DDC Parent Source - Fall 2026

Parent Source Serving DeKalb County

Fall Resource Guide For Parents

Get Ready for Back to School Success Benefits of Prenatal Screening 5 Nutrition Tips for Energy Change Your Life with 15 Minutes of Play

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FALL INTO FUN with the DeKalb Park District DeKalb

Kite Fest

Free Event!

September 13 • 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM • Kiwanis Park | Fairview Fairview & S. 4th Street

Smash n’ Bash November 1

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Hopkins Park Sled Hill

FREE fun for ALL AGES!

Mother/Son Knight Out Mother/Son Knight Out Ages 3-14

R: $35 | NR: $42 per couple (Must register in advance.)

November 13 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm | Haish Gym

To learn more, visit dekalbparkdistrict.com!

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ABC approach for back-to-school success

By Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center

N

o matter how old your child is, the back-to-school time of year is rarely as easy as 1-2-3. Schedules. Meals. Practices. Games. Recitals. Homework. It’s a lot to manage and a lot of change, for parents and for kids.

Here is an ABC set of tips to help both you and your child manage the back-toschool transition.

Activities help with adjusting It can seem counterintuitive, but adding extracurriculars can help your child adjust to the new school year. Organized activities can help your child by: • Giving them goals and structure • Teaching important skills, like perseverance and patience.

• Offering opportunities to connect with other kids Whether it’s clubs, sports, theatre or hanging out with friends in an organized setting, extracurriculars can help your child build a sense of belonging and accomplishment.

Talk with your child about activities that fit their interests.

Bye-bye to flexible summer sleep schedules Sleep is vital to how your child’s brain works during the day. Too little sleep—or too much — and they may feel tired, foggy and forgetful. Getting your child used to their school year sleep schedule helps set them up for success when the first day rolls around.

Start to slowly adjust your child to a daily schedule that mirrors what they’ll have during the school year. That might mean an earlier wake-up time and bedtime.

Consistency, consistency, consistency Children thrive when they have a structured environment and know what you expect from them. Before the school year kicks off, have a plan for what you expect for after school:

• Homework • Chores • Meals and snacks • Relaxation time • Bedtime routine When your child doesn’t understand what you expect from them, that can lead to misbehavior, unnecessary tension and avoidable conflict.

Tips for ABC—adjusting back to the classroom As days shorten and classrooms await, come up with a game plan with your family.

Going back to school is an opportunity you can take together.

Talk with your child about exploring extracurriculars, start switching to a school-year sleep schedule and share your expectations for a clear and consistent routine.

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Parent Source is distributed in the Daily Chronicle Project Manager | Lisa Angel • Design & Layout | Courtney Weed We reserve the right to include and edit all editorial content of this publication.

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The benefits of prenatal genetic screening A

s hopeful parents start their reproductive journeys, they may be offered a variety of tests and screenings, which can be opportunities to learn more about their own health and about a pregnancy and developing baby. These tests and screenings may provide reassurance that all is well, or chances to seek further information.

Prenatal genetic screenings, in particular, can help determine whether your baby may be at risk for certain genetic or chromosomal conditions. With the help of a clinician, you’ll be able to navigate genetic screening information without feeling overwhelmed and make a plan for what comes next.

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What is prenatal genetic screening?

Prenatal genetic screenings use a blood sample to test the parents or the pregnancy.

These screenings allow expecting parents to learn about their own genes and how those may impact their baby, or get insights into the baby’s development and discover the baby’s predicted sex—well before birth.

Two types of prenatal genetic screenings CARRIER SCREENING: This prenatal genetic screening lets parents know if they’re carriers of a serious genetic condition and can help determine a baby’s chance of having specific

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inherited conditions like cystic fibrosis or fragile X syndrome. It’s possible to be a carrier of a genetic condition without showing any symptoms of the condition. Carrier screening can be done before or during pregnancy.

NON-INVASIVE SCREENING: Cell-free DNA screening, also known as NIPS or NIPT, can help determine if a baby has a chance of having specific chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome. This screening is done during pregnancy.

