Writer Kelly James-Enger shares the adoption of her daughter through her journal, which included three moms who changed their mind and 18 months of trying.  Read more...

Malika Ameen, pastry chef and single mom to three boys, is a contestant on a new "Top Chef" spinoff.  Read more...

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Everyone knows about "helicopter parents." But there's a countertrend picking up steam: hands-off parenting.  Read more...

From Chicago Parent staff and readers comes a list of 25 simple ways to, well, simplify. Staggered bedtimes, chore jars, solutions for leftovers and more.  Read more...

Promote your toddler's matching skills over breakfast with this simple cereal-based activity.  Read more...

Even after six good years in Detroit, we’ve always wondered what our lives would look like had we stayed in Chicago. So we decided to find out.  Read more...

Touch is as important to infants and children as eating and sleeping. Babies need touch to survive and thrive and those who don’t get it are often left with significant, lifelong emotional and psychological problems.  Read more...

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Blame Cinderella. Stepparents have a bad rap, and overcoming the built-in obstacles can be tough. Do it with patience, dedication and sensitivity.  Read more...

For parents with a diabetic child, Halloween can be worrisome. Treats abound the entire month of October, culminating in the big day of trick-or-treating.  Read more...

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Is your kid getting (or sending) rude texts? Resist the urge to cancel their texting plan - reach for the teaching moment instead.  Read more...

Maybe my kids won’t know how to mow grass, prune a hedge or change a tire, but they’re learning real-world skills—and I can put their allowance on PayPal.  Read more...

We all know sex takes a backseat when there are kids to be picked up, laundry to be done and dinner to be made. Meredith Sinclair is here with five tips to spice up your sex life - even when you're not in the mood.  Read more...

When I start driving with my kids, the car becomes part coffee klatch, part confessional, part philosophy seminar.  Read more...

Parents are always “on.” Our children are always watching us, learning and imitating. I’ve constantly taught my kids to be respectful and kind to others, but do I practice what I preach?  Read more...

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

Rory's voice goes up and down, a la puberty, in every sentence. And last night he grew to my eye level. The word "sucks" comes out now frequently and with vengeance. And, apparently overnight, he lost his memory.  Read more...

Fall is all about color: burnt oranges, rich browns and deep crimsons, to name a few. But it’s also a great opportunity to bring a little green into your home.  Read more...

Where have you gone, Superman? A new study today's superheroes are far from the good guys of the past - and lousy role models for young boys.  Read more...

Skype and iChat are popular programs that allow one-on-one video exchanges. Now, there are other options for families and friends who want to gather together online and share some face time, too.  Read more...

Rachel Singer Gordon of Lombard is a coupon queens - you know the type - but she wants you to be one, too.  Read more...

Their hair might change a few more times than you'd like, but your kids' personalities are pretty much set in stone at birth.  Read more...

Vinyl Attractions' new line of chalkboard vinyl cutouts make leaving notes for your kids fun. Getting them to listen? You're on your own.  Read more...

Envirosax are washable, strong and they come in fun patterns kids will love, a major upgrade over your standard store-provided reusable shopping bag.  Read more...

Of fresh, made-to-order food weren't enough to lure you in, Go Roma also offers "Kids Eat Free" every Sunday for lunch or dinner.  Read more...

With Printshop2.0, custom-made birthday cards can be made in minutes and flyers for the next bake sale at school will never look better.  Read more...

These water bottles are great, durable eco-friendly alternative to plastic bottles. Customize your own at mysigg.com.  Read more...

Life with a downy-headed, sweet-breathed newborn can be chaotic. To help, Cosmotot checks in with the greatest locals offering the latest baby coolness.  Read more...

Love the color of your neighbor's wall? Can't stand that crooked picture frame? Check out these apps for making home projects a snap.  Read more...

The Cone family tells us why Western Springs is ... their kind of town.  Read more...

Head just a short drive out of town for some of the Midwest's best apple-picking.  Read more...

Bike helmet? Check. The latest iPhone app for child safety comes from a Loyola pediatrician.  Read more...

After their son died of sudden cardiac arrest, Mary Beth and David Schewitz launched a screening program, arming teenagers with EKG machines.  Read more...