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 21 - 30 of 32

 

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. 

Eliminating the need for diapers
September 22, 2009
Elimination communication — the natural practice of tuning in to baby’s elimination needs and holding them over a receptacle — is popular in many parts of the world, and practiced by some local families.  

Planning for your special-needs child's future must start early
September 2, 2009
Just two weeks down the calendar loomed the day Carol Patinkin had dreaded since her little boy was a toddler. 

Prenatal testing is a complex, 'intensely personal' decision
September 2, 2009
To test or not to test is a complex equation of morals, medical terms, mom's age and miscarriage risk factors. 

Throw an earth-friendly baby shower
September 2, 2009
Pink is for girls. Blue is for boys. But for a planet-loving baby shower, green is the color of our time.  

The Memetis: Grip on the good life slipping away
September 1, 2009
When Latecia Memeti and her two children, Alit, 9, and Alisa, 17, moved to a four-bedroom split-level in Romeoville, they believed they were getting the piece of the good life they'd always dreamed about. 

One family struggles to stay in their home
September 1, 2009
Elia and Lorenzo Santana have always been straight with their daughters about their money problems. After her husband lost his construction job, Elia couldn't bring herself to pretend that their way of life was secure. 

When the landlord’s wallet goes bust
September 1, 2009
Tisha Canada didn't want her children's teachers to find out her family was homeless.  

Two jobs still not enough
September 1, 2009
Gisela Alcantar and her husband don’t tell their four young children about the six months of mortgage payments 

In foreclosure, some memories are lost forever
September 1, 2009
When the bank changed the locks on their home, the Tonkinsons lost a lifetime of memories — their girls' dance recitals, swim meets, gymnastic competitions.