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Sleep is a tender subject for me. I’m neither a morning person nor a night owl. I hated sleepovers as a kid because contrary to the name, not much sleep happened. And then I became a mother. Obviously, sleep was elusive those first few years, but it really took a toll on me. My diagnosis of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety had a lot to do with the difficulty I had parenting through the night and desperately trying to get my new baby to sleep. Nowadays, and two more kids later, sleep happens around here in a pretty drama- free way. And I think it’s all because of something that organically took shape in our nighttime routine. But before I tell you what I do and how I do it, I think it’s important you get a clear picture of my overall approach to nighttime sleep. This is my foundation and arguably the most important piece: I prioritize relational safety: Falling asleep on our own puts us in an extremely vulnerable place. We’ve all been there - stressed, anxious, afraid. And when a person feels that way, they enter a stress response. That’s the fight-or-flight response - and it’s the last thing we want at bedtime. So, we relate to our children in a way that regulates their nervous system. Obviously, this is something we’d do at all parts of the day, but it’s important to have a strong focus at this precious time of the evening. I’m fully present: Put the phone down and get laser focused on your kiddo(s). You might have work to do after bedtime; you might be dying to get some space alone, it will happen. Do what you need to do to protect your presence during the nighttime routine. I’m clear on where I’m flexible: Our routine is predictable, but it isn’t rigid. Sometimes I read 2 books, sometimes I read 4. Sometimes my kids fall asleep in their bed, sometimes they fall asleep in mine. These are the areas where I’m flexible. Consider the areas where you’re flexible. They don’t have to be the same as mine, but if you’re an absolute stickler on something, revisit it. Do you need to be a stickler? If so, fine! If not, ok! Commitment to this foundation of safety, presence, and flexibility could be true for 100 parents and yet the details of the evening would play out in 100 different ways. That’s the point! The routine is not the magic, you are. Once that foundation is in place, the rest is just practical details. I’m going to talk about two aspects of the nighttime routine that I believe are the most critical: What you do right before lights out and what you do after lights out. That’s really what this comes down to. Take a bath. Don’t take a bath. Have a super calm evening. Have a WWE wrestling match. Honestly, I don’t think too much of it matters. (Disclaimer: It does matter if you think it matters. If you’ve noticed your child has a better night without tv after dinner, then don’t do tv after dinner. If you notice that some rough and tumble play sends your child off to sleep more easily, then do the rough play.) Before Lights Out: For a lot of families, reading books is what happens right before lights out. Please, for the love of all that is holy, don’t threaten to take books away or use “no books tonight” as a consequence for something that happened earlier in the evening. You wouldn’t withhold dinner because you “ran out of time.” Don’t withhold the important moment of connection and calm that reading together brings. When you are in these precious last moments of awake time, all is forgiven. We aren’t implementing consequences or bringing up things your child did wrong - find another time. Your child keeps asking for another book? This is where you reference your flexibility. If you can read another book, read it. If you can’t, don’t. What happens when your child gets upset? This is where you are leaning on your relational safety and presence. After Lights Out Once you’re past books and everyone is regulated (again), it’s light out! This is the moment where stress seems to spike again - for kids and parents. You have two options: Leave the room but remain available or don’t leave the room and help your child fall asleep. It’s up to you. If you aren’t sure which approach to take, try one for a week and see how it goes. To help you decide, let’s take a look at each: Leave the room: Many parents are a fan of this one. I can hear some of you saying, “Yes! Netflix here I come!” I can also hear you asking, “But HOW!?” The answer: With a message to your child that you are available if they need you. It sounds counterintuitive. We don’t want our kids jumping out of bed to come find us all evening. But when we send a message that says, “I’m leaving you here and you have to stay without me and I’m not available to you” guess what, we’re telling our children they aren’t safe. Children are hardwired to survive. So, a message that says, “You’re on your own” is going to lead children to absolutely seek you out. So instead, you send a message of safety that sounds something like, “Goodnight! I’m here if you need me” or “I’m just in the other room and I’ll pop back to check on you” or even asking, “Is there anything you need before I kiss you goodnight?” Give it an honest try. If this wasn’t a message you were previously sending, it might not be magic. They may actually come find you to see if you really are available like you said you are. Stay true to your word. Get them what they need, take them back to bed, and again communicate that they aren’t alone. Fall asleep together: This is what I do and I’m not mad about it. Probably because both of my sons have a pretty quick drop off to sleep. And I think I know why. Something a little silly became part of our bedtime routine recently. My youngest son is really into Mario and so after books and lights out he asks me to tell him a story as we lay there in the dark. The story is always about Mario and the Mushroom Kingdom. I’m pretty good at this kind of improv, but the most important aspects of these stories are that they are slow and full of rich imagery. When their minds focus on the slow, vivid images in the story, their nervous systems settle into calm. They can fall asleep in complete safety - so they do, often before I even finish. I know how hard the bedtime routine can be. I’ve lived through the tears (mine and theirs), the late nights, and the exhaustion. Looking back, the hardest stretches were always when I’d lost sight of safety, presence, and flexibility. Once I leaned into those, it changed. Bedtime went from being a dreaded battle to one of the sweetest parts of my day. And that’s what I want for you too - not a “perfect routine,” but a foundation that makes your child feel safe, seen, and soothed. That’s what makes sleep possible. If you commit to it, I hand-on-my-heart-promise it will get so much better.

