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Trending: Parents Who Get Me Time Could Be HealthierHow much personal time do you get, parents? A lot of parents, maybe especially mothers, have a difficult time carving out "me" time. One researcher, who asked 318 U.S. parents with kids under 18 to log free time and their observations over eight days, offers the takeaway that more personal time equates to better well-being. Parents surveyed who were able to manage some alone time (no work, no housework, and no caregiving but time for rest and hobbies) reported better days overall. Think more positive feelings, fewer negative emotions, and a better ability to respond to stress. This study doesn't prove outright that personal time makes people happier, but it's not hard to imagine the restorative power of dedicated solo time for any parent. In Chicago Parenting News: The city is continuing a program to offer free Wi-Fi to all CPS students. About half of CPS school board candidates have signed an AI ban. Parenting IRL: CPS Early Pickup QuestionLogistics are a huge part of parenting, no? When it comes to managing absences or early pickups in CPS, one NPN member's wondering about the best route. Have you sifted through the details about what differentiates an unexcused absence or a half-day absence? What have you done/what's your take? Subscribe to the NPN Weekly to get more parenting news, trends, and tips straight to your inbox! -
Trending: Oreos vs. Kindergarten Mom Group ChatIt all started with an Oreo cookie in a kindergartner's lunchbox and ended up in a series of viral screenshots from a mom group chat. Here's the rub: One mom took to the group chat to ask the other parents to stop sending cookies and sweets in their kids' lunches. The reasoning? It's really hard on her child who doesn't eat these kinds of foods at home. The other parents chimed in, the internet did too, and even the school offered a neutral stance that encourages healthy options and the discretion of the parent to decide what's packed. On its surface, this argument over an Oreo is benign and maybe even silly (or fake), but it does raise some timely questions about teaching kids resilience through disappointment and even working through the challenges of comparison. It's also a reflection of the sticky way motherhood surfaces on the internet in that toxic mom group sort of way. ... In Chicago Parenting News: Axios reports that CPS decided against giving high school students Gemini access. The Chicago Sun-Times says these are the four things to keep an eye on around CPS this new school year. CPS has restored more than 300 full-time positions upon the return to school. Ten "L" stops now have animal-shaped, child-sized benches for kiddos to rest on. Parenting IRL: High School Writing Requirements If you're a parent of or know of parents of high school students in the Chicago area, have you encountered hand-written standards applied in the classroom? One parent in the Chicago suburbs is encountering this requirement for completely hand-written, legible assignments—or a failed grade. But what if your child needs different accommodations and this writing requirement becomes "one more thing to try to advocate for in the IEP meeting and then make sure it actually happens in the classroom?" Please weigh in! Subscribe to the NPN Weekly to get more parenting news, trends, and tips straight to your inbox! -
Trending: What’s All the Rage This School YearBack-to-school prep comes with the requisite shopping list. But it can also be an opportunity for kids to solidify or reset their identity in many ways. With that in mind, here are 5 items/trends Yahoo Life and Parents say you might hear requests for or buzz about during the 2026-2027 school year. Emotional Intelligence FTW: From preschool and beyond, learning about emotional literacy, regulation, and mindfulness is baked in to the curriculum and daily conversations. Squishies Galore: Fidget toys and other sensory items like squishies, dumplings, and NeeDoh continue to be a popular among elementary schools kids and even teens. They might even pop up on school supply lists. Bag Charms: Tweens and teens alike are all about bag charms, key chains, and Labubus to personalize their daily carry. 90’s Nostalgia: Y2K fashion with mixed prints and bold neons, analog over digital, including pen and paper (and hand-written notes) and film cameras are cool with high schoolers. The It Water Bottle: Depending on the age of your child, you might hear about the cool brand as Thermos or Owala or a specific type of bottle. In Chicago Parenting News: A survey of Chicago K-12 parents shows that most expect back-to-school shopping to cost about $794 per child. There’s no clear leader in the Chicago School Board President race. If you feel like your family’s suffered more mosquito bites this summer, you’re on to something. Wicker Park’s Meet Me on Milwaukee car-free Sundays start at the end of August. Parenting IRL: College Drop-Off and LonelinessCollege drop-off freshman year is a monumental milestone full of mixed emotions. This transition is tough on parents and kids alike. But the early days can be really difficult and lonely for many. What do you do/have you done when your child seems to be having a particularly difficult time adjusting? Do you have any words of wisdom to share? Subscribe to the NPN Weekly to get more parenting news, trends, and tips straight to your inbox! -
