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The NPN team is pleased to introduce Sarah Davis, founder and CEO of Olive You Nanny as a resident expert at NPN. You've watched her in NPN's live sessions, read her articles on our website, and seen her recommended on the forum. Now is your chance to ask her everything you wanted to know about the process of hiring, working with, and building a positive relationship with your nanny. Post your questions for Sarah on the NPN Discussion Forum on Thursday, November 30th from 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Sarah will answer your questions throughout the day. Once all questions are answered, we will close the thread, but it will live on in the forum for your reference. Go ahead and ask her anything! A bit about Sarah: Sarah Davis is the Founder and CEO of Olive You Nanny and its sister brand, Olive Us. Sarah began her entrepreneurial career as a nanny in her early high school years. She moved from a small town in Wisconsin to San Francisco after school for a nanny role. She moved to Denver and then Chicago, learning about what it took to build a successful career as a nanny. Each time she moved, she was met with the same reality - there were no agencies who cared about the personal connections between families and nannies. They didn’t seem to understand that nannies are an integral part of each family they work for. So, in 2005, she began sourcing and matching nannies for families in Chicago. She would meet with the families in their homes and then meet with the potential nannies in person as well, asking more profound questions about their personalities, their parenting styles, and more. She officially launched Olive You Nanny in 2005. Since then, Olive You Nanny has expanded to 8 cities, including Austin, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Nashville, and Phoenix. In each city, they provide full-service support to families. Important Information about this Event: NPN's Discussion Forum is available to NPN members only. Not a member of NPN? Join now and use promo code join30off to save $30. Other NPN programming for New Parents 11/15 Developmental Differences Parent Support Group 11/29 Member Networking (NPN members only) 12/3 NPN Playdate at Mary Meyer School 12/12 New Parents Group (NPN members only)
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Making Friends As An Adult - Why Is This So Hard?
NPN Sitaara posted an article in Articles Directory
If you'd asked me where I'd be in 2023 as a teenager - there's no way I'd ever guess I'd spend my weekends couch surfing with my kids while watching Disney movies that I've seen a thousand times...and enjoying it. My social life as a teen/early adult was that of scene from a pop-themed movie. Nonstop plans, no fears or worries about being mugged, short dresses, scandalous heels that I could actually walk in (how!?) and more than anything, friends out the whazoo. I had friends from college, high school friends, cheer friends, friends of friends, guy friends, queer friends, straight friends, family friends - you name it and they were a friend of mine. It was completely normal for me to strike up a full conversation with a total stranger on the L over their shoes. Oh, you're also getting off at Fullerton at the same time as me? Instant friend! Fast-forward to today where I avoid making eye contact with strangers at all costs. Especially in public, unfamiliar places. Spark up a random conversation with a stranger that lasts longer than 30 seconds? As if. What gives?? Turns out, I'm not the only one. A quick Google search reveals that making friends as an adult is a common query and also that it is notoriously harder than it ever was. In fact, it is so difficult that there are apps dedicated to it. According to people smarter than me who are paid to research things like this, COVID is largely to blame. Per the Surgeon General, America is in the midst of a loneliness epidemic, and the forced physical separation of the pandemic certainly didn't help us stay in touch. Surveys show that many Americans lost friends thanks to two years of shutdowns and restrictions. Also, newsflash - you still got it, sis! The difficulty isn't that you're uncool or awkward. It's that the essential building blocks of friendship are harder to come by when you're older. For example, research shows making a casual friend takes 50 hours on average, while close friendships take 200 hours (yes, like 199 +1). Ain't nobody got time for that! So how do we push past the awkwardness and actually find time to dedicate to making new friends? And if you're anything like me, how do we convince ourselves that making friends is actually something we need? Because I have totally sold myself on Netflix and chilling with my kids in my spare time... Here are a few tips! Find your people Breaking news: to make friends you have to actually leave your house. But unless we are cool with being besties with our toddlers - teens, we gotta break free from the couch. An easy place to start, find yo' people! Finding a group of people that you naturally have things in common with is an easy launch point. Are you a new mom? Join a local new moms group (shameless plug for NPN's New Moms Group!), go to a family-friendly activity, or a networking event if professional friends are your thing. Don't just go though, you have to actually talk to people. As awkward as it may seem, approach someone and say something nice or ask them a question. Apparently this works. Connect AND MEAN IT How often have you met someone cool, hit it off amazingly, and then you're like, "okay totally let's do this again!" Only to never.do.it.again? Fall out of this trap by actually setting plans (AND ADDING THEM TO YOUR CALENDAR) before you leave. Adult friendships are a lot