On the cover: Ron Rains and Roni Akurati play Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim in Goodman's "A Christmas Carol."
More than 150 children vied for the coveted roles of Tiny Tim and assorted waifs in the Goodman Theatre's 34th production of "A Christmas Carol." We've got behind the scenes views of what the process was like. Read

More than 150 children vied for the coveted roles of Tiny Tim and assorted waifs in the Goodman Theatre's 34th production of "A Christmas Carol." We've got behind the scenes views of what the process was like. Read more...

Goodman associate artistic director Steve Scott gives us the scoop on what goes on during those Christmas Carol auditions. Read more...

So what's it like to play the focal point in a big holiday show? Chicago Parent editor Tamara O'Shaughnessy sat down with Roni Akurati, who plays Tiny Tim in the Goodman's A Christmas Carol. Read more...
Expert judges and child testers have selected the most engaging books, magazines, apps, software, video games and websites for this year's National Parenting Publications Awards Gold Winners. This list will help you find the right gifts this holiday season. Read more...

Expert judges and child testers have selected the most engaging books, magazines, apps, software, video games and websites for this year's National Parenting Publications Awards Gold Winners. This list will help you find the right gifts this holiday season. Read more...
NAPPA's best music for kids 0 to 92. Read more...
NAPPA has two award winners in the spoken word category. Read more...

One of the unintended consequences of the new toy safety regulations is that small toy manufacturers have had to pull out of the U.S. market. Some say the regulations are too one-size-fits-all. Others say less choice is the price we must pay for safety. Chicago Parent took a look at the debate. Read more...
Chicago Parent has found six people this year who demonstrate that making a difference doesn't take a lot of money, power or influence. It simply takes passion to make real change, one voice and one person at a time. Read more...

When it comes to the holidays, more and more families of different faiths are coming together to share their traditions and friendship Read more...

Creative ideas for quality family time at home. Read more...

Devin Hester gets to play Santa Claus this season - and visit some very cool places with little Devin. Read more...

Jennifer DuBose with some great tips on working together, communicating and having fun with your kids. Read more...
Indulge for your holiday, but get right back on track for healthy eating the next day. Read more...

Accidental poisonings do happen. What you need to know. Read more...

Moms are often busy buying gifts for everybody else, but Meredith Sinclair has some gift ideas for women. Read more...
Children under 2 should not play with computers or watch TV, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Our columnist, Sharon Cindrich, knows that, realistically, that's not going to happen. Read more...

Has your little one always wanted to dance in the Nutcracker? Here's a chance - no matter what her skill level. Read more...

Leaving the fashion industry for motherhood, Pamela Thompson turns to making clothes for her favorite childhood doll. Read more...

Chat Mats ask some intriguing questions that kids can answer and discuss at their own level. Check 'em out for a great stocking stuffer or party idea. Read more...

Alena Murguia took her sons to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's kid series, with lunch included. Read more...
Carlucci in Downers Grove is fit for a family night and a date night. Read more...
Sometimes you just have to take the kids to the mall. Coats, bags and crowds can be a hassle, but some places make shopping fun. Here are three of our picks to keep your kids happy while they get dragged around shopping. Read more...

19-year-old Zach Gebis programs a light show that encompasses his entire house - and attracts visitors from all over Chicago. Read more...

With money tight, your kids may not get the toys and electronics their friends get. Here are some common sense steps to help them handle the disappointment. Read more...
A new online service allows you to get a doctor's appointment anytime you want - even in the middle of the night. Read more...

Own your own business? There are advantages for everybody involved to hire your kids. Read more...
A Chicago mom has created a service that vets telecommuting jobs for parents who want a flexible schedule. Read more...

Cranberries aren't just for eating. And if you bought too many, here are some great ways to get rid of them. Read more...

13 countries in five years for little Vivien. Read more...

Five Chicago kids were chosen to be part of Ralphie's gang in the tour of "A Christmas Carol, the Musical," running Dec. 14-30 at the Chicago Theatre. Read more...
Five Chicago kids made the cut for the tour of A Christmas Story, the Musical. Here is a bit of info on each of them Read more...

Kids are learning more and more about renewable energy and green resources, but they often don't know the specifics. This new exhibit at Kohl Children's Museum remedies that. Read more...