Charlotte Parent Feb 2018

February 2018 • Free

SUMMER CAMP!

Ninja-style adventures + why it's good for middle schoolers

Molly Grantham gets real about parenthood, being a working mom & fielding life's curveballs

Teen Crushes

What to love and when to worry

YOUTUBE KIDS:

7 ways to make it as safe as it sounds

NOW ENROLLING!

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools

Schedule A Tour Today!

St. Ann (PK, TK, K-5) stanncatholic.org

St. Gabriel (K-5)

PK, TK, K-5 Programs

stgabrielcatholicschool.org

St. Mark (K-8)

stmarkcatholicschool.net

Faith & Service iPads & Technology STEM & Robotics Broadcast Journalism Spanish Fine Arts Athletics

St. Matthew (TK-5) stmattwildcats.com

St. Patrick (K-5)

saintpatrickschool.org

Our Lady of the Assumption (PK-8)

*Financial aid available

olacatholic.org

Visit discovermacs.org or call 704.370.3273 for admissions info on all nine schools PK-12

discovermacs

LET THE

FUN

adventure laughs arts music dance

games classes bonds

spark acting spirit

theatre excitement learning friends

BEGIN Summer Camp 2018

Full-day and half-day camps for ages 3-18 at ImaginOn and satellite locations Register at ctcharlotte.org or call 704-973-2838

Ever wonder how to turn summer into a learning adventure?

When school is out, education and adventure are in at Discovery Place Summer Camps. Led by professional educators, we offer a variety of themes to get kids fired up about science, technology, nature and art.

Extended care available Book today!

discoveryplace.org

Registration Now Open!

June 11–July 27, 2018 Featuring Camp Victor Charlotte Latin Summer Day Camps offer an amazing range of activities for campers age 5-15. If your camper is interested in Arts and Sciences, Technology or Sports, we have just the right fun-filled option. In addition, Camp Victor is a weekly, themed day camp with morning, afternoon and full day options. Count on Charlotte Latin Day Camps to think of everything to make your summer easy and your camper’s summer the best ever! We have lunch options, before and after care and transportation. Our facilities and counselors are unparalleled. Spend the summer with us!

Visit CharlotteLatinSummer.com | 704.846.7277

CONTENT ›

Photo by Photography by Chanda

FEBRUARY 2018

18

The Teen Dating Game What to love and when to worry in a social-media infused world

22

Molly Grantham The award-winning news anchor opens up about parenthood and following life as it leads

24

Summer Camp: Ninja-Warrior Style Obstacle-course programs instill persistence, resilience and confidence in kids

26

Middle School Day Camps Why a specialized camp program can be beneficial for your middle schooler

29

Having the Sleep-Away Camp Conversation Use these tips to ensure their first time at overnight camp is a success

31

Summer Camp Favorites See the camps Charlotte Parent readers chose as their favorites

22

32

Spring Consignment Sales Where to find the sales and how to prepare before you go

IN EVERY ISSUE 7 15 16 34 47 48

FYI Growing Up Tech Talk Excursion Daddy Derek Faces and Places

34

CALENDAR

35 36 40 43

Our Picks Daily Calendar On Stage On Exhibit

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18 charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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EDITOR’S NOTE

The Affection Effect and Relationships

H

e looked at me across the kitchen to

morrismedianetwork.com

EDITOR

the living room where I was lounging

Michele Huggins

on the couch. “When you met me, did

ART DIRECTOR

you think that you’d commit to being my roommate for 50 years?” This question from my husband made me take pause on a very cold night in January. Two people sharing a home and all its responsibilities does indeed define roommate, but I certainly don’t want to only be a roommate to the person I love and chose to marry. My reply: “Well, no, but before children the sharing of space was a lot different.” Before children, there was more time to

Melissa Stutts

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Allison Hollins • allison.hollins@morris.com

DIGITAL EDITOR

Myra Wright • mwright@carolinaparent.com

SALES TEAM LEADER • MEDIA CONSULTANT Leslie Hatheway • lhatheway@charlotteparent.com

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Sue Graf • sgraf@charlotteparent.com Jesse Longshore • jesse.longshore@morris.com

ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR

cook together, watch movies on a weeknight together, meet after work for a cocktail and simply

Julianne Clune • julianne.clune@morris.com

give each other more attention. Fast forward to life with two children. Those hours of “together”

MARKETING & EVENT COORDINATOR

mostly are now a togetherness of four people rather than two. No complaints, but in the day-today routine, holding hands and other loving gestures tend to get lost in the shuffle. Affection is healthy. It’s also good for children to see their parents show warmth to each other because it not only models a healthy relationship, it gives a sense of well-being, which can help them feel safe and secure. What we model also can affect how our children choose mates. Valentine’s Day is the designated day for letting those we love know just how much we care, but maybe take a minute on an unexpected day to surprise the one you love with a little extra attention.

Teen dating is a new ballgame for teens in a world of social media and digital communication. Relationships are charged through texting, Snapchat and selfies. Mash that together with the surge of hormones in those teen years and you have the setting for a perfect storm of confusion about what is a healthy relationship. The story on page 18 dives into the new risks and things to worry about when kids start dating. Experts weigh in on how to start the conversation about healthy partnerships and how to model a mutually respectful relationship.

February is also time for summer camps signups. If you have a child who loves American Ninja Warrior and all the challenges that come with the warrior way, be sure to read the story on page 24 about the benefits of obstacle-course camps. It seems early, but now’s the time to do your research and take advantage of discounts for summer camps.

Check out our directory of day and overnight camps on charlotteparent.com/camps where

Elizabeth Stacks

MORRIS MEDIA NETWORK PRESIDENT Donna Kessler

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Kristen Standish

DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING Donald Horton

DIRECTOR OF PUBLISHING SERVICES Karen Fralick

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Cher Wheeler

CONTACT US

charlotteparent.com 214 W. Tremont Ave., Suite 302, Charlotte, NC 28203 phone: 704-344-1980 • fax: 704-344-1983 email: info@charlotteparent.com advertising@charlotteparent.com Circulation 35,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services.

Charlotte Parent reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication’s standards. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

you can search by interest and age.

HAVE IDEAS TO SHARE? Email editor@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

7

SPECIAL THANKS TO PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHANDA FOR THIS MONTH’S COVER PHOTO.

4

FEBRUARY 2018 | charlotteparent.com

College Transitions Get perspective on the college-planning process and straightforward advice on how to prepare and apply to college from the College Transitions team of experts.

…/blogs

Summer Camps From day camps to sleep-away destination camps, our online summer camp directory is loaded with options for children of all ages and interests. Start your summer camp planning here.

.../camps

Win Tickets to “The Most Incredible Thing” Enter to win tickets to see “The Most Incredible Thing,” the fairytale pop ballet of Hans Christian Andersen’s fable about a king who holds a competition to determine who can make the “most incredible thing.” Performed by Charlotte Ballet, March 9-18 at Knight Theater.

… /contests

Photo by Hugo Glendinning

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charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

5

S TAY ORIGIN A L

Big waves &FAMILY FAVES

IS is the e to be.”

e Parent p Guide

” x 4.5” 4c

All kinds of people. United by our love of a good time here. Enjoy live music, our seaside boardwalk, and kid-friendly events this spring. There are a lot of beaches in North Carolina, but only one Carolina Beach.

CarolinaBeachTravel.com | 800-833-3165

This is the place to be.

We offer nearly 200 full, half-day and overnight camps for kids, adults and families in art, science, technology, adventure, academics, sports and more.

Now providing lunch for all-day campers!

June 4–August 10, 2018 Summer.ProvidenceDa y.org

Love in Action is seeking handmade Valentine’s Day cards to distribute to nursing home residents, homeless individuals and other facing challenges in Charlotte. Photo courtesy of Love in Action

Create a Card to Share as Part of ‘Love in Action’ Project Love in Action, is working to replace the feeling of loneliness for some people who may be forgotten on Valentine’s Day, while also empowering children to serve others. The approach of Love in Action Project is to express the message of love through children’s artwork and handmade cards. The organization has distributed more than 25,000 cards since its inception in 2010. The organization hopes to distribute 4,500 cards this Valentine’s Day. The cards will be delivered to residents at nursing homes, Carolina Rehabilitation Center, Meals on Wheels recipients, homeless individuals and those facing challenges of transition.

Children from toddlers to teens, youth groups, day cares, school groups and anyone else who would like to make a special card are welcome to join in the Love in Action Valentine’s Day Project by making a creative, colorful card of inspiration. Join in a family card-making event Sat., Feb. 10 from 1-3 p.m. at Michael’s retail store at Stonecrest Shopping Center, 7836 Rea Road. Cards can also be made at home and mailed to Love in Action Project, PO Box 49512, Charlotte, NC 28277. For more information, email iamlovenaction@gmail.com.

WDAV’s Young Chamber Musicians Competition Partners With Brevard Music Center Summer Institute and Festival Now in its fifth year, the Young Chamber Musicians Competition Junior Division is open to chamber ensembles with musicians between the ages of 14-18. New in 2018, the Brevard Center Summer Institute and Festival is offering $3,000 scholarships to each musician in the winning ensemble from the junior division.

Aspiring young chamber ensembles are invited to submit video performances for a chance to win a share of $12,000 in cash prizes, a studio recording session, a paid performance in the 2018-19 Davidson College Concert Series, and $3,000 scholarships for each ensemble member to the prestigious Brevard Music Institute. Ensembles consist of two to eight musicians. Interested ensembles must submit two separate classical music works by Feb. 28 to ycmc.wdav.org. A panel of judges reviews submissions and chooses finalists who will be invited to participate in the live competition April 22 at Duke Family Performance Hall on the campus of Davidson College. Get more information at ycmc.wdav.org.

Share the Love With a Community Project Consider a family service project as a way to show love for the community this Valentine’s Day. Find more about these and other volunteer opportunities for families at sharecharlotte.org.

Help the elderly or disabled with yard work. Love Inc. volunteers go to clients’ homes to do a large, one-day yardwork project. Apply at loveinccharlotte.org.

Serve a Sunday meal to the homeless. Help serve a dignified, sit down meal at The King’s Kitchen in uptown Charlotte to homeless members of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Dream Center congregation. The Dream Center is a nonprofit, launched

by The King’s Kitchen owner Jim Noble, dedicated to providing outreach to homeless individuals. cltdc.org.

Lend a hand. The second Saturday of each month, Project 658, which serves at-risk families with a variety of help moving them toward sustainability, welcomes volunteers to tackle projects like painting, sorting donations, landscaping and organizing donations at its center. project658.com.

Sort shoes. Samaritan’s Feet is committed to making sure all children have shoes, as a means of providing hope, encouragement and unity to our city. Ages 8 and older can volunteer with a parent to help process shoes in the warehouse. Request information at samaritansfeet.org. charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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FYI

| education

Fascinating Facts for Presidents Day

Students from Elizabeth Traditional Elementary School give an aquifer demonstration at the 2017 Autobell Car Wash Creek Challenge. Photo courtesy of Autobell Car Wash

Surprise your kids with some lesser-known trivia about some of America’s past presidents on Presidents Day, Feb. 19.

• George Washington was the only president who never lived in the White House.

• Abraham Lincoln worked as a ferryboat captain, store clerk, surveyor and postmaster before becoming a lawyer.

Autobell Car Wash Creek Challenge Emphasizes Water Science, Quality Through a collaboration with The Center for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education at UNC Charlotte and the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, Autobell Car Wash is helping Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students increase their knowledge of water awareness and water quality through the Autobell Car Wash Creek Challenge. Teams of third-, fourth- and fifth-graders from more than 10 elementary schools put to the test weeks of STEM-based curriculum focused on water science and quality at the third annual challenge happening

• Theodore Roosevelt’s young sons were known as the White House Gang for the mayhem they caused while their father was in office. They had a menagerie of pets and would slide down the central staircase on trays.

• William H. Taft loved baseball.

As president, he decided to throw the first ball on opening season, creating a presidential tradition.

• James K. Polk, who was born in Mecklenburg County, acquired California from Mexico and settled the Oregon dispute before retiring after one term.

Source: “Presidents,” DK Publishing, $9.99.

8

Feb. 24 at UNC Charlotte Cone University Center.

Based on a curriculum developed by The Center for STEM Education at UNCC and UNCC Urban Institute, participating students display and demonstrate model dams and aquifers they build. At the challenge, students are also tested on knowledge of subjects, such as the water cycle, aquatic plants and animals, and related vocabulary words. A competition highlight is the Water Wizard Quiz Bowl, in which two-student teams from each school verbally answer questions posed by a panel of judges. Prizes include medals, gift cards, team trophies and Apple® iPad® minis for the two Quiz Bowl champions.

Round Two for the CMS School Choice Lottery Is Open If your child has an interest or talent in STEM, arts, languages, computer science, environmental sustainability, or if you want to explore Montessori learning, the application period for round two of the CMS School Choice lottery is open through Feb. 19. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools offers choices for students from prekindergarten through 12th grade through magnet programs. To apply, a child must be enrolled as a CMS student by Feb. 5. You may apply for up to three school choices. Families that applied in the Round 1 of the lottery that did not get placed in their school of choice, are automatically enrolled for later rounds. See a calendar of open houses happening throughout February at cmschoice.org.

77%

FEBRUARY 2018 | charlotteparent.com

of teens use Instagram and Snapchat, but just half use Facebook and 42 percent use Twitter.

Source: Common Sense Media and SurveyMonkey survey

INVENT YOUR SUMMER.

Discoverers welcome.

Exciting weekly themes Special projects Fun field trips

Engaging activities and projects Healthy meals and snacks Interesting visitors and field trips

SIGN UP TODAY!