Why does clear information matter?

Prenatal genetic screening can play an important role in helping expectant parents make informed decisions during pregnancy. By identifying potential genetic risks early, screening may provide valuable insight into a baby’s health risks, giving families time to learn, ask questions, and consider next steps such as diagnostic testing or other care options recommended by their healthcare providers.

These screens can help guide conversations between families and their health care providers as well as support personalized care and informed planning during an emotionally complex time.

“Knowing medical information early in their pregnancy can give expectant parents the most options,” said Dallas Reed, M.D., FACMG, FACOG, obstetrician-gynecologist and medical geneticist, and principal medical advisor of Women’s Health for Myriad Genetics. “Normal results can provide reassurance, while positive results open the door to thoughtful conversations about next steps between families and their healthcare providers, helping them feel more prepared and supported as they make choices for their pregnancy.”

Prenatal genetic screen for everyone Any expecting parent can benefit from a genetic test, not just those who have a family history of certain inherited conditions. If you’re considering having a baby, ask your doctor about the Prequel Prenatal Screen and the Foresight Carrier Screen, non-invasive blood or saliva tests designed for everyone regardless of ancestry or BMI.

The Prequel screen checks for increased risk of certain common chromosome conditions by analyzing placental DNA in the pregnant person’s blood, and with most results available in seven to 10 days. This prenatal screening can be done as early as eight weeks, giving parents as much time as possible to make a plan with their healthcare provider based on the screening results. The Foresight screen can help determine whether parents carry inherited health conditions that they may pass on to their child.

While most reports deliver low-risk results, if you do want to talk them through, Myriad offers on-demand access to board-certified genetic counselors to help interpret results and answer questions about your baby’s health risks.

Determining next steps If a screen reveals a high-risk result, it’s important to keep in mind that screening is just the first step. Genetic insights based on prenatal screening give you precious time to pursue diagnostic tests like amniocentesis, consult specialists, find the best-equipped medical facilities for your birth, and connect with parents who have been in your shoes.

Your healthcare provider may offer follow-up testing or a conversation with a specialist to explore results further and discuss options.

Feel empowered, not overwhelmed Genetic testing helps parents understand what to expect, giving them insights to help make thoughtful choices for their family.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, check out Myriad’s Prequel Prenatal Screen, a screen that assesses common chromosomal conditions, as well as the Foresight Carrier Screen, which looks for genetic conditions that parents might pass down to their children, and SneakPeek Early Gender Test, which allows parents to learn about their baby’s predicted sex as early as six weeks.

Myriad Genetics also offers resources like Know More Sooner to help make the pregnancy journey clearer and more supportive for families and debunk common myths about genetic screening.

The Music Connection, LLC provides various music services in Northern Illinois.

All our music instructors have a music degree, years of experience, and strong passion for music education.

515 DeKalb Ave. Sycamore

815-970-8106 // themusicconnection.com CALL FOR A FREE SAMPLE LESSON // RENTALS, REPAIRS, AND PRODUCTION SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. PARENT SOURCE Fall 2026

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nutrition tips to fuel daily energy levels N

ow is the perfect time to take a closer look at your health and identify small ways to improve your routine. Supporting your wellness with balanced, nutrient-rich meals can help you feel your best all day long.

This may sound intimidating, but you don’t have to overhaul your life to build a more nutritious routine with healthier habits. Making small changes to your daily meals can make a meaningful difference in how you feel each day. To get you started, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares five simple, practical tips to help you build a better daily routine that supports steady nourishment and overall wellness.

Cut back on added sugars and refined ingredients Have you ever experienced a sugar crash? This drop in energy can throw your day off, leaving you feeling fatigued and distracted, making it harder to power through your to-do list. Highly refined, sugary foods digest quickly, causing blood sugar to rise fast and then fall just as quickly. You don’t have to eliminate these foods, but choosing whole, nutrient-dense options more often can help maintain steady energy so you can stay focused on work, errands and family time.

