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Trending: Parenting Changes Dads’ Brains TooAnyone who’s experienced “baby brain” knows that it can be disorienting to forget basic information or not quite feel like yourself. Those sensations are all valid and come with a huge explanation: Pregnancy literally reshapes a mother’s brain. Brain rewiring: Pregnant moms’ brains shed gray matter—about 5% overall. Smarter for motherhood: Expectant mothers’ brains change in the areas that impact empathy and bonding, in anticipation of the work of motherhood. In second pregnancies, those changes become even more fine-tuned. Long-lasting effects: The effects of this brain rewiring can last up to six yearsafter having a baby. Gray matter rebuilds: Mother’s brains rebuild gray matter in the first weeks, months, or potentially years after birth. Pretty incredible! Moms aren’t the only ones who experience a brain reconfiguration in preparation for a baby. New research shows dads’ brains also conduct a bit of “pruning” and gradually reduce gray matter in the first few months postpartum. The loss of gray matter isn’t as substantial as what moms experience, but the changes indicate that fathers' brains change to become primed for caregiving. There are so many questions about the effects of brain changes for postpartum moms. More research could help us learn more about the long-term impacts and the link with postpartum depression, which impacts one in eight women in the U.S. TL;DR: Parents' brains change (maybe even forever) after welcoming children, and that’s astounding. 👋 Are you an expectant or new mom (or do you know one) looking for community? NPN will be (re)launching a New Moms Group this fall. Stay tuned! In Chicago Parenting News: This Chicago-area college exists virtually even after it closed its physical campus in May. Chalkbeat reports that most schools decided to keep their assistant principals even after CPS cut funding. CPS’ budget is in the works for next year, but the Chicago Sun-Times reports that these important school resources will remain untouched. The Illinois Department of Early Childhood will now perform the work done by three former early childhood state agencies. Parenting IRL: Tips to Simplify ParentingThe pressure to do “all the things” as a parent can feel insurmountable at times. This is a topic we’ve been chatting about in this newsletter in recent weeks, and it’s the subject of a forum post that’s resonating with many NPN community members. One parent asks for advice on how to simplify parenting and family life beyond trimming down activity lists. How can you do less while still providing for your children without feeling guilt or FOMO? What do you do about the pressure you feel from your children, friends, or yourself to do it all? Let us know how you maintain balance. Subscribe to the NPN Weekly to get more parenting news, trends, and tips straight to your inbox! -
Preparing for birth, especially your first (as with all things parenting), can feel daunting. Birthing education classes are a common recommendation, but has mindful-based birthing been on your or your loved ones’ radar? We spoke with Certified Mindful Birthing and Parenting Teacher, Claire Zawa, about the basics of mindful birthing, and how the skills gained in this practice can translate more broadly into mindful parenting and living. 1. What is mindful-based birthing? Mindfulness as the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, moment by moment, with kindness and curiosity. We are all born mindful. As we grow and move through the world, we often forget that we can do one thing at a time, that we can be fully present, with ourselves and others. So, we can make choices to remember, to grow, to deepen our capacity to be here now. Mindfulness-Based Childbirth & Parenting (MBCP) or Mindful Birthing, is an evidence-based, comprehensive childbirth education class, a parenting preparation class, AND training in the life skills of mindfulness—all-in-one! 2. How do expectant parents know if mindful birthing is right for them? Or is it a fit for anyone? Mindful Birthing is supportive of all birth preferences, options, and outcomes. Classes are non-judgmental, compassionate spaces that honor the unique experiences of family-making process. Whether or not you have prior experience with mindfulness, meditation, yoga, pregnancy, parenting—you are welcome here. 3. What are the core areas of focus in mindful birthing classes/the skills parents can expect to work on? In Mindful Birthing we will: Learn about the anatomy and physiology of labor, delivery and breast/chest-feeding. Practice individual and partner comfort measures. Access physical and mental relaxation. Engage the mind to work with physical discomfort and pain. Increase confidence and courage for the experiences of birth and parenting. Practice prenatal yoga for strength and flexibility. Develop skills for managing stress in pregnancy, parenting and life as it is right now. Build a toolbox of skills to support experiences in birth and parenting. Enhance communication with partner and health care providers. Become more aware of your own approach, priorities and preferences around birth and parenting. 