like scheduled sex. You can't believe you have to, but you feel much better knowing what to prepare for. Understand the benefits Adult friendships are a lot more than nice-to-haves or the icing on top of a successful adult life. Positive friendships are a proven mood booster and stress buster (while loneliness can be as bad for your body as smoking a pack a day). So unless, you're fond of smoking and want to die alone (okay, maybe a tiny bit dramatic) - the benefits to making friends are real. Also, for this assignment - work friends DO NOT count. Get out there and make some friends you aren't paid to hang out with. Morale of the story...don't give up on making new friends! It won't happen effortlessly like it did when we were in college but a lot has changed since then so why wouldn't our process of making and keeping friends? With a little planning and courage, the whole friends as adults thing is totally doable. Wanna be friends? -
untilNPN's New Parents Group is your monthly opportunity to join in on a casual conversation centered around topics that matter to you. Unlike our monthly webinars that are more structured and have a presenter and topic - you get to lead the discussion or just observe and chime in as you see fit; think of it as our forum in real life! Amy from the NPN staff team will join you. If you've been craving connection as a new mom or a new dad or a new parent, we hope you join us. This group is designed for parents of children under age two, but this is not a hard and fast rule. If your child is older, or if you have multiple children of many ages, you are welcome here. RSVP today! You will receive an email confirmation, including the Zoom link, immediately upon registration. We will also send you the Zoom link shortly before the event. These chats are for NPN members only. New parents only, please (no therapists, students or business owners). Not a member? For a limited time, you can join NPN using promo code NewMom23 and save $20 on your membership.
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Cancelled: New Parents Group - In Person at Lincoln Park Branch, Chicago Public Library
NPN Amy J. posted an event in Community Calendar
untilThis event has been cancelled. We are sorry for the inconvenience. Please click here to RSVP for the New Parents Group on December 12, 2023, which will meet virtually over Zoom. NPN's New Parents Group is your monthly opportunity to join in on a casual conversation centered around topics that matter to you. Unlike our monthly webinars that are more structured and have a presenter and topic - you get to lead the discussion or just observe and chime in as you see fit; think of it as our forum in real life! Amy from the NPN staff team will join you. If you are a new mom, new dad, new parent, new primary caregiver and you've been craving connection, we hope you join us. This month we are meeting in-person in the small meeting room at the Lincoln Park Branch, Chicago Public Library. In November we will meet in-person: Lincoln Park Branch, Chicago Public Library, 1150 W Fullerton Ave 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Parking: There is a shared parking lot with two accessible parking spots is available on the east side of the building. Enter from Fullerton Avenue. RSVP today! You will receive an email confirmation immediately upon registration. This group is for NPN members only. Parents or primary caregivers only, please (no therapists, students or business owners). Not a member? For a limited time, you can join NPN using promo code NewMom23 and save $20 on your membership. Other NPN programming for New Parents 11/15 Developmental Differences Parent Support Group 11/29 Member Networking (NPN members only) 11/30 Ask the Expert: Sarah Davis of Olive You Nanny (NPN members only) 12/3 NPN Playdate at Mary Meyer School 12/12 New Parents Group (NPN members only) -
untilNPN's New Parents Group is your monthly opportunity to join in on a casual conversation centered around topics that matter to you. Unlike our monthly webinars that are more structured and have a presenter and topic - you get to lead the discussion or just observe and chime in as you see fit; think of it as our forum in real life! Amy from the NPN staff team will join you. If you've been craving connection as a new mom or a new dad or a new parent, we hope you join us. This group is designed for parents of children under age two, but this is not a hard and fast rule. If your child is older, or if you have multiple children of many ages, you are welcome here. RSVP today! You will receive an email confirmation, including the Zoom link, immediately upon registration. We will also send you the Zoom link shortly before the event. These chats are for NPN members only. Parents only, please (no therapists, students or business owners). Not a member? For a limited time, you can join NPN using promo code NewMom23 and save $20 on your membership.
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untilNPN Parent Chats are your monthly virtual opportunity to join in on a casual conversation centered around topics that matter to you. Unlike our monthly webinars that are more structured and have a presenter and topic - you get to lead the discussion, vent about current happenings, or just observe and chime in as you see fit; think of it as our forum in video format! Sitaara and Amy from the NPN staff team will join you. If you've been craving connection, we hope you join us. RSVP today! You will receive an email confirmation, including the Zoom link, immediately upon registration. We will also send you the Zoom link the morning of the event. These chats are for NPN members only. Not a member? For a limited time, join NPN for $20 using promo code school23. This also gets you into the school fair for free!
