Chicago Parent March 2013

*

Why we love MARCH

MARCH 2013 | FREE

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

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kids talkin’

TECH

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Digital OVERLOAD?

DARE TO FAIL

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ChicagoParent.com March 2013 1

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Meet

Abby attends: The Gardner School age: 1 0 Months and 1 3 Days Old teachers: Miss Christina and Miss Sarah favorite food: Oatmeal and Peaches loves to: Blow Kisses favorite activity at TGS: Itsy Bitsy Yoga (Sitting Tree Pose Pro!) likes to: Ham It Up For the Camera ! enjoys: Going For Strolls I n the Bye Bye Buggy !

LOVES:

The Gardner School !

(So Do Mom and Dad!)

Discover The Gardner School.

An award-winning, academically focused preschool for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.

www.TheGardnerSchool.com

Follow us online!

Call now to schedule your personal tour of our state-of-the-art school!

The Gardner School of Warrenville

The Gardner School of Chicago West Loop Campus

28W611 Ferry Road Warrenville, IL 60555

1301 West Madison Street, Suite 100 Chicago, IL 60607

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312.229.4299

Sneak-a-Peek Open House March 14th 3:00 - 6:00 pm

2/15/13 12:40 PM

When it comes to emergency care for your kids, the closer the better.

Emergencies happen. That’s why Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago at Cadence Health offers you and your children

Pediatric Emergency Department Hours:* Daily: Noon – Midnight

a team of board-certified pediatric emergency medicine specialists, with access to pediatric radiologists and experienced pediatric nurses. Last year, the dedicated Central DuPage Hospital pediatric emergency department treated more than 14,000 children. It’s compassionate emergency care that’s complete and close to home.

To learn more, visit cadencehealth.org/LurieChildrens.

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago at Cadence Health is a collaborative program between Cadence Health and Lurie Children’s. The physicians participating in this program are neither agents of nor employed by Cadence Health or any of its affiliates. *If your child needs emergency medical attention outside of the Pediatric Emergency Department hours listed above, you and your child can expect dedicated, compassionate care in the general CDH Emergency Department. © 2013 Cadence Health

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Full-time and part-time early childhood education 6 weeks to 5 years old

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www.littlegreentreehouse.com 4 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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you here when

need us

When it comes to your health, you deserve a medical practice that can cover all of your family’s needs.

With over 50 specialties ranging from Breast Surgery and Pediatrics to Oncology and Family Medicine, that’s just the kind of whole-body care we provide at DuPage Medical Group. We also offer sameday appointments, flexible after-hours care, and 50 locations – making care available when and where you need it.

To schedule an appointment, please call 1.888.MY.DMG.DR (1.888.693.6437).

DuPageMedicalGroup.com

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T:8.1875” S:7.42”

Sofia, Patient Since 2007

PREPARE TO BE AMAZED

tHe Care we Provide is as aMaZiNG as tHe Kids wHo reCeive it S:9.475”

researchers. Our clinical research inpatient unit expedites discoveries from the lab to the bedside. And a bridge connecting Lurie Children’s to Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Prentice Women’s Hospital, allows newborns needing our immediate care to stay close to their moms.

Our commitment is to be the only place to go for the most advanced cures, treatments and technologies, performed by the best minds in children’s medicine.

Family-friendly rooms with advanced technology

Photo Courtesy of Nick Merrick, Hedrich Blessing

Photo Courtesy of Nick Merrick, Hedrich Blessing

225 e. CHiCaGo aveNUe

Lurie Children’s is ranked nationally in all 10 pediatric specialties

Multiple check-in desks ensure patient safety

see more at luriechildrens .org

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T:10.486”

Children’s healthcare in Chicago is even more magnificent.

The amazing Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is a spectacular new facility built with the same splendor as our city itself and intentionally designed to provide superior care for every child. Strategically located on the downtown campus of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Lurie Children’s allows for scientific collaboration between world-class physicians and

contents IN THIS ISSUE 15

23

GOOD TO GO

Field exhibit features creatures of light THE SELF-AWARE PARENT

Dare to fail: Just be “you” 26 33

35

72 39

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MARCH 2013 | VOLUME 29 | NO. 3

FEATURES OVERLOAD? 46 DIGITAL Tiny techies: Chicago kids talk

TRENDING

Go boldly into thiss new fashion season CRAFT

Create supersized monster feet PARENT PANEL L

Our technology struggles CALENDAR

Why we love March rch

ON THE COVER IN CHICAGO 62 SPRING Wild and wacky fun awaits you!

technology Hyper-connected and happy?: What is technology doing to us and our kids?

PLUGGED-IN PARENT

Snapchat safe for kids?

WHERE THE 65 5 WHE KID ARE KIDS

Raising digital natives:: How some Chicago families are doing it Mom in charge: New Adler president wants to make science and technology real for all families

Little kno known center helps children who need a lot of help

72 ABUILDING 7 FUTURE

ONE O GIRL AT A TIME Local L dad helping Afghan A girls get an education ed

Cover kid: Sasha Gwinn, 5, Chicago Photography: Liz DeCarlo Design: Claire Innes

Coming this month

GOING PLACES Available beginning March 11

The family that dines together, stays together!

ChicagoParent.com March 2013 7

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Just Google it

W

TAMARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY

No waiting for sessions with ongoing

SWIM

LESSONS! Why hassle with waiting for sessions when you can join in on lessons any time at Dolphin? We offer ongoing registration and easy monthly billing, which not only make learning to swim convenient, but easy to fit your family’s busy schedule.

Sign up for your FREE TRIAL LESSON!™

CRYSTAL LAKE | SKOKIE | New! SCHAUMBURG

hen I was first diagnosed with thyroid cancer at 26, I spent hours in the library before my surgeries surrounded by medical reference books. The reporter in me wanted to know everything about the disease.

Now, like my kids, I just Google.

On one hand, I’m sad that my kids will never intimately know the

discoveries waiting to be found buried in encyclopedias, reference books, even dictionaries. But technology opens up their world so much more than I ever imagined.

It also literally has invaded my tiny living room. Many nights I’ll get home from work to find my husband in his recliner with his laptop, the three kids spread out on the couches with their school-mandated laptops open, doing their homework while at the same time texting on their phones and iPods (or playing Temple Run), and the TV playing one of the dozens of shows someone has DVR’d from the previous night.

As always happens, something on the TV, a homework problem or just one of my youngest’s odd, out-of-the-blue wonderings brings up a question. “Just Google it,” the rest will chime in. So little fingers fly on the keyboard and in seconds, someone will have the answer.

It’s the same way here in the Chicago Parent offices, by the way. Associate Editor Elizabeth Diffin is so speedy on Google that we barely have time to finish the question before she has the answer. I’ve given up trying to beat her to it. I always lose.

Our challenge as parents raising this first generation of truly digital natives is giving them access to technology, to learn and explore, while also keeping them safe and engaged with what’s happening around them.

It’s a tightrope.

We worry about protecting their privacy in this age of oversharing. We worry about their relationship-building skills when they prefer texting to meaningful conversation. We worry about their extreme multitasking.

At a time when it seems there is an app for every parenting situation, our role ultimately still is pretty old-fashioned. It always will be our job to help the kids set limits, to love them and to guide them—even if they have to teach us how to use our phones.

If you’re unsure how to do all that, just Google it.

8 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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 Watercolors  Reading  Stage Performances  Clay  Handwriting  Art Shows 

RAINFOREST

PRESCHOOL AND INFANT CENTER

Preschool and Infant Center www.rainforestschool.com

TWO GREAT LOCATIONS -NOW ENROLLING NOW OPEN! South Side North Side South Loop 1325 S. State St. Chicago, IL 60605 312-913-9793

Logan Square/ Lakeview 2545 W. Diversey Ave off 90/94 Chicago, IL 60647 773-384-4466

WWW.RAINFORESTSCHOOL.COM

Yoga  Dance  Mosaics  Poetry  Music  Theatre  Gardening  Math 

ChicagoParent.com March 2013 9

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CONTRIBUTORS

If we could do anything we wanted for spring break ...

EDITOR Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy SENIOR EDITOR Liz DeCarlo ASSOCIATE EDITOR Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Alaina Buzas ART DIRECTOR Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNERS Luke Baker,

Mark Tatara

MANAGER OF INTERNET AND TECHNOLOGY

Graham Johnston

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laura Amann,

Kristy MacKaben

Caitlin Murray Giles

Meredith Sinclair

Donna Bozzo

Margaritas. Burritos.

A beach. My husband. And a swimsuit-ready me.

Oh yeah, and no kids.

Ditch my cellphone and computer and hang out like a beach bum with my toes in the sand for a couple of weeks.

I’d stay in a castle amidst the English countryside where I’d go on fox chases, have tea eight times a day, and learn to play cricket. My boys would sit quietly and write sarcastic “thanks a lot” letters to the creators of Downton Abbey.

Go back in time to Disney. My Gracie used to call herself Snow White. We met her favorite princess in a quiet cove. When Gracie introduced herself as Snow White Bozzo—the princess said in all seriousness, “Oh my, you’re just like me!”

Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

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Walter Burden, Dawn Engelhardt, Lourdes Nicholls, Karen Skinner, Adrienne Smith CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SALES

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SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR

Sandi Pedersen

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Jessica Doerr

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER

Philip Soell

ADVERTISING DESIGN MANAGER

Andrew Mead

ADVERTISING DESIGN Maggie Acker,

Elisha-Rio Apilado, Debbie Becker CIRCULATION MANAGER Kathy Hansen

DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Specializing Alan Majeski in Dentistry for CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE Mike Braam CREDIT MANAGER Debbie Zari Diplomates of the Children & BOOKKEEPER Diane Eggers Specializing American Board Adolescents of Pediatric Dentistry inDiplomates Dentistry of for the PUBLISHER Dan Haley Dennis R. LaMonte, D.D.S., M.S. Steven T. Kuhn, D.D.S. American Board Children & VP/OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Specializing of Pediatric Dentistry Andrew Johnston Adolescents in Dentistry for COMPTROLLER Ed Panschar Specializing Dennis R.Exceptional LaMonte, D.D.S., M.S. Steven T. Kuhn, D.D.S. FOUNDERS Natalie Goodman, Children & forGeneral & Cosmetic in Dentistry Carolyn Jacobs Adolescents Children & Exceptional Dentistry

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Dentistry – now expanded Same relaxed & fun atmosphere to quality dental services! will allow usallow to see will us to see provide for Adults the entire family quality dental services! for with Adults 10313 West Lincoln Hwy. , in Frankfort more ofmore you of & your you & yourNiki Kasper,NikiD.D.S.Kasper, D.D.S. Michael Kasper, D.D.S. Michael Kasper, D.D.S. family’sfamily’s smiles!smiles! Same relaxed & fun atmosphere – now expanded to to Same relaxed & fun atmosphere – now expanded |

HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Illinois 60302 (708) 386-5555 ChicagoParent.com EDITORS

chiparent@chicagoparent.com CALENDAR

calendar@chicagoparent.com

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BROOKSIDE COMMONS

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Located in Brookside Commons (directly behind Kolecirculation@chicagoparent.com Digital Systems).

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ADVERTISING Take Lincoln Hwy. (Rt. 30) to Elsner Rd., turn South 1-block to Brookside Commons, turn left, and make an immediate right into parking lot.

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Chicago Parent is published monthly by Wednesday Journal, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chicago Parent, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60302. © 2013 Wednesday Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

10 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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Are you ready for Summer?

Summer Camp: July 1st -August 9th

register earlyspace is limited

Day camp registration begins: April 1 & 2

on-line registration www.chicagoparkdistrict.com (credit card required)

in-person registration (at most parks)

Saturday, April 6 at your local park

(bring child’s birth certificate and proof of residency)

At local parks, campers ages 6 to 12 can enjoy educational, recreational and cultural activities along with arts & crafts, field trips, sports, water fun and more!

Stay connected.

For more information about your Chicago Park District, visit our website at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call (312) 742-PLAY (7529); (312) 747-2001 (TTY).

City of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, Mayor Chicago Park District, Board of Commissioners Chicago Park District, Michael P. Kelly, General Superintendent and CEO ChicagoParent.com March 2013 11

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Supercare for superkids Get the best. At Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Lurie Children’s specialists are here for you — in our Pediatrics Emergency Department, outpatient offices, and in the hospital 24/7. Now that’s super!

nch.org/superkids

12 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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ON THE WEB

ChicagoParent.com your guide to fun and great info

M

arch in Chicago. The first thing that comes to mind? St. Patrick’ss Day. The holiday is unavoidable for Chicagoans, but we’re OK with th that. As the winter thaws, we could all use a little tle extra luck, right? Visit ChicagoParent.com for things to do with kids to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (without running into herds of tourists celebrating downtown).

ALAINA BUZAS In March we’re also focusing on technology. It’s t’s undeniable that the digital world is evolving at a faster pace each eir year. In fact, it seems kids these days know more by age 3 than their parents knew at age 30. This month on ChicagoParent.com, we’ll look at some of the latest innovations that are helping kids learn, create and connect.

ON THE BLOGS We’re happy to say ChicagoParent.com is now home to nine unique blogs. We’ve kept Marianne, Meredith, Samantha and the guys at White Dad Problems on board and added four new bloggers to our ranks.

Jasmine Jafferali has joined us on Mondays with her Healthy Jasmine blog. She hopes to inspire you to make positive, healthy changes for yourself and your whole family.

Chronicling the sticky bits of motherhood is Melissa Haak with her blog Peanut Butter in My Hair, posted on Thursdays. Melissa is a mom to four kids and loves just how special big families can be, even through the chaos.

We have two new bloggers joining us on Fridays to help you get ready for your weekend. Laila McCloud shares craft and activity ideas

she and her son have enjoyed on Trucks and Bubbles. And to save you from a boring dinner, Mandy Fayne has joined us as a recipe blogger with Kids in the Kitchen.

Plus, ChiTown Parent is back!

ChiTown Parent is a great collaborative blog written for and by Chicago parents about whatever is important to them that week. That means posts inspired by headlines, homework or even tantrums. They’ve got plenty of strong opinions and funny stories ready to share.

STAY CONNECTED Look us up on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest terest and Instagram. tagram. We love that there are so many ways to stay connected d to our readers and we want to o make sure you’re included d in all the fun.

You can now read each issue of Chicago Parent on your tablet or smartphone.

Search for us in the Apple Newsstand or in the Kindle Fire App! Single issues are 99¢, or save money and subscribe for $14.99!

CHIPAR0313_013.indd 1

CONTESTS There are some kid-friendly movies hitting the big screen this month, and our friends at Classic Cinemas are making it possible for your family to see them—for free! (Sorry: The drinks, popcorn and Milk Duds are on you.) We’ve got family five-packs for any of their 13 locations “Oz the to see to the pre-Dorothy fantasy film “O animated Great and Powerful” and prehistoric ani subscribe adventure “The Croods.” Be sure to su just when to our newsletters so you’ll know ju to enter for your chance to win.

Pinterest And visit our Pi Friday page every F extra givefor an ex away to end your week on high note. a hig

ChicagoParent.com C Ch hic icag ago oP Parent.com March 20 2013 013 13

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akkee A ess t e r p i e c

e

Scan here to see our activities!

No reservations necessary, activities starting all day • Ages 3-12 • Free parking garage

Paint With Colored Bubbles In Bubble’ology • Experimentation Station Offering Daily Science Experiments • Free-style Art At The Splat’tacular Art Tables • Cooking Projects in Kids’ Creative Kitchen • Li’l Sprouts DIY Craft Station • Drumroll, The Splashing Drum Studio The Glen Town Center • 2050 Tower Dr., Glenview, IL 60026 • Phone: 847-730-5275 makeamessterpiece.com • Hours: Mon. Closed, Tues.-Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 11am-5pm 14 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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Fireflies

Seeing the light Exhibit features creatures of light

W

hat kid doesn’t love watching fireflies on a warm summer night? But when it comes to their questions about why the fireflies light up, most parents would be hard-pressed to come up with an answer.

That’s where a trip to the new exhibit at The Field Museum can help. “Creatures of Light: Nature’s Bioluminescence” delves into the mystery of glowing creatures, from glowworms in caves to deep-sea fish that illuminate the dark ocean floor.

Leo Smith, lead curator of the exhibit, says this interactive exhibit will appeal to even the youngest of kids. “You walk into the fireflies and ... they see these things light up. There’s an iPad app where you can try to mimic the flashing patterns.”

The exhibit continues with glowworms dangling from the ceiling to real fish lighting up their tanks. Creatures of Light runs March 7-Sept. 8. For more information, visit fieldmuseum.org.

ChicagoParent.com March 2013 15

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GOOD TO GO

Comfort food perfect at Stanley’s Kitchen and Tap

K

nown perhaps more for its nightly crowd of 20- and 30-somethings looking to mingle than for family time, Stanley’s in Lincoln Park is surprisingly kid-friendly for an early dinner in the back dining room, which boasts a tot-sized picnic table—and the food is the stuff kids dream of.

From toasted mac-n-cheese to cheeseburger sliders to Stanley’s famous tater tots and mashed potatoes, there are dozens of kid-friendly items on the expansive menu. For dessert, children go nuts for the fried chocolate chip cookies. Yes, fried cookies.

Stanley’s also serves dreamy comfort food for adults. My favorite is the southern fried chopped chicken salad, which I affectionately call “the

world’s most fattening salad”—and it’s also quite possibly the world’s most delicious: an immense concoction of succulent chunks of fried chicken, cheddar and jalapeno jack cheeses, red onion, bacon, tomato and ranch dressing atop a mound of lettuce, technically making it a salad.

Grown-ups also will enjoy the platters served with mashed potatoes such as the bacon-laced meatloaf or hot open-faced turkey sandwich.

Every burger is a standout, especially the Elvis, decked out with bacon, pimento cheese and country fried onions. And not only kids deserve dessert—indulge in the homemade apple pie topped with cinnamon ice cream. One warning: food coma is inevitable, so don’t plan anything too taxing after dinner.

Linda Marsicano

Now acceptiNg applicatioNs for fall 2013 At the Montessori Academy of Chicago, we are proud to provide a foundation for academic and personal excellence year-round. Our program seeks to inspire the love of learning inherent in every student: today, tomorrow, and for the rest of their lives.

Learn More About Us: Join us for an informal informational session to learn more about the Academy. Contact us and reserve your spot today. 312.243.0977 Next SeSSiONS: • Tuesday, March 12, 9:00 - 10:30am • Tuesday, April 16, 9:00 - 10:30am • Tuesday, May 21, 9:00 - 10:30am

oUr prograMs Nursery: { Birth – Age 3 } Comprised of Infant, Toddler, and Pre-Primary classrooms, the Nursery program is focused on fostering basic trust, development of movement, and independence in the child.

Stanley’s Kitchen and Tap 1970 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago (312) 642-0007 stanleyskitchenandtap.com

not all great Minds think alike

Primary: { Ages 3 – 6 } Grouped in a three-year cycle, our Primary environments reinforce leadership skills and encourage mentoring in a structured “learn by doing” classroom.

Elementary: { Grades 1 – 6 } Our Elementary community is designed to encourage the growth of the curious mind, to develop empathy, imagination, and powers of reason, through an integrated and intellectually challenging curriculum.

www.montessoriacademychicago.org phone: 312.243.0977

1335 West Randolph Street, Chicago Illinois, 60607

16 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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THREE TO SEE

Three Easter activities

that don’t involve brunch

T

here are so many cool ways to celebrate Easter in Chicago with the kids that don’t involve an over-priced breakfast just to get a glimpse of an Easter Bunny impersonator. Here are some options that come with a great price tag: they’re free.

1

Egg Hunt and a Movie: Hop over to Wicker Park for a hip egg hunt followed by a viewing of the Easter Bunnyinspired movie Hop. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. March 30; 1425 W. Damen, Chicago. (312) 747-7553.

2

It’s Raining Candy! The mother of all candy grabs in Chicago is March 23 at Soldier Field starting at 9 a.m. The festivities include face painting, inflatables, balloon artists and more.

(312) 235-7000.

3

Trick or Treating Without the Costumes: Bounce from store to store in search of treats from Northcenter businesses, followed by a party in the town square where the Easter Bunny himself will be on hand for pictures with his fans. 10 a.m.

March 30. Northcenter Chamber of Commerce, (773) 525-3609.

Linda Marsicano

An independent school for gifted children from Preschool through Eighth Grade.

Visit Quest Academy Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten (Children ages 3 and 4) Tours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings For: Parents and their child(ren) ~Call for an appointment~ Lower School (Kindergarten through Fifth Grade) Tours: Wednesdays 8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

For: Parents (children welcome) Middle School ~Call to reserve a space~ (Sixth through Eighth Grade) Tours: Monday – Friday For: Parents (children welcome) ~Call for an appointment~ Shadow Days: Monday – Friday February, March and April 2013 For: Students ~Call for available dates~

For admission information and updates

Apply now for 2013-14 Call or e-mail Leslie Kovich, Director of Admission 847.202.8035, ext. 438 leslie.kovich@questacademy.org 500 North Benton, Palatine, IL 60067

(Between Plum Grove Road & Benton Street on Northwest Highway)

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GOOD TO GO

The Atwood Café A grownup (and delicious) dinner with kids in tow

O

ne of my New Year’s resolutions is to begin dining out like a normal adult again—whether we have a babysitter lined up or not. In other words, my husband and I won’t choose restaurants based on the kids’ menu, but rather on where we want to eat—and our 5-year-old twins will have to deal with it.

Sound determined, don’t I? The truth is I was slightly panicked as we approached The Atwood Café downtown for our 5:30 p.m. reservation.

When I peeked in the window and spotted not a single kid, but plenty of adults sipping peacefully on their cocktails, I almost

backed out. My children are not known for their quiet demeanors or impeccable manners, so I pictured them causing a ruckus as we received nasty glares from other patrons who managed to escape their own children for the evening—and didn’t want to deal with mine.

The good news: my girls rose to the occasion, slightly enthralled with this “fancy” venue where their juice came in lovely (and quite breakable) round glasses. The even better news: our meal was delightful, the server completely understanding that our kids might get antsy and brought out their meals as soon as they were ready, not waiting for our sirloin steaks—perfectly prepared with polenta, mushroom and onion—to come out.

There is, in fact, an Atwood Café kids’ menu, aptly named “The Grownup Children’s

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Menu,” which includes items like pasta, mini-burgers and chicken tenders. Kids’ meals are $12 and include a drink and a choice of ice cream or sorbet for dessert.

For adults, the entrée choices are diverse and adventurous.

Rabbit scallopini and hen are main course options along with more conventional choices like pork, mackerel, red snapper and a not-to-be-missed barley risotto adorned with radish, peas, mushroom and parmesan.

Upon finishing our steaks with

Atwood Café 1 W. Washington St., Chicago atwoodcafe.com a nice glass of pinot noir as the girls amicably bantered about school, a woman sitting nearby leaned over and complimented my daughters on (gasp!) their impressive behavior. I usually don’t stick to my New Year’s resolutions but maybe this new dining out philosophy is the charm.

Linda Marsicano

“He Will Outgrow It, Don’t Worry” Advice to mother of a child who is struggling with homework demands of elementary grades --- mom is not convinced.

Mom’s suspicions are right on target. When an obviously bright child is already struggling to finish his daily homework assignments, something is not right.

What will middle school be like ?

