On the cover: 9-year-old Carson Pazdan created a nonprofit called Kids Feeding Kids.

Local dancers become mice and dolls in this classic holiday performance. Read more...

Don't be a Scrooge. Try one of these inexpensive twists on gifts and keep holiday spirits up. Read more...

No gourmet cooking skills required for these easy, and tasty, gifts. Read more...

Planning a family trip to the nation's capitol? Here are a few ideas you won't find in the guidebook. Read more...

It’s easy for people to help make the holidays a little less difficult for the 1 percent of Americans who serve in the military. Read more...

Meet four people who are making a difference in Chicago in their own way. Read more...

The best toys from the 2012 National Parenting Publications Awards to help make holiday shopping a little easier. Read more...
Parents always want to give their kids hours of listening, reading and playtime fun. These Gold-Award winning books and magazines do just that. Read more...
Parents always want to give their kids hours of listening, reading and playtime fun. These Gold-Award winning apps, software, video games and websites do just that. Read more...
The best DVDs from the 2012 National Parenting Publications Awards that balance fun and learning for your family. Read more...

Music that kids will love and parents won't mind listening to. Read more...

New holiday play dramatizes the bittersweet story of a family who brought Christmas trees to immigrant families in Chicago. Read more...

There are plenty of things you can do to keep holiday expenditures under control so you're not drowning in debt come January. Read more...

Here are a few prime spots for the happy-toddler-in-Santa's-lap shot in the city this year. Read more...

These shops bring something unexpected to the usual holiday decor. Read more...

How can you choose which is right for you child? Take a close look at these considerations when comparing gadgets. Read more...

Families can bowl, play bocce and dine in a "grown-up" atmosphere at three Chicagoland locations. Read more...

These three exhibits will at least keep the kids occupied for a few days. Read more...

The free programs address everything from what parents can do about bullying to answers about ADHD medication. Read more...

In this month's Fab Mama column, Meredith shares a few simple ways to add sparkle to your holiday party looks. Read more...

Your Ripple Effect is a bucket list, with a twist. It's about giving back to your community. Read more...

A reader asks for advice on how to deal with bad behavior from her son's first girlfriend. Read more...

These plant foods are healthier, tastier and will keep your family feeling well. Read more...

Maid-Rite has arrived in Chicago's Lincoln Park and families are sure to flock to the diner-style eatery that is as kid-friendly as it is delicious. Read more...

Holiday cookies bring family together—within reason. Read more...

Christopher Garlington shares his struggles with assembling toys and wrapping them well enough to be presentable. Read more...