Best for Baby (and you!) in Chicago: With baby in tow, where to eat and play By Megan Murray Elsener Chicago Parent - 11/14 Life with a new baby can be overwhelming, exhausting and often confusing. One of the hardest adjustments can be figuring out the best places to get out with your new bundle of... Continue Reading →

How Technology Impacts Chicago Families: Parents can set rules for tech usage and connect with kids By Megan Murray Elsener Chicago Parent - 3/14  With the advances in technology over the last decade, everyday family life has undergone a massive transformation. From iPads to computers to smartphones, the focus of many families has shifted from personal... Continue Reading →

Skip the Sitter: 6 great family date night ideas By Megan Murray Elsener Chicago Parent - 6/15   Long summer days are the perfect invitation for nighttime outings. While date nights usually are meant for just mom and dad, consider these alternatives for family fun this summer: Campout at Lincoln Park Zoo Sleep under the stars... Continue Reading →

Ready to rock kindergarten By Megan Murray Elsener Chicago Parent 8/16 Parents’ memories of their own kindergarten experiences are likely vastly different from the current environment their child will encounter in a kindergarten classroom. Gone are the half days, play-based structure and toys. They have been replaced with the Common Core State Standards to ensure all... Continue Reading →

New Mom Checklist By Megan Murray Elsener Chicago Parent 4/16 Being a new mom doesn’t mean you’re now banished to kids-only events or required to stay home. Get out and show your baby all that Chicago has to offer. In the process, you’ll find out that you may be gaining even more from the experience than... Continue Reading →