4. How does mindful-based birthing translate to mindful parenting? In class, we talk about “the contractions of life:” [in] labor, of a crying baby, a tantruming toddler, a stressful work situation, a “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.” The practices we share in class are tools for life. Your baby can be your greatest mindfulness teacher, if you are paying attention. 5. If you could give one piece of advice or encouragement to expectant parents about mentally/emotionally preparing for birth and new parenting, what would it be? Change is the only constant. What if it’s not about good or bad, but instead it’s transformational? Claire Zawa (she/her) is a Certified Mindful Birthing & Parenting teacher, and leads 4 and 9-week classes for expectant people as an Associate Faculty at the Mindful Birthing & Parenting Foundation. She also offers 1:1 private sessions incorporating mindfulness, self-compassion, and habit-change coaching skills to support the entire parenting journey. Mindfulness has been integral in her own experiences of parenting an almost 4-year old. Learn more at www.mindfulbirthingchicago.com -
Trending: The Rise of Home BirthsEarlier this spring I listened to The Birth Keepers, a heavy but captivating podcast series by the Guardian about the free birth trend, which involves giving birth at home without any medical involvement. Emily Oster covered this topic at the beginning of June and was adamant that no one pursue free births. Medically attended home births, however, are a different story. Oster and others point to data that shows more people are turning away from the hospital for births—though with the help of a medical professional at home. In 2019, 1% of births happened at home. In 2023, that number jumped to 3.5%. Home births spiked to a 30-year high during the pandemic. The shift could be a combination of factors, including: The rise of c-sections (again) to approximately 1 in 3 U.S. births. A black maternal mortality rate that’s about 3.5 times higher than among non-Hispanic white women. An increase in the number of certified midwives, with licensing or some sort of regulation in 38 states. While Oster flatly discourages free birthing, she points to the potential benefits of medically attended home births, including fewer interventions. But if transferring to a hospital is necessary, the complications and risk factors increase. Even Oster admits that there’s no right or wrong answer about home births. It’s a highly personal decision, where and how to give birth, and facts and figures only ever tell a fraction of the story. 👋 Are you an expectant or new mom looking for community? NPN will be (re)launching a New Moms Group this fall. Stay tuned! In Chicago Parenting News: This after-school program aims to teach AI literacy to kids with good old-fashioned pen and paper. Thanks to a network of 277 air quality monitors, Chicago can keep an eye on air pollution year-round. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that a quarter-million student loan borrowers in Illinois need new repayment plans. Parenting IRL: Gratitude From Our ChildrenParenting comes with numerous challenges, but this recent post on our forum is a helpful reminder to zoom out and acknowledge the loving, thoughtful things children do to show appreciation. Teaching gratitude is a parenting pillar for many of us, which makes moments like a thank you for preparing a meal or an offer to pick something up at the store all the more meaningful. What do you your kids do to show that they’re thinking of or appreciate you? We’d love to hear from you! Subscribe to the NPN Weekly to get more parenting news, trends, and tips straight to your inbox! -
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Connect with other new moms facing similar changes, challenges, and joys that you are experiencing as a new parent. This group is for moms with babies aged 0-6 months. 🙌 Free with your RSVP 👩🍼Limited to 10 moms 🕰️ Meet for 90 minutes the same day and time each week for 3 consecutive weeks 🤗 Facilitated by NPN staff and mom volunteers 👶 Babies expected and welcome Your RSVP is for one three-week session. To build community and find support, we ask that moms attend the full session (three meetings). Session Information Thursdays, September 10th, 17th, and 24th, 2026 1:00-2:30 PM Bubbles Academy West Town 1308 N Elston Ave, Chicago RSVP required RSVP by clicking the green "register now" button to the right (mobile users scroll down) Questions? Email Executive Director Amy Johnson at amy@npnparents.org -
