PARENT TO PARENTnpnparents.org.s3.amazonaws.com/p2pdocs/npnp2psummer2011.pdfcreative movement l art...

Getting Outside: Urban Tyke Hike....PAGE 6

Summer Fun: Picking Your Own Produce.....PAGE 8

Cruise Out of Town.....PAGE 7

PARENT TO PARENTSummer 2011:Breaking the Routine

2 • Parent to Parent, Summer 2011

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Parent to Parent contains articles and information straight from our NPN member community. For information about editorial submissions, email [email protected]; for advertising, email [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

INSIDE THIS ISSUEOUR MISSIONConnecting a diverse community of families with the resources they need to navigate parenting in the city.

FeaturesGetting Outside: Urban Tyke Hike ......... 6

Cruise Out of Town ...............................7

Summer Fun: Picking Your Own Produce ................... 8

Early Attachment: Building a Better Relationship Through Play .......... 9

When Children Give Back, Everyone Wins ................................... 11

Handling Summertime Separation Anxiety in Your Child ...........................12

What Did I Just Call My Baby? .............14

And Baby Makes Four… .....................15

Five (and a half) Apps for Kids of All Ages .............................16

Get an Early Start on Fall Fashion.........21

News & InformationNPN Volunteers .....................................5

New Board Members ............................5

Wake Up & Boogie Down ..................18

My NPN .............................................20

Straight from the NPN Board ..............20

NPN Neighborhood Picks ................... 22

Upcoming Events ...............Back Cover

Letter from the Executive DirectorSummer always takes forever to arrive, then flies by all too quickly! Savor this time and plan some fun local and nearby adventures.

Museums, beaches, parks and performances are the tip of the iceberg. No matter how old your little ones are, there is something for them to explore and enjoy. From the time my daughter was only a few months old, I was amazed by how much she loved seeing, smelling, tasting and experiencing new things.

Some favorites on my summer check-list are:

n Plan picnics at Montrose beach with mommy friends

n Get soaked on trips to zero-entry pools (e.g., Whealan Pool Aquatic Center)

n Splash around at the park (you’ll find us soaking wet at Juniper)

n Take long walks to explore a new neighborhood (if she’ll stay in the jogging stroller)

n Let Avery lead the way through a new-to-her museum (e.g., MCA)

n Explore Green City Farmers Markets and experimenting with new recipes (last summer we tried baked Kale chips—sadly, not a big hit)

n Throw together last-minute Sunday “backyard” barbecues with friends

n Discover Chicago via bus and train adventures (Brown line to Francisco; stroll down ramp into Ravenswood Manor Park)

Of course these ideas won’t happen in a week, but if you create a short list and ask your friends what they keep meaning to check out, you may gather a fun group of city explorers to paint the town red and help you avoid a summer slump.

Sarah Cobb


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NPN THANkS OUR VOlUNTEERS

*plan events for one of these groups:

Lincoln ParkSouth SideAttachment ParentingMoms’ Night OutSingle Parents

*participate in one of these committees:

Event PlanningFundraising/Silent Auction/GrantsSchool Fair & DirectoryVolunteer Recruiting and Management

If you are interested in these opportunities or have new ideas, please contact [email protected]

Are you interested in volunteering?There are so many fun ways to get involved. We are looking for members who want to:

ClubsAndersonville-Edgewater ........................... Robin Brannigan/Rosemary Wolfe/Diane AvrahamLakeview ........................................................... Christine Jordan/Megan Puzen/Miranda ByrdLincoln Square-North Center ............................................................................ Kelly CantwellNear West-South Side.............................................. Lisa Kulisek/Gina Joslin/Francine VerlottaNorthwest Side..............................................................................................Diana ServatiusOld Town-Gold Coast .................................................................................... Shannon ColteuPortage Park ...............................................................................Cyrus Clausen/Lisa FalconerRogers Park .............................................................................. Beth Burkhart/Geoff BurkhartWest Town ....................................................................................................... Amy JohnsonAdoption .........................................................................................Tammy Miller/Julie RakayAsian .............................................................................................. .Jennifer Uson/Ying ZhanAttorney Moms ................................................... Jean Choi/Elizabeth O’Brien/Hope WhitfieldDads .................................................................................... Michael Schaefer/Ian SmithdahlDevelopmental Differences .................................................. Ellen Sternweiler/Kandalyn HahnElementary School Parents ......................................................................... Bernadette PawlikGreen Parenting ..................................................................Sherry Polachek/Ellen SternweilerMoms in Business ....................................................................................Katherine McHenryMoms’ Night Out ................................................................................................Sara HoppeMoms Over 35 .................................................................................Gina Ferraro/Marie LonaMultiples .....Cari Matykiewicz/Becky Reno/Melissa Manning/Michelle Gauthreaux/Anna FarrisParents of One ................................................................................................. Janet WalkoeSame Sex Parents ................................................................. Monique Urban/Angela DebelloSingle Parents ..................................................................................................Angela KezonSo Called Bad Mommies ..................................................................................Kim SledgisterWorking Moms .............................................................Marietta Coles/Rebekah Kohmescher

ResourcesLegal Counselor ..............................................................................................Heather Varon

NPN Board of DirectorsBoard President ........................................................ Lee HaasVice President .................................................... Alex GuzmanTreasurer ..................................................... Susan Pyne-TorresSecretary (interim) ........................... Jennifer Guimond-QuigleyBoard Members Kelly Ahuja Steven Block Sarah Davis Elisa Kronish Drake Cindy McCarthy Victoria Nygren Lynne Obiala Sharmila Rao Thakkar

CINDY MCCARTHY joined NPN after the birth of her first daughter in January 2008. NPN’s Working Moms Group has been an invaluable resource for coping with her life as a working mom, and NPN has helped her find her first nanny and evaluate preschools. Cindy is the founder of onthegoChicago.com, a guide to the kid-sized version of Chicago. She spent her early career in advertising, then 12 years doing loyalty and partner marketing at Hilton Hotels Corporation. Cindy resides in Lakeview with her husband Kerry and two daughters, Grace and Clare.

STEvEN BloCk joined NPN in 2010 to give back to his community, but says he gets much more in return. Though his children are high school age and they no longer live in the city, Steven is a huge fan of NPN and what it provides. He is currently a registered representative with New York Life, where his practice helps families through all stages of their financial life.

