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Chicago Parent  December 2011

On the cover: Ron Rains and Roni Akurati play Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim in Goodman's "A Christmas Carol."

  • The scoop on auditioning for 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

    Also inside:
  • Best Books

  • Best Music

  • New regulations don't toy with safety

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    Features

    The scoop on auditioning for 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...

    12 things to know about auditioning for Christmas Carol

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

    A teeny talk with Tiny Tim

    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...

    Best Books

    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...

    Best Magazines

    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...

    Best Music

    NAPPA's best music for kids 0 to 92.  Read more...

    Storytelling and Spoken Word

    NAPPA has two award winners in the spoken word category.  Read more...

    Best software, video games, websites, APPS and more
    New regulations don't toy with safety

    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...

    Six people who are making a difference

    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...

    Families of different faiths share holiday traditions

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

    5 family-friendly Friday nights

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

    Columns

    Chicago for the holidays

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

    Make things easier on yourself

    Jennifer DuBose with some great tips on working together, communicating and having fun with your kids.  Read more...

    Too many sugar plums dancing in their heads?

    Indulge for your holiday, but get right back on track for healthy eating the next day.  Read more...

    Accidental poisoning 411

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

    Gifts to slap on your wish list

    Moms are often busy buying gifts for everybody else, but Meredith Sinclair has some gift ideas for women.  Read more...

    Limit computers for children under 2

    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...

    Your Life

    Dance-Along Nutcracker at the Chicago Cultural Center

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

    Deerfield mom bringing back Barbie fashions

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

    Get conversations started with Chat Mats

    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...

    The CSO for kids

    Alena Murguia took her sons to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's kid series, with lunch included.  Read more...

    Easy elegance at Carlucci

    Carlucci in Downers Grove is fit for a family night and a date night.  Read more...

    3 kid-friendly malls

    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...

    Extreme Christmas decorations

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

    Green with Envy

    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...

    Fever? ZocDoc can help

    A new online service allows you to get a doctor's appointment anytime you want - even in the middle of the night.  Read more...

    The benefits of hiring your children in your small business

    Own your own business? There are advantages for everybody involved to hire your kids.  Read more...

    FlexJobs helps workers telecommute

    A Chicago mom has created a service that vets telecommuting jobs for parents who want a flexible schedule.  Read more...

    Get crafty with cranberries

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

    Chicago family sees the value in traveling abroad with children

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

    Going Out

    A Christmas Story starts tour with Chicago kid actors

    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...

    Meet the kids who got cast in A Christmas Story

    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...

    New Kohl Museum exhibit focuses on energy

    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...

     

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