Charlotte Smarty Pants
Charlotte Smarty Pants – Daily Scoop for Savvy Charlotte Moms
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Smarty Summer Day Camp: Summer at the YMCA
Summer Day Camp at the Y is one of the best places to be this summer. Day camps for kids ages 1 to 16 run from May 30 until September across 14 + locations in the greater Charlotte area. The Y offers a huge variety of camp experiences to spark your child’s interest, excitement and creativity. Check it out:
What you might know about day camps at the Y …
You probably know the Y is a fun and safe place offering traditional day camps with tons of fun activities indoor and out for preschool and elementary ages and pre-teens and teens — and you don’t have to be a member to attend.
And because the Y stands for youth development, health and fitness, it’s a given they’d offer sports camps for baseball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and swimming — and even dance and cheerleading. All camps are led by well-trained and energetic counselors who are great with kids.
Read More →
From the Smarty Education Corner: Wildcat Summer Camp in Uptown Charlotte
Trinity Episcopal School offers a variety of summer camps right in center city.
The city skyline provides a unique setting for summer campers at Trinity Episcopal School. Campers enjoy daily adventures and field trips outside of the classroom in Charlotte’s center city and beyond with frequent visits to ImaginOn, Friendship Trays, Inner Peaks Climbing, Whole Foods, the North Carolina Mountains and other locations. Read More →
Lice 101 – What Every Parent Needs to Know About Lice
By Sheila Fassler, RN – Owner of Pediatric Hair Solutions
Every spring as I begin to plan our summer vacation I am reminded of the summer of 2010….and the worst family vacation ever.
More than 50 siblings, nieces, nephews and grandchildren gathered at Grandma’s lake cottage in Ohio. It started out picture perfect….but ended in sheer hysteria. The culprit? Head lice.
As the only nurse in the crowd, the insanity that ensued after discovering head lice on my lovely nieces and nephews became my problem to solve. After several years volunteering as a school nurse I thought I knew how stressful a diagnosis of head lice could be. The truth is, I had no idea until it hit my own family that summer.
The experience not only taught me that a group of intelligent, reasonable people could simultaneously come unglued because of a tiny bug. I also learned there’s a great deal of misinformation and myths floating around.
After a significant amount of research and 6 years treating thousands of families with head lice, here are scientifically accurate answers to the most commonly asked questions about head lice. Read More →
Smarty Giveaway: VIP Pop-Up Invite + Designer Goods Giveaway
By Smarty MK
You Smarties are in for a special treat.
First of all – anyone interested in a super-secret invite to a pop-up shop by under-the-radar women’s boutique, fiveonefive, taking place this Thursday, May 4, at Hidell Brooks Gallery from 10-3pm? 
Yeah, thought so.
Just tell them at the door you’re a “Smartie” and you’ll get in. Read More →
Smarty Mom: Shelley Miller
By Smarty Guest Blogger Lisa Farley
Anyone who knows Shelley knows that she is passionate about health and fitness, quick with a smile, and an empathetic listener. My bet is that these traits stem from her early childhood experiences. Growing up in a very active family, she developed a lifelong love of competition and sport. Shelley is the oldest of four children, with a younger sister and two younger brothers, she is a natural care-taker. When she was a teenager her baby brother, Chris, was diagnosed with Leukemia when he was just five years old. Watching him fight a 3-year battle and survive, beating the odds at that time, set a foundation of compassion that is integral to who she is today and gives her a joyful perspective on life. I am blessed to have Shelley as a friend and am honored to introduce her to all you Smarty Moms.
Smarty Mom: Shelley Miller
Married to: Jason
Children: Lauren, Jordyn and Madison
Pets: Skeeter (dog) and Shadow (gerbil)
Hometown: Woodbridge, VA
Years in Charlotte: 20
Occupation: Stay-at-Home Mom / CPA / Volunteer
Alma Mater: Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!)
