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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: 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! -
Parenting IRL: Parenting Coaches, Anyone? Have you ever worked with a parenting coach? Are you interested in working with one? The profession has been on the rise in recent years as demand for parenting education has increased. One member’s asking for recommendations for parenting coaches who could improve a sibling rivalry dynamic in the family and ideally provide an in-home assessment. If you have personal experience or tips you’d like to share, please join the conversation. Trending: Parenting With AIWe’ve established that parents feel a lot of pressure to spend enough time—and especially enough quality time—with their kids and parent the “right” way 24/7. This stress is even leading to a phenomenon called “quiet cracking,” which is a chronic feeling of burnout at home and as a parent. While community building is the most effective antidote, some parents are turning to AI for daily, time-saving parenting assistance. On a practical level, one mom says that using AI has saved her a minimum of 10 hours each week. And that time saved means she can spend more time with her daughter. How does she use it? Planning the weekly schedule (think organizing calendars for everything from childcare to activities and individual work schedules) Creating a grocery list and submitting a grocery order Charting her child’s developmental milestones Others who fall in the “momfluencers” sphere report saving loads of time with the help of AI agents. One Swedish momfluencer says that offloading to ChatGPT lifted 97% of the burden off her shoulders. While AI can be problematic and cumbersome too, it turns out moms are using it to solve a big problem: the unequal distribution of work at home. Maybe there’s a case for AI as one fix for lightening the mental load that many moms continue to carry. In Chicago Parenting News: According to Chalkbeat, kindergarten teachers now have an official definition of play-based learning to put into practice in their classrooms. Every Chicago Public Library card holder can access The New York Times for free. The playground and outdoor spaces at the Obama Presidential Center open to the public on Friday, June 19, at 6 a.m. WBEZ reports that shootings have increased around closed city schools that were left vacant and not repurposed. New state program with EBSCO Information Services brings more than 50 research databases to local libraries. Before You Go ...Did you know we have a standing Tuesday morning walk at Horner Park and new summer coffee breaks on the books? We’d love to see you! And if you have an event you’d like to share with the NPN community, you can submit your event here. Subscribe to the NPN Weekly to get more parenting news, trends, and tips straight to your inbox! -
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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High schoolers live much of their social and academic lives online. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about gaming, screen time, and digital balance in the teen years. We’ll explore how to support healthy technology habits, recognize when extra guidance may be helpful, and set realistic boundaries that respect teens’ growing independence. This evening will be led by Dr. Jason Hacker, a licensed psychologist in Chicago who works with teens and families around anxiety, gaming, and digital media use. This is a free online event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register and receive your Zoom link. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: kklein1@fusionacademy.com. -
If summer camp is part of your family’s plan, January and February are key months. Many camps start filling up by March, and waiting too long can mean fewer options or settling for something that’s not quite the right fit for your child. If you’re thinking ahead (or trying to catch up), here’s a realistic summer camp planning timeline, along with tips that have helped Chicago parents navigate the process with less stress. A Realistic Summer Camp Planning Timeline for Parents Most families book summer camps 2–3 months in advance, and many of us spend a month or two researching and coordinating before committing. Based on that, here’s a timeline that tends to work well: January - February: Start researching camps and mapping out summer logistics. Will your child attend multiple camps? Do you have family travel planned? Are you coordinating care around work schedules? This is the time to explore options without pressure. March - April: Make camp decisions, secure spots, and complete registration and paperwork. Many popular camps fill up quickly during this window. May - June: The countdown is over! Now's the perfect time to help your child prepare for camp. Talk through expectations, routines, and excitement (and nerves!). Getting kids mentally ready can make a big difference. How Chicago Parents Can Research Summer Camps More Easily Summer camp is more than childcare, it’s an investment of time, money, and trust. Your child will spend hours (or weeks!) there, so finding the right fit matters. Here are a few research tips many Chicago parents rely on: 1. Read reviews from families like yours Parent reviews are often the most helpful place to start. Look for feedback from families with similar-aged kids or priorities. Reviews can reveal what families loved and what they wish they had known. 