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In this video, join Reena Vohra Morgan of Hive Educational Consulting and Parent Coaching as she shares a parent-centric framework grounded in attachment theory, brain science, and responsive parenting strategies. In this introductory workshop, you will learn ten pillars that can help you develop healthier family relationships and bring more peace, calm, and joy to your home. This session is useful for parents with children of any age, from 0 to adulthood. This video was recorded live on 8/11/23. -
untilJoin us for Sunday play at Sacred Heart Schools! There will be fun activities and open play on the turf field if it is nice out or in the gym in case of inclement weather. Parents, relax and enjoy coffee and light bites during this relaxed, fun morning! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Spots are limited so register today! Sacred Heart is located at 6250 N. Sheridan Road in Chicago. Park in any of the school lots: https://www.shschicago.org/directions-parking
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untilWe're excited to launch Parent Chats! Your monthly virtual opportunity to join in on a casual conversation centered around topics that matter to you. Unlike our monthly webinars that are more structured and have a presenter and topic - you get to lead the discussion, vent about current happenings, or just observe and chime in as you see fit; think of it as our forum in video format! Sitaara and Amy from the NPN staff team will join you. If you've been craving connection but not eager about getting out in the real world for it to happen - we hope you join us. Here are the topics and dates for each Parent Chat this June through August. Participating parents will be automatically entered to win raffle prizes at each chat! In this June chat, focusing on pregnancy - preschool, you could win: - A one hour consultation with infant sleep expert, Serene Swaddles - A one hour consultation with childbirth educator, Serene Swaddles - A birth options consultation with Jo Ann Lindberg of Birthlink June 9th: Chat about the early years: pregnancy - preschool July 14th: Talk about the elementary school years: Kindergarten - 6th grade August 18th: Celebrate the tween-teen years: 7th grade - 12th grade
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untilChoosing a preschool for your child can be an overwhelming task, especially in Chicago where there are so many options. What is English Early Years curricula? How about Catholic, French Language Immersion, and Montessori, what are the differences, what are the similarities? With so many different preschool philosophies, how do you know which philosophy works for you and your family? In this discussion, you will learn about a variety of philosophies in early childhood education programs and the benefits of each philosophy in regard to character development in early childhood. In addition, our panelists will discuss some things to consider during the preschool search to help you prepare to choose a preschool for your family. There will be time for Q&A at the end! Our esteemed school panel consists of: Erin Woodhams, Director of Marketing, Admissions, and Communications, British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park Erin Roenna, Community Relations Coordinator, Montessori Academy of Chicago Cecilia Porter, Director of Admissions, Lycée Français de Chicago Corey Jacobsen, Director of Marketing & Admissions, Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph School Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors: British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park, Lycée Français de Chicago, and Montessori Academy of Chicago. And we appreciate our Supporting Sponsors: Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph School By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our presenting sponsor. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors
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How to Give Your Child a Smart Start: A Workshop for Parents and Caregivers
NPN Sitaara posted an event in Community Calendar
untilEvent Details: Give your baby a smart start! Maya Smart, author of Reading for Our Lives, will describe how reading unfolds from birth through the early elementary years and outline what caregivers can do to nurture it at each stage. You will leave armed with information about the six parent levers for literacy success, plus easy and research-based ways to nurture your child’s language and literacy development from the start. Chicago Public Library staff will facilitate an active play space for children and a caregiver before, during and after the presentation to demonstrate early literacy skills in action! Register for this event on the Chicago Public Library's website by clicking here. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: Children's Services (312) 747-4780 REGISTER HERE This event takes place in person at Harold Washington Library Center @ 400 S. State Street Chicago IL 60605. Masks are strongly encouraged in all CPL locations. Register by the start of the event. Chicago Public Library cannot collect personal information online from kids 0 to 13. A parent or guardian’s email address must be used to register. -
The Power of Community: How a Resource Fair Helped My Family Thrive
NPN Sitaara posted an article in Articles Directory
