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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 -
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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 -
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Join NPN members for a walk around Horner Park every Tuesday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 AM. Meet in front of the little snack stand (pictured) at Berteau and California. Strollers and dogs welcome! Bring a friend! Everyone is welcome. Horner Park is located at 2741 W. Montrose Ave. There is a free parking lot on California that runs most of the length of the park from Belle Plaine Ave on the south to Cullom Ave on the north. The snack stand where we meet is in the middle, at Berteau and California. For more information, to check for (very rare) last-minute cancellation news, or to ask questions, please refer to this thread on the discussion forum. Need to upgrade your membership to access the forum? Upgrade to a parent membership here. Use code join30off for $30 off a one-year membership. Cover photo credit: Roman Biernacki -
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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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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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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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, 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, 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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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! -
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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. -
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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Join LEEP Forward and NPN for a Preschool Discover Day! Get ready for an exciting, hands-on event designed to introduce children ages 2-5 to the magic of preschool. Siblings of all ages are welcome to join in the fun as we create a morning filled with exploration, creativity, and connection in a warm and inclusive environment. Young learners will engage in activities that spark curiosity and imagination. They can explore our sensory bins, overflowing with exciting textures and hidden treasures, or express their creativity through painting with non-toxic, washable paints. Budding builders can dive into playdough creations, while future storytellers can relax in our cozy story corner with captivating tales. Our preschool-themed event also includes a pretend play area where kids can dress up, role-play, and experience the joy of imaginative adventures. For outdoor fun, families can join a guided nature walk to collect treasures and learn more about the world around them. To keep everyone energized, we’ll provide healthy, allergy-friendly snacks. As an added bonus, every family who attends will be entered into a raffle for a night of respite or babysitting—a special treat for parents. Join us for a morning that offers a glimpse into the preschool experience and showcases how we nurture young minds through play, exploration, and meaningful connections. We can’t wait to welcome you! Location: 1447 W Montrose NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We need your help to keep these playdates free for families. Please support NPN's work by becoming a paid member or donating. -
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Come together with other parents, educators, and advocates from across Chicago to share and learn about how to better support young children ages birth - 5 with disabilities at the Every Child Ready Chicago Strengthening Inclusion Symposium on Saturday, December 7th at Malcolm X College. This event will feature: ✏️ Remarks from Chicago Mayor’s Office and Chicago Public Schools leadership 🤝 Resources and presentations on services and resources available for children with disabilities ages birth - 5 in Chicago 🎒Presentations for staff, advocates, and systems leaders on the benefits of inclusive special education models 🥪 Lunch 🎈Activities for families and children - Join NPN for an activity at our table! Learn more about the initiative on their website. There will be lunch served and activities for kids! All are welcome to attend! Learn more and register to attend at https://cvent.me/Y9OV2D -
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This playdate has been canceled and is in the process of being rescheduled. Please check the NPN calendar soon for the new date. We are sorry for this inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding. Join LEEP Forward and NPN for Autumn 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 magic of autumn with a variety of engaging activities that promote exploration and creativity: Children can dive into our Leaf Sensory Bin filled with dried leaves, acorns, and other textures, or enjoy the Apple Sensory Bin where they can scoop and discover hidden treasures. We’ll have a Pumpkin Painting station where little artists can decorate mini pumpkins with non-toxic, washable paint, and a playdough Station featuring autumn colors for creative molding and shaping. For imaginative play, kids can dress up our friendly scarecrow using old clothes and hay, and relax in our Autumn Story Corner with cozy blankets and captivating fall-themed stories. Plus, don’t miss our guided Nature Walk, where everyone can collect autumn 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 autumn fun in an inclusive environment. We can’t wait to see you there! Location: 1447 W Montrose NPN Playdates are free for NPN members. We ask non-members to contribute $20, which comes with a one-year NPN membership giving you free access to every playdate! Non-members, RSVP and then contribute HERE. If you are experiencing financial hardship, contact us at director@npnparents.org to ask about our fee-waived memberships and playdates. -
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Join NPN for a Sunday Playdate at GEMS World Academy Chicago in Lakeshore East. Parents, grab a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy as your kids experience some fun activities and get to know this international school tucked away next to a beautiful park, adjacent to Maggie Daley Park. This event is best for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Siblings are always welcome. Bring the whole family and make a day of it in downtown Chicago! GEMS World Academy Chicago is located at 350 East South Water Street, Chicago, IL 60601. Please read the driving/parking instructions carefully, as GPS technologies sometimes have a difficult time finding the GEMS campus -
Does this sound familiar? You have a breastfeeding problem and go to your doctor, who looks back at you with a blank stare. Or recommends you switch to formula. Or sends you to another doctor who doesn’t know what to do. Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common. It happened to me when I had my first baby! I saw a lactation consultant as well as my OB/gyn for recurrent plugged ducts and eventually saw a breast surgeon who couldn’t figure out what was going on. Thankfully, we ruled out anything serious, but I continued to struggle with an uncomfortable situation throughout my lactation journey. As a direct result of my difficulty getting answers to my breastfeeding problems, I pursued specialized training in lactation and discovered the field of Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine (BFLM). Excellent breastfeeding and chestfeeding support can and does come from various professionals: lactation consultants, counselors, specialists, midwives, doulas, and yes - OB/GYNs, pediatricians, and family medicine doctors. Believe me, if I didn’t have lactation consultants helping me through my journey, I don’t think I would have made it through in one piece! But when I, like many, encountered a more complex problem that required physician expertise, I couldn’t find anyone to help. Through my professional goals of learning more about lactation, I learned about a little-known group of physicians who had been treating breastfeeding conditions for years – physicians with expertise in the medical nuances, evaluation, and treatment of lactation-related problems. I took every course and went to every conference I could find in the field. Since the start of my training, BFLM has become a board-certified medical specialty through the North American Board of Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine. BFLM provides something distinctive. It is a niche within medicine where providers from different specialties acquire specialized training in caring for breastfeeding dyads. BFLM physicians are different from other lactation professionals in that we can diagnose, order labs or imaging, and prescribe medications or other treatments as part of our care. We are equipped with evidence-based medical expertise to provide that crucial support that was lacking during my journey. BFLM covers a wide range of concerns: painful latch, high or low milk production, recurrent plugged ducts and mastitis, persistent breast and nipple pain, tongue tie concerns, and maternal or infant medical conditions affecting breastfeeding. It also includes support for mothers with twins, re-lactation, and inducing lactation for adoptive or non-birthing parents wishing to lactate. With the addition of BFLM physicians to women’s care teams, I hope that no one feels that their only choice is to switch to formula because they cannot find the support they need. How to feed your infant is a personal choice, and I support families regardless of their choices. However, I strongly advocate for access to appropriate support to make sure that those who do choose to breastfeed or chestfeed can be given their best chance at reaching their goals.
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