Schedule a tour today.

877.217.9530 l LaPetite.com

877.217.9528 • Childtime.com

Camp This is going to be BIG.

Make this summer exceptional.

New activities and projects Classroom visitors and community field trips Educational experiences

Travel through time. Learn about animals.

Create artistic masterpieces.

Discover all that and more!

Plan your summer today.

Join us this summer.

877.794.6704 • TutorTime.com

877.701.4908 ChildrensCourtyard.com

Learning Care Group and its brands are equal opportunity providers. ©2018 Learning Care Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ELCG101

2018

VOTE

for your favorites

February 12-March 12 Let Charlotte know your favorite parent-approved places to play, learn, eat and shop in our annual Charlotte Parent Readers’ Favorites Awards! The winners will be featured in the May issue of Charlotte Parent.

CharlotteParent.com/favorites | #CLTReadersFavorites

›

FYI | health

A recent study suggests that exposure to allergen triggers, including pet dander and dust, before age 3 may help reduce the risk of asthma.

Dry Skin and Eczema in Children For children with eczema, low humidity and dry heated air are enemies. Doctors Amy Morgan, Erin Harris and Terri Smith of Novant Health Highland Creek Pediatrics offer the following advice to help keep eczema and dry skin at bay.

1. Lukewarm is better. Hot water strips the skin of natural oils and moisture.

2. Be choosy with your soap. Use moisturizing soaps like Dove or Aveeno instead of other soaps that can dry out skin.

3. Moisturize. Apply moisturizers regularly, and especially right after bathing while skin is still damp.

Vaseline is an inexpensive effective moisturizer. Crisco is also a great, inexpensive alternative.

4. Humidify. A cool mist humidifier in the child’s bedroom can be especially helpful when dry heat is pumping.

5. Keep nails trimmed. Neatly trimmed nails can prevent a child with eczema from scratching too much. If you notice that your child is scratching it may also be wise to keep the skin covered.

6. Talk to your doctor. A child’s pediatrician may recommend topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Follow the pediatrician’s directions when using these creams.

Time to Toss Old Rx Meds After marijuana and alcohol, prescription drugs are the most commonly misused substances

by Americans age 14 and older, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Many teens get prescription drugs they misuse from friends and relatives, sometimes without the person knowing. Why leave it to chance?

Safe Kids Charlotte Mecklenburg has six locations in the Charlotte area where half-filled bottles of outdated prescription meds can be discarded, including the Matthews Police Department lobby, the Mint Hill Police Department lobby, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department uptown, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Jail North location, and at Walgreen’s drug stores at 8538 N. Tryon St. and 6649 Morrison Blvd.

As an added precaution, keep medications out of easily accessible places in your home, and remind other family members whose home your child might visit to keep all prescription medicines out of reach of children and teens.

Sealing Out Tooth Decay The American Dental Association recommends children get sealants as soon as permanent back teeth pop up in an effort to prevent food and germs from causing tooth decay. Though sealants aren’t new, they can be very helpful in helping keep cavities away. Sealants are painted on as a liquid and quickly harden to form a shield over the tooth. Because grooves and pits in back teeth are prone to decay, sealants painted on the surface help prevent this damage according to information from the National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research. Sealants can last up to 10 years, and if put on teeth early in life, may help a person save money in the long run by avoiding fillings, crowns or caps to fix decayed teeth. charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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FYI | people so he can help with the kids when I’m not able to be home.

What is your favorite thing about raising a family in Charlotte?

My family loves the lush, beautiful neighborhoods, unique restaurants, greenways and parks, and the young families.

Living in such close proximity to both the mountains and the beach lends itself to us easily being able to travel often.

Maureen Anders with her husband Jeffrey Anders, and sons Jeffrey and Pierson. Photo

by Jamie Shook/ Vintage Daisy Photography

Best advice ever received: Don’t worry about when other companies (or people) copy you — be worried about the day that no one is copying you.

Get to Know: Maureen Anders

BY MICHELE HUGGINS

M

aureen Anders is the co-owner of Anders Ruff Design Co. and AR Workshop DIY studios. She and her husband J (short for Jeffrey) Anders have two sons: Jeffrey, 12, and Pierson, 9. She is also the proud owner of two Jack Russell terriers, Cotton and Coconut.

Where do you live in Charlotte and where did you grow up?

I live in Fort Mill, South Carolina. We have lived in the Charlotte area since 2006. We moved away for about a year to Milwaukee, but came back after less than 18 months.

We love it here.

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

Anders Ruff was born because of creativity and a passion for beautiful things. What started in 2010 as an online etsy shop quickly morphed into our own e-commerce website and blog.

Co-founder Adria Ruff met at a preschool open house. We learned we had so much in common and quickly embarked on a business together. After six years running the online shop and getting really awesome projects, we expanded to create AR Workshop, a DIY boutique workshop where women, men and kids can create home decor from scratch. After launching our first AR Workshop in Pineville in June 2016, we have quickly grown to over 51 franchised and licensed locations.

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FEBRUARY 2018 | charlotteparent.com

My favorite part of the job is creating the project concepts and branding the company. As a type A, detail-oriented person, I am a perfectionist and won’t stop until I have the design absolutely perfect. Taking that to the next level is my joy for teaching others. I love helping a new franchise owner learn all aspects of the business to grow and incorporate their own AR Workshop.

The challenge is that I love what I do so much that it’s hard to stop working. I don’t feel like my job is a job. It’s a hobby and passion turned into a mission — a true labor of love.

What’s the hardest part of juggling family life and work life?

Being the CEO of a quickly growing franchise startup is not easy. There are really long hours working to build the business, support franchisees, design new concepts, stay relevant and keep up with regular dayto-day operations. I want to do it all, but have learned to delegate. Being a franchisor, there is a lot more travel. Luckily, I have a supportive husband who works from home

Proudest parenting moment: When my son proactively told me the truth about doing something bad. He even referenced the fact that I told him he would get in less trouble if he is honest with me about doing something wrong versus lying to me. I always try to encourage honesty from my kids.

Lowest parenting moment: When my younger son’s grades showed and I noticed a C. We approached him and he had been hiding his homework from us because he was afraid he would get in trouble. I felt like such a failure for not noticing that he hadn’t been bringing as much work home, and I felt like I wasn’t as involved in his studying that year because I had been so busy. That prompted us to change how we are doing things.

Name three things you can’t live without: Jack Russell terriers, La Croix Sparkling Water and my iMac with Adobe Illustrator.

Favorite Instagram account: @xopinkpistachio Last book read: Dr. Seuss. I don’t have time to read anymore — just to my kids.

What inspires you?

I’m so inspired by vintage graphic design, product packaging, fashion, antique shopping, and colors from harvests and nature.

The new year brings new pediatricians It’s time to welcome the new year. And at Novant Health, we’re excited to also welcome several new expert pediatricians. Their arrival will add to our already comprehensive pediatric expertise — so now more than ever, you’ll find care for your child, from infancy to the teen years.

Find the pediatrician for your family at NovantHealth.org/findthedoctors. © Novant Health, Inc. 2018 1/18 • GCM-265122

SPORTS CAMPS AT QUEENS. Engage your child in a fun and exciting athletic experience at a premier institution with an outstanding coaching staff.

Half and full day options all summer Ages 2 - 18 Indoor camps will be in Queens’ state-ofthe-art Levine Center and outdoor camps will be at Queens Sports Complex and Myers Park Traditional Field.

704.337.2509 queensathletics.com/camps

›

The Trouble With Teeth How to handle chips, knockouts and other dental drama

BY MALIA JACOBSON

K

eeping a child’s smile healthy takes brushing twice daily, avoiding sweets and visiting the dentist regularly. In the case of a dental emergency, it also takes quick thinking and swift action. In addition to the normal loss of baby teeth and a cavity or two, many children experience some type of tooth-related trauma like a chipped tooth or one that suddenly turns grey. While childhood dental dramas are common, experts warn against ignoring issues simply because they involve baby teeth. Problems with baby teeth can affect developing permanent teeth. Read on for help with dental problems, from minor mishaps to true emergencies.

Early Years

Shades of Grey Many parents are dismayed when one of a toddler’s pearly whites isn’t white at all, but instead a shade of grey or light brown. Don’t panic! Baby teeth have shallower roots than permanent teeth. With even a slight bump, a tooth can “die” and lose its white luster.

Dentists generally advise a wait-and-see approach to a greying baby tooth, because it usually is an aesthetic issue.

In some cases, however, a dead or dying tooth becomes infected, forming an abscess, says pediatric dentist Dr. Cami Miskovic of

Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry. In these cases, a dentist can extract the tooth and treat the underlying infection. If the tooth has to go, take heart — it won’t affect spacing of the permanent teeth, and your little one may get to be the first of his or her pals to get a visit from the Tooth Fairy.

Elementary Years

Knockout During the early school years, children lose most of their baby teeth and learn to care for their new adult choppers. Because children are so active during this stage, it’s

GROWING UP

not uncommon to knock out a tooth. A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that warrants an immediate call to your dentist. Southpoint Pediatric Dentistry in Durham advises carefully handling the tooth by the crown, not the root, and holding it in its socket with a finger if possible. If it’s not possible to handle the tooth by its crown, store the tooth in a glass of milk. If the tooth is a permanent one, your dentist may be able to restore it in its original position.

Another common dental dilemma is permanent teeth coming in before baby teeth fall out that can result in multiple rows of teeth. This can look odd, but the tongue pushes permanent teeth into alignment once the baby teeth fall out, says pediatric dentist Dr. Sabrina Magid Katz of Advanced Dentistry in Westchester, New York. Encourage your child to keep wiggling the baby teeth. If one is particularly stubborn, your dentist can help coax it out.

Teen Years

Chip Off the Old Block Chomping ice, using teeth to open a bottle or playing sports can lead to something most teens don’t want in their yearbook photo: a chipped tooth. While minor chips are mostly an aesthetic issue, a larger chip can expose nerve endings that make a tooth extremely temperature-sensitive and very painful. If your child chips a tooth, dentists at Southpoint Pediatric Dentistry advise trying to locate the missing piece, putting it in water and calling your dentist right away.

A severe break may qualify as an emergency, while more minor chips can probably wait until the next business day.

If the broken piece can’t be found, a dentist can create a composite filling to restore the tooth. Composites look natural and can last for years, though your child may need to replace the composite at some point in his or her lifetime. To avoid chips, have your teen wear a mouthguard for sports, advise him or her to never use teeth as “tools.”

Malia Jacobson is a nationally published health journalist and mom.

charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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TECH TALK

TECH TALK

2. Disable the search feature. Google allows parents to set up a profile for each child, so the search feature can be enabled or disabled (it defaults to disabled), depending on the child’s age and self control.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

3. Review history. Because YouTubeKids doesn’t have filters, parents can’t necessarily prevent kids from seeing something they don’t want them to see. The app makes it easy to review history, which at least allows a conversation after the fact about why a video is objectionable.

7 Ways to Make YouTube Kids Safer

BY CAROLYN JABS

K

ids love videos — the sillier the better. And it’s a rare parent who hasn’t used them to secure a little quiet time. YouTube is by far the largest source of videos of all kinds. When the company created the YouTube Kids app in 2015, many parents assumed its content would be carefully curated and reliably child-friendly.

Much of it is. YouTube Kids allows young children to happily swipe through a vast collection of content featuring characters like Winnie the Pooh and Peppa Pig. Mixed into this are education clips from reputable sources like Khan Academy, plus videos created by users, which vary enormously in content and quality. A small percentage of these videos includes bizarre and even traumatizing images, sometimes of beloved characters doing lewd and violent things.

How does this happen? Google uses artificial intelligence to decide whether a video is suitable for children. Although AI has come a long way, it doesn’t always detect the nuances that distinguish adult satire from the innocent content it’s meant to mock. AI also is often oblivious to trolls and click-bait. In its defense, Google warns that children may encounter inappropriate content and asks parents to flag such material so other kids won’t see it.

Even when content is properly curated, parents should be aware that children see a lot of commercial messages on YouTube Kids. While YouTube Red memberships are free of paid advertising, children still have access to entire channels created by companies like Hasbro or McDonalds. Also, unfortunately, parents can’t set their own filters for content or create playlists of acceptable videos, such as those reviewed by Common Sense Media. In an effort to keep your kids safe while using YouTube Kids, consider taking advantage of these options: 1. Change the password. It's a good idea to frequently change your YouTube Kids password. Search for the “Grown-ups Only” section and unlock it by using the random

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FEBRUARY 2018 | charlotteparent.com

four-digit passcode that is provided. Numbers are spelled out to ensure that prereaders can’t use the code. If your child can read, click the “Set my own Passcode” button.

4. Block videos you don’t want your child to see. If you come across something unsuitable, just tap the triple-dot button for the video and then tap the “Block” button.

5. Report videos that no child should see.

Reporting gets the attention of human screeners who are actually counting on conscientious parents to let them know about unsuitable content that slips by the YouTube Kids robots. Think of this as a public service.

Just tap the triple-dot button and then the “Report” button.

6. Set limits. To its credit, YouTubeKids does include a timer. Once it’s set, a colored progress bar lets your child see how much time is left in a session. When the clock runs out, a “Time’s Up” animation appears and the app locks until a parent enters the access code.

7. Consider other options. YouTubeKids may have the largest collection of videos but, when it comes to kids, quality is preferable to quantity. Companies like Disney, Nick Jr. and PBS KIDS have brands to protect so they are likely to be more careful about what appears in their apps. You can also consult video alternatives compiled by Common Sense Media at commonsensemedia.org/lists/ streaming-video-apps.