“But he is not a problem in class.” Has the teacher ever witnessed the “meltdowns” with homework? Is it normal for 30 minutes of homework to take 2 hours to complete after the tears, avoidance, and delay tactics ?

Reading – avoids and delays completing - fatigue and yawning - headache, eyes hurting – but loves to be read to .

Writing – avoids and delays - poor quality - odd grip – says finger, hand, arm hurts – can verbally express complete thoughts, but has trouble putting them on paper.

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Pregnancy, labor, delivery – complications, difficult – problems as newborn, in NICU When a child’s history contains such items, it can signal the presence of Neuro-Developmental Delay (NDD), a treatable medical condition. NDD results when subtle disturbances occur in brain development and function following complications of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and newborn period.

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18 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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BEST IN CHI

Best ways

to enjoy March holiday madness

SARA R. FISHER

Just when you think you can enjoy your “normal” routine, March holidays hit you, especially with St. Patrick’s Day, Passover, Easter, the first day of spring, and even World Kidney Day (explain that one to me) filling up the month.

Here are some fun ways to embrace the chaos.

Inspiration begins here.

1

Easter The egg hunt is the pinnacle of kiddie fun for Easter, and the Chicago Park District puts on some pretty good gatherings. Try: Altgeld Bunny Holiday Festival, 515 S. Washtenaw.

If you want to kickstart the Easter celebration, check out Altgeld Park 4-6 p.m. March 28 for games, face painting and arts and crafts for kids 5-11. $2.

For an amazing Easter brunch, hit the Four Seasons, of course.

2

Passover Passover is one of my favorite holidays, but the prep for it is harder than the reward. Eat out instead. Mity Nice Grill, 835 N. Michigan Ave. in Water Tower Place, offers a family-style Passover dinner you won’t forget. $36.95 adult, $16.95 kids 12 and under.

If you must cook at home, plan on something to entertain the youngsters when they’ve tired of the long Seder.

Temple Sholom’s gift shop, 3480 N. Lake Shore Drive, sholomchicago.judaicabeautiful.com, offers goodies like a kiddie Seder set and a DVD of “Shalom Sesame: It’s Passover, Grover!”

3

St. Patrick’s Day Don’t miss the huge St. Patrick’s Day parade at noon on March 17. To see the Chicago river turn green, arrive by 10:45 a.m. If watching the big to-do downtown isn’t your thing, stop by the Wishcraft Workshop in Roscoe Village, 2312 W. Roscoe St., (773) 348-9474, growartists.com, for a “Top O’ the Morning” class for kids, where they’re sure to make the best leprechaun this side of the Atlantic. Class starts at 10:30 a.m.

Catherine Cook School inspires children for life in a nurturing learning environment.

Focused on the formative years of preschool through Grade 8, CCS offers challenging academics supported by leading-edge technology to give students the skills to be hardworking, curious, and adaptive.

Visit us online or in person.

226 W. Schiller St. | Chicago, IL 60610 312.266.3381 | www.catherinecookschool.org

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ChicagoParent.com March 2013 19

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DITCH THE KIDS

Double the fun date night

I

have never liked guacamole. I’m pretty vocal about my distaste for the stuff and had written it off entirely as a tasteless chip dip.

But after a visit to Mercadito, I have to eat my words because I literally ate all of the guacamole.

Mercadito, an upscale Mexican restaurant in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, is actually known for its mango guacamole, my favorite from the night, so I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised by my change of heart.

108 W. Kinzie St., Chicago Mercadito has an im (312) 329-9555 pressive list of cocktails, mercaditorestaurants.com as well as wine and beer, and I decided to venture unique decor, which keeps it away from a standard margarita feeling cozy instead of cramped. to try something new. I chose Dining at Mercadito definitely the Los Hermanos, which has a completely unique, smoky flavor. felt more upscale than the check reflected, which always makes Eager to try all the tempting for a nice experience. dishes on the menu, we enjoyed After dinner, head downstairs a few fresh ceviches as a starter. to Double A lounge for a cocktail I recommend the dorado, made or two. Having a second destinawith mahi mahi and grilled tion in the same building as Asian pear. dinner is a brilliant idea for our The menu boasts a wide unpredictable Chicago weather. variety of taco choices, which Mercadito also offers monthly are a must during a Mercadito cooking demos that would make visit. There’s truly something a great date night for parents. for everyone, including more These multi-course demonthan one option for vegetarians. strations are hosted by the There also are plenty of tasty sides to choose from. restaurant’s own Chef Patricio We loved the atmosphere Sandoval.

Alaina Buzas at Mercadito. The restaurant is small but has simple and

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20 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com march_chicagoparent_quarter_020713an.indd 1

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NEWS YOU CAN USE

Eat up at new museum cafe

I Free this month Museum of Science and Industry Free general admission: March 4

John G. Shedd Aquarium Free general admission: March 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26

The

’ve been visiting the DuPage Children’s Museum with my kids for years, and one of my only gripes with this wonderful place was the lack of a café. That changed recently, when the museum opened up the 60-seat S.M.A.R.T. Café, filled with healthy food choices and learning opportunities for kids.

“We thought if we provided a café experience with a SMART (science, math, art, reading and technology) theme and allowed kids to choose a balanced lunch for themselves, we could incorporate the healthy food lifestyle into those choices,” says Bri Bromberek, marketing manager for the museum.

To that end, all of the children’s meal options are free of nitrates, antibiotics and preservatives. There are peanut-free and gluten-free options, as well as organic milk and sugar-free juice.

“It lets parents be able to know that whatever choice their kids make will be a

healthy one,” Bromberek says.

The SMART theme comes alive in the café’s décor, where food becomes an opportunity for kids to learn about things such as science and math. For example, the transfer of heat when cooking food is science, measuring a recipe is math and sculpting fruit is art.

The café is in the lower level. There will be a separate eating area for families who bring their own lunches, but vending machines have been removed.

Liz DeCarlo

Preschool at CGS ...begin the Chicago Grammar School experience.

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, our program sparks children’s curiosity, enabling them to experience the world purposefully, acquire social skills and build the necessary foundation for a successful and joyful academic journey.

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www.chicagogrammar.org ChicagoParent.com March 2013 21

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1

12/10/12 4:12 PM

2/15/13 12:25 PM

Just be “you” Several years ago, while I was frantically putting my girls to bed, my husband asked why I was rushing. Without thinking, I quickly responded, “I just want them to go to sleep so I can be me again.”

All night I thought about what I said and what it meant.

Am I not myself when I’m with my CATHY CASSANI children?

ADAMS I realized that much of the time, I wasn’t. Somewhere along the way I had taken on the “role” of mom—a role filled with seriousness, worry, multitasking and martyrdom. Typical, maybe, but it didn’t suit me. I felt drained, disconnected, and more than ready to be done at the end of the day.

Instead of integrating my mom skills into my existing self, I split myself and became a different person depending on what I was doing. And like many moms, I began to lose my identity, my sense of being and my ability to relate authentically to my family.

Books, the media, family and neighbors will offer advice on what it means to be a great parent, but have you noticed that all the information is conflicting and always changing? Nobody agrees even on the basics, mostly because we all have individual backgrounds and challenges and we view the world through our individual experiences.

So instead of trying to play a role or be what others tell me to be, I try to keep it simple—trust my gut, use common sense, and just be me.

Being me means dancing in the kitchen, singing in the car, spending time with my friends, making

mistakes, talking about my feelings, crying when I’m sad, and most important, laughing, a lot.

Some days are wonderful, and I make sure to acknowledge joyful moments and experiences, but some days are difficult, and part of my parenting job is to model how to handle challenges, take responsibility, and accept what is.

So instead of putting all of my energy into a “role,” I put my energy into being me. I wake up and show up so my kids can know their mom. I want them to see me fall down, get back up, experience success, handle rejection and have fun.

And instead of striving for kudos from others, I’d rather strive to be the best version of myself, with the hopes that my girls chose to do the same.

Try to just be yourself and see what happens.

Cathy Cassani Adams is an author, the host of Zen Parenting radio and the mom of three girls. Reach her at cathycadams.com.

Need to know

THE SELF-AWARE PARENT

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MOM OF THE MONTH

The writing mom Thea Goodman

Two kids, Esme, 7, and Ethan, 3.

Married to Eric Oliver, a professor at the University of Chicago

{M.O.M}

Chicago Author You write with passion about sleep deprivation. How bad did it get for you?

Pretty bad. (She laughs.) I think it’s hard for everyone. ... This was what parenthood entails, we didn’t expect anything different. We were resigned to being a little fuzzy. I do think it’s really challenging.

Even just daily quarrels that you might have with your spouse really do come from sleep deprivation. I notice when we both had a good night’s sleep how different things seem in the morning.

How do you describe your parenting style? My husband is a political scientist. He basically looks at data and makes analysis from data. He always tries

to remind me that as long as we don’t traumatize them, the chances of them being happy are quite high. So we try not to create any pain in their lives. I’m very smothering, very super-loving. I’m kind of a softy. But we also have rules and firm boundaries about bedtime, screen time, the rules of the house. As long as they stick within those rules, we’ll be very friendly.

Your worst parenting moment? Last winter, coming in from sledding and my son had been really very trying. We walked into the house and my daughter did something or asked for something and I snapped at her in a very mean way. ... It was one of those moments when I completely unleashed my wrath at her and she hadn’t really done anything wrong.

One thing you’d change about your life: I would love it if we could tuck three or four more hours into the day. Usually by the time the children are in bed, we don’t have very much time left before we have to go to sleep. I would love to have more energy from 7:30-10:30 p.m. to write or have a conversation with my husband or finish an entire movie.

What do you like best about raising kids in Chicago: There’s so many things to do with children in Chicago. ... Culturally there are so many riches that are available to children here. I think it’s really unique for a major city.

>>

The Sunshine When She’s Gone In her debut novel, The Sunshine When She’s Gone, Thea Goodman didn’t have to look far for inspiration. While the events in the novel are fictional, the book explores the life transition of going from being a married couple to having children. “It’s something that me, my friends and many of my peers were all going through.”

Goodman will hold a book launch March 6 at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., Chicago.

Tip: Getting your kid a mobile phone?

If you’ve decided to get your kid a mobile phone, teach them to be a responsible phone owner first. Start by showing basic features like programming contacts. Include “ICE”—in case of emergency—before important names in their phone’s contact list. Set clear guidelines for use and etiquette. Let them know what parental control features are in place and why. Talk about who they can call or text and when they can/can’t use the phone, such as at school, the movie theater, the dinner table or in crowds. Set curfews for use so you don’t find them texting under the covers at 3 a.m.

Elisa All, founder of 30SecondMom.com, is mom to three incredibly active kids who inspire her to be “in the know while on the go.”

24 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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PRODUCTS

Say

Cheese!

What to do with all those smartphone photos

F

or parents in the 21st century, it’s a common problem: What to do with all those adorable kid pics you have clogging up your smartphone. So we tried out some products for getting your fave photos off your phone and into your hands. Here are three we liked: PostalPix (free, iPhone, Android) takes photos directly from your phone and mails you prints within a few days. The photos are easy to select, and the app warns you if resolution quality is poor.

You’ll pay a little more

than at your local photo spot (pics range from 29 cents for a 4x4 to $3.49 for an 8x10), and it takes a few days for delivery, but we were pleased with the photo quality. Some were so clear, they’d look great in a frame. The app

also features order history, account and support icons, so you quickly can find what you need.

If you like making photo books, but don’t have the time, try Mosaic (free, iPhone).

This app allows you to make a 20-page photo book for a flat rate of $20. We liked the ease of adding and reordering photos to produce the perfect little book.

You’ll want to edit your photos first—problems with red eye and lighting are more obvious when printed. We think the best feature is the pretty tiled cover, making it ideal for displaying on your coffee table. Or the pop-up

alerts that let us know exactly when the book was printed, mailed and set to be delivered (a lightning-fast three days).

The showstopper was CanvasPop (canvaspop.com), a website that takes your photos from smartphone, as well as Instagram and Facebook, and turns them into beautiful canvas prints. CanvasPop is a pricier option, with selections starting at $30 for an unframed 8x10, but the end result is a treasure you’ll keep forever. Save 25 percent off your CanvasPop order through April 30 with discount code CHICAGOPARENT.

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ChicagoParent.com March 2013 25

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PLUGGED-IN PARENT

Snapchat safe for kids?

Q

My daughter says using Snapchat is safe because the photo message disappears after a few seconds. True?

Snapchat has become a hot app for message-happy teens who love to communicate. This app, available for iPhone and Android devices, is a real-time picture chatting SHARON MILLER message tool enjoying more than CINDRICH 50 million “snaps” a day. Users take snapshots (or “snaps”) and send them to each other in lieu of text messages. They can exchange short videos, too.

A

One of Snapchat’s exciting nuances is a promise the message only lasts for a short time. Users can set a timer for their photo message, which will disappear once opened in a few seconds.

While kids enjoy sending fun photos (the app even allows users to add drawings and photos captions to their snaps), some speculate that disappearing messages give kids a false sense of security. Concerned parents worry that apps like this may provoke risky, impulsive behavior and increase sexting between teens.

Like most apps, this one is generally a fun, creative way for kids to connect. Whether it affects a teen’s impulse control will have more to do with the teen than the app.

That said, parents need to remind kids that there is always a risk that their private information, messages, and photos can go public— whether they are supposed to disappear or not.

Download the app and try it to understand how it works. Then, go over these basic reminders with kids

that apply to Snapchat, a similar app by Facebook called Poke, and many other photo messaging apps teens love to use.

1 Nothing is gone forever.

While Snapchat promises photos will disappear, the recipient can save a screenshot if they are quick. Senders also can save their own snaps.

2 Look over your shoulder. Even if a message is intended for a friend, users can’t always be sure that the message isn’t seen by someone else—a sibling who is borrowing the phone or another friend looking over the recipient’s shoulder.

3 Taking a picture of a picture. Sure, the original photo may only be available for five seconds, but even that quickly, a photo could be taken of the screen with someone else’s phone camera. From there, it could be posted online and emailed.

The bottom line? Kids should never send, text, tweet or post content that may be interpreted in an inappropriate way—whether it promises to disappear or not.

26 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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phone: 847.634.3168 fax: 847.634.8262

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ChicagoParent.com March 2013 27

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Join this unique musical theater company for children entering grades 5–8. Lab faculty along with theater and music pros help students plan and stage the annual On Stage extravaganza. Students have a ton of fun and leave the show more confident, more self-aware and better able to collaborate with their fellow students. The driving pace of this energetic production has students singing, dancing, and acting on the first day. Curtains up for the final show “On Stage” during the last week of July.

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28 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD SENSE EATING

The INSATIABLE child Some children seem to be “born hungrier” than others. These tykes have a larger appetite and take longer to be satisfied. But it’s not easy to know if they’re born that way or have learned to eat more from environment and upbringing.

“We do know that children are hungrier when they are in a growth CHRISTINE spurt,” explains child nutrition PALUMBO expert Jill Castle, RD, co-author of Fearless Feeding: How to Raise Healthy Eaters from High Chair to High School. “Some children seem to naturally have larger appetites, due to a bigger frame or stature which requires more calories, or their simple love of food and eating.”

A big appetite can be seen early on, but this does not mean these children are destined to struggle with their weight.

Eating in the absence of hunger peaks between age 5 and 9. “If children ask for more food shortly after a meal or a snack, they may be demonstrating boredom or habit-eating, rather than true hunger,” says Castle. This type of eating is associated with excess weight gain.

On the other hand, if meals or snacks aren’t nutritious and satisfying, or are erratic, little ones may seek additional food.

“Parents can dig a little deeper and discuss why their child wants more to eat—maybe the child skipped lunch and is truly hungry, attempting to make up the shortages of the day. Or, maybe the meal was the child’s favorite and they just want to enjoy more.”

Christine Palumbo, RD, is on the faculty of Benedictine University. Contact her at Chris@ChristinePalumbo. com, Facebook at Christine Palumbo Nutrition or on Twitter @PalumboRD.

Fudgy Black Bean Brownies These flourless flourless brownies are gluten free.

Makes 16 servings Ingredients One 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed very well 3 large eggs 3 Tbsp. canola oil 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract, optional 1/2 tsp. baking powder Pinch salt 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat an 8 x 8-inch baking pan or dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

2. Place the black beans in a food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, oil, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, peppermint extract as desired, baking powder, and salt and process until smooth. Add ¼ cup of the chips and pulse a few times until the

chips are incorporated.

3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top with a rubber spatula, and sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup chocolate chips.

4. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan before slicing into 2-inch squares.

Nutrition information per serving: 120 calories, 5g fat (1.5g saturated, 0.3g omega-3), 95mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 3g protein Used with permission from No Whine with Dinner: 150 Healthy, Kid-Tested Recipes from The Meal Makeover Moms by Liz Weiss, MS, RD, and Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RD

But Mom, I’m hungry!

1. Don’t restrict the amount your child eats. This can result in a child who overeats at parties, school or friends’ homes. Weight and body image issues may emerge down the line.

2. Brush up on age-related portion sizes and model those at mealtimes.

3. Work on recognizing hunger and fullness signs with the child, and make sure he or she is eating for hunger most of the time.

4. Ensure nutritious food is offered on a regular schedule. Set boundaries around when eating happens.

5. Serve plenty of fruits and vegetables. Regulate sweets, but don’t eliminate them.

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Montessori Making a Difference in our World for 100 Years For Further inForMation, please Call anD visit anY oF the loCations listeD.

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“We must have faith in the child as a savior capable of regenerating the human race and society and Create an environment which gives them the opportunities to explore their possibilities and develop the skills they need to be peacemakers.”

—Maria Montessori

Chicago Intercultural Montessori Language School, Chicago and Oak Park

114 S. Racine., Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 265-1514

www.interculturalmontessori.org Ages 3-12 yrs, Dual language in Spanish, Japanese & Chinese. Oak Park campus also.

Montessori Academy of Chicago

1335 W. Randolph Street Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 243-0977

www.montessoriacademychicago.org Setting the standard in urban Montessori from Birth - 12 years

Chicago north Near North Montessori

1434 West Division, Chicago, IL 60642 (773) 384-1434

www.nnms.org Est. 1963 serving students 6 mos – 14 years; Early morning, Afterschool & summer programs. Fully Accredited.

Rogers Park Montessori School

1800 West Balmoral Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 271-1700

www.rpmschool.org Celebrating 45 years of serving children ages 2 through 8th grade; fully accredited by AMS and ISAACS.

Chicago northwest Brickton Montessori School

8622 West Catalpa, Chicago, IL 60656 (773) 714-0646

www.brickton.org Programs for ages 2 through 8th grade, also parent/young child. Fully accredited by AMS and ISACS.

suburban north Alta Vista Montessori School 1850 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville, IL 60048 (847) 918-1621

Deerfield, Glenview and Riverwoods Montessori Schools 3140 Riverwoods, Riverwoods, IL 60015 (847) 945-8661

www.montessori-schools.com Est. 1966. AMS Accredited, 3 mos.-12yrs, Full & half day, Elementary, Summer Camp.

Forest Bluff School 8 West Scranton Ave. Lake Bluff, Il 60044 (847) 295-8338

www.forestbluffschool.org AMI accredited 1982. Birth to 14 yrs.

Paula Polk Lillard, Lynn Jessen founders.

Midwest Montessori School 926 Noyes Street, Evanston, IL 60201

(847) 328-6630 www.midwestmontessori.com Demonstration School (MMTTC) ages 3-6, full & part time.

Montessori Children’s House of North Barrington 115 Clover Hill Lane North Barrington, Il 60010 (847) 550-0917

www.mchnb.net Serving children from birth to age 6 since 1970. Full and half day programs.

Old School Montessori 144 Commerce Drive Grayslake, Il 60030 (847) 223-9606

www.OSMKids.com Pre-primary program 15-36 months. Ages 3 – 12, extended day, Spanish, enrichment & summers.

Ronald Knox Montessori School 2031 Elmwood Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091 (847) 256-2922

www.ronaldknox.org Est. 1963. Celebrating 50 years of guiding and educating children ages 6 mos. – 6 yrs.

Skokie Montessori School

425 E. 164th St., South Holland, IL 60473 (708) 339-4274

www.larenmontessori.org Ages 3-9 years; 50'x70' garden; Spanish; after school music, art, cultural dance, TaiChi; summer.

5935 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN 46320 (219) 932-5666

www.mcshammond.com AMS accredited, toddler- middle school.

Before & after care available est. 1968.

Southwest Suburban Montessori 8800 W. 119th St., Palos Park, IL 60464 (708) 448-5332

www.swsmontessori.com Ages: 2-6 yrs., AM & PM, full-day Kindergarten, Spanish, gym, yoga & summer school.

suburban northwest

www.chiaravalle.org Spark Interest, Ignite discovery. 6 mos – 14 yrs, full & half day, fully accredited.

www.villagegreenmontessori.com 3-6 years, 8:30 – 3:30 flexible times and days, Kindergarten Enrichment & Summer programs available.

125 W Church St., Libertyville, IL 60048 (847) 281-9911

850 N. Commonwealth Ave, Aurora, IL 60506 (630) 896-7557

www.foxvalleymontessori.com 18 mos - 12yrs. Groundbreaking Montessori STEM Program. Before and After.

Extracurriculars. 44 yr History.

Greenbrook Montessori 1675 Greenbrook Blvd.

(630) 830-1675

www.Greenbrook-Montessori.com Toddlers thru Kindergarten; All day Montessori; family friendly.

Keystone Montessori School

7415 W. North Ave. River Forest, Il 60305 (708) 366-1080

www.ksmontessori.org Ages 3 months -15 yrs, after school care 5 yrs.+ “a place where children love to learn.”

Mansio Mens Montessori

102 Howard St., Geneva, IL 60134 (630) 232-6750

Buffalo Grove Montessori

www.genevamontessori.org 15 months-6 yrs. Yoga, Spanish. Full and Part time programs offered.

www.bgmsweb.com Toddlers through Kindergarten (infants – 6 yrs.) AMS accredited programs. A lifetime foundation.

Montessori Children’s Community

950 Ellen Drive, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 (847) 541-8111

Children’s Learning World, A Montessori School 8101 Golf Rd., Niles, IL 60714 (847) 470-0370

www.clw-montessori.com 6 wks - 12 yrs, open year round.

Crystal Lake Montessori School 3013 S. Country Club Rd, Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 338-0013

www.skokiemontessori.com 2 - 12 years old, toddler, 3-6 year and Elementary programs, full day, extended and half-day.

Vernon Hills Montessori Academy Montessori Academy of Illinois 21 W. Hawthorn Parkway, Vernon Hills, Il 60061 (847) 918-0342

Fox Valley Montessori School

Montessori Children’s Schoolhouse Hanover Park, Il 60133

Remarkable country setting in the heart of McHenry Co. Birth – 8th grade, AMS accredited. Spanish, art, drama, music & Physical Education.

Chiaravalle Montessori

425 Dempster Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (847) 864-2190

Laren Montessori School

8401 North Karlov Avenue, Skokie, IL 60076 www.clms.org (847) 679-4614

www.vernonhillsacademy.com Preschool, open year round, music and sports daily. Half and full day.

A Village Green Montessori

www.altavistamontessori.com 16 mos - 6 yrs, full and half day, school year and year round AMI accredited.

suburban south

3424 Maple Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513 (708) 485-9542

www.montessori-cc.org Toddler and Primary programs.