2. Ask questions directly Don’t be afraid to reach out to camp directors or staff. Ask about safety protocols, staff training, daily schedules, and camp philosophy. The American Camp Association (ACA) offers a great list of questions to guide these conversations. 3. Talk to camps face-to-face when you can Meeting camp representatives in person can make decision-making much easier. You can get a feel for the people behind the program and ask questions in real time, something many parents find reassuring. Finding the Right Camp for Your Child At the end of the day, the “best” camp is the one where your child feels safe, engaged, and excited to go. Here’s what tends to help: Talk with your child and pay attention. Ask what they’re curious about. Art? Sports? Science? Nature? Even young kids often have strong opinions, and including them in the conversation builds buy-in. Have you noticed your kiddo is showing interest in music lately? Don't be afraid to throw out a few ideas to get the ball rolling, too. See what friends are doing - but don’t feel pressure. Signing up with a friend can help hesitant campers feel more comfortable, but every child develops at their own pace. What works for one family may not work for yours. Trust what you know about your child. Age guidelines are helpful and all but they aren’t everything. Some kids thrive in longer days or new environments earlier than others. Choose the camp experience that supports your child’s growth, not one that simply checks a box. So, that might mean pushing that overnight camp that you were excited about back another year if your kiddo doesn't seem ready for that sort of experience. One Easy Way to Get Ahead on Summer (and School) Planning If you’re looking for a simple, low-pressure way to explore summer camps and even start thinking about school options - get both done all in one place at our upcoming Winter School Fair & Summer Camp Fest! Designed to feel more like a family playdate than a formal fair, this event gives parents the chance to meet Chicago summer camps and schools face-to-face, ask questions, and gather information while kids enjoy activities in a welcoming space. If summer camp planning is on your to-do list, this is an easy way to get ahead before spots start filling up. Learn more and register for free here: -
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Chicago families! Join us for a positive, small-group discussion with Lisa Herold, a 30-year licensed educator, certified Positive Discipline Parent Coach, and parent of three adult "city kids". While the halls are decked and everything’s merry, parenting your kids (and parents) during the holidays can be stressful. Missed nap times, travel schedules, mealtime hassles, sugar overloads, and unwanted parenting recommendations. You will leave this casual session with peace of mind that you have a plan and tangible tools to manage the holidays. We provide the festive appetizers and drinks. This is a free event, but RSVP is required, please go here to register. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: lisa@lisaheroldconsulting.com. -
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Discover how self-compassion can quiet both your inner critic and hypervigilance and also unlock more clarity, connection, and calm. Back by popular demand! This pre-recorded webinar, pulled from the Family-Wellbeing Vault, was one of our most requested and transformative sessions—and it’s available again for one week only: Monday, Dec 8 – Monday, Dec 15, 2025. Once registered, you’ll receive a private viewing link and will have full access to the recording throughout the week so you can watch (or re-watch) at your own pace. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ As parents, we are wired to be vigilant—it’s part of how we keep our children safe and supported. But when that vigilance tips into hypervigilance, it can hijack our nervous system and make it harder to respond with wisdom, patience, and calm. There’s a time and a place for vigilance. The key is keeping it out of the driver’s seat so it helps, not harms, your capacity to respond wisely. Join Family-Wellbeing Coach™ Sheryl Stoller for this beloved session from the ABC™ Framework series—exploring not only Compassion, but the other “C’s” it unlocks: Curiosity, Creativity, Clarity, and Conduct. You may already recognize that the parts of you that feel overbearing or anxious are actually trying to protect you. Self-compassion helps those parts trust that you’ve heard their message—and that you’re on it. Yet, resistance to self-compassion often shows up early, often, and intensely. Together, we’ll explore how to move through that resistance and access calm, connected clarity. You’ll discover: - How compassion for your patterns of reactivity (various inner Saboteur modes) opens the door to healing, not hijacking - The framework for recognizing and intervening early when reactive patterns arise in parenting - How to tell when your vigilance is in “hyper mode,” harming more than helping - A simple shift to move from internal chaos to calm clarity - Why self-compassion is the foundation for creative problem-solving and choosing actions that serve your family—both short- and long-term You’ll leave with a greater understanding of your protective parts and a new way to partner with them—so you can show up for your family from your Essence Self, not survival mode. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. This is an online event. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sheryl@stollerparentcoaching.com. -
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Turn Kids' “I Can’t” Tantrums To “Look At Me!” Pride, Ease, Joy & Confidence. Learn to use your child’s innate self-regulation tactics so they navigate challenges with confidence & joy, & life’s easier for all of you! This is a free event, but RSVP is required, please go here for information and to register. This is a virtual, online event. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sheryl@stollerparentcoaching.com. -
It’s every parent’s daily puzzle: you ask, “How was school today?” and your child answers with the dreaded one word response, “good.” While short responses are totally normal, they don’t always give you the full picture of how your child is really doing - socially, emotionally, or academically. The truth is, kids often need a little help opening up. By asking thoughtful, specific questions, you can create space for them to share their experiences and feelings in a safe way. Here are 10 questions that go beyond the surface and help you check in on your child’s well-being at school. 1. Who did you play with (or hang out with) today? This simple question gets them naming names. If your child regularly says “no one,” it could signal they’re struggling to make connections. 2. Who do you sit with at lunch? What do you all usually talk about? Lunch is social prime time! This reveals whether your child feels included and has friends to spend time with during the most social part of the day. 3. If you had to invite one friend from school over, who would it be? Asking about a potential playdate or hangout shows you who they trust and genuinely enjoy spending time with. 4. Did anyone make you feel really happy (or really upset) today? This opens the door to both the positive and the negative. Helping kids feel comfortable sharing the highs and the lows. 5. Who do you think is the funniest kid in your class? A fun, lighthearted way to learn who your child gravitates toward or admires. Sometimes laughter is the glue that bonds friendships. 6. Has anyone ever said something mean or teased you? What did you do? Kids may bring up teasing before admitting to bullying. This question lets them process tough interactions without feeling pressured or like they're tattling. 7. Is there anyone at school you don’t really like being around? Why? It gives kids a safe space to talk about uncomfortable or tricky situations without labeling it as conflict or drama. 8. If I asked your teacher who your best friend is, what would they say? This helps you see if your child’s “friendship reality” matches how others might perceive it and it’s a good way to check in on how connected they feel. 9. When you’re working in groups, who do you usually end up with? Academic and social dynamics overlap here. Group work can highlight whether your child feels included or left out by peers. 10. If you saw another kid getting picked on, what would you do? This not only reveals your child’s perspective on bullying, but can also hint at whether they’ve experienced it themselves. These questions aren’t meant to be an interrogation. The goal is to sprinkle one or two of them naturally into your daily routines - on the walk home, during dinner, or at bedtime, so conversations feel easy and open. Over time, these check-ins build trust and give your child the confidence to share more about their world at school. And let's be realistic, your child probably won't ope up right away. Don’t be discouraged. Keep asking, keep listening, and keep showing up. -
When we think about back-to-school season, most of the focus lands on the morning hustle of packing lunches, racing the clock, and getting everyone out the door on time. But here’s the secret many parents overlook (myself included...until now!): what happens after school may actually matter more than what happens before it. The after-school hours set the tone for the entire evening, influencing everything from your child’s mood to their ability to learn and your family’s overall stress level. By prioritizing a strong, predictable after-school routine, you’re not just managing chaos - you’re laying the foundation for parenting success this school year. Not buying it? Here are a few tips to give it a try this week and see if you notice a difference. 1. Start with a Reset Ritual Kids hold it together all day at school, and when that final bell rings, they need a chance to exhale. Build in a short transition ritual before jumping into homework or activities. This could be a snack at the kitchen table, 15 minutes of quiet time, or even a quick walk around the block. It signals to your child that school is over, home is safe, and now it's time to reset. 2. Fuel with the Right Snacks Am I the only one with kids that are true believers that they are near starvation after school? The dreaded 'fridge binge is real. Keep a rotation of easy, healthy snacks on hand to hold the kiddos over until dinner. Easy grabs like fruit, cheese sticks, hummus and pita, or even something light like popcorn are your no-prep saviors. Pairing protein and carbs help stabilize energy so kids don’t crash before dinner. Food prep isn't my favorite hobby but I'm giving it a try this year for after school snacks, to keep me sane and to keep my kids away from the fridge (and out of our stash of other lunch items for the week). 