JENNIFER GuIMoND-QuIGlEY became a business member of NPN in 2010 and has enjoyed getting to know the staff, volunteers and board through events that the group sponsors. She has her own law practice in the Fulton Market District and practices primarily in family law and estate planning. She graduated from law school and passed the bar in 2008; after some law firm experience, she ventured out on her own in 2009. Although not parents yet, Jennifer and her husband know that when that time comes, NPN will be their go-to source for all things parenting. In her spare time, Jennifer volunteers for Wills for Heroes and Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, as well as NPN.

WElcOME TO OUR NEWEST NPN BOARD MEMBERS


Here are some tips to make walks around your block memorable adventures:

• �Be safe. Insist that young children hold your hand and older ones stay within a safe distance. If you’re walking on busy streets, have your child walk on the inside of the sidewalk, with you walking closest to the cars.

• �If you fear your child may get tired before you return, choose a back-and-forth route that keeps you close to home.

• �Create a familiar path that you can hike again and again. Your child will enjoy becoming familiar with what he sees along the way and pointing out things to you in the future, just as he loves listening to the same bedtime stories each night.

• �Remember that what’s insignificant to you is new and exciting to your little one: point out piles of snow or leaves, puddles, parked bicycles and cars, squirrels, doors and fences, etc.

• �Dress for the weather and take a hike in the rain or snow.

• �Focus the hike on your child’s current interests. Right now, our son is obsessed with garage doors, so we often hike through alleys to look at the garage doors.

• �Incorporate appropriate education into your hikes. For our son, now two years old, counting, naming colors, comparing tall and short buildings, etc. are popular hike activities.

• �Collect leaves or rocks for art projects when you get home. For older kids, bring the camera and let them photograph what they see.

• �Use all your senses: listen to the birds and ambulance sirens, feel the temperature of the air on your skin, smell fireplaces or restaurant aromas and touch leaves, mud and trees.

• �Talk about your hike after you return.

Raising children in the city has many benefits, but access to hiking trails can prove challenging. Thankfully, my toddler reminded me that our street is a hiking trail with much to enjoy.

WHAT A PlEASURE TO MARVEl AT THE WORlD THROUgH My SON’S EyES!

gETTINg OUTSIDE: URBAN TykE HIkEBy Rachel Kramer, NPN member since 2009

Rachel Kramer recently began staying home with her son, age two, after

11 years in fundraising. She lives in the Ukrainian Village with her husband

and son.

Photo courtesy Rachel Kramer.

With playgrounds, parks, museums and libraries at our fingertips, we city dwellers are lucky that we don’t have to travel far to enjoy engaging activities with our kids.

But what about when you have only 30 minutes, you’re not motivated to load everyone in the car, or you want your little ones to burn off some energy before naptime? Consider an urban hike, beginning right outside your door.

Almost immediately after learning to walk, our son began asking to “walk on feet.” I love the feeling of his little hand in mine, so we ventured out on a walk around our block. What a pleasure to marvel at the world through my son’s eyes! Just as I might when hiking in a natural area with a friend, during our “hikes” we comment on the scenery, admire the flora and fauna and chat about the weather. We also notice the cars, buses and trucks and identify shapes and colors.

What began as a way to fill some extra time before lunch has become one of our favorite activities. Our son loves the power of walking on his own and the ability to look in all

directions, which he can’t do from his stroller or backpack. Our hikes provide unmatched opportunities for conversation, enhance my son’s observation skills and let me hold his hand a little longer than he might otherwise allow!


cRUISE OUT Of TOWN By Elisa Drake, NPN member since 2006, Board member since 2009

kenosha’s Electric Streetcars. Kenosha Transit Center, 724 54th St., Kenosha; 262-653-4287; kenosha.org (link to Transportation) or kenoshastreetcarsociety.org. Ride a 1951 refurbished fleet of streetcars.

Southport lighthouse Museum. 5117 4th Ave. (better known as Lighthouse Drive), Kenosha; 262-654-5770; kenoshahistorycenter.org. Test your stamina with a climb to the top of this 55-foot historic 1866 lighthouse.

Eat HereFrank’s Diner. 508 58th St., Kenosha; 262-657-1017; franksdinerkenosha.com. Kitschy train car diner serving famous five-egg Garbage Plate meals for more than 80 years.

Mangia Trattoria. 5717 Sheridan Rd., Kenosha; 262-652-4285; kenoshamangia.com. Tony Mantuano’s hometown hit specializes in authentic Italian pastas and pizzas.

MIlWAUkEE, WIScONSINStop Here:Edelweiss Boats. 205 W. Highland Ave., Milwaukee; 414-276-7447; edelweissboats.com. Year-round boat trips tour past sights along the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan shoreline.

The Bronze Fonz. Along the west side of the Milwaukee River, just south of Wells Street, Milwaukee. Immortalizing Henry Winkler’s iconic super-cool Happy Days character.

Milwaukee County Zoo. 10001 W. Blue Mound Rd., Milwaukee; 414-771-3040; milwaukeezoo.org. Don’t miss the Apes of Africa exhibit where 15 endangered bonobos make their home.

Milwaukee Public Museum. 800 W. Wells St., Milwaukee; 414-278-2702; mpm.edu. Live butterfly exhibit, planetarium, IMAX, Hebior Mammoth skeleton and more.

Eat Here:kopp’s Frozen Custard. 18880 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield; 262-789-9490; kopps.com. A must-try treat in Milwaukee since 1950.

Sobelman’s Pub and Grill. 1900 W. St. Paul Ave., Milwaukee; 414-931-1919; milwaukeesbestburgers.com. The website says it all, doesn’t it? Black Angus beef patties and rolls baked just for the restaurant.

gURNEE AREA, IllINOISStop Here:lambs Farm. 14245 W. Rockland Rd., Libertyville; 847-362-4636; lambsfarm.org. Pygmy goats (and more) sidle up for rubs and kisses. Mini golf, kiddie train, old-fashioned carousel and cow bounce house too.

Six Flags Great America. 1 Great America Pkwy., Gurnee; 847-249-4636; sixflags.com/greatamerica. Haven’t been in awhile? There’s plenty for everyone including Wiggles World and Hurricane Harbor water park. Discount package deals online.

