What to do when your child is viewing the world through not-so-rosy-colored glasses.  Read more...

Is your child no longer keen on getting lunch box notes from Mom—let alone “Mommy”—or does he drop your hand like a hot potato whenever another kid his age appears? Or perhaps he’s like my son, Noah, who recently put the brakes on my plans to chaperone his school field trip.  Read more...

Individual components of the traditional Thanksgiving table score pretty high in nutrition. A meal built around turkey, veggies and cranberries can be nutrient dense and low in calories.  Read more...

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You want your child to have a good relationship with his teacher, but is Facebook over the line?  Read more...

Criticism gives us insight into our own behavior and may even spur us to make positive changes in our lives — once we learn how to handle it.  Read more...

Lately, more families are turning to alternative remedies like homeopathy and herbal treatments to provide cold and flu relief for their children, and even conventional doctors are beginning to recognize their benefits.  Read more...

There's no secret ingredient to cooking with kids, but if you start small and stick with it, you can whip up something really special.  Read more...

Valen, Jeremiah, Brittney and two girls named Ariana are the stars of the Jr. Cuisine Cooking Show, a Chicago-crafted cooking show for kids by kids.  Read more...

Older moms, "caboose babies," and what to do when people think you're her grandmother.  Read more...

"Eat your veggies!" is a common refrain in many households, but two in three kids still aren't getting enough. But when veggies are fun and tasty, you'll hear fewer complaints. Get started.  Read more...

In marriage and parenthood, we often pretend to be OK with situations so as not to rock the boat. But denying what you feel to "keep the peace" will eventually eat away at you and your relationships.  Read more...

Stories from the wacky, messy and imperfect world of parenting  Read more...

I have stared into the gaping, drooly maw of death. I have teetered on the brink of imminent demise. Now every day is a gift. I take time to smell the cappuccino. I live in the moment, not worrying about tomorrow because yesterday, I tried to teach my ADD daughter how to drive.  Read more...

I never imagined allowing my children to eat potato chips for lunch. No, I would serve well-balanced meals every single day, follow the baby book completely, and my house would be spotless. Oops.  Read more...

I recently got a call about a new job. Not the mid-level job I have now, but a REAL job, with lots of money, responsibility and a long commute. The American Dream. What now?  Read more...

Grandparents let their grandkids get away with anything. Maybe it's their way of dealing with the guilt of not allowing their own kids to do fun things.  Read more...

It's coming - and quickly. Winter in Chicago is a force to be reckoned with, so before the full force of a cranky Mother Nature descends on us, here are five ways to get ready for The Big Chill.  Read more...

If you're nervous about your child's parent-teacher conference, know this: The teacher is probably just as nervous as you are.  Read more...

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Beneath all that bickering, there's important social development. New research shows that having a sibling promotes kids' sense of well-being and belonging.  Read more...

We know interior design may fall pretty low on your to-do list when the kids are covered with gravy and the in-laws are on their way, but don't neglect the ambience. Chicago interior designers share their best tips for Thanksgiving décor.  Read more...

Rachel Gordon Singer, a Lombard mom and creator of a popular couponing blog shares her tips for finding freebies on Facebook.  Read more...

As we teeter on the cusp of celebrating family togetherness, it’s pretty clear from the falling temps and rising necklines that autumn is upon us. Cosmotot gathered the changing season’s latest fall-minded finds from area locals to keep the kiddies cute and cozy.  Read more...

Mystic Pizza isn't just a Julia Roberts classic. It's a place where kids can make their own pizza, Dad can catch the game, and Mom can get a night off from dinner duty.  Read more...

From mittens for stroller-pushing hands to a do-good doll, here's what we're loving this month.  Read more...

The Gunkel family tells us why Edison Park is ... their kind of town.  Read more...

Brian Sheridan spends his days teaching business at an Elmhurst high school, but you know him better as the bassist for kids' band Ralph's World.  Read more...

Bring a smile to a soldier's face this holiday season with a care package. Get started with this American flag craft.  Read more...