On the cover:
Ghosts, witches, black cats and bats may fight for the spotlight this time of year, but the pumpkin reigns supreme as the season’s ultimate icon of harvest time and Halloween. Read

Tellin' Tales Theatre, a mentoring program that pairs middle-school kids and adults with disabilities, takes on the economy in its latest production, "Six Stories Up in the Economy," which runs Oct. 16-25. Read more...

Ghosts, witches, black cats and bats may fight for the spotlight this time of year, but the pumpkin reigns supreme as the season’s ultimate icon of harvest time and Halloween. Read more...

Two years after donating my egg to Robyn, I've realized I also received a gift -- a healthy child who will carry my genes even though I'm not technically her mother. Read more...

With a fatal mutation in her own genetic code, one couple finds a way to make their family complete. Read more...

Eeeeek! You’ve received an invitation to a Halloween party where parents have to dress up. While you may have spent days—even weeks—planning your child’s costume, you have no idea what to wear yourself. Read more...

When relationships crumble, what you can do to protect your kids' safety. Read more...

It may seem impossible to "civilize" a 1-year-old, but Dr. Harvey Karp swears by his toddler-taming techniques. Recently, Chicago Parent had the opportunity to chat with Karp one-on-one about how to raise a happy toddler. Read more...
The best way to protect kids is to teach them to protect themselves online. Here's how. Read more...

One in seven women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. But there are steps you can take to minimize your chances of getting sick -- and catch it early if you do. Read more...

When Jenny R. Turner’s two sons were diagnosed with multiple food allergies, the stay-at-home mom quickly became her family’s short-order cook. What she discovered can help your family, too. Read more...

It's the most important meal of the day, but as any parent knows, getting your kids to eat a healthy breakfast isn't always easy. We'll show you how. Read more...
We all want to save money. Check out these seven tips to try with your own family. Read more...

While Halloween can be a fine holiday for children, the night can be a scary experience for the parents of children with food allergies. What you need to know to avoid any tricks. Read more...
Three new CDs worth checking out this month for your family. Read more...
Four books not to miss this month. Read more...

Dr. Steven Dayan is giving back to inner city schoolchildren by offering them a chance for a college scholarship. Read more...

One mom's pursuit of the perfect birthday cake. Read more...
Lawmakers can play a huge role in protecting children when an order of protection is in place. Read more...

During a temper tantrum from her son, reader Annemarie Husser learns a lesson about the importance letting kids be who they are. Read more...
Why pretend to like 'Jane Eyre' when you could throw a fashion show? Chicago Parent blogger Meredith Sinclair has a few ideas to jazz up your girlfriends gathering. Read more...

Get the scoop on Breakdance Chicago and new products by Suave, Goody and Febreze. Read more...
The real answers to your questions about swine flu. Read more...
I don't care if my daughter reads the phone book, Nancy Drew or tales about pranksters and purple potty people-as long as she reads. Sometimes we must pick our battles. Read more...

Counteract the brain-rotting power of Halloween candy with some quality reading time this fall. Here are nine of our favorites to get your started. Read more...

Introduce your kids to print-making using veggies and fruit. Read more...

Jeff Corwin has dedicated his life to traveling the world in search of animals. Read more...
Nothing beats ice cream for a special family treat. Find ice cream heaven at Mitchell's Soda Shop. Read more...

The Museum of Science and Industry just made keeping your family healthy a little easier. Read more...

In 2007, Highland Park native Cebrin Goodman died of a heroin overdose. Last month, a new exhibit opened at the Robert Crown Center in Hinsdale, dedicated to Goodman and built to teach students the actual science behind "Just Say No." Read more...
Infants in car seats have mildly lower oxygen levels than babies in cribs, study shows. Read more...
How much you earn is less important than how much you know when it comes to boosting kids’ brain power. Read more...
It’s a fact that many are overlooking: Boys are simply not thriving in school. What you can do to make sure your son succeed. Read more...
A new report about the risks versus benefits of taking antidepressants during pregnancy confirms what many women already know: the choice is rarely clear, or easy. Read more...