In this session, parents will learn about the variety of elementary schools in Chicago, including neighborhood, magnet, magnet cluster, gifted, classical, and more. You will understand how the application, selection, and acceptance process works and learn about schools you may have never heard of that could be a great fit for your student This session was recorded with Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS in October 20205. CPS changes the deadlines frequently. Please check go.cps.edu for updates.

Cozy up to children's activities brought to you by Bubbles Academy, talk with Chicago's popular preschools, elementary schools, and summer camps, and learn about the private school application and selection process! MUST KNOW INFO ➤ Raffle prizes for NPN members (Want a chance to win a prize? Become an NPN member today!) ➤ Event schedule ➤ List of participating schools, camps, and more FREE with your RSVP (use coupon code wintersf26), donations welcome! ➤ Click the green button to secure your spot. Mobile users scroll down. ➤ $20 at the door. DATE, TIME, PARKING Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026 Time: 1:00-4:00 PM Location: Bubbles Academy, 1308 N. Elston Ave. (across the street from the Salt Shed) Parking: Free and metered street parking along Elston and surrounding streets ➤By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our sponsors. ➤Photos will be taken at this event. By registering for this event, you agree that your photo may be taken and used in NPN materials, both print and online ➤Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. ⁕ Schools and camps: Register here ⁕ Thank you to our Sponsors

Sponsored by the University of Chicago, Hyde Park Holly-Day is back for 2025 with lots of FREE family holiday activities throughout Hyde Park on Saturday, December 6 at select times between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Don’t miss the ice carving demo & self-guided sculpture stroll, pictures with your favorite Santas, live reindeer & sleigh, free screening of “Zootopia 2", Buddy the Elf, costumed characters, dance performances, and holiday crafts. See you in Hyde Park! This is a free event, and no RSVP is required, but you can go here for more information. Paid parking is available at the following locations: Harper Court Public Garage - 5222 S. Lake Park Avenue, entrance just south of McDonald's. Harper Court Surface Lot - 5210 S. Harper Avenue. The Promontory Lot - 5311 S. Lake Park Avenue West. Metered and free street parking where available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: acsrodon@uchicago.edu.