Trending: Are Kids Snacking Too Much?Raise your hand if you always have a kid-friendly snack in your bag. (My hand’s raised). But if, like me, you’ve also worried about whether your children are snacking too much on packaged items (even if they’re “healthier), you’re not alone—and your concern is valid. This conversation around “continual snacking” has been around a while. Back in 2010, researchers saw that snacking accounted for over 27% of kids’ diets. It’s popping up again in light of research-backed advice that urges pediatricians and parents to rethink snacking as we know it. The typical doctor-doled advice of three meals and two snacks gets harder to follow effectively when access to travel-friendly, packaged items is available virtually anywhere you go. Enter constant snacking and potential harmful health impacts on children. So what can you do to push back against this unhelpful new normal and change your kids’s snacking habits? Say bye to carb-dense nibbles: If a snack is mostly carbs, nix it. Wean kids off processed snacks to teach hunger cues: Offer a snack that's 75% processed and 25% wholesome and gradually decrease the packaged amount. Think quality over quantity: Instead of counting the snacks you offer, focus on high-quality items in small portions, like a slice of cheese with a piece of fruit or nuts. Stop packing processed snacks: Without access, you won’t offer and kiddos will stop expecting and asking for them. In Chicago Parenting News: In case you missed it, Kids First Chicago created a helpful breakdown of CPS’ FY 2027 budget. CPS won’t be able to reverse all layoffs before the school year starts. Chicago parents spend 35% above the national average on school supplies. Fifteen more schools are now part of the Sustainable Community Schools program. A two-toed sloth named Alface is now available to meet at The Shedd Aquarium. Parenting IRL: Help My Teen Eat Healthier FoodsMany parents worry about their kids’ food intake. It starts early and probably never ends to a certain extent. But for one NPN member, the concern about a teen daughter’s eating habits raises some important questions. When does a rigid preference for less nutritious foods benefit from therapeutic support? Have you been in the same boat? What did you do? Share your experience. Subscribe to the NPN Weekly to get more parenting news, trends, and tips straight to your inbox! -
Trending: Gamifying the Domestic LoadThe struggle to balance household and parenting tasks in a partnership and nurture that partnership is a very real one. This survey by the Pew Research Center confirms what a lot of people feel daily. Maybe a card deck can help balance the load? While not new, the Fair Play card deck, an offshoot of the book Fair Play by Eve Rodsky and the Fair Play Institute, pops up in the news from time to time—even mentioned by celebrities—as a tool to help manage parenting and chores. What started as a spreadsheet listing all of the invisible tasks Rodsky managed in her family has become a card deck with 100 household responsibilities that include cues for planning and how to make things happen. Here’s a sample of the cards in the deck. Do any of these surprise you? Bedtime routine for kids Calendar keeper Adult friendships Cash and bills Cleaning Civic engagement and cultural enrichment Dry cleaning Birth control and family planning Gifts (VIPs) Garbage Marriage and romance Weekend plans It’s not a glamorous gift, but I wonder if this card deck could be something to slip into the care baskets or packages we send to the new parents—and maybe even all the parents and couples—in our lives. In Chicago Parenting News: Here are the items that qualify for the back-to-school tax holiday starting August 7. Parents and teachers worked to rescue salvageable books that were found in dumpsters outside of former Acero schools. Chicago is the ninth most expensive commuting city in the country. There’s a new sculpture garden in Englewood on what used to be vacant lots. Parenting IRL: Are Birth Plans Helpful?From our member discussion board: Did you make a birth plan? Did anything actually go to plan? Many folks who chimed in about the merits of a birth plan generally agree that birth plans aren't really helpful or necessary. Others think birth plans can help you think through some important things, like communicating with your partner and considering interventions. Another common thread? More than a birth plan, having a knowledgeable doula present made all the difference. What’s your take? Subscribe to the NPN Weekly to get more parenting news, trends, and tips straight to your inbox! -