When a sugar craving hits, try Greek yogurt topped with berries, nuts and a few dark chocolate chips to provide long-lasting energy thanks to its balance of protein, fiber and healthy fats.

Boost nutrition with simple ingredients Making smarter, healthier choices to improve your nutrition doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite meals. Instead, look for simple ingredient swaps that boost the nutrition of meals you already love.

For example, the next time you’re cooking pasta, pick up a box of high-protein, high-fiber pasta made of lentils or chickpeas instead of your regular white flour noodles. If you’re sautéing veggies, reach for olive or avocado oil instead of butter. Instead of making sour cream dip, opt for low-fat Greek yogurt for your mix. Not only are these swaps simple, but they’re also tasty!

Nutritious snacks Busy days often lead to grabbing whatever snack is closest, but planning ahead and keeping nutritious snacks on hand can make it easier to make better-for-you choices. Having nourishing snacks readily available can help you stay productive and avoid energy dips throughout the day.

Aim for snacks that combine protein with fiber-rich carbohydrates to promote lasting energy.

Convenient options include hard-boiled eggs and whole grain crackers, edamame and orange slices, or a cheese stick and an apple.

Add color to your plate Did you know that the different colors of produce provide different nutritional benefits?

According to Harvard Health, fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients, which give produce its rich colors and offer a wide range of health benefits. When building your plate, aim to include at least two different-colored fruits or vegetables.

Adding multiple colors to each meal helps you cover a broader range of beneficial nutrients, without overthinking it. Plus, produce is naturally hydrating, which can support better energy throughout the day.

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Nutrient-packed breakfasts Use the weekend to prepare easy, nutrient-packed breakfasts for the week ahead. A makeahead breakfast built with wholesome ingredients can help set a positive tone for the entire day. Start by testing out this Vegetarian Egg Casserole made with Eggland’s Best eggs, for a convenient and nourishing way to kick off a productive week.

Eggland’s Best eggs contain more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs, which supports energy production inside your cells. Eggland’s Best eggs are also an excellent source of Vitamin B5, which helps release energy from the carbs, fats and protein you eat.

Vegetarian Egg Casserole Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 35 minutes Yield: 6 Ingredients * 10 Eggland’s Best eggs, Large * 14 ounces ground vegetarian sausage * 3/4 cup finely diced zucchini * 1 finely diced red bell pepper * 3/4 cup diced celery * 1/2 cup 2% milk * 1 teaspoon onion powder * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper * 1/2 cup shredded Asiago cheese (Feel free to use any kind of white cheese that you like.

Mozzarella, parmesan or muenster would work well.) * Optional: fresh chopped herbs Instructions 1. In a large cast iron skillet, cook vegetarian sausage for about 5 minutes until it is cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks.

2. Add in the zucchini, bell pepper and celery and sauté for another 3 minutes. Note: if your sausage is very low-fat, you may need to add in a tablespoon of olive oil so the sausage and veggies do not stick to the pan.

3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, onion powder and black pepper.

4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour the egg mixture over the sausage/veggie mix.

5. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and top the eggs with shredded cheese.

6. Bake for another 10 minutes or until the eggs are cooked through.

7. Enjoy!

Pro tip: For meal prep, allow cooling before freezing. (Keeps well in the freezer for up to three months.) Alternatively, you can also skip baking and store the prepped casserole in the fridge, covered, until ready to bake. Store in fridge for up to five days.

Fueling your day doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on small, sustainable habits, you can support steady energy and overall wellness throughout National Nutrition Month and beyond. To find more energizing recipes and nutrition tips, visit www.EgglandsBest.com.

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NOW IN SYCAMORE

MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT THAT FITS YOUR NEEDS, WITHOUT THE TRAVEL If you need more mental health support than weekly therapy, you don’t have to go far.

Our expert Behavioral Health team in Sycamore is here for you.