Tempel lipizzans. 17000 Wadsworth Rd., Old Mill Creek; 847-623-7272; tempelfarms.com. Performances by the graceful, Prince Charming-worthy white horses. Wed. and Sun., June–October.

Wildlife Discovery Center. 1401 Middlefork Dr., Lake Forest; 847-615-4388; cityoflakeforest.com. On the historic Elawa Farm, check out the largest reptile exhibit in northern Illinois. Open Fri., Sat. and Sun.

Eat Here:D.W. Anderson’s Eatery and Ice Cream Parlor. KeyLime Cove Water Resort, 1700 Nations Dr., Gurnee; 262-656-8033; keylimecove.com. An ice cream creation called the Kitchen Sink arrives at the table literally in a kitchen sink.

Saluto’s Italian Restaurant. 7680 Grand Ave., Gurnee; 847-356-6900; salutosofgurnee.com. Local family-friendly favorite known for its homemade buttercrust pizzas and family-size pasta.

kENOSHA, WIScONSINStop Here:Dinosaur Discovery Museum. 5608 Tenth Ave., Kenosha; 262-653-4450; dinosaurdiscoverymuseum.org. Kids dig in at simulated excavation sites most Saturdays. Open Tue.–Sun.

Jelly Belly Center. 10100 Jelly Belly Lane, Pleasant Prairie; 866-868-7522; jellybelly.com. Tours of this confection factory are free, with freebie Jelly Belly beans to boot.

Elisa Drake lives in Albany Park with her husband and two adventurous

daughters. This article features excerpts from her just-published book Day

Trips from Chicago, which highlights 25 different places.

Photo courtesy Elisa Drake.

fUEl UP AND HIT THE ROAD ON ONE Of THESE qUIck fAMIly-fRIENDly ROAD TRIPS


fOR cOMPREHENSIVE INfORMATION ABOUT PIckINg yOUR OWN PRODUcE, VISIT PIckyOUROWN.ORg.

SUMMER fUN: PIckINg yOUR OWN PRODUcE By Hope Egan, NPN member since 2006

Photo courtesy Hope Egan.

4. Pack well. Even though it is just a day trip, be prepared with a well-stocked car: water (you will get thirsty), a hearty lunch (you will get hungry, even though you can munch on whatever you are picking) and change of clothes (you will likely get dirty, wet or both). Sun protection (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen) also comes in handy.

5. Research recipes. Inevitably you will bring home more produce than you can eat. As you prepare your trip, look for recipes that you will be able to enjoy after you get home.

Have fun!

Are you looking for a fun, healthy day trip that’s cost-effective, child-friendly and yields enjoyment for weeks to follow? Consider picking your own produce. Here are some tips for planning your trip.

1. Decide when you are going and what you would like to pick. Unlike shopping in the grocery store—where we have the illusion that most fruits and vegetables are available year-round—most u-pick crops have a short window for picking. In general, strawberries are available in June; blueberries are available in July; and apples and pumpkins are available late summer and fall. Visit pickyourown.org to discover other available produce.

2. Choose which farm to visit. The PickYourOwn site allows you to click on your state and region to see all the u-pick opportunities, sorted by county. (Chicagoans live in Cook County; the northern suburbs are in Lake County; DuPage and Will counties surround Chicago on the west and south sides, respectively.) Keep in mind that Kenosha County in Wisconsin and Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties in Indiana are also relatively close to home, depending on which side of the city you live in. Indiana especially has a lot of good u-pick farms relatively close to the city.

3. Call ahead. Finding the “perfect” picking opportunity online does not mean your research is done. Often the Internet information does not reflect current conditions. For example, strawberries are generally available throughout June, but last year, because of the weather, many growers ended their season much earlier than usual. Double-check the amenities that are important to you. If you are looking for a full-blown “experience,” confirm that the hayride you saw on the website will be available when you go. At a minimum, if the Internet does not provide enough information, ask about costs (parking fees, entrance fees, picking fees), forms of payment they accept, bathroom availability and whether the place provides containers or you need your own.

Hope Feinglass Egan is the author of What the Bible Says about Healthy

Living Cookbook (BSACookbook.com). She and her husband live in Lakeview

with their son Daniel, whom they home school. She can be reached at

[email protected].


EARly ATTAcHMENT: BUIlDINg A BETTER RElATIONSHIP THROUgH PlAyBy Julie Dwyer, NPN member since 2008, and Allison Levine, NPN member since 2010

Photo courtesy Julie Dwyer.

Play based on Theraplay activities include:Nursery Rhymes: Kids’ favorite! Sing any song or rhyme paired with movements, like dancing, bouncing, rocking or finger plays. (Rock a Bye Baby, Patty Cake, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, The Wheels on the Bus, ABCs...)

Stories: Real stories you tell—not read from a book! Talk about the happiest times you’ve had together or what it was like when your child was a baby.

Games with Touch: Beep and Honk: make a special noise when you touch different body parts; Check Up: count freckles, toes and fingers and check for strong muscles and high jumps; Piggy Back; and Horsey Ride.

Why is a healthy attachment important?Children’s sense of self develops from early parent-child interactions. Remember the first time you saw your child and already felt fiercely protective? This was just the beginning of building a relationship with your child. Positive interactions result in the child believing s/he is lovable and special, others are loving and responsive, and the world is safe and exciting. Negative interactions result in the child believing s/he is unlovable and incompetent, others are uncaring and untrustworthy, and the world is unsafe and threatening.

Creating a healthy attachment with your childIt is essential to understand and sensitively respond to your child’s feelings/perceptions/needs. It helps your child learn about and become comfortable with joy, humor, eye contact, empathy, appropriate physical boundaries and cause/effect thinking. Also, take care to understand your own experiences and attitudes that may interfere with your ability to respond to your child in a healthy way. Using these tools may lead to positive change in your child’s sense of self, self-regulation, relationship and behavior, social skills, school performance and long-term mental health.

What is Theraplay?Theraplay is a type of play therapy that focuses on the caregiver-child relationship. It’s often used to help children with developmental delays, trauma histories or other behavior issues, but it is also a great way to enhance the attachment between healthy children and their parents. Theraplay improves the child’s behavior and emotional state by strengthening the parent-child relationship. Its playful interactions help parents and children become emotionally close and build the relationship from the inside out. Since they do not involve verbal or symbolic understanding, Theraplay activities can be used with very young children.