Carolyn Jabs is the author of “Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart,” available at Amazon and cooperativewisdom.org. carolinaparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

23

AT CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY

New discoveries, great friends, and fun times.

• • • • • •

Sports and games Arts and crafts Field trips and events Nature and science Music, dance and drama Swimming* *Not available at all locations

chesterbrookacademy.com/camp

877-959-4181

DENVER • CHARLOTTE • HUNTERSVILLE • WEDDINGTON CBA_CharlotteParent_Feb18_7.125x4.5.indd 1

12/19/17 2:23 PM

THE TEEN DATING GAME

What to love and when to worry

BY CAITLIN WHEELER

T

oday’s teens are navigating a social media-infused world where the only sure thing is change. But one thing remains constant: Teens love being in love. Their relationships are often powered by texting, Snapchat, Twitter and selfies, but they still contain all of the pleasures — and risks — of pre-internet dating. Whether or not your child has gone on a date, now is the time to start a conversation about building healthy relationships.

What is Dating?

Ask teens how many kids they know who date and they are quick to respond.

“Everyone,” says Durham eighth-grader Wyatt — though he adds, “Not me.” Mason, an 11th-grader in Charlotte, says “more than half” of his friends date.

How do teens define dating? Brooke, a 10th-grader in Raleigh, says the classic definition still applies: A longer-term relationship between two people who are romantically interested in each other.

“If you’re dating someone but don’t think it’s going anywhere, that’s not dating,” Brooke says. “That’s just ‘a thing’ or a hookup.”

Brooke guesses that around 40 percent of the kids at her school date, but adds that only about 10 percent of those relationships are “more serious.”

Lindsey Copeland, a Durham psychologist who owns Copeland Psychological Services and also works as a counselor for Durham Academy’s Upper School, says she does not see evidence of “real” dating until students are in 11th or 12th grade. While middle schoolers might do some group dating on trips to the mall, or might connect with a “boyfriend” or “girlfriend” via daily texts, Copeland says “younger students are still sorting out their own identity and are usually not ready to focus on another person in any serious way.” Such relationships, she says, usually end with an abrupt text or, even more awkwardly, by third-person word of mouth (or text).

Strict definitions aside, all teen relationships are learning experiences — from middle school pairings to high school hookups to watching a friend date his or her true love. The earlier you step in to discuss these interactions with your child, the better.

Benefits and Risks For some kids, dating can be a wonderful learning experience. At its best, dating provides teens with increased confidence, and the chance to learn how to empathize and practice navigating adult relationships.

Brooke, who has had several in-person relationships and is currently involved in a long-distance relationship with a boy

she met through social media, credits her success with looking for the right qualities in a potential boyfriend.

“The most important thing is that your boyfriend is not ashamed to show you off,” she says. “That’s a real relationship — where he says, ‘I appreciate you and I care about you.’

Both sides should be proud of each other.”

Parents can use dating as a teaching tool.

“Ask your child what they think is important in a relationship,” says Betsy Thompson, coordinator of Mental Health Services at Teen Health Connection in Charlotte. “If they have a girlfriend or boyfriend, ask them how their partner shows them respect. If there’s a breakup, ask them what they learned.” It’s easier to teach kids who have experience, she says, because kids don’t always learn from peers’ mistakes.

Dating, unfortunately, is not always a positive experience. Parents typically worry most about sex, but there are other issues to watch out for — like emotional and physical abuse, which parents often don’t consider until after their child experiences it. Copeland sees “too many” college students who have suffered from relationship violence. She says the teen years provide the best time to be open with your child — when family members and adults are nearby and able to identify warning signs.

Self-confidence can provide excellent protection against abuse, says Reana Johnson, a UNC-Chapel Hill sophomore and president of the university’s chapter of “Queen in You,” a mentoring program for middle school girls that helps them discover who they are instead of seeing themselves through the eyes of potential boyfriends. She advises teens not to be in a rush to start a relationship.

“You’re your own person before and after this other person, and you need to take care of yourself before you can take care of other people,” she says.

Talk to your child about what it means to be treated well, and about the signs of a potentially harmful situation. If a teen is not being treated appropriately, he or she needs to know what steps to take in order to stay safe.

“It’s important to recognize when boundaries are being crossed. They especially

PREVENTING DIGITAL RELATIONSHIP ABUSE The constant availability of social media can lead to possessive and predatory behavior.

Teens should be aware that it is not normal for a partner to want to know where they are all the time, or for a partner to demand instant responses to messages.

Reana Johnson, a UNC-Chapel Hill sophomore and president of the university’s chapter of “Queen in You,” a mentoring program for middle school girls, suggests using social media to fight social media. The “mute” option is her favorite feature on Twitter.

“It can be great to just block someone out sometimes, especially if you’re going through a breakup,” she says. “You can always un-mute them later on.”

If muting one person is not enough, Johnson encourages teens to “mute” social media altogether. “On social media, the pressures are constant," Johnson says. "You have to realize there are other things to do with your time. Paint. Keep a journal. Go outside.

Otherwise, you’ll get trapped in this virtual reality. Just remember it is not real life.”

need help learning to communicate when their needs conflict with their partner’s,” Copeland says. She suggests coaching your child in such a way that he or she knows what to say when a dating partner wants something he or she is not comfortable offering.

Teens and Sex While dating can lead to sex for some teens, it does not for others. Being in a committed relationship can be safer than being a part of a crowd prone to hooking up. Brooke is careful to separate sex-based relationships from lovebased dating.

When you’re just in ‘a thing’ with a person, that’s more about sexual attraction than a real attraction,” she says. “A lot of girls are looking for long-term relationships, while guys just want to mess around.”

Contrary to popular belief, not all boys enter relationships just for sex. Some are charlotteparent.com carolinaparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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Boundaries, Unknown.

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looking for a deeper connection. Mason says he can be more relaxed and honest with his girlfriend than he can with his guy friends.

“With my baseball friends, it’s all about competing and playing jokes,” he says. “With my girlfriend, it’s sometimes easier because we can just sort of be nice to each other.”

Whether your teen is in a committed relationship or hanging out with a larger social group, the experts we spoke to advise making your values and preferences on sex clear before it becomes an issue. Educate your child about the dangers of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases — and how to prevent them. If you do not teach your child, he or she will learn from sources you may not agree with or trust. Remind your teen (often) that alcohol and drugs lower a person’s inhibitions to the point where he or she may not have control over his or her decisions.

The more your teen hears this, the more likely he or she is to think before acting.

What About Social Media?

Social media apps have become an integral part of teen culture. “Teens use social media to communicate and connect with romantic partners in ways that may be both healthy and normative, as well as in ways that may be more problematic,” says Jacqueline Nesi, a doctoral student in clinical psychology at UNC-Chapel Hill and lead author of a study on social media's effect on teens’ long-term relationship skills.

Her research suggests that teens may use text messaging for riskier behaviors like “sexting,” but also to have necessary conversations about things like sexual health decisions with partners. For some kids, the chance to sexually express themselves online might lead to less sex and less physical contact, whereas other kids might be more curious about the actual act of sex after seeing or reading something about it online.

“For some kids, it is a slippery slope,” Thompson says. “For others, seeing nude pictures and sex online may desensitize them to risky behavior.”

Social media usage has changed relationship norms. Copeland hears from a lot of teens who are frustrated by their dating peers’ online showboating.

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“Some teens go out of their way to post how much they love each other and how happy they are — lots of heart emojis, happy couple photos and ‘Look, I’ve got a boyfriend,’” she says. “There’s definitely a social leverage component to some of these social media-style PDAs.” Copeland suggests talking with teens about these public displays of affection, and asking them what role online grandstanding might play in nurturing or harming a relationship.

Brooke believes girls’ reputations are more at stake online than boys’. Male and female teens often take a negative view of girls who are involved in hookups or who share nude photos. “Guys — or even other girls — will call them sluts or hoes,” Brooke says. “That can really hurt a girl’s self-esteem, especially when it gets out there on social media. My friends and I would never do nudes, but it’s pretty unfair. Guys can do whatever they want and don’t get any negative feedback.”

Mason agrees. “Girls get it pretty harsh online,” he says. “My friends try to stay out of all that.”

Warn your teen about the consequences of posting compromising photos — even in the see-it-and-it’s-gone world of Snapchat.

It’s easy to take a screenshot of any image and post it for a broader audience.

Strategies for Starting a Conversation The most natural way to teach your child about healthy partnerships is to model mutually respectful relationships at home. Single parents can teach their children by drawing on what they have learned from good and bad experiences.

Organizations like “Queen in You” can offer resources for teens who are shy and might respond more comfortably to mentors closer in age. You might also consider watching a TV show or movie together to jumpstart a conversation about relationships. Ask your child what he or she thought of a character’s actions, and whether there were alternative avenues he or she could have pursued.

Still don’t know where to start? Copeland recommends the website loveisrespect.org as a resource for learning about how to maintain healthy teen relationships.

TEEN TEXTING ACRONYMS AND PHRASES Keeping up with your teen’s social life means understanding his or her language. Here’s a cheat sheet for some of the more popular terms or phrases you might discover — and some you hope you won’t — when you scroll through one of your teen’s text threads.

Bae: Baby or sweetie Catfishing: Fabricating an online persona in order to lure a potential partner Ghosting: Cutting off all communication as a means to end a relationship IRL: “In real life” — a relationship that moves from online to face-to-face Netflix and chill: Code for going to each other’s house in order to make out Swerve: To avoid Talking: Casual dating A Thing: Not quite dating, but almost Thirsty: Need lots of attention (sometimes sexual); desperate GNOC: “Get naked on camera” Smash: To have casual sex NIFOC: “Naked in front of computer” CU46: “See you for sex” Source: Urban Dictionary, a crowd-sourced online dictionary of slang words and phrases

Experts say keeping the lines of communication open with your child is key.

“Research shows that communicating with kids — even more so than monitoring their online activity — is effective in promoting healthy social media use,” Nesi says.

Know what social media platforms your kids are using and who they connect with, and make sure they understand how to safely present themselves online. * Names of teens were changed for privacy.

Caitlin Wheeler is a freelance writer in Durham.

charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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parenthood from a mom who works full-time. I’m reminded of these posts as she sits down for our interview, saying with a shrug of apology: “I didn’t shower for you. Sorry!”

Molly Grantham IS VICTORIOUS The WBTV anchor talks about her new book, juggling family and career, and how life sometimes turns out differently than you imagined

BY ALEIGH ACERNI

I

f you live in the Charlotte area, chances are you know Molly Grantham. The Emmy Award-winning news anchor at WBTV (Channel 3) has been a fixture in Charlotte media for nearly 15 years. On TV, she’s energetic and likable, with the gravitas of a hard-hitting newscaster. She’s covered challenging and controversial stories including gangs, terrorism, and the debate over the legalization of cannabis oil. But she doesn’t shy away from the softer stories that come her way either. Her coverage of kids battling serious health issues — a series dubbed #MollysKids

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— has grown to include hundreds of heartwarming and often heartbreaking stories.

In person, she’s honest and frank. She has the charm of a person who doesn’t take herself too seriously, qualities that come across in the posts she writes on her Facebook page that include a mix of news updates, installments of her #MollysKids series and candid anecdotes as a working mother of two young children. In her recently published book, “Small Victories: The Off-Camera Life of an On-Camera Mom,” Grantham shares a collection of her select Facebook comments that give an honest look at

FEBRUARY 2018 | charlotteparent.com

FOLLOWING LIFE AS IT LEADS Grantham makes having a busy career and a challenging schedule (she works until midnight every weeknight) look effortless. That’s just one reason her posts about the joys and frustrations of being a working mom are so endearing. In a recent post, Grantham tells of how she stood on a toilet at Disney World and used a deep voice to trick her privacy-seeking toddler, Hutch, age 3, into unlocking the door to his stall. In another, she relays her realization of all the ways her daughter Parker, 6, matured, seemingly overnight, all because of a sudden shift away from her preference for dresses.

Grantham didn’t set out to collect parenting stories for a book. In fact, “Small Victories,” in many ways, came about like some of the other great things in her life. #MollysKids started from a desire to share one child’s story, and then another and another. There’s no sponsored segment, no weekly or monthly piece cadence, no plans to launch a nonprofit organization. Instead, she shares the stories authentically, as they come, and tries to help each family connect with the resources they need.

“There’s no business plan. There’s no thought,” Grantham says. “It’s all networking these people. That’s what I can do. I can help connect people.”

Her go-getter spirit is tempered by a willingness to follow along where life leads — even into parenthood. It’s clear that Grantham enjoys her children, but before Parker arrived, she couldn’t fathom taking a break from the career she loves.

“When I got married, my husband knew I was never going to have babies and stay at home,” she says. “And it’s OK to say it. I have no problem saying it.” In fact, she says, if pregnancy hadn’t caught her by surprise, it’s possible that she wouldn’t have become a parent. It’s not that she didn’t want children, she writes in “Small Victories,” it’s that she just wouldn’t have taken the initiative. She was so resistant to hit pause, even briefly, on her work, that it was a very unwelcome surprise. “I was so pissed when I found out I was pregnant,” she says. “I was mad.”

“Small Victories: The Off-Camera Life of an On-Camera Mom,” available at Barnes

During maternity leave with her second child, television news anchor Molly Grantham started writing weekly Facebook posts about her endless attempts to “keep it all together.” Shining an honest—and often funny—light on her own parental struggles was an unexpected transition for this journalist used to reporting on gangs, crime, and serious social issues. But the real surprise came in how many people related to her raw takes on parenthood.

and Noble, Park

From her admission that changing diapers and endless feedings aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, to missing her career and “me” time, to discovering the pure joy of watching her children grow, Small Victories: The Off-Camera Life of an On-Camera Mom is a month-by-month progression of one woman’s journey through the early years of parenting. In sharing her story with the community, she discovers a wealth of solidarity and strength that happens when you are honest.

