News about NC Triangle family life. Raleigh pets, family quotes, North Carolina kids, and parenting tips to help you and your family.

Family

Actor, comedian John Morello

Another year, another season, a reprise of last year's column: More of Go Ask Dad's rules for the most wonderful time of year when we prop a pine tree beside our hearth (but not too close to the fireplace).

Go Ask Dad's (More) Rules for Decorating the Christmas Tree

Decorating a Christmas tree

Places to see the best Christmas lights in NC

lights

Revival of The Rialto: Christmas movie line-up announced for holiday season

Live music returns to The Rialto after 20 years.

Two kinds of kids cups recalled for high lead content

Recalled children's cups

After years of concerns about deaths involving infant loungers and support pillows, the Consumer Product Safety Commission now wants them redesigned. The pillows have been linked to at least 79 infant deaths since 2010.

Infant pillows linked to at least 79 deaths since 2010

For many new parents, choosing a name is one of the most daunting parts of preparing for a baby. After all, there's so much to consider when thinking about what you would call your child for the rest of their life. 

Unique baby names in your state last year

Study Finds That Unborn Babies Smile When Mom Eats Carrots But Frown When It’s Kale

The Illuminate Art Walk includes 18 large-scale, interactive and light-based art pieces throughout downtown. It kicks off on Friday. 

Illuminate Art Walk returns to downtown Raleigh with giant 'Talking Heads'

Talking Heads by Limelight

Joan of Arc once said that "All battles are first won or lost, in the mind.

Battles are won within: What is mental toughness

Happy woman with arms raised, self esteem

This first weekend of December is filled with parades, tree lightings and performances! 

Weekend best bets: Tree lightings, parades and markets

Weekend events 

Explore the enchanting holiday lights across the Triangle. Explore the enchanting holiday lights across the Triangle.

The 25 best decorated holiday homes in the Triangle

AnChaNew Lights

Plan your December with our guide to the holidays!

90+ things to do in December

Christmas lights

Looking for parks with the accessible playgrounds in the Triangle? We have your guide to our favorites.



Guide to parks with accessible playgrounds in the Triangle

Sneak peek: Downtown Cary Park

Health experts and fitness buffs have long espoused the health benefits of building muscles - or strength training - for adults. It improves balance, builds stronger bones and muscles, and increases metabolism to help the body burn more calories. Strength training also can protect joints from injury.

4 things to know before your child starts strength training

Children's fitness

Years ago, a reader wrote probing for details on a mystery that had vexed him: What's the deal with the cookies that Cookie Monster eats?

Cookie Monster craves them, but how do these treats crumble?

Cookie Monster Craves Them, But How Do These Treats Crumble?

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Where to see Santa in Raleigh and across the Triangle in November and December 2023. 

Where to see Santa in Raleigh and across the Triangle

Where to see Santa in Raleigh NC

7 ways to beat holiday season stress

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From "It's a Wonderful Life" to the Grinch, we have your list of when to catch your holiday favorites on TV! 

When to see Grinch and other holiday classics on TV

Grinch

16 Disney Cruise hacks to make your next family vacation magical

Disney Cruise 

Troubled teens triggers: What causes violent behaviors? 

Teen trauma

What to do with pumpkin? Compost, cook, decorate or toss

What to do with pumpkin

What to do with your leftover Halloween candy

Candy

Looking to save big on some home renovations? The government will help pay for these three sustainable improvements to your home

House & Home

What to include in a contract for home improvements

Problems with patio project put neighbors at odds

Contractor has license suspended after 28 code violations

The history of dog food and nutrition, from hunting to the raw food movement

Pets

Dog rescued from sewer drain

Mysterious dog illness reported in 14 states

Could a Drug Give Your Pet More Dog Years?

WRAL's Pet of the Day for Dec. 1, 2023, comes from spcawake.org.

Pet of the Day: Dec. 1

WRAL's Pet of the Day for Nov. 30, 2023 is from spcawake.org.

Pet of the Day: Nov. 30

WRAL's Pet of the Day for Nov. 29, 2023, is from catangelsnc.org.

Pet of the Day: Nov. 29

Jesse is a snuggly senior beagle. He enjoys playing with other dogs and is gentle with kids. To learn more about adopting Jesse, visit https://www.tribeagles.org/

Pet of the Day for Nov. 28, 2023

Meet Dolly and Dixie, our Pets of the Day! These two kittens were rescued from a backyard at 8 weeks old. To learn more about adopting the sisters, go to lovemuttsrescuenc.org.

Pet of the Day: Nov. 25

Pet of the Day

Medicaid expansion means North Carolina's working poor can go to the doctor for free. It also means billions in new federal funding for hospitals.

After 14 years, billions to flow as 600,000 qualify for Medicaid insurance in NC

More than half a million North Carolinians now qualify for Medicaid 

Students are reported for possession of non-firearm weapons about 20 times as often as they are for firearms. But schools are still relatively safe places, and many crime statistics in schools have been improving for years, experts say. 

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