Our daughter is a little over 3.5, but we spent nearly nine months in her second year of life struggling with sleep. What were we thinking?! That’s something Linda Szmulewitz of Sleep Tight Consultants quickly helped us let go of. She taught us to stop troubleshooting in the sleep-deprived moment, set boundaries, and give ourselves a break. I was happy to have the opportunity to ask Linda five questions about sleep for NPN readers in a similar boat. Here’s what she had to say about sleep training, sleep crutches, and emerging from the newborn sleep trenches. 1. At what age should parents consider sleep training their children and is it ever too early, late, or ill-advised (when potty learning, welcoming a sibling, etc.) to do so? The time to start sleep training is 1) once your child is at an age when they are capable of soothing and regulating themselves. I start working with families at 18 weeks at the earliest. And beyond that 2) when whatever you are doing to help your child sleep is no longer working for you, your child or your family. That is to say that if whatever you are doing is working then far be it from me to say that it is a problem. As far as too late, I work with children until they are 10 years old so these are certainly things that are still changeable into school age years. These sorts of changes don’t necessarily get easier to make though as children get older. As far as timing, it isn’t a great idea to be trying to make changes that require a lot of consistency in the midst of anything that might be disruptive. Potty training could be one of those things, visitors who are going to make consistency hard, an upcoming trip (within the next 2 weeks—especially for toddlers/older children), a move or the imminent arrival of a sibling. 2. What's a sleep crutch, and how can parents determine if they're OK to use for their child/children? A sleep crutch or sleep association is anything you do to or for your child to help them fall asleep at bedtime and then often back to sleep overnight. Some examples of sleep crutches are feeding (nursing or a bottle), holding, rocking or bouncing to sleep. For children who are in a bed, the most common sleep crutch I see is when parents are laying down with their child to fall asleep at bedtime and then again overnight or co-sleeping whether it is at bedtime or throughout the whole night. Newborn babies and children under 4-6 months often need help falling asleep at bedtime. This is normal and to be expected. Often those things that we do to help our children fall asleep will stop working at some point in time. Just like in my answer to the question above, a sleep crutch is never something that is a problem until it is no longer serving you. In some cases, sleep crutches can continue to work as children get older but it will take longer and longer to coax a child into sleep as they have more capacity to stay awake for longer periods of time. In many cases, whatever you do to or for your child to help them fall asleep, they may need that much and more as the night goes on. 3. What's the deal with sleep regressions? Are they fact or fiction or something in between? Sleep regressions are absolutely real. Some children experience more regressions than others. This can often be related to your child’s temperament and how sensitive they are to things that are both changing in their body or things that might be changing in their environment. Sleep regressions most commonly are correlated with periods of developmental change/growth. The big ones are at 4 months (burst of developmental awareness, rolling, growth spurt), 9 months (separation anxiety, learning how to pull up to stand), 12 months (walking), 18 months (language developing very rapidly), 2 years (more language development, words having more power), 2.5/3ish (moving from a crib to a bed). Regressions can also be brought on by travel, illness or teething—times when parents end up not being as consistent as they might be otherwise, especially if these inconsistencies persist beyond when the disruption resolves. 4. What general recommendations do you have for first-time parents, especially when struggling with interrupted sleep and night feedings? In the early months, when you are in the trenches, know that this is normal. Hard, yes, absolutely. I would never minimize how difficult those early newborn days/months can be. It will get better though, both when your baby is at a developmental stage when they are capable of doing more independent soothing and regulation and their brain is developed in a way that enables them to sleep better, but also when they are at an age when you can make more significant changes. Honestly, my strongest recommendation would be to stay away from the internet and social media that makes it seem like you are doing it all wrong and everyone else has these things figured out. And see what kinds of supports you can put in place while you need them. This may be parents taking shifts throughout the night in order to help each parent get some longer stretches of sleep at a time (heads up that the short end of the stick shift is the early morning when sleep is the least consolidated for newborns)—this can be done even if you are breastfeeding, having family or close friends provide respite either at night or during the day to help you recover a bit or possibly a few nights of postpartum doula support. I promise, this is not forever, it can get better! 