Chicago Parent - September 2019

CHICAGO PARENT CHICAGOPARENT.COM

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SEPTEMBER 2019

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FREE

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Pros & cons

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A Remarkable Education

comes from the heart.

Sacred Heart is a Catholic, independent, PK-8 school that warmly welcomes children of all faiths. Inspired teaching, personalized learning, and a supportive community ensure our students thrive academically and grow in goodness, self-knowledge, and service to others.

6250 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60660 | www.shschicago.org

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Join us for an Admissions Coffee October 11 November 6

October 23 November 15

Tour our Preschool October 24

October 25

To make arrangements, please contact us at 773.681.8418 or admissions@shschicago.org

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TABLE of CONTENTS

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C H I C A G O P AR ENT. C OM

MEDIA

EDITOR TAMARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY MANAGING EDITOR HILLARY BIRD DIGITAL EDITOR KATINA BENIARIS ART DIRECTOR CLAIRE INNES CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MATT BORESI, MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER, CORTNEY FRIES, LORI ORLINSKY, WHITNEY REYNOLDS, MARIANNE WALSH, SHANNAN YOUNGER PHOTOGRAPHERS THOMAS KUBIK JUAN CARLOS PEYALO DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES LOURDES NICHOLLS, KAREN SKINNER ADVERTISING AND PRODUCTION MANAGER ANDREW MEAD ADVERTISING DESIGN DEBBIE BECKER, MARK MORONEY CIRCULATION MANAGER JILL WAGNER

F E AT UR ES

LIFE IN CHI

20 The Game of Likes:

RReal Life .................... 10

Parents and kids weigh in on the good and bad of social media.

VViva Daddy ................ 14

27 Loving Ellie Grace:

FFailing with Gusto ..... 15

30 Rock & Roe: Seven

CCalendar .................... 44

An extraordinary journey to motherhood.

Around Town ............ 17 A

sushi spots the kids will love.

PParenting Dilemma.... 64

33 Essay: Over the

Rainbow Bridge—A story of love and loss.

Inside…

Special advertising section: High School Choice

DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR WAKEELAH COCROFT-ALDRIDGE ACCOUNTING MANAGER CATHY MULLINS PUBLISHER ALEXIS BOURKOULAS HOW TO REACH US 141 S. OAK PARK AVE. OAK PARK, IL 60302 (708) 386-5555 ChicagoParent.com

EDITORS chiparent@chicagoparent.com TO FIND A COPY circulation@chicagoparent.com ADVERTISING advertising@chicagoparent.com

CHICAGO PARENT CHICAGOPARENT.COM

On the Cover:

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SEPTEMBER 2019

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FREE

Alexis and Kayla Cain, 16, of Chicago

Photographer: Thomas Kubik

Art Director: Claire Innes

Insta life THE

Pros & cons

Chicago Parent is published monthly by Zoe Communications Group. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chicago Parent, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60302. © 2019 Zoe Communications Group.

All rights reserved.

4 September 2019 CHICAGOPARENT.COM

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Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago, offers a sports medicine program specializing in the treatment and rehabilitation of injuries to the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and ankles. It involves physicians, surgeons and therapists collaborating to create care plans unique to each injury. Our team offers hope for young athletes looking to get back into the game, or simply to get active again.

We offer hope in our other areas of expertise as well. For over 90 years, parents and children in need of orthopaedic care, specialized plastic surgery, and spinal cord injury care have seen their hopes realized right under our roof — by physicians, nurses, and specialists using the latest technology, innovative research, and a collaborative, family-centered approach. It’s how the 22 Shriners Hospital locations have provided care for over 1.3 million children.

Where Hope and Healing Meet

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For a consultation, or to refer a patient, call:

facebook.com/shrinerschicago

Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago

twitter.com/shrinerschicago

773-385-KIDS (5437)

shrinerschicago.org

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Y A D H T BIR

S E I T R PA IP LEVEL ON A V

HOFFMAN ESTATES (847) 645-1111 2575 Pratum Ave. • Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

50

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WARRENVILLE (630) 393-9400

28248 Diehl Road • Warrenville, IL 60555

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EVERYDAY OFFER!

BIRTHDAY BONUS

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Offer to be used on or before 10/30/19.

Must mention promo code LMSP20 at time of booking.

Excludes online bookings. Birthday party must be held by December 31, 2019, in order to redeem offer. Offer not valid on holidays or with any other offer or discount. Reservations required, 10 child minimum. Certain restrictions may apply.