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Trending: The Trouble With Trimester ZeroThe three trimesters in a pregnancy are widely accepted, and more people honor the fourth trimester, but have you heard about Trimester Zero? Apparently, a faction of influencers is giving traction to this movement focused around optimizing your body in the three to six months (and maybe even up to a year) pre-pregnancy. For anyone who’s had a baby, the general concept isn’t so far out. Many medical professionals give general recommendations for prepping the body, including taking folic acid and cutting out alcohol. But Trimester Zero’s emphasis on “training” for pregnancy is toward the goal of maximizing your chances of getting pregnant as fast as possible. The stable of “experts” have driven what the Guardian calls preconception as an industry but without the evidence. Advice includes everything from avoiding scented candles and plastic containers to taking a slew of supplements, eating so-called healing diets, and even watching the sun rise. For many, social media is the source for answers pre-pregnancy and beyond instead of a real-life community. This lack of fertility education and communal knowledge sharing might be the more important thing to focus on—and change... In the spirit of championing postpartum support and community for Chicago moms, we’re bringing back our New Moms Group programming in September. Registration’s open right now! ♥️ Please spread the word to your loved ones, friends, and colleagues. In Chicago Parenting News: It’s official; the statewide cellphone ban has been signed into law just in time for the 2027-2028 school year. CPS furloughs are now off the table as the budget discussion continues. The back-to-school tax holiday starts August 7. Milwaukee’s making an appeal to laid-off CPS teachers. Parenting IRL: Do We Need a College Counselor? Readying your college-bound kids for this educational milestone is monumental—and it might be one some folks want assistance with. One NPN member wonders if a college counselor is necessary, as advised by some, and worth the money. This member’s anecdotal experience is that these advisers might be more costly than helpful. What has your experience been? Have you considered a college counselor? If you hired one, how did it go? Subscribe to the NPN Weekly to get more parenting news, trends, and tips straight to your inbox! -
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An Evening with Dr. Dana Suskind In a world increasingly shaped by screens and technology, how do we raise children who are resilient, empathetic, curious, and deeply connected to others? Join renowned author and pediatric physician Dr. Dana Suskind for an inspiring, free evening centered around her newest book, Human Raised. Drawing on research, storytelling, and years of experience working with children and families, Dr. Suskind explores why the most powerful influence on a child’s development is not technology, curriculum, or artificial intelligence — it is human connection. Guests will hear practical insights and hopeful ideas for how families and communities can nurture respectful, compassionate children prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world. 5:00 PM Cocktails 6:00 PM Program *This event is for adults only This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Valet is included (free of charge). This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: scalabrese@kcmgc.org. -
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Families are invited to join Dr. Dana Suskind for a special interactive afternoon of play at Kohl Children’s Museum, inspired by the themes of her newest book, Human Raised. Centered around human connection, character development and early childhood learning, this family-focused experience will encourage meaningful conversations and shared discovery through play. Throughout the Museum, quotes from Dr. Suskind’s book will prompt reflection and engagement, tying key messages from the book to play in the exhibits and beyond. All regular exhibits will be open for play; Adventures in Art will close at 3 PM. Throughout the afternoon, Dr. Suskind will help welcome families and share brief reflections on the importance of relationships, communication, and connection in a child’s development. The first 100 families to check in will receive a free copy of Human Raised and will also have opportunities to participate in a book signing and photo opportunity with the author. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Lot parking available at the Kohls Children's Museum. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: scalabrese@kcmgc.org. -
Parenting IRL: Venmo and Grad Invites? If you have graduates in your family or social circle, you might have a stack of paper grad party invites on your fridge, in your inbox, or all over your social feeds. But do any of these invites/announcements include a Venmo QR code, like one NPN member recently shared? The original poster is more than happy to give a graduation gift but finds the QR code a bit much. Are paper checks too much of a bother? Do kids not know how to deposit physical checks?! QR codes are everywhere, and I guess they’ve made their way to graduation announcements too. What do you think of this move? Is it something your family has done or would consider? Trending: Mommymaxxing or Team Beta MomIf you’re at all active on social media, you don’t have to look far to find examples of Mommymaxxing. It’s the mom version of the Looksmaxxing trend that has young men focused with perfecting the way they look. Mommymaxxing is all about maximizing motherhood. That means "bouncing back" after birth with ease, seamlessly choreographed sleep and after-school routines, and choosing the ideal extracurricular activities for the college prep pipeline. It’s aspirational and appealing content but unrealistic for many. If Mommymaxxing is all about perfectionism, Beta Mom-ing is the exact opposite. It’s laundry and mess everywhere and feeling OK with that and not planning every detail of the day. And you know what