Claire Charlton

Detroit

Writer at Freelance

Always fascinated by people and their interesting lives.

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Articles

What Parents Should Know About Autism Feeding Therapy

1 week ago | metroparent.com | Claire Charlton

If your child with autism eats only a handful of foods — or avoids meals altogether — you’re not alone. Feeding struggles are one of the most common concerns for families, and they’re often rooted in sensory sensitivities, anxiety or past experiences like gagging or choking. For many families, autism feeding therapy offers a structured, compassionate way to make mealtimes less stressful — and more successful.
Find Balance With a Free Mental Health App

1 week ago | metroparent.com | Claire Charlton

Finding ways to take care of your mental health can be tough. Between work, family responsibilities and everything else on the calendar, it’s easy to push emotional wellness to the bottom of the list. When you feel like you’re coming unglued — or even just stretched thinner than you’d like — the Teladoc mental health app can help you check in, find ideas for managing stress and take small steps toward feeling more grounded. And it’s available for free through Oakland Community Health Network.
Tennis Lessons Chicago: USTA Summer Program for Kids

1 week ago | chicagoparent.com | Claire Charlton

If you’re searching for fun Chicago tennis lessons for your kids, look no further than USTA Chicago Tennis 101. This weekly program is perfect for beginners ages 5-12 and offers a fun, supportive introduction to the sport—all at an affordable price. Who will love this course?
8 Practical Tools to Simplify Family Life for Kids With Autism

1 week ago | metroparent.com | Claire Charlton

Daily life with a child with autism can include tricky transitions, restless nights, even overwhelming schedules. Finding daily routines and practical parenting tips that truly work can feel like a lifeline.
Allergy Season in Chicago: What Parents Should Know

1 week ago | chicagoparent.com | Claire Charlton

Sniffles, itchy eyes and endless sneezing — is it another cold, or something more? In Chicago, kids are exposed to a wide variety of allergens both indoors and out, and parents often struggle to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and everyday viruses. We spoke with Dr. Allison Foster, a general pediatrician, and Dr. Christina Ciaccio, a pediatric allergist, both with the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s.
Benefits of Charter Schools in Michigan

2 weeks ago | metroparent.com | Claire Charlton

Choosing the right school is a big decision. Whether you’re exploring options for your preschooler or considering a switch for your older student, the facts matter — especially when they point to real, measurable gains. Charter schools in Michigan — especially in metro Detroit — are making a difference in student success. From learning gains to tuition-free access and strong outcomes for students overcoming barriers, the numbers tell a powerful story. And these gains aren’t just recent.
At The Dearborn Academy, the Day Keeps Going After 3

2 weeks ago | metroparent.com | Claire Charlton

Once the final bell rings, students at The Dearborn Academy are still busy, diving into art projects, robotics labs, language groups and more. At this K–8 charter public school in Dearborn, after-school hours are used to extend the school day in meaningful ways. Through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant — and with support from school staff and community partners — students are invited to spend their afternoons learning, connecting and growing.
Finding a Pediatrician in Chicago Who Supports Your Child’s Mental Health

2 weeks ago | chicagoparent.com | Claire Charlton

Finding a pediatrician who supports both physical and mental health is essential — especially as more families seek help for children struggling with anxiety, ADHD or depression. But how do you know if a doctor is the right fit? Experts from University of Chicago Medicine say that pediatricians should be a trusted part of your child’s care team, helping to screen for concerns, coordinate with specialists and guide families toward the right resources.
How Competitive Youth Soccer in Chicago Builds Game-Changing Skills

3 weeks ago | chicagoparent.com | Claire Charlton

Chicago parents know the drill: practice, tournaments, car rides, repeat. Competitive youth soccer in Chicago is about more than drills and game days — it’s about developing focus, resilience and a love for learning the game. But what separates a good youth soccer player from one who truly stands out? According to Thomas Cahue, Director of Coaching at Paris Saint-Germain Academy Chicago, it’s not just about talent — it’s about mindset, structure and the right environment.
Youth Crisis Center in Oakland County: What Parents Should Know

3 weeks ago | metroparent.com | Claire Charlton

It might start with a quiet comment — a child saying they feel “done” or a teen who admits they’ve been cutting. In that moment, you want help right away — but not the chaos of a hospital ER and not the long wait of trying to find a therapist on your own. That’s where the Youth and Family Care Connection (YFCC) comes in. It provides immediate access to behavioral health care — not medical services — in a safe, calm environment designed specifically for children and teens in emotional crisis.