5. If you could give one piece of life-changing advice/encouragement to parents of children struggling with sleep, what would it be? My advice would be to help your child, at the very least, learn how to fall asleep independently at bedtime. This is often the key to the whole night. About 80% of all children will eventually sleep through the night once they have fallen asleep on their own at bedtime. It can certainly make a big difference. Linda Szmulewitz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Gentle Sleep Coach. As owner of Sleep Tight Consultants, she has worked for over 15 years with tired families all around the world to teach their children the lifelong skill of sleeping. She also runs The Chicago New Moms Group. -
Parenting IRL: Teaching Teens to Save Money Is teaching financial literacy on your parenting to-do list? It might be top of mind or maybnot, considering that financial literacy among U.S. adults is at a 10-year low. That figure includes Gen Z-ers. One NPN member wonders if other parents of teens also require their kids to save. Do you press your kids to save a certain percentage of what they earn? Did you start earlier than high school? Weigh in! Trending: Modern Parenting Is Tough Modern parenting is tough with a capital T, and probably getting even harder. Why? We’re inundated with messaging that tells us how to parent but rarely get the kind of validating in-person feedback we need when struggling with guilt over missing sporting events, feeling exhausted, or struggling against systems—like the modern work day—that aren’t friendly to parents, especially those with young children. The way parents responded in surveys by Nanit, New America, and Teleflora says it all: Over 70% of parents say they wish they had more time with their kids. More than half of parents think they’re not spending enough quality time with their kids during the work week. Nearly 40% of moms feel guilty about being overwhelmed or distracted. More than 60% of parents say they want more personal time. But almost 70% say they feel guilty about wanting/needing that time to themselves. If those stats speak to you, you’re not alone. And the good news is that experts agree that talking to other parents and trusting your own instincts are powerful tools to block out the noise and focus on what actually works for you as a parent. 👋 Are you an expectant or new mom looking for community? NPN will be launching a New Moms Group this fall. Stay tuned! 🗓️ In Chicago Parenting News:The Chicago Sun Times reports that e-scooters are popular among city teens, but they’re proving dangerous and even deadly. Your rising eighth grader will take a new high school admissions test in October. Chalkbeat has more. Good news for pool-goers: Block Club reports that the city’s outdoor pools will open a week early this summer. Parents in Chicago and throughout the state now have NICU leave. Have you heard Illinois passed a landmark AI law mandating third-party audits and oversight? Before You Go ...We’ll be at Horner Park Playground (near the picnic table area) Sunday, June 28, for a casual playground hang. Stop by for a snack, crafts, and the chance to earn one month—or up to six months—of free membership. Register now or just check in with me on Sunday. Subscribe to the NPN Weekly to get more parenting news, trends, and tips straight to your inbox! -
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Though the school year has come to an end, NPN playdates will continue through the summer! Join us at Horner Park playground for a casual Sunday morning gathering. We'll set up 🫧 bubbles, 🎨 crafts, and 🧃juice boxes for the kids. Not an NPN member? No problem! Bring a neighbor, friend from school, relative, or anyone you know who might be interested in connecting with other parents of young children. ⭐ Stop by and check in with Yoona and earn up to six months of free membership! ⭐ Directions and Parking The playground is on the northeast corner of the park by the field house, along California Ave, between Cullom and Montrose. Free parking is generally available in the attached parking lot and on California Ave. Look for a picnic table covered in an NPN tablecloth or other NPN signage, Yoona in an NPN t-shirt, or just a blanket on the ground with craft projects on top! NPN Summer Playdates at Horner Park 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Sunday, June 14 - rescheduled due to rain Sunday, June 28 - new date! Sunday, July 12 Sunday, August 9 RSVPs not required, but encouraged for planning purposes. Tell us you're coming by clicking the green button on the right. (Mobile users scroll down.) Have questions? Email yoona@npnparents.org Cover image credit: Ivan Mudruk -
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! -
