The Charlotte Observer [http://www.charlotteobserver.com] | Subscribe Weather Charlotte News Classifieds Coupons Home News Today's Buzz Pics Resources Giveaways Calendar Bloggers Plus digital subscription sign in News Giveaways Welcome We are the region's best source of headlines, tips and social forums for parents. Feel free to browse, but to participate you must register. Your old MomsCharlotte login won't work, so please re-register. If you're a member of charlotteobserver.com you can use that to login! Team Mom It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game, right? That's what local mom and writer Bess Kercher keeps telling herself as she navigates the world of team sports with her two sons leading the charge. Find out how a non-athletic mom fares in a world dominated by competition and sports. Bridging the gap Balancing family and career can be particularly tough for those in the medical field, like Statesville dentist Amanda Kotis. Faced with the need to decide between her new dental practice and her desire to have a second child, Kotis made a bold decision that helped her do both. A visit to the Titanic If you or your children are intrigued with the story of the Titanic, then don’t miss the Titanic Museum in Tennessee. The museum tells the entire story of the Titanic from the days of construction in Belfast, Ireland to the tragic voyage, to its discovery on the ocean floor to recovery efforts that are still underway. KidsEatFreeCLT.com app is here! MomsCharlotte.com is excited to share our newest creation - KidsEatFreeCLT! This easy-to use app puts free and cheap meals for kids in the palm of your hands. Just add it to your smartphone and you'll instantly know which local restaurants offer "Kids Eat Free" deals each night of the week! Giving Mitchell Back: Moving Forward In the aftermath of her 2-year old son's illness and death, blogger Meg McElwain discusses the grieving process her family is experiencing as they continue their lives without Mitchell. Meg shares his story and continues the fight against childhood cancer in his memory. 100 days of Real Food cookbook giveaway Enter to win a copy of Lisa Leake's new cookbook & start transforming the way your family eats. Mom of the Week The art of teaching art September 19, 2014 Laurie Richardson has a unique gift as an artist - she not only creates beautiful oils, acrylics, pastels and more, but she also teaches others to do the same. In her home studio in SouthPark, Laurie offers classes to children with the hope of helping kids express themselves through art. Bloggers We Go Places Visit the Titanic Museum 09/24/2014 10:32:12 PM Guest Blog Part six: postpartum good-byes 08/19/2014 12:52:56 PM John Rosemond Pull-ups OK for away-from-home training 09/23/2014 12:51:47 PM Ask the doctor When a sick child can go to school 09/23/2014 01:02:41 PM Life After Losing Brian Kindness Matters 09/20/2014 09:07:38 AM Tracy Curtis Not making the team is a good lesson in patience 09/26/2014 02:10:21 PM Ask the Mompreneur The next best thing to a friend with a boat is Cruzin 09/20/2014 01:35:56 PM The Deal Diva Falling prices at the grocery stores this week 09/23/2014 09:31:19 PM Today's Buzz Out & about with the kids September 29 - October 5 Queen City Buzz shares this week's adventures, outings and event for you and your little ones. Kids kindness contest The Infinite Smile Project brings joy to others through acts of kindness and is looking for creative kids to join them. Home-cooked meals not so 'joyful' for working moms A study from NCSU finds working mothers burdened by the pressures of cooking fresh meals for their families. Help your child avoid the 'Freshman 15' Nutritionist Melissa Hermann Dierks shares 5 tips to make sure your freshman doesn’t pack on the dreaded 'Freshman 15'. What happens when your child doesn't make the team? Rejection is a part of life, but you can make it a teaching moment. More Buzz » Giveaways 100 days of Real Food cookbook giveaway Enter to win a copy of Lisa Leake's new cookbook & start transforming the way your family eats. Winner: Ghost Train tickets at Tweetsie Railroad More Giveaways » Resources Featured Classes for kids Looking for activities for your little ones to get involved in? Check out our list of art, dance, gymnastics and swimming classes for kids. Other Resources Kids eat free 2014 Eating out doesn't have to cost a fortune. Check out these free -- or nearly free -- restaurant deals for kids. STEM resources in Charlotte As STEM-based education is becoming more popular, the mandate for parents to be more involved in integrating STEM outside of school can be intimidating. But there are plenty of opportunities available to immerse your child in STEM-based learning at home. Writer Gi Hallmark looks at the resources available to local parents. Building Your Home Library: 20 Great Chapter Books for Early Readers As your young reader becomes more independent, finding great series for them to experience is both necessary and easy with Gi Hallmark's guide to chapter books. Childcare, special needs, support groups Listing of how to find childcare, resources for special needs and support groups Parent groups Looking for playgroups, socialization or support? Check out our incredible list of parenting groups. Where to have fun in & around Charlotte Free and inexpensive ways to find fun with your children all over town. Calendar Of Events Click on a date below to see its events. Best Bets From Our Calendar Celebrate fall at 7th Street Public Market "Harvest Fest" takes place Saturday, September 27. Don't let the crayons quit! In an update to her kids' book review of The Day the Crayons Quit earlier this year, author Dorothy Price shares an exciting way to get kids involved in this much loved story. See how your child can vote for his favorite crayon and keep the crayons from quitting! Ghost Train ® Halloween Festival rolls in at Tweetsie Tweetsie Railroad hosts a frightfully fun time September 26-November1. Newsletter Sign up for our weekly Moms newsletter. Don't miss our great specials and deals on things to do, and places to go to. You can opt out at any time you wish. *Email: *Zip: *Gender Male Female Birthdate (MM/DD/YYYY) See A Sample Newsletter » Meet the Moms Admin Mandy Ravin is a mom of three who manages the MomsCharlotte site in between carpool drops-offs, soccer games, gymnastics meets, homework, laundry and trying to stay sane in the nutty world that is being a mom. Mandy can be reached at: mravin@charlotteobserver.com and welcomes your ideas, events, feedback, resources, and anything else that helps you be a happier mom. about us terms of service privacy policy about our ads copyright contact us