Favorite Charity: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)
Your younger brother had cancer as a child, what was that like for you:
Chris was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) when I was thirteen, so I was definitely aware. The medicines that he took made him really sick so it was a very scary time. I saw firsthand what he went through; many blood transfusions, bone marrow transplants, hospital stays and chemotherapy treatments. We were hopeful he would go into remission, but there were no guarantees. It was really hard when Chris lost his hair because people would often stare. Not that they meant to, it’s a natural reaction, but I just remember being very protective of him. I also remember times where he was sick and had to miss out on things. Once while we were on vacation in California, Chris got sick and my dad and my siblings and I and went off to explore while my mom had to stay back with Chris. That was tough. 
When I look back now, I see that my parents did a lot to make sure that my other brother and my sister and I had as normal a childhood throughout those three years as possible. Now that I have children of my own, I realize just how strong they were. My mom spent a lot of time with Chris the hospital, and that was hard, but both my parents really just kept everything as even keel and as normal as possible for the rest of us.
Thankfully Chris did go into remission at age 8 and is now 36, cancer free, and living in Portland, OR, with his wife, Caitlin. Read More →
Smarty Tips on Divorce Part 3: Co-Parenting After the Divorce
CSP Team Note: This is final post in a three-part series written by Rebecca Wofford, a family law attorney and partner at Wofford Law, PLCC to help our readers navigate the divorce process. Read part one here and part two here.
Most clients are ready for the divorce process to be over and, when they have settled all of their issues, they breathe a sigh of relief. However, there can be issues that arise after the divorce is finalized — especially for parents. Here are some general answers to questions that arise for parents after divorce. 
For a collaborative case or when parents settle their divorce issues amicably, a lawyer will most often prepare both a separation agreement and a consent order for custody and support. The separation agreement contains the terms for equitable distribution, i.e. the division of marital property, and spousal support. This agreement is a contract between the parties and is not generally filed with the court unless someone breaches the agreement or does not abide by its terms. Hopefully, you and your spouse will divide all of your property exactly how the agreement says you will do this and the supporting spouse will pay spousal support in accordance with the terms of the agreement. If one party does not follow through or violates the agreement, the other side would have a claim for breach of contract he or she may file with the court. This agreement is non-modifiable meaning once you and your spouse have signed it in front of a notary, it is binding and won’t be changed without the consent of both parties.
For issues related to children, generally speaking, we advise clients to have those terms included in a consent order that the court will approve. This document is filed with the court and is modifiable. Unlike property and spousal support, for children, our law does not expect parents to be able to ascertain everything that is in the children’s best interests for every year between the time the order is entered and when they turn 18. A child’s needs change as he grows. Read More →
From the Smarty Health Corner and CEENTA: What to expect from a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy
By our Smarty friends at Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A.
Parents only want the best for their children, especially when it comes to their health. Sometimes, that means your child needs surgery, like the very common tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. While the idea of your child getting anesthesia and undergoing surgery can be nerve-wracking for a parent, this month we want to tell you what they’re like and help you feel more relaxed if your child ever needs these surgeries.
Tonsils are small glands on either side of the throat and the adenoid is a small gland at the top of the throat behind the nose. Both are part of the immune system, but they have a limited role. Some people need them removed because they are frequently infected and make the person sick. Others need them removed because they are enlarged, which can cause sleep apnea, eating problems, delayed growth, constant nasal obstruction and congestion, poor alignment of teeth and abnormal facial development, and a poor disposition and irritable behavior.
Before surgery
CEENTA has 34 physicians providing tonsil and adenoid care. They perform surgery in a number of outpatient centers across the region. If your child needs surgery, your doctor will talk with you to find a facility convenient for you.
If your child does need surgery, the best thing you can do for them is to prepare them for a realistic expectation of the entire experience, said Lauren Hall, the Prep/Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Clinical Supervisor at the SouthPark Surgery Center in CEENTA’s Fairview Road location. Get a book from the library or reading about it on the Internet is very helpful.
“Please do not tell them they are ‘just going to the doctor,’” Ms. Hall said. “Every trip to the doctor after the surgery will then create fear and dread of medical providers due to the surprise of pain and confusion after surgery and anesthesia.” Read More →
From the Smarty Health Corner and Signature Pediatrics: What’s the latest word on sleep?