Using Theraplay at homeSchedule time to play with your child. If you don’t plan for it, it’s easy to let the day slip away (laundry, dishes, errands, emails, phone calls, cleaning, meals). By playing with your children, you build a bond, express their importance to them and shape their views of themselves and the world. Playtime is an investment in your children’s future.

You do not need a lot of toys to play; all you need is you and your child.

Julie Dwyer, MA, LCP is a Licensed Professional Counselor and part-time

program manager at The Theraplay Institute in Evanston. She has four

years of experience in the Psychiatry Department at Children’s Memorial

Hospital. She lives in Old Town with her husband and two young children.

Allison Levine, MA, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and part-

time program manager at The Theraplay Institute in Evanston. She has five

years of experience as a Neonatal Intensive Care social worker at Prentice

Women’s Hospital. She lives in Wicker Park with her husband and one-

year-old daughter.

For more information about Theraplay visit theraplay.org.

By PlAyINg WITH yOUR cHIlDREN, yOU BUIlD A BOND, ExPRESS THEIR IMPORTANcE TO THEM AND SHAPE THEIR VIEWS Of THEMSElVES AND THE WORlD.


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I love that the idea of charity is ingrained in her now. At Passover, her great uncle gave her $5, and she chose, without prompting, to put $1 in her spending jar and the rest in her Tzedakah Box. When we counted her Tzedakah, there was $40.48! I asked her what kind of charity she wanted to donate to and she chose the Lakeview Food Pantry.

Many organizations are in dire need of support. Finding ways to get kids involved starts them down a lifelong path of social activism. Find a charity that your child(ren) will connect with and go from there.

Here are charities and ideas Evie and I have considered:

• �Bundle of Joy Diaper Bank (bundleofjoydiaperbank.org/join-us/party-pack)

• �Chicago Communities in Schools (chicagocis.org)

• �Coat Angels (coatangels.com)

• Lakeview Food Pantry (lakeviewpantry.org)

• �Lincoln Park Zoo (lpzoo.org)

• �Shedd Aquarium (sheddaquarium.org)

• Habitat for Humanity (habitat.org)

• �Greater Chicago Food Depository (chicagosfoodbank.org)

• �PAWS Chicago (pawschicago.org)

• �Children’s Memorial Hospital (childrensmemorial.org)

• �WTTW Public Television (wttw.org)

• �American Red Cross (american.redcross.org)

Whether you choose to use your child’s birthday or a holiday as a jumping-off point, the impact will ripple into the community, and your child will make a positive impact on his/her world. In the end, isn’t that what parents want most?

Since our daughter Evie turned three, we’ve been giving her an allowance for “helping out” around the house. This generally involves putting napkins on the table, cleaning up her toys and trying to listen to our words. Each Sunday we give her three quarters: one for her “spending jar,” one for her piggy bank and one for her “Tzedakah Box” (charity). We wanted her to know, from the get-go, that when we get money, we spend some, save some and give some away.

When her little brother turned one, we asked friends and family to bring non-perishable foods to his party rather than gifts, since he was too little to understand presents. Evie helped me deliver the food to the Lakeview Food Pantry, where we found every seat full and a line forming out the door. She was surprised to see how many people in her neighborhood didn’t have enough to eat when she always had plenty.

This experience prompted an interesting dialogue about social awareness and giving back to the community. We talked about how fortunate she is to have all she needs (and then some) but how many families lack basic necessities. In 2010, her birthday fell a week after Chanukah, when she received LOTS of toys, clothing and other fun stuff. In early November, we talked about children who would not get any holiday gifts because their parents didn’t have extra money and using her birthday party to collect toys. We explained that she would still get presents, just not at the party. So Evie asked her friends to bring a new, unwrapped toy to her birthday party to donate to “Toys for Tots.” She was so proud of herself that she announced to random strangers that, for her birthday, she was “donating.” On our way to the “Toys for Tots” drop-off site, she told me that she thought donating was “funner” than getting presents, and she was going to do it every year.

WHEN cHIlDREN gIVE BAck, EVERyONE WINSBy Beth Cohen-Dorfman, NPN member since 2008

Beth Cohen-Dorfman lives in East Lakeview with her husband and two children.

She has a B.S. in early childhood education and runs NPN’s New Moms Groups.

Photo courtesy Beth Cohen-Dorman.

OPTINg OUT Of PARTy gIfTS IS cONTAgIOUS. EVIE TOlD HER fRIENDS SHE WAS “DONATINg” AND HER fRIENDS ASkED THEIR PARENTS If THEy cOUlD “DONATE” fOR THEIR BIRTHDAyS. IT IS IMPORTANT TO ABIDE By THESE “IN lIEU Of A gIfT, PlEASE” REqUESTS.


4. Develop a special goodbye routine, such as “two kisses and one hug,” and use this during all times of transition. Stick to your routine and let your child know when you will be back in “kid terms.” For example, not that you will be back in 45 minutes, but that you will be back after playtime or snack time. Your child will learn that even if mom and dad leave they will always come back.

5. Tell the teacher or instructor what your special goodbye routine will be. This way the teacher will know the appropriate time to invite your child to join the group.

6. Your consistency with routines helps a child learn that he/she is safe, protected and loved. Put yourself in your child’s shoes. Think of how you may feel when you don’t know what to expect (for example, a flight being delayed or canceled, getting a flat tire, losing your cell phone—all unpredictable and anxiety-provoking for us grown-ups!).

Of course summer is a time of new activities, extra playtime and vacations, but keeping to your basic routines around goodbyes will help your children enjoy the summer like the kids that they are—and for your family to enjoy summertime fun!

The warm summer months are a great time for children to explore the outside world! As children experience new activities and places, parents may notice an increase in their child’s anxiety or difficulty separating from mom or dad. Separation anxiety is a normal part of a child’s emotional development that helps a child distinguish between safe and non-safe environments. Peak times for separation anxiety are around eight to 10 months and again at 18 months. While parents should not be alarmed by normal separation anxiety, here are some tips to help ease times of transition:

1. As children learn to identify and manage their emotions, they take their cues from important adults around them. If you seem anxious or worried, your child will also feel anxious and unsafe. If you are confident, you are conveying your confidence in your child to handle a new situation.

