Amanda Howard

Charlotte

Digital Content Strategist at Charlotte Parent Magazine

Writer at Freelance

Writer, Digital Content for @charlottemag and Charlotte Parent

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Articles

7 Things To Do With Dad on Father's Day in Charlotte

3 weeks ago | charlotteparent.com | Amanda Howard

Events, specials, and treats for dad in the Queen City Father’s Day is June 15th, so we’ve pulled together a list of events and gifts fit for a Charlotte dad. June 15, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.A free, family-friendly event filled with music, dancing, games, and free food samples. June 15, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Dads can enjoy a free round of mini-golf, along with food and drink specials.
Where to go for Mother’s Day Brunch in Charlotte: 2025

1 month ago | charlotteparent.com | Amanda Howard

Where to celebrate with mom, with links to reservations 303 Church St.ReservationsThis elegant brunch features delicious breakfast bites such as the Salmon Benedict, the Pancake Soufflé, and Lil’ Angie’s Breakfast made with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon strips, and perfectly seasoned breakfast potatoes for the kids. The menu is offered 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and is $48 per person and $20 per child under 12.
PARENT TO KNOW: Mindy Vergakis

Mar 20, 2025 | charlotteparent.com | Amanda Howard

Mindy Vergakis is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice, working with children, adolescents, and families. Formerly a counselor at Charlotte Latin, she specializes in ADHD, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and behavior challenges and offers individual and family counseling, as well as parent coaching and school consultations. Here, the mom of three talks to us about the necessity of failure, when to seek professional support, and her gratitude for the women in her family.
10 Places to Donate Kid’s Items in Charlotte

Feb 17, 2025 | charlotteparent.com | Amanda Howard

Where your gently used items can do good One of the things parents can never truly be prepared for is the constant churn of outgrown clothes, shoes, toys and books. When you muster the energy to purge, here are several places that will benefit from your donations. 704-525-5000What they take: Toys, clothes, accessories, shoes, books, baby items. See a comprehensive list here. What they cannot take: Furniture, appliances, rugs, TVs, car seats.
What To Do With Kids In Charlotte During The Winter

Jan 15, 2025 | charlotteparent.com | Amanda Howard

What to do when it's cold outside in the post-holiday months January and February weekends can be tough on parents. Most sports are on hiatus, events around town are few and far between, and it can be too cold (for parents at least) to spend the day outside. So here are a list of performances, museums, and indoor activities in Charlotte to keep you and your family busy until the flowers start to bloom.
A Guide To Allergy-Friendly Restaurants in Charlotte

Jan 7, 2025 | charlotteparent.com | Amanda Howard

A list of local spots that are friendly to families with food sensitivities If your child has an allergy or food sensitives, going out to eat can feel like a risk not worth taking. Thankfully, these Charlotte restaurants go the extra mile to make you aware of their ingredients and when possible, accommodate your family’s needs. While this is in no way a complete list of allergy-friendly restaurants in Charlotte, these dining establishments are a good place to start.
Holiday Catering & Takeout Options In Charlotte 2024

Dec 10, 2024 | charlotteparent.com | Amanda Howard

From party plates to full roast beef dinners Babe & Butcher is offering holiday charcuterie, brunch, and dessert boards for pickup or delivery, including Christmas Eve day. Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop has a limited menu of holiday pies and cookies. Order for pickup between December 19 – 24. Copain Bakery has released their holiday catering menu which includes appetizers, main protein dishes, sides, breakfast spreads, breads, and desserts.
13 Birthday Party Venues for Kids in Charlotte

Oct 22, 2024 | charlotteparent.com | Amanda Howard

11011 Monroe Rd. MatthewsCharlotte Allstar’s offers use of their gym which includes an inflatable obstacle course, slides, trampolines, foam pit, swinging rope and more. Birthday parties include a party hostess, setup and cleanup, one hour of open time in the gym monitored by one of our staff members, and 30 minutes in our party room for your special celebration. *Please note, the venue is booking 3 – 4 months in advance.
25 Birthday Gifts Under $25 for Babies, Toddlers, Kids, Tweens, and Teens

Oct 14, 2024 | charlotteparent.com | Amanda Howard

If there are little ones in your life, they are going to come with friends and classmates and oh-so-many birthday party invitations. Here are 25 options for birthday gifts under $25, for babies, toddlers, little kids, tweens, and teens. For BabiesThis colorful, soft fabric book features various textures and crinkly sounds, promoting sensory exploration. It’s perfect for tummy time and encouraging early literacy. A cuddly plush toy that plays soothing music or sounds when squeezed.
PARENT TO KNOW: Nidhi McVicar

Sep 25, 2024 | charlotteparent.com | Amanda Howard

Nidhi McVicar is a new Charlotte transplant, by way of Philadelphia. The mom of twins relocated this summer to serve as the new Head of Upper School at Charlotte Country Day. Here, she talks learning to navigate Charlotte roads, her ultimate parenting goal, and the importance of being open about the challenges of parenting. Tell us about your family. How many children do you have and what are their ages? We don’t have a lot of extended family, so Jamie and I were happy to be blessed with our twins.