else is a hallmark of a Beta Mom? Asking for help from a trusted support network because you know you can’t do it all alone. Parenting labels are meh for many of us. Chances are you don’t fall neatly in either camp. I know I don’t. But one thing I think we can all agree on is that parenting is plain tough, and we could all use a break from expectations and judgment. In Chicago Parenting News:The Chicago Tribune reports that a cellphone ban was approved by Illinois lawmakers and is anticipated for the 2027-2028 school year. School Board campaigning season begins; Axios has your guide. Teens can join the Y for free this summer. WBEZ spoke with three recent Chicago college grads navigating the tough job market. Before You Go ...Join me at Horner Park Sunday, June 14, for a casual playground hang. We’ll have crafts and snacks. Plus, you can earn one month—or up to six months—of free membership. RSVP to let us know you’ll be there! Subscribe to NPN Weekly to get more parenting news, trends, and tips straight to your inbox! -
NPN's annual Online Auction offers great items that Chicago parents want and love, including kids' classes, activities, restaurant gift certificates, massages and access to cool experiences you can't find anywhere else! Start bidding here: https://npnparents.betterworld.org/auctions/2026 🌟 There will NOT be a second-chance auction this year so bid while you can to avoid missing out on a great deal! With the proceeds from our auction, NPN, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, will be able to continue to provide support and resources designed to solve the challenges of parenting in Chicago. Bidding closes at 10pm on Sunday, March 15th. Questions? Email amyj@npnparents.org Want to donate an item, gift certificate, or experience? Donate here.
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A special Mother’s Day Brunch at Brazil Express Grill. A special celebration just for moms. This event is for moms only. The fee to attend is $25 per person and RSVP is required, please go here to register. Free lot parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: noapologyeventschi@gmail.com. -
What does resistance look like? A member posted this question to the NPN discussion forum in January and it sparked something in me. That night, while I sat in the car during my son’s soccer practice, I banged out this essay, below. Although we’re publishing it several months later, I think it’s still relevant. ------------------------ As a person, neighbor, friend, mother, and the director of an inclusive organization that works to make parenting in Chicago easier, I am concerned about the treatment of immigrants, the elimination of DEI programs, threats to public education, and threats to federally-funded programs that Chicago families rely on, and that families managing developmental disabilities desperately need. NPN members have a range of opinions on current events. Most NPN members share my concerns, and many are finding ways to support populations that are especially vulnerable right now. I’ve included their ideas here for you. Would you or are you doing any of these things? Visit the Holocaust Museum Support programming and activities surrounding Juneteenth, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, Holocaust Days of Remembrance and Pride Month Donate to ACLU and Planned Parenthood Support public broadcasting - NPR, PBS, WBEZ, WTTW Quit Facebook, Instagram (Meta), and X Stop using Amazon Prime and use Costco instead Read AP News, BBC News for objectivity Purchase Plan B Vote Subscribe to a local paper and Block Club Chicago Sign up to receive "daily actions" from Indivisible Follow Rebecca Solnit on Bluesky Make contributions to local orgs that support the trans community (e.g., Brave Space Alliance, Center on Halsted, Howard Brown Health, TransLife Care) Be the kindest and most helpful citizens we can be Gather with friends and like minded people Learn how to respond to those who try to persuade you of MAGA virtues Amplify facts on social media as you are willing Submit FOIA requests for whatever you’re concerned about Listening to or reading Ezra Klein's podcast/NYTimes article- Don't Believe Him https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/02/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-trump-column-read.html I will add that I’m paying attention to the work of advocacy organizations Start Early, The Arc of Illinois and others to stay informed and see how I can help. What would you add? We’d love to hear your suggestions. However you are feeling these days, be kind to each other and take good care. -
NPN's annual Online Auction offers great items that Chicago parents want and love, including kids' classes, activities, restaurant gift certificates, massages and access to cool experiences you can't find anywhere else! Start bidding here: https://npnparents.betterworld.org/auctions/2025 🌟 There will NOT be a second-chance auction this year so bid while you can to avoid missing out on a great deal! With the proceeds from our auction, NPN, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, will be able to continue to provide support and resources designed to solve the challenges of parenting in Chicago. Bidding closes at 10pm on Sunday, March 16th. Questions? Email amyj@npnparents.org Want to donate an item, gift certificate, or experience? Donate here.