We offer DeKalb County’s only mental health intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs for both adults and adolescents ages 12 and up. They incorporate group therapy, one-on-one support and psychiatric care.

Partial hospitalization program: intensive mental healthcare without the hospital for five days a week Intensive outpatient program: focused mental health support for several hours of treatment, multiple days a week

Programs like these can help you • Get the care you need near your home, loved ones and everyday life • Manage symptoms • Build strong coping skills • Address mental health needs to avoid a hospital stay

To learn more or schedule an appointment, please call 815.748.8334, no referral needed. If you are in distress and need immediate assistance, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and our crisis line at 866.242.0111 are available 24/7.

Northwestern Medicine Behavioral Health Sycamore 760 Foxpointe Drive, Sycamore

© 2026 Northwestern Medicine. All rights reserved.

Scan the QR code for information about our Sycamore location.

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Change your life with 15 minutes of play D id you know that the average American spends over seven hours looking at a screen each day? It’s easy for people, young and old, to spend their downtime in the digital world instead of engaging with the people they love.

that sparks laughter, connection and memories that last a lifetime: a game!

Power of play Playing games, including dice, cards and tabletop games Time that could be used to lay the foundation of a genuine as a family, is a simple and entertaining experience that connection between children, parents and grandparents is provides benefits that go beyond a single game session. lost to endless scrolling. What if just 15 minutes of your phone In fact, a 2024 study published in the Family Relations time could be used to strengthen relationships or provide a journal found that games offer enjoyable family relaxation cure for boredom? If you’re tired of screens dominating family and foster emotional connections and communication time, you can change the dynamic by bringing out an item across generations.

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Reyn Guyer, the inventor of the iconic games Twister and Nerf, is no stranger to the power of play. His family is living proof of how playing games can bring family members together.

“My family has played games together for decades, and we continue to pass down this tradition to each generation,” said Guyer. “It’s these moments of laughter, love and connection that have inspired me to bring these games into the homes of other families so they can also experience the joy of play.”

Maurna Donovan Crosby echoes her grandfather’s sentiment.

She shared that her most cherished childhood memories are of sitting at his kitchen table playing Rally Roll.

“I remember barely knowing how to count, struggling to grasp the strategy, yet he’d gently guide me through each round.

We played over and over again - and those moments became the foundation of our relationship.”

If you’re overwhelmed by the thought of hosting a family game night every week, there’s good news. You don’t have to spend hours playing games for your family to reap the benefits of play.

According to Guyer, all you need is 15 minutes.

specially crafted to foster real connection and joy in brief, engaging bursts of playtime, perfect for today’s busy families.

When creating these family dice games, Guyer applied his signature Three Rules of Engagement. Everyone’s involved, players are excited for each other’s turns and the games are always short and sweet.

“These aren’t just games; they’re engaging get-togethers designed to transform life’s mini moments into something memorable,” Guyer said. “They’re quick, quirky and absolutely perfect for families who crave real laughter and genuine connection instead of the isolation of endless scrolling.”

Spark a family tradition When time is short, connection matters. If you want to bring your family closer this year, try one (or all!) of these games and transform short windows of time into engaging moments of connection, laughter and lasting memories. To learn more about 15 Minute Fun & Done games, visit www.FifteenFunAndDone.com.

Lifetime of connection While at a diner, Guyer observed a mother and her two children enjoying a game together instead of being glued to their phones.

That heartwarming moment ignited the spark for his creation of the 15 Minute Fun & Done series of games. These games are easy to learn, appropriate for most ages and guarantee giggleworthy memories in just 15 minutes.

This series of unique games includes Rally Roll (a Guyer family favorite), Rip Chip and Comeback. Each screen-free game is

Fall brings fun CONNECTING YOU TO Wellness, Nature,

& Each Other ART ! ATHLETICS ! DANCE BIRTHDAYS PARTIES HOME SCHOOL

sycparks.org

PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS PARKS ! TRAILS ! & MORE!