Road Books and

“Mad props for capturing motherhood realness.”

—Sarah H. (page 218, after “Mother’s Day”)

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“I relate to ALL of this. I never understood this is what parenting was like.”

—Carly H. (page 295, after “Parenting is Annoying”)

“You come into our living room each evening. Thanks for letting us into yours.”

—Frank W. (page 72, after “Hi.”)

independent shops,

The Off-Camera Life of an On-Camera Mom

“I’m a single male with no kids and I get pulled into your posts every time…”

—David D. (page 62, after “Tennessee Truck Stops”) “THANK YOU. Now I know I’m normal.”

—Alishia S. (page 66, after “Going Back to Work”)

on amazon.com

Aleigh Acerni is a writer and editor who has spent a decade living in Plaza Midwood. Molly Grantham was one of her first interviews in Charlotte, and Aleigh has enjoyed following Grantham’s career ever since.

Molly Grantham is an Emmy-award winning anchor and investigative reporter in Charlotte, NC. Besides her public and often nutty job, she balances motherhood, social media madness, and the swirling cycle of life. She graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

and on her website, $17.95 ISBN 978-0-9994302-0-0

51795>

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MOLLY GRANTHAM

TELLING HER STORIES Grantham self-published “Small Victories: The Off-Camera Life of an On-Camera Mom,” just months after her mother’s death from breast cancer. Her father Joseph Grantham died of colon cancer 11 years ago.

“It’s a weird thing to be 39, turning 40, and have both your parents die. And feel orphaned,” she says. “I can navigate it, but it’s a fact of life that I don’t have a mom or dad.” Having lost both of her parents to cancer played more than a small part in her desire to collect her parenting stories into a book. “I want [Parker and Hutch] to have those stories,” she says.

Grantham admits she always wanted to write a book, but it wasn’t until 2017, when her mother’s illness emerged again, that she realized she had already started writing one — and not the book she’d expected.

“I have a beautiful storyline in my head.

Beautiful fiction. Well-written prose. I’ve wanted to write a book since I was about 10,” she says. “And it was in January (2017), and I was like, ‘I think it’s already in my face. I think I’ve written a book.’”

With the book out and in the midst of adding book signings to her busy work schedule, Grantham has continued to write her monthly Facebook installments about parenting Parker and Hutch — without holding back. That’s not to say she doesn’t also consider her children’s privacy or how what she writes could impact them in the future.

“If I ever felt that [Parker] or Hutch felt that they were exposed, I would shift and I would stop. They take priority, period.” she says. But Grantham sees beauty in being real and honest about the ups and downs of life, and she hopes her daughter grows up to feel like she can do what she wants to do and still be a good mom. “I don’t want her to ever feel like she is bound to pick. I think to say it truly and honestly … and it’s always driven by [how] I love them more than anything.”

SMALL VICTORIES: The Off-Camera Life of an On-Camera Mom

Although she’ll concede that becoming a parent can change a person, she’s quick to note that she’s still the same Molly Grantham who took calls from sources at 2 a.m. and rode along with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on gang busts. But then she laughs, thinking about her book.

“Twenty-five-year-old Molly would never have thought 40-year-old Molly would say she was an author of a book about parenting. Twenty-fiveyear-old Molly thought 40-year-old Molly would have [an Edward R. Murrow Award] for finding a cure for cancer or investigating some social issue that needed uncovering. I was going to take the world by storm,” she says. “My job is about big victories and I always thought my life would be about big victories. And I’m literally titling the book the opposite of that expectation.”

mollygrantham.com.

MOLLY GRANTHAM

MISS

MEADE PUBLISHING

Molly Grantham with her children Parker, 6, and Hutch, 3. Her book “Small Victories: The Off-Camera Life of an On-Camera Mom” is a collection of real-life thoughts and feelings about juggling family and a career. Photos by Photography by Chanda.

charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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2017 C mp Guide

Conquering Challenges Like a

Why Choose an Obstacle-Course Camp?

“There are countless benefits to all of these activities,” says Renato Varga of Kinetic Heights, an indoor challenge center located south Charlotte. “Ninja warrior and obstacle courses provide a unique, exciting and, most importantly, fun way to exercise. Often times the obstacles are awkward and different enough from the typical movements people are used to during regular exercise, resulting in a workout that hits way more muscle groups.”

Ninja warrior training may also be the perfect athletic outlet for kids who haven’t found their place in traditional team sports.

“Ninja as a sport requires a great deal of persistence and thoughtfulness,” says David Gordon, owner of USA Ninja Challenge in Durham. “Many of our successful students thrive on the individual challenge of Ninja.”

Brown says Warrior Tech OCR’s instructors encouraged her kids to take a teamwork approach to working together. “It was fun to watch them talk to each other about how they got better at things or how they kept messing up at a certain spot,” she says. “They’d give each other tips to try — and encouragement.”

Varga agrees that one of the main benefits of obstacle-course training is how it encourages cooperation. “While these activities aren’t quite team sports, they allow for training with peers in a manner that teaches that cooperation and teaching are better for everyone — not competition and showing off,” she says.

As challengers approach each obstacle, Warrior Tech OCR’s “Chief Kid Wrangler,” Justin Fitzgerald explains different potential tactics and encourages adaptation.

Participants also can learn from watching how others overcome course challenges.

When children complete obstacles they thought they couldn’t or that they may have unsuccessfully attempted in the past, they not only gain a sense of confidence, Varga says, but realize that with hard work, they can overcome difficulties, “which could be anything from balancing across a scary beam, making a seemingly impossible jump … or (completing) a large school assignment. Any obstacle can be overcome — what matters

NiJa WaRiR NiJa WaRiR A high-ropes course is part of the indoor challenge course and summer camp at Kinetic Heights.

Photo courtesy of Kinetic Heights

The benefits of obstacle-course camps

BY MANDY HOWARD

S

TOP! This article is only for parents who want their kids to have fun, grow in athleticism and overcome obstacles in life … literally.

Parkour and ninja-style obstacle course programs offer these benefits, and are trending around the country. This movement, led in part by the popularity of shows like “American Ninja Warrior” and “Spartan Race,” doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Several facilities have popped up in North Carolina to offer kids and adults safe environments in which to learn, train and play.

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Raleigh mom Betsy Brown, whose children attend year-round schools, discovered Warrior Tech OCR (obstacle course readiness) in Morrisville while looking for a toor rack-out camp. “My kids are athletic and active and they love the show, ‘American Ninja Warrior,’ so we gave it a shot.”

The verdict was unanimous with her 12-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son.

“They loved it!” Brown says. “They came home exhausted and used muscles they didn’t know they had.” She immediately signed them up for Warrior Tech OCR’s summer camp to continue the positive experiences.

FEBRUARY 2018 | charlotteparent.com

most is not giving up.”

It’s also important to expose children to a wide variety of activities so they can find their passion. This an essential element of the camp experiences at U.S. National Whitewater Center. Some of the youth camps incorporate the center’s Long Point Obstacle Course and high- and low-ropes courses, says Eric Osterhus, brand manager at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

“We believe that everyone has the innate desire to get outside and play, and we believe that looks different for everyone,” he says. “In this day and age where everyone has a device in the palm of their hands, we see ourselves as a breath of fresh air in that you can tap into adventure that you can’t necessarily experience in day-to-day life.”

What to Look For Fitzgerald says a supportive atmosphere, good coaching and thorough training are musts.

Within the camp structure, Warrior Tech OCR also includes discussions on muscle groups, nutrition, technique and adaptability.

It’s also important to make sure camp activities are appropriate for your child. At the U.S. National Whitewater Center, kids are exposed to new challenges based on their age, skill level and ability.

Varga emphasizes the importance of a good coach and variety of obstacles. “A truly dedicated, passionate and qualified coach can teach an enjoyable and meaningful lesson with just a few simple boxes,” he says. “Ideally, you want to find somewhere that has a wide variety of obstacles, passionate and qualified

instructors, and most importantly is fun.”

Kinetic Heights and the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte; Warrior Tech OCR and USA Ninja Challenge in Durham; and Enso Movement, a parkour training facility with locations in Durham and Raleigh offer youth camps, open-play sessions and parties. Most of the camps offered at these facilities are suitable for children as young as 5, with more difficult camps available for older children and teens.

Worth the Risk?

These challenges are not without risk.

Obstacles are high, difficult and unique. It’s imperative that the camp you choose puts a premium on safety and instruction.

“Make sure that they are teaching your child how to do these obstacles, not that they’re just throwing them in to ‘play,’” Fitzgerald advises.

At Warrior Tech OCR, each morning of camp begins with a warm-up to stretch and strengthen the muscles they will use that day. Coaches are also trained in spotting kids and teaching them how to fall safely. Aware of the potential for injury, Brown believes the opportunities are worth the risks.

“Of course there is some kind of risk,” she says. “But if you have a kid who is active and likes to challenge themselves, I think it’s a great environment.”

Mandy Howard is a freelance writer and mother of three who lives in Raleigh.

High- and low-ropes courses are incorporated into some of the summer camp programs at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Photo courtesy of U.S. National Whitewater Center

Warrior Tech OCR. Photo by Jack Morton Photography

The Author’s Ninja Experience Thanks to my family’s obsession with “American Ninja Warrior” (Jessie Graff rules), our family decided to take Warrior Tech OCR’s challenge for ourselves. I took my three young ninjas — Maggie, 12; Ben, 10; and James, 8 — to meet with Warrior Tech OCR “Chief Kid Wrangler” Justin Fitzgerald.

I was a little nervous because my three are very different from one another, and I wasn’t sure how they’d react if one child could complete obstacles while the other two couldn’t (or vice versa). I quickly realized my entire premise was wrong.

Obstacle-course training programs are not about proving what you can already do — they’re about learning how to push yourself to try new things. Fitzgerald showed my kids three different techniques to try with the first obstacle: the quad steps.

“It’s not about getting it perfect every time, it’s about finding out which technique works best for you,” Fitzgerald says.

In less than an hour, each of my kids succeeded in beating an obstacle they had failed to achieve on their first attempt.

Although they were thrilled when they reached a new height on the warped wall or caught a new ring in the swinging apparatus, they never became discouraged when they fell.

“You have to be OK with failing here,” Fitzgerald says. “Failing here is different from failing in other places because you’ve probably never done anything quite like this — and they are really, really hard.”

—Mandy Howard

charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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Many summer camps, including Schoolhouse of Wonder, located in the Triangle area, offer leadership programs for teens seeking new challenges.

Photo courtesy of Schoolhouse of Wonder

Middle School Camps Discovering passions while building life skills

BY LIZ ROTHAUS BERTRAND

I

n middle school, kids often discover their extracurricular passions. From the arts and sports to robotics and outdoor adventure, specialized summer camp options enable middle schoolers to dive into an activity they love without school-year obligations. While refining their abilities or taking on new challenges at camp, middle schoolers also develop important skills that may help them later in life in unexpected ways.

THE GROUP EFFECT Camps that draw tweens and teens who share similar passions open up opportunities for collaboration and communication.

George Ramsay and Dean Williams, owners of Bold Music launched their summer Studio

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Recording and Songwriting Camp to inspire young musicians.

Ramsay says many students who take traditional music lessons are technically competent but lack the ability to play with others.

“What makes music exciting is feeding off each other,” Ramsay says. “We want to encourage kids in middle school and high school to use their ability to play music … It’s also a tool that helps you interact with people and collaborate.”

By writing, recording and mixing original music together during the one-week intensive camps, kids learn the art of collaboration.

Learning to work as a team is also important at NC Elite Volleyball in Morrisville, a

FEBRUARY 2018 | charlotteparent.com

club that provides year-round opportunities for young athletes to train and compete at a national and/or regional level.

“In a team environment you have to work with people that you didn’t choose to be with,” says Director of Operations Micholene Schumacher. While NC Elite Volleyball’s middle school camps focus on building skills to help players excel during tryouts, the club’s culture emphasizes other aspects of being a good team member, such as communicating effectively and encouraging teammates.

INDEPENDENT THINKING AND EXPLORATION In addition to collaboration, personalized learning is

an essential component of specialized camps. At TechTerra Education’s summer camps, located in various areas of the Triangle region, students explore the natural world using science, technology and maker-space activities. They can focus on what interests them the most.

“In schools, pursuing one’s passion and interest is not always the priority,” says TechTerra Education founder and CEO Susan Wells. “Here, it is.”

After 30 years of working in schools, Wells wanted her camps to be different. By keeping numbers small — 25 students per session with one instructor for every six students — TechTerra is able to offer a variety of stations the campers can rotate through during the day. Kids switch stations at regular intervals, using critical thinking and creativity to experiment with 3-D printing, robotics and more. Some campers choose to spend more time focused on a particular activity. Giving students control keeps learning “authentic and meaningful,” Wells says.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE Choosing a camp organized by ability and age ensures middle schoolers are challenged and supported while trying new things. This can motivate them and help them build confidence.

Bold Music limits the number of participants in each of its sessions to ensure that everyone has enough time to contribute and shine.

“Middle school can be a little bit challenging with their social development,” Ramsay says. “Getting kids together in a small setting — eight

DEVELOPING LEADERS Many camps offer leadership programs for teens who are seeking a new challenge or their first professional experience. While counselor-in-training programs are widely available for high schoolers, some organizations extend the opportunity to older middle school-aged kids, too. Applications are typically due before March.