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This is an opportunity to get together and network with other kind humans (many who are business owners) who want to make a difference in a laid-back and positive space (bring plenty of business cards!). You'll also get a visibility refresh, with an updated headshot/portrait (not the boring, corporate type of headshot either!). And (as if it couldn’t get any better) your registration directly contributes to the greater good of humanity. The registration fee is a suggested donation of $50 and 100% goes to a cause contributing to the greater good. Registration is required - there is a maximum number so that it remains a positive, easy-going experience for all. Here is the link to learn more and to register: https://maijamartinphotography.com/headshots-and-humanity/. The exact location of this event will be sent to you upon registration. Street parking is available. Or only a five-minute walk from the Blue Line. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: maija@maijamartinphotography.com. -
Samantha Alloway, Executive Director of The Arc of Illinois talks with Amy about Medicaid. We discuss what it is, what it provides, and who uses it. Parents might be surprised to learn that Medicaid benefits families at all income levels and it makes disability services possible in Illinois. Hear about what services will be lost and who will be at risk if Medicaid funding is cut. Learn how to advocate for full funding and how you can support your neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities in your daily life. Important links: The Arc of Illinois Take Action and Contact Your Legislators Share Your Medicaid Story Plus, ask specific questions about Medicaid to The Arc of Illinois' Director of Family to Family Health Information Center here: Susan@thearcofil.org See also: NPN's Developmental Differences Resource Fair - coming up April 27, 2025! NPN's Developmental Differences Resource Directory NPN's Developmental Differences Parent Support Group This recording is the ninth episode of NPN's podcast, Chicago Style Parenting. It was published on 2/13/25. -
You've achieved a lot of Maslow's Pyramid for your kiddos: Housed, check Eating, check Sleeping – well, mostly check. But what are the money moves you need to make sure that you're taking care of their financial needs and your financial needs, and protecting the new layers of risk that exist in your life? Join us for a lively discussion of five important money moves to make when your children are young, including: Saving for college and saving for retirement, at the same time Updating your insurance (and not get scammed in the process) Preparing the documents that would protect your family if something happened to you (or both of you) Whether you'd rather step on loose Lego than think about your retirement accounts or whether that piggy bank in "Toy Story" has nothing on you, we welcome you to join us for our 30 minute presentation followed by open Q&A. We also warmly welcome attendees who don't have children today but are gathering information for future decisions. Interested in the content but can’t make this time? Register for this online webinar to receive a recording and a copy of the handouts afterwards. This is a free, online event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Please go here for more information and disclosures. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: categoebel@gmail.com.
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Keisha is a mom of two, therapist, coach, activist, parent, and the founder of radicallyBLended Services, PLLC. A few months ago, Keisha spoke with us on about raising a queer child in Chicago. We’re sharing some of our conversation here. This conversation has been edited for clarity and length. Listen to the full conversation on NPN’s podcast, Chicago Style Parenting. How can parents create a safe environment for our children to talk to us about anything? First, I'll say that a lot of the tips that I'm going to share I’ve learned through the relationship I have with my oldest child who identifies as transmasculine, born a girl. Even though I have years of professional experience working with all types of people, listening to my child has been the greatest start. Have open communication and pay attention to body language, listen for inflections. They could say one thing, but their body is doing another. For example, you can say, “Is it okay if I ask you, you’re fidgeting, but you're telling me you're okay?” Respect their privacy. Sharing whatever they share with you with random people, even a family member, is to say, “I don't value your privacy. I don't value your sense of safety with me.” Give them space to share their experience without adding your own. When we respond with something like, “Oh, I know that experience. Let me tell you about the time I went through this,” we are saying that their experience is not that valuable. Instead ask them, “What is it that I can provide to you?” What should a parent do when their child comes out to them or they suspect that their child is queer? Congratulate them on sharing this with you. It took a lot of bravery. Bring in your community to support you on this. I'm very much an ally, but I still felt very inexperienced in this area of parenting, so leaning on my support system and asking them to be supportive of my child was really helpful. Check in with your partner about their feelings. You shouldn’t go through this alone just like your child shouldn’t go through it alone. You need support too. Ask your child how you can support them. How can parents ensure that their child feels safe outside of the home? Be mindful of the friends that they're around and if they are allies or not. Communicate with your school. Reach out to the support systems within the school to help advocate for your child's safety. Talk with your child daily. Notice their demeanor when they come home. Seek out resources that help you understand what your child needs. How can parents advocate for their child at school? Institutions respond very quickly to documentation. If you write an email to the administrator about something that is going on, include dates and times. Understand your rights. When you can, point to a page in the school code of conduct that is relevant. When you send emails, cc whoever is valuable for that email. It ensures that everyone who is involved has the same information. Use soft language like, “I mean no harm, but this is my child, and I'm going to advocate for them. I trust your judgment as leader of this school to do what's right, and the right thing to do is in your school code of conduct. So I would like for you to do that.” Find someone who is a good balance and can help. If you're hot headed, reach out to someone who is calm. Have them read the email before you send it. If you're someone who has a hard time speaking up, reach out to someone who can help you speak up. What resources do you suggest for parents? There's so many organizations within the city that you can be a part of to volunteer your time or learn from. NPN has great resources. I've seen a lot of resources in Chicago Parent leading up to Pride month. Here are some other resources that are helpful. Resources within Chicago Public Schools The Trevor Project Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Howard Brown Health Center on Halsted Good Kids Mad City These resources are for any adult who wants to be an ally. I'm sure there's a young person that would benefit from just knowing someone like you cares and really wants to impact change. I also want to share that my husband, our children, and I will each be sharing our wisdom and well read knowledge on topics we are passionate about on our new podcast, The radicalBLend Podcast which launches Thursday, February 6th on Spotify. Thank you, Keisha! -
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You've achieved a lot of Maslow's Pyramid for your kiddos: • Housed, check • Eating, check • Sleeping – well, mostly check. But what are the money moves you need to make sure that you're taking care of their financial needs and your financial needs, and protecting the new layers of risk that exist in your life? Join us for a lively discussion of five important money moves to make when your children are young, including: • Saving for college and saving for retirement, at the same time • Updating your insurance (and not get scammed in the process) • Preparing the documents that would protect your family if something happened to you (or both of you) Whether you'd rather step on loose Lego than think about your retirement accounts or whether that piggy bank in "Toy Story" has nothing on you, we welcome you to join us for our 30-minute presentation followed by open Q&A. We also warmly welcome attendees who don't have children today but are gathering information for future decisions. Interested in the content but can’t make it this time? Register for this online webinar to receive a recording and a copy of the handouts afterward. Please go here for more information and disclosures. There is no charge for this online seminar, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: categoebel@gmail.com -
This is a commentary article from Crain's Chicago Business written by NPN's Executive Director, Amy Johnson. --------------- The recent resignation of every member of Chicago’s Board of Education, three weeks after CPS unveiled its new five-year strategic plan, underscores the challenges that many Chicago parents face when navigating their child’s public school education. A strategic plan should provide an agreed-upon path to reach goals that the majority of stakeholders believe in. Such stability has been hard to find in Chicago schools, and parents are concerned. In conversations I have with parents across the city, whose children attend all types of schools, they are concerned about the instability of the district. Among other concerns, the new five-year plan has ramped up parents’ conversations about selective enrollment schools, magnet schools and charters. Although parents agree with providing greater support to neighborhood schools, particularly those in underserved communities, many wonder if that priority will result in disinvestment of schools that are currently thriving. Fears over the future of selective enrollment, magnet and charter schools may be unfounded. After all, the CPS five-year strategic plan doesn’t explicitly call for eliminating them. However, in a system that is filled with surprises, parents look for clues about what comes next, and they see warning signs. They point to the ongoing lack of busing for magnet schools, the new funding formula tied to CPS' Opportunity Index and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s strong focus on bolstering neighborhood schools. To some parents navigating the current erratic environment, these signals suggest that selective enrollment and magnet schools may indeed be at risk. Overall, the five-year plan has been overshadowed