How do we prepare kids to thrive in a world shaped by phones, AI, and social media? KindEd is hosting The Digital Dilemma at Ariel Community Academy: an evening bringing together students, parents, and educators to explore building healthy digital habits for the next generation. Enjoy dinner, games, raffles, and prizes while we dive into how engagement technology and social media shape students’ lives and well-being. You’ll hear directly from students as they share their lived experiences navigating the digital world, followed by a panel with school leaders Principals Michael Richie, Charles Bright, and Scott Scherquist, along with Grammy Award winner and Board of Education member Che “Rhymefest” Smith, to discuss how parents and educators can work together to address phone challenges. Join us for fun, conversation, and community! This is a free event, and no RSVP is required, but you can go here if you prefer to reserve a spot and for more information. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: jon@kind-ed.org.

Get your scare on with Snapology’s Monster Mania! Use LEGO® bricks to create your own monster fighter, build a haunted town and have a scary good time during this fun program. Tonight will be a spook-tacular party! Come and join us, if you dare! This is a free event, but RSVP is required, please go here to register. There is a parking lot out front, as well as parking a couple of blocks away. The Hayes building is also right off of the Addison brown line, and short walks from the 50, 152, 9, and 80 bus lines. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: opsmanager.chicago@snapology.com.

Seton Halloween is a DePaul University Housing & Residence Life tradition that welcomes Lincoln Park and surrounding Chicago families to an engaging and safe trick-or-treating experience in our residence hall. Families will be able to walk around Seton Hall and enjoy food, crafts, hands-on fun, and of course, candy handed out by our Blue Demons! Costumes are encouraged. This is a free event, and no RSVP is required. Parking available in the lots across from Seton Hall or on Montana Ave. Seton Hall is around the corner from the Fullerton CTA stop. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: emorel1@depaul.edu.

Turn Kids' “I Can’t” Tantrums To “Look At Me!” Pride, Ease, Joy & Confidence. Learn to use your child’s innate self-regulation tactics so they navigate challenges with confidence & joy, & life’s easier for all of you! This is a free event, but RSVP is required, please go here for information and to register. This is a virtual, online event. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sheryl@stollerparentcoaching.com.

November 7th - 9th, 2025 10% of your sales at Vin Chicago can be donated back to NPN Load up for the holiday season, and to give back to NPN! Make sure your purchases support NPN Online: Enter "Neighborhood Parents Network" in the order comments at check-out. In-store: Tell the Vin Chicago team member at check-out that you'd like to support Neighborhood Parents Network. All purchases are eligible: Wine, beer, spirits, event tickets, and gift cards! Vin Chicago 1826 N Elston Ave., Chicago. Online orders can be placed on their website: https://vinchicago.com/ Thank you for supporting Neighborhood Parents Network!

Many Chicago families consider a faith-based education for their children. Aside from what we might think of as obvious, what else makes a religious school different from other private schools and public schools? What are the advantages of a religious school education? Come and hear from some of Chicago's most sought-after religious-based schools to learn about faith-based schools and what makes each school unique. Featuring: Chicago Jewish Day School St. Josaphat School Stay tuned for more! This discussion will occur live over Zoom. Register to receive the Zoom link via email. This discussion is open to everyone. Help us keep these discussions free for families across the city by supporting NPN. Become a member today. Questions? Contact Amy at amy@npnparents.org School representatives and education experts: Would you like to speak on a panel like this? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to inquire.

Over 40 independent schools in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana area educate students from age two to 12th grade. What makes an independent school different from other private schools and public schools? What are the advantages of an independent school education? Come and hear from some of Chicago's most sought-after independent schools to learn about an independent school education, and what makes each independent school unique. Featuring: Bennett Day School British International School of Chicago Catherine Cook School Chicago Waldorf School Lycée Français de Chicago This discussion will occur live over Zoom. Register to receive the Zoom link via email. This discussion is open to everyone. Help us keep these discussions free for families across the city by supporting NPN. Become a member today. Questions? Contact Amy at amy@npnparents.org School representatives and education experts: Would you like to speak on a panel like this? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to inquire.