It was an early Sunday morning in March 2012. I did not get much sleep the night before, because I was 4 months pregnant with our second child, and our first child, Luke, had just received a diagnosis of autism and epilepsy. To say that I was stressed would be an understatement. Related: Your Child Received a Diagnosis, Now What? After speaking to my nursing pediatrician, it was recommended that I join a few community groups for support and resources. It was in this search that I found out about a resource fair that was created for parents just like me - parents that were overwhelmed, stressed, and on the hunt for resources and community. I was determined to provide my children with the best options available and realized that attending this fair might help me do just that. Overwhelmed with loneliness, desperation, and fear of our new normal we went to our first NPN Developmental Differences Resource Fair (DDRF) that morning. If I close my eyes right now, I can remember the moment I walked into my first NPN Developmental Differences Resources Fair. I can remember looking around and seeing so many resources and so many families, like mine, all in one room. Instantly, my stress levels decreased and I breathed a sigh of relief as the feeling of hope, which had escaped me for several months, came flooding back. I was able to connect with so many resources at once! The biggest takeaway was the connections with the other families I met; just knowing I was not alone gave me so much encouragement. The following year, I returned for my second DDRF. This time I was more confident, I knew exactly which resources I needed, and I was prepared with questions to ask. My biggest takeaway that second year at DDRF was that there is literally a resource for everything. Education, extra-curricular activities, therapies, government benefits, financial planning, whatever it is - there is a resource for it. I just had no idea where to look to find all of the information that I needed and had been too exhausted as a new mom to seek out the resources on my own. Related: Raising a Black Autistic Boy in America Fast forward to today and my son is now 12 years old and thriving! I have to say that being an advocate for my son and utilizing the resources that I found at NPN’s DDRF have made all the difference. I am proud to report that we have been able to change the trajectory of our son’s progress for the better. One of the best decisions I ever made was to pull my exhausted, desperate, hopeless, and stressed self out of bed that morning in March 2012, and take the first steps towards building our community and support network. -
until40+ Moms, bring your little ones and enjoy some playtime at Horner Park. Partners and significant others are welcome too. Share some memories or even a few lessons learned with other understanding moms. This group welcomes all 40+ moms with children newborn - 5 years. Meeting place will be near the southwest side of Horner Park by the children's nature play area (look for colorful soccer cones). We may move to other play areas after the meeting starts. Day of contact info will be provided after registration. Please sign up for this group to attend. NPN members only. Please provide cell phone number as texts will be sent for weather cancellations. You will receive an email confirmation after you register. Questions? Contact Cathy at giantjumperee@gmail.com.
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until40+ Moms, bring your little ones and enjoy some playtime at Horner Park. Partners and significant others are welcome too. Share some memories or even a few lessons learned with other understanding moms. This group welcomes all 40+ moms with children newborn - 4 years. Meeting place will be near the southwest side of Horner Park by the children's nature play area (look for colorful soccer cones). We may move to other play areas after the meeting starts. Day of contact info will be provided after registration. Please sign up for this group to attend. NPN members only. You will receive an email confirmation after you register. Questions? Contact Cathy at giantjumperee@gmail.com.
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untilNPN Playdates are back! Join us for Sunday play at Catherine Cook! There will be fun activities on the Rooftop Playground and there will be two drop-in Read Along sessions 9:15 am - 9:30 am and 10:00 am to 10:15 am in their cozy library. Parents, grab a cup of coffee, share some yummy snacks with your children, relax, and enjoy as your kids experience some fun and unique Catherine Cook School activities! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Spots are limited so register today! Catherine Cook is located at 226 W Schiller St, Chicago, IL 60610
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untilNPN Playdates are back! Join us for STEAM Sunday play at Bennett Day School! There will be fun STEAM activities and snacks for the kids! Parents, grab a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy as your kids have fun and engage with peers! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Spots are limited so register today! Bennett Day School is located at 955 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 If you are planning to drive, you can park for free in the gravel lot on the NW corner at Morgan and Hubbard. There is also free parking available on the west side of Morgan and south side of Hubbard, or metered parking on Grand Ave.
