Choosing a school for your child is a very important, though sometimes confusing, and even stressful decision for your family. There are many great options in the city and it can be a challenge to find the right fit for your child and your family.  A great place to start your search is to create a list of your “top 5” schools.  You can develop your “top 5” list in many ways, including talking to other parents, visiting websites and researching schools onli...

Posted on January 18, 2012 at 5:30 AM by Maria Ippolito

Our NPN team is so proud to announce this first-time event - our Feb. 4th Developlental Differences Resource Fair.  We are working hard to provide Chicagoland families of children with developmental differences one-stop access to and information about schools, programs, service providers, therapeutic support & non-profits in the city.  This one-of-a-kind event is FREE and open to the public. Share this event and our flyer with your friends!

The term “Devel...

Posted on January 17, 2012 at 1:00 PM by Leslye Whittman

Check out these hot deals, perfect for birthday party entertainment, exclusively for NPN Members! Please log in to view full details of these discounts. 

Not yet a member? No worries, click here to join now.

BabbaCo - Give a unique gift that children aged 3 to 6 can really engage with: The BabbaBox – a new topic-based activity box for kids! Exclusive offer: NPN members get 30% off their first order! Code: NPN30 (annual purchases exclud...

Posted on January 17, 2012 at 10:00 AM by Melanie Schlachter

We all know that Martin Luther King Jr. had an incredible dream.  If he were alive today, would he feel that his dream had come true?  Martin Luther King Jr. taught us not only the importance of embracing equality and appreciating our differences but also that no dream is unreachable.  As parents, this is one of the most important lessons we can teach our own children.  Every child has a dream, and it is our job to educate, support and encourage our children to achieve ...

Posted on January 16, 2012 at 7:30 AM by Melanie Arons

Like all parents, I hope with all my heart my son will be a nice person.  So—though I share other parents’ desire to avoid high-pitched shrieks of “MINE!” and embarrassing tantrums—instead of avoiding places where my son will scuffle with other kids over toys and turn-taking, I seek them out for sharing practice:

Sandboxes: Bring your own toys and enjoy the toys in the sandbox. “Mine” isn’t necessarily a terrible word if it means...

Posted on January 13, 2012 at 7:00 AM by Rachel Kramer

With New Year's over and holiday chaos behind us, this can be the most opportune time to clear out all the holiday clutter as well as start the New Year off right.  An exciting time to anticipate the freshness of a new calendar and the chance to accomplish important organization tasks that got overlooked during the holiday festivities. 

Here are some organizing activities that can be done individually or as a family to help you ring in 2012 in an organized fashion!

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Posted on January 12, 2012 at 7:30 AM by Pooja Gugnani

NPN's discussion forums are chock-full of millions of posts on topics ranging from Pampers to preschool!

It goes without saying that our kids don't come with instruction manuals. However, recently one of our savvy members started a thread inquiring about the best parenting advice people have received in the last year.

From books recommendations such as Positive Discipline for the Preschooler and NurtureShock, to the age-old wisdom that "this too shall pass&qu...

Posted on January 11, 2012 at 6:00 AM by Melanie Schlachter

The NPN social groups are a great way to make new friends, find playdates for your little ones and discover new resources.

The Adoption group is a great example of a social group that helps connect parents,and in this case, those who have adopted chidlren or are considering adoption.   Two amazing volunteers lead this group and together, they plan fun get-togethers.  We aksed one of the volunteers, Tammy, a few questions to help you get to know her and the group. 
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Posted on January 10, 2012 at 8:45 AM by Amy Johnson

Back talk, lack of manners, name calling, rude behavior and being demanding are commonplace. Teaching children respect and manners is essential; learning to live and behave respectfully translates into self–respect, the building block of self-esteem.

Give respect:

To receive respect from children, parents must respect them. Children learn to treat themselves and others from how they are treated.

Model respect and manners:

Children watch and listen to their parents. So...

Posted on January 09, 2012 at 6:00 AM by Karen Jacobson

Thank you to all of the families that came out to celebrate New Year's Eve (a day early!) with NPN! We had a blast kicking soccer balls, jumping, dancing, and counting down with balloon drops every hour!  Check out the fantastic photos from Julia Franzosa Photography and catch her New Year's Eve deal below!!

We have some special after-party deals to share - which are valid until Jan. 15*!

NPN's next big bash: 4th Annual Wake Up & Boogie Down Family Fest! Sa...

Posted on January 06, 2012 at 11:00 AM by Melanie Schlachter