Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'School-age child'.
Found 120 results
-
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. -
until
Knowing how to cast your net wide and increase your options is KEY to a successful Chicago high school search. Join Chicago School GPS as they bring together over 35 participating public, private and boarding high schools & resources, each with unique qualities that you may not have known about prior to coming to our Hidden Gems Fair at Lycée Français de Chicago. PLUS, you can meet helpful resource vendors and partake in informative breakout sessions that will give you clarity on the high school process. Join Chicago School GPS for an afternoon designed to make your high school journey a successful one! Program begins at 1pm with high schools showcasing what makes them unique, and breakout sessions begin at 2pm. Fair ends at 4pm. Our invaluable breakout sessions offer insights for Middle School Parents and Students on topics such as: ~ Navigating the private & public high school admissions process ~ High School Entrance Exam Insights (includes CPS HSAT, HSPT & ISEE) ~ Private school scholarship opportunities & resources ~ International Baccalaureate Programs Demystified ~ Executive Functioning Strategies (tentative) Tours of the hosting school, Lycée Français de Chicago, will also be available. Pre-Register online by 9/27/25 and pay $20/family or pay $30/family at the door. Need based Fee waivers available. Street, lot, and nearby garage parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: info@chischoolgps.com. -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
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 -
-
-
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. -
Noreen Walton-Valle is a mom of four and the Director of Marketing and Admissions at Saint Clement School, which is located in Lincoln Park. It is a Catholic school, educating students from PreK 3 through 8th grade, with two classes per grade level, and roughly 480 students total. In an NPN discussion panel, Noreen spoke with us about the private school application process. We’re sharing some of her valuable insight here. When should parents start researching schools and how should they start? I would recommend a year out if you're starting preschool or thinking about transferring from one school to another. It just allows you time to look at the schools, attend open houses, talk with other parents, and then also do the application and admissions process. When you're looking at either starting preschool or transferring, identify your educational priorities. Do you want faith based? Do you want a private school education? Are you looking for a specific curriculum? Are you looking for certain programs to be offered? Then I would recommend going to the school’s website and social media accounts. That is a great way to get a feel for the school community. Attend the open houses and talk with the parents and students that you meet during the open house. Ask parents why they chose that school. Are they happy with their experience? What grades are their children in? At what grade did they start at the school? Did they transfer in or did they start in preschool? The students are a wealth of knowledge as well. What is the application process at Saint Clement? The application process at Saint Clement is a little different depending on what grade you are applying for. Our application is on our website, and our application is due January 15th, 2025. We send out notifications mid February. For early childhood, pre k 3 through kindergarten, parents submit the application. It is always nice to include a letter of recommendation. I or principal Fink, or a pastor might then schedule an interview with the family. We just do random selections for early childhood since we have so many applications. Once a family is accepted, there is a mandatory play date in April. Families applying with children in 1st through 8th grade fill out the application and provide the child’s past two years of report cards and standardized test scores. If they don't have standardized test scores, that's okay, we can talk through that. The child’s current teacher also fills out a teacher feedback form and returns it to us. After everything has been submitted, we will schedule a shadow day for the child that would be a whole day at Saint Clement. After the shadow day, then we will set up an interview with myself and principal Fink and the family, so we can get to know the family and student a bit better and make sure it is a good fit for everyone. Thank you, Noreen! For more information about researching and applying to private schools, access the full panel discussion or browse through all of NPN’s school search videos and resources. -
until
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. -
Choosing the right Kindergarten for your child can be daunting, especially in Chicago, where there are so many options. Then once you are secure with your school choice, the next step is preparing a smooth transition for your child and your family. Learn how these schools support students and families through this process, and what you can do at home to get the school year started on the right foot. This session includes panelists with expertise in neurodiversity and challenging behaviors. -
until
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 -
Keisha J. Mathew, A.M., LCSW, founder and therapist of radicallyBLended Services, PLLC discusses the joys and challenges of raising a queer child in Chicago. She shares tips on creating a safe environment where children are comfortable sharing personal feelings, advice on how to react if your child comes out to you, how to advocate for queer children, and resources that adults can turn to for help in being an ally. This recording is the fifth episode of NPN's podcast, Chicago Style Parenting. It was published on 11/8/24 -