3. Create a Homework Habit (That Works for Your Family) Some kids like to dive right into homework, while others need downtime first. Don't let the influential moms on social media get you down because your kid's homework routine doesn't look like theirs. The real key is consistency. Choose a regular time and place for schoolwork, whether it’s the dining table, a cozy corner, or the library down the street. Keep supplies handy to cut down on the “Where’s a pencil?!” scramble. 4. Balance Activities with Downtime Chicago offers endless after-school options from sports, arts, tutoring, you name it. While enrichment activities are great, don’t forget that kids also need unstructured time to rest, play, and just be kids. Striking a balance helps prevent burnout - for them and for you. 5. Build in Connection Moments Evenings can slip by in a blur of dinner, homework, and bedtime. Make it a goal to carve out at least one intentional moment of connection each night. Whether it’s a conversation about the day, a family walk, or simply laughing together over dinner. These little check-ins strengthen bonds and give you valuable insight into your child’s school life. 6. Prep for Tomorrow, Tonight Want to make your mornings less stressful? Do as much as possible in the evening. Pack lunches, lay out clothes (I even started letting my kiddos sleep in one piece of clothing that they'll wear to school the next day to ease grumpy getting dressed sessions), stuff homework folders, and sign permission slips. And by 'do' I mean do together. Enlist the help of your kiddo, no matter how old they are - to teach them how to be prepared and get them excited for the following day. A calm morning can be a whole lot easier with a well-organized night. The Bottom Line: Parenting success this back-to-school season isn’t about having the most color-coded calendar or Instagram-worthy lunchbox. It’s about creating an after-school rhythm that supports your child’s well-being and gives your family more peace at the end of each day. By prioritizing these hours, you set everyone up for smoother mornings, stronger connections, and a school year that feels less frantic and more fulfilling. -
Free Parenting Workshop: Helping Kids Notice More, So They Can Do More Join Family-Wellbeing Coach™ Sheryl Stoller for a free, live workshop focused on cultivating your child’s inner awareness, so they naturally take more initiative at home. Learn playful, body-based tools to help kids notice what’s around them and step up without constant reminders. Perfect for parents who want to foster responsibility through connection, not pressure. Replay not available—live attendance encouraged for personalized support. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. This is a virtual event, information available at RSVP. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sheryl@stollerparentcoaching.com
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Pride Month in Chicago is a vibrant celebration of love, acceptance, and community - and families across the city have more ways than ever to join in the fun. Whether you’re crafting rainbow art with your toddler, attending a family parade, or dancing at Navy Pier, there’s something for every age and stage. Here are a few family-friendly Pride events happening around Chicago this June: Story Time and Crafts Pride is the perfect time to read books that celebrate love in all its forms. Drag Story Time at Uptown Branch: This inclusive story time for babies up to preschoolers includes music, stories, and a special guest. Pride Story Time at McKinley Park: This 30-minute story time celebrates Pride Month with age-appropriate books for children up to 5 years old. Creative Pride Crafts & DIY Fun Tap into your kids’ creativity and celebrate Pride Month with color and flair. Pride Cookie Decorating at Merlo Branch: Teens 13+ can celebrate Pride and express themselves with festive cookie decorating. Tie-Dye Party at Lincoln Park Branch: Teens 13+ can create wearable rainbow art. Registration is required and supplies are provided. Walk, March, and Dance Together What better way to show your pride than by getting out into the city with your loved ones! Walk with Pride at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center (June 1–30): Take a peaceful, educational self-guided walk in nature to learn about LGBTQ2S+ conservationists. Aurora Pride Parade: Celebrate community spirit and inclusivity as a family in this energetic and welcoming parade. Chicago Pride Parade: Join tens of thousands on the city’s north side for the iconic 54th annual Pride Parade. Arrive early, bring snacks, and wear your rainbow gear! NorthSide Queer Pride: A weekend celebration in Rogers Park that offers something for everyone in the family. Festivals with Something for Everyone Chicago Pride Fest: With drag shows, a pet parade, dance exhibitions, and a Youth Pride Space for teens, this event is packed with activities that the whole family can enjoy. Navy Pier Pride: One of the most inclusive family Pride events in the city! Enjoy music, storytelling, dancing, and live performances spread throughout the pier. Chicago’s Pride Month celebrations offer more than just fun - they’re a chance to teach kids about inclusion, kindness, and being true to yourself. Whether you’re raising a future activist or just looking for a joyful afternoon with family, there’s a Pride event calling your name. Updated 6/23/26 -