by other troubles. Unfortunately, it may seem pointless to worry about the strategic plan when the people who approved it have all resigned. Parents are baffled by this development and embarrassed to see it in the national news. They wonder how it will impact the city and their children’s education. Adding to parents' unease is Mayor Johnson’s proposal for a massive loan. Parents are worried about CPS' ability to repay it, leaving the future of their kids' education in even more uncertainty. Parents understand that disruptions happen occasionally. Many say that their frustrations with the district are small compared to the quality of their child’s education. That has been my experience as well. Still, I wonder, do parents have the stamina to keep hanging on amid so much uncertainty? I’ve gritted my teeth through dozens of smaller unknowns over the years. I’ve waited for preschool offers, entertained my kids during two teacher strikes, plodded through dire budget scenarios at Local School Council meetings, fretted over the cleanliness of schools when those services were contracted out, watched my kids languish during online learning and listened to mayors make promises about public education that they would not keep. I’ve talked with parents who were prepping for IEP meetings, adjusting 504 plans and waiting for services, all hoping for the best, never knowing what was next. It’s possible to have a great experience in CPS, but it’s filled with quandaries big and small. The new five-year strategic plan lays out CPS’ priorities clearly, although parents are concerned about exactly how CPS will implement them. Unfortunately, the plan is overshadowed by the lack of funds to execute it and the upheaval of the Board of Education. Mayor Johnson seems to feel that he needs to shake up CPS by creating chaos. I want Mayor Johnson to know that many parents voted for him because they thought that along with positive change, he would bring stability to the district. Unfortunately, right now we have chaos. Mayor Johnson needs to find a way to implement his vision without embracing so much disarray. To truly support families, he needs to calm this storm. -
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Summer Tuesdays come alive on the Museum of Contemporary Art's terrace with free concerts highlighting artists from Chicago’s internationally renowned music community. Enjoy live music while relaxing on the lawn with your own picnic, or savor snacks and drinks available for purchase. Then head inside to catch the MCA’s summer exhibitions—we’re open late on Tuesdays and free for Illinois residents. This is a repeating event, with free Tuesday concerts through August 27, 2024 No RSVP required, but please go here for further information. The parking garage is located on Chicago Avenue just west of Fairbanks Court and adjacent to the museum. The garage does not provide direct access to the museum. When you exit the garage, simply turn right and walk west up Chicago Avenue. Our entrances face Mies Van Der Rohe Way. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sypervaiz@mcachicago.org. -
This is an excerpt from the Chicago Tribune's latest column, Kids like to swear. Do I blame Olivia Rodrigo? Or do I blame myself?, written by Christopher Borrelli. This column features a quote from NPN's Executive Director, Amy Johnson. I turned to the parent next to me and asked what she was going to do about all the, you know … I didn’t want to say it. The what, the parent asked. All of the swearing, the F-bombs and such, I said. This was several weeks ago, at the United Center, where Olivia Rodrigo was playing the second of two shows. Soon, if her new album, “Guts,” was any indication, she would be singing F-words and S-words and lots of other B(ad)-words, loudly and prolifically, and to judge by the lines to get in, she would be singing them to many, many children, middle school-aged and younger. Which meant, of course, thousands of young children shouting back naughty, naughty words. I wasn’t clutching my pearls in horror. But I was wondering: Have we all decided — you, me, Olivia, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift — that young children can swear now? Kim Vanhyning, the parent beside me, from the village of Channahon near Joliet, was attending with her two children, ages 9 and 12, and their grandmother Dorothy, who whispered: The kids recently lost their 7-year-old brother to cancer; they had shirts made that read “(Expletive) Cancer.” They knew swear words more intimately than they liked. And yet, Kim said, for tonight, “the rule is: Sing the swear words, but only tonight.” At their age, I would have felt weird swearing in front of my mom... -
‘Twas the Night Before… is Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. With something for everyone in the family to enjoy, 'Twas the Night Before… is the perfect show to introduce the incredible world of Cirque du Soleil to the next generation of theatergoers. This dazzling production, inspired by the joy of giving and the wonder of the holiday season, promises to spark lasting memories in the hearts of children young and old this holiday season. Whether five, 50, or 95 years old, audiences will surely be wowed by the amazing acrobatics and heart-warming story. 'Twas the Night Before… runs from 12/7 - 12/28. Purchase tickets here: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/twas-the-night-before This is an external partner event. Please get in touch with the organization directly with any questions.