“Making the change from a camper at age 12 to a counselorin-training at age 13 can be quite a challenging transition if they have been a camper for many years,” says Wendy Tonker of Schoolhouse of Wonder, a naturebased, outdoor day camp with locations in the Triangle area.

kids max — really helps them develop their confidence.”

Kids who participate yearround in an activity are likely to see faster improvement and skill growth than those who only do it for part of the year.

Schumacher cautions parents, however, to let their children’s interest level guide the intensity of their participation.

“A lot of times parents want it more than their kids do and that makes me sad,” she says.

REAL LIFE SKILLS A great camp experience can be transformative for teens, making an impact that extends beyond the program’s specific subject, sport or theme. When middle schoolers choose a specialized camp, they are exposed to other educational aspects of the experience.

Wells knows most TechTerra campers will not become engineers, but she believes it’s beneficial for all kids

At Schoolhouse of Wonder, staff mentors help participants develop their leadership style. As a counselor-in-training assumes new responsibilities, he or she builds self-confidence and starts seeing his or her position as a role model, Tonker says.

They also serve as invaluable resources to full-time staff. Since many are former campers, they provide insight into what makes the camp special and why they choose to come back each year.

“Some of these kids who have not perceived themselves to be leaders anywhere else can find a place here,” Tonker says.

to learn to code, have access to technology and understand how the digital and natural worlds intersect. They need this knowledge to make sound ethical decisions as 21stcentury citizens and consumers, and they may not have the opportunity to learn how to do this in school, Wells says.

At NC Elite Volleyball, camp participants learn their actions have real consequences.

Developing simple habits like “shagging” (collecting) volleyballs without being asked, arriving first to the gym to help set up the nets and treating others with respect can play a critical role in coaches’ selections of players.

“Everything that they learn in volleyball can be transitioned to real life, which is one of my favorite things,” Schumacher says.

Summer Camps

Kids Pottery Camps for ages 6–10, students will make fun colorful projects using basic Handbuilding techniques including; coiling, pinching and slab building.

C L AY W O R K S

Clayworks will run 7 week-long sessions from June 18–August 10, 2018, 9 am–12pm Youth Pottery Camp for ages 11-15, students will learn basic wheel-throwing skills and a variety of surface design techniques to truly make their projects one of a kind.

June 25–June 29, 2018, 1pm–4pm • July 23–July 27, 2018, 1pm–4pm Tuition is $190 for the week, for more information visit www.learnclay.com

Liz Rothaus Bertrand is a freelance writer who lives in Charlotte with her husband and two sons, ages 5 and 8. charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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FIRST TIME AT CAMP? Talking with your child about what to expect

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ending your child away to camp for the first time is a major milestone for most families, one that is often marked by excitement, anticipation, and even some anxiety. Though camp is certainly about making friends and having fun, it is also about being on your own and being a part of a community. One of the most important things you as a parent can do to help prepare your child for both these aspects of camp is to talk with your child about it before he or she goes. In fact, it may be better to have several occasional, shorter talks rather than one long conversation as children often absorb more when there is less to think about at one time. I also find that children do better with this sort of conversation if it is part of a more general conversation and if it is part of a pattern of talking, either at the dinner table or while riding in the car doing errands. The following are some sample topics for discussion that will help emotionally prepare your child for his or her big adventure.

FRIENDS Camp is not anything if it is not about making new friends. If your child is shy about meeting new kids, encourage him to get to know others by being a good listener. Also remind him that not everyone in his cabin, bunk or group has to become a friend, and that he doesn’t have to be everyone else’s friend. As long as he treats other campers with respect and they do the same, then having one or two friends at camp is fine.

BY BOB DITTER

ACTIVITIES There are many exciting things to do at camp, many of which will be new for a firsttime camper. If your child tends to be a bit homesick or worries about being homesick, remind him about the excitement of trying new things, and that it is normal to not like all the activities or be better at some activities than others, but that the more you put into camp, the more you get out.

what you need. If the counselor doesn’t seem

COOPERATION Cooperation is part of the camp experience and every camper is part of a cabin, bunk or group. Part of what makes camp so special is kids helping each other out. Remind your child that most kids will help you if you are friendly and help them, and that clean-up is part of camp.

not just on what they do well, but his or her

BE PATIENT Almost everything about camp is new — the kids, the activities, the routines, the bed you sleep in and the bathroom. It takes a few days to get adjusted, so encourage your child to be patient with himself adjusting to the environment and to focus on the fun rather than the differences.

GETTING HELP Everyone has good days and bad days. Let your child know that if he is having a problem, his counselor is there to help. Be honest and ask for

to be concerned or doesn’t help, then let your child know that he can go to the unit director or head counselor. Parents should know who these “back-up people” are and how a child can recognize them if they need to.

BEING POSITIVE It’s a great thing to remind your first-time camper about his or her strong points. Focus positive qualities as well, such as what makes them a good friend or the type of person other kids would want to know. Helping children identify their strengths can help them when they are having a setback — one of those inevitable growing pains all children have from time to time.

Talking with your child about these kinds of issues is a great way to show support as your child gets ready to take this important step on the road to being more resilient and self-reliant. For you as a parent, it can give you more peace of mind as you allow your child to participate safely in a broader world.

Bob Ditter is a child and family therapist who consults extensively with people who work with children. He has visited over 500 children’s camps in the United States.

Note: Originally printed in CAMP Magazine, reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association. charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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We made it open concept.

YOU MAKE IT THE PLACE FOR SUNDAY BRUNCH.

We approach every home design with careful consideration and thoughtfulness, so we can build the setting for you to fill with your own individual tastes, needs, dreams. Because at Shea, we delight in creating the space that you will one day make your home.

Homes & Townhomes from the high $200’s - $1 million+ visit sheahomes.com/charlotte Sales: Shea Group Services, LLC DBA Shea Realty (C21630). Construction: Shea Builders, LLC, 68875. This is not an offer of real estate for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fullled. Pricing does not include options, elevation, or lot premiums, effective date of publication and subject to change without notice. All square footages and measurements are approximate and subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos depict designer features, optional items and other upgrades that may be available from Seller at additional cost. Furniture not included or available for purchase (even upon the payment of an additional charge).

SuMe CaPs Every family has its favorites. We asked Charlotte Parent readers to tell us theirs, and more than 450 voters weighed in on categories from dining options to play destinations and summer camps. Below are the 2017 summer-camp selections.

Summer Sleep-Away Camp: Camp Thunderbird More than 100 acres and 2 miles of lake-front property combined with archery, geocaching, canoeing and paddleboarding make Camp Thunderbird a popular choice for the sleepaway camp experience.

1 Thunderbird Lane, Lake Wylie. campthunderbird.org.

Summer Day Camp — Traditional + Sports: YMCA Charlotte Day camps offer traditional land and water activities, weekly themes in age-appropriate groups. Various Y branches offer add-on sports activities like golf or soccer. Multiple locations. ymcacharlotte.org.

Summer Day Camp — Academic: Ivybrook Academy With camp themes like Edible Science and Passport to Fun kids are inspired to journey through the world of books and channel their inner Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton. 347 N. Caswell Road, Charlotte; 9801 Suzanne Court, Weddington; and 873 Dave Gibson Blvd., Fort Mill. ivybrookacademy.com.

Summer Day Camp — Theater Arts Program: The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte Programs encourage children to exercise their imaginations through drama, art, music, creative play and even technical theatre training for teens. 300 E. Seventh St., Charlotte. ctcharlotte.org.

Summer Day Camp — Specialty: The Speech Garden Classes include a structured schedule that combines language development with weekly themes, such as the ocean, jungles and transportation, all taught by certified speechlanguage pathologists and certified resource teachers, and graduate and undergraduate interns.1235-E East Blvd., Charlotte. speechgarden.org/ summer-camp.

TOP TO BOTTOM: Camp Thunderbird’s location on Lake Wylie makes water sports part of the camp experience.

Camp Thunderbird photo by Whitney Gray Photography. Ivybrook Academy offers academic day camps for young campers, age 2-6. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte summer day camps wrap up with an endof-week, on-stage performance. Photo by Lucia Wallace

Tell us your favorites in the 2018 Charlotte Parent Readers’ Favorites.

Voting is open Feb. 12-March 12 at charlotteparent.com/favorites. charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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Spring Consignment

SALES

Mark your calendars for these upcoming spring consignment sales. Check back on charlotteparent.com the most up-todate list as more sales are added throughout the season.

COMPILED BY ADDIE GOTTWALD

Charlotte Mothers of Multiples (CMOMS) Consignment Sale. (Feb. 3). 7:30am-3pm. The Park Expo and Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Road.

877-902-6667. charlottemultiples.com.

TTB KidZ Children’s Consignment Sale. (Feb. 9-11). Fri., 9am-7pm; Sat., 9am4pm; Sun., 9am-3pm. The Park Expo and Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Road. ttbkidz.com.

The Posh Closet Fine Children’ Consignment Sale. (Feb. 22-24). Thurs., 6-9pm ($20 entry to pre-sale); Fri., 10am7pm; Sat., 8am-noon. South Charlotte Banquet Center, 9009 Bryant Farms Road. theposhclosetsale.com.

Sun Valley Children’s Sale. (Feb. 24).

10am-3pm. Union County Agricultural Center, 3230 Presson Road, Monroe. sunvalleychildrenssale.com.

Tarheel Kids Consignment Sale.

(March 1-3). Thurs., 6-9pm; Fri., 9am-4pm; Sat., 9am-5pm and 5:30-9pm. Cabarrus Arena, 4751 US Hwy 49 N., Concord. 704644-3972. tarheelkidsconsignment.com.

Covenant Community Preschool Children’s Consignment Sale.

(March 2-3). Fri., 6-9pm; Sat., 8amnoon. Christ United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 3415 Union Road, Gastonia. 704-864-5675. covenantcommunitypreschool.com.

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Weddington Kids Consignment Sale. (March 9-10). Fri., 5-8pm ($10 public pre-sale); Sat. 8am-noon and 1-3pm. Family Life Center of Weddington United Methodist Church, 13901 Providence Road, Weddington. weddingtonkidsconsignmentsale.com.

Myers Park Presbyterian Church Children’s Consignment Sale. (March 10). Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place. 704-927-1245. myersparkpres.org.

Green Jeans Consignment Sale.

(March 13-18). Levine Senior Center, 1050 Devore Lane, Matthews. See website for sale hours. 704-9667036. greenjeanssale.com.

Big deals can be found at area children’s consignment sales, but before you shop, plan ahead with these tips from Michelle Gugliotti, Charlotte Mothers of Multiples vice president of consignment sale.

1. Don’t forget to bring a shopping bag, laundry basket or small rolling cart to use for shopping. Many sales do not allow strollers, wagons, clothing racks or anything for sale at the consignment sale, so check the fine print before you go.

2. Bring a shoe that currently fits your child because printed shoe size varies with brand and style.

3. Bring a tape measure or a knotted string to measure inseams, length of dresses and shoes.

4. Be sure to double-check sizes on garment labels – do not rely on the seller tag. Also, double-check all items bundled together for sizes.

5. Come early to get the best deals with the most choice. Or wait for half-price sales that usual happen toward end of consignment sales 6. Be courteous to other shoppers.

Matthews UMC Children/Teen Consignment Sale. (March 17). 8am-noon and 1-3pm.

Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 S. Trade St., Matthews. reducereuseconsign. com.

First Baptist Church Indian Trail (FBCIT) Kids Spring/ Summer Consignment Sale.

(March 22-24). Thurs., 7-9pm ($10 for presale); Fri., 9am-1pm and 3-8pm; Sat., 8am-noon. First Baptist Church Indian Trail, 732 Indian Trail-Fairview Road, Indian Trail. fbcit.org.

FEBRUARY 2018 | charlotteparent.com

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› EXCURSION

EXCURSION

Mount Vernon, Virginia

BY MICHAEL SCHUMAN

A

visit to President George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate by the banks of the Potomac River in Mount Vernon, Virginia, offers families an iconic American history experience. If you go, expect to see more than President Washington’s carefully preserved mansion. Still the main attraction, his grand home supplements the property’s other fascinating features.

The Mansion President Washington acquired Mount Vernon in 1754. His father, Augustine, originally built the home in 1735 as a one-and-a-half-story house. President Washington expanded it to create the 21-room residence, of which 14 rooms are open to the public for viewing.

Staff member Melissa Wood says the New Room is a favorite chamber among visitors, who favor it not only because of its large size, two-story ceiling and stylish furnishings, but also for its architectural detail and historical context. George and Martha Washington hosted parties and receptions for VIPs of their day in this room, which originally displayed 21 works of art.

Six of these original landscape paintings are currently on display in the room.

The New Room features tall, airy windows and is saturated in vivid mint green wallpaper (the use of bold colors in the 1700s was a sign of wealth). Before exiting, ask your kids to look up at the ceiling carvings to see how many plants and farming tools they can recognize.

Other notable rooms guests walk through during the tour include the West Parlor, where tea and coffee were customarily served during winter and on rainy days; the downstairs bed chamber, where many of the Washingtons' esteemed guests stayed; the dining room, which

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FEBRUARY 2018 | charlotteparent.com

Mount Vernon offers families a glimpse of President George Washington's life.

Photo courtesy of DigiDreamGrafix/Shutterstock was part of the original structure before President Washington expanded it; and the study, where the nation’s first president could privately and quietly attend to personal business matters.

Donald W. Reynolds Mount Vernon Museum and Education Center Among the more memorable artifacts you’ll find in the Donald W. Reynolds Mount Vernon Museum and Education Center’s 23 galleries are President Washington’s legendary false teeth. They were not made of wood, as many believe.

