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Showing results for tags 'Preschooler'.
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untilChoosing the right elementary school for your child can be daunting, especially in Chicago, where there are so many options. Learn how three of the most sought-after schools in Chicago(land) support students and families from Kindergarten (and earlier) through 8th grade (and sometimes beyond). There will be time for questions at the end. Featuring: British International School of Chicago Baker Demonstration School Near North Montessori School This discussion will occur live over Zoom. Please register on this page to receive the Zoom link. Help us keep these discussions free for all families by supporting NPN. Become a member today. Questions? Contact Amy at amy@npnparents.org Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, British International School of Chicago and our media partner, Crain's Chicago Business School representatives and education experts: Would you like to speak on a panel like this? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to inquire. -
untilThis playdate has been cancelled. We are sorry for the inconvenience. Join us at a future playdate. See them all here. Join us for screen-free family play at Catherine Cook School! Parents, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy a new activity with your children! More information to come! This event is for kids ages 5-10 years old and their siblings. Bring the whole family! Spots are limited, so register today. Families will enjoy: 🐻 An interactive experience with Catherine Cook's Early Childhood and Lower School French Teacher, Madame Nees, based on the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle 🎶 Hands-on activities, including games, art, and music 🛝 Free play on our rooftop playground Catherine Cook is located at 226 W Schiller St, Chicago, IL 60610 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 making a donation.
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untilJoin us for Sunday play at Catherine Cook School and celebrate NPN's 45th birthday! Parents, grab a cup of coffee, share some yummy snacks with your children, relax, and enjoy as your kids explore fun and unique Catherine Cook School activities! Your family will enjoy: 📚 Story hour in the library 👸 Pretend play in the junior kindergarten classroom 🛝Open play in the climbing playground 🤩 Selfie station with party-themed digital decorations 🛍️ Birthday goody bags including a special treat from our friends at Building Blocks Toy Store! 🧁 Mini cupcakes from Sweet Mandy B's! 🥳 And more! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old and their siblings. Bring the whole family! Spots are limited, so register today. Catherine Cook is located at 226 W Schiller St, Chicago, IL 60610 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 making a donation.
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untilThis event has been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience. Join LEEP Forward and NPN for August Adventures! This sensory-friendly, inclusive event is designed for all children, ages 2-5, with siblings of all ages welcome to join in the fun! Embrace the end of summer with a variety of engaging activities that promote exploration and creativity! ☀️ Children can dive into our Sensory Bin filled with a variety of items and textures. 🖌️ We’ll have a painting station where little artists can create with non-toxic, washable paint, and a playdough station for creative molding and shaping. 📚 For imaginative play, kids can dress up and relax in our Summer Story Corner with cozy blankets and captivating stories. 🌻 Plus, don’t miss our guided Nature Walk, where everyone can collect natural treasures! 🎪We will also have a bounce house for our little adventurers seeking more movement activities. 🎈Our event will also include a ball pit and sensory tables for more hands-on exploration. 😋 Finally, we’ll provide healthy, allergy-friendly snacks to keep everyone energized, and 🎉 Every family will be entered into a raffle for a night of respite or babysitting! Join us for a morning of sensory exploration, connection, and end-of-summer fun in an inclusive environment. We can’t wait to see you there! Location: 1447 W Montrose Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN!
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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. -
Tuesday's Child is partnering with Erin Ross, Founder and Owner of The AT Tutor, to present this free webinar for parents to learn how to increase their child's engagement with reading. Parents will learn how to make reading more fun while decreasing their child's resistance to working on literacy skills. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. This event is online and you will receive the login information upon registration. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: ewinsor@tuesdayschildchicago.org. -
untilThis event has been canceled. We are sorry for the inconvenience. Please check out our upcoming playdates here. Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Bright Horizons! Bright Horizons provides high-quality education and child care, trusted by parents and organizations around the world, made to fit the way people learn, live, and work today! At this playdate, you and your child can: 😋 Enjoy a healthy morning snack 🫧Engage in bubble play on the outdoor playground 🪴 Experience their Garden works program by gardening and decorating pots 🖌️Paint your own canvas! Bright Horizons is located at 321 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60604. If needed, you can call them at 312-985-5142. Parking and entrance: Bright Horizons is located in the Northern Trust building. Paid parking is available in the onsite parking garage and in a paid lot across the street. Paid street parking is also available on surrounding streets and in other paid lots nearby. The entrance to Bright Horizons is in the Northern Trust building, near Potbelly. Look for the "Bright Horizons" sign on the door. Staff will be there to welcome you. Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN!
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untilCome and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Bubbles Academy! Bubbles Academy is Chicago's home for creative learning, offering caregiver and child classes, a year-round preschool program, and a community that comes together to celebrate holiday and cultural events! Join NPN and Bubbles Academy for this special playdate where you can begin to make connections and build a foundation that will last a lifetime! At this playdate you and your child can: 👶 Enjoy their colorful playroom with soft, plush toys and tumbling mats for infants, crawlers, and climbers 🪵 Explore their gorgeous Nature Playground 🎵 Sing along with your favorite Bubbles musical artist 🫧 Exercise fine motor muscles with sensory play Bubbles Academy Arts-Integrated Preschool is located at 2184 N. Elston Ave. Parking and entrance: Free parking in the preschool lot adjacent to the Nature Playground at 2184 N. Elston! Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN!
