch in the Bistro. Reservations required. americangirl.com. Plants With Grandparents. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. Ages 1 and older. 2-3pm. FREE. 980-314-1119. Go on a hike with the grands while we explore the wonderful world of plants. parkandrec.com. Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze. Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville. Ages 5 and older. $11+. 704-875-3113. It’s opening day at the Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze. Get lost in the giant 7-acre corn maze featuring over two miles of interconnecting paths. Take a hayride, play corn hole and hike the trails. Open Fri., Sat. and Sun. from Sept. 9-Nov. 5. See website for times. ruralhill.net. On Stage: The Lion King. See page 29.

10 MONDAY ON STAGE The Lion and the Little Red Bird. (Through Sept. 2). See the story of an inquisitive bird and a compassionate lion, an unlikely friendship to say the least, told with a mix of actors and puppets. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, 300 E. Seventh St. Recommended for ages 2 to 5. $10. 704973-2828. ctcharlotte.org. The Lion King. (Through Sept. 9). Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. See website for performance schedule. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. Tickets start at $30. 704-3721000. blumenthalarts.org. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. (Sept. 15-23). Pineville Players present “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” See website for performance schedule. The Hut Meeting Facility, 413 Johnston Drive, Pineville. $15. pinevilleplayers.com. Tosco Music Party. (Sept. 15). See an eclectic mix of music styles and join in audience sing-alongs. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. 7:30pm. Tickets start at $14. 704-348-5752. toscomusic.org/events.

iLuminate. (Sept. 26). 704-372-1000. iLuminate is a company based on the fusion of technology and dance. See dancers in electrified glow-in-the-dark suits performing dynamic routines and illusions on a darkened stage. ). McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $25. blumenthalarts.org. Disney On Ice: Worlds of Enchantment. (Sept. 27-30). From wheels to waves, icy wonderlands to infinity and beyond, favorite Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment. Check website for show times and ticket options. Spectrum Center, 333 East Trade St. Tickets start at $20. 1-800-745-3000. ticketmaster.com. Matilda the Musical. (Sept. 28-Oct. 21). Based on Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book, this award-winning musical follows Matilda Wormwood, a girl who uses the magical powers she discovers within herself to create a better life for both her and her loving protector and teacher, Miss Honey. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, McColl Family Theater, 300 E. 7th St. Recommended for ages 6 and older. Tickets start at $22. 704-973-2828See website for performance schedule. ctcharlotte.org.

Babes in the Woods. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. Ages birth to 3. 10-11am. FREE. 980-314-1128. Hit the paved trail with your little one, and experience what nature has to offer this month. In case of inclement weather, meet inside the Nature Center for indoor playtime. Pre-registration required. parkandrec.com. Candy Art. Town Hall, 315 Matthews-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail. Ages 5-10. 6:30-8pm. $10. Have fun turning wafers of chocolate and other sweet treats into beautiful candy art. All materials, tools and supplies are provided. indiantrail.org.

11 TUESDAY Free Tuesday at the Schiele Museum. The Schiele Museum, 1500 East Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 4-8pm. FREE. 704-866-6900. Get free entry to The Schiele Museum every second Tuesday of the month from 4-8 p.m. schielemuseum.org. Preteen Scene: Comic Book Club (Cosplay). Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road. Ages 8-11. 4:30-5:30pm. FREE. Join us for books and literacy activities that help improve your critical thinking skills. cmlibrary.org.

12 WEDNESDAY Knitting with Sylvia for Teens. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. Teen. 5-7pm. FREE. Take a homework break, and come visit the Mooresville Public Library for Knitting with Sylvia for Teens! ci.mooresville.nc.us/225/Library.

CALENDAR

Town of Cornelius Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Event. Cornelius Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Ave., Cornelius. 7pm. FREE. Learn how to better navigate the roadways and traffic laws. visitlakenorman.org.

13 THURSDAY Preschool Explorers. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. Ages 2-5. 10-10:45am. $4. 980-314-1128. Discover nature together through crafts, games, songs, animal encounters and outdoor exploration. Preregister for a class at 10-10:45am or 11-11:45am. parkandrec.com. Toddler Time at Sky Zone. Sky Zone, 10200 Centrum Pkwy., Pineville. Ages 5 and younger. 10-11am. $8. Let your little ones bounce under the supervision of their parents without interference from bigger kids. skyzone.com/charlotte. Toddler Time at Big Air. Big Air Trampoline Park, 2408 Sardis Road N. Ages 6 and younger. 10am-1pm. $8. Big Air Trampoline Park opens its doors for little ones to jump at their own speed and comfort level. bigairusa.com.