These choppers were crafted from a combination of elephant ivory, and human and cow teeth.

Sit inside a reproduction family box pew like the one in Pohick Church where the Washingtons worshiped, and hear the general’s prescient views regarding religious freedom.

One video shares the story of George and Martha’s lifelong romance, expanding on tales of young George Washington’s courtship of Virginia’s wealthiest widow and what made their marriage last for 40 years.

Another video delves into 18th-century espionage practices, such as the use of invisible ink, hiding letters in the children’s jacket buttons and hanging conspicuous capes on clotheslines to alert allies that a message was waiting.

The Outbuildings Walk through the numerous outbuildings to see where the plantation’s essential operations were performed. Replicas of barrack-style men’s and women’s quarters constructed in 2010 represent the residences of slaves who worked on the plantation as craftsmen and craftswomen.

The buildings are sturdy and constructed of brick, as are the floors. In order to sleep comfortably, slaves covered the wooden bunks with straw.

Other outbuildings include the spinning room, blacksmith shop and smokehouse. The Washingtons were known for serving the best Virginia smoked hams.

Plan Your Visit Mount Vernon is open 365 days a year with operating hours of 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 1-March 31; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m., April 1-Oct. 31. The distillery and gristmill are open April 1-Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission is $20 for ages 12-61; $19 for ages 62 and older; $10 for ages 6-11, and free for ages 5 and younger. Purchase tickets online at discounted rates at mountvernon.org. Visitors can also rent an audio tour handset for $7.

Award-winning author Michael Schuman has written 46 books and hundreds of travel articles. carolinaparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

27

February OUR PICKS

COMPILED BY ADDIE GOTTWALD

Gantt Center Exhibitions Community Opening | Feb. 3 Celebrate Black History month with gallery talks, docent-led tours, art-making workshops, scavenger hunts and other activities that kick off the opening of the series “Memories. Moments. Masterpieces.”

Visit the website to learn more about the new exhibits. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Free. Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St. ganttcenter.org.

Fairy House Festival | Feb. 10 Dress your family up as whimsical characters – fairies, gnomes, and elves – and come to the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve for a day of fairy fun. Build their own fairy houses, listen to stories, and enjoy crafts, activities and games. Food also is available for purchase. Different from previous years, tickets must be purchased in advance.

Enjoy exhibits, activities, crafts and programs at The Schiele Museum’s Fossil Fair on Feb. 24.

Photo courtesy of Schiele Museum

Fossil Fair | Feb. 24 Dinosaur-loving children can wander through the Dino Safari exhibit to see large-scale dinosaur models, fossils and fossil casts, including a triceratops, stegosaurus, pterodactyl and deinonychus. See animated videos, make a fossil fish print, stand next to a full-sized T-rex and meet animated prehistoric characters. Children can dig through sand to find a

Tickets are $5 and children under the age of 4 are admitted free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. parkandrec.com.

“And in This Corner: Cassius Clay” will be showing weekends from Feb. 3-18 at McColl Family Theatre.

Photo by John Merrick

“fossil” or go gemstone mining for prizes. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $3-$10. The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. schielemuseum.org.

And in This Corner: Cassius Clay | Weekends Feb. 3-18 See the story of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, previously known as Cassius Clay and his upbringing in Jim Crow-era Louisville, Kentucky brought to life on stage.

Recommended for ages 8 and older. See sensory-friendly performance Feb. 17 at 11 a.m., and an ASL-Interpreted performance Feb. 17 at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $12-$28.

See website for showtimes. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, McColl Family Theatre, 300 E. 7th St. ctcharlotte.org. charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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1 THURSDAY

3 SATURDAY

Board Game Night at Barnes and Noble. Barnes and Noble, The Arboretum, 3327 Pineville-Matthews Road. 6pm. FREE. 704-341-9365.

Bring your favorite games or play games available at the store. stores. barnesandnoble.com.

Tot Time. Perfect Balance, 8850 Monroe Road. Ages 5 and younger.

11:30am-12:30pm. $5-$6. 980-299-8445.

Parents and children can enjoy an hour of open play in the gym. Ongoing MondayFriday. perfectbalancecharlotte.com.

On Stage: Innovative Works; and The Wonderful World of Disney on Ice. See page 40.

African Drum Circle by Drums4Life.

Albemarle Road Recreation Center, 5027 Idlewild Road, Mint Hill. 11am-1pm.

FREE. 914-419-6438. Children ages 3-18 can join in a drum lesson from 11am-noon, followed by a drum circle for all ages from noon-1pm. artsandscience.org.

Art and Music Workshops by Guerilla Poets. West Boulevard Library, 2157 West Blvd. Art workshop from 11am-noon. Music workshop from 12:30-1:30pm. FREE. 704-416-7400.

Learn about black history portraits in the art workshops; and choral singing, including breathing, control, pitch, diction and tonality in the music workshop. artsandscience.org.

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

Black Gold: NC Slavery and Reed Gold Mine. Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site, 9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland. 1pm. $2. 704-721-4653. Join in a discussion for Black History Month that focuses on the enslaved population of this area and North Carolina’s history of gold mining. nchistoricsites.org.

Exhibition Community Opening.

Harvey B. Gantt Center for AfricanAmerican Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St. 10am-5pm. FREE. 704-547-3700. Kick off Black History Month with gallery talks, docent-led tours, art-making workshops, scavenger hunts and other activities. ganttcenter.org.

Merit Badge Workshop: Weather and Robotics. Discovery Place Science, 301 N. Tryon St. Beginning at 9:15am. Ages 10-17. $30 (does not include museum admission). 704-372-6261. Boys Scouts can work toward earning a Weather badge or Robotics badge at two separate badge workshops. science.discoveryplace.org.

2 FRIDAY Groundhog Day Black History Month: “We Are” Film Series. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, 310 N. Tryon St. Ages 12-18. 6-8pm. FREE. 704-416-0100. “ We Are” is a narrative short-film series that offers a glimpse into the lives of seven women of color who call Austin, Texas home that illustrates how people who occupy multiple identities have experiences that surpass common stereotypes. cmlibrary.org.

Family Fun Event at SAS Cupcakes. SAS Cupcakes, 9941 Rea Road, Suite C. 4:306:30pm. FREE. 704-295-1777. Kids can come frost cupcakes and then meet and take pictures with the Fire Pup and Beauty Princess. sascupcakes.com.

Open Mic Night. McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St. 7:30pm. FREE. 704-348-5770.

Local performers sing, play guitar, and read poetry. Audience seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. blumenthalarts.org.

Movie: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 5-11. 3-4:45pm. FREE. 704-4164600. Watch the original “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” movie. Rated G. cmlibrary.org.

On Stage: And in This Corner: Cassius Clay; Innovative Works; and The Wonderful World of Disney on Ice. See page 40.

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FEBRUARY 2018 | charlotteparent.com

SOS! Save Our Salamanders. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. 2-3:30pm. Ages 8 and older. FREE. 980-314-1119. Step inside the secretive world of slimy salamanders through a presentation and trail hunt for local species. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: And in This Corner: Cassius Clay; Innovative Works; The Wonderful World of Disney on Ice; and Tosco Music Party. See page 40.

4 SUNDAY Acorn Naturalists. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. Ages 8 and older. 2-3pm. FREE. 980-314-1119.

Did you know that there are over 400 different species of oaks in North America and over 20 species live in Mecklenburg County? Take a walk, gather acorns and use your newly acquired skills to identify different oak trees. Register online. parkandrec.com.

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

Have No Fear. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 2:30-3:30 pm. FREE. 980-314-1128. Separate fact from fiction about some commonly misunderstood animals, like the brown recluse spider, venomous snakes and snapping turtles.

Learn why these animals should be revered instead of feared. Registration required. parkandrec.com.

Merit Badge Workshop: Space Exploration. Discovery Place Science, 301 N. Tryon St. 12:30-4:45pm. Ages 10-17. $30 (does not include museum admission). 704-372-6261. Boy Scouts can works toward earning their Space Exploration badge at this program. science.discoveryplace.org.

On Stage: And in This Corner: Cassius Clay; and The Wonderful World of Disney on Ice. See page 40.

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

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

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

6 TUESDAY American Girl Book Club. Charlotte Mecklenburg Library — Mint Hill, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill.

Ages 5-11. 4-5pm. FREE. 704-416-5200.

Join on the first Tuesday of each month to explore the lives and times of the American Girl Doll series with crafts, games, food and fun. cmlibrary.org.

V Is for Valentine’s Family Storytime.

York County Library System Central Library, 138 E. Black St., Rock Hill. 6-7pm.

Ages 11 and younger. FREE. 803-9815858. Celebrate Valentine’s with stories of kindness, silly songs and crafts filled with love. Register online. yclibrary.org.

7 WEDNESDAY Child Safety Seat Check. Freedom Division office of Charlotte Mecklenburg Police, 4150 Wilkinson Blvd. 9:3011:30am. FREE. Learn how to correctly install a car seat with the help of a certified technician. Bring your child, seat, and vehicle, and plan to spend at least 20 minutes. No appointment required. safekidscharmeck.org.

Child Safety Seat Inspection Station.

Matthews Police Department, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews. 8-11:30am. FREE. Learn how to correctly install a car seat with the help of a certified technician. Bring your child, seat, and vehicle, and plan to spend at least 20 minutes. No appointment required. safekidscharmeck.org.

Cultural Dance Program Presented

by Charlotte Ballet. Sugaw Creek Recreation Center, 943 W. Sugar Creek Road. 7-8pm. FREE. 704-336-7655. Drop in for this dance class that is open to all ages. The program includes live music accompaniment and a “Children’s Corner” with supervision and hands-on activities for children attending with their parent or guardian. artsandscience.org.

Cultural Exploration: African American History Month. West Boulevard Branch Library, 2157 West Blvd.

› Ages 5-11. 2-3pm. FREE. 704-416-7400.

Celebrate Black History Month with activities that illustrate and honor African Americans for the historic and current contributions that members of this diverse cultural group have made to their families, community and society. Register online. cmlibrary.org.

Free Wednesday Evenings at the Mint Museum. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road and Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 5-9pm. FREE. 704-337-2000. Explore the Mint Museum’s exhibitions at no cost. mintmuseum.org.

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

8 THURSDAY Angst, Anime and Artistry. Gaston County Public Library, 1555 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. Ages 13-18. 4-5pm. FREE. 704-868-2164. Celebrate Valentine’s “nerd-style” with angsty anime and a geeky fuse-bead craft. gastonlibrary.org.

McDowell Campfire. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 S. York Road. 6-7:30pm.

FREE. 980-314-2267. Spend the evening learning about fire safety, making s’mores and meeting new friends. Registration required. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: Innovative Works. See page 40.

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

Register online. ascgreenway.org.

Family Night: Charlotte Checkers Versus Springfield. Bojangles’ Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd.

7:15pm. $45 for a four pack of tickets.

704-342-4423. Save $45 on groups of four tickets when purchasing online. Bring a toothbrush and toothpaste to donate to underserved children in Charlotte and receive a free ticket voucher for the game on Sunday, April 8. gocheckers.com.

CALENDAR

On Stage: And in This Corner: Cassius Clay; and Innovative Works. See page 40.

10 SATURDAY African Drum Circle by Drums4Life.

Albemarle Road Recreation Center, 5027 Idlewild Road, Mint Hill. 11am-1pm.

FREE. 914-419-6438. There is a drum lesson for children ages 3-18 from 11am-noon, followed by a drum circle for all ages from noon-1pm. artsandscience.org.

Black Gold: NC Slavery and Reed Gold Mine. Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site, 9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland. 1pm. $2. 704-721-4653. Join in a discussion for Black History Month that focuses on the enslaved population of the area and North Carolina’s history of gold mining. nchistoricsites.org.

Fairy House Festival. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. 10am-4pm. $5; free for children under 4. Join a day of storytelling, crafts and activities centered on fairies and nature, and build your own fairy house. Feel free to dress up as fairies, gnomes and elves. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Latta Plantation, McDowell or Reedy Creek nature preserves, or online. parkandrec.com.

Family Day at The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St. Noon4:30pm. Free admission for children, $8 for adults. 704-353-9200. Learn about the art and artists of the Bechtler Collection and engage imaginations with hands-on art activities and special museum tours. bechtler.org.

Girls in STEM Workshops. Discovery Place Science, 301 N. Tryon St. $17 (does not include museum admission). 704-3726261. Choose from three programs: My Best Self from 10:30-11:30am; Healthy Living from 12:30-2:30pm; and Healthy Eating from 2:30-4pm. Girls scouts can work towards earning various badges through these workshops. science. discoveryplace.org.

Love in Action Card Making Project.

Michael’s at Stonecrest Shopping Center, 7836 Rea Road. 1-3pm. FREE. Make Valentine’s Day cards to be distributed by the organization Love in Action to nursing

charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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We Make Children Safer, Healthier, and Smarter™

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› homes, Carolina Rehabilitation Center, Meals on Wheels and homeless people on Feb. 14. Supplies provided. facebook.com/ iamlovenaction.

Merit Badge Workshop: Astronomy.

Discovery Place Nature, 1658 Sterling Road. Ages 10-17. 9am-4pm. $20.

704-372-6261. Boy Scouts can work toward their Astronomy Merit Badge.

There is homework to be done before the program, so advanced registration is required. nature.discoveryplace.org.

NASCAR Hall of Fame: 2nd Saturday.

