Estate planning is a topic that can be difficult for all of us. Even more difficult is approaching this topic with one’s own aging parents.  Perhaps there is a feeling that the parent will misconstrue the intent behind the conversation.  Or, maybe there are mixed feelings about whether it’s appropriate for the child to approach this topic because it signifies a role reversal in the relationship that the parents find disconcerting.  However, there are ways for adu...

Whether you are just starting to look for preschool or your family is looking for academic support, get what you need with these Perk discounts.

TestingMom.com is a comprehensive test prep and educational enrichment service designed to help you prepare your child for Gifted and Talented Testing, including the CPS. Sign up for our 100 FREE questions & receive a FREE copy of the Testing Survival Guide: Chicago edition & All NPN members take 10% off any membership. Expires in 72 h...

Thinking about moving to the suburbs?

Many families love raising their children in the wonderful neighborhoods of Chicago. For other families, the quality of the public schools and multitude of child-focused activities draws them to the suburbs. Some suburbs offer a happy blend of close access to the city and ease of suburban life. If you are considering a move to the suburbs, here are a few things you can do to help decide if it is the right choice for you, and, if so, make the transi...

Wondering what to do this week in Chicago with and w/out your kids? Our NPN calendar is chock full of FREE and DISCOUNTED events for kids and parents needing a mental break or extra fun.

 

FREE & Open to the Public:

- Tues., April 2, Lincoln Park Moms Breakfast @ Nookies Too

- Tues., April 2, Mom's BYOB @ Namo Thai

- Thurs., April 4, After Notification Letters: What's Next? @ Daystar Center

- Sat., Apr...

Did the mailman deliver the mail on time today?  How long will it be before I get off work ?  I am so nervous that I can’t concentrate on anything.

These were the thoughts of several thousand parents the week of March 18th.  That is the day that CPS (Chicago Public Schools) began to mail acceptance letters for the 2013-2014 academic school year for selective enrollment  and magnet elementary school programs.  

Every spring, anxious parents wait for 2 ...

There are so many resources out there for new parents. By the time #2, 3, or 4 rolls around, Mom and Dad are expected to be experts and not need much help.

However, when bringing home a baby to older siblings, there can be a variety of challenges in place. When we have worked with families as both doulas and therapists, we have found that this is typically a top stressor for the parents. We all have a strong desire for our older kids to love their new siblings, but it can be more compl...

Three Important Questions to Help Busy Moms Find Passion and Purpose Beyond Pampers and Play Dates:

“What is my purpose in life?” is one of THE most asked questions, and yet it seems that so few ever make this seemingly elusive discovery.

Our roles as busy mom, employee, wife, chauffeur, cook, diaper changer, play date organizer, schedule manager, errand-runner, tantrum-soother, fun-maker, homework enforcer, and more, often obscure our view of what is most important in ...

Several months ago, I posted that my children were lobbying for a dog. I got great feedback, tips and opinions from dog lovers and haters alike.

Many, many months have passed and much thought has been put into the topic, and all the while my children have campaigned. What did this campaign look like? Well, there were many different projects and presentations involved.

First off, they did a lot of research. They found the perfect breed for a family of our size and one that could han...

Over the past 15 years, charter schools in Chicago have become an attractive option for families. Some have a specialized focus, whereas others take a “back-to-basics” college- preparatory approach. Most, if not all, charter schools in Chicago put an emphasis on  innovative methods of teaching and learning.

To begin with, how do you find a charter school that is close to home and has high academic outcomes?  You can start by searching one of several databases that...

We get it. Life is busy and you fall behind on checking all those products laying around the house for recalls. That’s OK, KID understands. Not only is it hard to check the items you already have, but it’s really difficult to keep up with the almost two children’s product recalls that are happening every week.

That’s why we put all the recalls from 2012 together in an easy to read chart as part of our annual recall report Safe Sleep, Safe Play: Children’s ...