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untilThis playdate is at capacity and registration is closed. Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Chicago Waldorf School. ☕ Sip a warm cup of tea and experience kneading bread dough. You can sample the fresh baked rolls later in the morning. 🎈Witness your child play in one of the Early Childhood classrooms and hear about the PreK and Mixed Age programs. 🪴Enjoy time together in the beautiful outdoor nature park and garden where guests are free to play or try their “hand” at finger knitting. 🐝 Listen as Early Childhood teachers share a puppet play with the group, allowing time to partake in beeswax modeling. Chicago Waldorf School is located at 5200 N Ashland Ave. Parking and entrance: Free parking can be found on Farragut and Paulina Ave. Please come to the west side of the building (5200 W. Ashland), through the black gates off Foster Ave., or the chain link fence gate off Farragut Ave. You will find our Main Doors at the southwest corner of the building, just inside the main playground area. Please ring the bell to the right of the door and you will be buzzed in. Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN!
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untilJoin us for Preview Day at the Center for Talent Development (CTD)! Explore how we support gifted and talented students in a nurturing, challenging environment. Discover our programs, dive into the latest research on talent development, and experience CTD courses in action. Plus, hear directly from our expert instructors during an engaging teacher panel. Whether you're new to CTD or want to learn more, this is your chance to connect, ask questions, and see how we help students reach their full potential. We can’t wait to welcome you! This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Lot parking is available at Northwestern Place/ Garrett Lot (Sheridan Rd. and Northwestern Place) This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: erin.johnson1@northwestern.edu.
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untilJoin LEEP Forward and NPN for a Preschool Discover Day! Get ready for an exciting, hands-on event designed to introduce children ages 2-5 to the magic of preschool. Siblings of all ages are welcome to join in the fun as we create a morning filled with exploration, creativity, and connection in a warm and inclusive environment. Young learners will engage in activities that spark curiosity and imagination. They can explore our sensory bins, overflowing with exciting textures and hidden treasures, or express their creativity through painting with non-toxic, washable paints. Budding builders can dive into playdough creations, while future storytellers can relax in our cozy story corner with captivating tales. Our preschool-themed event also includes a pretend play area where kids can dress up, role-play, and experience the joy of imaginative adventures. For outdoor fun, families can join a guided nature walk to collect treasures and learn more about the world around them. To keep everyone energized, we’ll provide healthy, allergy-friendly snacks. As an added bonus, every family who attends will be entered into a raffle for a night of respite or babysitting—a special treat for parents. Join us for a morning that offers a glimpse into the preschool experience and showcases how we nurture young minds through play, exploration, and meaningful connections. We can’t wait to welcome you! Location: 1447 W Montrose NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We need your help to keep these playdates free for families. Please support NPN's work by becoming a paid member or donating.
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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. -
untilJoin us for Sunday play at Catherine Cook School! There will be fun activities on the rooftop playground and two drop-in read-along sessions from 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 and their sbilngs. Bring the whole family! Spots are limited so register today. Catherine Cook is located at 226 W Schiller St, Chicago, IL 60610 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 making a donation.
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until“Focus on Physical Knowledge” at the Sunday Family Day with Park West Co-op & NPN on Sunday, December 8, from 9:00-11:00 am. Come explore STEAM activities with your child in our award-winning classrooms and indoor gym. Let your child investigate a variety of materials, discover their properties, and observe how their actions can affect outcomes. From pulleys to pendulums, ramps to rollers and a variety of painting tools, these activities hit the sweet spot combining Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. At Park West, we provoke thinking by offering interesting materials and encouraging kids to formulate and try out their own hypotheses. We infuse the school environment with opportunities for children to further their understanding of science, literacy, numbers and art in meaningful, developmentally appropriate ways - all in a play-based curriculum. This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old and their families (siblings welcome!) Allergy-friendly snacks provided. Park West Cooperative is located at 2214 N Bissell St, Chicago, IL 60614. They are accessible just two blocks South of the Fullerton L stop (Red, Brown, Purple lines) and easily accessible from both the Fullerton and Armitage bus. Metered parking is available on Webster. Street parking is available but please allow some extra time as they are located in the beautiful and busy Lincoln Park Neighborhood.
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untilCome together with other parents, educators, and advocates from across Chicago to share and learn about how to better support young children ages birth - 5 with disabilities at the Every Child Ready Chicago Strengthening Inclusion Symposium on Saturday, December 7th at Malcolm X College. This event will feature: ✏️ Remarks from Chicago Mayor’s Office and Chicago Public Schools leadership 🤝 Resources and presentations on services and resources available for children with disabilities ages birth - 5 in Chicago 🎒Presentations for staff, advocates, and systems leaders on the benefits of inclusive special education models 🥪 Lunch 🎈Activities for families and children - Join NPN for an activity at our table! Learn more about the initiative on their website. There will be lunch served and activities for kids! All are welcome to attend! Learn more and register to attend at https://cvent.me/Y9OV2D
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untilChoosing 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. Featuring: Bennett Day School Bubbles Academy City Elementary St. Josaphat School Scuola Italiana Enrico Fermi Tuesday's Child This discussion will occur live over Zoom. Please register on this page to receive the Zoom link. This discussion is open to everyone. Help us keep these discussions free for families across the city by supporting NPN. Become a member today. Questions? Contact Amy at amy@npnparents.org Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Bennett Day School. School representatives and education experts: Would you like to speak on a panel like this? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to inquire.
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untilPreschool represents a big milestone in a child's life, and often in a parents' life too. We all want our children to have the best start that they can, and we have a panel of local preschool experts here to help you prepare. Our panelists will discuss things you can do to help your family's transition smooth and enjoyable. They will address separation anxiety, what to expect on the first day, how to talk with your child about preschool, and what is most meaningful during these special years. You will walk away with tips on activities you can do at home to prepare your child for preschool, saying good-bye on the first day and beyond, and what to expect on the first day. Featuring: Saint Clement School Bubbles Academy Mary Meyer School Sinai Preschool This discussion will occur live over Zoom. Please register on this page to receive the Zoom link. This discussion is open to everyone. Help us keep these discussions free for families across the city by supporting NPN. Become a member today. Questions? Contact Amy at amy@npnparents.org Thank you to our Supporting Sponsor, Saint Clement School. School representatives and education experts: Would you like to speak on a panel like this? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to inquire.
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untilAre you thinking about preschool for your child but don't know where to start? Join us for a lively, insightful discussion about various preschool philosophies available in Chicago. This discussion will feature expert panelists from highly regarded preschools that families love. You will hear from preschools specializing in or drawing inspiration from educational philosophies such as arts integration, Montessori, Cooperative, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, language immersion, and religion. Featuring: Bubbles Academy Near North Montessori Park West Cooperative Nursery School Chicago Waldorf School Bennett Day School Sinai Preschool Lycée Français de Chicago This discussion will occur live over Zoom. It is open to everyone. Help us keep these discussions free for families across the city by donating to NPN today. Register to receive the Zoom link via email. Questions? Contact Amy at amy@npnparents.org
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untilJoin us for a purposeful playtime at the charming Mary Meyer School! Described as a “big, warm hug!”, Mary Meyer School has been inspiring preschool aged children to encounter the world with joy, curiosity and confidence since 1943 in their warm and beautiful row house turned preschool. As we explore the world of purposeful play we will make homemade play dough to take home, draw a self-portrait, and sway to the music of Mary Meyer School’s long-time musician-in-residence, Susan Salidor. Don’t miss this chance to snuggle up with a book in their pillow-filled bathtub by the sunny window and discover the joys of purposeful play at Mary Meyer School. Event opens at 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Music with Susan will begin at 10:00 AM. *This event is best for ages 2 to 4 but the whole family is always welcome. Spots are limited so register today! Mary Meyer School is located at 2817 North Pine Grove Avenue Chicago, IL 60657. NPN Playdates are free for NPN members and NPN members can bring a friend for free! 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.
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untilDo 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.
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untilTake 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.
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untilWhat 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.
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untilThis playdate has been canceled and is in the process of being rescheduled. Please check the NPN calendar soon for the new date. We are sorry for this inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding. Join LEEP Forward and NPN for Autumn Adventures! This sensory-friendly, inclusive event is designed for all children, ages 2-5, with siblings of all ages welcome to join in the fun! Embrace the magic of autumn with a variety of engaging activities that promote exploration and creativity: Children can dive into our Leaf Sensory Bin filled with dried leaves, acorns, and other textures, or enjoy the Apple Sensory Bin where they can scoop and discover hidden treasures. We’ll have a Pumpkin Painting station where little artists can decorate mini pumpkins with non-toxic, washable paint, and a playdough Station featuring autumn colors for creative molding and shaping. For imaginative play, kids can dress up our friendly scarecrow using old clothes and hay, and relax in our Autumn Story Corner with cozy blankets and captivating fall-themed stories. Plus, don’t miss our guided Nature Walk, where everyone can collect autumn treasures! We will also have a bounce house for our little adventurers seeking more movement activities. Our event will also include a ball pit and sensory tables for more hands-on exploration. Finally, we’ll provide healthy, allergy-friendly snacks to keep everyone energized, and every family will be entered into a raffle for a night of respite or babysitting! Join us for a morning of sensory exploration, connection, and autumn fun in an inclusive environment. We can’t wait to see you there! Location: 1447 W Montrose NPN Playdates are free for NPN members. We ask non-members to contribute $20, which comes with a one-year NPN membership giving you free access to every playdate! Non-members, RSVP and then contribute HERE. If you are experiencing financial hardship, contact us at director@npnparents.org to ask about our fee-waived memberships and playdates.
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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. -
Embracing the Fall Transition: Establishing New Routines
NPN Sitaara posted an article in Articles Directory
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.
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