Witnessing a child being emotionally abused by a caregiver is not only hard to watch, but very hard to not step in to protect the child. Let’s be honest here: children are often the casualty of an adult's displaced anger or a need to be validated. Children having a voice (and being heard) is still relatively new for a lot of cultures. This article is dedicated to all the little humans that cannot find the words to express the depth of their emotions about a complex world that is shaping them. This is not to disregard adults in need of being heard, but to invite them, including you, the reader, to connect with your inner child. Remember how vulnerable you were as a child? How was your level of dependency on your elders for guidance? What about when you look back and think about how helpful it would have been to have a trusted adult validate your experience instead of dismissing it? Most of us know that children are the most vulnerable people in homes, in our schools and in this very complicated society we have all contributed to. In my professional experience, I’ve been granted a great deal of knowledge concerning the school setting. It’s been a very rewarding experience to have worked with children and young adults from all over the world. Because of my personal and professional experiences, I have seen a concerning pattern that crosses not only race, but ethnicity, religion, class, and sexual orientation. That pattern that I speak of is the lack of emotional intelligence toward young people. So what is emotional intelligence, you ask? Well, Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to understand, manage, and express one's own emotions, as well as recognize and respond appropriately to the emotions of others, essentially encompassing self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, motivation, and social skills. It's often considered a key factor in building strong relationships and navigating social situations effectively. It’s what connects humans (when EI is high) and what disconnects us (when EI is low). Coined by a Rutgers psychologist Daniel Goleman, who at the time, wanted to establish the importance of emotional intelligence in business leadership, Goleman's Emotional Intelligence Theory is considered to be a groundbreaking perspective on human intelligence within the mental health field. He suggests that emotional intelligence (EI) can be more important than traditional IQ. The theory highlights five key domains: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Similar domains are taught to Chicago Public School (CPS) students under the framework of socioemotional learning standards. My work with CPS and a nonprofit agency trained me on EI. As a fellow mental health professional and a human who is an empath, I absolutely love how EI has reminded me that it is an invaluable life skill that benefits every relationship we hold dear to us. Let’s review two examples I see a lot of humans struggling to manage: self awareness and self-regulation. Self Awareness is the ability to understand one’s self and how we impact others. Self-regulation is the ability to manage & express one's own emotions. When we think of our world today, in person and how it is filtered on our devices, we see an unlimited supply of examples of people unhinged due to the lack of self regulation. This is problematic for children who are accessing these mixed messages from adults of authority. This often causes children to “hide” who they really are to practice “wearing a mask.” What if adults made intentional time to learn about their child’s emotional intelligence? Show compassion when their child’s EI levels are at a concerning low? Make space for the children who have a genius level of EI? What if you learned about your own EI level? I promise you this: it would “clear the fog” some of us experience in relationships that impacts us most. When it comes to my profession, my strength is rooted in my ability to “read” facial expressions, listen for inflections in the voice and body language to name a few. Connecting to the client’s inner world/perception of their external world has helped me to build a connection that has garnered me a level of trust with my clients of all backgrounds. Compared to some colleagues and relatives, this is how I have thrived in all my connections; including with children (especially my own!). We all benefit from more kindness and understanding. Why not start with connecting with your own needs by identifying the areas of yourself that need to be addressed in order to be cultivated to reach its maturity level? This will aid in your approach to others and improve your connection; a human need that’s worth improving. For more support to learn and/or strengthen you and loved one’s relationships, dive into some of these gems I gathered for you. https://blog.hptbydts.com/famous-emotional-intelligence-eq-characters https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-emotional-intelligence-2795423 https://hbr.org/2015/04/how-emotional-intelligence-became-a-key-leadership-skill -
