It can be awkward to see moms in your play group or your in-laws engaging in unsafe child care practices or wanting to do something you don’t think is safe when your child is in their care. How should you handle this?

When it comes to safety—especially car safety or safe sleep—it is worth the risk of being impolite. Situations range from your parents pulling down an old crib from the attic to a helpful friend willing to take your child for a play date—but withou...

NPN is bustling with great events to try with or without the little ones. In case your email is exploding, here are a few you won't want to miss!

Join NPN's Dads group, and other parentes and children for Pizza & Play @ Purple Monkey - Bucktown's newest indoor play room! Relax, connect with other adults, and enjoy a some pizza as your children explore this whimsical on Friday, February 17 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Pleae RSVP to reserve your space.

We know fina...

Many children are in constant motion. Their bodies and minds are like a motor, always moving, squirming, wiggling, running, talking, and on the go. When the fidgeting becomes excessive, it can impede functioning and learning, and negatively impact every day life. Your child can be fidgeting for various reasons, including difficulty self-regulating .  He may have a “high engine” and need some heavy work input to lower his “engine,” or arousal, to a more regulate...

Fantastic new toys keep popping up on Building Blocks Toys Store shelves! I truly have the best job.  It is always great to play with the classics like slinkys, jacks, tiddleywinks, and marbles.  But here is just a sampling of the newest 2012 play friends:

Playmobil is perfect pretend-play for older children.  Lots of detailed parts for hours of imagination, storytelling, and group or individual playtime.  The western series i...

Happy Valentine's Day! Roses are red, violets are blue, here my Parent Perk Picks, from NPN just for you! To access each business' Perk details and promo codes, please log in and click on their link below.

Valentine's Day Perks

Tipsy Cake - Stop in for an afternoon tea with your sweatheart. NPN members receive buy one afternoon tea, get one free. Must mention NPN when you call for your reservation. 

Chicago CPR - Protect the hearts of your loved ones. NPN ...

This week is full of pink, red, and hearts all over.  Show us your love and win some great Chicago tickets.  Just send us a photo of your little love bug and get entered to win two complimentary tickets to Girls Night Out - Go Red for Women (good for 2 adults) and two tickets to NPN's Wake Up & Boogie Down Family Festival (good for one adult and one child)!  Email your photo to hi@npnparents.org to get entered this week.  

Make sure you like the NPN Facebook...

Did you miss the Done & Done with Diapers seminar? Don't worry- here's a great recap of the event from our speaker Tamara Kadlor, MS. If you have questions on whether your child is ready for potty training, how to pick an approach that works for your family or tips for families of children with developmental differences, you can check out her previous blog here. 

How long will Potty training take?

On average, successful potty training takes about 3-12 months.  ...

Three new events were just added to our calendar for expectant, new and seasoned parents who live or work near the South Loop and Hyde Park Neighborhoods.  Connect with other families, discover new places to learn and play, and go home with must-have information for city parents.  Visit our NPN South Side Neighborhood Page for upcoming events.  

Wed. Feb. 22 - 1:30-3:30pm, New Moms Mingle @ Park 52 Restaurant

New Moms Mingles are such a fun way to meet other new moms...

Of course we all want to have a relationship with our nanny that is both personal and professional. It’s a fine line and it’s in your hands to get the relationship off on the right foot. An ideal nanny will ask us about our weekend but refrain from asking details of our night out. How can we establish this relationship and not get in too deep?

When hiring a nanny…

Make sure you share the same values about children as your nanny. Talk about expectations, value...

Hello Lovies!  Valentine's Day is such a fun holiday to share with children. There are so many darling ideas out there it's hard to choose!  We decided to go Sweet & Simple and share some of our favorite inspirations with you.

1. Decorations.  Making cute mailboxes for the family to leave cards in is such a fun idea.  Create a little centerpiece from some simple items or even carnations!

2. Get Crafty.  Break out the craft supplies and...