Community Center 480 Airport Rd., Sycamore | 815-895-3365 PARENT SOURCE Fall 2026

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Keep family safe with solar generator A

storm is raging outdoors, but you and your family are safely tucked away in your cozy home ... that is, until the power goes out. You don’t know if the outage will last minutes, hours or days, but you do know that you need backup power quick to keep the heat and lights on and necessary appliances like your fridge running.

The first solution you might think of is your gas generator. However, you can’t safely use it indoors, and it might be too dangerous to brave the weather to run the generator outdoors. Plus, you may not have enough gas to turn the generator on, let alone power what you need.

Instead of hoping the power comes back on sooner rather than later, consider upgrading to a safer, reliable backup power source: a solar generator.

Not IF but WHEN Power outages are becoming more and more common. According to the U.S. Energy Administration, Americans averaged 11 hours of outages in 2024, nearly double the prior decade’s average. States that experienced the most time without power dealt with major weather events like hurricanes.

• Fume-free, quiet operation • Easier maintenance • Multiple charging methods • Modular, scalable designs Solar generators aren’t just for homeowners. Now, apartment residents can finally have reliable emergency power instead of waiting for the lights to come back on. Best of all? You won’t run out of fuel. All you need is the sun.

Any-home solution If you’re ready to upgrade to a solar-powered generator, consider one of Jackery’s home backup power stations. For example, the Solar Generator 5000 Plus is reliable backup power accessible to any household, designed to bridge the gap between portable generators and complex permanent home energy systems.

As the name suggests, solar is the main charging source for the portable home generator. However, it can also be charged via a standard wall outlet or 12-volt car port. When paired with Jackery’s Smart Transfer Switch, the 5000 Plus can connect directly to a home’s circuit panel, automatically delivering backup power the moment the Given the increase and duration of power outages, it pays to be prepared grid goes down - no extension cords, no manual intervention. to weather the storm comfortably and safely inside your home.

When running, the 5000 Plus is completely silent and 100% fumeProblem with gas free, ideal for safe indoor use. The solar generator also requires For decades, gas generators were the go-to backup power solution virtually no maintenance. That means no oil changes, no fuel for many homes. However, gas has many drawbacks. stockpiling, no seasonal startup rituals.

First and foremost, gas generators create carbon monoxide, which means they’re not safe to run inside your home or garage.

Depending on the storm, they may not even be safe to operate outdoors. For apartment dwellers without dedicated outdoor spaces, a gas generator isn’t even an option.

Second, gas generators require you to keep fuel on hand. You can’t rely on leftover gas from its last use. Depending on the intensity of the storm, you may not be able to get to the gas station before or after a disaster. Even then, the gas station may not have fuel available due to high demand or supply disruptions caused by the storm.

Solar is modern solution Gas generators were built for a different era with different needs. To tackle today’s backup power needs, you need a modern solution like a solar generator. When it comes to powering your home during a storm, a solar generator offers several benefits, including:

The solar generator’s size is versatile enough for apartment use and powerful enough to power all your needs in a house. Thanks to its modular and scalable design, you can easily expand the solar generator’s total power capacity with additional battery packs.

But backup is only the beginning. When the Solar Generator 5000 Plus is expanded to its full 60kWh modular capacity and paired with a Smart Transfer Switch, it becomes more than an emergency power source. Homeowners, especially those with electric vehicles or higher daily energy use, can lower their electricity bills by up to $11,800 a year through simple peak shaving, which means charging the system when rates are low and using stored power when prices rise.

Don’t wait for disaster to strike. Before the next storm hits, ditch your old gas generator and upgrade to solar. To learn more about this portable solar generator and Jackery’s other power solutions, visit Jackery.com.

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At the DeKalb Park District, kids discover what they love — and grow while doing it! From high-energy sports to the performing arts and swim lessons, we offer youth programs that build confidence, creativity, and friendships!

Learn a new sport!

Make some new friends!

Try something new!

Find your adventure at the Scan the QR Code or visit dekalbparkdistrict.com to find your adventure today!

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