2. Explain in “kid terms” what is going to happen at the new activity—for example, circle time, swimming, snack, pick-up. Be prompt about pick-up times.

3. While children need to be prepared for new activities, don’t “over-explain” what is going to happen. Too much information can lead to a child feeling anxious that the new activity is a “big deal.” Again, a child may sense your anxiety over a transition, which could lead to them feeling anxious.

HANDlINg SUMMERTIME SEPARATION ANxIETy IN yOUR cHIlD By Dr. Aoife Lyons, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, NPN member since 2011

After working at a number of top area hospitals, Dr. Lyons has honed her

approach to working with families on their mental, emotional and overall

well-being, including psychological testing, therapy and groups. Her clinic,

Dr. Aoife Lyons and Associates, offers a welcoming, non-threatening envi-

ronment where children and families emotionally grow.

yOUR cONSISTENcy WITH ROUTINES HElPS A cHIlD lEARN THAT HE/SHE IS SAfE, PROTEcTED AND lOVED.


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One day, I accidentally called my son Boobie at the grocery store, driving me to self-reflection. It was intended to be a boochie or a boo, but it came out boobie. Sadly, it wasn’t uttered in a quiet voice. My son was unfazed, but it had an impact on me. Let’s just say I left a full cart in aisle four.

I wanted to understand—where did this come from? My husband and I aren’t nickname people. Of course there’s honey or sweetheart, but there’s not any sweetcheeks or T-bone at our house. My parents weren’t nickname people—we addressed each other by our names, mom, dad, etc. My grandma, on the other hand, was a different story! We called her Bubby (nothing unusual), and what a Bubby she was—always dancing, singing, laughing, eating—usually at the same time. She was a ball of energy and affectionate to the point of assault. I have early memories of her chasing me around the house uttering an endless stream of urgent declarations of love: Come to Bubby my little bubalahzheefcalailttlepoulkies—Mmmwah! Mmmmwah! Mmmmwahhhhhh!!!” I spent my childhood covered in salmon pink lipstick. I remember literally running for cover when she arrived, my heart racing with fear and excitement. I never knew what would come out of her mouth as she nearly crushed me with her embrace and smothered me with kisses, and that was kind of fun. It made me feel loved and wanted and a little like a gazelle pursued by a leopard, which kept me nimble.

So these must be the genes I inherited—yet another surprise in becoming a parent! Should I fight nature? Maybe I’m destined to have verbal eruptions of the most benign kind—love-filled explosions of nonsensical nicknames. I suppose I’ll just go with it—until my children are old enough to cringe when I call them Boobie.

Parenthood is a constant source of frustration and wonderment, exhaustion and exhilaration, happiness and hysteria—and those are just today’s highlights.

Parenthood reveals things that make me say “Hmmm…” One example is my perplexing endearments for my kids.

When my almost-five-year-old son was a newborn, I mostly called him baby boy—“How’s my little baby boy doing?” I’m not proud to admit that I often used the same voice I used with the cat. But I figured they were both small and adorable and that’s just what came out. For weeks after we brought home our tiny new son, nothing seemed out of sorts when I called him the typical sweetpea, pumpkin, etc. Soon after, I spiraled out of control.

Not sure why, but I started calling him Choochie. This quickly turned into Choochie Boochie or Choochie McBooch, which evolved into Boochie Boy, shortened conveniently to The Booch, then condensed further to Boo Boo. For a time, it existed as just plain Boo, as in “Let’s get goin’ Boo!” I was also prone to frequent and unexpected episodes of attacking the baby in a crazed fit of affection while saying “Mommy loves her littlechoochieboochieminimunchkinbabyboy!!!” I’m thankful this (typically) happened at home. To add another layer of peculiarity, I started adding Little Mister in front of almost anything. This caused raised eyebrows in public depending on my word choice. Examples:

• Little Mister Cutie Boy (sounds like a toddler pageant held in the South)

• Little Mister Chunky Thighs (could be an exotic dancer?)

• Little Mister Munchkin Man (no comment)

• Little Mister Baby Buns (now all organic!)

And to bring it all home:

• Little Mister Choochie McBooch (where is this Irish stuff coming from?)

WHAT DID I jUST cAll My BABy? By Laura Goeglein, NPN member since 2006

Photo courtesy Laura Goeglein.

THE MySTERIOUS WORlD Of NIckNAMES

PUMPkINSWEETPEA

HONEycHOOcHIE

Laura Goeglein lives in Andersonville with her husband Ted and their

two kids, Michael, age five, and Theodora (Dora), 20 months, whom

they rarely call by name.


AND BABy MAkES fOUR… By Cindy McCarthy, NPN member since 2008, Board member since 2011

Favorite on-the-go products for enjoying the city with two

• The monkey backpack/leash gave our eldest more freedom at street festivals, the zoo and museums and prevented her from running off while we tended to the baby.

• If/when your first-born is old enough or insists on walking instead of riding, the Tag*a*long Stroller Handle attaches to your stroller and provides the perfect place for your walker to hold on.

• Keep the older one busy at restaurants with the Classy Kid’s disposable placemat, a large coloring page with double stick tape on the back and triangle shaped crayons (which don’t roll off the table).

• My second baby spent most of her first year in a sling, which kept my hands free to help my toddler during classes or push her on the swings.

• With two you need to bring double the stuff (two sizes of diapers, baby food and toddler snacks), so I recommend a big and backpack-style diaper bag. It won’t slide off your shoulder while getting the kids in and out of highchairs and strollers.

Like most things in life, navigating the city with two seems more daunting than it actually is. Chicago is an amazing city to explore with kids, so grab your gear and your wee ones and go on an urban adventure of your own!

My hubby and I may have taken our own sweet time to have number one, but we didn’t waste any time having number two. We welcomed our second daughter less than 14 months after our first. Although I was excited, I was a bit panicked about the logistics of navigating the city with two. Just wrangling them into the car seemed daunting!

A few years into this adventure, I’ve learned that being a mom on the go with two in tow is not as hard as I feared, but is in fact a lot of fun! Here are some tips I’ve picked up:

Think positive and plan ahead. Don’t over-commit or agree to activities early in the morning. It takes longer to pack your bag and get shoes and coats on, and inevitably someone has to go potty or needs their diaper changed (again) two minutes before you leave. Like animals, kids can smell fear. When you start to feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and remember you can do this.