14 FRIDAY Movie Night: “Wonder.” The Green at Promenade on Providence, corner of Providence Road and Interstate 485. 7pm. FREE. promenadeonprovidence.com. SCarowinds. Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd.. Recommended for ages 13 and older. 7pm-midnight. Cost of Carowinds admission. Experience the thrills of your favorite rides and the chills of haunted attractions and shows. carowinds.com.

15 SATURDAY Family Storytime: Daddies and Donuts. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. 9:15-9:45am. FREE. In this special story time, share donuts and stories with your dad, grandpa, uncle or caregiver. cmlibrary.org. The Great Pumpkin Fest. Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd.. 10am-5pm. Daily ticket prices start at $48. Family-friendly Halloween attractions for young children, including a costume parade, hay bale maze, foam zone, plus rides. carowinds.com. York County Baby Expo. The River Place, 8400 Regent Parkway, Fort Mill. 10am-2pm. FREE. Visit local businesses sharing information about health and wellness, safety, insurance, child care,

charlotteparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2018

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CALENDAR

FALL CONSIGNMENT SALES For Every Season Consignment Sale. (Sept. 1-8). The River Place, 8400 Regent Pkwy., Fort Mill. Shop for high-quality, affordable children’s clothing, toys, furniture and accessories. Register online for the new and expectant pre-sale, Sat., 9am-1pm. Regular sale to follow. Sat., 1-5pm; Sun., noon-5pm; Wed., 10am-5pm; Thurs. noon-7pm; Fri. noon-7pm.; Sat. 10am-3pm (half-price sale). foreveryseason.net. Sail Again Children’s Consignment Sale – Concord. (Sept. 5-8). The City Club at Gibson Mill, 325 McGill Ave., Concord. Presale ($5 charity donation) on Wed., 6-9pm. Regular sale: Thurs., 10am-8pm; Fri., 9:30am-8pm; Sat., 9am-1pm (most items half-price). sailagainlkn.com. Harris Y Kids Konsignment Sale. (Sept. 8-9). Harris YMCA, 5900 Quail Hollow Road. Drop-in child care available. Sat., 8am-noon; half-price sale begins at 1:30-3:30pm. Fill-a-Bag Sale on Sunday from 2:30-4:30pm Children age 9 and under and strollers are not allowed in sales area. ymcacharlotte.org/events. Green Jeans Consignment Sale — Matthews. (Sept. 11-16). Levine Senior Center, 1050 Devore Lane, Matthews. Shop for gently used designer women’s clothing and accessories. Tues., 9am-7pm; Wed., 11am-7pm (restocked with many new items); Thurs., 9am-7pm; Fri., 9am-4pm; Sat., 9am-6pm (most items half-price); Sun., 9am-3pm (most items half-price). Check website for exclusive pre-sale dates. greenjeanssale.com. The Upscale Wee Sale. (Sept. 12-16). Shiland Hills Shopping Center, 2685 Celanese Road, Rock Hill. Shop for clothes, shoes, Halloween costumes, furniture and much more. Receive early admission at 4pm on opening night with donation of three canned goods per person. Wed., 5-9pm; Thurs., 10am-7pm; Fri. and Sat., 10am-4pm (half-price sale); Sun., 1-4pm (half-price sale). upscaleweesale.com. Sail Again Children’s Consignment Sale – Mooresville. (Sept. 13-17). Merino’s Home Furnishings Warehouse, 500 S. Main St., Mooresville. Attend the pre-sale with $5 charity donation on Thurs. 6-9pm. Regular sale hours: Fri., 10am-7pm; Sat., 9am-7pm; Sun., 9-11am ($2 entry for early half-price sale); Sun., 11am-4pm (half-price sale); and Mon., 8-10am (All items 75 percent off). sailagainlkn.com. Assurance UMC Kid’s Consignment Sale. (Sept. 14-15). Assurance United Methodist Church, 9700 Mount Holly-Huntersville Road. Fri., 9am-7pm; Sat., 8am-noon (half-price sale). assuranceumc.org. Covenant Community Preschool Kid’s Fall Consignment. (Sept. 21-22). Covenant Community Preschool, 3415 Union Road, Gastonia. 704-616-9253. Sale features fall and winter children’s clothing, maternity, baby gear and kid’s furniture. Fri., 6-9pm and Sat., 8am-noon. covenantcommunitypreschool.com.

