Hello, everyone. Please help with your advice.
My wife and two children (10 and 13 years old) are planning a 7-10 day trip for AT. This will be our first experience in the USA.
Do not worry, I had a lot of experience in backpacking in Russia in Siberia, since I grew up in the taiga. I really want my children to be interested in backpacking.
We live in the neighborhood of Charlotte, NC.

I am interested in three questions:
1) What point is the best for start the route? Where I can park my car? I plan to park my car in the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club area and move north. We are interested in lakes where we can stay longer. Tell me the most successful entry point to AT.
2) 15-20 miles a day is normal distance for beginners?
3) Tell me what should I take for traveling with kids?

Extremely grateful for your advice and recommendations.