Years ago, when my oldest son entered kindergarten, I started thinking about where he’d go to high school. The lack of good public high schools in Chicago made me nervous. As a child of public school teachers and a product of public schools, I had little interest In private school. Did that mean we would have to move in a few years? Should we just move now instead? What were our options if we went to public high school in the city?

Flash forward to last year, as I was driving him home ...

Many Chicago parents, myself included, start thinking about high school at the same time we're applying to preschool. This phenomenon isn’t limited to “type A” parents or “helicopter” parents or overachieving parents. We begin thinking about high school so early because our children’s access to education can influence major life decisions such as where we live, and because to new and not-so-new parents, public high schools in Chicago are something of a mystery. 

What are public high sc...

Did you know that NPN relies on the energy ideas, and dedication of a vast array of volunteers? Most of our volunteers are parents just like you! Please meet Courtney, local mom, NPN member and volunteer who coordinates NPN events in Bucktown/Wicker Park.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm an urban planner which means I'm thinking about places (what makes them great, how they can be better) all the time. I'm a small-town girl (Galesburg, IL) but have called Chicago home for the last 1...

Photo credit: Flickr/Chris

Are you, like my husband and me, raising two kids in a two-bedroom condo or apartment? Are you wondering how long your family will fit or wishing you had more space? We do, too. But as parents of two boys (seven and nine years old), we have grown to love life in our little place. We’ve enjoyed living here longer than we thought we would, and you might enjoy several more years, if not a lifetime, in your small home. Here’s why.

Small homes are easy to keep ...

Did you know that NPN has more than 30 special interest and neighborhood clubs? We thought we'd tell you a little about each of them over time. Please meet Jen, the lovely volunteer of our very active attorney moms group.

Tell us about you and your family.
I met my husband in 2003 at the Chicago Auto Show where he mistakenly got the impression that I was very into cars.  We were married in May 2005, but instead of buying a car, we spent our time backpacking across Europe, surfing in ...

It’s the middle of summer and you need a break from the street fests, splash pads, and the ice-cream cart. Mix it up with these August events! NPN has something for everyone this month and every month. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to play and learn with NPN!

8/2 – Summer Jam Sound Check with Merry Music Makers. Children ages 4 - 8 years old are invited to this fun summer camp sampler! Craft a box violin, try out a real violin and guitar in the instrument petting zoo, enjoy mus...

Are you looking to connect with other parents with whom you have something in common? We can help you find your niche.

Our calendar is filled with events. Parent-volunteers lead most of our groups and plan events for all types of families.

Here is a sample of their unique offerings:

Postpartum Discussion Group for Moms – An opportunity to meet other moms who are working through the same excitement and challenges as you. This group will facilitate discussions that will address p...

Moving to Wicker Park, Chicago 13 years ago, I had no idea that I’d also raise children here. It is incredibly different from the suburban town in Michigan were I grew up and while I sometimes feel a sense of nostalgia for my own childhood of rural roads and backyard adventures, I love raising my kids here.

I won’t deny that Wicker Park is busy! The 6 way intersection at Damen/North/Milwaukee is bustling, as is the Polish Triangle  at Ashland/Division/Milwaukee. In the summer sidewalk cafe...

Wondering what to do this week in Chicago with and w/o your kids? Our NPN Calendar is chock full of FREE and DISCOUNTED events for families, grown-ups, shoppers, business owners, and parents needing a mental break.  See you around the city!!

FREE & Open to the Public:

- Wed., Mar. 17, Play Date @ WonderWorks Oak Park

- Tues., Mar. 18, Developmental Differences Parent Support Group @ Bellybum Boutique

- Wed., Mar. 19, Work From Home Breakfast @ Esencia U...

Wondering what to do this week in Chicago with and w/o your kids? Our NPN Calendar is chock full of FREE and DISCOUNTED events for families, grown-ups, shoppers, business owners, and parents needing a mental break.  See you around the city!!

FREE & Open to the Public:

- Wed., Mar. 12, Prenatal Yoga @ Cocoon Care

Discounted & Open to the Public:

- Mon., Mar. 10, Post-Natal Small Group Fitness Class @ Orange Shoe Fitness

- Fri., Mar. 14, Disney'...