By our Smarty friends at Signature Pediatrics
Did you know that driving a car when sleep deprived is as dangerous as drunk driving? The effect of being awake for 24 hours and then driving is equivalent to having a blood alcohol level of 0.10! That’s worse than drunk driving which has a cutoff of 0.08!
What has that got to do with kids? We all know how lousy it feels to be sleep deprived, but few of us realize how much our thinking and reaction time has suffered from sleep deprivation. Inadequate sleep really and truly has a detrimental effect on brain function. And as true as that is for adults, it has an even greater effect on the developing brains of children.
New guidelines for sleep in childhood have come out from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics:
Age & Recommended Hours of Sleep per 24 Hours
4-12 months – 12-16 hours (including naps)
1-2 years – 11 – 14 hours (including naps)
3-5 years – 10-13 hours (including naps)
6-12 years – 9-12 hours
13-18 years – 8-10 hours
Regularly getting less than the recommended amount of sleep is linked to difficult childhood behaviors and certain pediatric medical problems. These include irritability, difficulty concentrating, obesity, headaches, high blood pressure and depression. In fact, the exact behaviors that can lead to a diagnosis of ADHD are identical to behaviors seen from inadequate sleep. Read More →
Fitness Friday: Carolina Barre & Core ~ My Story
By: Sue Ann Weddington
Barre. Barre? Barre! It’s everywhere it seems. I have been curious and interested in trying a class however I just couldn’t see myself walking into a barre studio alone. Also, there’s the intimidation factor…I envisioned a room full of graceful ballerinas.
Last summer, my friend Lauren became certified as an instructor at Carolina Barre & Core and encouraged me to come take her class. This was a sign, right? I had to support my friend, right? Still, I was hesitant (me and all of the graceful ballerinas). And, I was nervous (me walking into a studio alone). I pushed myself to get over it and give it a try. W-O-W. I am so glad I did!
I have tried many different workout routines over the years. There wasn’t a “fitness flavor” that kept me engaged and committed for a long period of time. This all changed with Carolina Barre & Core.
The classes are very challenging and yet somehow they make it fun. The best aspect is the encouragement from the instructors. They are skilled at teaching how to modify based on where YOU are. They challenge and push you to YOUR next level. Class participants come in all shapes and sizes; there are many different levels of physicality, flexibility and strength. They encourage “progress not perfection” so you are not comparing yourself to others and are only focused on your progress compared to where you were the week or month before.
I go to CBC 3-4 times a week, usually 3 during the week at 5:30am and once on the weekend. Yes, it is that motivating that I get up that early to workout! I have lost about 5-7lbs and about an inch in my waist. I have more muscle definition in my arms and legs. My clothes fit better.
I have become stronger in so many ways – mind and body. I have more energy and love seeing the physical results. I have met some great people and always look forward to my next class, even at 5:30am!
I have found a true “home” at CBC. This is a place of no judgement and endless encouragement. The team is amazing! They always motivate me to do my best. Becoming a part of the CBC community is one of the best things I have ever done for myself.
Carolina Barre & Core
2901 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28209 Phone: 980.207.1046
Carolina Barre & Core, Lafayette Village Raleigh
8480 Honeycutt Rd, Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27615 Phone: 919.200.4241
Email: info@carolinabarre.com
Follow Carolina Barre & Core:
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Because of you, libraries transform
By our Smarty friends at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Libraries are more about doing than borrowing – more about connecting than simply plugging in – and your local librarian is your expert guide. Whether you want to get involved in your community, find a job, get smart about money, or build your digital literacy skills, your library is the key to your transformation.
National Library Week is celebrated nationally April 9-15, but we’re celebrating all month long with hundreds of free programs and a special book drive for kids in partnership with WAXN-TV.
Experience the transformative power of libraries. Then share your story with us.
1. Find your FUN-spiration!
Science is all around us—and it’s so much fun! Join us now through April 23 for special programs that are part of this year’s official NC Science Festival, a statewide two-week celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Participate in events for children, teens and adults, such as Legos, plant and sea life, coding, The Great Egg Drop Challenge, robotics, Rookie Science, technology and more! Read More →