On the cover:
The headlines scream 'Obesity: An American epidemic.' In this "Choosing Healthy" package, you'll find information on the most recent obesity studies, tips to teach your kids better eating habits, and some inspiration for a healthier kitchen. Read
Readers respond to stories on breastfeeding, a controversial method of potty-training, and adoption. Read more...
We're well into winter and as every parent knows, the sniffles aren't far behind, if they haven't come already. Readers at ChicagoParent.com recently shared their best tips for trying to keep everyone in the house well. Read more...

After I lost my job, the balancing act between work and parenting no longer required a Herculean effort, and I found myself unsure and unmotivated. Without the tightrope tension of my former life, I was lost. Read more...
Bust through the "I'm-too-cool-for-you" exterior and reconnect with your budding teenager with these tips. Read more...

This is the parenting magazine in Chicago. So let's talk about that. Parenting never changes and yet, honest to God, I'm pretty certain that parenting is getting harder. Read more...
Luxury consignment? Yes, please! Read more...

Whether it's prepared from scratch or from a carton or can, soup has a lot going for it. Read more...

You've managed to stash that tangle of holiday lights, but what if you find yourself still mired in an emotional or relational tangle that no manner of holiday cheer managed to relieve? Read more...

The headlines scream 'Obesity: An American epidemic.' In this "Choosing Healthy" package, you'll find information on the most recent obesity studies, tips to teach your kids better eating habits, and some inspiration for a healthier kitchen. Read more...

With a second brand approved and recommendations for immunizing boys, the HPV vaccine is back in the headlines, sparking new questions and the same old debate. Read more...
From Dora to Barbie, from Playmobil to Pokemon, billions are spent every years marketing collectibles to kids. Here's how to manage the collecting habit -- and keep your closets in check. Read more...
Kick off the new year by resolving to dedicate one entire weekend a month as “family weekend,” a time to focus on bonding, having fun and building wonderful memories. Read more...

A growing number of school districts are turning to dual-language instruction, serving their Spanish-speaking students and broadening cultural horizons for their English speakers. Read more...

Chicago averages 10 inches of snow in January, and the Farmer's Almanac is predicting a doozie of a winter in 2010. So why fight it? Here's a bevy of snow-themed crafts, books and trivia tidbits to keep you going this month. Read more...
From drinking milk at every meal to switching off the tube, 12 tips to get the best out of your family dinner. Read more...
Lack of physical education in schools, high rates of poverty and scarce access to healthy foods may be at the heart of Illinois' childhood obesity problem, experts says. Read more...

Set your kids up with healthy habits for noshing with friends. Read more...

When you just can't bear the idea of venturing out in the blizzard, snuggle up with your little one and these winter-themed book ideas from Judy Belanger. Read more...
During a visit for the 2008 summer Olympics, Gertie, 13, of Winnetka, encountered the story of Dr. Ho Feng Shan, who is credited with saving thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. Gertie decided to turn her bat mitzvah into a research project on Ho. Read more...
Check out this list of parental "wisdoms" compiled by author Andy Andrews and add your own. Read more...

You might not think training a 10,000-pound killer whale to jump out of the water and potty-training your toddler have much in common. Think again. Read more...
You start out with the best of intentions, but research shows that most of us abandon our New Year's resolutions by mid-February. Here's how to avoid the burnout and keep your promises to yourself in 2010. Read more...

When it comes to edible jewelry, the candy necklace is king. Here's a more modern take on this classic that you can try with your kids. Read more...