Seton Montessori School

5728 Virginia Ave., Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 (630) 655-1066

www.setonmontessori.org A Lab School serving infant to elementary children. Also offering parent-child and summer camp programs.

West Suburban Montessori School 1039 S. East Ave., Oak Park, IL 60304 (708) 848-2662

www.wsms.org AMI accredited, Accepting applications for ages 3-6, child care, extracurricular classes.

418 W. Touhy Ave, Park Ridge, IL 60068 (847) 292-1229

www.montessoriacademyofillinois.com 6 weeks to 6 years since 1993, full and half day, Summer and Spanish.

suburban West Alcuin Montessori School

324 N. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, Il 60302 (708) 366-1882

www.alcuin.org founded in 1961, 0-14 Spanish, Art, Theater.

Come to a monthly tour

Members of Association of Illinois Montessori Schools. For additional information or membership call 847-945-7582 or email info@illinoismontessorischools.com.

30 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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MONEY

Cards and interest and points…

oh my!

Choosing the right credit card BY

LELA DAVIDSON

O

verwhelmed by credit card choices? You are not alone. The good news is that if you are organized and intentional about your choices, reward cards really can pay off.

In order to reap those benefits, you will need to charge a lot and pay the full balance at the end of the month.

To avoid overspending, you need to keep track of all that spending. Although you may be checking your balance

online, it is easy to track your “real” balance in a spreadsheet or old-fashioned check register by subtracting the credit card purchases. Keep your receipts and record them once a week.

That way when your credit card statement arrives, you have the money to pay it in full, sitting comfortably in your account.

What is right for the family next door is not necessarily going to work for yours.

The key to real reward card success is choosing a card that fits your lifestyle, habits and family needs. Will you actually

use the benefits? Don’t get a Disney card if you can’t stand crowds, and don’t bother with a card that only rewards gas purchases if you drive a Prius.

Web designer Martin McClellan and his wife Christine use a cash reward card that pays 6 percent back on groceries. With a 2-yearold son, trips through the food and baby aisles add up.

“We use it for all of our daily expenses and pay it off each month,” says McClellan. “In five months of use we’ve made about $300 cash back.”

Watch out for offers that come from processing centers, rather than the major credit card companies. Unsolicited pre-approved offers may be tempting, but hit the Internet to compare cards before you sign the easy application.

Lela Davidson is a former CPA, a freelance journalist and author.

Three steps to try 1. Evaluate the introductory rate and the regular rate.

Remember that the lowest advertised rate usually goes to those with the very best credit.

2. Investigate rewards. Will you actually use them? Are they easy to redeem? Does their value outweigh annual fees and potentially higher interest rates?

3. Check the fees. Annual fees are just the beginning.

Make sure you understand over-limit and late payment penalties—because we all make mistakes.

Check ChicagoParent.com/ creditcards for information on the four major rewards and little-known credit card perks.

THE AWARD-WINNING

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• Make Play-By-Play tapes of the Super Bowl and NBA Finals • Make reporting tapes at a professional stadium • Meet sports celebrities… and much more Day/Overnight sessions available For more info call 800.319.0884 or visit www.playbyplaycamps.com facebook.com/sportsbroadcastingcamps youtube.com/sportsbroadcastcamp

ChicagoParent.com March 2013 31

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2/15/13 5:21 PM

Indoor Attraction · LEGO® Rides · LEGO MINILAND · LEGO Studios 4D Cinema · LEGO Master Builder Academy LEGO Factory Tour · LEGO Jungle Expedition Birthday Rooms · Shop & Café Located in Schaumburg at the Streets of Woodfield.

For more information visit www.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com

This o≠er is valid for one free child admission with each full paying adult (paying the standard admission price) to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago. This coupon cannot be used in conjunction with any tickets purchased online. This coupon can only be used when paying the standard admission price - it cannot be used with the Family Saver Pricing. Please present this coupon when purchasing tickets. This discount is not valid with other discounts, coupons or other o≠ers and cannot be used with online or prebooked tickets. Cannot be used with birthday parties. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Duplication or sale of this o≠er is prohibited. No cash value. Not redeemable for cash or credit. Valid until March 1, 2014. (GC: 1581) LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2013 The LEGO Group. LEGOLAND IS A PART OF THE MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP. © 2013 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved.

32 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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TRENDING

Go BOLDly into this new season Neon grows up

MEREDITH SINCLAIR

If you were a child of the ‘80s, you know we wore “shades” all the time—mainly so we could handle looking at each other in all that NEON. Well, it’s back and brighter than ever. If you’re hoping to relive your Cyndi Lauper days, please, for your kids’ sake, DON’T. Instead, sprinkle a little reminder of your youth here and there.

Neon in extreme moderation and as a part of more “grown-up” pieces is key.

Hit Target for a few options that work.

Suits go short This one may take a little convincing, but trust me, you can do it. One of the hottest trends this summer is the Short Suit: a tailored suit jacket, lovely lightweight blouse, and crisp not-too-short shorts. Pair it with a pretty sandal, espadrille, or peep-toe pump and you’ve got the perfect out to dinner, garden soiree, or cocktail party ensemble.

Enviable in GREEN The color know-it-alls at Pantone pick an “it” color every year, and for 2013 the color is emerald green.

I’ve always loved this hue, so I’m more than happy to jump right on this trend’s bandwagon.

Here is one way to give it a go from Old Navy: Women’s peacoat: $35

Get lost in Bermudas Had enough of the short shorts, ladies? Well, this is your summer!

The longer, slimmer Bermuda short will be the star of the sunny season. If you’re tall, then have a ball and wear it with flips, flats or heels. If you’re a little more “petite” like me, lengthen your leg with a wedge heel or platform flips.

Check out the J.Crew offerings, now on sale!

ChicagoParent.com March 2013 33

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Fresh Ideas for Curious Minds!

Spring After-School Programs and “Science Spectaculars!�

Summer Programs June - August (10% Tuition Discount thru March 31!)

Locations throughout Chicago and Suburbs For motivated and inquisitive students in grades preK - 12 Chemistry

Creative Writing Computers Electronics Filmmaking Harry Potter-Ology Historic Games Math Musical Theater Painting Photography ~ plus many more exciting topics ~

34 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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2/15/13 1:14 PM

CRAFT

Monster Mash

Create super sized, ed, stomping feet

S

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY CAITLIN MURRAY GILES

tomping around the house like a monster (or dinosaur or even a dragon) is a fun activity for toddlers and preschoolers. But it is even more fun when you’ve got super-sized, colorful feet for stomping!

Use materials from around your house to create fun “feet” for your little monster.

Begin with two empty rectangular tissue boxes of the same size. Cut away the plastic around the opening on top if there is any.

Use several pieces of packing tape to make the size of the opening smaller in front (measure to your child’s foot). Use additional pieces of tape to reinforce the ankle area and sides so that the box is less likely to rip while your monster is vigorously stomping!

Cover any sticky sides of the exposed tape with additional tape so that it doesn’t stick to socks.

Decorate your monster feet as you wish. You can paint the boxes or use tissue/wrapping paper. If you use tissue or wrapping paper, wrap as you would a present.

Then, carefully cut through the paper to expose the opening on top of the tissue box. Use additional pieces of tape to secure the edges of the tissue paper surrounding the opening.

Cut six triangular “claws” or “toes” from a regular kitchen sponge. Use craft glue or a hot glue gun to adhere the three sponge pieces to the front of each tissue box. Let the glue dry completely before letting the kids try out their new stomping feet.

Let the wild rumpus begin!

Supplies 2 empty rectangular tissue boxes with top openings Clear packing tape Paint or tissue paper A dry, new kitchen sponge Craft glue or hot glue gun

ChicagoParent.com March 2013 35

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"Within the child lies the fate of the future" - Maria Montessori

Our unique camps provide three hours of fun and activities in a unique non-competitive, nurturing environment. day, Our camps provide three hours of fun andEach activities different creative themes keep your child on their toes as in a non-competitive, nurturing environment.

Each day, they take creative part in exciting journeys. different themesimaginative keep your child on their toes as they take part in exciting imaginative journeys.

Now enrolling children 2½-6 programs offered; morning, extended day, all day, organic hot lunch

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NOW ENROLLING FOR SUMMER CAMPS NOW ENROLLING FOR SUMMER CAMPS The Little Gym of Chicago www.TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL The Little Gym of Chicago (773) 525-5750 www.TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL (773) 525-5750

Check out the Radio Disney Road Crew for music, games and prizes!

Visit the Radio Disney Facebook page, and click on “Your Station” for more events or call the local listener line at 312-409-3212!

All events subject to change or cancellation

Join the Road Crew at the Chicagoland Kids Expo March 9th & 10th in Schaumburg for music, games, and prizes!

March 1: March 9: March 9: March 10: March 16: March 17: March 23:

Kohl Children’s Museum, 7-8pm, Glenview Chicagoland Kids Expo, 9am-6pm, Schaumburg Chicago Wolves Fun Fest, 5-6:30pm, Rosemont Chicagoland Kids Expo, 10am-5pm, Schaumburg Family Time Kids Expo , 9am – 5pm, Tinley Park Family Time Kids Expo, 10am-4pm, Tinley Park Eggstravaganza, 9am -12pm, Soldier Field, Chicago

36 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

Chicago Parent CHIPAR0313_036.indd 1

2/15/13 4:02 PM

FAILING WITH GUSTO

MARIANNE WALSH

At the risk of sacrificing any future job offers from Apple or Intel, I am ready to admit a shameful secret. Despite an era of space-age phones, talking cars and teenage texters, I am practically a dinosaur. I read paper books. I get my directions from maps. I pay bills using envelopes and stamps.

Technology and I are pretty much oil and vinegar. Fire and gasoline. Popeye and Bluto.

The irony of this does not escape me. I once managed a corporate website and intranet. Back then, I lived in chronic fear of deleting critical HTML code that would crash my company’s entire system. Inordinate amounts of information and access to secure files rested on me: a virtual Daffy Duck of electronics.

It was as though Gorbachev, in the midst of the Cold War, selected a simple lackey to oversee the nuclear warheads. I was that lackey. To this day, I am still relieved I didn’t accidentally bomb Canada.

When our first son was born, my husband brought home a baby monitor. I was

not pleased.

“What is ALL this?” I demanded as he plugged the thing into the wall.

“A monitor. So we can hear Danny when he cries.”

“We live in a CONDO, Joe. I can hear when our neighbors EAT SOUP.” In a typical demonstration of why I hate technology, the baby monitor never worked. We picked up all sorts of radio stations and police transmissions, but not a single peep from our newborn.

As the kids got older, my agitation with technology only worsened as I tried to make sense of Leapsters and the Nintendo DS. I stubbornly refused to upgrade

my old flip phone until the cell phone provider wrote to say they were discontinuing all leases and equipment for “antiquated” devices. The letter was made out to me, the sole vestige of Flip Phone Model #1.

I am antiquated and discontinued.

Yet somehow over the last few years, there has been a wondrous new development: My kids are really good at this stuff.

Whether they learned it from babysitters with Angry Birds or schools with Smart Boards, my sons know more about technology than I do. They walk me through recording shows on the DVR. They help me text. They even update my iPod (which until last month still had the same 14 songs it came with when I first received it as a gift).

Some mothers dream of having children who grow up to be doctors and lawyers.

Me? I want my own in-house IT Department.

Marianne Walsh is a Chicago mom of three boys. Check out more of Marianne on chicagoparent.com and in her book Epic Mom.

Talk back

Counting on the kids

ChicagoParent.com March 2013 37

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READERS’ OPEN MIC

My daughter Sara is very giving and at the same time

Change MAKERS

she tries to educate other kids about kids with Down syndrome. Her motto is: Yes, I might look different

outside, but I’m

loving and caring inside.

Look at my potential.

This month’s Q: What is one way your kids work ork too improve the world? ld?

Mo1993star For her 10th birthday, I asked my daughter what she wanted.

She told me that she wanted canned food.

At first I was surprised because we have a lot of food already! But then she explained that she wanted to

My kids improve the world orld by being just great kids ds.

Their attitude toward others makes me stop and take a step back and really appreciate them. I think that making the world a better place starts with how we treat each other.

donate the canned goods to a soup kitchen. She

Jbaghda

MY FIRST-GRADER HAS PLEDGED DGED TO CHANGE THE WORLD BY PAYING IT FORWARD ORWARD WITH

PERFORMS A GOOD DEED, SHE PASSES OUT A

ILLUSTRATION BY ELAINE MELKO

ended up donating more than 50 cans!

KINDNESS. AS SHE

READER OF THE MONTH

CARD ASKING THAT THE PERSON ALSO PAY IT FORWARD. SHE PASSES THESE OUT BY THE DOZENS.

Pam

Our daughter is VERY EMPATHETIC and is always ready to give someone a big hug!

Curranfamily07

Michal1

Eric Anderson, River Forest Stats: Dad to Alena, 6; owner of Corn Bred Films. My favorite thing to do with Alena is reading books as part of the bedtime ritual, but hers would probably be something different, most likely involving one of the many tactics she employs to avoid going to bed. Wednesdays-Fridays are currently her favorite nights, because she get to stay up a little later to watch American Idol and Friday night is “family movie night.”

His answer: My 6-year-old daughter is a one-woman cleanup crew. We’ve actually had to discourage her from picking up particularly nasty litter when we go on walks. She gets so angry and frustrated by the sight of wrappers, discarded bags and other debris.

38 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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REAL PARENTS IN THE TRENCHES

@

Want more? Visit ChicagoParent.com/parentpanel

Our technology struggles

I am so technically illiterate that even turning on a computer is embarrassing!!! A “tweet” is what a bird does, and I have to rely on my 5-year-old to turn on the iPod. Eventually I hope to move into the 21st century!!!

Lisa Cheruff, Skokie

While scrolling through Facebook updates, I noticed a friend’s sad update about her grandmother’s passing. Then I saw that someone had liked it and indignant, I clicked to see who it was. Imagine my surprise when my name was listed! I must have butt-liked it without even knowing!

Jiye Lee, Chicago

Fourteen years ago I got my first cell phone and I thought I had hit “end” after the call. Nope. I was blabbing on and on to my mom about my (now ex) husband and accidentally left my tirade on my home answering machine.

He heard every word.

(Yeah, we are divorced now. Not because of the phone message, though!)

Cherish Walsh, Streamwood

I’m an avid hands-free Bluetooth user. I’m always happily heartwarmed when I’m in a store and answer my phone (via my Bluetooth), saying, “Hi! How ARE you?” People around me don’t notice the Bluetooth, yet respond (with friendly, yet suspicious faces), “Good! How are you?”

Anne Rezabek, Elgin

I consider myself pretty “tech-savvy,” yet must say, learning the iPhone has been pretty comical. There are times I have to ask my 7-yearold for help. Happily, I can now do just about everything on it EXCEPT make a phone call. Remember when calling someone used to be the easiest thing to do on a phone?

Ryan Salzwedel, Chicago

I moved to Maryland in 1984 and studied for the driver’s test.

I failed the written portion because the test was computerized! I knew the answers, but didn’t know how to navigate the pages. I passed the test another day, and a computer lesson, later.

Kate AtkinsTrimnell, Homewood

Do you love your school?

I want my child to be happy, to be known, to have friends, and to be excited to go to school every morning. I want my child to learn in a kind, positive environment where individuality and character aren’t just buzzwords.

I want my school to help me give my child the best possible foundation for the future. I want to love my school. That’s why my child goes to Roycemore.

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Ca ll Am a n d a at 8 4 7 - 8 6 6 - 6 0 5 5 fo r a p e r son a l t ou r o f o ur n e w h o m e at 1 2 0 0 D av i s S tr e e t i n Ev a n st on .

ChicagoParent.com March 2013 39

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VOICE: SANDEE HARNED

Kindergarten conundrum

I

have an August birthday boy. Not only is he an August boy, but he was an eight-week-early-preemie boy.

Now that he’s 4, it’s time to start thinking about kindergarten next fall.

That is, should we send him or “redshirt” him and keep him in preschool another year? We recently moved from Chicago, where redshirting is not permitted, to the suburbs, where it is.

Here in the ’burbs, holding back a summer baby (especially if that summer baby is a boy) seems to be the thing to do.

The reasoning is he’ll have an advantage over his classmates by being the oldest in class. Bigger, smarter, better at sports. It’s so common that during casual conversation with a neighbor, I mentioned Charlie’s birthday and there was a gasp followed by a horrified, “You aren’t going to let him be the youngest, are you?!”

If we make the decision to retain him, I want to be sure it’s the right decision for our son. Not because it’s trendy.

There are strong opinions on both sides of the fence, along with many theories regarding the pros and cons of retention. But there is no definitive proof detailing which is the best route to take for summer babies.

My son’s education is too important to simply make an educated guess and hope for the best. I want to know we are making the best choice for him. So what’s a mom to do?

I think that my guy is spectacular. Smart, funny and ready to conquer the world, and if he wasn’t straddling the cutoff line between when he was born (Aug. 4) and when he was due (Sept. 27), I wouldn’t be writing this right now.

I have no illusions that he is going to be a prime candidate for the MLB, NFL or NBA; he doesn’t come from an athletic family.

And while it would be awesome if he was a mathlete, we don’t expect that either. We shouldn’t be stressing about him turning 5.

Yet it’s a delicate balancing act: send him before he’s ready and ultimately, he fails.

Additionally, if we keep him in preschool

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an extra year, he could arrive at elementary school bored, disruptive and hating school.

My advice to future parents: have your babies in the late fall or winter. Parenting is stressful enough. Kindergarten enrollment shouldn’t be.

Sandee Harned is a mom of two, Charlie and Tilly. She also writes the blog Motherhood is Beautiful...and Other Lies.

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40 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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2/15/13 1:31 PM

VOICE: RENEE GOUGH

Is my smartphone making me stupid?

“M

y smartphone broke and I feel so liberated,” my avant-garde niece told me. “That’s it! I’m going on a technology diet,” I decided and shoved my electronic addictions in the drawer for a date with the great city of Chicago. My phone had become my umbilical cord to the voices of the world. I needed a break. I packed the holy trinity of creation: a book, a journal and a pen.

Into the city I marched. I passed the art nouveau-art deco Civic Opera overlooking the river. At the Daley Plaza, street buskers played the blues in front of the Picasso exhibit. The majestic green lions guarded the steps of the Art Institute.

At The Bean, I sat down with my journal and began to

write. My brain needed time to decompress from the addictive hits it had been taking on my smartphone. I didn’t take a photo and post it on Facebook.

I didn’t compare myself to anyone else. I didn’t hear the frenetic stories of murders or gossip. For one beautiful morning, I had a guilt-free love affair with the city I had taken for granted.

At Grant Park I looked at Agora, the headless, walking sculptures by the Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz. I could relate to those statues.

In a way, I felt like I had been walking around without my own brain to myself by constantly checking my smartphone like a social media crackhead.

The Agora artist made me

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think of my mom. She had invited me to her condo to have a bowl of the homemade bean soup her Polish mother taught her how to make when she was a young girl in Chicago Heights. I decided to make the journey north on Michigan Avenue.

In her Oak Street condo, my mom dished us out bowls of hot soup. We shared stories and didn’t stop to Google our facts.

On the way home, it felt good to walk around with my own head on my shoulders again.

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ChicagoParent.com March 2013 41

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DEATH BY CHILDREN

That’s my boy

CHRISTOPHER GARLINGTON

There were times I wasn’t sure my son belonged to me. I worried perhaps there’d been a mix up in maternity, like maybe one of the nurses held my actual son in her arms, his cherubic mug illuminating the entire ward, then looked at me and thought, ‘This can’t be right. Give him the trucker baby!’

My infant son was unlike me in so many ways my friends insisted we’d adopted.

First, he was gorgeous.

Seriously, he was a good-looking baby. He’d make women swoon in the produce aisle; strangers were compelled to pick him up and then, as I wrestled him out of their hands, they’d look at me— an unholy mash-up of Jack Black and Philip Seymour Hoffman’s uglier brother—and refuse to give

him back.

Like they were saving him.

Secondly, his head is huge. I can’t take the kid downtown; people start following us because THEY THINK WE’RE A PARADE! Our disparity really becomes clear when I can’t take it any more and I turn to drink. Then my son shows his true nature: street

instants, these stunning, highpreacher. Where my inner child resolution memories of nothing is a drug-crazed beer addicted special, when he’s not paying hobbit, his is an angry, implacable attention and I know, like some Amish preacher who will catch kind of radiant signal pinging me sneaking a PBR in the pantry, through my brain, without raise his bony little fist question this is me and decry “BEER IS duplicated.

DRUGS, DAD!” The other day I I’m not entirely heard him on the convinced he’s back porch, his memine. I mean, I’m lodic voice angelic suspicious, but it’s in its clarity, like a tempered by the little bell, singing in still moments, the Latin. In Latin. I hid in graceful, accidental A snapshots when he rolls ILLUSTRATION BY TOM DEJ the kitchen trying to stifle a little tear of pride, trying to take his head into my shoulder and it in, to internalize just how brilfalls asleep or when he’s whisperliant this kid is, silently high-fiving ing poop jokes in my ear and then laughs so hard he pees his pants— nobody, until I couldn’t stand it and asked him what Latin prayer these are the hard arguments for he was singing. him being mine.

“You’re stupid, Dad. It’s Dora And, yeah, he’s cute and he’s the Explorer.” no fan of beer (yet), but most of So, yeah. He’s mine. his life is made of these candid

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Aksa Ak ksam, ssa am m,, 5, Chicago Issab bel ella llaa, 9m mo ont nths hs,, hs Ch C hicag iccaag go go

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44 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Safety a priority

We were, as an organization, very disappointed by the tenor of the article (January, Jumping straight to the ER) as well as the photo associated with it.

As someone who entertains approximately 50,000 children annually through the use of inflatables, I can certainly say that keeping those kids and all their friends safe is a top priority.

The statistics mentioned in the article can be grossly misleading and the fears generated by this article could be mistakenly applied to businesses such as ours.

Some points to consider: While the Pediatrics study reported injury rates associated with certain kinds of bouncers, it’s important to understand the clear difference between a safe, indoor facility like Pump It Up vs. inflatables that are rented for outdoor use at private home parties, carnivals and other

festivals.

Our facilities feature a floor-anchoring system for all inflatable rides, which ensures the ride cannot tip, roll or move.

The slides are tethered at the top for added protection.

At Pump It Up, parents can be assured that safety is integrated into every aspect of our business. This includes the design of our building, the quality of the inflatable equipment, the proper anchoring of equipment and the supervision of guests.

The increased injury rates reported in the study could simply be a function of the tremendous growth of the inflatable industry over the past few years and the increased number of businesses that offer inflatable play structures for children.

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A REPORT FROM CHICAGO’S KIDS: ONE IN AN OCCASIONAL SERIES

TINY TECHIES Chicago kids talk technology

T

BY CAITLIN MURRAY GILES echnology is changing the way that our kids learn, play and interact with others. With a myriad of devices available to them—everything from computers to tablets, smart devices,

e-readers and gaming systems—kids are exposed to technology on a daily basis.

So what tools are they using in the classroom?

What forms of technology do they use to connect with friends? What about the tricky topic of social media and kids? And how is this next generation planning to use technology to make the world a better place?

We wanted to know the answers to these questions and more, so we reached out to 14 Chicago-area kids between the ages of 7 and 14. Turns out that they had a lot to say. And they are even teaching mom and dad a thing or two when it comes to the newest innovations.