SEPTEMBER 2018 | charlotteparent.com

and other family-related topics. Free activities include a fun photo booth, toddler-play zone, bounce-house zone, face painting, mommy makeovers and baby-bump painting. sunshinefamilyexpos.com. World Wide Day of Play. Main Street Children’s Museum, 133 E. Main St., Rock Hill. 10am-3pm. $6; members and children younger than 1 free. During Worldwide Day of Play at the museum, young ones can have fun under the giant rainbow parachute, hop through hoops, make melodies with hand-held instruments and engage in healthy play. chmuseums.org. Open Sail Dates. Lake Norman YMCA, 21300 Davidson St., Cornelius. Ages 4 and older. 1-3pm. $20 for members; $30 for nonmembers. Attendees can check out the Sunfish and practice their sailing skills. Children ages 11 and younger need to be accompanied by a competent sailor. A short test is given to the sailors to ensure they can safely maneuver the boat. ymcacharlotte.org/events. On Stage: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Tosco Music Party. See page 29.

16 SUNDAY Rock Hill Community Bike Rides. Rock Hill City Hall, 155 W. Johnston St., Rock Hill. 2-4pm. FREE. Community Rides are a fun and relaxing way to discover neighborhoods, parks and public facilities within Rock Hill. All riders must wear a properly fitted helmet and be able to ride a bike without training wheels. onlyinoldtown.com. Animal Care Behind the Scenes Tour. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. Ages 8 and older. 3:30-4:30pm. FREE. 980-314-1128. Animal lovers can enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at the McDowell Nature Center‘s animal care program. Pre-registration required for all participants. parkandrec.com. On Stage: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. See page 29.

17 MONDAY Strength in Brothers. Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center, 440 Wesley Heights Way. Ages 7-14. 6-8:30 pm. FREE. 980-314-1114. This program is designed to engage young African American males in a variety of fun and educational activities to develop a positive sense of identity and improve character. Preregistration is required. parkandrec.com.

18 TUESDAY Toddler Tuesdays at Barnes and Noble – Arboretum. Barnes and Noble, 3327 PinevilleMatthews Road. 9:30am. FREE. Intended for toddlers and older, this weekly story time includes classic tales and new favorites. barnesandnoble.com. Story Time and More. Children’s Garden at Wing Haven, 260 Ridgewood Ave. Recommended for ages 9 and younger.

10-11am. $10 per family, free for members. Join Rutherford Rabbit to enjoy a seasonally themed story and craft activity in the Children’s Garden. winghavengardens.org.

19 WEDNESDAY Young Explorer Series. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. Ages 2-3. 10:15-11am. $4. Learn about apple season your little one through stories, crafts and activities. parkandrec.com. Puppet Show. Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill. 6:30-7pm. FREE. Bring your whole family out to enjoy puppet shows, songs and movement activities that support early literacy skill development and help foster a love of books. cmlibrary.org.

20 THURSDAY Muddy Boots. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. Ages 6 and older. 1-3pm. $4. Kids can learn how to navigate off-trail and build their confidence and comfort in wooded spaces. Plan to get wet and muddy. parkandrec.com. 3rd Thursday Concert. Crossing Paths Park, 120 Blythe Drive, Indian Trail. 6-9pm. FREE. Enjoy summer nights with outdoor music. Food and alcohol available to purchase. indiantrail.org/149/Parks-Recreation.

21 FRIDAY Crafty Critters. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. Ages 4-11. 10:30-11:30am. $4. 980-314-1129. Explore the natural world through arts and crafts with different themes for each session. Registration required. parkandrec.com. Nature Exploratorium. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. Ages 6-11. 3:30-4:30pm. FREE. 980-314-1128. Hike deep into wild at McDowell Nature Preserve to find unexplored areas for fun and adventure. Together as a family, participants create games and activities while learning from nature. Preregistration required. parkandrec.com. On Stage: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. See page 29.