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Join Bell Elementary for a Virtual Lunch & Learn Nutrition Workshop, designed for parents with children ages 3 to 9! This engaging session will help you navigate picky eating habits and provide practical strategies to encourage a more varied and nutritious diet for your child. Additionally, we’ll discuss the healthy school lunch initiatives implemented by CPS, giving you insight into what’s offered and how to complement meals at home. Led by two registered dietitians, this interactive workshop is the perfect opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and gain expert advice. Bring your lunch, your curiosity, and let’s talk about fostering healthy eating habits together! This is a free event. Please go here to RSVP. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: Livia.ly@nutri.ly. -
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! -
I blame 90’s sitcoms. You know the scene. Everyone walks into the kitchen fully dressed. The whole family is eating breakfast together. Kids grab their backpacks and coats and willingly head out the door. Mornings at my house don’t look like that. And chances are yours don’t either. Even though mornings with my three young kids don’t resemble the Tanner’s, I found a way to consistently start each day without yelling, threats, bribes, or punishments. Because the thing is, crappy mornings have a way of ruining the whole day and great mornings lead to great days. It’s why I’m so invested in getting the morning right. So what’s the secret? Well, there are a few. (And it turns out I can’t say everything I want to in a single article. So I wrote this free guide you can snag with all the details!) Here is how it breaks down: Set the Stage: Great mornings start the night before. I know it’s annoying to have someone tell you to prepare for the morning. But I don’t mind being annoying. I want you to think of it as setting yourself up for minimal movement. What would it take to reduce you running around the house by 50%? By 80%? Slow: This one is only possible if you actually set the stage. We’ve got to slow down in the morning and take time to connect with each of our kids first thing. Whether they are 2 years old or 12 years old, greet them consciously - with slowness, warmth, delight, and love. Silly: Prepare to be playful in the morning. So often we reach for “bottom of the barrel” strategies like fear, threats, and bribes to move our kids along. You’ll be much more effective and preserve connection if you lean into playfulness. In my guide, I outline ways you can use play to stop a behavior and use play to move things forward. Signal: This one can be particularly helpful if you’re currently finding yourself yelling, “Let’s go!” or “It’s time to leave!” like a broken record. Let something else signal the time for you. One example of this is setting an alarm to have your kiddos’ favorite song play when it’s time to get shoes on. See if you can get out the door before the song ends! Surrender: Sh!t happens. Literally - my four year old always has to poop when it’s time to leave. Mornings will get better but they won’t be perfect. That’s ok. When things get derailed, sometimes all we can do is surrender to the moment. Kids might be late for school. We might be late for our meeting. But it’s all going to be alright. This guide comes from my heart and my experience. This isn’t generic and it isn’t a recycling of things you’ve already heard. It’s packed with value that WILL improve your mornings. I can’t wait for you to try it. Let me know how it goes! Seriously. I want to know. You can get in touch with me at rachael@parentingonmars.com. -
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This webinar provides a boundary setting approach that frees you from the frustration and anger at your children's reactions when you make simple requests, provide easy directions, and set limits. With this guidance, you'll experience a mindset shift, and become equipped to be the leader your children - all children, including neurodiverse children - will want to follow. It creates more peace and fun (yes, fun!) in your family life! You'll leave the webinar with: - compassion for what you’re up against, - understanding of the hidden reasons for your child’s default settings - know-how for factoring your child's settings in to your interactions, and - key principles to anchor you as you use the - scripts and - implementation plan provided - - knowing you can become a Serenely-Confident-Parent™! This is a recurring event being offered two other times: Wednesday, Nov 13th at 9:30amCT Saturday, Nov 16th at 10:30amCT This is a free, online event, 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: sheryl@stollerparentcoaching.com. -
In today’s digital age, screens are an integral part of daily life, but managing screen time for children can be a challenge for many parents. Excessive screen time has been linked to various issues, including poor sleep, decreased physical activity, and even negative effects on mental health. Fortunately, there are a variety of resources available to help parents guide their kids towards healthier screen habits. 