THE PANEL

GABRIEL SZYMONIAK, 12

KENDALL HERRON, 11

GRACE PATTERSON, 8

ZOE REGENSTEIN, 9

MEGAN MCFADDEN, 10

ALEXIS CZAPLINSKI, 9

ISAAC MOLDOFSKY, 14

WAUKEGAN

CHICAGO

CHICAGO

RIVER FOREST

NAPERVILLE

ROCHELLE

NILES

46 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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share schoolwork and homework and discussions with our teachers and classmates. We get our homework and grades there, too.

We also use Google Docs a lot for collaborative work and note-taking in class. Our textbooks are all online and can be accessed from anywhere we have a connection to the Internet.

Christian

What kinds of technology do you use at home or school?

I use desktop and laptop computers for things such as homework, playing games and looking for recipes. I also have my own cell phone and an iPod. Gabriel Laptop, desktop, iPad mini, cell phone and video games.

Kendall Since I go to a Montessori school, we really don’t use computers until fourth, fifth and sixth grade.

Grace

At school we use laptops and Smart Boards. At home, I use my iPod, cellphone, desktop, the Wii and the Xbox.

Ariadna

At home I use my iPod Touch, my Kindle Fire, the Wii, my mom’s iPad and the computer. At school we use iPads, laptops and regular computers.

We also use Smart Boards a lot. My Kindle Fire is really useful because you can read books and play games when you are on an airplane and you don’t have to carry three heavy books if you are an avid reader.

Zoe

At home I use an iPod Touch, tablets, video games, a computer and my mom’s Kindle.

Jakob

Laptop computers and tablets.

I got a Kindle for Christmas, but I haven’t had a chance to set it up yet. I don’t have a cell phone even though I really want one.

My parents sometimes let me play on their phones.

Megan

I use an iPod, desktop computer, Kindle Fire, DS, Wii and Samsung Galaxy S2.

Guillermo At home I have a MacBook Pro, an iPod, a cell phone, and lots of gaming devices (Xbox, PS3, Wii, PSVita and Nintendo 3DS). At school we use the school computers, iPads and iPods, and we have an interactive whiteboard in each of our classrooms called Promethean Boards instead of chalkboards.

Christian

How do you use technology in your schoolwork?

Sometimes we have to make a PowerPoint presentation at school. Other times we research on the computer or I type up a report.

Megan My school provided me with a laptop that I use to type assignments, do research, create keynote presentations and the laptop is also used daily in class.

Sean We work with Google Drive so that many people can work on the same document.

Ariadna a

We look up stuff on our mini-laptops, like when we were learning about simple machines we went on edheads. com and looked up the simple machines game. We could click on something that was a simple machine and we would have to do a mini-essay with like five questions.

Alexis I use technology to download assignments and collaborate with groups or partners.

Sometimes my math teacher sets up an online meeting the day before a test so we can ask him sample problems we want help with. My history teacher, along with pretty much every other teacher I have, often posts the syllabus and assignments on her website.

Isaac

We use Edmodo, a secured social learning network. It is where we

CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

ARIADNA PEREZ-DAVILA, 12

JAKOB ZEITNER, 9

GUILLERMO SANCHEZ, 9

CHRISTIAN TAM, 12

SEAN GOULD, 13

KEAIRA METCALF, 11

SPENCER SMITH, 7

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ChicagoParent.com March 2013 47

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TINY TECHIES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47

How do yyou use technology to play games or interact?

Texting and Instagram.

Kendall I use my iPod Touch to play games with friends such as Word with Friends and Draw Something.

Jakob I play Skylanders with my friends.

Spencer I go to a website called Moshi Monsters where you

adopt an online pet. You can also send messages to friends.

Grace games on our family I play gam computer at home. I also watch Disney sometimes w shows on the iPad. Channel sho Megan I use the ccomputer for intergaming such as Wizard active gamin 101 to play with my friends meet new people. and also me Gabriel I use the PS3 to play games friends as well as with my frie people over the Internet. other peopl my laptop and I also use m desktop to p play online games with my friends. and chat w Sean

With my iPod, I can video chat instead of just instant messaging with my friends. I use Facetime or ooVoo for this.

Ariadna

What kinds of social media do you use?

None. For some of those, I am not old enough. You have to be 13 to have an account.

A police officer came to our school and told us that you can easily get into trouble on most of those sites and she also told us the age requirement. My mom sticks with that.

Megan Instagram is the only one. I like it because it gives another way to interact with friends.

Kendall

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I tend to use Facebook and email. I prefer Facebook because it’s fast and connects to many people I know (but it’s a huge time-waster!).

Isaac I don’t use any of these, but my mom lets me see her Facebook page and respond to family and friends with her supervision.

Guillermo I like Twitter and Facebook, but I don’t use them. I hope to have accounts when I get older.

Grace I use Facebook, ooVoo and Instagram.

Ariadna My mom helps me put pictures and videos of me on Facebook and I post videos of me doing things on YouTube.

Spencer

Do your parents put restrictions on how and when you can use technology at home?

I can only use my iPad Mini on the weekends and other days when we don’t have school. My mom looks at my Instagram account.

Kendall Sometimes I email my friends, but usually I don’t use my personal devices on the weekdays because I don’t have enough time.

Zoe I have to ask my mom if I can add a friend’s phone number to my phone. I can only play games on my iPod with people my parents know.

I’m not allowed to use Google or YouTube without one of my parents.

Alexis

My parents need to know when I am on the computer and which Internet sites I am visiting. I cannot download anything without permission and I am not allowed to say “yes” when it asks me if I want to buy something or post on Facebook.

I also have strict time limits, around 20 minutes a time. My homework has to be done, too.

I think those are good rules, but sometimes I just want to play and play. Sometimes it is hard.

Megan I get to use them an hourand-a-half each day. I think it is good to have that rule so you have time to do other things throughout the day.

Gabriel I can’t follow strange people who randomly send me friend requests.

Ariadna I have an iPod Touch that I can only use on weekends for

a short time. My mom says it is for my own good. My parents don’t let me go on YouTube and I do it anyway sometimes.

Grace I can’t play games with strangers. I have to download games and music that are appropriate. My dad has to approve them. They limit the amount of time I can be on.

Jakob

How could we use technology to make Chicago or world a better place?

I wish there was some kind of technology to help gun control.

Sean There should be free citywide Wi-Fi! Christian CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

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TINY TECHIES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49

If there wer were Kindles in all schools, more kids would have reading materials and access to read learning apps. lea Jakob You can use the computer to make a petition like I did for manatees. You can use saving man technology to raise money for charity.

Alexis Make something that kids to communicate allows k with their tteacher without being at school. actually bei Keaira

If you could co invent technology, new tec would it be? what wo A tablet th that would plug into a robot and you could control the rrobot and it would

help you do things like clean your room and play video games with you.

Jakob I would love to have a fortunetelling device that is never wrong.

Megan A gym shoe that is connected to all of my devices that can detect the amount of energy and charge my devices with the amount of movement that I make. My parents would be happy that I’m moving more and my iPod would never run out of battery!

Christian A cheap computer that is really portable that you could fit into your pocket with an iPod Touchsized screen and a miniscule keyboard. It would be cheap so that it would be a school supply that kids could bring to school daily.

Zoe

Have you taught your parents how to use any technology?

I taught them how to customize desktops.

Kendall I’ve taught my mom a lot of things about the iPad, including where the volume is.

Megan I introduced my mom to Instagram one day because I know she enjoys taking pictures.

Ariadna I was able to program the universal remote before my mom.

My mom also does not know how to use the PS3 very well. I always have to show her what to do when we play games.

Sean

Caitlin Murray Giles is a freelance writer, cofounder of 2 Moms Media and mom of three.

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TECHNOLOGY

HYPERCONNECTED AND HAPPY?

What is technology doing to us and our kids?

BY KELLY JAMES-ENGER

C

indy Porcaro’s two sons, now 21 and 19, couldn’t have cared less about gadgets. Her older son didn’t have a phone until he graduated from high school, and her younger son, Paul, didn’t ask for one until his junior year.

With her daughter, Olivia, who will be 13 in April, it’s a completely different story.

“Olivia has been hounding me for a phone since fifth grade, and she got one when she turned 11,” says Porcaro, who lives in Downers Grove. “I gave in, but it was the probably the worst thing I ever did.”

At first, Porcaro thought the phone was great. Now Olivia’s always using it. “If she’s not at school, she gets up in the morning and flips the TV on. She has her iPod in one hand and her phone in the other, and at the end of the day, I’ll say, ‘are you still on that thing?’”

You’ve probably already witnessed children’s fascination with all things tech. But the ubiquitous nature of cellphones and iPods mean that today’s kids aren’t just connected— they’re connected 24/7.

A recent survey found that two-thirds of teenagers text every day, half visit social networking sites every day and one in 10 send or receive

tweets at least once a day. And younger kids are getting—and staying—connected in increasing numbers.

It’s not just kids While parents may worry about their kids spending too much time staring at small screens, adults are just as likely to be unable to ignore their own tech devices, even for short periods of time.

“Technology has made us so connected that we’re now exhibiting signs of anxietybased disorders (when forced to disconnect),” says Dr. Larry Rosen, professor of the psychology department at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and author of iDisorder: Understanding Our Obsession with Technology and Overcoming its Hold on Us. “Two-thirds of teens and young adults says they check their text messages and social media every 15 minutes or less. And when they are unable to, close to three-quarters of them feel moderately to highly anxious.”

Picture a typical meeting of adults—chances are that nearly everyone has their phones out on the table or in their pocket or purse. That fear of missing something— whether it’s an important call from the babysitter or simply the latest Tweet—drives the need to be connected.

52 March 2013

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And today’s kids suffer from the same fear, what Rosen calls “FOMO,” for “fear of missing out.”

“What’s going on in kids’ brains is that they’re constantly releasing chemicals that we have learned to interpret as anxiety—and the anxiety is about missing out on something,” says Rosen.

But while both kids and adults may feel anxious about unplugging, constant connectivity is a bigger problem for the younger set.

“When kids are constantly connected, it takes time away from other important skill development like social and inter-

toys, reading with mom or dad, or playing outside.

As kids get older, for every hour spent on technology, they should spend 12 minutes doing something non-technological to calm and reset their brains, says Rosen.

Second, you can help train your kids’ brains not to get anxious by forcing them to go offline for short periods of time.

In classrooms, Rosen suggests that kids be allowed to bring their phones as long as they set them on silent and flip them over. Then, every 15 minutes, students are given one minute for a “tech break” to connect.

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Unplugging your kids If your kids seem unable to disconnect even for short periods of time, it may be time to step in.

“Being connected is not a good thing if it’s causing a sense of anxiety and the need to check (their devices) constantly,” says Rosen.

“The solution is two prongs. First, you cannot let your kids be on technology all the time.”

When Rosen speaks to parent groups, he gives them a 1:5 ratio. When your kids are young, for every minute of technology, your child should spend five minutes doing something non-technology-related, whether it’s playing with “old-fashioned”

“You start with 15 minutes of focus and a one-minute tech break, and you gradually expand that to a half-hour of focus,” he says. “You want to help kids learn how to focus— and then extend that focus.”

Another strategy is to initiate non-technology time at home with your kids.

“Parents have to be more involved than they were, and get a little creative as far as coming up with non-connected things,” says Cindrich. “Just don’t make it ‘let’s unplug,’ which sounds like a negative. Instead focus on the new thing you’re going to do together.”

As she often does in her monthly Plugged-In Parent column, Cindrich suggests creating family rules for technology.

And if you set rules, follow through with them. That means parents, too.

Kelly James-Enger lives with her family in Downers Grove, where her 7-year-old and 3-year-old argue regularly over whose turn it is to play with the iPad.

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TECHNOLOGY

Raising digital natives Moms’ perspectives on technology in our lives

T

BY KRIS CAIN

imes have changed. As a mother of two sets of twins, I think a lot about my kids and technology. My work is in technology, so we have our fair share of tech in the home— computers, tablets, smartphones and gaming systems. My kids can pick up any one of those devices at any time and be right at home. They live in a digital age.

This is life now. And we as parents have to get used to it.

Some parents, however, are still uncomfortable with letting their children fully embrace technology. Some believe that imagination play is more important than technology. Some are afraid too much screen time is bad for their children.

Whatever the case may be, the subject of kids and tech is one that comes up over and over again.

I spoke to a few Chicago area moms about their thoughts on kids and technology. Here is what they had to say.

Kris Cain is also known as Little Tech Girl, the name of her blog.

Chantelle Bittings

Joyce Cunningham

Hometown: Chicago Kids: Two (10, 7) In home tech: My sons each have their own Kindle Fire. Occasionally they use the laptop or desktop, and they have a Wii, Xbox and a Nintendo DS. How do you feel about raising your kids in this digital age? It is my hope and my plan to appropriately expose my kids to as much technology as possible. Their devices are always monitored via parental controls. Also, I am happy that their school is on the cutting edge of technology in the classrooms.

Are your kids more tech savvy than you? My kids are moderately tech savvy. I think I still know a little bit more, but they catch on fast, so it’s only a matter of time.

Hometown: Schererville, Ind. Kids: Six (20, 12, 10, 8, 4, 6 months) In home tech: We have a range of things including three Nintendo DSi, Wii, two PCs, one laptop, one tablet, Xbox, one iPod Touch, three cellphones, three CD/iPod players.

How do you feel about raising your kids in this digital age? It’s expensive raising kids in this tech age, but it’s necessary if you want them to have a competitive advantage. I was embarrassed at my son’s fourth-grade science fair when his classmates presented presentations on their iPads and he had a basic poster board. I felt I had failed him. I have recently relaxed my

Internet access controls to allow them to Google at will. It’s the way they learn and research now. I like that schools are providing them with laptops and tech training. This forces me to get with the times and they actually teach me a little something.

Are your kids more tech savvy than you? Definitely. When my oldest son was 8, we bought him his first phone and gave it to him before setting the controls. By day two, I went to set the controls and he had already purchased and played three games, four songs, password protected his phone, and sent/received several text messages.

That’s when I knew the kids were officially more tech savvy than me.

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Ronni Roseman Hometown: Chicago Kids: Two (8, 7) In home tech: They have access to my Kindle Fire, a laptop, a desktop, Wii, Xbox, PS2, DSi XL and a Leapfrog Leapster.

How do you feel about raising your kids in this digital age?

I’m a little uncomfortable. I don’t like how much access every Tom, Dick and Harry has to MY information, let alone what my kids might stumble upon. I don’t want my kids to fall behind the digital learning curve, but I also don’t want them desensitized and unable to function socially because their faces are constantly buried in some type of screen.

Are your kids more tech savvy than you?

They’re not more savvy than I am, and I intend to keep it that way! Gotta stay on top of things, stay at least one step in front of them in order to protect them from the world and themselves.

Maria Tiongco Ramos Hometown: Aurora Kids: Four (10, 8, 7, 5) In home tech: We have three Android tablets, one iPad, two iPod Touches, three laptops and two smartphones.

How do you feel about raising your kids in this digital age? There are definite advantages and disadvantages. One great advantage is that there are many more resources available to my kids at the touch of their fingers, especially when it comes to education. My kids are using technology to enhance and reinforce what they are learning in class. The disadvantage is that sometimes they will get wrapped up in their electronic devices and forget to just play with their friends. As a parent, I try to encourage my kids to have a balance between digital and offline. And they need to know how to protect themselves.

Are your kids more tech savvy than you? In some areas, I think that my kids are more tech savvy than I am. They are very fast learners. Even my 5-year-old can do things faster than me on the iPad. On the other hand, because my job is to try to be as tech savvy as I can, I am able to show my kids things in technology they may not know. They are now asking if they can have their own blogs and YouTube channels.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 56

LIFE-CHANGING

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DIGITAL NATIVES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55

Sidney Reid

Sharon Patrice Hometown: Park Forest Kids: Four (26, 22, 13, 13) In home tech: My family uses a variety of devices including desktops, laptops, iPad, Kindle, Blackberry, iPhone, Androids and a Wii. How do you feel about raising your kids in this digital age? Being tech savvy is a must for this generation. It is the way that most communicate v

v

Hometown: Chicago Kids: Three (18, 7-year-old twins) In home tech: We have one desktop PC, a laptop, three adult tablets, two child-friendly tablets, a Wii, and two DSi. How do you feel about raising your kids in this digital age? In general, I think raising children in this digital age can be frustrating because they are exposed to things earlier than we were thanks to technology. We are raising a generation of kids who might not know the joys of dog-earing a book because they read on a Kindle.

They have no clue about going to the library because they use Google.

Are your kids more tech savvy than you? I think my oldest is more tech savvy than I am. My 7-year-olds will be more tech savvy than their brother because they are younger and will have the newer, more advanced technology available to them earlier than he did. It will be their only way of life.

daily. For my two adult children, I wouldn’t know what is going on in their lives if it weren’t for the ability to “power up” some electronic device.

At school, my youngest two use electronics on a daily basis to complete assignments.

Are your kids more tech savvy than you? By all means! They understand what is at their fingertips and use it to their advantage.

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M m IN CHARGE TECHNOLOGY

Adler Planetarium’s first female president wants to make science and technology real for all families

PHOTO COURTESY ADLER PLANETARIUM

BY KRISTY MacKABEN amily dinners are important to Michelle Larson. She relishes sitting at the table with her husband Shane and their 6-year-old daughter Kate. The family meal, however, recently has morphed into a “FaceTime” event.

Her new job as the first female president of the Adler Planetarium requires her to spend her days and nights in Chicago, while Kate finishes first grade in Utah and Shane finishes the school year at Utah State University.

So, every night, Larson, a self-proclaimed foodie, fixes whatever concoction suits her fancy, sets a dinner table for one, props her iPhone next to her plate, and then FaceTimes her family. “It’s quite comfortable. We have chit-chat conversation just like we do at the dinner table every night,” Larson says.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE LARSON

even more than that, she loves explaining it to people. Bringing science to the public is where Larson thrives.

As vice provost at Utah State, Larson regularly interacted with students and professors to solve issues on campus. “She’s a great problem solver and a great person to work with people who have concerns. She’s also a brilliant scientist,” says Utah State Provost Raymond T. Coward.

Larson’s passion for science was showcased one Friday a month when 500 people packed the science auditorium at Utah State for “Science Unwrapped”— the Larsons’ brain child. The idea? To explain science to whomever would listen—professors, students, children, plumbers, accountants.

“We designed the program together to show people the inner workings of science—how it works, problems we face and how we use our ingenuity to overcome those problems and understand nature better,”

Michelle and Shane Larson love geocaching with Kate.

Shane says.

The name of the course evolved from Larson’s obsession with the Food Network Show “Unwrapped.”

Although she has loved science for as long as she can remember, it wasn’t until she was in graduate school that she

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understood what she wanted to do with her life.

“Science is about wondering and questioning the world around you. I always felt right about that and I always wanted to help people,” Larson says.

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Spending six months away from family in a new city might scare some people, but Larson, 41, an astrophysicist and science lover, grew up with a sense of wanderlust and adventure, and along the way developed the confidence and courage to seek opportunities and fulfill dreams.

(Her dad was an accountant for the Air Force, and the family lived in Massachusetts, Turkey and Alaska until Larson went to Montana State University, where she earned her bachelor, graduate and doctoral degrees in physics.)

Becoming the president of Adler wasn’t exactly on her radar. She wasn’t aware that Adler President Paul Knappenberger was retiring and didn’t realize she was singled out as a potential candidate.

“But it sounded like an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Larson had visited the planetarium several times while on business trips. She loves astronomy and science, but

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MOM IN CHARGE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 59

“Then NASA came calling.”

While studying for an exam in her dorm, she learned NASA wanted her to be part of a life-changing project. “NASA wanted to explain what the sun was doing and translate that to people, and they wanted to take advantage of this brand new resource called the Internet,” Larson says, laughing. “They wanted to use the Internet to get science into every household.”

Getting science into every household still is a goal Larson holds dear, and as president of Adler she feels she can make science accessible to families.

Technology can help. Not only can families enjoy the wonders at Adler because of technological advancements, but they also can continue that learning at home, by researching on the Internet, playing science-related apps or checking out video clips on Adler’s website.

The possibilities are endless,

“I hope as a society we can push technology to the limits and remember to connect it back to our lives. ” Michelle Larson Adler president

Larson says.

Just as Larson and her family eat dinner together virtually, technology has the ability to bring families closer.

Technology isn’t a crutch to entertain or occupy time for the Larson family. It is used for

Celebrations

specific purposes or to enhance experiences. Kate easily melds technology with everything else that interests her. She can color beautiful pictures with markers and paper, yet also create a digital masterpiece on the iPad. She can belt out a made-up song

on the new microphone Santa gave her for Christmas, or plug in the iPod to sing along with Taylor Swift. “It’s just a part of her world. It’s not something she consciously thinks about. The lines are blurred,” says Larson.

The Larsons love the outdoors and incorporate geocaching into their adventures, but they’re just as happy stargazing on their front lawn.

Making technology work for families is all about putting the focus on family time, Larson says.

“I think it’s in our own hands to influence how technology will affect the lives of our children.

There’s a choice to use technology to enhance our experiences.

I think technology is fantastic.

I hope as a society we can push technology to the limits and remember to connect it back to our lives. Rather than pulling us apart from people, we can use it to connect our social experiences.”

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Planning a Party?

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Limited Engagement Exhibition March 23-June 16 Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum 164 Hawley Street, Grayslake, IL 60030 847-543-1745 www.grayslakeheritagecenter.com The Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum will be one of only eleven museums in the country to host this limited engagement exhibition. Weekly, family-friendly programs are scheduled throughout the duration of the show.

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TICKETS: Online | Walk-In | Call Midway Village Museum 6799 Guilford Rd., Rockford, IL 815.397.9112 | www.midwayvillage.com ChicagoParent.com March 2013 61

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H

BY DONNA BOZZO omebound this spring break? Forget cabin fever.

Catch a little SPRING fever instead. Fling into spring by trying something new.

1

DIVE INTO SPRING

Go on an underwater adventure at Chicago Scuba School.

Newcomers get the chance to learn about scuba diving in a 90-minute discovery class. Ages 8 and up. chicagoscubaschool. com

Wild and wacky fun awaits you!

Spring IN Chicago 62 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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7

SPRING TO (STILL) LIFE

Pull up an easel and take a still life class at the Chicago Art & Design Center where kids are treated like professional young artists. chicagoartanddesigncenter.com

8

SWING INTO SPRING

2

Parents, after a long day with the kiddos at home, grab your partner or a friend and swing on over to Big City Swing for a drop-in swing class. No experience or partner needed! bigcityswing.com

SPRING IN THE AIR

Sign up for a trapeze lesson at the Trapeze School New York located at the Broadway Armory Park in Chicago’s Edgewood neighborhood. Ages 6 and up. chicago.trapezeschool.com

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Get a backstage pass and your big moment up on the famous Chicago Theater stage. The historic Chicago Theatre offers a weekly Marquee Tour.

Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. thechicago theatre.com

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FORGET THE SPRING PAN!

The icing on the cake is not having to bake! Leave the baking to the folks at Give Me Some Sugar and learn how to decorate like a pro without all the mess. The Roscoe Village cake decorating studio is offering a Barbie doll cake decorating class March 10 and 24. Tell them Donna Bozzo sent you and get $10 off. givesugar.com

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BUZZ INTO SPRING

Learn bee biology and how to start your own beehive at a Chicago Honey Co-op’s beekeeping class at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. Call (773) 8482246 for more information. chicagohoneycoop.