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Free Coffee on NPN if you are one of the first five to arrive ☕☕☕☕☕ + 1 month free NPN parent membership for everyone who attends (both new and current members), up to 6 free months per person 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🗓️ 6 dates 🕙 10:00-11:00 am 📍 La Boulangerie & CO Logan Square, 3129 W Logan Blvd Look for Amy in her NPN t-shirt RSVP is appreciated but not required. 🙌 RSVP for all dates Thurs June 18 Wed June 24 Thurs July 16 Thurs July 30 Thurs Aug 13 Mon Aug 24 Join us in sharing a mid-morning break together, over coffee. All parents are welcome. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 -
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Free Coffee on NPN if you are one of the first five to arrive ☕☕☕☕☕ + 1 month free NPN parent membership for everyone who attends (both new and current members), up to 6 free months per person 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🗓️ 6 dates 🕙 10:00-11:00 am 📍 La Boulangerie & CO Logan Square, 3129 W Logan Blvd Look for Amy in her NPN t-shirt RSVP is appreciated but not required. 🙌 RSVP for all dates Thurs June 18 Wed June 24 Thurs July 16 Thurs July 30 Thurs Aug 13 Mon Aug 24 Join us in sharing a mid-morning break together, over coffee. All parents are welcome. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 -
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Free Coffee on NPN if you are one of the first five to arrive ☕☕☕☕☕ + 1 month free NPN parent membership for everyone who attends (both new and current members), up to 6 free months per person 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🗓️ 6 dates 🕙 10:00-11:00 am 📍 La Boulangerie & CO Logan Square, 3129 W Logan Blvd Look for Amy in her NPN t-shirt RSVP is appreciated but not required. 🙌 RSVP for all dates Thurs June 18 Wed June 24 Thurs July 16 Thurs July 30 Thurs Aug 13 Mon Aug 24 Join us in sharing a mid-morning break together, over coffee. All parents are welcome. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 -
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Free Coffee on NPN if you are one of the first five to arrive ☕☕☕☕☕ + 1 month free NPN parent membership for everyone who attends (both new and current members), up to 6 free months per person 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🗓️ 6 dates 🕙 10:00-11:00 am 📍 La Boulangerie & CO Logan Square, 3129 W Logan Blvd Look for Amy in her NPN t-shirt RSVP is appreciated but not required. 🙌 RSVP for all dates Thurs June 18 Wed June 24 Thurs July 16 Thurs July 30 Thurs Aug 13 Mon Aug 24 Join us in sharing a mid-morning break together, over coffee. All parents are welcome. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 -
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Free Coffee on NPN if you are one of the first five to arrive ☕☕☕☕☕ + 1 month free NPN parent membership for everyone who attends (both new and current members), up to 6 free months per person 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🗓️ 6 dates 🕙 10:00-11:00 am 📍 La Boulangerie & CO Logan Square, 3129 W Logan Blvd Look for Amy in her NPN t-shirt RSVP is appreciated but not required. 🙌 RSVP for all dates Thurs June 18 Wed June 24 Thurs July 16 Thurs July 30 Thurs Aug 13 Mon Aug 24 Join us in sharing a mid-morning break together, over coffee. All parents are welcome. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 -
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Join NPN for some coffee breaks this summer! Free Coffee on NPN if you are one of the first five to arrive ☕☕☕☕☕ + 1 month free NPN parent membership for everyone who attends (both new and current members), up to 6 free months per person 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🗓️ 6 dates 🕙 10:00-11:00 am 📍 La Boulangerie & CO Logan Square, 3129 W Logan Blvd Look for Amy in her NPN t-shirt RSVP is appreciated but not required. 🙌 RSVP for all dates: Thurs June 18 Wed June 24 Thurs July 16 Thurs July 30 Thurs Aug 13 Mon Aug 24 Join us in sharing a mid-morning break together, over coffee. All parents are welcome. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 Cover photo credit: indra projects -
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Join us at Horner Park playground for a casual Sunday morning gathering. We'll set up 🫧 bubbles, 🎨 crafts, and 🧃juice boxes for the kids. Not an NPN member? No problem! Check in with us and earn one free month of membership, extendable for up to six months! Bring a neighbor, friend from school, relative, or anyone you know who might be interested in connecting with other parents of young children. Directions and Parking The playground is on the northeast corner of the park by the field house, along California Ave, between Cullom and Montrose. Free parking is generally available in the attached parking lot and on California Ave. Look for a picnic table covered in an NPN tablecloth or other NPN signage, Yoona in an NPN t-shirt, or just a blanket on the ground with craft projects on top! NPN Summer Playdates at Horner Park 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Sunday, June 14 Sunday, July 12 Sunday, August 9 RSVPs not required, but encouraged for planning purposes. Tell us you're coming by clicking the green button on the right. (Mobile users scroll down.) Have questions? Email yoona@npnparents.org Cover image credit: Ivan Mudruk -