NASCAR Hall of Fame, 400 E. Martin Luther King Blvd. 10am-4pm. 12-$25, includes museum admission. 888-9026463. Race 32 years into the future to 2050. What new technologies for communication have been created?

What new car designs exist? How has driver comfort and safety changed?

Visit the pop-up maker space to design innovative fire suits, headsets and other supplies made for the future of racing. nascarhall.com.

V Is for Valentine’s Family Storytime.

York County Library System Central Library, 138 E. Black St., Rock Hill.

11am-noon. Ages 11 and younger. FREE. 803-981-5858. Celebrate Valentine’s with stories of kindness, silly songs and crafts filled with love. Register online. yclibrary.org.

Visual Art Workshop Presented by Community School of the Arts.

Sugar Creek Library, 4045 N. Tryon St. 1-3pm. FREE. 704-416-7000. Families are invited to join in the monthly workshop with a different theme each month. artsandscience.org.

On Stage: And in This Corner: Cassius Clay; Innovative Works; and Struggle for Freedom: The Life of Dr. King. See page 40.

11 SUNDAY Matters of the Heart. The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 2-4pm. $7-$9, includes museum admission. 704-866-6908. View the heart muscle under a microscope, compare hearts from a variety of species, and enjoy other hands-on activities. schielemuseum.org.

On Stage: And in This Corner: Cassius Clay. See page 40.

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

Enjoy an easy walk along the paved, stroller-friendly nature trail. Relax, chat, and experience what nature has to offer this month in a casual, social setting.

Registration required. parkandrec.com.

CROWN Community Program. Discovery Place Nature, 1658 Sterling Road. 6:308pm. FREE. Marvin Bouknight, director and naturalist at Discovery Place Nature, discusses habitats of mammals in the Piedmont region, as well as smaller habitat subsets that contribute to the diversity of mammals found in the region. crowncharlotte.org.

13 TUESDAY Free Entry to the Schiele Museum. The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 4-8pm. FREE. 704-866-6900.

Get free entry to the Schiele Museum every second Tuesday of the month and every fourth Friday. schielemuseum.org.

Love Bug Valentine’s Day Party. York County Library, 138 E. Black St., Rock Hill.

Ages 3-7. 4:30-5:30pm. FREE. Enjoy love stories, crafts and snacks featuring lots of love bugs. Register online. yclibrary.org.

Valentine’s Day Card Creation. Clover Public Library, 107 Knox St., Clover. Ages 6-11. 5:30-6:30pm. FREE. 803-222-3474.

Make valentines and enjoy a sweet treat.

Register online. yclibrary.org.

14 WEDNESDAY Valentine’s Day Child Safety Seat Inspection Station.

Matthews Police Department, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews. 8-11:30am.

FREE. Learn how to properly install a car seat with the help of certified childsafety seat technician. No appointment necessary. Bring your vehicle, seat, and if possible, the child for the most assistance. safekidscharmeck.org.

Cultural Dance Program Presented

by Charlotte Ballet. Sugaw Creek Recreation Center, 943 W. Sugar Creek Road. 7-8pm. FREE. 704-336-7655. All

ages are welcome to attend this dropin dance program that includes live accompaniment and a Children’s Corner that provides supervision and fun handson activities for children attending with their parent/guardian. artsandscience.org.

Free Wednesday Evenings at the Mint Museum. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road; and Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 5-9pm. FREE. 704-337-2000. Explore the Mint Museum’s exhibitions at no cost. mintmuseum.org.

Health Education: Jump In Heart Challenge. ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 12-18. 9am-8pm. FREE. 704-416-4660.

Take the heart challenge by seeing how long you can jump rope without stopping.

Everyone wins a prize. Materials provided. cmlibrary.org.

Make Me a Valentine. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 S. York Road. 10am-4pm.

FREE. 980-314-2267. Drop-in anytime and enjoy a room filled with supplies and inspiration for your Valentine crafting needs. Share the love with the animals at the center by helping decorate the exhibits. parkandrec.com.

Nature Detectives: Love Bugs. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. Ages 4-6. 1:30-3pm. $3. 980-314-1129. Become a nature detective and explore the world through stories, crafts and activities related to the topic. This is a drop-off program. parkandrec.com.

15 THURSDAY Tot Time. Perfect Balance, 8850 Monroe Road. Ages 5 and younger.

11:30am-12:30pm. $5-$6. 980-299-8445.

Parents and children can enjoy an hour of open play in the gym. No instructor supervision provided. Ongoing MondayFriday. perfectbalancecharlotte.com.

On Stage: Innovative Works; The Diary of Anne Frank; and The Little Red Hen. See page 40.

16 FRIDAY Black History Month Afternoon at the Movies. York County Library, 138 E. Black St., Rock Hill. Ages 11-17. 2-4:30pm.

FREE. 803-981-5858. Watch the movie

CALENDAR

“Race” that chronicles the life of Olympian Jesse Owens. yclibrary.org.

Crafty Critters. Latta Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville. Ages 4-11. 10:30-11:30am. $3. 980-3141129. Explore the natural world through arts and crafts. Each session features a different theme and includes a take home craft for each participant. Registration required. parkandrec.com.

Creative Clay Workshop for Children With Special Needs. Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road. 10:30noon. FREE. 704-416-4400. Children with special needs and their families can join in a clay workshop presented by Clayworks. Advance registration required. artsandscience.org.

Great Backyard Bird Count. Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary, 260 Ridgewood Ave. 8am-5pm. FREE. 704331-0664. Count birds and record what you observe to help scientists in their study of birds. Join in a guided walk, and enjoy hot chocolate afterwards.

Open to all ages. Register in advance. winghavengardens.org.

Happy Chinese New Year. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. Ages 3-6. 11am-noon. FREE. 704-664-2927. Celebrate the Chinese New Year and the beginning of the Year of the Dog. Listen to stories about the Chinese New Year, learn Chinese words using Manga, learn about the traditional Chinese dragon dance, and make a simple craft. mooresvillelibrary.org.

Parent’s Night Out. Main Street Children’s Museum, 133 E. Main St, Rock Hill. Ages 3-7. 5:30-7:30pm. $10 for members; $15 for nonmembers. 803-327-6400. Kids can enjoy museum play, games, and a yummy popcorn chicken dinner while you enjoy an evening out. chmuseums.org.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. Ages 6-12.

1:30-2:30pm. $5. 980-314-1128. From recycling and composting, to writing letters and educating others, everyone can do something to become more sustainable. This program is designed for homeschoolers but anyone may attend.

Registration is required. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: Innovative Works; and The Diary of Anne Frank. See page 40.

charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

39

CALENDAR | ›› CALENDAR

daily

See “And in This Corner: Cassius Clay” on stage at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Feb. 3-18.

Photo by John Merrick

ON STAGE The Wonderful World of Disney on Ice. (Through Feb. 4). Bojangles’ Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd.

Tickets start at $15. 704-372-3600. Watch Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck and Goofy as they skate down memory lane to remember Disney moments that span generations. Expect appearances by other Disney favorites like Dory, Nemo and Marlin; Anna, Elsa and Olaf; Rapunzel; Snow White; Buzz and Woody. See website for showtimes. bojanglescoliseum.com.

Innovative Works. (Through Feb. 17). Charlotte Ballet, Center for Dance, 701 N. Tryon St. $25-$80. 704-372-3900.

A showcase of contemporary ballet in an intimate setting.

Tickets include a dessert reception with the dancers and artistic staff following the show. Recommended for ages 10 and older. Thursday through Saturday performances. Check website for showtimes. charlotteballet.org.

Tosco Music Party. (Feb. 3). Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. 7:30pm. $14-28. 704-372-1000. Enjoy a mix of performances, including one or two songs by approximately 15 scheduled acts. The evening offers an eclectic mix of all styles of music and includes Tosco’s trademark singalongs. toscomusic.org.

And in This Corner: Cassius Clay. (Feb. 3-18). McColl Family Theatre, 300 E. 7th St. Ages 8 and older. $12-$28. 704-

40

FEBRUARY 2018 | charlotteparent.com

973-2828. This historical drama takes the audience through the life of Muhammad Ali, previously known as Cassius Clay. Learn about the iconic boxer’s early life in Jim Crow-era Louisville, Kentucky. Performances Friday through Sunday; see website for showtimes. There are special performances on Feb. 17: a sensory-friendly performance at 11am and an ASL-Interpreted performance at 3pm. ctcharlotte.org.

Struggle for Freedom: The Life of Dr. King.

(Feb 10). Gaston County Public Library, 1555 E. Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia. 11am-noon. FREE. 704-868-2164. This theatrical piece celebrates the work and life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the context of the American Civil Rights Movement. Featuring songs from the era, experience the heroic work of Rosa Parks as she refuses to give up her seat, The Great March on Washington in 1963 and many more of the key moments that shaped both the Civil Rights Movement and our country. Presented by Bright Star Theatre. gastonlibrary.org.

The Little Red Hen. (Feb. 15). NarroWay Theatre, 3327 Hwy. 51, Fort Mill. Best for preschoolers through grade 3.

10am. $9.50-$14.50. 803-802-2300. Interactive and fun, this virtue-based children’s story comes communicates the values of hard work, determination and preparation in an engaging hands-on rendition on stage. narroway.net.

The Diary of Anne Frank. (Feb. 15-March 4). Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St., Davidson. Ages 12 and older. $12-$20. 704-892-7953. Davidson Community Players presents this show about young Anne Frank in the summer of 1942. Showtimes Thursday through Saturday, 8pm; and Sunday, 2pm. davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

The Long Christmas Ride Home. (Feb. 21-25). Black Box Theater, 9027 Mary Alexander Road. $8-$18. 704-6878622. Past, present and future collide on a snowy Christmas Eve for a troubled family of five. Humorous and heartwrenching, this play by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel weaves together a powerful family story with Japanese Bunraku puppetry, music and dance. Wednesday through Saturday, 7:30pm; and Sunday, 2pm. arts.uncc.edu.

Freedom Train. (Feb. 23-March 4). Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St. E., Matthews. $11-$13. 704-8468343. Using traditional songs of the period, “Freedom Train” recounts the story of the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman’s powerful and inspiring tale of courage, dedication, perseverance and the strength of the human spirit. Friday performances, 7:30pm; and Saturday and Sunday, 2pm. matthewsplayhouse.com.

›

17 SATURDAY

Black Gold: NC Slavery and Reed Gold Mine. Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site, 9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland. 1pm. $2.

704-721-4653. Join in this presentation for Black History Month, which focuses on the enslaved population of this area and North Carolina’s history of gold mining. nchistoricsites.org.

Get Crafty. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road. Ages 6-10. 3-4:30pm. FREE. 980-314-2267. Be inspired by winter nature and get creative making a craft to take home. Registration is required. parkandrec.com.

Great Backyard Bird Count. Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary, 260 Ridgewood Ave. 8am-5pm. FREE. 704331-0664. Count birds and record what you observe to help scientists in their study of birds. Join in a guided walk, and enjoy hot chocolate afterwards.

Open to all ages. Register in advance. winghavengardens.org.

Repticon Charlotte Reptile and Exotic Animal Show. Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, 4751 Highway 49 N., Concord. 10am-5pm. $5-$10. 863-2684273. Explore thousands of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, spiders and small exotic animals. repticon.com.

Nature Game Day. Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road.

1-3pm. FREE. 980-314-1119. Join in games with nature themes at various levels of difficulty. Drop-in anytime. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: And in This Corner: Cassius Clay; Innovative Works; and The Diary of Anne Frank. See page 40.

18 SUNDAY Charlotte Checkers Versus Syracuse.

Bojangles’ Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 3pm. $18+; $8-$10 to skate with the team. 704-342-4423.

Watch the Checkers game and then participate in a post-game skate with the team. gocheckers.com.

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

Ages 2 and older. 3-3:45pm. FREE. 980-314-2267. Step inside the world of turtles, frogs and snakes with a short story followed by a visitor from the nature

CALENDAR

center’s animal ambassador program.

Walk-ins welcome. parkandrec.com.

Great Backyard Bird Count. Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary, 260 Ridgewood Ave. 8am-5pm. FREE. 704331-0664. Count birds and record what you observe to help scientists in their study of birds. Join in a guided walk, and enjoy hot chocolate afterwards.

Open to all ages. Register in advance. winghavengardens.org.

Repticon Charlotte Reptile and Exotic Animal Show. Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 Highway 49 North, Concord.

10am-4pm. $5-$10. 863-268-4273.

Explore thousands of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, spiders and small exotic animals. repticon.com.

Sunday Fun Day: Drawing Connections. Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 1-4pm. Free for children, $6 adults. 704-337-2000. Celebrate all things drawing with pastel sketching, visit the Figure Drawing Studio to draw from live models, and experiment with unusual drawing tools. mintmuseum.org.

On Stage: And in This Corner: Cassius Clay; and The Diary of Anne Frank. See page 40.

19 MONDAY Presidents Day Girls With Grit. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville.

Ages 11-15. 8:30am-4pm. $15. 980-3141129. In this drop-off program, girls can develop new skills, explore the natural world and create lasting friendships while conquering recreational environmental challenges with a staff of all-female guides that share their knowledge in a positive social space and encourage girls to explore the great outdoors. Registration required. parkandrec.com.

Great Backyard Bird Count. Wing Haven Garden and Bird Sanctuary, 260 Ridgewood Ave. 8am-5pm. FREE. 704331-0664. Count birds and record what you observe to help scientists in their study of birds. Join in a guided walk, and enjoy hot chocolate afterwards.

Open to all ages. Register in advance. winghavengardens.org.

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Academic Enrichment Camps for Grades 1-12

Where Charlotte’s Brightest Minds Spend Summer!