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SPRING SHOWERS

Check out the only natural waterfall in Chicago at the North Park Village Nature Center, a 46-acre nature preserve at 5801 N. Pulaski Road. You will find the 4-foot-high waterfall where the North Branch of the Chicago River tumbles into the North Shore Channel. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/North-ParkVillage-Nature-Center

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SPRING INTO ((LIGHTS, CAMERA)) ACTION

A personal favorite: You can star in your very own newscast at the hands-on SciTech Museum in Aurora.

The camera is ready to roll! scitechmuseum.org

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SPRING CHICKEN

Use your time off as an opportunity for community service. Volunteer to serve dinner to Chicago’s hungry. After an hour-long training session, volunteers can sign up to plate and serve dinner 4:306:30 p.m. any night of the year at Northside P.O.W.E.R.’s (People Organized to Work, Educate and Restore) A Just Harvest kitchen.

Ages 12 and up. Call (773) 262-2297. ajustharvest.org ChicagoParent.com March 2013 63

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Spanish Summer Camp ages 3-9 Lots of FUN, Lots of SPANISH!

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64 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY TAMELA MARTIN

Little known center helps children who need a lot of help

Where the kids are

W

BY ROBYN MONAGHAN

e’ve read the headlines and savored the feelgood from these miraculous happy endings. A visit to the Children’s Habilitation Center in Harvey will tell you the rest of the story.

“Many of these children are the ones who aren’t going home,” says Georgann Karontonis, a consultant at the medical center that is home to more than 60 children who need subacute and transitional care.

That, in layman’s terms, “Toddler Pulled From Lake, Revived” means kids who need 24-hour ventilators, tracheotomies, feeding tubes and IV therapy. They are preemie babies, infants who didn’t thrive,

“Boy Survives after Shooting with Parent’s Gun” kids with chronic lung problems.

Many are kids who, through some sort of mishap, lost oxygen flow to the brain long enough to cause problems that can’t be fixed.

Welcome to a mysterious place that exists under the radar of the common family life the rest of us live. Many of their stories deliver a powerful safety memo, as CHC staff pediatrician Dr. Pamela Nickson dispenses a passionate PHOTO BY FRANK PINC CONTINUED ON PAGE 66

Cleo Hill and Lorraine Butler moving Tariel to her room. Above left, The Martin family visits Tariel often.

ChicagoParent.com March 2013 65

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HABILITATION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 65

warning about innocuous-seeming things in daily life that are hard for parents to see as dangerous—a hot dog, a grape or popcorn.

“This is the other side of what happens when you have a normal healthy baby for nine months and one minute of tragedy,” she says.

Among kids who go to emergency rooms for choking, almost 60 percent were foodrelated, according to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data. Hot dogs, cheese sticks and chunks, hard candies, gum, nuts, grapes, carrots, popcorn, marshmallows and peanut butter are the most dangerous threats.

Kids get all sorts of small round things— coins, balls and balloons— caught in their throats. also the doctor “This is the forNickson’s the toddlers who were other side of shaken, left alone in a bathtub, fell down the stairs, or what happens unlocked the gun cabinet.

when you have a normal healthy baby for nine months and one minute of tragedy.”

Medically fragile

Accidents are among a wide range of mishaps that can create medically fragile children. Some of the children who live at CHC were the victims of abuse so severe—starvation, battering, neglect—that their bodies Dr. Pamela Nickson never will recover.

Many are babies born Pediatrician at the with serious conditions, like Children’s Habilitation Myka’-le, who had a stroke Center inside his mother’s womb.

After an exhaustive battery of testing, his mother’s doctor concluded she was “just that one in a million moms who is going to have a baby with a whole bunch of problems.”

There are infants born perfect to parents who did nothing wrong, but now look ahead to who knows how many years of unanswered questions and irrational guilt.

Some of the children eventually will go home. But a lot of them never will.

When Nickson looks in the rooms at CHC she sees beyond the tubes, the monitors and tracheotomies. She see the cribs that look like cars, the stuffed toys, the Snoopy blankets.

“I see happy, healthy playful children in an altered state,” she says. “Our job is to make life as normal for them as if they are normal for life.”

Robyn Monaghan is a freelance writer living in Plainfield.

Hope remains for Tariel Tariel was an adorable baby girl, the kind you’d see in a Pampers commercial. And mom, Tamela Martin, couldn’t have been happier.

With a 2-year-old son Nathaniel and 6-month-old Tariel, Tamela felt the Martin family was perfect. Complete.

Tariel looked especially darling all dressed up for church one morning in October. Tamela bathed and dressed her. Then, with a kiss, she laid Tariel in her crib for a nap and set off to fix breakfast for the rest of the family.

“When I went back and picked her up, she wasn’t breathing,” Martin says.

Her husband, Omar, started CPR while she dialed 911.

“We thought she had died,” her mother says. “It was unbelievable.

We went away with everything fine and came back a few minutes later and she was gone.”

Doctors revived and saved Tariel after the near-SIDS incident. But her heartbeat and breathing stopped long enough to leave Tariel with long-term disabilities. She needs a ventilator to breathe and a feeding tube to eat. She doesn’t talk or communicate.

“The first time my husband saw her, he cried,” says Martin, a manager for the federal government. “It’s one of the few times I can really remember him actually crying.”

Her parents, of Blue Island, believe Tariel, now nearly 10, recognizes their voices when they visit her at Children’s Habilitation Center.

Lately, Omar, a quality assurance worker in the chemical industry, has been the one to keep the vigil of visiting Tariel. Over the years, church friends have continued to call, blow out birthday candles and to pray.

“It’s very heartbreaking to face,” Martin says. “For a long time I blamed myself, if I had something to do with this. Finally, I’ve resolved it with the help of prayers, and the support of my family and my pastor.”

Tariel goes to school at CHC, where teachers help her touch and experience different objects, colors and sizes. They do art projects and watch movies. Her grandfather still maintains a Bright Star college fund with Tariel’s name on it.

“I keep praying some day she will come out of the state she’s in,” Martin says. “I would love to see her healed. I keep believing God can do anything.”

Grandmother helps Janiyah go home Little Janiyah couldn’t use words to talk to her grandma.

But Shirley Weathersby heard her loud and clear. “Where have you been?” those big brown eyes asked. “Why haven’t you come to see me?”

Janiyah came to Children’s Habilitation Center when she was 9 months old after doctors removed a growth that may have been a separate fetus growing in her neck. Fetus in fetu, it’s called—a very rare abnormality that happens in only 1 in 500,000 live births.

Weathersby went to see Janiyah several times a week at first. But, as the months folded into years, more and more time passed between visits.

As those years melted away, Janiyah

thrived and overcame many of her physical limitations. Janiyah was one of the lucky ones, doctors told the family.

She would be able to come home and live a relatively normal life.

But it wasn’t that simple. Janiyah’s parents were “not able to provide a stable home,” Weathersby says.

Her mission became clear the day her son Jimmy pleaded Janiyah’s case. “I had to get her home,” says Weathersby, who in her 50s, thought she was all done with raising children.

Little did Weathersby know, as she started learning the things she’d need to know to care for Janiyah in her home, that she was granting her son a last request. Jimmy Robinson died in a

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HABILITATION

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 66

“I had to get her home” Shirley Weathersby Janiyah’s grandma shooting not long after.

“I see my son when I look at Janiyah,” she says. “She looks like him and her whole attitude is like him. It’s like raising him all over again with her.”

Janiyah’s attitude is a sunny one.

She attends second grade at McNair Elementary School, enjoys after-school programs and is looking for a place to take dancing lessons. Janiyah, 7, talks about wanting to be a doctor when she grows up.

“I love you, I love you,” she says cheerfully, over and over, as her grandma talks on the phone.

Parents’ love endures

Myka’-le’s life at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria grooming to go home.

Even though doctors tell them he is in a “vegetative state,” Myka’-le’s mom and dad can tell when he’s happy.

After multiple surgeries, Myka’-le graduated from the neonatal intensive care unit and finally became an “Almost Home Kid.”

“In our opinion, he knows us and our friends,” says his mother, Katelynn Cossman.

“We had to learn his way of communicating,” she says. “When he is happy, the ventilator readings that measure his breaths per minute go up.”

Now nearly 2, Myka’-le (pronounced Michael) was born after he had a stroke in the womb at just 35 weeks.

When the oxygen stopped flowing, it injured both sides of his tiny brain. He can’t keep his airway open to breathe or swallow food. His feet and arms are deformed.

None of which ever-so-slightly dims the love his parents, Katelynn Cossman and Jorge Dickenson of Hoopeston, feel for their “beloved little boy.”

Just 19 and 21, they spent the first year of

Once they got home, though, it was difficult to find reliable in-home nurses. It fell to the young parents to provide round-the-clock nursing care for their baby. It was taxing, but they maintained their “whatever it takes” attitude.

But it was a financial, not physical, hardship that doused their dream of keeping Myka’-le at home.

Children’s Habilitation Center looked like an ideal place for him. The difficulty in finding a ride limits their visits to once or twice a month.

“Day by day, we don’t know when he’s going to pass. It could be tomorrow,” Katelynn says.

“We’re just happy for the time he’s still here and hope we can bring him home in time.”

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TURNING POINT Celebrating milestone birthdays in a big way

I

BY KRISTY MacKABEN

t might have been her divorce, or the need for some me-time after five years as a full-time working mom. By the time Pam Gould Rashid’s 40th birthday approached, she knew she had to do something big.

“It seemed like there were things I wanted to do and I hadn’t gotten to do them yet,” says Rashid of Wilmette. “The last couple years, I had been making decisions to do things that were related to other people. I felt the need to do something I’d never done before.”

So Rashid took a trip to Miami, where she ran her first half-marathon, went skydiving and partied on South Beach.

“My ex-husband was terrified of jumping out of a plane, so it was kind of my way of proving I could do anything I wanted,” Rashid says.

“Sometimes you just forget about all the stuff you dreamed about when you were 25.”

Tiffany Allen of Flossmoor experienced a similar longing.

To celebrate turning 40 this year, Allen plans to run 40 races, which will include a handful of half-marathons. She will probably run two or more races every weekend from April until December.

At top: Lisa Way visited Paris for her 40th birthday. At left: Tiffany Allen is running 40 races to celebrate turning 40.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 70

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TURNING POINT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 69

For Lisa Way of Evanston, a mom of two boys, it was about proving she still was fit by running a marathon.

“I did not want to turn 40. I still don’t want to turn 40,” Way says.

“But this was a way to prove something to myself.”

Turning 40 seems to be a turning point. There’s something about it that makes people want to do something special, different or meaningful.

To celebrate, people want to accomplish something. There are the marathoners, bungee jumpers, sky divers, the world travelers, and the ones who mark their birthday with a tattoo. Then, there are the dogooders, those people who set out to change the world in some way.

Despite the infinite possibilities for making the big 4-0 special, there is a similar yearning people experience as they approach a milestone birthday.

“I’ve seen the 40th be more of a monumental kind of celebration or milestone for my patients,” says Deborah Barile, licensed clinical

Celebrating ov

er 55 years in bu

professional counselor and life coach in Chicago. “40 means being grown up, I guess.”

As people approach 40, especially those with children, they often wonder what they have accomplished and how they could have lived differently, Barile says.

The reality of their situation isn’t as wonderful as they hoped, and they might feel empty. In turn, they feel a need to fill that hollowness with goals.

Reaching the goal, however, isn’t nearly as important as setting and working toward it, says Karolyn Howard, a life coach in Bolingbrook.

“It’s the journey, not the goal. We need to enjoy the journey along the way.”

As Barile says: “40 is just part of the adventure. It’s a part of the journey. It’s not the end. It’s the beginning of a different phase of your life.”

Kristy MacKaben is a freelance writer and mom of two living in Lake Zurich.

siness est. 1957

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Ways to celebrate Thinking about doing something big for your next milestone birthday? These are Chicago Parent’s top 10 picks: 1 Finish a big athletic event. Whether it’s a marathon, triathlon, Ironman or something different altogether, the feeling of crossing that finish line is so sweet.

2 Do something adventurous. Everyone’s idea of adventure is different, whether it’s skydiving, bungee jumping, mountain climbing, hiking parts of the Appalachian or Pacific Coast Trail or scuba diving.

3 Travel. Whether you want to relax on a tropical island, set off on an African safari or tour the Irish countryside, travel is a great way to celebrate a big birthday.

4 Write a book. Thanks to online publishing companies, getting published isn’t nearly as difficult or costly as it used to be. Many online services, such as CreateSpace and Kindle Direct Publishing, allow people to publish their books for free.

The books are then immediately available on Amazon.

5 Get inked. What better way to commemorate turning 40 than with a tattoo? At least that’s what John Cronin, a 40-year-old father of two, thinks. Cronin, a tattoo artist at Metamorph Tattoo Studio in Chicago, says customers often get inked on their birthdays.

“It’s a really good marker of that year,” Cronin says.

6 Learn a new skill.

Turning 40 might be considered “mid-life,” but that doesn’t mean you’re too old to learn something new—like guitar, piano, tennis, golf or photography.

7 Do something for others.

A fad emerged in recent years in which people turning 40 perform 40 random acts of kindness 40 days before their birthday. Though it’s uncertain how it all came about, Robyn Bomar of Destin, Fla., launched a website (thebirthdayproject.com) to help people think of nice things to do for other people. Bomar says she and her family often try to help others on their birthdays, but a few years ago, the Birthday Project took on a life of its own. After writing about the Birthday Project on her blog, people around the world hounded her for more ideas and information.

“I’ve been very humbled and very touched by the response,” says Bomar. “There’s something about being more kind to people. It’s kind of fun. You’re like a Santa or something.”

8 Reach a career or education goal. This could be finishing a bachelor’s degree or working toward a doctorate.

Or maybe it’s scoring a promotion or finishing an ambitious project. This could even mean a career change—open a shop on Etsy, take classes at a cooking school or art studio.

9 Be sentimental.

Document your 40th year.

Keep a diary, start a blog or take one picture every day of your 40th year.

10 Conquer a fear. If you’re terrified of heights, ride in a hot air balloon or go parasailing. If the water freaks you out, take swimming or scuba diving lessons or go for a boat ride. Maybe you want to overcome your fear of animals or speaking in public. Whatever it is, give it a shot. 40 can be a new beginning.

FUN FACT It takes about 1.25 seconds for the light from the Moon to reach the Earth.

However, it takes more than 8 minutes for sunlight to get here because the Sun is farther away.

On your desktop.

In your pocket.

On the go.

We’re with you.

Learn more about the Moon and Sun by following your favorite friends from Sesame Street in One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure now playing at the Adler Planetarium.

Chicago Parent

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ChicagoParent.com March 2013 71

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Building a future one girl at a time

Local dad helping Afghan girls get an education

C

BY LIZ DeCARLO

hicago dad Dusty Huscher speaks with pride about his college-aged daughter. But he’s also filled with pride for the other 23 girls he has helped attend college this year.

Huscher has spent the past six years making sure girls in Afghanistan have a chance to attend school. Working with the humanitarian organization CARE, Huscher has traveled to Khost Province to help oversee schools for girls in rural areas.

“There are very limited opportunities for girls beyond sixth grade in rural areas,” Huscher says.

“Secondary education is somewhat novel there. While primary education is necessary, finishing the sixth grade only is basic literacy and numeracy; it doesn’t alter their lives like a secondary education does.”

This year 23 of the girls who started with the program in seventh grade are attending universities, most studying to be doctors and nurses, thanks to a scholarship program Huscher underwrote. The schools Huscher works with all are funded by private donations and run by local Afghan women.

The money and effort he and others have invested will make a long-term difference in the country, he says.

“Afghan families place such a high value on family and the extended family that it’s likely they’ll go back to their communities,” Huscher says. “It will raise the status of women within the community and also will establish health care in the communities, which essentially doesn’t exist.”

Huscher travels to Afghanistan once or twice a year and has made it a family affair—he recently brought his daughter, who now is a freshman in college.

He also works with the Turquoise Mountain

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G: of 99the Huscher is quick to note that the accomplishments programs aren’t from his efforts. “It’s being attunedB:to142 the local community and giving them a sense of ownership,” he says. c: 89% “We don’t need to tell the Afghans what they need.M: They can 50% tell us what they need and we can help them provide it.”

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Located on 247 acres in beautiful southeast Wisconsin, Camp MacLean is ideal place for your child to enjoy summer activities, learn life skills and make new friends all while living in the great outdoors. Camp MacLean provides quality staff supervision, modern facilities and great food!

YMCA Camp MacLean | 31401 Durand Avenue, Burlington, WI 53105 262.763.7742 | campmaclean.com

ChicagoParent.com March 2013 73 Feb2013 MacLean Ad.indd 1

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Family Health Directory // special advertising section Advanced Family Dental, PC

Bonciel Griffin, DDS

Crest Hill, Joliet, Lockport, Lombard, Plainfield, Romeoville & Shorewood 2241 Theodore Street, Crest Hill (815) 905-9289 www.AdvancedFamilyDental.com

We offer braces for children & Adults 10019 S. Western Ave., Chicago (773) 239-7696 www.bgriffinorthodontics.com

Alexian Brothers Women & Children’s Hospital Pediatric specialists, compassionate care, expertise you trust - close to home 1555 Barrington Rd. Hoffman Estates (855) FOR-KIDZ (855-367-5439) www.MyAlexianKids.net

Assential Therapies, Inc. Pediatric Therapy Services Niles (in Golf Mill Mall) (847) 699-9757 www.atmfc.com

Northwest Community Healthcare World-class pediatric care partnership with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital 800 W. Central Rd Arlington Heights (847) 618-1000 www.nch.org/superkids

Pediatric Dentistry Christopher J. Morin, DDS 811 W. Wellington, Chicago (773) 871-4964 Chrismorin5@yahoo.com

Cadence Health

Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists In City and Suburbs Chicago, Niles, Skokie, Park Ridge, Libertyville, Glenview and Highland Park (847) 674-558 www.pediatricentchicago.com

Dr. Russell S. Pollina 601 W. Central Rd., #4 Mt. Prospect (847) 392-2457 18 E. Dundee Rd., Bldg. 5, Ste. 100, Barrington (847) 382-1720 www.grins4kids.com

Ned L. Savide, DDS, Ltd. Pediatric Dentistry; Practice Limited to Children & Adolescents 12001 S. Harlem Ave. Palos Heights (708) 448-6700

Fredrick S. Tatel, DDS We take the fear out of dentistry for your child.

16345 S. Harlem, Tinley Park (708) 633-8700 www.kidsdds.net

Treasured Smiles Specializing in Dentistry for Children & Adolescents 10313 W. Lincoln Hwy., Brookside Commons Frankfort (815) 806-1600 treasuredsmilesdentistry.com

USA Vein Clinics Chicago, Elk Grove Village, Northbrook (847) 796-3171 www.usaveinclinics.com

Central DuPage Hospital and Delnor Hospital are now Cadence Health 25 North Winfield Road (630) 933-1600 www.cadencehealth.org

Children’s Dentistry Jerry Udelson, DDS Where Kids Have Fun at the Dentist!

1129 S. Harlem, Forest Park (708) 386-5437 www.little-teeth-big-smiles.com

Dentistry for Kids Drs. Cissy Furusho & Kirk Koomann 4801 W. Peterson, #410, Chicago (773) 545-0007 www.Dentistry4Kids.net

Dolphin Swim Club Crystal Lake, Schaumburg, Skokie (847) 854-1300 www.dolphinswimclub.com

DuPage Medical Group Over 50 locations provide primary and specialty care for your entire family.

With offices in Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Geneva, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, LaGrange, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville, Oak Brooke, Plainfield, St. Charles, Warrenville, Western Springs, Westmont, Wheaton, Willowbrook, Winfield, Woodridge (888) MyDMGDr www.dupagemedicalgroup.com 74 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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special advertising section // DAY Avery Coonley School Summer Program 1400 W. Maple Ave. Downers Grove (630) 969-0800 ext. 122

Ballet D’Enfant A Fairy Tale Ballet 3234 N Southport Ave., Chicago (773) 477-4488 www.afairytaleballet.com

The Catherine Cook School 226 West Schiller St., Chicago (312) 266-3381 www.catherinecookschool.org

Chiaravalle Montessori School 425 Dempster St., Evanston (847) 864-2190 www.chiaravalle.org

Chicago Grammar School 900 N. Franklin, Chicago (312) 944-5600 www.chicagogrammar.org

Gateway Montessori 3748 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago (773) 539-3025 GatewayMontessoriSchool.org

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

camp 2013

The Little Gym of Chicago

Summer Lab 2013 Adventure Kids Day Camp (773) 834-7766 www.summerlab.org

3216 North Lincoln Ave., Chicago 3111 North Ashland Ave., Chicago (2nd location) (773) 525-5750 www.thelittlegym.com/ChicagoIL

Held at Northwestern, Lake Forest, Stanford, and 60+ Universities nationwide (888) 709-TECH (8324) www.internalDrive.com

Lakefront Children’s Academy

Montessori Academy of Chicago

400 E. Randolph, Ste. 6B, Chicago (312) 819-1760 lakefrontchildrensacademy.com

1335 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 243-0977 (ask for Miss Nina) montessoriacademychicago.org

Kiddie Academy – Camp Adventure

Latin School

Morgan Park Academy

Summer at Latin 59 W. North Blvd., Chicago (312) 582-6080 www.latinschool.org/summer

2153 W. 111th St., Chicago (773) 881-6704 www.morganparkacademy.org

Little Green Tree House

1325 S. State St., Chicago (312) 913-9793 www.rainforestschool.com

iD Tech Camps – Summer Tech Fun!

