Genia Chase, 4, of Chicago, and Mousse the chocolate lab have a ball at North Ave. Beach.  Read more...

Some of our family's biggest successes have involved teaching our family-favorite recipes. Our disasters have all involved ratatouille. Either way, Sunday dinner is a mainstay at our house -- make it one at yours, too.  Read more...

Long before Facebook and Twitter, Neighborhood Parents Network was connecting city parents to one another. It's still doing it today, as it celebrates 30 years.  Read more...

Pushing yourself to be perfect can set you up for failure and even hurt your kids in the process.  Read more...

"Can we pleeeeease get a pet?" You've gotten the question; here's how to find the right answer for your family.  Read more...

Right about this time, your bag of summer-fun tricks may be nearing empty. Time for a little refill!  Read more...

Sibling squabbles can put a cloud over otherwise happy family vacations and summer activities—especially when children are spending more time with each other. Try these temper-cooling tips.  Read more...

Research shows kids can lose up to three months of learning over the summer. Try these tips to keep brain drain at bay.  Read more...

One of the things I’ve put off for far too long is a summer visit to Maine to re-introduce my kids to where I grew up.  Read more...

My daughter’s preschool teacher died and I couldn’t get myself to tell her. When I finally did, it was too late.  Read more...

I was ready to become a mother to boys. However, I wasn’t completely prepared for the culture shock that accompanied the ride.  Read more...

There’s more to building a sand castle than simply fantasizing about antiques. You’re not just building a sand castle; you’re creating a legacy. Do it right.  Read more...

Meredith Sinclair is turning 40 this year, but she's full of ways to stay young at heart (and only one of them involves lingerie).  Read more...

Did you go a little overboard at the farmers' market? Don't waste your extra fruit -- turn it into fruit leather!  Read more...

ChatRoulette, a video chat program that allows users with a Web cam to randomly connect with other chatters, is not your garden-variety social site. It's also not a place for kids.  Read more...

You don’t have to do any driving, someone else makes the picnic lunch and a guide entertains both you and your kids. Oh, and it's under $50 for a family of four.  Read more...

When “Shrek the Musical” opens up downtown this month, local actor Eric Petersen will take on two big roles: Shrek and first-time dad.  Read more...

Looking to fiddle away some time outdoors while listening to great music? Our pick: The Chicago Folk & Roots Festival July 10-11.  Read more...

Alena packs up the kids and heads to Toyota Park, where she finds plenty of fun in "the beautiful game."  Read more...

Who says barbecue can only be a summer indulgence? Uncle Bub's in Westmont serves up finger-lickin' goodness all year round.  Read more...

Lincoln Park's new Cookie Bar is the perfect spot for an after-school, after-theater or after-zoo pick-me-up.  Read more...

With all that's new and old at the Field Museum, a Sue-centered visit is a great way to spend a summer day.  Read more...

Make it a family goal this summer to decrease screen time. (This includes your Facebook addiction, mom and dad!)  Read more...

In choosing a doctor for your child, remember "choosing" is the operative word. It's a choice, so make it an informed one.  Read more...

You always knew it, but now there's proof: Mom's voice is soothing to kids.  Read more...

We’ve been hearing more about the risk of postpartum depression in mothers. But there’s another population that’s been left out: fathers.  Read more...

The debate over daycare continues, but a new long-term study finds it can give kids an academic boost as they hit their teenage years.  Read more...

Music integrates the mind and the body and helps strengthen sensory integration, a critical factor when it comes to reading and math readiness and achievement.  Read more...

It's our job as parents to make sure our children are well versed in the classics of children’s music. Long after the latest music superstar has faded, these gems will continue to shine.  Read more...

Americans' love affair with salt is linked to hypertension, heart attack, stroke, renal disease and decreased bone density. Dump the dash with these salt-free cooking tips.  Read more...

It may be Independence Day, but our children may not be quite ready for the independence they crave—or, perhaps, that we give them. How much is too much?  Read more...

Asking serious questions of your child's potential doctor isn't being a stickler. It's being a good parent. Here are a few to get you started.  Read more...