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As parents, it's our job to do everything we can to make our children feel safe and secure. So it's only natural to default to avoiding topics that may frighten, concern, or cause panic in our children. But what should you do when the topic impacts you directly because of your religion or beliefs or when the topic feels unavoidable due to news and social media coverage? Ever since October 7th, many families (including my own) have been torn on how to answer this question. So, I compiled expert advice from trusted sources on how to best navigate these difficult conversations with their children in this age-by-age guide. Tip 1: TAKE INITIATIVE Don't wait for your child to ask you about it. Not all children will start a conversation or ask questions about what's going on and may instead choose to rely on information from their peers or social media. In order to ensure that your children are receiving accurate information, it's important to take the lead. Waheeda Saif, a program coordinator at Riverside Trauma Center in Massachusetts suggests using open-ended questions to start a conversation: "'Have you heard what's been going on in the world?' 'Have you heard anything about what's going on in Israel and Palestine?' And just see what they say, and take it from there," she said during a conversation with NPR. Children of all ages deserve a conversation — even those without loved ones who live in Israel or Gaza. Tip 2: LEAD WITH EMPATHY, NOT POLITICS Regardless of what you believe, we can all agree that everyone has a right to life. While this seems like a known fact, it's important to start here. According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Claude Bruderlein, leading with empathy in these discussions will help dissociate ourselves from categories like race, nationality, and religion, which can become divisive. “The first, more sensitive step is really to take a stand that everybody has a right to life and dignity, regardless of their nationality, regardless of their religion, regardless of their gender and age,” Bruderlein told The Boston Globe. Tip 3: IT'S OKAY TO NOT HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS It can feel impossible to answer all of the questions that may pop up during your chat but it's important to remember that you don't have to have all of the answers and that you are not expected to turn into a historian or political scientist overnight. Often children just want to better understand why and how people can be so cruel to one another and as difficult as it can be to explain, it's okay to redirect them towards believing in the possibility of peace and coexistence. Allow them to lead by asking them how they can improve the immediate world around them by being kind to others. Tip 4: CHECK IN WITH YOURSELF Protecting your mental health at this time is vital. Family clinical psychologist Dr. Jennifer Hartstein, recommends that you "...check in with how you are doing, as well, to ensure that you are not flooding your own nervous system...be mindful of how you are feeling so that you can be more present for you children." How to Explain the Israel-Hamas War Age-By-Age *Source, Parents.com PRESCHOOL Many experts agree that discussing the war with your preschooler is not necessary UNLESS they ask you about it or see it on the news. You want to avoid dismissing them because of their age while keeping the topic age-appropriate by using words and situations that they can relate to. Leading the conversation with statements about people hurting each other and expressing that it is never okay to hurt someone else is an easy way to start. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Keeping things simple with this age group is best as well. You can begin by showing them a map of where the conflict is taking place, discussing why people may be sad or upset and being direct about what it means to be at war. MIDDLE SCHOOL Once social media has entered the chat, the discussion needs to be dialed up a bit. It's important to help your middle schooler realize how to spot fake news and how to fact-check information that they may find on the internet. For this age group, it's important to let them lead the conversation. You can do this by asking questions to see what they already know and to help determine how they may already feel about it. Respect their opinion while introducing them to and educating them on the history of the conflict. If you don't know it, this is a great opportunity to learn together. HIGH SCHOOL Helping your high schooler learn to discern fact from fiction is key. Help them identify and follow reputable, non-biased sources that you know and trust to try to help beat the algorithm of content that is designed to spark an emotional reaction. Help them understand the importance of being mindful of their mental health. Scrolling social media and seeing photos and videos of death and violence can be traumatic. According to reports, Israeli and Jewish schools in the U.S. have even urged parents to delete social media apps from their children's phones to shield them from seeing any purported hostage videos from Hamas. Deleting social media from their phone may seem extreme so it's important to remind them to take breaks from social media when they feel overwhelmed with any content they may see and to also report the content on social media to keep it out of their feed. A major part of keeping our children as safe as possible is to make sure that they are aware of what is going on around them. I hope these tips help prepare you to do just that. Let us know how your discussions go on the forum. -
In this video, you will meet organizations that are working to reduce gun violence in Chicago and beyond. Learn about the work they do and how you can support their efforts. You will leave this session informed and inspired! Our esteemed panelists are: Jenny Anselmo, Director of Data and Tech Operations at Chicago Cred Natalie Kaplan, Communications Lead for Moms Demand Action Jose Abonce, Community Engagement Specialist for the Chicago Neighborhood Policing Initiative This video was recorded live on 7/24/23. -
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How do Elementary and Middle Schools Provide and Inclusive Environment for all Students? A healthy, diverse and inclusive classroom environment can allow every student to thrive. Children should be given the opportunity to learn free from discrimination and feel comfortable expressing their identities within their classroom and school community. Parents will learn what practical steps schools take to build a welcoming environment for all students including differing cultures, gender identities and learning differences. Schools will share why creating an inclusive and diverse community is important for all students and families and what they are doing inside the classroom and with families to support these principles. Our panel of speakers will include representatives from: Bennett Day School Francis W. Parker School The Frances Xavier Warde School North Park Elementary School
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