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Though the school year is coming to an end, NPN playdates will continue through the summer! Join us at Horner Park playground for a casual Sunday morning gathering. We'll set up 🫧 bubbles, 🎨 crafts, and 🧃juice boxes for the kids. Not an NPN member? No problem! Bring a neighbor, friend from school, relative, or anyone you know who might be interested in connecting with other parents of young children. Directions and Parking The playground is on the northeast corner of the park by the field house, along California Ave, between Cullom and Montrose. Free parking is generally available in the attached parking lot and on California Ave. Look for a picnic table covered in an NPN tablecloth or other NPN signage, Yoona in an NPN t-shirt, or just a blanket on the ground with craft projects on top! NPN Summer Playdates at Horner Park 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM - Sunday, July 12 & Sunday, August 9 RSVPs not required, but encouraged for planning purposes. Tell us you're coming by clicking the green button on the right. (Mobile users scroll down.) Have questions? Email yoona@npnparents.org Cover image credit: Ivan Mudruk -
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Rain Check! This morning's playdate has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 28th. See you then! Though the school year has come to an end, NPN playdates will continue through the summer! Join us at Horner Park playground for a casual Sunday morning gathering. We'll set up 🫧 bubbles, 🎨 crafts, and 🧃juice boxes for the kids. Not an NPN member? No problem! Bring a neighbor, friend from school, relative, or anyone you know who might be interested in connecting with other parents of young children. ⭐ Stop by and check in with Yoona and earn up to six months of free membership! ⭐ Directions and Parking The playground is on the northeast corner of the park by the field house, along California Ave, between Cullom and Montrose. Free parking is generally available in the attached parking lot and on California Ave. Look for a picnic table covered in an NPN tablecloth or other NPN signage, Yoona in an NPN t-shirt, or just a blanket on the ground with craft projects on top! NPN Summer Playdates at Horner Park 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Sunday, June 14 Sunday, July 12 Sunday, August 9 RSVPs not required, but encouraged for planning purposes. Tell us you're coming by clicking the green button on the right. (Mobile users scroll down.) Have questions? Email yoona@npnparents.org Cover image credit: Ivan Mudruk -
In this video, Amy, Sitaara, and their guests discuss the challenges of self-care for parents, especially those with children who have developmental differences. They speak with Lydia Thibodeau, a mother of a child with a disability and Founder of Sommet Nannies, and Erica Hornthal, Founder and CEO of Chicago Dance Therapy and author of the award-winning book Body Aware, about the importance of understanding children's moods, the role of movement in emotional regulation, and the benefits of dance movement therapy. This conversation emphasizes the need for parents to fill their own cups and the significance of community support in navigating parenting challenges. -
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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. -
Amy, Sitaara, and Lydia Thibodeau, founder of Sommet Nannies, discuss how parents can conduct an independent nanny search. In this session, parents will learn how to identify and address red and yellow flags that might come up with their nanny candidates during the search process. This recording was first published on NPN's podcast, Chicago Style Parenting, in November 2025. -
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. -
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We're sorry for the inconvenience. This event has been cancelled due to a schedule change at Gallagher Way. Join NPN members at Gallagher Way for free morning yoga. The class begins at 7:00 AM. Arrive at 6:30 AM to check in for yoga and meet with fellow NPN members. Click here to fill out a waiver for Gallagher Way and learn more details. For inclement weather check the Gallagher Way Facebook and Instagram pages. Required: RSVP here to let us know you are coming! Gallagher Way is located at 3635 N Clark St. If you like, meet up at Do-Rite Donuts and Chicken after for our Academic Center/High School parent chat. More information here: https://www.npnparents.org/events/event/611-academic-centerhigh-school-parent-chat/ -