Batavia (630) 761-4500 www.kiddieacademy.com/batavia Bolingbrook (630) 679-9400 kiddieacademy.com/bolingbrook Carpentersville (847) 844-8600 kiddieacademy.com/ carpentersville Plainfield (815) 609-0900 kiddieacademy.com/plainfield Streamwood (630) 497-0200 kiddieacademy.com/streamwood

Childcare and Preschool 118 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago (312) 492-9876 www.littlegreentreehouse.com

Rainforest Learning Center

Rainforest Learning Center 2 2545 W. Diversey, Chicago (773) 384-4466 www.rainforestschool.com

Roycemore School 1200 Davis St., Evanston (847) 866-6055 roycemoreschool.org/summer

Chicago Park District Locations throughout City of Chicago (312) 742-PLAY www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

Sacred Heart Schools Summer at Sacred Heart 6250 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago (773) 262-4446 www.shschicago.org

The Compass School Compass Quest Summer 2013 3040 Reflection Dr., Naperville (630) 848-1122 1128 Compass Ct., Naperville www.TheCompassSchool.com

Skokie Park District 9300 Weber Park Pl., Skokie (847) 674-1500 www.SkokieParks.com

Council Oak Montessori School

St. Paul Lutheran – Oak Lawn

11030 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago (773) 779-7606 www.counciloakmontessori.org

4660 W. 94th St., Oak Lawn (708) 423-1058 www.stpauloaklawn.org

Deerfield Park District Summer Day Camps

Tamarak Day Camp

836 Jewett Park Drive, Deerfield, (847) 945-0650 www.deerfieldparks.org

23970 N. Elm Rd., Lincolnshire (847) 634-3345 www.tamarakdaycamp.com

Francis W. Parker School

Trinity Oaks Christian Academy

Summer Programs at Parker 2013 330 W. Webster Ave., Chicago (773) 797-5104 www.fwparker.org/summers

409 N. First, Cary (847) 462-5971 www.trinity-oaks.org

Walther Lutheran Academy

Game On! Sports Camps 4 Girls

“Under the Sea” Summer Camp Ages 3 - 4th grade 305 Circle, Forest Park (708) 366-2764 www.walther.com

Chicago (Walt Disney Magnet School) Lake Forest (Lake Forest College) (847) 229-9959 www.gameonsportscamp.com photo courtesy of compass creative camp

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camp 2013 // special advertising section OVERNIGHT All-Sports Camps 3155 Spring Valley Rd. Dubuque, IA 52001 www.all-sportscamps.com

Black River Farm and Ranch

LEGOLAND* Discovery Center Chicago Streets of Woodfield 601 N. Martindale Rd., Schaumburg (847) 592-9708 www.Legolanddiscoverycenter.com

SPECIALTY Active Learning Camps Chess and Gamebuilder Camps DePaul University - Chicago St. John Lutheran School - Wheaton (888) 652-4377 www.activelearningcamps.com

5040 Sheridan Line Crosswell , MI 48422 (810) 679-2505 www.blackriverfarmandranch.com

Kohl Children’s Museum

Camp Anokijig

Make-A-Messterpiece

1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (312) 322-0329 www.adlerplanetarium.org/camps

2050 Tower Rd., Glenview (847) 730-5275 www.makeamessterpiece.com

ArtReach Educational Theatre and Summer Camps

W5639 Anokijig Ln. Plymouth, WI 53073 (800) 741-6931 or (920) 893-0782 www.anokijig.com

Cub Creek Science Camp Rolla , MO 65401 (573) 458-2125 www.MyAnimalCamp.com

iD Teen Academies – Gaming, Programming & Visual Arts Held at Lake Forest, Yale, Princeton, NYU, and other universities (888) 709-TECH (8324) www.iDTeenAcademies.com

Saint Mary’s College Summer Camps Notre Dame, IN 46556 (574) 284-4778 www.saintmarys.edu/camps

YMCA Camp Glacier Hollow 1000 Division St. Steven Point, WI 54481 (715) 342-2980 www.glacierhollow.com

YMCA Camp MacLean 31401 Durand Ave. Burlington, WI 53105 (262) 763-7742 www.campmaclean.com

2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview (847) 832-6600 www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org

Adler Planetarium

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

3839 W. Frontage Rd., Palatine (847) 372-7798 or (773) 604-1892 www.Artreachspotlite.com

2001 N. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg (888) WE-JOUST www.medievaltimes.com

Center for Gifted

Midway Village Museum 6799 Guilford Rd., Rockford (815) 397-9112 www.midwayvillage.com

Monkey Joe’s 286 W. Geneva Rd. , Wheaton (630) 653-5867 748 S. Rand Rd , Lake Zurich (847) 719-5867 4306 E. New York St., Aurora (630) 851-3040 6250 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake (815) 477-3866 www.monkeyjoes.com

Pump it Up Chicago (312) 664-PUMP (7867) Orland Park (708) 479-2220 www.pumpitupparty.com

Buffalo Grove, Burr Ridge, Chicago, Elmhurst, Oak Forest, Naperville (847) 901-0173 www.centerforgifted.org

Compass Creative Dramatics Summer Theatre Camp (773) 893-0535 leadtheway@ccdramatics.com www.ccdramatics.com

Dolphin Swim Club Crystal Lake, Schaumburg, Skokie (847) 854-1300 www.dolphinswimclub.com

Intercultural Montessori Language School 301 S. Ridgeland, Oak Park 114 S. Racine, Chicago (708) 848-6626 www.interculturalmontessori.org

Karate Can-do!

2081 John’s Court, Glenview (847) 729-0001 www.NorthShoreDojo.net

The Language and Music School Customized Spanish Immersion Camp 150 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park (708) 524-5252 www.LMSCHOOL.com

Language Stars 14 Chicagoland locations (866) 55-STARS (557-8277) www.languagestars.com/ summer-fun.html

Lifeline Theatre Summer Drama Camps Ages 4-6 and Ages 7-12 6912 N. Glenwood, Chicago (773) 761-4477 www.lifelinetheatre.com

Mad Science (773) 227-3345 madscientist@mschicago.com www.madscience.org/chicago

Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts 6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park (708) 383-3456 www.Master-SH-Yu.com

Metropolis School of the Performing Arts Dance, drama, music, camps and performances 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights (847) 577-5983 x221 www.Metropolisarts.com/sopa

Sports Broadcasting Camps July 8-12, 2013 Skokie (800) 319-0884 www.playbyplaycamps.com

FIELD TRIPS Adler

Vertical Endeavors

1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (312) 922-7827 www.adlerplanetarium.org

6 week summer climbing camps 28141 Diehl Rd., Warrenville (630) 836-0122 www.Verticalendeavors.com/ warrenville

Chicago Children’s Museum Navy Pier 700 E. Grand, Chicago (312) 527-1000 www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Wellspring Camps Scientific-based weight loss camps for all ages (5-65+) NY, WI, TX, PA, CA, FL, PA and United Kingdom (866) 364-0808 www.wellspringcamps.com

Firehouse Community Art Studio 1123 W. Roosevelt, Chicago (312) 208-8935 www.firehouseartstudio.com photo courtesy of id tech camp

76 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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CP Marketplace special advertising section

Taylor Made Productions

S

ome may have called Joel Taylor the class clown in high school. A fledgling entertainer whose magic shows ultimately helped himself work his way through college, Taylor always knew he would find a way to make a living making people smile.

son and daughter to the corporate meeting planner working on a large company picnic,” says Taylor, who serves as owner of Taylor Made Productions. “We are always watching the trends to see what we can offer next within our company.”

And as the current owner of Taylor Made Productions, he has done just that.

One of Taylor Made Productions most popular offerings these days is their 25 Foot High Mobile Rock Climbing Wall with Extreme Air! Over two stories tall, the Vertical Challenge can accommodate five climbers at one time, and the Taylor Made Productions teams provides all safety equipment and staff to make sure everyone stays safe.

AmAzing PArty Productions

“In college, I remember how I could no longer handle the sheer volume of bookings, and I started finding other entertainers such as myself to give me a hand,” explains Taylor, who still enjoys performing at parties via juggling, magic and stilt walking. “The business was expanding rapidly, and I began to represent other entertainers. The business eventually grew into a full time entertainment agency.”

Celebrating over thirty years of business, the team at Taylor Made Productions continues to delight the Chicagoland area with a long list of entertainment services for all ages. From clowns to jugglers to moonwalks to guided hikes, loyal clients continue to make just one call to fulfill all of their party needs.

“We work with everyone, from the mom planning a private birthday party in her home for her

And while the list of Taylor Made Productions offerings continues to grow, the reason why Taylor and his team do it hasn’t changed much from his days of magic shows in high school. “I love getting out there and interacting with an audience,” concludes Taylor. “It never feels like work.

It’s just about having a great time.

As the business continues to grow, I am actually looking forward to letting more people on my team enjoy what I have enjoyed all of these years.”

You come to us or we come to you!

Taylor Made Productions • Mobile Dj • Magicians • Jugglers • Moonwalks • Costumed Characters • Mobile Rock Climbing • Clowns State-Licensed Agency

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The Very Best in Family Entertainment!

Make Your Next Event Lots O’ Fun!

Professional Magicians Magic Workshops Clowns & Comedians Costume Characters

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magicbybryan.com • lotsolaughs.com

Enter tainment & Ser vices for Ever y Event!

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Festivals, Camps, Corporate Events, Schools, Parties & More!

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Visit me on the web at: jigglejamproductions.com

Walk on the WildSide!

Exotic Animal Programs Bat Talks • new baby sloth!

School,

Libraries

& Birthdays...

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CP Marketplace Mary Macaroni

Princess & Character Parties Magic • Clowning Guitar Sing-a-Longs Face Painting & Balloons!

Children’s Parties!

Corporate Events!

Call Today:

773-774-3755

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Face Painting by Amanda amanda@amandapaint.com

Birthdays Picnics Parties Festivals All Events!

AmAzing AnimAls by sAmAnthA

Entertaining and educational animal shows for all ages and occasions! Birthdays, bar mitzvahs, schools & summer camps! We have an animal program for everyone!

...Sit back and let us run the PARTY for you!

Not only do we bring the fun, we also bring: ■ Photography ■ Homemade Treats ■ Small gift for Birthday Child ■ Games

312-493-6554 cheekythingdesigns.com

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The Bus of Fun will come to your home for your child’s next Birthday Party.

“Like Us” and add a friend on Facebook and receive $25 off your Party!

■ Prizes ■ Cotton Candy ■ Snow Cones (seasonal) ■ Face painting

Face Painting for all occasions

■ Creative Crafts ■ Pinata ■ Money Machine (real money) ■ Refreshments

Rain or Shine, Hot or Cold, we always bring the FUN to you year round!

Please call (708) 388-2200 to schedule your party

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The Bus of Fun is fully insured.

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Let’s CLown Around Former Ringling Bros. Navy Pier Entertainer

Performer with an ActionPacked, High Energy Comedy Magic Show Includes: • Fire-Eating • Machete Juggling • Stilt Walker • & Much More

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www.letsclownaround.net a huge variety of hands-on nature and live animal programs for kids and adults of all ages.

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More Convenient Kid Care

We understand what it’s like to have a sick kid. And we know that having to drive all the way downtown or to another location for care makes it that much harder. So we’re creating a place nearby for kids (and their parents) where our expert care is focused on healing and getting kids back home – where they belong.

We currently offer: n Top pediatricians and over 60 pediatric specialists n A Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) n A special Emergency Room just for kids – CNEmergiKidssm n Center for Pediatric Brain n Advanced imaging technologies n The Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders Resource Center One phone number for all of your pediatric needs:

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calendar MARCH

1

He gav gave us the Whos, the Lorax and Grinch He tau taught us to count and clean up in a pinch ch And th this is the month we all celebrate A man whose tales entertain and educate Not Sil Silverstein or Dahl or even Mother Goosee It’s 109 years for the ageless Dr. Seuss Celebrate the Ma Master of Rhyme: 1-2:30 p.m. March 1, Naperville Park District, Seager Park Interpretive Center, 1163 P Plank Road, Naperville. (630) 8485000, napervil napervilleparks.org; Dr. Seuss Birthday Party: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. March 2, Schaumburg Park District, Bock Neighborhood C Center, 1223 W. Sharon Lane, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com; A Seuss Celebration: 6-9 p.m.

March 2, 2 Palatine Park District, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine.

(847) 99 991-0333, palatineparks.org; Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat: E Emerald City Theatre Company, Apollo Theatre, 254 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 935-6100, emeraldc emeraldcitytheatre.com.

2

Spring is on the horiwhich means it’s zon, wh about ttime to replace that bike bik your kid has outgrown. Head to the Chicago Bike Swap, where wher you can buy bikes, bike parts, gear and clothing. Even better, you can sell your old wheels in the Bike Corral, on bike check out presentations presen safety and riding with kids, and performances by a be awed by perfo bike dance troupe. women’s BMX bi members (cash only), free $10, $5 member kids 12 and unde under. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

University of Illinois March 9. Univers Physical Education at Chicago, Phys Building, 901 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago. chicago chicagobikeswap.org.

3

The Oscars may have passed, but here’s your chance to walk the red carpet as a family. The Wake Up & Boogie Down Family Festival includes live musical performances, rock ‘n’ roll makeovers (c’mon, you know you’d look great in a fauxhawk!), crafts, games, activities and healthy snacks, plus raffles and giveaways. Start practicing your paparazzi-ready smile now—they’ll be out in hordes. $25, $15 kids, $65 family four-pack; $20 members, $10 member kids, $50 member family; free kids 1 and under. 9:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. March 2. Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison, Chicago. (312) 409-2233, npnparents.org.

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CALENDAR 1 | FRIDAY ASHAKI BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION. Music, dance,

food and vendors with African artifacts and displays. $3. 6-9 p.m.

Washington Park, 5531 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago. (773) 256-1248, chicagoparkdistrict.com.

JUST MOM AND ME. Enjoy a meal,

make a paper family tree, and sign a “mother-daughter promise” to keep creating memories. Ages 8 and up. $43 per person. Reservations required. 5:30 p.m. American Girl Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago.

(877) 247-5223, americangirl.com.

SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING. Ages 8-11 take the class with a parent.

Includes lecture, demonstration, hands-on instruction, scenario-based training, plus defense against multiple types of attacks and attackers. $35, $29 resident. 10 a.m.-noon.

West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 831-3810, pdhp.org.

how to reduce, reuse and recycle ordinary items into unique works of art, useful objects and home décor. $45 (includes snack and supplies). 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 4206010, napersettlement.museum.

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SATURDAY CHICAGO

of some of the world’s most unique animals, including how tails help animals. $24, $20 zoo members.

9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive. (312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SEUSS EVENT. Crafts, games

and story readings. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lakeshore Learning Store, 1403 N. Rand Road, 2255 W. 95th., Chicago, and 15780 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park. (847) 705-5052, lakeshorelearning.com.

PIANOFORTE FAMILY SERIES: FANTASTIC IMAGINATION. Pianist

favorite doll for a program of crafts, stories and activities. The dolls stay overnight, and when kids pick them up, they receive a scrapbook of pictures showing all of the fun. $37, $25 resident. 6-7 p.m. Downers Grove Historical Museum, 831 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. (630) 963-1300, dgparks.org.

George Lepauw takes kids 6-12 on a journey to foreign lands and introduces them to new characters with music. Followed by a milkand-cookies reception. $5. 3-4 p.m.

PianoForte, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 825. (312) 291-0291, pianofortefoundation.org.

learn about the environment and

W ll NO Enro ceive Re d n a

OFF $50 er m u m S on!* Tuiti

CREATURE’S FEATURES: TIP-TOP TAILS. Kids 4-5 discover adaptations

AMERICAN GIRL DOLL OVERNIGHT. Kids 4-9 bring their

SCHOOL’S DAY OUT – EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY. Kids in grades 1-5

Take an Adventure with Language Stars This Summer!

VISITING ARTIST WORKSHOP: 2D DRAWINGS TO 3D SCULPTURES.

Cardboard sculptor John Salhus shows how to transform drawings

About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the April issue is Feb. 27. All events are subject to change. Please call the event sponsor at the number listed to confirm before you go.

For egg hunts and bunny events, see pages 102-103

Fun Foreign Language Immersion Camps and Classes in Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, and Italian

.

Play-based curriculum . Dynamic native speaking teachers . Choose from 14 Chicagoland locations

To enroll call 866-55-STARS or visit www.languagestars.com

*Offer not available in Arlington Heights, Barrington and Crystal Lake locations.

WE BRING IT!

We bring our 24-foot gaming vehicle right to your door. Filled with today’s most popular games played on the best screens in town.

That’s not all. The Game Dudes will also bring along state of the art laser tag equipment and accessories for sixteen players!

Cold outside? Let the Game Dudes bring Laser Tag to you. Perfect for school or church gyms!

follow us on facebook!

$25 toward your next GAME DUDES event

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar

(expires 3/31/13)

Book your party today at: www.thegamedudes.com or call 630.738.9001 ChicagoParent.com March 2013 83

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CALENDAR

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• Executive Shirt Service • Hand-finished Tablecloth Service Only Certified Green Dry Cleaner in Lake, McHenry & N. Cook Counties

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DRY CLEANERS & LAUNDRY

A Corporate Partner & Suiter for Dress for Success Chicago

into cool 3-D sculptures. Free with admission. 1-3 p.m. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier. (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

SUBURBS HEALTHEKIDS FAIR. Includes activities, door prizes, giveaways and vendors, all designed to promote a healthy lifestyle to children. Noon-3 p.m. Triphahn Center Gym, 1685 West Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates.

(847) 885-7500, heparks.org.

INTRODUCTION TO GEOCACHING. Discover a world of hidden treasures with geocaching. Bring your GPS unit or borrow one there. Volunteers Bill and Linda Racicot and Dave Wagner will instruct how to use the devices, then head out to explore. Kids 10 and up. 1-3 p.m. Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. (815) 344-1294, dnr.state. il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R2/ VOLOBOG.HTM. CUTTING HALL FILM SERIES - THE WIZARD OF OZ. Enjoy the

story of Dorothy and friends on the big screen. $6. 10:30 a.m. Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine. (847) 202-5222, ticketturtle.com.

LORD OF THE DANCE. Michael

Flatley brings his Irish dance show.

Call for cost. 2 and 7 p.m. Akoo Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. (847) 671-5100, rosemonttheatre.com.

COLLAGE YOUR HOME: CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP. Artist

is part of your favorite social networks Find us on Facebook Join the Twitter party!

Follow us @ChicagoParent On Pinterest pinterest.com/chiparent

Ann Toebbe teaches kids 4-10 to use paint, paper, glue and other materials to construct their house from memory. 10-11:30 a.m. Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 834-0202, elmhurstartmuseum.org.

DINOSAUR DISCOVERIES. Kids 4 and up become dinosaur detectives with Paleontologist “Illinois Bones” to learn about the world of dinosaurs.

Live animals show how dinosaurs are related to animals living today. $4, $2 members. 2 p.m. Lizzadro Museum

of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave. (in Wilder Park), Elmhurst. (630) 833-1616, lizzadromuseum.org.

PASSPORT TO SAFETY. Families can learn how to be safe in and around the home. Use a “passport” to meet local safety personnel and learn important safety tips to use every day. Free gift when passport is completely stamped. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. (630) 963-1300, dgparks.org.

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SUNDAY CHICAGO

CHICAGO POLAR PLUNGE. One of the largest fundraising events for Special Olympics Chicago takes place on Chicago’s icy lakefront.

Once the dive is concluded, all are invited to a “Melt Down Party” inside the North Avenue Beach boathouse and in expanded heated tents.

Fundraising encouraged. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive. (312) 742-PLAY. MARIE-GRACE & CÉCILE’S FETE.

Learn about these historical characters, friends who are growing up in New Orleans during the 1850s. Learn ballroom dance steps, make crafts, and enjoy a meal. Reservations required. $30 per person. 9:30 a.m.

American Girl Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (877) 247-5223, americangirl.com.

THE CHICAGO LIGHTHOUSE PRESENTS: “A LIGHT IN THE DARK” DANCE PERFORMANCE.

This inspirational dance theater piece tells the story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan. Audio descriptions available. $65. 2-4 p.m. Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Harris Theatre Box Office, 205 E. Randolph Drive in Millennium Park. (312) 3347777, harristheaterchicago.org.

VISITING ARTIST WORKSHOP: 2D DRAWINGS TO 3D SCULPTURES.

See March 2.

THE ALLIANCE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD’S SCREEN BREAK.

Turn Off Your Screens during this

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CALENDAR year’s ScreenBreak event. Includes a kick-off with Sky Squad, the official dunk team for the WNBA Chicago Sky at 3:30 p.m. For information and event costs, check website. Winnetka Alliance for Early Childhood, Winnetka. theallianceforec.org.

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Fore Fo estt Par ark Stt. Pa Patr trick ic ck’ k’s Day P Day Da Pa ara ra ade de de See Ma See Se Marc arch h9

MONDAY

FREE DAY. General admission is free. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 684-1414, msichicago.org.

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WEDNESDAY

WIGGLEWORMS PARENT-CHILD PROGRAM. Introduce your little

one, ages 18-26 months, to nature through songs, simple crafts and outdoor exploration. The theme for this class is Hopping Rabbits. $6; free parking. 9:30-10:15 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School A Premier Private Education in the Finest Catholic Tradition

rld Montessori Schoo o W e v i t a e l Cr • Academic Curriculum • Foreign Language Offered • Music Program • Certified Teachers • Small Class Size • Large indoor gym • 41 years in LaGrange

Open Enrollment Toddler-Preschool-Kindergarten ½ & All day - 7AM-6PM

FAITH • KNOWLEDGE • DISCIPLINE • SERVICE

OPEN HOUSE MARCH 14 9 am–2 pm: Preschool – Eighth Grade 7–8 pm: Preschool – Kindergarten Information Night 1123 Church Street, Glenview • 847-724-6990 visit our newly updated website www.olph-il.org

Summer Camp openings

3 hour AM & PM Preschool Classes

LaGrange • 708-354-5255

Visit Our Web Site at:

www.creativeworldmontessori.org ChicagoParent.com March 2013 85

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CALENDAR 7

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THURSDAY

8

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FRIDAY

MR. SINGER’S SING ALONG FUN. Little ones sing, clap and dance

PASSPORT TO THE WORLD: GREECE. Chicago. See March 7.

with their caregiver to up-tempo songs that focus on the natural world around them. 1:45 p.m. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 7555100, naturemuseum.org.

Today’s time is 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and cost is free with admission.

PASSPORT TO THE WORLD: GREECE. Explore Chicago’s Greek

community through music, dance, art, and play. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago.

(312) 527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

COLOR COLOR. Mix, match and paint with primary colors, learning to blend and create. Hike outside to find colors of spring and mix a colorful treat to eat. $5. 9:30 a.m. Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, 7402 Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights. (708) 361-1873, lakekatherine.org.

SLEEP UNDER THE SKYSCRAPERS. The event for fami-

lies with kids 5-12 begins with dinner, followed by opportunities to explore the nightlife of the zoo’s residents.

Families can choose to attend just the evening activities or sleep over at the zoo. Includes dinner and continental breakfast. Evening Encounter: $42, $35 members; Full Overnight: $70, $60 members. 6 p.m.-8:30 a.m.; 6-10 p.m. evening only. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago.

(312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org.

THE ALLIANCE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD’S SCREEN BREAK.

Winnetka. See March 3. Today there is a performance by American Eagle Productions of The Fabulous Fable Factory at Washburne School’s Little Theater in Winnetka from 4-5 p.m.

COLOR COLOR. Palos Heights. See March 7. Today’s time is 9:30 a.m.

STARS ON ICE. Olympic Gold Medalist Dorothy Hamill joins a cast of Olympic, world and national champion skaters. Call for cost.

7:30 p.m. Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. (847) 635-6601, allstatearena.com.

NATURE PLAY DAYS. Sing, fiddle, jiggle and journey into the wild. Selfguided stations explore new themes each session. Children must be accompanied by a non-paying adult. $9, $7 resident. 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Northside Park, 1417 N. West St., Wheaton. (630) 665-4710, wheatonparkdistrict.com.

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SATURDAY CHICAGO

PASSPORT TO THE WORLD: GREECE. See March 7. Today’s time

is 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and cost is free with admission.

SAIGE’S CELEBRATION. Girls 8 and up learn about a new contemporary character, make crafts and enjoy a meal. Reservations required. $30 per person. 7:30 p.m. American Girl Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave. (877) 247-5223, americangirl.com.

SUBURBS CHICAGOLAND KIDS EXPO. Parents find the latest trends and products to make their hectic lives a little easier. Features kid-friendly entertainment and hands-on activities. $10, $5 kids 3-12, free kids under 3. See website for discount coupon. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Renaissance Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, chicagokidsexpo.com.

COLOR COLOR. Palos Heights. See March 7. Today’s time is 10:30 a.m.

FAMILY FAIR. Includes hands-on activities, games and entertainment for kids 10 and under,

For the LOVE of Trains!