Sibling-friendly classes and activitiesNon-crawlers are usually free. Once the second starts to move, look into sibling discounts and sibling-friendly classes:

• Indoor play spaces with sibling discounts: Family Grounds $10.95/$5.95 siblings, Little Beans $12/$7, Explore & Much More $12/$9, Pickle’s Playroom $12/$9, Kid City $14/$10

• With two or more children, it usually makes sense to buy museum family memberships. Don’t forget, Chicago Public Libraries lend family passes to city attractions.

• Many places offer sibling discounts on classes. Some offer classes open to kids of all ages. I recommend a trial class whenever possible to ensure the curriculum works for both kids.

Sibling-friendly restaurants• Many restaurants have only a few highchairs; call ahead.

(Wishbone, Crossing, Riverview and John’s Place have 10+ highchairs.)

• The tricks to successful dining with kids are quick service and plenty of activities. Some restaurants offer toys to keep them busy: Nohea Café, Drew’s Eatery or @Spot Café.

In addition to being a mother of two, Cindy McCarthy is an urban explorer of

kid-sized Chicago and author of onthegochicago.com, a blog that highlights

family-friendly restaurants, activities, classes and events. Follow her at twitter.com/

onthegochicago or facebook.com/gogogoChicago.

HOW TO ADjUST TO BEINg A fAMIly ON THE gO WITH TWO IN TOW!

Photo courtesy Cindy McCarthy.


Jon Morgan is an advertising copywriter by trade and somewhat by choice.

He lives in Andersonville with his amazingly talented and organized wife,

iPad-obsessed two-year-old daughter and imaginary llama named David.

Photo courtesy Jon Morgan.

fIVE (AND A HAlf) APPS fOR kIDS Of All AgES By Jon Morgan, NPN member since 2010

If your family is anything like mine, you have an iPad or an iPhone that needs prying from small hands before you can simply check your email.

Today, smart phones and tablet computers have quickly ushered in an approachable, zero-barrier world of personal computing. And Steve Jobs may be becoming more iconic than Mr. Rogers.

With applications that can teach, entertain and build physical motor skills—not to mention give parents a free moment to scarf down their bacon at brunch—it’s no wonder that mobile devices have caught on so fast with the family set.

Here are just a few apps I’ve found to be wonderful for a variety of reasons and for a range of ages.

Monkey Preschool Lunchbox The premise is simple: help a monkey pack his lunch by completing matching, color and counting games. With successive rounds, kids are rewarded with virtual stickers to add to their growing collection. The reigning #1 preschool game in the iTunes app store.

Available for: iPhone/iPod Touch, iPad, Android.

Talking CarlA jovial and gelatinous being mimics whatever kids say in a comical voice. Tickle his tummy and he laughs. Poke him, he cringes. Kids will love recording silly videos of their interactions with Carl—and sending them to Mom’s work email.

Available for: iPhone/iPod Touch, iPad, Android.

ScrapPadCreated as a digital scrabooking app, ScrapPad has become a big hit with little hands. Almost instantly, kids can begin working their fine motor skills—plopping pics, dragging borders, pulling stickers and pinching a variety of embellishments—to create mini-masterpieces. Print, share on Facebook or email directly to Grandma.

Available for: iPad.

Garage BandMoments after picking up Garage Band, kids will realize just how “childish” beating on pots and pans can be. Soft tapping on piano keys or drums makes softer sounds, while harder tapping does the opposite. Cool, right? With a short learning curve, you and your kids will be arranging custom tracks and rocking out at Show and Tell.

Available for: iPad.

Intro to Letters Based on the Montessori method of learning, young minds can get interactive—tracing letters and recording themselves repeating their sounds. The simple, crafted interface will surely inspire the young graphic designer. Featured in Apple’s Best Apps of 2010.

Available for: iPhone/iPod Touch, iPad.

Netflix Known at our house as the fail-safe app. When tempers run short in a restaurant or during travels, there’s always a wealth of learning and entertainment on Netflix. Internet connection and membership required. Should not be used as replacement for babysitter.

Available for: iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry.

SMART PHONES AND TABlET cOMPUTERS HAVE qUIckly USHERED IN AN APPROAcHABlE, zERO-BARRIER WORlD Of PERSONAl cOMPUTINg.


The Center for Children and Families provides family-centered assessment and treatment for children birth through 8.

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•Expertinterdisciplinaryclinicalstaff•Comprehensiveassessments, family-focusedchildtherapy,and parent consultation

Concerned about your child?

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graduate school in child development

BEcOME A BUSINESS MEMBER Of NPN!gET INVOlVED IN yOUR cOMMUNITy:- Attend quarterly networking events

- Share your expertise as a writer or speaker

- Host a NPN event at your space

- Donate your product or service and reach NPN families

contact [email protected] to learn more


WAkE UP & BOOgIE DOWN: HAPPy THIRD BIRTHDAy!A special thank you to our amazing sponsors, donors and volunteers: COUNTRY Financial, The Cubby Bear, Time Out Chicago Kids, Eli’s Cheesecake, The Happiness Club, Bubbles Academy, ThinkLeigh Photography, Sono Wood Fired/Urban Burger Bar, Julius Meinl, Mr. Bob, Cultural Care au Pair, Oberweis Ice Cream & Dairy Store, Shedd Aquarium, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Multilingual Chicago, Square One Organics, Stroller Strides, Millenium Wellness Group, Lifeway-Kefir, Pirate Brands, Britax, Stokke, Feld Entertainment and more!

Visit the NPN News Blog to download your free photos from ThinkLeigh Photography.

See you next year!Carly and Merritt, Wake up & Boogie Down Committee Co-Chairs

It started as a simple idea: let’s do something to celebrate NPN and give back to this unique organization that has given so much to us as parents. Hard to believe our baby, Wake Up & Boogie Down Family Festival, is now three years old and a moving and grooving toddler! We exceeded our goals with 500 in attendance and more than $7,500 raised. Thank you for celebrating with us and making 2011 a huge success!

The Cubby Bear has been a terrific venue, with lots of room to run and dance and play. Throw in some outstanding performers, face painting, balloon twisting, a Pirate, instant raffle, art projects and delicious food, and the party truly came together. What a great reflection of the NPN community! The morning was lively, the room was packed and full of enthusiasm, and everyone enjoyed themselves.