22 SATURDAY AUTUMN EQUINOX Build a Bat Box. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. Ages 10 and older. 10am-noon. FREE. Discover how to attract bats to your backyard by building a bat box. All materials are supplied, and power tools will be used to design the perfect bat box for you. Parent participation is required. parkandrec.com. Museum Day Live at Carolina’s Aviation Museum. Carolina’s Aviation Museum, 4672 1st Flight Drive. 10am-5pm. FREE. Museum Day Live is brought to the community in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution and provides another opportunity for the

› Museum to open its doors free of charge. Register online before the event to receive free admission. smithsonianmag. com/museumday/museum-day-2018. Reptile and Amphibian Day. The Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 10am-3pm. $3 in addition to museum admission. Cheer on the museum turtles in the annual turtle race, dissect a frog, take a guided walk to the pond and have fun learning through activities and games. schielemuseum.org. On Stage: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. See page 29.

23 SUNDAY Autumn Equinox Art. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. Ages 5 and older. 2-3pm. FREE. Celebrate the changing of seasons by creating art with natural materials and transforming found objects into beautiful patterns and pictures. parkandrec.com. Natural Happenings: Leaf Artwork. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. 2-3pm. FREE. 980-314-1128. Explore the beauty of fall with leaf artwork. Preregistration is required for all participants. parkandrec.com. On Stage: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. See page 29.

24 MONDAY Nature Story Corner. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. Ages 3-7. 10-11am. FREE. Settle in and get comfortable as we take a journey of imagination. Unearth the untold narratives of nature through stories and then walk about the forest exploring and engaging all of our senses. parkandrec.com. Candy Art. Town Hall, 315 Matthews-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail. Ages 5-10. 6:30-8pm. $10. Have fun turning wafers of chocolate and other sweet treats into beautiful candy art. All materials, tools and supplies are provided. indiantrail.org.

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

26 WEDNESDAY Child Safety Seat Inspection Station. Matthews Police Department, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews. 8-11:30am; Huntersville Fire Station 1, 110 S. Old Statesville Road, Huntersville. 3:30-6:30pm. FREE. Certified technicians help install cars eats. No appointment necessary. Bring your vehicle, seat and if possible the child for the most assistance. safekidscharmeck.org. On Stage: iLuminate. See page 29.

CALENDAR

27 THURSDAY CM Library Presents: Puppet Show. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. 11:30am-noon. FREE. Bring the family to enjoy puppet shows, songs and movement activities that support early literacy skill development and help foster a love of books and reading in your child. cmlibrary.org. Homeschool STEAM Day: Green Energies. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road. Ages 8-15. 1-4pm. $15. Explore solar, wind and water power through interdisciplinary STEAM activities. Expect to get wet in the creek during hydropower experiments. parkandrec.com. On Stage: Disney On Ice: Worlds of Enchantment. See page 29.

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28 FRIDAY Yoga Story Time. Barnes and Noble — Birkdale Village, 8725 Townley Road, Huntersville. 10:30am. FREE. Stretch out your wiggles at children‘s yoga story time. barnesandnoble.com. Food Truck Fridays and Concert Series. Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade St., Matthews. 5-9pm. FREE. Enjoy favorite area food trucks, live music, inflatable interactives for kids and a craft beer pavilion. matthewsnc.gov. 4th Friday Movie Night. Chestnut Square Park, 320 Chestnut Pkwy, Indian Trail. 6-10pm. FREE. Bring a blanket and chairs, and enjoy a movie in the park. Movie begins at dusk. indiantrail.org. On Stage: Disney On Ice: Worlds of Enchantment; and Matilda the Musical. See page 29.

29 SATURDAY Lake Wylie Family Kayak Tour. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. Ages 5 and older. $15 single; $20 tandem. 980-314-1128. Paddle the edges of McDowell Nature Preserve with experienced instructors. Tours are from 9:30-11:30am and 2-4pm. Preregistration required. parkandrec.com. Clayworks: Family Day. Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center, 440 Wesley Heights Way. 10-11:30am. FREE. 980-314-1114. In partnership with the Arts and Science Council’s Culture Blocks Program, Clayworks leads participants in a hands-on clay workshop. All ages welcome. parkandrec.com. Movie Night in Midwood Park. Midwood Park Amphitheater, 2100 Wilhelmina Ave. 8pm. FREE. Enjoy seeing “Grease” on the big screen under the stars. plazamidwood.org. On Stage: Disney On Ice: Worlds of Enchantment; and Matilda the Musical. See page 29.