All grammar school girls 4th - 8th invited . . .

Olympic Night “Fun Friday” March 8th - 6 to 8 p.m.

4th - 8th grade girls be at Peace for food, fun, arts and games!

HighWheelerTrainShow.com

*Tickets available at the door. Cash Only.

See 19 Spectacular Running Model Railroads • Door Prizes Galore • Free Parking

FREE Kids Activities

• Make your own train craft • Face painting Sunday only 10am – 4pm KIDS • Two Drawings Daily FREE! e with onlin for a Starter Train Set coupon • Creative coloring

K-8 Summer Academic Programs and Camps Private Transportation Available / View summer schedule at www.queenofpeacehs.org

CAMPS K-12

Harper College – Palatine, IL

Admission and Show Details at

5th - 8th grade girls be at Peace to improve your skills for the 2013 season.

Softball Clinic 12 to 2 p.m. / Soccer Clinic 3 - 5 p.m. / Peace Gymnasium

SPORTS

ATHLETICS

To register for these events call 708.496.4753 or e-mail lovem@queenofpeacehs.org.

ACADEMIC AP

CAMPS QUEEN OF PEACE

QUEEN OF PEACE

9:00am to 5:00pm

Softball & Soccer FREE Clinics Sunday, March 24th

PEACE

Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10, 2013

Queen of Peace is a Catholic college prep high school sponsored by the Dominicans of Sinsinawa 7659 Linder Ave., Burbank, IL I (708) 496-4753 I www.queenofpeacehs.org

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Join us for a night of free family fun

T

he number one thing we hear from our readers is that you’re always looking for activities your whole family can do together.

The number two thing? You really like “free.”

So that’s why Chicago Parent is teaming up with the Chicago Children’s Museum to offer a free night of family fun just for our readers. It’s our little way of saying “thank you”—and to be part of all the exciting things happening in our beautiful city.

Save the date for Friday, April 19 from 5-8 p.m. for exclusive afterhours access to one of the finest children’s museums in the country, with exhibits and play spaces for all ages (see page 112 for the tween-targeted “Tinkering Lab”).

Plus, we’re excited to offer some fabulous raffle giveaways, including a seven-night trip for a couple to Riu Negril, in Negril, Jamaica, courtesy of Apple Vacations.

And did we mention it’s completely free?

Space is limited and RSVP is required, so visit ChicagoParent. com/readernight by Friday, April 12, to reserve your spots. We can’t wait to see you there!

Media Sponsors:

ChicagoParent.com March 2013 87

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Nature museum creates program for special needs

T

he Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum knows very well the benefits that being in nature has for children.

Now, it is opening its doors early the third Sunday of every month to create a special time just for families with children with developmental differences to get those benefits themselves.

The effort began after the museum saw success with early morning field trips done in conjunction with its early childhood partnerships and staff wanted to open it to the entire community, says Christine Chirchirillo, early elementary science partnership educator at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

Breakfast with the “Exploring nature Butterflies will be 8-10 “Explor science at the a.m. the third rd Sunday off and scien the month. Event includes museum in this welcoming envia low stimulii breakfast welcom ronment really room offering ng gluten- and ronm helps support dairy-free he positive treats and p interaction a visit to with urban the Judy w nature. We Istock Butterfly rfly na want to offer Haven for song ong and wan families tthe opporfloor time. Registration tunity to connect with required. $20 pair, $15 Illinois and the ecology,” member pair; $10 additionChirchirillo says. al family member. Peggy A new social story for Notebaert Nature Museum, the museum has been 2430 N. Cannon Drive, created so parents can Chicago. (773) 755-5100, prepare for the experinature ence. In addition, care museum.org. g. has been taken to make the visit comfortable.

Chirchirillo says lighting Ch will be reduced in some wi areas and the loud speakare ers will be turned off, as will the waterfalls in the butterfly haven, and volunteers and staff will offer very simple encounters throughout the museum.

“We want families to feel confident and comfortable entering any museum environment, but more specifically for the nature museum’s goals, we want them to also feel comfortable entering ecology and entering nature,” she says. “We really think offering the museum to them in a safe environment can help bridge that.”

If you go

CALENDAR plus a free pancake breakfast. Kids are asked to bring a new small toy donation. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mokena Community Park District, 10925 LaPorte Road, Mokena. (708) 3902401, mokenapark.com.

A FANCY TEA PARTY. Girls 3-6 learn polite etiquette, create fun and fancy crafts and enjoy a tea party inspired by everyone’s favorite fancy storybook character. Registration required. $21, $14 resident. 12:30-2 p.m. Barn Recreation Center, 421 W. Martin Ave., Naperville. (630) 8485000, napervilleparks.org.

FOREST PARK ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE. This

family-friendly parade features the award-winning Proviso East Marching Band, Medinah Shriner units, area police and fire vehicles, antique cars, floats and Irish dancers.

Parade-goers can visit local restaurants and pubs following the parade to enjoy bagpipers, giveaways, food and to shop Madison Street’s boutiques, galleries, specialty shops and antique stores. 1 p.m. Downtown Forest Park, Madison Street, (708) 366-2543, exploreforestpark.com.

MAPLE SUGARING DAYS. See how

sap is collected the old-fashioned way and try a sample of syrup. $12, $10 seniors, $8 kids 4-12, free residents.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 4206010, napersettlement.museum.

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SUNDAY

SUBURBS THE BOOGERS CONCERT. The

Boogers perform original and classic children’s music in their famous rock ‘n’ roll style. For information, visit meet-the-boogers.com. $11, $8 members. 4 p.m. Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park. (708) 383-4815, wonder-works.org.

CHICAGOLAND KIDS EXPO. Schaumburg. See March 9. Today’s time is 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

the Wildlife Discovery Center’s rattlesnake collection, giant pythons and anacondas, venomous reptiles, lizards and snakes. Talk with reptile enthusiasts from zoos, universities, museums, nature centers and private collections. Kids’ activities, face painting and Scout Patch challenge planned. $8, $5 kids. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Lake Forest Recreation Center, 400 Hastings Road, Lake Forest. (847) 810-3663, wildlifediscoverycenter.org.

ANIMALS IN ART: DRAWING WORKSHOP. Program begins with

a drawing class where kids 6-15 pick up tips and techniques for drawing animals, then head out to draw specimens throughout the museum. Free with admission. 2-3:30 p.m. Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. (815) 895-9777, mmnh.org.

MAPLE SUGARING DAYS. Naperville. See March 9. Today’s time is 1-4 p.m.

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TUESDAY

NORTH AFRICAN DESERT ROCK GROUP TERAKAFT. The

North African desert rock group makes its Chicago debut. 6:30 p.m.

Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago. (312) 7446630, chicagoculturalcenter.org.

THE CIVIL WAR. This country’s most tumultuous era comes to the stage exploring the lives and sacrifices of some of those who stood up for what they believed in. Recommended for grades 3-9. 9:30 a.m. and noon. $8.50.

Paramount Arts Centre and Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. (630) 8966666, paramountaurora.com.

LEPRECHAUN HUNT. Kids 3-6 solve some riddles and do a craft to take home. $12. 3:30-5 p.m.

Bartlett Nature Center, James “Pate” Philip State Park, 2054 W. Stearns Road, Bartlett. (847) 608-3100, bartlettparks.org/nature-center/ general.asp.

MUSIC TOGETHER SING-A-LONG.

REPTILE RAMPAGE. Visitors can

meet more than 150 animals including “Bubba” the American alligator,

“Let’s Sing for Spring” is the theme for this interactive 45-minute session designed for infants through

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CALENDAR kindergarten. $10 per child and $8 for siblings; free parking. 9:30 or 10:30 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.

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kids’ activities, and a sneak peek at the school musical. $6, $5 seniors, $4 kids, free kids 3 and under. 4-8 p.m. Komarek School PTA, village of North Riverside, 2401 S. Des Plaines Ave. (708) 646-5568, sites.google. com/site/komarekpta.

THURSDAY

16

PASSPORT TO THE WORLD: PERSIA. Experience Chicago’s

Persian community and participate in Norooz, the most anticipated celebration in the Persian culture.

Learn about Haft Seen-Haft Sheen, the traditional Persian New Year spread, paint eggs, listen to music, dance, and enjoy a special visit from Amoo Norooz, or “Uncle New Year.” 5:30-7:30 p.m. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrens museum.org.

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FRIDAY

JOSEFINA’S FIESTA. Learn about

Josefina’s caring spirit during a time of change in 1824. Learn words

CHICAGO ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE. This parade features

See Se e Ma Marc r h2 rc 23 3

LITTLE LEPRECHAUNS PARENTCHILD PROGRAM. This early St.

Patrick’s Day celebration includes

JanuaryCAMPad-CP:Layout 1 12/18/12 2:36 PM Page 1

Join us for a FUNtastic Summer!

SATURDAY CHICAGO

Ma M apl p e Sy S ru rup F sttiiv Fe val val al

and phrases in Spanish and enjoy a meal. Reservations required. $30 per person. 7:30 p.m. American Girl Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (877) 247-5223, americangirl.com.

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stories, crafts and a treat for kids 3-5. $10 per child; free parking. 1-2 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

SHAMROCK SHINDIG AND PASTA DINNER. Celebrate St Patrick’s Day

with a pasta dinner, sundae bar, raffles, bake sale, silent auction,

more than 200 floats and marching bands. Parade kicks off at noon; at 10 a.m. is the dyeing of the Chicago River. The dyeing can be best viewed from the east side of the Michigan Avenue bridge, the west side of the Columbus Drive bridge or upper and lower Wacker Drive between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive. The parade starts at Balbo and Columbus and proceeds north on Columbus Drive.

The viewing stand will be located in front of Buckingham Fountain. (312) 942-9188, chicagostpatsparade.com.

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June 10 - August 2, 2013 ChicagoParent.com March 2013 89

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The Force be with you Legoland is preparing to launch its first-ever Lego Star Wars Miniland—a large-scale, interactive model display set to open this month.

The walk-through exhibit will offer an intergalactic immersion into the sights and sounds of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Guests will be transported from the beautiful rolling hills of Naboo, with its ancient domed city and cascading waterfalls, to the treacherous terrain of the desert planet of Tatooine. Interactive features will offer ha hands-on fun even for the youngest visitors.

February. The Construction on the exhibit began in Fe conjunction with grand opening will take place in conjunct Days, March 8-10.

Legoland Discovery Center’s Star Wars D p.m. Friday and 8 Opening hours are 10 a.m.-7 p Sunday. a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and S will Other Star Wars Days activities a include a meet and greet with members Legion; build your of the Star Wars 501st L own Lego creation in tthe Model Builder Workshop; photos with life-sized Lego Star Wars Darth Vader and R2-D2; and prizes Star Wars R2-D and giveaway giveaways. information or to For inform discount tickets, visit book discou LegolandDiscovery LegolandDi Center.com.

Center.com

CALENDAR GOOD FOOD FESTIVAL. Offers Midwest artisan and farmer exhibitors, workshops on growing and making food, chef demos, and family-friendly activities. The Kids’ Corner includes arts and crafts, story time and face painting. $15, $10 online, free kids 12 and under.

9 a.m.-6 p.m. UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road. goodfoodfestivals. com/chicago.

STARTING SEEDS: INVITING SPRING INSIDE. Families with kids

PASSPORT TO THE WORLD: PERSIA. See March 14. Today’s time

designer Tiffany Gholar creates cardboard paintings using color and texture and helps guests make a cardboard painting that looks and feels interesting. Free with admission. 1-3 p.m. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier. (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

is 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and cost is free with admission.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL AND CELEBRATION. Saturday

includes traditional and contemporary Irish music, dance, food and children’s activities and Sunday features food and drink for purchase, live music and dance. $15, $12 advance, free kids 12 and under. 1 p.m.-midnight. The Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. (773) 282-7035, irish-american.org.

5 and up can join Lincoln Park Zoo to start their seeds and get a head start on spring. $13, $10 zoo members.

2-3:30 p.m. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive. (312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org.

VISITING ARTIST WORKSHOP: CARDBOARD TEXTURE PAINTINGS. Artist and interior

TERRIFIC TALES STORY TIME. The Storybook Mom, Nili

Yelin, reads to families with kids 3-10 and teaches the adults storytelling techniques to help promote literacy at home. Free snacks and book

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CALENDAR giveaway at the end of each session.

Visit website to register. 10-11 a.m.

Kelly Library, 6151 S. Normal Blvd.

(312) 747-8418, companies-that-care. org/tt-story-time.org.

NOW LET’S SING. Features both in-

strumentalists and singers in a show just for kids. 11 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.

Call for cost. Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 294-3000, cso.org.

SUBURBS ROCK & MINERAL IDENTIFICATION. Kids 8-adult

learn how to make a basic mineral test kit. Hands-on identification procedures include observation skills and hardness tests. All materials are provided. Reservations required. $5, $3 members. 10:30 a.m. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave. (in Wilder Park), Elmhurst. (630) 833-1616, lizzadromuseum.org.

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CALENDAR BUBBLE FESTIVAL. Celebrate National Bubble Week with performances by bubble celebrity Geoffrey Akins. Families can test their own soapy skills with bubble art and activities in the BubblePalooza Playground. 9 and 10:30 a.m.; noon; 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. $5, $4 members at the door, $4, $3

members in advance, museum admission not included. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford.

(815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

FAMILY DAY OF MUSIC: PETER & THE WOLF. A petting zoo begins

at 9 a.m. in the lobby. At 10 a.m. there is a performance of Peter and the Wolf. From 1-6 p.m. there are free public performances by various musicians. $10 per family (up to six family members). 9 a.m.-6 a.m p.m. Nichols Concert Hall, Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. (847) 905-1500, musicinst.org.

Buzz Bu Buzz zz z-T -T Tac acular Bees Be es es Se S ee M Ma arc rch 16 16

PLUM CRAZY PUPPETS PRESENTS: TEDDY BEARS PICNIC FEATURING STEVE BENO.

Live music blends with colorful puppets, stories and movement.

Bring a Teddy bear. 2-3 p.m. Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. (847) 929-5102, webrary.org.

SUGAR BUSH FAIR. Features a pancake breakfast, authentic demonstrations of maple syrup production, a pioneer sugar camp, children’s puppet show and a wagon shuttle. Syrup and other goodies available for purchase. Breakfast is $5 for full stack and $4 for half stack. Discounted advanced tickets available. 9 a.m.-noon. Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg.

(847) 985-2100, parkfun.com.

BUZZ-TACULAR BEES. Kids 6-9 learn about bee behavior, pollination and products of the hive, make beeswax candles and enjoy tasting different

kinds of honey. Dress for a nature hike.

Snack provided. $27, $22 resident. 1-4 p.m. Lake View Nature Center, 17W063 Hodges Road, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 941-8747, obtpd.org/lvnc.

UNDER THE COVER OF NIGHT.

Kids 4 and up explore the changing season under the cover of darkness.

The hike ends with roasting marshmallows and hot chocolate around a crackling fire. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $11, $9 resident. 7:15-8:45 p.m.

Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. (630) 871-2810, lincolnmarsh.org.

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SUNDAY CHICAGO

ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL AND CELEBRATION. See March

16. Today features food and drink for purchase, live music and dance.

Today’s time is noon-midnight and cost is $10, free kids 12 and under.

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VISITING ARTIST WORKSHOP: CARDBOARD TEXTURE PAINTINGS. See March 16.

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AC ROCK. A cappella rock ‘n

roll in an engaging mix of music and humor for audiences of all ages. 2-3 p.m. Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines. (847) 376-2839, dppl.org.

MAPLE SYRUP DAYS. Treetapping walks in the sugar bush; historic demonstrations of maple syrup production; maple syrup samples with French toast sticks; puppet shows; storytelling; kids’ activities and more. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. River Trail Nature Center, 3120 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. (847) 824-8360, fpdcc.com.

field of green clovers. Each clover includes a special treat, but find a four-leaf clover and win a special prize. $7, $5 residents. 10-11 a.m.

Bock Neighborhood Center, 1223 W. Sharon Lane, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com.

SUGAR BUSH FAIR. See March 16.

Schaumburg.

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WEDNESDAY

WIGGLEWORMS PARENT-CHILD PROGRAM. Introduce your little

one, 18-36 months, to nature through songs, simple crafts and outdoor exploration. The theme for this class is Stinky Skunks. $6; parking free. 9:30-10:15 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

SHAMROCK SCRAMBLE. Kids

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ChicagoParent.com March 2013 93

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CALENDAR then let the little ones get handson experience as they explore and discover nature during a 20-minute playgroup. $10 pair, $5 member pair; $5 additional child. 9-9:45 a.m.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago.

(773) 755-5100, naturemuseum.org.

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FRIDAY

5TH AND 6TH GRADE SPRING BREAK BEACH PARTY. Kids 10-12

come dressed in shorts and flip flops, and get ready to have fun with a DJ, games and activities. $16. 6:309:30 p.m. Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com.

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Jacqueline R u s s e l l named one of the top 50 people who really perform in chicago by NewCitystage. com. “Chicago Children’s Theatre has taken some astounding leaps in the six years since Jacqueline Russell founded the company in an attempt to fill the void of a professional, consistent theater for children in Chicago. The former executive director of Lookingglass Theatre, through Chicago Children’s, has spearheaded the magnificent Red Kite Project, an immersive theatrical beach experience aimed specifically at children affected by autism spectrum disorder. So far, Chicago Children’s Theatre’s work has been seen by 180,000 young people and their families. And just recently, the theater found a new permanent home, taking up residence at the Ruth Page Center.”

ChicagoChildrensTheatre.org The School of Rock, opening in Oak Park, in April. The best way to learn music is to play music. Go from the lesson room to the stage, developing both confidence and musicianship with programs designed for all skill levels. School of Rock Oak Park teaches guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards, drums and combines weekly private music lessons and group band rehearsals to prepare students to take the stage in front of live audiences. oakpark. schoolofrock.com.

PIONEER FEST AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST. Enjoy pancakes,

sausage and pure maple syrup. Enjoy maple syrup-making demonstrations and try your hand at pioneer chores while stepping back into time with pioneer re-enactors. $9, $7 kids under 12. 8 a.m.-noon. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet. (815) 741-7277, jolietpark.org.

SCRAPARTSMUSIC. Musicians

perform on instruments made from industrial scraps and offbeat materials. $30, $15 kids 18 and under. 8 p.m. Fermilab, Kirk Road at Pine Street, Batavia. (630) 840-ARTS (2787), fnal.gov/culture.

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SUNDAY CHICAGO

VISITING ARTIST WORKSHOP: CARDBOARD MASKS. See March 23.

performances that follow free parent/child movement workshops with the artists. $15, free kids under 12. 3 p.m., workshop with artists 2:15 p.m. Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, 1306 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 369-8330, colum.edu/ dancecenter.

MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL. Families can learn how maple syrup is tapped from trees. Pancakes with maple syrup available for purchase while supplies last. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Road. (312) 7445472, chicagoparkdistrict.com.

THE DREAMTREE SHAKERS.

Stories of circus life are presented in rock and roll form for kids of all ages. $12. 11 a.m. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. (773) 728-6000, oldtownschool.org.

VISITING ARTIST WORKSHOP: CARDBOARD MASKS. Amber

Marsh creates cardboard puppets and masks for professional theater companies across Chicago. Join her to create a cardboard mask and experiment with patterns to transform flat cardboard into wearable, 3-D fun. Free with admission. 1-3 p.m.

Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier. (312) 5271000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

SUBURBS KIDS CONCERT: SUPER STOLIE.

Interactive music and movement performance for families with kids 3 and older. $12, $10 in advance.

10 a.m. The Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. (847) 2517424, wilmettetheatre.com.

BITS N PIECES - DINOSAUR AND THE ANT. Dinosaur Fable

features singing and dancing by six giant prehistoric puppets and the live actor leader, TryANTasaurus. $12-$17. 11 a.m. Center for

SUBURBS PIONEER FEST AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST. Joliet. See March 23.

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25

MONDAY

FAMILIES GROW TOGETHER: MAGICAL CONTAINER GARDENING. Explore the Children’s

Garden growing gardens and create a magical container garden, which is the perfect habitat for attracting fairies, gnomes, and tiny animals. $17, $10 members. 9-10:30 a.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

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TUESDAY

LET’S GET CRAFTY! Girls 8-14 create homemade items to keep or give as gifts, including a bottle cap necklace. $10 per child; free parking.

1-2:30 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.

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2/15/13 2:43 PM

Family fun is in bloom

I

f the words “flower show” make you think of prim old ladies displaying their prized roses, it’s time to think again. After all, when it comes to the Chicago Flower & Garden show, “We’re not your grandmother’s flower show,” says director Tony Abruscato.

In fact, the Chicago show is a family-oriented destination, more focused on bugs and veggies than award-winning blooms.

Oh, and lots of fun.

The Kids’ Activity Garden is the prime spot for families, decked out with playgroundlike apparatus for kids to climb, crawl and generally blow off some steam. And those who like to dig will find a home in the oversized sandbox.

Plus, kids get the chance to get their hands dirty through planting projects, arts and crafts and a visit from a University of Illinois Master Gardener, who brings along creepy-crawlies like

centipedes, slugs and Madagascar cockroaches for an example of the grosser side of gardening.

“The kids love the bugs,” Abruscato says. “There are some fun things to do and some educational … You can spend a lot of time here.”

For the educational component, parents can keep an eye on the website to see which parent/ child workshops are scheduled.

Abruscato hints that there may even be a chance to build a “fairy garden”—miniature displays that are especially popular with kids.

But the Activity Garden isn’t the only spot for those with little ones. The show itself offers many highlights, including koi ponds where kids can feed the fish and unusual vertical gardens that are sure to catch their attention.

This year’s theme, “The Art of Gardening,” lends itself to things like performance art and

a photography display on floral graffiti.

“A part of our goal is to get kids and young people interested in gardening and greening,” Abruscato says. “We do that through ways that are fun and interesting.”

He also sees it as a way to bring families together, even for a day, and to encourage exercise. Plus, he says that kids who grow their own vegetables at an early age are more inclined to eat veggies for the rest of their

Chicago Flower & Garden Show March 9-17 Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago chicagoflower.com lives. (Shh, it’s our little secret!)

So this year, forget about those grannies and follow Abruscato’s advice: bring the whole family for a day of flowery fun.

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CALENDAR 27 T e Th Drrea D eam mttrre ee Shak Sh aker ers er s Se S ee M Ma a arc rc ch 23 3

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WEDNESDAY

GRANDPARENT/GRANDCHILD BINGO & PIZZA. Kids 6 and up

enjoy 12 games of Bingo, a snack, pizza and a drink, and prizes for everyone. $17, $15 resident.

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

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THURSDAY

NATURE’S CREATURES ANIMAL SHOW. Join Erin and

her creatures during an actionpacked animal presentation.

Interact with snakes, lizards, birds, and more as you learn about conservation and responsible pet ownership. 11 a.m.-noon. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, naturemuseum.org.

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By Appointment Days Evenings Saturdays

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Pediatric Dental Associates, P.C. George Lin, D.D.S. Anjali Talati, D.M.D. Buffalo Grove Business Park 195 Arlington Hts Rd., Suite 150, Buffalo Grove 847-537-7695 College Hill Professional Building

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Finding beauty under the skin

T

here are few animals more magnificent than the giraffe, with its extra-long neck, spindly legs and patterned hide that has inspired many an interior design scheme.