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Discover simple, powerful ways to nurture your young child's early learning through everyday moments like diapering, play time, and feeding. Learn how to transform ordinary routines into meaningful opportunities for connection, development and learning. RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Event details, such as exact location, will be provided upon registration. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: promisingstartinfo@gmail.com. -
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This event has been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience. Join LEEP Forward and NPN for August Adventures! This sensory-friendly, inclusive event is designed for all children, ages 2-5, with siblings of all ages welcome to join in the fun! Embrace the end of summer with a variety of engaging activities that promote exploration and creativity! ☀️ Children can dive into our Sensory Bin filled with a variety of items and textures. 🖌️ We’ll have a painting station where little artists can create with non-toxic, washable paint, and a playdough station for creative molding and shaping. 📚 For imaginative play, kids can dress up and relax in our Summer Story Corner with cozy blankets and captivating stories. 🌻 Plus, don’t miss our guided Nature Walk, where everyone can collect natural treasures! 🎪We will also have a bounce house for our little adventurers seeking more movement activities. 🎈Our event will also include a ball pit and sensory tables for more hands-on exploration. 😋 Finally, we’ll provide healthy, allergy-friendly snacks to keep everyone energized, and 🎉 Every family will be entered into a raffle for a night of respite or babysitting! Join us for a morning of sensory exploration, connection, and end-of-summer fun in an inclusive environment. We can’t wait to see you there! Location: 1447 W Montrose Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN! -
Mother’s Day in Chicago often brings to mind flowers, brunch reservations, and maybe a last-minute card scribbled with love (and crumbs) from the kids. And while mimosas and pancakes are always welcome, the truth is — many moms are craving something deeper this Mother’s Day. I asked moms across Chicago, from Rogers Park to Beverly, what they really want. The answers? They're refreshingly real. “I want a break. Just a real break.” "I'm with my kids all the time — I love them to death, but I'd give anything for a day with no one saying 'Mom' for a few hours. Even two!" — Jasmin, mom of 3 in Bronzeville Rest topped nearly every response. And not the kind of rest where you sneak in a nap between laundry loads. Moms are asking for guilt-free, uninterrupted rest. The kind where someone else handles things, even if just for a day. “Help around the house — without having to ask.” "A clean kitchen. No laundry on the stairs. I want my family to just see what needs to be done and do it." — Maria, Logan Square For many moms, emotional labor is the real thief of peace. The gift of initiative — not having to direct help — was high on the list. More than physical gifts, moms wanted the mental load lightened. “Time alone. And time together.” These two may sound contradictory, but Chicago moms are masters of nuance. "I want to start the day alone with a hot cup of coffee and a guilt-free scroll through my phone. Then I want to end it with my family, doing something simple like a movie night, a bedtime story, or even a picnic at the park." — Shaye, Hyde Par Solitude and connection are both precious — and most moms want a balance of both. “To be seen — and appreciated.” "Honestly? I want to feel like what I do is noticed. Not just on Mother’s Day, but still... it’s nice to hear ‘thank you’ and know it’s meant." — Katie, Edgewater A sincere thank-you, a handwritten note, or even a heartfelt conversation can go a long way. It's not about a grand gesture. It's about being seen. “Time off from the invisible job.” While many workplaces offer PTO, parenting doesn’t come with days off — even on Mother’s Day. "I love my kids more than anything, but what I want is someone else to plan the meals, pack the bags, think through what everyone needs. Just for one day." — Leigh, Lakeview Being the default parent, the planner, the finder of lost shoes — it’s exhausting. Taking over that invisible labor, even temporarily, is one of the most thoughtful gifts a partner or family member can give. The Bottom Line Yes, brunch is lovely. But what Chicago moms really want this Mother’s Day is something that lasts longer than a latte. They want space to breathe. Support without asking. Gratitude that feels real. So if you're wondering how to show up for a mom in your life this year — ask her what she needs. And then listen. It might be brunch… but it also might be silence, sleep, or someone else doing the dishes.
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