Register online today:

SummerCamps.uncc.edu

Charlotte Youth Broadcasting™ Camp Ages: 9-12 & 13-17 Time: 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

TV Reporting, June 11th - 15th Radio Hosting, June 18th - 22nd Sports Reporting, June 25th - 29th Professional Guest Speakers, NFL & NBA, Field Trips Hot Breakfast, Catered Lunches, & Snack Included

www.Charlotteybc.com

A protective mother rests with her cub while scanning the Manitoba landscape for danger from male polar bears. See this image and more at the Lions and Tigers and Bears: Through the Lens With National Geographic exhibition at the Schiele Museum in Gastonia, Feb. 3-March 31. © Paul Nicklen/National Geographic.

›

CALENDAR

ON EXHIBIT Lions and Tigers and Bears: Through the Lens with National Geographic. (Feb. 3-March 31). The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. Monday-Saturday., 9am-5pm; and Sunday, 1-5pm. $4-$7, includes museum admission. 704-8666900. Featuring multi-year coverage from National Geographic photographers, this exhibition attests to the wildness and beauty of lions, tigers and bears. schielemuseum.org.

By and About Women: The Collection of Dr. Dianne Whitfield-Locke and Dr. Carnell Locke. (Feb. 3-July 29).

The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St. Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. $7-$9, includes museum admission. 704-547-3700. See selected works from the Locke collection that were either created by female artists or feature women as the subject. ganttcenter.org.

Charlotte Collects: Contemporary Couture and Fabulous Fashion. (Through Feb. 4). Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. Wednesday, 11am-9pm;

Thursday-Saturday, 11am-6pm; and Sunday, 1-5pm. $6-$15, includes museum admission. 704-337-2000. See 21st-century long gowns, cocktail attire and wedding dresses created by Roberto Cavalli, Dolce and Gabbana, Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs and other renowned designers. mintmuseum.org.

Charlotte’s Road to Revolution. (Through June 6). The

Cabinet of Curiosities. (Through March 3). Gaston County Museum, 131 W. Main St., Dallas. Tuesday-Friday, 10am-5pm; and Saturday 10am-3pm. Free. 704-922-7681. Explore unique objects from the museum collection, some never seen before and others that a just a bit odd. gastoncountymuseum.org.

the Catawba Nation; settlement of the area by Europeans

Da Vinci’s Machines. (Through May 6). Discovery Place Science, 301 N. Tryon St. Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm; and Sunday, noon-5pm. $13-$17, includes museum admission. 704-372-6261. This interactive exhibit features 75 machines designed by Leonardo da Vinci including an assault tank, submarine, parachute, scubadiving tank and robot. science.discoveryplace.org.

Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Drive. 11am-5pm. $7-$10. 704-568-1774. View 17 original oil paintings by Charlotte artist Dan Nance, 20 interpretive panels and 18th-century antiques that tell the story of Charlotte’s earliest days, including immigrants and African enslaved people; and Charlotte’s role in the Revolutionary War. charlottemuseum.org.

Year of the Engineer (Through Sept. 3). Discovery Place Science, 301 N. Tryon St. Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm; and Sunday, noon-5pm. $13-$17, includes museum admission. 704-372-6261. Year of the Engineer celebrates the creativity and imagination of engineers, and includes the opening of an all-new Thinker Space lab and exhibition Think It Up, along with the premiere of “Dream Big: Engineering Our World” in the IMAX Dome Theatre. science.discoveryplace.org.

charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

43

›

CALENDAR

20 TUESDAY Read With Baron the Dog. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main St., Mooresville. 3:30-4:30pm. FREE. 704664-2927. Get your child to practice reading skills by reading a book to Baron, the lovable long haired German Shepherd, a certified therapy dog. mooresvillelibrary.org.

Storytime and More. Wing Haven Children’s Garden, 260 Ridgewood Ave. Ages 10 and under. 10-11am. $10 per family. 704-331-0664. Join Rutherford Rabbit in the Children’s Garden for a seasonally themed story and take-home craft activity. winghavengardens.org.

Toddler Storytime at Barnes and Noble. Barnes and Noble, Morrison Place, 4020 Sharon Road. 11am. FREE. 704-364-0626. Come join storytime every Tuesday and Wednesday with other families. stores.barnesandnoble.com.

Youth Workshop Series in Clay by Clayworks. Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Drive. 2:303:30pm. FREE. 704-416-4800. Youth can engage in hands-on visual art projects that integrate science, nature, and multicultural heritage. Topics include Face Jugs in North Carolina; Dave the Potter; and Mexican ceramic artist, Juan Quezada; the science of clay and more. The series runs every third Tuesday through May. artsandscience.org.

21 WEDNESDAY Child Safety Seat Check. Freedom Division office of Charlotte Mecklenburg Police, 4150 Wilkinson Blvd. 9:3011:30am. FREE. A technician will help you learn how to install your seat correctly in your vehicle. Bring your child, seat, and vehicle and plan to spend at least 20 minutes. No appointment required. safekidscharmeck.org.

Child Safety Seat Inspection Station.

Matthews Police Department, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews. 8-11:30am. FREE. Learn how to properly install car seats with the help of a certified technician. Bring your vehicle, seat and the child for the most assistance. No appointment necessary. safekidscharmeck.org.

44

FEBRUARY 2018 | charlotteparent.com

Cultural Dance Program Presented

by Charlotte Ballet. Sugaw Creek Recreation Center, 943 W. Sugar Creek Road. 7-8pm. FREE. 704-336-7655. All ages are invited to this drop-in dance class that includes live accompaniment and a Children’s Corner with supervision and fun hands-on activities for children attending with their parent/guardian. artsandscience.org.

Free Wednesday Evenings at the Mint Museum. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road; and Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 5-9pm. FREE. 704-337-2000. Explore the Mint Museum’s exhibitions at no cost. mintmuseum.org.

Girls With Grit. Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville.

Ages 11-15. 3:30-5:30pm. $15. 980-3141129. In this drop-off program, girls can develop new skills, explore the natural world and create lasting friendships while conquering recreational environmental challenges with a staff of all-female guides that share their knowledge in a positive social space and encourage girls to explore the great outdoors. Registration required. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: The Long Christmas Ride Home. See page 40.

22 THURSDAY McDowell Campfire. McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 S. York Road. 6-7:30pm.

FREE. 980-314-2267. Spend the evening learning about fire safety, making s’mores and meeting new friends. Registration required. parkandrec.com.

Olympic Fun. York County Library, 138 E. Black St., Rock Hill. Ages 11-17. 4-5:30pm.

FREE. 803-981-5858. Drop by the Young Adult Department and test your skills with Olympics-inspired 60 second challenges. yclibrary.org.

On Stage: The Diary of Anne Frank; and The Long Christmas Ride Home. See page 40.

23 FRIDAY Free Entry to the Schiele Museum.

The Schiele Museum, 1500 E.Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 1-5pm. FREE. 704866-6900. Get free entry to the

› Schiele Museum every second Tuesday of the month and every fourth Friday. schielemuseum.org.

On Stage: Freedom Train; The Diary of Anne Frank; and The Long Christmas Ride Home.

See page 40.

24 SATURDAY Black Gold: NC Slavery and Reed Gold Mine.

Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site, 9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland. 1pm. $2. 704-721-4653. Join in this presentation and discussion for Black History Month which focuses on the enslaved population of this area and North Carolina’s history of gold mining. nchistoricsites.org.

Creative Clay Workshop Series by Clayworks.

Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road.

1-3pm. FREE. 704-416-4400. Each workshop will have a different topic to reflect the history and cultural influences of clay and the ceramic arts. Today is a designated “family day.” artsandscience.org.

Fossil Fair. The Schiele Museum, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia. 9am-4pm. $3-$10. 704-866-6900. See natural treasures from the earth, including fossils, rocks, minerals, and the ancient stories these items tell. Mine for gemstones, meet animated prehistoric characters, see a full-sized T-rex, make a fossil fish print and search for tiny fossils from the Carolina coast. schielemuseum.org.

Telescope Clinic. Museum of York County, 4621 Mount Gallant Road, Rock Hill. $5-8, includes museum admission. $20 per family for the evening session.

803-329-2121. From 10:30am-4:30pm bring your own telescope for a lesson on how to get the most use of it. From 6-8pm join in the workshop Fifty Things to See with a Telescope, hosted by author John A. Read, that highlights must-see objects visible in the Carolina sky. Reservations required for both events. chmuseums.org.

On Stage: Freedom Train; The Diary of Anne Frank; and The Long Christmas Ride Home.

See page 40.

CALENDAR

›

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

25 SUNDAY Natural Happenings: Owl Prowl. McDowell Nature Center, 15222 York Road. 2-4pm. FREE. 980-3141128. Join a naturalist from McDowell Nature Center for this special edition of Natural Happenings. Each program features a different nature activity, such as an animal encounter, family hike, scavenger hunt and craft. Registration required. parkandrec.com.

On Stage: The Diary of Anne Frank; and The Long Christmas Ride Home. See page 40.

26 MONDAY Kids’ Day at Dish It Out. Dish It Out, 7828 Rea Road, Suite C. Ages 16 and younger. 10am-8pm. $3 per hour. 704-544-4848. Paint pottery for just $3 per hour each Monday through May. dishitout.net.

27 TUESDAY Read with Baron the Dog. Mooresville Public Library, 304 South Main St., Mooresville. 3:30-4:30pm. FREE. 704-664-2927. Get your child to practice reading skills by reading a book to Baron, the lovable long haired German Shepherd, a certified therapy dog. mooresvillelibrary.org.

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

FREE. 704-364-0626. Come join storytime every Tuesday and Wednesday with other families. stores. barnesandnoble.com.

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

8-11:30am. FREE. Learn how to properly install a car set with the help of a certified technician. Bring your vehicle, seat and child for the most assistance. No appointment necessary. safekidscharmeck.org.

Free Wednesday Evenings at the Mint Museum.

Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road; and Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. 5-9pm.

FREE. 704-337-2000. Explore the Mint Museum’s exhibitions at no cost. mintmuseum.org.

CALENDAR POLICY :: The Charlotte Parent calendar lists free and low-cost local and regional events for children and families. To submit an event for consideration, go to charlotteparent.com/calendar, then click on Submit an Event. Submission deadline for print is the 5th of the month prior to the next month’s publication. Time, dates and details of events are subject to change. Call venue to confirm.

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The Speech Garden Institute Developing speech, language and social skills.

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Monitoring the In-House Arcade

DADDY DEREK

Derek James with his sons (left to right) Chase and Tyler, who all enjoy playing video games together.

BY DEREK JAMES

D

uring this month that includes Valentine’s Day, the only thing my kids are in love with are video games. When I was a kid, the only parental controls that existed for video games were either my parents looking over our shoulder or an egg timer.

Let’s be real — we were able to play video games for hours on end. One of the reasons for that was that not much was known about the adverse effects of endless gaming.

For years, parents kept their eyes on safeguarding their children against content that was too mature for young eyes on TV, and in movies and music. Little attention, however, was paid to Pac-Man or Mario because games were pretty cartoon-like in the 1980s. A little more than a decade ago, however, things changed. That’s when systems like the X-Box 360 and PlayStation 3 allowed players to connect to the internet.

It was then that parents really started to take an interest in what their kids were playing and how much time they were spending in front of a screen.

Fast forward to current gaming systems. The three major game-system makers offer mobile apps that allow parental controls based on the Entertainment Software Rating Board’s age and content ratings. The controls can be set in just a minute or two. Nintendo’s newest system, the Switch, is both a home and portable console. It allows Mom or Dad to set a time limit. Kids receive an on-screen warning when their allotted time is almost up.

My kids have a Switch and it’s helped my wife and I from having to use the timers on our iPhones. If you want to be extra cruel, you can have the game system automatically shut off as soon as your kid’s game time is up. We’re not that tough. As

we use it, the app lets us know how many minutes they’ve gone over and if it’s more than two, they’re busted. We also know which games they’re playing, which gives us something to ask them about that gets more than a brief, monotone response.

I wasn’t always as aware of our household video game use as I am now.

There’s one game that I have never really understood, even though I’ve played it with my boys several times: Minecraft. I’ve played different game modes like Creative and Survival, and I’ve watched my kids create their virtual masterpieces. One day, however, when my boys were playing Minecraft on their own, I heard what sounded like a voice coming out of the playroom that didn’t sound anything like either of my boys. Were they working on their impersonations? Did another kid somehow sneak into my home, ninja style? Curious, I walked upstairs and asked, “Who is that?”

“It’s someone we’re playing Minecraft with,” says my oldest son Tyler.

The microphone on their system

allowed them to talk to other players. As a parent, I quickly realized that those “other players” could easily have been adults trying to connect with them. That luckily was not the case. That function is now permanently turned off. That was the first time I realized I had fallen behind and needed to get acquainted with my kids’ gaming and the capabilities of the latest systems.

While many love to vilify gaming, my wife and I take a measured approach to our kids and their video-game hobby.

My kids play a reasonable amount of ageappropriate games. We set fair boundaries, give feedback and support. In our house, we play a lot of family video games. I highly recommend any of the Mario Kart or Mario Party games, Rocket League and Just Dance.

Your kids really want you to play with them, especially if you aren’t very good. Just tell them you love it too.

Derek James is a host of WCCB News Rising.

He and his wife live in Charlotte with their two sons who are age 9 and 6.

charlotteparent.com | FEBRUARY 2018

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FACES & PLACES

How can someone be so cute in a little red sweater? This was his first time in a sweater and how awesome it’s red just in time for the holidays. Photo and memory by Breana Raffel.

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

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FEBRUARY 2018 | charlotteparent.com