1. Educational Websites and Apps Several websites and apps are designed to help parents monitor and manage screen time effectively. Tools like Circle Home Plus and Qustodio allow parents to set limits on screen time, monitor usage, and even filter content. These apps can be a good starting point for creating a more balanced digital environment at home. Even some home internet service providers have tools to help you shut down internet access to specific devices at a certain time. I personally have Xfinity home internet and use many of the tools in their Parent Hub and home app. 2. Books on Screen Time Management Will Smith once said: And that's true for learning how to free our children from screens! Books can offer deeper insights and practical strategies for managing screen time. Some recommended reads include: Reset Your Child's Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen-Time by Dr. Victoria Dunckley: This book delves into the science behind screen time and offers actionable strategies and a four-week plan. The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place by Andy Crouch: This book provides steps to making conscientious choices about technology as a family. 3. Online Parenting Communities Connecting with other parents who are facing similar challenges can provide support, ideas, and a reminder that we are not alone in our parenting experiences. It's no secret that NPN is a great resource for parents but there are a plethora of additional resources like Common Sense Media, which provides resources on managing screen time and promoting digital well-being. 4. Professional Guidance Sometimes, professional advice can be invaluable. Child psychologists and family therapists can offer personalized strategies for managing screen time and addressing any underlying issues at a level that is more specific to your needs. Here are a few additional professional resources that can help: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Provides guidelines on screen time and offers resources for parents to help balance digital media use. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Offers information on how excessive screen time can affect mental health and provides guidance for parents. 5. Family Activities and Alternatives Engaging in screen-free activities can help children develop a healthy balance and see just how much fun they are missing out on in the real world! We are excited to launch Screenless Family Playdates! These are playdates for older children that are dedicated to learning something new, exploring a new school or space, and taking a much needed break from screens. Click here to learn more about our upcoming playdate on October 12, 2024. Additional resources for finding screen-free activities include: The Family Dinner Project: Provides ideas and resources for family activities that encourage face-to-face interaction and can be a great alternative to screen time. Outdoor Family: Offers suggestions for outdoor activities that can replace screen time and help kids stay active and engaged with nature. Even in Chicago! Managing screen time is an ongoing process that requires patience and consistency. By leveraging educational tools, seeking professional advice, engaging with parenting communities, and exploring screen-free activities, parents can help their children develop healthier digital habits. Balancing screen time with other activities not only supports better physical and mental health but also strengthens family relationships and enriches children's lives. -
As summer bids farewell and fall begins to paint the world in hues of amber and gold, families often face the challenge of transitioning from the relaxed, free-spirited days of summer to a more structured fall routine. This shift can be both exciting and daunting, but with a little planning and creativity, you can make the transition smooth and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s a guide to help you establish a fall routine that fosters balance, productivity, and family togetherness. 1. Reflect on What Worked in Summer Before diving into the new routine, take a moment to reflect on what worked well during the summer. Did your kids enjoy the flexibility of later bedtimes? Did family dinners become more frequent? Use these insights to inform your fall routine. For example, if you found that evening walks became a cherished family tradition, consider incorporating them into your autumn schedule. 2. Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule As days get shorter, it’s important to reset sleep schedules for everyone in the family. Gradually shift bedtimes and wake-up times to align with the new season. Consistent sleep routines help improve mood, concentration, and overall well-being. A calming pre-bedtime ritual—like reading together or having a soothing bath—can also help ease the transition. 3. Plan a Balanced After-School Routine With school back in session, it's crucial to establish a balanced after-school routine. Designate specific times for homework, extracurricular activities, and downtime. Create a family calendar to keep track of each member’s commitments and responsibilities. This helps everyone stay organized and reduces the stress of last-minute scrambles. Related bonus! I purchased this super-sized clear calendar for my family over the summer. We mounted it outside of our kitchen and it helps us stay organized and plan ahead for the week at a (screen-free!) glance! 4. Embrace Seasonal Activities Fall offers a plethora of activities that can enrich your family’s routine while establishing new traditions! Visit a local pumpkin patch, take a scenic hike or walk and collect colorful leaves, or bake seasonal treats together (here's a cute list of fall treats!). Integrating these activities into your routine not only makes the season enjoyable but also creates lasting memories. 5. Designate Family Time As schedules get busier with school and activities, it’s important to prioritize family time. Set aside dedicated periods for family bonding, whether it’s a game night, a movie marathon, or a weekend outing. Regular, intentional family time helps strengthen relationships and provides a comforting routine amidst the busyness. 6. Stay Flexible and Adapt While routines are beneficial, flexibility is key. Unexpected events and changes are a natural part of life, so be prepared to adapt your routine as needed. Encourage open communication within the family to address any challenges or adjustments that might arise. 7. Reflect and Adjust Finally, take time to reflect on how the new routine is working. Are there areas that need tweaking? Is your family feeling balanced and happy? Regularly assess and adjust your routine to ensure it meets everyone’s needs and keeps the family dynamic positive and productive. Transitioning from summer to fall doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By thoughtfully establishing a new routine, you can create a season filled with structure, joy, and family connection. Embrace the change, celebrate the season, and enjoy the beautiful fall journey with your loved ones. -
As soon as we arrived at Family Camp in Michigan last summer I started to lose track of time. We had decided to take a family vacation at a kids sleep away summer camp for a few days. Ostensibly it was to introduce our two kids to camp. But I was also curious to experience the classic American summer camp that I had seen in movies like “The Parent Trap” for myself—the kind with cabins and scenic ponds and bonfires around which we’d roast marshmallows and sing camp songs. We arrived at camp a bit late and so we dropped our stuff off in our cabin and headed to dinner at an array of outdoor picnic tables. As we started talking about the next few days and all the activities we wanted to try, I instinctively reached for my phone to check the time. And, I realized I’d left it at the cabin—something that I would do for the rest of family camp. How relatively easy it was for all of us to disconnect from our devices was one of the happy surprises from camp. At home, my boys typically default to watching screens or playing video games during down time. We set screen time limits but then find ourselves having to play screen time police, a role we do not relish. At family camp, the only devices available were the phones my husband and I had brought with us. And, because all meals and activities were already arranged and on-site it was easy to break the habit of constantly checking them. No need to look up directions, make dinner reservations, text the babysitter, or even keep track of time—our days revolved around a loose schedule of participating in various sporty activities, eating meals and, yes, roasting marshmallows around a bonfire! For the boys, the chance to try new things made them forget their devices quickly. When I asked my kids recently whether they had missed their screens at camp my older son replied “it just wasn’t on my mind.” And, it’s true. With so many activities within walking distance of our cabin, we all discovered newfound interests. My younger son discovered his love of archery and spent hours trying to hit a bullseye. And, the boys and I all tried water skiing for the first time– an exhilarating and slightly terrifying experience. At night, we’d all fall into our twin beds exhausted from our active days. We also quickly learned that the best way to discover things at camp was to explore. One night, we emerged from our cabin and noticed a number of families heading through a path in the woods that we hadn’t seen before. We decided to follow these families and discovered a shortcut to dinner! This tiny discovery felt huge, like we’d gained inside camper knowledge. And the fact that we’d gained it through our own powers of observation—not our phones—felt so satisfying. With more space from our screens, we all surprised ourselves and each other. My boys invented an imaginary game, incomprehensible to adults, that completely absorbed them for long stretches (and which they continue to play to this day). And, I slowly gained confidence that I was ready to re-enter the paid workforce after five-and-a-half years as a stay-at-home mom. Something about radically changing the scenery and rhythms of our day, and finding out we could adapt, made me feel confident that I could do this in other areas of my life too. For families looking to plan an unplugged vacation, the best advice that I have is to approach it with a sense of adventure. Embrace getting out of your comfort zone and try to find somewhere with lots of things to keep you occupied during the day. We loved attending family camp at Lake of the Woods and Greenwoods Camp. But there are plenty of other places that offer family camp including the YMCA Family Camp Nawakwa in Wisconsin and YMCA Family Camp Pinewood in Michigan. For those families wanting a true camping in a tent experience, the Chicago Park District offers a Family Camping program with campfires and s’mores of course! -
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... -
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Join Hive for a free overview workshop on Conscious Parenting, you will learn about the 10-pillar framework that will give you additional tips and tools to bring more peace, calm & joy into your home, as you head into summer! RSVP required. Please go here to register.
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