The mom of a college girl and a long-time journalist, Robyn Monaghan has survived the terrible two's, the trying teens and now grapples with the growing pains of the news business. With a cache of investigative writing kudos in her scrapbook and a reporter's notebook in her purse, Robyn scopes out the kid zone for news Chicago parents can use.

Past articles

Showing 11 - 20 of 31

 

Dealing with dad's deportation
August 26, 2011
What does a family do when the kids are U.S. citizens, but a parent is being deported? 

Can you trust your school to investigate sexual abuse?
July 21, 2011
If you suspect abuse, here's why your first call shouldn't be to the school.  

Living - and parenting - in a toxic world
June 30, 2010
It seems toxins are everywhere these days, but purging chemicals from life can be a hard pill to swallow. 

Though illegal, housing discrimination continues against families with kids
February 23, 2010 - Comments (1)
As foreclosures force families into rental housing, some are finding a "not welcome" sign. 

Help your child with special needs navigate sex and relationships
February 11, 2010
The truth about the birds, the bees and special needs.  

Are environmental toxins to blame for autism and ADD?
January 25, 2010 - Comments (2)
Contemporary science is telling us that the chemical cures to our ills and irritations may be worse than the nuisances they were created to eliminate. 

Growing number of Illinois schools are teaching students in two languages
January 4, 2010 - Comments (3)
A growing number of school districts are turning to dual-language instruction, serving their Spanish-speaking students and broadening cultural horizons for their English speakers. 

Choir director Josephine Lee brings out the best in Chicago's kids
November 20, 2009 - Comments (2)
As director of the Chicago Children's Choir, Josephine Lee is a master at drawing out talent in kids, stretching not just their vocal chords, but their horizons as well. 

New research sheds some light on spanking
October 26, 2009 - Comments (4)
Parents who spank their child know they are hurting the little one's back side, if even a little bit. But emerging studies show they may be damaging the thinking end as well.  

Lessons from the gridrion
October 21, 2009
It doesn't matter whether your youngsters are in sports, drama club, debate team or math bowl. Parents and coaches call the signals that shape the life lessons kids take away from the activities.