As we head into 2024 and continue our mission to “educate, inform and advocate for healthy living, social responsibility, education, the arts and the well-being of families,” we’re taking a quick look back on the feature stories from the past year that our editorial team remembered as the most meaningful and the most helpful for parents too. Each of these five articles below cover a lot of ground—shining a spotlight on nuanced topics about protecting our families both physically and emotionally, on fostering healthy relationships, on encouraging creativity, and others. Without further ado, our favorite 2023 articles that are worth a re-read.
1. When Food Allergies Can Kill, by Amanda Collins Bernier
Severe food allergies is a rising epidemic, and for some children, it’s deadly. We spoke with local pediatricians about what parents can do to stay vigilant, and with local mom Portia Barton, who started nonprofit Live Like Charlotte in honor of her daughter. Learn more
2. The Great Sleepover Debate, by Erin Hayes Burt
More parents are saying no to a sleepover, but do the risks outweigh the rewards? To help parents decide what’s best for their families, we asked local therapists about what to consider, including six specific questions parents ought to ask themselves and their kids’ friends’ parents first. Learn more
3. How to Stop Yelling at Your Kids, by Sundey McClendon
We know it’s counterproductive but how to you actually stop yourself in the moment? A play therapist and parenting coach both share their expert advice, including more effective strategies to get your kids to actually listen. Learn more
4. The Power of Unstructured Playtime, by Erin Hayes Burt
Playtime is not trivial, but vital. Here we take a closer look at the importance of playtime in raising healthy kids, plus practical tips for defining “success” on the playground and a kids’ how-to for—gasp—being bored. Learn more
5. Flying with Baby, by Erin Hayes Burt
Whether during the holidays or anytime of year, taking a cross-country flight with your baby in town is possible, of course, but not without its challenges. These tricks and insights, like knowing your rights, can ease the turbulence. Learn more
Have an idea for an article or want to give us feedback? Let us know by emailing editorial@dfwchild.com.
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