It’s a familiar refrain: “Mom? Dad? I’m bored.”

Aren’t you tired of hearing this? And these days, when kids have access to so much information and stimulation, it can be hard to find something to quell that boredom.

But we’ve got you covered. It’s boredom-stopping, absolutely absorbing, unique entertainment on a budget, perfect for the whole family. Stages, Sights & Sounds, our spring performing arts festival, is the only source in Chic...

Posted on April 30, 2012 at 6:01 AM by Jara Kern

Spring has sprung, and these NPN Parent Perk Picks are in full bloom! To access each business' Perk details and promo codes, please log in and click on their link below.

Spring Perk Picks:

Bullfrogs & Butterflies - NPN parents receive 15% off one full priced item every Tuesday. 

Bum Bul Bee Photo + Films - Save $150 off of any Bum Bul Bee Vignette or receive a $100 print credit with any Photo Session!

Emerald City Theatre Company - Receive $...

Posted on April 27, 2012 at 6:00 AM by Melanie Schlachter

Warm weather is here and many of Chicago's street festivals and block parties will be sprouting up soon.  Mark your calendars for May 19th because Chicago Kids Day is the one event you don't want to miss. This amazing festival focuses on children's health & wellness- with huge amounts of fun thrown in! Here are the top ten reasons you and your family should plan on spending your morning at Chicago KIDS Day:

Have fun while learning about health, safety, dev...

Posted on April 26, 2012 at 6:22 AM by Dr Sarah Weber

As parents, its easy to get caught up in our busy schedules, and giving back to the community sometimes takes a back seat.  We want to teach our kids to be charitable and compassionate, but we may not know how.  Here's a great way that our family (and the NPN community!) pulled together to introduce our children to the spirit of giving. 

Direct Effect Charities collects Letters to Santa from underprivileged students in Chicago Public Schools and distributes them to d...

Posted on April 25, 2012 at 5:10 AM by Shelly Tozzi

Mother's Day is May 13th! It's not too late to get your act together on that extra special Mother's Day gift for the mom in your life... or you!

McKinley Consulting Nanny Division Save 10% off your first placement with us. McKinley Consulting Nanny specializes in placing the most qualified Nannies, Night Nurses,  Domestic Helpers, and Babysitters who are sensitive to the needs of children. Read more.

Ruby Room In honor of Mothers Day and to pamper moms everywhere, ...

Posted on April 24, 2012 at 1:30 PM by Ellie Ander

Chicago’s Biggest Online Shopping Event is here! Preview week lets you scope out all of the fantastic items you want to bid on.  GET REGISTERED to make sure you are ready to shop May 1st!

NPN’s Silent Auction is our biggest fundraiser of the year.  Shop local businesses, support city families, and save on more than $60,000 of items that are perfect for Chicago families.

Each year more than 300 businesses, nonprofits, and NPN Partners donate amazing items rangi...

Posted on April 24, 2012 at 7:00 AM by Alison Ray

The mere mention of cloth diapers sets eyes rolling, gasps, whispers of "eew" and "you must be kidding?" As a mom of three, I've had experience with both cloth and disposable diapers. Shocking but true, the cloth diaper store owner used disposable diapers. Gasp! So, from one experienced mom to another, here are five great reasons (in no particular order) to consider making the switch:

1. If I only knew then what I know now: After disposable diapering two childre...

Posted on April 23, 2012 at 7:00 AM by Ellen Sternweiler

What can you do to reduce the amount of trash you create?  Make sure I eat all my lunch at school, even when there’s broccoli.  – Ella, 8

The creative power of the ten and under crowd is at it again in month two of our “Little People, Big Hearts, Big Impact,” and I’m back to explore a new cause: our environment.  In honor of Earth Day this month, I am encouraging my family to reduce, reuse, and recycle and hoping to spread the word so other ...

Posted on April 20, 2012 at 12:30 PM by Amy Cahill

Five months ago, l was in Amsterdam and New York shopping for the best spring trends; I was 30 weeks pregnant and had a blast trying them all.  Now as I unpack the new arrivals, I thought I’d share my favorite trends with you.  (P.S.  With a 10 week-old at home, I’m also wearing many of the “maternity” pieces, thanks to their built-in nursing functions and stretchy fabrics!)

Nautical Stripes:  I’m obsessed with them -  blue, red, b...

Posted on April 20, 2012 at 6:12 AM by Trudy Robinson Foley

When planning a trip with your kiddos by air, sea, or lots of roads, all parents need to think about their "bag of tricks"!  Here is a list of 5 parent-approved toy picks to make your adventures a whole lot less stressful:

#1. Squeeze Rockets.  Launch these soft, safe foam rockets by squeezing air from the hand-held bulb. It's fun to pop them around the car or run after the rockets in motion. These are super light to pack and a big suprise for when you arrive!
...

Posted on April 19, 2012 at 7:00 AM by Katherine McHenry