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Family Leaf Shape Adventure. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. Ages 5 and older. 2-3pm. FREE. Bring the family to explore nature. Use your senses to learn more about leaves. parkandrec.com. On Stage: Disney On Ice: Worlds of Enchantment; and Matilda the Musical. See page 29.

CALENDAR POLICY :: The Charlotte Parent calendar lists free and low-cost local and regional events for children and families. To submit an event for consideration, go to charlotteparent.com/calendar, then click on Submit an Event. Submission deadline for print is the 1st of the month prior to the next month’s publication. Time, dates and details of events are subject to change. Call venue to confirm.

charlotteparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2018

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DADDY DEREK

Be a ‘Good Sport’ Parent BY DEREK JAMES

whole bunch of new kids’ sports leagues get going in the fall. For fans, it’s a fun time. It’s also the time for the return of college and pro sports. There’s a lot of excitement in the air. Autumn is the season for baseball and softball, soccer, flag football and cheerleading. It’s also time for the annual reminder to not be “that parent.” You know the one I’m talking about: The parent who goes overboard, or says or does something to annoy everyone around them at their young kids’ practices or games. Don’t be that sports parent who constantly tells their kid what to do. “Choke up!” “Spread your feet apart!” “Get back into position!” “Go to the goal!” “Shoot!” What you are shouting to your kid may be the exact opposite of what their coach is telling them. Let their coach handle it. Even worse, don’t be that sports parent who constantly tells other people’s kids what to do. I’ve been at tee-ball games where the batter has four or five other parents (not coaches) all shouting out advice at the same time. The kids are either

going to tune it all out or they’re going to get confused by all the conflicting commands. Frankly, it’s exhausting for everyone else to listen to it, too. Don’t be that sports parent who argues with the coach/ referee/umpire. Sure, I’ve thought my kid was too low in the batting order or wondered why a ref was allowing pushing during their soccer game, but 99.9 percent of the time, there is no reason to intervene. Bad calls happen in the pros too, so you can’t expect a few not to happen in youth sports. Coaches and refs give up a lot of their free time for the love of the games and to share that love with your kids. You “didn’t have the time” to coach, so you can’t expect to have the run of the show come game day. Give them a break. Don’t be that sports parent who spends more time looking at their phone than at the game. While I’ve been known to check my work email while at a game, I try to do it before the game starts or during breaks in the action. Your kid’s game is not the time to satisfy your Candy Crush habit or play HQ Trivia in an attempt to win $8. The face your kids want to

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see when they make a play, get on base or score is yours. You know you’ll feel guilty if they ask, “Did you see that pass I caught?” and you blatantly lie and say, “Yes, it was fantastic.” Don’t be that sports parent who Tyler, left, and Chase, Derek James’ sons, enjoying talks poorly about a moment of brotherly camaraderie on the sports the other team or its field. Photo by Derek James players. I’ve heard, “This is an easy accountant than a professional out,” or “Coach, move everyone athlete with a multimillion dollar in,” when a kid got up to bat, or contract. Besides, that might very “their goalie is awful.” I’ve even well be your dream, not your son’s seen aggressive parents try to or daughter’s. intimidate kids with their words. Remember at their age, it’s Be more mature than your kid. still about play. The only scouts in Show that sportsmanship applies the stands are a few random Boy to everyone. I’m not saying you have to be and Girl Scouts. Don’t be that parent. Be a mute during your kids’ games, but offer support and encouragement. role model. Be their hero. Love your kid. Love the games, and We all have a tendency to get love watching their growth. Yes, it caught up in the moment, but really is that simple. we need to realize that this is youth sports, not “you” sports. Derek James is a host of WCCB And while it would be nice to News Rising. He and his wife live think so, the odds are that these in Charlotte with their two sons kids — yours and mine — stand who are age 9 and 7. a better chance of becoming an

SEPTEMBER 2018 | charlotteparent.com

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We love the libraries in Charlotte and are so thankful for the story times. My son (in yellow) is in absolute heaven as one of our favorite librarians releases the bubbles after finishing another extraordinary book at Independence Library. My son is developing a joy for books thanks to amazing facilities, incredible programs and wonderful Charlotteans. Photo and memory by Meagan Cox of Charlotte.

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