There are hundreds of preschool options in Chicago; This is your chance to hear from some of the ones that Chicago families love the most. In this session, you will listen to preschools specializing in or drawing inspiration from educational philosophies, including Montessori, Cooperative, Progressive, Reggio Emilia, religion, and more. You'll leave this session knowing what a healthy, happy, and safe preschool program looks like and understanding each featured school. Featured Schools: Baker Demonstration School Bennett Day School Intercultural Montessori Language School Mary Meyer School Park West Cooperative Nursery School St. Josaphat School This discussion will occur live over Zoom. Please register on this page to receive the Zoom link. Help us keep these discussions free for all families by supporting NPN. Become a member today. Questions? Contact Amy at amy@npnparents.org

Choosing the right elementary school for your child can be daunting, especially in Chicago, where there are so many options. Learn how three of the most sought-after schools in Chicago(land) support students and families from Kindergarten (and earlier) through 8th grade (and sometimes beyond). There will be time for questions at the end. Featuring: British International School of Chicago Baker Demonstration School Near North Montessori School This discussion will occur live over Zoom. Please register on this page to receive the Zoom link. Help us keep these discussions free for all families by supporting NPN. Become a member today. Questions? Contact Amy at amy@npnparents.org Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, British International School of Chicago and our media partner, Crain's Chicago Business School representatives and education experts: Would you like to speak on a panel like this? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to inquire.

Expo Quinceañera Chicago 2026, the ultimate event for future Quinceañeras and families planning their celebration. Meet top vendors for dresses, venues, photography, cakes, limousines, and more—all in one place. 
Enjoy spectacular fashion shows, live entertainment, raffles, and the presentation of our Miss Cover Girl while finding inspiration for your dream Quinceañera. Admission: Free for Quinceañeras and children under 5.
General tickets available at https://www.quinceanerasmagazine.com/chicago. Tickets currently $14.64. RSVP is not required, but you can go here for more information and to purchase tickets. Validation parking for the event This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: jackie@quinceanerasmagazine.com.

Chicago's premier rooftop pitch and the nation's most popular children's soccer program are joining forces to create unforgettable soccer experiences for kids ages 2-8. We're kicking things off with FREE trial classes on October 18-19, giving families the chance to experience the energy of Skyline Pitch and the confidence-building approach of Soccer. Multiple free trial class times on 10/18 and 10/19. Times for October 19, 2025, 9A until 4:40P. RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Garage parking available. Located on the 7th Level of the NewCity Parking Garage, 1457 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60610. You can drive all the way to the 7th floor and park by the pitch, or park on any lower level and take the elevator up to the rooftop. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: achicago@soccerstars.com.