We look forward to watching our little WUBD grow and change. If there’s one thing we all know as parents—we have no idea what next year will bring, but we know it will be an exciting adventure sure to fill us with joy!

Photos courtesy ThinkLeigh Photography.


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My NPN: MAxIMIzE yOUR MEMBERSHIP• Join You & Number 2 and bring your two or three little beans

to Little Beans Café for a fun play date—a great way to create a playgroup for your littlest one.

There are many FREE ways to learn and play—have you been to an NPN event lately?

• Parent university presents monthly speakers who offer must-have info for Chicago families.

• Expectant and New Parent events help you mix, mingle and learn as your family grows and you all adjust to the ups and downs of parenthood.

• Social and Neighborhood Groups meet all over the city—at museums, neighborhood favorite spots, play spaces and undiscovered gems.

• Check out New Member and New Mom Mingles at Bubbles Academy! Make fun connections with other new families.

IMPORTANT: Help us keep the majority of our events FREE! If you RSVP and can’t make it, PLEASE cancel on your RSVP. Too many no-shows force us to make changes. Thank you!

We want to hear from you! Many NPN groups, speakers and events happen because a member has an idea. Email [email protected] and help us turn an idea into an activity.

Now that we are settled into our new website, we want to share some tips and alert you to some new features to help you make the most of NPN.

Visit My Account for:

• Upload your photo or Avatar (not the blue alien kind!) and get to know other families when you RSVP for events. Profile images do not appear on the Discussion Forum.

• Check out the Mailing lists and join a few new neighborhood and social groups to make sure you don’t miss any amazing events

• Quickly access what matters most to you using My Events and My Discussions. Easily cancel your RSVP if your schedule changes.

• Complete your Member Profile and help us get to know you better.

New Programs and Groups:

• Visit the News page for our NEW Blog, featuring ideas from our experts, guests, friends and members.

• Visit Connect to check out all our amazing groups; we are adding new ones frequently, based on your input. New groups: Moms in Business and So Called Bad Mommies.

• Dads Group is cooking up some serious fun this summer.

STRAIgHT fROM THE NPN BOARD– #1 lESSON lEARNED AS A NEW PARENT

“All of those books that talk about the importance of a regular sleeping schedule are right. A well-rested baby/toddler is a happy baby/toddler. Make sure you know how much sleep your baby/toddler should be getting at night and for naps and stick to it!” -�Alex

“I’ve come to live by this Joyce Maynard quote: ‘It’s not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can’t tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself.’” -�Sharmila

“Stop judging and start supporting! I used to make fun of my sister for listening to Christmas music in June because her kids loved Rudolph. Now I understand that sometimes quiet, content children on car rides is a lot more important than the musical genre being played!”�-�Cindy

“A hug can deflect a lot of frustration.” -�Elisa

“While the minutes may drag forever, the months fly by. Try your best to stay present through the sleeplessness and frustration. It all passes quickly.” -�Kelley

“With twins, the first three years were very challenging, having two babies’ needs to meet. These last two years have been easier with the built-in playmates and helping them academically.”�-�Susan

“Everything is a phase: your child will eventually sleep through the night, she will eventually learn to use the potty, etc. But as soon as she does, you’ll find a new challenge to deal with.” -�Lee

“Don’t read every book about parenting; every child is different and you need to do what’s best for your family (even if you nurse until your child is two or don’t take away the pacifier on his first birthday!).” -�Sarah


Have you ever stood in front of your closet and declared, “I have absolutely nothing to wear”? Based on the experience of clients, friends and a few mornings of my own, I would say this is not a question of “if” but “how often.” More times than not, these proclamations are a function of not having the right pieces to create outfits for your professional, social and everyday events. Wardrobes and seasonal dressing are like most things in our lives: they need planning, maintenance and freshening up from time to time.

I know it is hard to even think about fall while you are just beginning summer vacations, barbecues and days outside with your family. As summer is finally upon us, enjoy trends like maxi dresses, platform sandals, white jeans, neon colors mixed with neutrals, high-waist jeans, stripes and, of course, lots of sparkle!

Following are some options that you can think about now and incorporate into your wardrobe come fall. I hope these ideas will make you feel as good in your clothes when you go apple picking or on date night as you do while at the beach with your family this summer.

Plaids, checks and tweeds: These patterns work in jackets, skirts and especially the full-leg trouser popular this season. Pair these patterns and textures with a feminine sweater, velvet, leather and jewel-tone accessories.

Denim: The main trend for denim this fall is versatility. Wear what feels comfortable, works for your figure type and offers the right proportion to the rest of your wardrobe. Pair your wide-leg, skinny, boot-cut, flare or straight-leg jeans with fitted textured jackets, belted cardigans, animal print metallic sweaters and lace-up booties.

Dresses: Maxi dresses are still moving forward this fall with patterns, velvet, interesting necklines and bold colors freshening them up.

Color: The color of the season is red, in all its bright glory! All shades of red combine well with gray, camel, brown and, of course, black. Red is also lending some fun to faux fur, lace, chiffon and sequins.

Andrea Bodenstein is a wardrobe consultant. Since founding Your Clothes

Call (yourclothescall.com), she has experienced a growing demand for her

ability to save people precious time, money and closet space. Her unique

talent for helping clients select clothing combinations ideal for their

lifestyles, taste and budgets has earned her quite a following.

gET AN EARly START ON fAll fASHION By Andrea Bodenstein, Your Clothes Call, NPN member since 2010

Sprouts Academy PreschoolA natural living preschool where children learn, laugh & grow

in a green philosophy environment

Sprouts Academy Preschool has taken a very unique

approach to the education and health of children.

Our curriculum is based on multiple theories of

child development that exemplify the emergent

curriculum, anti-bias education and

natural living philosophies.

350 W Ontario St Chicago, IL 60654312.944.6363 – www.sproutsacademy.org


lINcOlN SqUARE/NORTH cENTEREat: Café Selmarie, 4729 N. Lincoln

great outdoor seating, great food, kids’ menu, treats

Eat: Drew’s Eatery, 2207 W. Montrose health-conscious fast food, organic, local, sustainable, awesome hotdogs and ice cream

Play: Pickle’s Playroom, 2315 W. Lawrence great play space, grab a coffee or lunch, also a children’s salon!

