It’s never too early to start volunteering with the kids and the need is ever present. While many families may think to give back over the holidays, volunteers are needed year round. We spoke with Melissa Britton, director of strategic volunteer engagement at Trident United Way, about why vo…

Growing up, Ben Powell was always fascinated by the natural world around him. The easiest things to find and observe, he learned, were insects. They were ever-present, small and yet so complex all at the same time.

Mom of two, Lindsay Sakran thinks that you can do just about anything if you put your nose to the grindstone and work hard. A project manager for Department of Defense who loves a good modern dance class and a good beer, she’s unexpected and tons of fun, but most of all she wants to be a goo…

The Lowcountry is a special place to raise a family. From beaches, lakes and rivers to historic plantations and county and neighborhood parks, it’s seemingly one expansive outdoor playground waiting to be explored.

The holiday season is about celebration, quality time spent with family and friends and, of course, food. This season of overindulgence can weigh heavily on Lowcountry families that already struggle with the issue. We spoke with Dr. Lauren Tipton, a pediatrics specialist at Parkwood Pediatri…

Rather than muscling your way through crowded stores trying to pick the perfect presents, why not flex your creative muscles this holiday season? Homemade gifts can be tailored to any taste, and recipients will appreciate the time and effort you put into the projects.

When it comes to the holiday season, Mount Pleasant mom Stacie Gregory and her family go all out, and their annual Christmas card is no exception.

Public or private? Christian-based or Montessori? Half day or full day? Starting a child at 2, 3 or 4 years old? The options for preschool seem almost endless and parents today put almost as much thought into early education as they do elementary school. The choices can seem daunting, but th…

When Melissa Meverden failed her one-hour glucose test during her second pregnancy, she didn’t sweat it. The same thing had happened in her first pregnancy, but on the first go-around she went on to pass the three-hour glucose test, which determines if a women has gestational diabetes, with …

With almost every child, there is a progression: from sleeping a few hours at a time as a newborn, to around six-hour stretches at 3 months old, to 10 hours or more by the first year. The hard part for both parent and child is getting through it, and enduring the emotional swings and sleeple…

Breastfeeding is loaded with health benefits for mom and baby. But it’s not always so simple. It can take weeks, or even months, for both of you to get the hang of it. Latching on, producing enough milk and dealing with sore breasts are just a few of the troubles that moms commonly encounter…

September is one of my favorite months in the Lowcountry because the weather is starting to cool down and the event calendar is full. There’s just so much to do, it’s difficult to know where to begin. My suggestion: Do something that you haven’t done before. Here are some great ideas to get …

Daniel Island mom Sonya Altenbach was quick to take advantage of ordering prepackaged school supplies so two of her three sons would be ready to roll when school starts this month. It was the first time the PTA had offered online ordering, and she snapped up the time-saving offer.

The trouble started when Emily Torchiana was just 14. As a shy new kid at an all-girls high school in Pennsylvania, she simply wanted to fit in.

We're in the midst of summer in the Lowcountry. It's an exciting time of year, but it can also be hard to keep the kids busy all day when school is out. Not to worry, we're here to help with this year's summer fun guide. 

The Climate Prediction Center has already forecasted that temperatures across the Lowcountry could be even hotter than normal in the coming summer months. In a state that regularly sees the mercury rise to the upper 90s in June, July and August, the prospect of even hotter temperatures leave…

If you’re looking for affordable outings this summer, make plans to explore some Lowcountry parks. The area boasts a bounty of public parks, many of which offer free or low-cost entrance and a wide variety of amenities and activities.

As summer settles on the South, it’s time to get your groove on. This month's calendar boasts so many ways to dance the night away under the summer sun. Here are a few of my favorites.

It’s known as the “summer slide” and according to Lauren Herterich, executive director of Kids on Point, the term describes the phenomenon of summer learning loss that occurs when children forget academic skills after taking long breaks from school. She says that on average, students’ achiev…

Like any normal 6-year-old, Harper Haselden enjoys spending time with her friends and family, has many different interests and is quite fond of kindergarten. But after the holiday break, Haselden did not return to her kindergarten class. Instead, this high-achiever was moved up to the first …

It’s rare to find a fifth-grade student that possesses such humility and initiative as Sydney Fischer, says Eddie Crosby, current assistant principal at Newington Elementary School in Summerville. Crosby has been in education for 17 years and is almost speechless at how fantastic a kid she is.

Part of having your own family is establishing the traditions that you will hold dear for years to come. Whether it’s frying the Christmas turkey, lighting the menorah or watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” with the family, we look forward to these rituals every year. But while we welcome these…

Katniss Everdeen has some competition — as do hundreds of ninth-grade girls in South Carolina. Wadmalaw Island’s Ella Kindt is not only an exceptional student, but she’s the No. 1 female archer in the state for her age. Even more impressive — it’s only her third year officially competing.

The South is credited with creating the cheese straw but no one knows who, where or why exactly. There is one vague story about leftover cheese being added to biscuit dough to make a snack but I don't buy it.

Two local girls are putting their energy and crafting skills to good use at Sangaree Intermediate. Together Luci Haueisen, 11, and Olivia Russell, 10, created The Great Girls Group to create and sell custom goods to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, all under the supervision of…

One of the best things about living in Charleston is the food. Admit it. We’re spoiled by great restaurants, high-quality food trucks, and lots of good barbecue, and there are plenty of festivals and events to enjoy throughout the year, too.

The argument could be made for all the seasons, but fall in the Lowcountry is practically magical. From pumpkin picking and fall festivals to corn mazes and hayrides, autumn offers something for everyone to look forward to it. Here’s our round up of the can’t-miss family-friendly fall events…

When her daughter, Maddie, started kindergarten earlier this year, Keri Scougale told her she’d pack any food her heart desired for her first lunch at her new school. A lot of kindergarteners would request peanut butter and jelly or grilled cheese, but not Maddie. Her request? Sushi. Kerri l…