The first-ever People of Play’s Wishlist Weekend™ is happening at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG), a perfect time for consumers to create their own holiday “wishlists” & start their holiday shopping on-site. CHITAG, North America’s largest public toy & game fair, will feature immersive events & activities for all ages. Celebrate the 20th annual Young Inventor Challenge® (YIC) International Championship as kids ages 6 to 18 pitch their original inventions to toy & game companies, industry leaders, media & the public and winners are announced on-site. And DRUMROLL PLEASE…The Toy of The Year Awards (TOTY) finalists—representing the top toys and games of 2025—will be revealed live on-site! Consumer highlights & GREAT MEDIA VISUALS include: 🎁 Rosemont’s Mayor Bradley Stephens will cut the official Fair ribbon at 10:00 AM November 8th joined by Chicago mascots Benny the Bull and Skates plus 501st Legion Star Wars Characters, the Chicago JEDI and the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago & North West Indiana. 🎁 Gabby’s Dollhouse activities hosted by the Girl Scouts! 🎁 Compete in the Root Beer Float Challenge by A&W & The Duncan Yo-Yo & Sweets Kendama Championships! 🎁 Scouting America will showcase a 40’ Pinewood Derby Racetrack where consumers can build their own car! 🎁 Use the Pudgy Penguin claw machine! 🎁 Experience Miko’s AI-Powered Robot come to life! 🎁Take part in Interactive booths with the hottest holiday toys & games from Goliath, Just Play, LEGO, Plus-Plus, Scentco, Smart Toys & Games, TOMY, Wigglitz & more! 🎁 Build your own XOIOX Magnetic cubes with E-Blox! Play and Win a Giant Jenga! 🎁 Meet THE Aaron from Crazy Aaron’s and Dan Klitsner, Inventor of BopIt! 🎁 Get FREE Flip 7 card games from The Op! 🎁 Check out the latest toys & games from Chicago inventors and toy makers like Gray Matters Games, Baby Paper, E-Blox & more! Additional Sponsors: Disney, Amazon, Mattel, Hasbro, ASTRA, Crazy Aaron's, Duncan, Educational Insights, Goliath, Longshore, PonyCycle, Revenue Sales, The Michael Kohner Corporation, Toys R Us, Zigazoo & more. This is a two day event Saturday November 8th (10 AM - 6 PM) – 10 AM Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Mayor Bradley Stephens – 11:30 AM Toy of the Year Award Press Conference & Finalist Reveal – 2 PM Young Inventor Challenge Award Ceremony Sunday November 9th (10 AM – 5 PM) Consumer tickets are available at Eventbrite, including a $2 off coupon: $12 (adults); $6 (children) Super Power Sensory Hour (families with children with special needs): Sat/Sun 9 AM -10 AM by invite only. Public parking across the street is $15/day and there is a free shuttle to/from O'Hare airport and around Rosemont. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: susan@carvecomms.com.

Join Merit School of Music for a Halloween Musical Storytime at our Near North branch in Old Town! 🎃 Merit’s talented team of performing artists will engage your little ones (all ages welcome!) and promote early literacy development with a unique blend of music, movement, and fun. 📍 The 45-minute performance will be indoors at Church of the Three Crosses. Costumes are welcome, so feel free to dress up and get festive! 👻 RSVP to reserve a goodie bag for your little one — we can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🛍️ This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: adhamilton@chipublib.org.marketing@meritmusic.org.

Join Merit’s Wind Symphony for a free concert celebrating a Latin American tradition originating in Mexico, featuring music from Disney's Coco. Audience members are invited to move, dance, make noise, or partake in any way which helps them to enjoy the music. Families and those with sensory processing sensitivities welcome. Join us at Merit for this FREE concert: Hear familiar favorites from Merit’s Wind Symphony Children and adults of all ages and abilities welcome ✨ Experience a sensory-friendly style concert where the audience is encouraged to move around, make noise, take breaks, clap along, and more 👏 Celebrate neurodiversity at a performance that is made for everybody to enjoy ✨ Awesome opportunity for any child’s FIRST concert 🤗 Enjoy music to commemorate Dia de los Muertos and the diverse Latinx cultures represented in our Merit community ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Únete a la Merit's Wind Symphony en un concierto gratuito que celebra una tradición latinoamericana originaria de México, presentando música de Coco. Invitamos al público a moverse, bailar, hacer ruido, o participar de cualquier forma que les permita disfrutar de la música. Las familias y las personas con sensibilidad sensorial son bienvenidas. Acompáñanos en Merit para disfrutar de este concierto GRATUITO: Escucha los temas favoritos de Merit's Wind Symphony Son bienvenidos niños y adultos de todas las edades y niveles de capacidad ✨ Experimenta un concierto respetuoso con los sentidos (de estilo sensory-friendly) en el que se le anima al público a moverse, hacer ruido, tomar descansos, aplaudir, y mucho más 👏 Celebra la neurodiversidad en un espectáculo hecho para que todo el mundo disfrute ✨ Estupenda oportunidad para el PRIMER concierto de cualquier niño 🤗 Disfruta la música para conmemorar el Día de los Muertos y las diversas culturas latinas representadas en nuestra comunidad de Merit. This is a free event, but RSPV is required. Please go here to register. Street parking is available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: marketing@meritmusic.org.