Play: Horner Park, 2741 N. Montrose huge park, large paved walking/jogging trail perfect for young riders, tennis courts, playground

NEAR WEST/NEAR SOUTHEat: Jason’s Deli, 1258 S. Canal

Parents Magazine Top 10, quick quality meals, great kids’ menu

Play: Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph live music from the Old Town School, story time, art projects, “faces” fountain, activities tent

Play: Mary Bartelme Park, 115 S. Sangamon open spaces for picnics, adventurous playground, dog park

Play: Skinner Park, 1331 W. Adams great sports programs/camps

Play: Buckingham Fountain, 541 N. Fairbanks space to run around, generally easy metered parking

Play: Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive check website for free admission days, walk along the lake, picnic on their lawn

OlD IRVINg PARk/PORTAgE PARkEat/Play: Farmers Market Portage Park, 4100 N. Long

local produce, baked goods, coffee, specialty vendors, musical performances, Olympic-sized outdoor pool/dive tank/kiddie pool area, tennis courts, large playground

Eat: The Portage, 3938 N. Central great food

Play: Dickinson Park, 4101 N. Lavergne recently renovated, splash park area

ANDERSONVIllE/EDgEWATEREat: Taste of Heaven, 5401 N. Clark

great summer patio, delicious desserts

Eat: George’s Ice Cream & Sweets, 5306 N. Clark delicious ice cream, fun variety of flavors

Play: Margate Park, 4921 N. Marine Drive large fenced-in park with large climbing and play struc-tures, grassy area for picnics and kicking/throwing a ball

Play: Foster Avenue Beach, 5200 N. Lake Shore Dr. large beach with plenty of room to play, soft sand and shallow water

lAkEVIEWEat: Dairy Queen, 3811 N. Southport

nothing says summer more than a butterscotch dipped cone!

Eat: Cullen’s, 3741 N. Southport great outdoor patio, great for bringing a baby who throws more food than she eats!

Eat: Julius Meinl, 3601 N. Southport specialty drink the Melange

Eat: Scooter’s, 1658 W. Belmont best custard ever

Eat: Sola, 3868 N. Lincoln unique and delicious brunch, very kid-friendly

Play: Fellger Park, 2000 W. Belmont Large enclosed park, variety of equipment for toddlers and beyond, cute miniature house, train and water area

lINcOlN PARkEat: Goose Island Brewery, 1800 N. Clybourn

great for out-of-town guests, great food, kids’ menu

Play: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark Mr. Singer shows, Farm in the Zoo, free to the public, picnic in the park

Play: Oz Park, 2021 N. Burling cool playground, lots of grassy areas to picnic

Play: Adams Playground, 1919 N. Seminary great water play area that includes a water slide, water spouts and sprinklers, large sandplay area

NPN NEIgHBORHOOD PIckS: SUMMER fAVORITESCompiled by Amy Archer, NPN Program Manager, NPN member since 2003 Here are a few favorite spots from our volunteers, who lead NPN’s social and support groups all over Chicago.


Amy Archer lives in Lincoln Square with her husband and two school-age boys.

During the summer, they love a picnic at Foster Avenue Beach (5200 N. Lake Shore Dr.)

and the Museum of Contemporary Art’s (220 E. Chicago Ave.) free kids’ drop-in studio

Tuesdays during the farmers market or evenings during Tuesdays on the Terrace.

Two, three and five day programs Ages 15 months to 5 yearsOrganic lunch and snacksNon-toxic natural and sustainable materials throughoutOriginal and innovative curriculum

[email protected]

www.NewEinsteinsAcademy.com1858 North Damen Avenue

Chicago, IL 60647

Now Accepting Applications

We are a place where your childʼs learning, health and well-being are our first priorities.

New Eco-Friendly Child Care and PreschoolComing Soon to Bucktown/Wicker Park!

SOUTH lOOPEat: Cafe Society, 1801 S. Indiana

outdoor seating, live music some weekends

Play: Cotton Tail Park, 44 W. 15th great playground and beautiful park

WEST TOWNEat: Letizia’s, 2144 W. Division

great lemonade and gelato, nice back patio, sidewalk tables

Eat: Starfruit, 1745 W. Division great space, small back patio, waterfall and man-made pond with fish

Play: Smith Park, 2526 W. Grand newer playground with good shade and water sprayers

Play: Holstein Park, 2200 N. Oakley wonderful outdoor baby pool, great for toddlers, family swim hours

OlD TOWN/gOlD cOASTEat: Beachstro at Oak Street Beach (1001 N. Lake Shore Drive)

great for lunch, feels like a Caribbean vacation in the heart of Chicago

Eat: Nookies, 1746 N. Wells great breakfast, great people-watching on outdoor patio

Play: Milton Lee Olive Park (500 N. Lake Shore Drive) great picnic spot, wonderful grass area to play games, feed the ducks in the lake

ROgERS PARkEat/Play: Glenwood Farmers Market, Glenwood and Morse

(1400W-6900N) features organic and sustainable locally grown produce, live entertainment and activities

Play: Indian Boundary Park, 2500 W. Lunt mini-zoo with farm animals, cool wooden “castle” with slides, tunnels, obstacles

Play: Hartigan Park and Beach, 1031 W. Albion great beach with shallow water, playground with a tire swing, easy parking

Neighborhood Parents Network of Chicago 3020 N. Lincoln Ave.Chicago, IL [email protected]

UPcOMINg EVENTSJULY

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AUGUST

2710 a.m.–12 noon

JULY

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Stay connected!Become a Facebook fan of Neighborhood

Parents Network of Chicago (NPN) and suggest our page to your friends!

Follow us on Twitter, twitter.com/NPNparents,

and send us a Tweet!

Events, news, contests and giveaways!

Expectant Parents: Soothing Baby to Sleep

Smart love Family Services 800 W. Buena, Chicago

Not sure about crying it out? Try an alternative approach to sleep training.

Parent University: Potty Training

Flourish Studios 3020 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago

Done with diapers? Get a roadmap to potty training success.

Parent University: Insider’s Guide to Kindergarten Admissions

lincoln-Belmont library 1659 W. Melrose, Chicago

Tips and advice right from parents in the know.

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