But have you ever thought about what a giraffe looks like on the inside?

Starting this month, you’ll get a chance to see what’s going on under that spotted skin, as well as inside other eye-catching creatures like sharks, ostriches and octopuses.

The Animal Inside Out exhibit, from the producers of Body Worlds, makes its U.S. debut at the Museum of Science

Animal Inside Out March 14-Sept. 2

& Industry on March 14. But whereas Body Worlds gave an intricate look under the human skin, the new exhibit displays more than 100 animal specimens, thanks to that same process of Plastination.

That means that the organs and blood vessels and tendons on display were once inside an actual animal—a fact that’s easy to forget when you’re staring at a full-sized reindeer captured in a run.

Anne Rashford, director of temporary exhibits at the museum, says the exhibit profiles each animal and tells stories of how they have adapted over time, plus serves as a lesson in comparative

Museum of Science & Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago Exhibit requires timed-entry tickets: $12; $8 kids 3-11; $6 MSI members; visit msichicago.org to purchase anatomy between the different animals and human beings.

Animal Inside Out also explores different body systems with the help of specimens like a shark outlined in blood vessels or the muscles of a bull’s heart.

Rashford says it’s important for families to understand that the exhibit isn’t “gross,” but a respectful treatment of

the animal kingdom.

“I think the exhibit is so beautifully done,” she says. “People will just be amazed by the beauty of the animal and how magical what’s underneath the skin is.”

Although the museum requires that kids under 13 come with a parent or guardian, it’s really an exhibit for all ages— and some of the littlest guests are the ones who

ask the best questions.

Hopefully everyone will leave the exhibit with new knowledge and a new perspective on our world.

“I think they will have more respect for themselves and their body and the entire animal kingdom,” Rashford says.

“We are on this planet together, and we learn from each other.”

Elizabeth Diffin

Professional services Directory Pediatric dentistry

Pediatric dentistry

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SPECIAL NEEDS NETWORK & RESOURCE MEETINGS S. Learn more about apraxia and associated issues. ues.

Locations vary. Contact Holly Olmsted-Hickey ey at chicagoapraxia@comcast.net for information. ation.

March 7. The Windy City/Chicagoland Apraxia axia Network, 1541 Springside Place, Downers Grove.

(630) 881-0666, groups.yahoo.com/group/ p/ windycityapraxia.

PLAY FOR ALL. The museum opens early for

registered kids and families with disabilities to experience the playful, multisensory exhibits and activities. For registration and accommodation requests, call (312) 321-6551. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 9. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

JUMP SESSIONS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS.

Sky High Sports turns off the music and dials down the distractions for special jumpers. One court remains especially quiet for kids with sensory disorders. Even children with physical disabilities can join the fun. Special jumpers are $5 with a parent or therapist free. Siblings are also $5. 3-6 p.m. March 12. Sky High Sports, 2244 Corporate Lane, Naperville; 6424 Howard St., Niles; (630) 717-5867, jumpskyhigh.com.

ory

information on issues and services. info with admission. 5-7 p.m. March Free w DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. 21. DuPag Washington St., Naperville.

637-8000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

(630) 637-800

BREAKFAST WITH THE BUTTERFLIES.

Move, play and explore nature in a safe museum environmentt spe specially adapted for young children with developmental differences. Transition into a quiet, low stimuli breakfast room offering gluten- and dairy-free treats and enjoy a self-guided tour. Then experience the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven with specialized songs and activities. Registration required. 8-10 a.m. March 17. $20 pair, $15 member pair; $10 additional family member. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, naturemuseum.org.

SENSORY STORYTIMES. Geared toward SENSOR children ages 2-6 with special needs, especially those who may have hav a hard time sitting still or focusing in big groups. groups Storytime is followed by a playgroup with sensory activity stations. For information, email sharris@oppl.org.

4 p.m. Tuesdays. Oak Park Public sharris@opp Library, 834 Lake St., Main Library, Oak Park. (708) 383-8200 ext. 2, oppl.org.

RESPITE CARE FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY SPECIAL NEEDS. Respite program offers free

childcare for children with special needs. No affiliation with church required. 5-8 p.m. Thursdays.

To register, email or call Amy Giacalone, churchinroscoevillage@gmail.com. Christian Fellowship Church, 3425 N. Damen Ave., Chicago. (773) 299-8126.

THIRD THURSDAY. A special time for families

of kids with autism spectrum disorder, visual and mobility impairments to come play at the museum. Specially trained staff assist with art activities, and resource tables will provide

ARTS AND CRAFTS. Class promotes sensory integration with various textures and visual sensory.

3-5 p.m. Fridays. Vittum Park, 5010 W. 50th St., Chicago. (773) 284-6022.

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100 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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ONGOING EVENTS EXHIBITS ANIMAL INSIDE OUT. The exhibition showcases more than 100 animal specimens preserved through the process of Plastination. Guests will see the inner workings of some of the world’s most impressive animals, from goats to giraffes and octopuses to ostriches. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 684-1414, msichicago.org.

FOOD: THE NATURE OF EATING. A new exhibit that explores how food

connects us to the natural world and to each other. Sights, smells and tastes benchmark the story of food as it journeys into our stomachs and imagination.

Includes hands-on interactives, family activities and active public programs.

Free with admission. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, naturemuseum.org. seum.org.

FREE START WITH A SKETCH ustration EXHIBITION. See the culture of illustration

through the talented cartoonists, illustrators ustrators and voice actors connected to the Geneva eneva community. Features well-known artists such as Daws Butler, the voice of Yogi Bear and many Hanna Barbera characters, along with Chester Gould, creator of the Dick Tracy comic strip. Donations ns accepted. Geneva History Center, 113 3 S. Third St., Geneva. (630) 232-4951, genevahistorycenter.org.

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BUNNY EVENTS 16

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THURSDAY

EASTER EGG HUNT. 9:30 a.m.

for 3-year-olds, 10:20 a.m. for ages 4-5, and 11:10 a.m. for ages 6-8. $5.

Mt. Prospect Park District, 420 W. Dempster, Mount Prospect. (847) 640-1000, mppd.org.

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THURSDAY

BRUNCH WITH THE BUNNY.

Families with kids 6 and under. $10.

Advanced tickets only. 10 a.m.-noon.

Merrimac Park, 6343 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago. (773) 685-3382, chicagoparkdistrict.com.

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THURSDAY

TWILIGHT EGG HUNT. Bring your

flashlights. Pizza and pop are served after the hunt. $13, $9 residents. 8 p.m. Charles M. Christensen Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave, Worth.

(708) 448-7080, worthparkdistrict. org.

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SATURDAY

SOLDIER FIELD BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY.

Families can enjoy breakfast with the Easter Bunny from 8:30-10 a.m., prior to the free Spring Egg-Stravaganza candy grab on the field, 10 a.m.-noon. Reservations are required. Call (312) 235-7162 or email sfspecialevents@dncinc.com. $17.50, $12 kids 4-10, free kids 3 and under with paying family, pay to park. Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, Chicago. (312) 2357162, soldierfield.net.

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY. Register by March 15. $14,

and kids under 1. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg.

(847) 490-7020, parkfun.com.

BEECHER EASTER EGG HUNT. Kids 10 and under. 11 a.m.

Firemen’s Park, 673 Penfield St., Beecher. (708) 946-2261, beecherchamber.com.

BREAKFAST WITH THE BUNNY I & II. $12, free kids 2 and under.

8:30-10 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.-noon.

Bird Haven Greenhouse, 225 N. Gougar Road, Joliet. (815) 741-7278, jolietpark.org.

BUNNY BASH. Egg hunts, games,

BUNNY BRUNCH. $17, $12 residents. 10:30 a.m. Mokena Community Park District, Aurelio’s Restaurant, 310 W. Lincoln Highway, Frankfort. (708) 390-2401, mokenapark.com.

crafts, moon jumps, concessions, pony rides and a petting zoo. $10, $8 preregistration, free parents

HEGGIE FIELD EASTER EGG HUNT. 1 p.m. Joliet Park District,

$10 adult. 9 a.m. Sheila Ray Adult Center, 225 E. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village, elkgroveparks.org.

Collins and Williamson streets, Joliet.

(815) 741-PARK (7275), jolietpark. org.

HOLIDAY EGG HUNT. Kids 12

and under. Noon. Dolton Main Park, 721 Engle St., Dolton. (708) 8412111, doltonparkdistrict.org.

NOWELL PARK EASTER EGG HUNT. 10 a.m.-noon. Nowell Park,

5 Mills Road, Joliet. (815) 741-7275, jolietpark.org.

EASTER EGG HUNT. Kids 10 and

under have the opportunity to collect eggs. At the Bunny Breakfast, enjoy pancakes and sausage and take a

picture with the Easter bunny. Also bring your canine friend to Heritage Park so they can search for doggie treats. $5. 9 a.m. Doggie Egg Hunt; 10 a.m. Kids’ Egg Hunt; 10:30 a.m.

Bunny Breakfast. Oakbrook Terrace Park District, Heritage Park, 1 S 325 Ardmore Ave., Oakbrook Terrace.

(630) 627-6100, obtpd.org.

EASTER EGG HUNT. Kids 2-8.

Bring a non-perishable food item. 10 a.m. West Main Community Park, 40W101 W. Main St., Batavia. (630) 879-5235, bataviaparks.org.

DOGGIE EASTER EGG HUNT. $10. Noon. Bark Park at West Main Community Park, 40W101 W. Main St., Batavia. (630) 879-5235, bataviaparks.org.

BREAKFAST WITH THE BUNNY. March 23, 24 and 30. $39, $27.50 kids 3-11; $29 members, $21.50 member kids; free kids 2 and under.

9 and 11 a.m. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield. (708) 6888000, CZS.org.

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MONDAY

AQUATIC EGG HUNT. Swim, collect

eggs and meet the Easter Bunny.

Registration required by March 23. $10 kids, $5 adults. 1-3 p.m. Pavilion Aquatic Center, 1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village. (847) 5936248, elkgroveparks.org.

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THURSDAY

UNDERWATER EGGSTRAVAGANZA. Pool egg

hunts, entertainment, games and prizes. Pre-registration ends March 27. $18, $12 residents. 6-8 p.m.

The Water Works, Schaumburg Park District, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. (847) 490-2505, parkfun.com.

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FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT. Kids

EGG HUNT. Hundreds of colored eggs will be scattered across the McCormick Museum lawn. Activities at the museum begin at 10:30 a.m., including an Easter craft and a baby animal petting zoo. $5 parking. 10:30 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

7-12. $9, $6 resident. 8:30-9 p.m.

Glen Ellyn Park District, 185 Spring Ave., Glen Ellyn. (630) 858-2462, gepark.org.

FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT. Kids

6-12. $9, $6 resident; after March 18: $12, $9 resident. 8:30 p.m.

Downers Grove Park District, Fishel Park Grove off Main Street, Downers Grove. (630) 963-1300, dgparks.org.

EGG HUNT WITH THE EASTER BUNNY. Egg hunts at High

HAWAIIAN BUNNY HOP & EGG HUNT. Kids 1-5 dress up in tropical

Eastte Ea err Eg gg g Hun u t iin n Oak akbr broo bro ook Terr Te Terr rrac ce

outfits, make a craft, enjoy refreshments, party games and dancing.

Then enjoy an egg hunt in the gym. $26, $18 resident. 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Downers Grove Park District, Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. (630) 963-1300, dgparks.org.

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FRIDAY

BUNNY BRUNCH AT LAMBS FARM. Call (847) 362-5050 for

reservations. $15.95, $7.95 kids 23 months and under for activities. 9 and 10:30 a.m. and noon March 29-30. Lambs Farm, I-94 and Route 176, Libertyville. (847) 362-4636, lambsfarm.org.

BREAKFAST WITH THE BUNNY.

Register online or call (630) 968-0074. $33, $27 kids; $26 members, $22 member kids. 9-11 a.m. March 29-30.

Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. mortonarb.org.

EGGS-TRORDINARY EGG HUNT.

Kids 6 and under. $9, $6 resident. 1010:45 a.m. Glen Ellyn Park District, 185 Spring Ave., Glen Ellyn. (630) 858-2462, gepark.org.

HOPPY EASTER! PARENT-CHILD PROGRAM. Kids 3-5 enjoy stories,

songs and crafts about bunnies, eggs and chicks—plus a special treat.

Register online or call (630) 2608162. $10 per child; free parking.

10-11 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.

Se S ee M Ma arc ch 2 23 3

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SATURDAY

EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA AT LINCOLN PARK ZOO. Enjoy

breakfast with the Easter Bunny before searching for eggs and making crafts. Tickets must be purchased by March 26. $45, $30 kids 3-12; $40 members, $25 member kids; free kids 2 and under. 9-11 a.m. 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (312) 7422000, lpzoo.org.

EGG HUNT. Kids 9 and under can

look for eggs at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The rest of the time, kids of all ages can enjoy springtime crafts and activities. Plus, stay for the egg dye family class. $11 kids, $8 adults; $2 member kids of either museum, free member adults and kids under 2. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford.

(815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

PARK DISTRICT OF HIGHLAND PARK EGG HUNT.

Guests can get a photo with the Bunny for $3. 10 a.m. West Ridge Park, 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 579-3120, pdhp.org.

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY. Breakfast buffet, photo

with the Easter Bunny and strolling magician. $24, $16 ages 3-12, free kids 2 and under; free parking. Visit the website for times. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

BRUNCH WITH THE BUNNY. Includes music, an inflatable moon jump and a chance to get a picture with the Bunny. Egg hunt at 11:05 a.m. $8, $6 kids 12 and under. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Charles M. Christensen Terrace Centre, 11500 S. Beloit Ave., Worth. (708) 448-7080, worthparkdistrict.org.

EGG HUNT. Kids 1-8. 10 a.m.

Frontier Sports Complex, off Cedar Glade Drive, Naperville. (630) 8485000, napervilleparks.org.

SPRING EGG-STRAVAGANZA. Kids 2-5, with parent, enjoy games, stories, crafts, snacks and an egg hunt. $17, $11 resident; $7 additional sibling. 10-11 a.m. or noon-1 p.m. Seager Park Interpretive Center, 1163 Plank Road, Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

Point Park, Pine Park and Cannon Crossings in Hoffman Estates. Visit website for locations and times.

Hoffman Estates Park District, 1685 W. Higgins Road, Highland Park, heparks.org.

AQUA EGG HUNT. This egg hunt

is in the pool. Space is limited and registration is required at heparks. org. Prairie Stone Sports & Wellness Center, Hoffman Estates Park District, 5050 Sedge Blvd., Hoffman Estates.

(847) 285-5400, heparks.org.

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SUNDAY

WILDER PARK EASTER EGG HUNT. Kids 1-10. 10 a.m. Wilder

Park, 175 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst.

(630) 739-1071, epd.org.

EASTER BRUNCH. Reservations

required. $49, $39 kids 3-11; $39 members, $29 member kids 3-11, free kids 2 and under. 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield.

(708) 688-8355, CZS.org.

EASTER BRUNCH WITH THE BUNNY. Make reservations at (847)

781-3655. Call for cost and time.

Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. (847) 887-0219, poplarcreekcc.com.

EGG SLIDE. Skate rental and admission are free. Kids hunt for treat-filled eggs as they slide onto the ice. 3:15-4:45 p.m. Triphahn Ice Arena, 1685 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. (847) 885-7500, heparks.org.

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Join us for Chicago Parent’s FREE

at the Chicago Children’s Museum Friday, April 19 • 5-8 p.m.

Enjoy the Museum After Hours!

Enter to Win Prizes for Mom and Dad AND the Kids!

Mom and Dad Trip to Jamaica 7-night trip to Riu Negril, in Negril, Jamaica! Trip includes round-trip flights from Chicago, transfers to and from resort, all meals and drinks in resort, and 7 night accommodations.

Family Four Pack of Passes to Six Flags Great America/Gurnee Enjoy a full day of family fun at the park and Hurricane Harbor Waterpark.

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104 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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PERFORMANCES DISNEY LIVE! MICKEY’S MUSIC FESTIVAL. See Minnie, Mickey,

Jasmine, Aladdin, Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear and other favorite characters. $15-$70. 7 p.m. March 15; 1, 4 and 7 p.m. March 16; 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. March 17. Akoo Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. (847) 671-5100, rosemonttheatre.com.

BULLY GOAT GRUFF MEET THE UGLY DUCKLING. Professor

McBumble’s group of traveling actors teaches the lessons of anti-bullying by using fairy tales. 10:30 a.m. through May 3 at various locations.

Check website for schedule and cost.

AlphaBet Soup Productions, P.O. Box 85, Lombard. (630) 932-1555, absproductions.com.

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER. Its newest and boldest

season premieres with the classics, including the timeless masterpiece Revelations. Recommended for families with kids 5 and older. $32-$92.

March 8-17. Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. (312) 922-2110, auditoriumtheatre.org/wb.

Peter Pan

THAT’S WEIRD GRANDMA. A

series of sketches and songs written

by Chicago Public School students and performed by the Barrel of Monkeys actors. $10, $5 kids 12 and under. Sundays at 2 p.m. through May 5. No performance March 3.

Barrel of Monkeys resumes regular Monday night performances at 8 p.m. March 11. The Neo-Futurarium Theater (2nd Floor), 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. (312) 409-1954, barrelofmonkeys.org.

BEAT KITCHEN CONCERTS FOR KIDS! Family-focused concerts by

some of Chicago’s popular kids’ music artists. $6. Visit the website for schedule through May 19. Doors open at 11 a.m., concerts at noon on Saturdays and 3:30 p.m. on Sundays. Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, Chicago.

(773) 281-4444, beatkitchen.com.

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Chicago

Kids Company performs the classic tale through April 12 for families with kids 2-12. $12. 10:30 a.m. weekdays; 1 p.m. Saturday March 23. Beverly

Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago. (773) 445-3838, beverlyartcenter.org.

JUICEBOX. New music and

performance series for parents and their pre-kindergarten children held on alternate Fridays. Kids can walk around, meet the artists and sometimes play with instruments and puppets. Parents are welcome to bring snacks and juice boxes. 10 a.m. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago. (312) 7446630, chicagoculturalcenter.org.

SHORT SHAKESPEARE! ROMEO AND JULIET. This 75-minute adap-

tation speaks to today’s youth about their lives. After the performance, audiences can join the cast for a postshow discussion. $16-$20. 11 a.m.

Saturdays through March 23. Families with kids 10 and older, recommended. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago.

(312) 595-5600, chicagoshakes.com.

THE COMEDYSPORTZ CREW VISITS THE HOUSE AT POOH CORNER. The crew visit Pooh

and Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore. $10, $7 kids. 11 a.m. until March 30.

ComedySportz Theatre, 929 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. (773) 5498080, comedysportzchicago.com.

DR. SEUSS’S THE CAT IN THE HAT. From games and mischief,

The Cat brings all sorts of trouble to this gray day. $16, $13 kids, limited number of $10 tickets available for all performances. Performances through June 9. Emerald City Theatre Company, Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 9356100, emeraldcitytheatre.com.

THE FROG PRINCE CONTINUED.

While searching for his true amphibian self, the Frog Prince meets witches from Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel, and Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. Through June 9. $16, $13 kids, limited number of $10

tickets available for all performances.

Emerald City Theatre Company, Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 935-6100, emeraldcitytheatre.com.

REALLY ROSIE. Rosie, the

precocious little city girl, uses her imagination and charm to turn 12 boring hours into a fascinating day.

Recommended for elementary schoolaged kids. $14. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through April 7. Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre, 7924 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie. (847) 677-7761, info@skokietheatre.com.

THE EMPEROR’S NEW THREADS: A FASHION STATEMENT. The

Emperor’s ridiculous fashion tax is bankrupting the country. One young girl confronts him. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from March 23-April 28 (no performances March 31). At noon, kids can join in the Stories Come Alive! hour for an additional $10. Recommended

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PERFORMANCES

Stor St orryt ytow ow wn

for families with kids 5 and older.

Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. (773) 761-4477, lifelinetheatre.com.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND. The classic tale. A special one-hour presentation for children of all ages. $15.

March 14-May 18. Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-0200, marriotttheatre.com.

PETER PAN. Full-length, original

Opening Night Tickets Just $15!

Excludes VIP seats. No double discounts. Additional fees may apply.

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story ballet. $15, $13 for seniors, students and children. 1:30 p.m.

March 9 and 1:30 p.m. March 10 at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., in downtown Downers Grove.

Midwest Ballet Theatre, 5013 Fairview Ave #1, Downers Grove.

(630) 971-9751, midwestballet.org.

to dinosaurs, Storytown takes the audience on an interactive, fully improvised adventure. Kids design the setting and help shape the story. For information, storytownimprov.com.

Recommended for families with kids 3-10. 10:30 a.m. Saturdays March 2-May 25. $10. Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. (773) 3275252, stage773.com.

JAMES & THE GIANT PEACH. $15, $10 kids. Runs through March 10.

Steel Beam Children’s Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.

THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT AND BENJAMIN BUNNY. $15,

$10 kids. March 22-30. Steel Beam Children’s Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com.

FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY.

Musical is based on the bestselling children’s book. Freckleface Strawberry will try anything to get rid of her freckles. Through music, dancing and laughter, this new musical teaches us to love the skin we’re in. Reserved seats are $8 in advance or $10 online and at the door. 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Saturdays from March 30-May 11.

Northbrook Musical Theatre for Young Audiences, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. (847) 291-2367, northbrooktheatre.org.

STORYTOWN. From superheroes

to undersea adventures, princesses

HOW LONG WILL I CRY? VOICES OF YOUTH VIOLENCE. $20, 2-for-1

on Saturdays, $15 student tickets.

Public performances March 2, 4 and 9. Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago. (312) 335-1650, steppenwolf.org.

WINTER CIRCUS. Features profes-

sionals from the Chicago circus and physical theater communities along with the teen ensemble and advanced students. Call for cost. Weekends through March 23. The Actors Gymnasium, Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. (847) 328-2795, actorsgymnasium.com.

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

Tinkering around

T

hanks to new technology (we’re looking at you, Apple!) and packed extracurricular schedules, the art of tinkering has gone the way of the dinosaur. We’re so focused on getting things done that we don’t take things apart purely out of curiosity or try to build better versions of useful everyday items.

Until now.

A new permanent exhibit at Chicago Children’s Museum puts the spotlight back on playing around. Aptly named The Tinkering Lab, the airy, industrial room encourages kids to build from their imaginations and to understand how things are assembled.

The Lab targets tweens 9-13 with the opportunity to use real tools (including power tools at the supervised “Tool Bar”) in order to take things apart and put them together. The goal is for kids to ask questions and play with their ideas, sometimes failing, but always learning from their mistakes.

Little ones are welcome to don safety goggles and wield a real hammer, although their attention may be best kept by the Early Learning Nook, an alcove designed for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. They’ll get their own taste of tinkering thanks to interactive wall panels, touchable tools and objects that make fun noises.

Trained staff members are on hand to demonstrate what’s going on inside items we use all the time, whether vacuum cleaners or children’s toys.

So put down that iPad or jam-packed day planner—it’s tinkering time.

Elizabeth Diffin

112 March 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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*Each child should be between 1 and 8 years of age and be accompanied by an entree-eating adult. May not be used with delivery or carry-out orders. May not becombined with any other offers.

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Media Sponsor: The Adler Planetarium gratefully acknowledges The Grainger Foundation for its leadership in transforming the historic Sky Theater.

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