until
Do you think your child might thrive in a collaborative environment where learning is built around student interests? Want to better understand how project-based learning (PBL) boosts student engagement and improves learning outcomes? We invite your whole family to stop by our Open House on Saturday, November 16 any time between 10:00 am - 12:00 pm to: - Chat 1:1 with Bennett Day School teachers, students, and parents/guardians - Explore our newly expanded West Loop campus - Sit in on Information Sessions with Leadership…and more! This is a free event, but RSVP is required, please go here to register. If you are planning to drive, there is limited parking available in the gravel lot on the NW corner at Morgan and Hubbard (across the street from Bennett's campus). There is also free parking available on the west side of Morgan and south side of Hubbard, or metered parking on Grand Ave. Accessible parking spaces are available by request - please reply to this email to learn more. We are two blocks west of the Grand Blue Line stop and the Halsted 8 bus, and 2 blocks north of the Pink/Green Line Stop at Morgan if those options are convenient to you. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: samantha.rud@bennettday.org. -
until
Take a small-group tour of our campus in the West Loop/Fulton Market neighborhood and learn more about our PreK-12 program. Bennett Day School is where joy meets education. Our students love coming to school every day, eager to explore, learn, and grow in an inclusive and collaborative environment. What makes our PreK-12 school different? At Bennett, students learn by doing through dynamic project-based learning (PBL) experiences, and our competency-based approach to education and assessment provides each learner with individualized feedback based on their strengths and areas of challenge. This a recurring event, with an additional open house on November 7 from 9:00 - 10:30 am. This is a free event, but RSVP is required, please go here to register. If you are planning to drive, there is limited parking available in the gravel lot on the NW corner at Morgan and Hubbard (across the street from Bennett's campus). There is also free parking available on the west side of Morgan and south side of Hubbard, or metered parking on Grand Ave. Accessible parking spaces are available by request - please reply to this email to learn more. We are two blocks west of the Grand Blue Line stop and the Halsted 8 bus, and 2 blocks north of the Pink/Green Line Stop at Morgan if those options are convenient to you. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: samantha.rud@bennettday.org. -
until
What is an IEP?: An overview of the IEP process, key terms, and how the IEP team collaborates to create individualized goals and supports for your child. Your Role as a Parent: How to actively participate in IEP meetings, share valuable insights about your child’s strengths and needs, and collaborate with educators and specialists to ensure your child receives appropriate services. The IEP Meeting: What to expect during an IEP meeting, questions to ask, and how to be prepared to advocate for your child’s unique needs. Understanding Your Child’s Rights: An outline of your child’s legal rights and how to ensure the IEP is followed and adjusted as necessary. Building a Partnership: Tips for fostering a positive, productive relationship with your child’s educational team and being an empowered advocate throughout their academic journey. This presentation will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to take an active role in the IEP process and work with the school to ensure your child thrives academically and emotionally. RSVP Required. Please go here to register. This is a free, online event. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: rachael@redwoodschools.org. -
until
We apologize for the inconvenience. This playdate has been CANCELED. NPN's Screenless Saturday Family Playdates are for children approximately 6-9 years old and their parents. At this Screenless Saturday Family Playdate, you and your child will explore a new activity together while learning about the grade school, middle school and high school programs at Chicago Waldorf School. ☕ Enjoy a delicious fall snack of homemade Apple cake, cider, and coffee in our Community Room. ✏️ Work with a group of current middle school students on art activities, including drawing and bracelet making. 🐝 Experience a Waldorf classroom with one of our grade school teachers, as she tells a story and guides beeswax modeling. Parents can opt to stay in the classroom or have a brief school tour during this time. 🪴Enjoy some time together in our beautiful outdoor nature park and garden Chicago Waldorf School is located at 5200 N Ashland Ave. NPN's Screenless Saturday Family Playdates are for children approximately 6-9 years old and their parent(s) to have screen-free fun together and learn about middle and high schools. This is not a drop-off playdate. A parent must be present at all times. We promise you'll have a great time. We can't wait to see you! Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN Playdates are free for NPN members. We ask non-members to contribute $10/adult, which comes with a one-year NPN membership, giving you free access to every playdate! If you are experiencing financial hardship, please feel free to contact us at director@npnparents.org to ask about our fee-waived memberships. -
until
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. -
In this webinar, Caroline Adelman, PhD, Clinical Director and founder of Chicago Psychotherapy, discusses anxiety in children and teens, and how parents can support their anxious child. This webinar is the video recording of the first episode of NPN's podcast, Chicago Style Parenting.
.thumb.jpeg.035b3ffd40ea21ca2e37833b25c31635.jpeg)
