This April 9, 2020, photo released by Kara Illig shows her son, Eli Illig, 10, on his computer in Ebensburg, Pa. The frustration of parents is mounting as more families across the U.S. enter their second or even third week of total distance learning, and some say it will be their last. (Kara Illig via AP)

"I just can't do this." Harried parents forgo home school

Frustration is mounting as more families across the U.S. enter their second or even third week of distance learning — and some overwhelmed parents say it will be their last.

Apr 25, 2020 at 7:04 PM

This March 30, 2020, photo provided by Carolina McAuley shows herself at her home in Wycoff, N.J. As the country hunkered down to fend off the coronavirus, Carolina McAuley expected her middle school-age kids would continue to shuffle between her house and her ex-husband's, until she got sick. The coronavirus is wreaking havoc on divorced families' custody arrangements as parents get sick or exposed to the illness. In other cases, it is driving already feuding exes to battle over how seriously the other is heeding stay-at-home orders. (Carolina McAuley via AP)

Parenting

Split families make pacts, duel over custody amid virus

As the country hunkered down to fend off the coronavirus, Carolina McAuley expected her middle school-age kids would continue to shuffle between her house and her ex-husband’s — until she got sick.

Apr 7, 2020 at 12:45 PM

Santa Claus spreads Christmas cheer to onlookers.

Letters to Santa

Your letters to Santa

Here are just a few of the letters we got at the North Pole from you kids.

Dec 16, 2019 at 10:11 AM

YouTube

Survey: Number of kids watching online videos soars

The number of young Americans watching online videos every day has more than doubled, according to survey findings released Tuesday. They’re glued to them for nearly an hour a day, twice as long as they were four years ago.

Oct 29, 2019 at 9:17 AM

Tennesseans for Quality Early Education

Child care crisis impacting state economy

The high cost of child care is impacting more than young parents. A recently released report shows the lack of access to affordable child care for pre-school aged children is costing Tennessee taxpayers, families and businesses a combined $1.34 billion annually.

Updated Oct 7, 2019 at 10:08 PM

"Name twins," Miss Tennessee Brianna Joy Mason and Joy Cross share a bright moment.

Miss Tennessee tells local youths dreams are achievable

The barrier breaking, history making 2019 Miss Tennessee Brianna Mason came to Johnson City Saturday to talk to people, and to children in particular, about how to achieve their dreams.

Aug 24, 2019 at 9:00 PM

A snapshot of young Bascom and Eula Fields with their three oldest children, Evelyn, Thelma and Margaret.

JC 150

5 Questions: Eula Fields family talk education, integration and work

Bascom and Eula Fields “charted a destiny” for their family in late 1940s when they moved to Johnson City from Castlewood,Va. to give their children better educational opportunities.

May 25, 2019 at 8:48 PM

Mothers Day

Jonesborough mom recognized on national stage

Millions of moms will be recognized this Sunday, but Karen Lane got a little extra validation this year.

May 11, 2019 at 7:39 PM

One of the gorilla mothers at Zoo Knoxville.

Mother's Day

Zoo Knoxville offers free admission to moms

KNOXVILLE — Zoo Knoxville will celebrate Mother’s Day with its annual tradition of free admission for all moms on May 12.

May 9, 2019 at 12:00 AM

Dave Whamond, Canada, PoliticalCartoons.com

Parenting

Parenting: How young is too young for a smartphone?

Catherine Amores is shopping around for a new smartphone only it's not for her. It's for her 8-year-old son Jacob. The stay-at-home mom says she will feel safer if her second-grader has an iPhone with him at all times.

Apr 21, 2019 at 7:45 AM

Jim Tallmadge and his father, Harvey, after the 2016 Christmas Parade.

Father's Day

Celebrating our fathers

They lay the foundation for our paths in life, they are our shoulders to cry on, and they are the one person we can always count on to be in our corners. Not to mention, they can make some amazing burgers. So, this Father’s Day, join your neighbors in celebrating your dad.

Jun 17, 2018 at 6:30 AM

Facebook

Child experts: Just say 'no' to Facebook's kids app

A variety of experts and technology insiders have begun questioning the effects smartphones and social media apps are having on people’s health and mental well-being — whether kids, teens or adults.

Jan 30, 2018 at 10:31 AM

Washington County/Johson City Animal Shelter Executive Director Cara Ledbetter with the shelter's 2018 Happily Ever After Calendar

Washington County Animal Shelter

Shelter fundraiser to mark a Happily Ever After year

The Johnson City/Washington County Animal Shelter is kicking off the holidays with a fundraising venture that could make the coming year the happiest ever for 12 of the shelter’s most tenured residents.

Nov 27, 2017 at 10:03 PM

Father-Daughter/Mother-Son dance

Parks and Rec Department to hold second Valentine's dance.

ELIZABETHTON — After a very successful event last year, the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation Department is once again making the Valentine’s season a time for a father-daughter, mother-son dance.

Jan 3, 2017 at 7:36 PM