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untilNPN Playdates are back! Join us for Sunday play at Bright Horizons Lakeview! There will be fun art & STEM activities, an obstacle course, a LOVEVERY raffle prize, and snacks for the kids! Parents, grab a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy as your kids experience some fun activities! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Spots are limited so register today! Bright Horizons Lakeview is located at 2840 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60657 (plenty of street parking available)
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NPN Playdate at Lincoln Park Early Childhood Center
NPN Tareema posted an event in Community Calendar
untilNPN Playdates are back! Join us for Sunday play at CPS's brand-new Lincoln Park Early Childhood Center! There will be an open play space, STEM activities sponsored by Peggy Noterbaert, and snacks for the kids! Parents, grab a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy as your kids experience some fun activities! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Spots are limited so register today! Location: 1840 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 (2nd floor of Hemingway Professional Building) Plenty of Street Parking Available -
untilNPN Playdates are back! Join us for Sunday Family Day at Park West Cooperative! Come and experience a fun day of play in one of Park West Cooperative's award-winning classrooms! Let your child's imagination be your guide and follow them as they explore sand and water, paint, playdough, games, blocks, puzzles, and more. We will have our classrooms and gym space open for families to explore. There will be allergy-friendly snacks provided! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Spots are limited so register today! Park West Cooperative is located at 2214 N Bissell St, Chicago, IL 60614
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untilNPN Playdates are back! Join us for Sunday play at Lycee Francais de Chicago! There will be fun arts & crafts activities, open gym and snacks for the kids! Parents, grab a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy as your kids experience some fun activities! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Spots are limited so register today! Lycee Francais Chicago is located at 1929 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 (plenty of street parking available)
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NPN Playdate at Bubbles Academy Arts-Integrated Preschool
NPN Tareema posted an event in Community Calendar
untilNPN Playdates are back! Join us for play at Bubbles Academy Arts-Integrated Preschool! Your kiddos will have fun exploring their Meadows & Mountains Play spaces! Or they can express their creativity with an art activity! There will be coffee for the parents and light snack for the kiddos. Parent relax and enjoy as your kids experience some fun activities! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Spots are limited so register today! Bubble Academy Arts-Integrated Preschool is located at 2184 N. Elston, Chicago, IL 60614 Parking lot is towards the back of the building. -
NPN Playdate: Fall Fun at Kids Work Chicago Riverview
NPN Tareema posted an event in Community Calendar
untilNPN Playdates are back! Join us for Sunday play at Kids Work Chicago Riverview! Their large indoor and outdoor play space will be open, fall themed crafts will be available, plus a goodie bags with snacks for the kids! Parents come and relax and enjoy as your kids experience some fun activities! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Spots are limited so register today! Kids Work Chicago Riverview is located at 3429 N. California Ave, near I-94 on California between Addison and Belmont. Parking lot in front of the building has plenty of spaces and there is also ample street parking in the neighborhood! -
untilJoin other new moms (and experienced moms) for a walk along the lakefront path. Babies and dogs welcome. Bring a friend! Registration required Where: Wilson track Address: Wilson Ave and the Lakefront Trail Parking: Free street parking on Wilson, paid lot across the street on Wilson How to find us: Look for NPN Amy J in a blue Cubs hat, with her golden doodle Coco on a leash. Contact: Amy Johnson amy@npnparents.org Amy will send you her cell number the day before so you can text her if you run into any problems. Registration required. Please honor your RSVP.
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untilAre you considering private schools in your school search? Do you have concerns about the cost of tuition? Or, have you dismissed the possibility due to affordability? This session is for you! Hear from some of Chicago's best private schools about affordability, grants, and financial aid. You will learn, about general needs and timelines when you apply for financial aid. In addition, details on affordability and alternative support options for each school on the panel. Our esteemed panelists are: Erin Woodhams, Director of Marketing, Admissions, and Communications, British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park Melanie Ahmad, Director of Enrollment & Tuition Assistance, The Ancona School Corey Jacobson, Director of Marketing & Admissions, Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph School Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, the British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park. By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our presenting sponsor. Free for NPN members and Non- members! Not an NPN member? Join NPN for $30 using promo code NPNschool22 and attend all sessions for free! Join here. Thank you to our media partner:
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untilChoosing a preschool can be overwhelming but in this session, you will get tips on making it manageable. Learn when to start researching schools, how to build a list of schools that are a good fit for your family, and how to manage applications, interviews, and notification letters. You will walk away feeling organized, confident, and ready for this next step. Our esteemed panelists are: Erin Woodhams, Director of Marketing, Admissions, and Communications, British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park Melanie Ahmad, Director of Enrollment & Tuition Assistance, The Ancona School Samantha Maxwell, Preschool Director, Bubbles Academy Arts-Integrated Preschool Corey Jacobson, Director of Marketing & Admissions, Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph School Jimia Walker, Owner & Executive Director, Meaningful Milestones Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park, and The Ancona School. And we appreciate our Supporting Sponsors Bubbles Academy Arts-Integrated Preschool, Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph School, and Meaningful Milestones. By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our presenting sponsor. Free for NPN members and Non- members! Not an NPN member? Join NPN for $30 using promo code NPNschool22 and attend all sessions for free! Join here. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors Thank you to our media partner:
