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Archives 2004
On the cover:
Computing
October, 2004 Read more...
Letters
October, 2004 Read more...
'Kids' Play' aimed at parents, too
Smart love
November, 2004 Read more...
They love; they hate it
When it comes to toys and games, fifth-graders have definite opinions: They either love them or hate them, with little in between. Read more...
Adventure of a lifetime
The Pendergrasts love to travel. They have long wanted to see Australia, Europe and Asia. Now they will—all in the next six months. Read more...
Sleepwalking, a real eye-opener
State of the child-health
Recall roundup
Talking our way to better preschools
Editorials
Hunting for treasure the 21st century way
Are alternative medicines safe for kids?
BOOKS
Not making the grade
How to choose?
Sneaking zucchini into snack competition
Listen to the world
News roundup
After 6 p.m.
Don't just shovel that snow
Ready, set, create
Too much? Too little?
Too much? Too little?
Lactation consultants support new nursing mothers
Mom works to make life easier for parents
One on One with Ella Jenkins
Tuesday's Child helps every day of the week
Ten tips
Speeding to the top
There's nothing better than running like the wind
Parenting Myths: #3
Essay
Living on one income in a two-income world
News analysis
She's their grandmother, but I want my mommy
Growing grass–and kids–safely
VIDEO
Summer reading for tweens
Read any good books lately? We have.
Read more...
MUSIC
Are we there yet?
3 to 6 p.m.:You struggle, search and still sometimes settle
Teeing it up
A gentler way to give birth?
Reader essay
Ten tips
The resale price is right for parents
Reader essay
Look who's watching now
Extraordinary Parent
Reader essay
Get away
Get away
Seeing more clearly now
Music
October, 2004 Read more...
Kids' corner
Books
October, 2004 Read more...
Spotlight
Recall roundup
New stories for the new year
My children have two favorite phrases: “There’s nothing to do!” and “I’m bored!” Those are phrases I do not enjoy hearing, especially when their Hanukkah gifts have barely had time to find a place on the shelf. Here are three new recordings that will come in handy when your offspring have tired of their “I must have” holiday gifts.
Read more...Divvying up the household chores
Reader essay
Computing
November, 2004 Read more...
Spotlight
From the editor
Editorials
VIDEO
BOOKS
COMPUTING
Storytelling
Reclaiming the sandlot
Museums are more fun when they're free
Depression doesn't always wait for delivery
Surviving the happy crisis
Don't try to ignore war
The problem of the Failing Student
Father's Day: A brief herstory
Full-time dads want to move beyond Mr. Mom moniker
Filling the unfillable void
Finding urban nature
Recall roundup
kids' Corner
Breastfeeding may reduce infant mortality
Computerizing care
Whooping cough on the rise
By the numbers
Up a tree
It's back to school for principals, too
UIC to lead breastfeeding efforts
Recall roundup
Reader poll
Child critics travel to Italy
Just what is an IEP?
Three little letters that can make or break your child's education path. Read more...
Lunch box love
By the numbers
Prepping for preschool
Getting into the rhythm of teaching
Kiddie lit
Books, by the set
ZZZ’s are important for ABC’s
If you think it’s tough to get your child to sleep, you are not alone. In fact, you’re in the majority. About 80 percent of preschool and school-aged children resist bedtime, according to a recent “Sleep in America” poll from the National Sleep Foundation.
Read more...Parenting Resources
Find A Copy
60004
Arlington Heights Library, 500 N Dunton, Arlington Heights
Baby Depot, 50 W. Rand Rd., Arlington Heights
Box @ Metra Station, Arlington Park Race Track, Arlington Heights
Barnes & Noble, 13 W Rand Rd, Arlington Heights
Kidsnips, 356 E Rand Rd, Arlington Heights
Language Stars, 111a N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights
Score, 318 E Rand Rd, Arlington Heights
Teachers Schoolbox, 764 E. Rand Road, Arlington Heights
60007
Elk Grove Village Library, 1001 Wellington, Elk Grove Village
Elk Grove Township Daycare, 711 Chelmsford, Elk Grove Village
Elk Grove Park District, 225 E. Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove Village
Jump N Jiggles, 1000 W
Read more...
Easing the tension
Showcasing talents of assembly acts
Sugar in moderation for you and the kids
Wonder Dad
Tweens
The simple secrets to museum hopping
Reader essay
Letters
November, 2004 Read more...
Reader poll - November 2004
The Polar Express becomes an action story on the big screen
When Chris Van Allsburg published his Caldecott-Medal-winning book The Polar Express in 1985, he did not include a runaway train barreling down a roller-coaster-steep incline. His story of a boy who wants proof Santa Claus exists is a gentle one with comforting drawings and quiet prose. Read more...
Kids' corner
Fantasy series ‘Abarat’ is long, but worth it
If you’re into fantasy, this is definitely the book for you. This is the first book in the Abarat series by Clive Barker, and there is a second out right now. The third and the forth, plus three movies, will be coming out later. (I know all of this because I met the author at a book signing.)
Read more...
Recall roundup
The following is a sampling of the products recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission from Oct. 14 to Nov. 11. A complete list of recalled children’s products is available at www.chicagoparent.com. For more information, call (800) 638-2772 or visit www.cpsc.gov. Read more...
Shining stars
Natalie Watts wants to be a Broadway star. And, even though she’s only 8, she’s getting closer to her dream. Read more...
What are they watching?
Television: realities, risks and recommendations
The golden age of Chicago children's TV
Live and onstage: lessons for kids
What's in an allowance?
How does that child's brain work?
Reader essay
The long-term effects of 9/11
Reader essay
Slipping through the cracks
Renovation can bring out the lead
Meet Myron
Talking about adoption
Happy anniversary to us
If we are the epicenter, where is the action?
Meet Myron
The Asthma Van is here
Following the money
Tips for easing fears
Volunteering as a way to remember 9/11
X marks this genetic disorder
Smart love
Everyday amazements
From the publisher
EDITORIAL
Letters
Getaways
MUSIC
BOOKS
STORYTELLING
VIDEO
COMPUTING
Fighting the ravages of lead
Starring Shel Silverstein ...
Encourage election excitement in 2004
News roundup
Nukes and kids don't mix
Recall roundup
SPOTLIGHT
Kids' corner
History of the jack-o-lantern
By the numbers
Buster series on WTTW
Go fly a kite
When your doll's in pain
Brace your child for Halloween fun
Kids' Play' aimed at parents, too
Flash that toothless grin</font></strong></font><strong><font size="3"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br> </font></font><font size="2" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Capturing your ba
Getaways
October, 2004 Read more...
Everyday amazements
November, 2004 Read more...
Smart love
October, 2004 Read more...
Tweens & teens
October, 2004 Read more...
Eating well
October, 2004 Read more...
By the numbers
History of the jack-o-lantern
Starring Shel Silverstein ...
About Us
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Chicago Parent is an award-winning, free monthly news magazine offering information, inspiration, perspective and empathy to parents in the Chicago metropolitan area. Chicago Parent tries to give the best and most current information, from our reviews to our features to our editorials to our columnists. We emphasize stories with a local focus and to keep that, we use writers from the metropolitan area. When we address broader topics, such as adoption or education, we emphasize local experts and resources. Chicago Parent also asks our readers to be part of the magazine, whether that Read more... Poll callStorytelling October, 2004 Read more... Video October, 2004 Read more... Meet MyronNo noncommercial toys?<body link="#336666" onLoad="MM_preloMUSIC</font><br> Variety is the spice of these CDsCOMPUTINGSTORYTELLINGBOOKSVideoGang CultureSummer camp from the inside outParenting Myths: #2Healthy childA DAD'S LIFEEating wellMy daughter is not sleeping, neither am IMoving beyond the movie battle<Babies, books and the bunnyBook rescues new parents with good advice, humorI'm no ‘ho. I'm Mom.Pregnancy: Don't discriminateSchools seize opportunity to helpWith college looming, what's a parent to do?Bridging the mom-daughter communications gapKid's CornerSpotlightEpilepsy hits kidsA vacation from hibernationBy the numbersRecall roundupPut some boom in your boomboxDinosaur display delightsGrand BoohbahsExhibit revisits the days of Bears, Bulls, CubsEnvisioning life on MarsFrom the editorEditorialsCOMPUTINGMUSICBOOKS: Mother Goose for the 21st centuryVIDEOChicago my kind of town for children's musicDo kids need special dentists?To wait or not to waitDragonfly TV debuts on WTTWHealthy childA DAD'S LIFELettersEating wellSmart LoveTweens & teensLaughing mattersBook shelfGet awaysStoryteller weaves flannel talesPower freaks: To know them is to avoid themKid's CornerRecall RoundupCare center bares its colorful soulBy the numbersRaising the bar in bar mitzvahNew department shows Daley's commitment to kidsLet go of the guiltExtraordinary ParentThe great diaper debate continuesBowling is now a family affairThe right to chooseCreating the village that will raise the childrenTen tipsTravelin' aroundConsumer POVMuslim children join pilgrimage to MeccaNurturing a love of reading in childrenReader PollHealthy childWonder DadEating wellSmart loveTweensEveryday amazementsBook shelfFrom the editorEditorialsLettersMUSICVIDEOSBOOKSCOMPUTINGThe new adultTravelin' aroundTen tipsVolunteeringTravelin' aroundTravelin' aroundParenthood the second time aroundBeing the pregnant grandmotherOne size no longer fits allYou could not, would not want to missNews roundupSurviving parent-teacher conferencesTree's companyTwo guides point parents to childcareThis is nutsSoy what?And the Newbery should go to...Namaste for everyoneBookshelfJanuary 2005 Read more... LSC recruitment on shaky groundAncient crocs invade nature museumKids' CornerHealthy childWonder DadEating wellSmart loveTweens and teensEveryday AmazementsBook shelfFrom the editorLettersBOOKSMUSICCOMPUTINGVIDEOKeeping kosher in a fast food worldRole ModelsCatholics get when they give during LentCamp SpotlightKeeping Kosher in a fast food worldManagement expert takesTime is right for giving the TV a restNo TV? Here's your to do listExtraordinary ParentThe science of PeepReader pollNews roundupKids' cornerBeing paid to do a mother's workSaving the worldPint-sized prodigiesBy the numbers...A poem for MomTen tipsMompreneursGrassroots supportTraining for lifeSolving a piece of the school budget puzzleBlocks build children's brainsRecall roundupHealthy childWonder DadLettersEating wellSmart loveTweensEveryday amazementsBookshelfGetawaysFrom the editorEditorialsCOMPUTINGMUSICBOOKSVIDEOInstrumental music as brain foodDesperately seeking childcareExtraordinary ParentWhich instrument is right?Fostering a love of dance<Painting the futureRecall roundupKids' cornerSpotlightAutism questions?Affording America's pasttimeBy the numbersBy the numbersFrom socks to sleeping bagsFamilies get their kicks togetherMusic for the whole familyTeaching kids reading is funMovie rating madnessHome for the holidayDivorcing wellSculpture gets kids thinkingMy perfect Mother's Day is...Playing without painHealthy childWonder DadLettersEating wellSmart loveTweensEveryday amazementsBookshelfGetawaysA pack of promisePreparing the wayMusic lures customers, jogs memoriesFishing can be hazardous to your baby's healthWonder DadLettersStaying healthy on the roadSmart loveHelp teens make the most of their moneySports on TV: Where the girls aren'tFunny family man wears thin with cliched materialGetawaysFrom the editorEditorialsVIDEOSTORYTELLINGHere's looking at you kidMake your own movieWhat the ratings don't sayReader essayReader essayReader essayGet the lead outTen tipsCelebrating on the lakeDon't have too much sun in your funRecall roundupKids' cornerPreemies' prospects improveSooieeeeeKaboomStopping stutteringDecorating natureMake your own funSave when you spendWonder DadEating wellSmart loveTweensEveryday amazementsBookshelfFrom the editorEditorialLettersCOMPUTINGSTORYTELLINGCricket still a literary giant with little peopleSchool's in for summerMother's (and father's) little helperWill junk food be expelled?Kids' cornerGoing apeBrushing up on baby skillsStarry, starry nightsPoll callRecall roundupSpotlightView-Master at 65By the numbersSpiders spin into the FieldRecall roundupNukes and kids don't mixNews roundupEncourage election excitement in 2004Renovation can bring out the leadSlipping through the cracksFollowing the moneyThe Asthma Van is hereIf we are the epicenter, where is the action?State of the child - healthHappy anniversary to usTalking about adoptionBrace your child for Halloween funBuster series on WTTWVideo November, 2004 Read more... Storytelling November, 2004 Read more... Few changes plannedMy daughter, the presidentEditorialOctober, 2004 Read more... From the publisher October, 2004 Read more... Surfing safelyKids can help, tooAuthor, authorBy the numbersFighting the ravages of leadMeet MylesSupport our troops (and their kids)Product reviewsYes, ma’am, that’s rightTen tips Expert advice to make the musical struggle easier Read more... Let’s talk turkey, maybe even peanut butter and Hershey’s Kiss cookies2004 Gift Guide - Music2004 Gift Guide - VideosShe’s always been telling talesNo need to whisper about sexual explorationEating well January 2005 She was seeking courage for her sonNo limo, but her work is goldenEditorialsNovember, 2004 Read more... From the editor November, 2004 Read more... Eating wellNovember, 2004 Read more... January Calendar
Chicago Parent welcomes information about events of interest to families in the Chicago metropolitan area. Calendar listings are free. The deadline for the February issue is Jan 11. Cuneo Museum and Gardens presents tours through its grounds and lighted Families. 1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills. (847) 362-3042,www.lake-online.com/cuneo/. Winter WonderFest Flash that toothless grinWhen your doll's in painGo fly a kiteReader InputChicago Parent welcomes letters from its readers. In order to publish a letter, we must have the name and phone number of the writer, and the name of the town in which he or she resides. Names can be withheld upon request. We may edit letters for space or clarity. We will not divulge the address or phone numbers of letter-writers, or forward messages to them. Mail
Susy Schultz, Editor: sschultz@chicagoparent.com. Editorial Calendar
August 2004 September 2004 October 2004 November 2004 December 2004 January 2005 February 2005Read more... Books November, 2004 Read more... Flu, whooping cough a double threat to babiesKids’ corner Heartworks, a heartfelt project to honor Veterans Day Read more... How am I going to wrap that?Getaways November, 2004 Read more... January Ongoing
This section features events and programs that are held on four or more dates during the month. Exhibits "Devonian Marine Fossils from Germany" "To Serve and Protect: All About Aprons ," untie the history of aprons from fashion to function at the Elmhurst Historical Museum, Jan. 11-March 27. Tues.-Sun. 1-5 p.m. Familie Read more...Holiday Gift GuideEditorialOctober, 2004 EditorialsNovember, 2004 Reader poll - November 2004Baby’s first photo -in utero Baby Makayla Quin was blocking her face as her parents watched, hoping to get a glimpse of what she would look like. Finally, it happened. Makayla moved her hands away from her face, and her parents saw her for the first time. Makayla had been in her mother’s womb for 28 weeks, and her parents desperately wanted a picture. Read more... Give us educational equityA generation of children has graduated from public school in the years since Illinois lawmakers first talked seriously about revamping the way the state’s public schools are funded. Read more...February Calendar
Chicago Parent welcomes information about events of interest to families in the Chicago metropolitan area. Calendar listings are free. The deadline for the March issue is Feb 7. “Brundibar,” the children’s opera, is performed at Naperville North High School, 7 p.m. Families. $10 adults, $5 children, seniors and students. 899 Mill St., Naperville. (630) 369-9679. 2 WEDNESDAYRead more... A public service announcementA hands-on Muslim traditionCoping with grief at the holidaysUnscrambling the scribblesCan a school make differentiation work?Lisa Warner teaches according to the “Goldilocks principle.” She wants to make sure nothing is too hard or too easy for a child. Every lesson needs to be just right. Read more... Do toys have to be boy vs. girl? The gender lines were drawn, and neither side on the great boy-girl divide was willing to cross to a compromise position when we first asked Laura Anderson’s fourth-grade class at McKinley Elementary School in South Holland to draw up the best and worst toy lists. Read more... A split vote from third-graders Despite having 20 different toys—from LEGOs to a remote control car to games—Melissa Ingram’s third-grade class at Wesley Elementary in Addison got most excited about a cardboard box. Read more... Please, let it last more than one day Magna-Tiles is one of those rare toys: It gets high marks from children, parents and teachers. The kindergartners in Kristin Larson’s class at McCarty Elementary School in Aurora also recommend the Crocodile Dentist game and the Play-Doh Dohville Fuzzy Friends Farm. Read more... Interactivity is key to success The last thing you want is a toy your child can use to poke another child in the eye. Kindergartners at Grace’s Place preschool in Naperville did just that with a remote control car. Read more... Swinging singers At 4, Allegra Rosenberg and Talia Wertico started singing. At 7, they made their first CD. Now, at 9, they are performing gigs and taking to the studio. Read more... Can sing, will travel Anika Zima, 11, and her brother, George, 10, love to sing—which led their mom, Sharon, to sign them up for Kinderchor, the German-American Children’s Chorus of Chicago. Read more... Make good of dirty diapers One child can produce approximately one ton of soiled disposable diapers by the time he or she is toilet-trained. With 125 million babies born worldwide in the last year, and the vast majority of parents in industrialized nations using plastic-based diapers, that’s a lot of, well, waste. Read more... Display of the sugarplum bearsYou better watch out Shengdan Laoren is on his way. Which is what the Chinese call Father Christmas, which is what the English call Papa Noel, which is what the Peruvians call—well, you know, Santa Claus. If you are counting the days to Christmas, you might want, also, to know Santa by the numbers. Read more... Stories of celebration The end of the calendar year means we are about to celebrate a variety of holidays. Each year, many new books are published marking these holidays, especially Christmas. To help your celebration, here are my reviews of several new books. Please accept my best wishes for the season as well as a very happy New Year. Read more...Watch these through the eyes of a child I had the strangest feeling watching this month’s selections. “Popeye’s Voyage: The Quest for Pappy” brought back memories of my childhood, when I asked my mom for absolutely horrid canned spinach so I could be strong like Popeye. Read more...Bringin’ back the classics This month brings a mixed bag of musical delights perfect for the upcoming gift-giving season. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, winter solstice or some other holiday, music is a perfect gift for children and families to enjoy together. Since everyone is on a time-critical schedule, we will get right to some great music recommendations. Read more...A simple Christmas story It’s a simple story, about a child and about love. Or is it so simple? There’s a teenage mother, being dragged around by a man, without her family, trying to find a place to start her family and welcome to life her beautiful gift from God. Read more...Teaching your kids the values of moneyCreating the gratitude trackA tentative bonding on the river, Mississippi River cruise This is a story of the best intentions. And how, sometimes, they aren’t enough. The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. wants families to think of its riverboat cruises in much the same way retirees already do—as a destination of choice. To that end, the company has created what it calls “riverbonding” cruises. Read more...‘Grossology’ goes to the dogs... and cats and other animalsShedding light on rituals Candles play a major role in two cultural celebrations this month: Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. In one, candles symbolize the history of the Jewish people. In the other, the candles celebrate African culture and principles. Read more... Ten tips Let children lead the way when courting friends Read more... Giving the gift of food Welcome to the annual shopping marathon, a competitive sport in which harried parents race to fill the family’s ever-growing gift list, only to be met with the prize of exhaustion and frustration at the finish line. Read more... Reader essay One is holy, the other is fun Read more... Ten tips 10 terrific ideas for the perfect teacher gift Read more... There’s a few good wrinkles in this bookHow can I protect my overly curious toddler?SpotlightStudios attract them with single gender classes Read more... The vegan adventure, part 2He looked at me across the table at the restaurant. His eyes were wide. “Mom?” Read more...Is it immaturity? ADHD? Or what? The phone calls started the second month of first grade. “Your son won’t sit still ... your son won’t write in his journal ... your son sat for 10 minutes just twirling his pencil ... ” Read more...We’re all in this tepee together Oprah touches on it. Dr. Phil offers his advice. Even Sharon and Ozzy speak out. It seems that everyone has an opinion on how to incorporate blended families and, as a member of this growing faction, I welcome their step-by-step instructions. Read more... Make 2005 a year your children will remember A new year means a new calendar. What should be a harmless collection of boxes and numbers often becomes a family’s dictator as parents juggle carpooling, classes, field trips and birthday parties. Where, in all this back and forth, do we find time to pass our values on to the next generation? How do we carve out quality time and make lifelong memories? Read more... Make sure your children’s presents are safe Did the kids receive everything they wanted for the holidays? Did the gift-givers check their lists against the list of previously recalled products? Read more... Bilingual theater uses speech, signingBuilding girl (and parent) power Twelve years ago, Nancy Gruver was navigating the choppy waters of middle school with her twin daughters. Read more...Magic halfway around the world, Kauai, Hawaii I had no burning desire to go to Hawaii. If I was going to spend that much money taking the children on a trip, Europe was my choice, I thought. Read more...There are two sides to this island, Maui and Lanai, Hawaii The words would not leave my head. For weeks before I boarded the plane, I was singing, mischievous, marvelous, magical Maui from the chorus of “Maui, Hawaiian Supaman,” by the late, great Hawaiian singer-songwriter Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Read more...Say beautiful 850 times and you’re there, Oahu and Maui, Hawaii Kylie,” I call, “we need to start writing our article about Hawaii. Have you been thinking about it?” She answers, “How many words does it have to be?” (I’m proud. She’s learning writer’s lingo.) “About 850 words,” I say. “That’s easy,” she says, “just type the word beautiful 850 times.” Read more...Start Thinking Summer Unless you are a Chicago parent who happens to be reading this from afar, you are—like it or not—in the cold. And while most of us are dreaming of summer, few of us have given a thought to summer camp. Read more... Going beyond homeschool to unschooling Deborah Niemann-Boehle is a writer who is currently writing a book on newspaper freelancing, as well as another on homeschooling. She lives with her husband, children and many animals in Cornell, about 95 miles southwest of Chicago. Read more... Oh, my aching backWithout a word, he can draw kids inChasing BlueBookshelf November, 2004 Read more... Everyday amazementsOctober, 2004 Read more... Tweens & teensNovember, 2004 Read more... Reader poll - February 2005Computers as learning tools Whenever I wonder whether computers are, in fact, just another toy for kids, something surprises me. Recently, I noticed my 8-year-old son can add fairly large numbers in his head. I discovered he’d learned all that addition by memorizing the answers to a computer game he plays over and over. Wow. Read more...Great books popping up all over I always have been intrigued by pop-up books. Now they are getting more intricate and are filled with finer detail. New books contain fascinating pictures that can be enjoyed by all ages while presenting favorite classic stories. Many pages have fragile parts that require adult supervision to ensure they survive to be enjoyed for many years. Read more...Studebaker Museum has something for everyone If your family is like mine, you are always on the look-out for activities that will entertain even the most discerning members (OK, kid-friendly activities that a no-more-crafts Dad can handle). Read more... Toys with staying power The criteria were pretty simple: If the kids thought it was fun and the teacher thought it was educational, the toy was a winner with the second-graders in Katie Rauch’s class at East Elementary School in north suburban Lake Bluff. Read more... Reader poll - February 2005Is it safe?Add a booster?Shuffle, ball, changeSearching for a reason for SIDSHere's looking at youExtraordinary ParentTen tipsSharing your wealthHealthy childWonder DadLettersEating wellSmart loveTeensEveryday amazementsBookshelfGetawaysFrom the editorEditorialsBOOKSSTORYTELLINGMUSICVIDEOSParents need babying, too Obstetrics nurses know that newborns aren’t the only people in need of babying. Rookie parents often need it, too. From that knowledge was born a new business for Grace Diegel and Karyn Lasin. Read more... Snow days Winter is here, which in Chicago normally means blustery winds, subzero temperatures and drifting snow. It also means the possibility of every kid’s dream—snow days. Read more... Getting in the swing of thingsAt 14, Stephanie Flaksman spends 20 hours a week hanging out—at the gym, not the mall. As a result, earlier this year she earned a spot as one of eight members of USA Gymnastics’ junior national rhythmic gymnastics team. Read more... Products you need, products you don’t From baby wipes warmers to flushing portable potty trainers, parents are bombarded with new must-have products. In our ongoing effort to help parents do the toughest job in the world, we are asking manufacturers to send us their products and passing them along to parents for testing. Here are their reviews. Read more... Sinai opens children’s hospitalTwo years ago, severe asthma kept Jordan Thompson, 12, from going to gym class or playing with his friends. “I had to stay in the house because of my asthma,” says Jordan. “It was hard for me to get up stairs because I was out of breath when I reached the top.” Read more...December OngoingThis section features events and programs that are held on four or more dates during the month.
This section features events and programs that are held on four or more dates during the month. Exhibits "Milestones in Medical Imaging: From X-Ray to Nuclear Medicine" opens Dec. 1 at the International Museum of Surgical Science, Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Families. $6 adults, $3 students and seniors. 1524 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago. (312) 642-6502, www.imss.org."Hero, Hawk, and Open Hand," Read more...LettersShould I make my toddler study harder?Your personal peace on earth The holidays are supposed to fill our homes with love and joy. But, often, we are snapping at our kids more than usual. Battling traffic, standing in lines, increasing our spending, entertaining guests, fitting in the pageants, the programs and the parties. It wears on our patience. We can feel as if the peace of the season is a far-fetched illusion. Make it creative, but keep it simple For a toy to be considered tops to a curious bunch of first-graders, three things are key—variety, creativity and simplicity. Read more... Toys for sick totsGoing in for surgery, no matter how routine, is a stressful experience for adults. It’s even more traumatic for children. They’re scared and feeling alone in an unfamiliar place. Read more... Bringing dreams to the stage A lawn chair for a king’s throne, a punk rock princess in a magical kingdom and a fairytale castle in the backyard. They’re all part of a little boy’s daydreams that become reality in Redmoon Theater’s 13th annual Winter Pageant starting Dec. 2. Read more... Stories to tickle their funny bones Yak. I can safely assume reading that word didn’t cause you to chuckle. Yet this was not the case when my youngest child was a toddler. He would sit quietly on my lap, listening to his favorite alphabet book until we would get to “Y.” As soon as I would mention that three-letter word, he would burst into laughter. Even though I enjoyed his glee, I never understood what caused it. Read more...It's back It’s supposed to be a joyous time of year—no matter what you celebrate. This is the time we wish peace on earth for all. Yet, as parents, our little piece of the earth seems to get cluttered and complicated as we navigate a sea of toys, commercials and our children’s wants. Read more... Stuff your stockings with CD-ROMs I do my Christmas shopping all year, so my gift drawer is usually overflowing by December. But despite my best planning, I always need a last-minute gift. My kids never tire of playing with the computer, so I tuck a few CD-ROMs in the drawer, just in case. Sometimes I hold onto the programs until after Christmas, when my kids are tired of playing with their new toys and need some quiet time. Here are a few CD-ROMS that will engage your kids and make great holiday gifts. Read more...Buy a better holiday We have reached that most magical time of year. These are weeks of celebrations, reconnecting with family, remembering all that is good and great about our lives and feeling at peace with the world. Read more... Time for a commercial break?LettersProducts you need, products you don’t From baby wipe-warmers to flushing portable potty trainers, parents are bombarded with new must-have products. In our ongoing effort to help parents do the toughest job in the world, we are asking manufacturers to send us their products and passing them along to parents and kids for testing and review. Read more... Let it snow .Just not too muchOh, the snow, the beautiful snow/Filling the sky and Earth below/Over the housetops, over the street. . . .” Read more... Unfortunate movie Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, an 11-book series about the lives of the Beaudelaire children, is really more of a series of downright devastating events, a phrase which here means “their house is burned down, their parents presumed dead and they are sent to live with the evil Count Olaf.” Read more... Accommodating kids at Chicago area attractions As a parent short on sleep, stretched tissue-paper thin, you sometimes find yourself annoyed at the little challenges of raising children—bathrooms too small to change a diaper, restaurants without children’s menus, stores with aisles too narrow for a stroller—to name a few. Hang in there—the “family friendly” concept to the rescue. But how can a weary parent tell when it is a hollow marketing gimmick or the real deal? Read more... Is your child safe on the road? The leading cause of death for children ages 2 to 14 is car accidents, but proper use of car seats and booster seats can reduce the risk of injury and death by as much as 71 percent, according to the the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Read more... Reader poll - January 20052004 Gift Guide - Books Over this past year, I’ve put several books aside that caught my attention for one reason or another. Sometimes because they were different. Other times because the author was a favorite of mine. The pile keeps changing as new ones arrive. It was really hard to limit myself to what you find below, but I hope you’ll enjoy the selection. Read more... Reader essay One editor’s search while guiding Chicago Parent through its adolescence Read more... 
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