This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or redeemed online. Free arcade play will be added to a FUNcard (as bonus value) or a game card (as credits) and is valid for arcade game play only. Cannot be used as cash or payment towards other activities, food, beverage, group events or refunded for cash (unless required by law). Valid at all Main Event locations. Offer expires 10/30/19.

*Activities vary by center. Gravity Ropes and Laser Tag have a height requirement of 48” to play.

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World debut!

On exhibit through Jan 26, 2020

An interactive exhibit Sponsored by:

The Hamill Family Foundation

Nature Cat: Backyard and Beyond at Kohl Children’s Museum, is sponsored by The Hamill Family Foundation.

The exhibit was developed in partnership with WTTW Chicago and Spiffy Pictures

KOHL CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF GREATER CHICAGO • 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview • (847) 832-6600 • WWW. KCMGC.ORG

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Publisher’s Note

A dream realized

Let Us Help You Protect Your Relationship With Your Children.

Give us a call for a free consultation regarding your family law issues.

312/263-4730 Dissolution | Custody | Support | Paternity

Marilyn F. Longwell

111 W. Washington St. Suite 1625 Chicago, IL 60602

312-263-4730

1301 West 22nd St. Suite 603 Oak Brook, IL 60523

630-954-1480 (by appointment only)

W W W .L ONGWE L L -L AW .CO M

R

ight out of college, more years ago than I care to admit, I dreamt of moving to Chicago. I loved everything about this great city—the food, the pace, the people. But before I knew it, I was growing a media and communications company in Detroit where my family resides, and working in the Windy City seemed like a dream deferred.

They say it’s never too late. I’m proof positive that is true. Here I am decades later announcing that my company, Zoe Communications Group, is the new owner of Chicago Parent—the premier resource for Chicago area moms and dads.

Pinch me.

I’m humbled that Dan Haley, the long-time publisher of Chicago Parent, offered me and my partners this opportunity to serve its valued readers and clients. I’m thankful that the amazing staff, led by Editor Tamara O’Shaughnessy, is continuing the award-winning

work they are known for. And I’m determined to ensure that Chicago Parent continues to delight its audience and deliver for its advertisers.

Chicago is an amazing city.

Chicago Parent is an amazing brand and resource. My driving focus will be to do them both justice in the years ahead.

Got questions? Want to connect? Email me at alexis@chicagoparent.com.

Alexis Bourkoulas CEO/Publisher

Thank you to all It was more than 30 years ago that our small company purchased Chicago Parent from Natalie Goodman and Carolyn Jacobs, its two founders. It has been our joy to publish Chicago Parent.

Now, though, it is time for another hand-off.

Alexis Bourkoulas and her colleagues in Detroit are pacesetters in all the wonderful ways of connecting with

moms and dads—digital, print, social and events.

We’re long-time fans of their work and we are enthusiastic about where they’ll take Chicago Parent.

Thanks to the moms and dads reading us in 2019 and to their moms and dads who raised them on Chicago Parent.

Dan Haley

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Safari Land

Come learn with us!

Indoor Amusement Park Come and explore 62,000 square feet of indoor rides and amusements including Illinois’ Largest Indoor Roller Coaster!

Tilt-A-Whirl ~ Monkey Jump ~ Merry Go Round MaxFlight Simulator ~ Soft Play ~ Bumper Cars Kid’s Go Karts ~ Video Games ~ Bowling ~ Food

since 2016

Birthday Parties & Group Packages

We provide:

701 W. North Ave., Villa Park 630•530•4649 | safarilandfun.com

• Affordable, personalized tutoring • Test Prep, including subject-based tutoring • CPS’ Academic Center Exam • Selective Enrollment Test • ACT/SAT Prep

Buy a $15 wristband - for only $10!

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Monday - Friday ONLY Coupon must be presented to receive discount.

Limit one coupon per person, family, or group per day.

Offer expires 10/31/19 • Not valid with other offers or promotions

1016 W. Argyle Street, Chicago 872-302-4253 • www.tigertutor.com Join Us Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Kopping Farms, Lemont, IL

annual HRET Country Western

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Live Music by Strawdawg • Silent Auction • Casino Hayrides • Bonfire • Dinner • Drinks • Dancing • & More Secure Your Tickets Now:

> Visit our website > Call us at 630-878-8096 Ext 3, or > Use your phone to scan our QR Code:

Help us expand into our new facility!

Talk to us about our capital campaign, naming rights, and sponsorship levels!

HRET Proudly Offers: Therapeutic Riding Lessons | Farm Experience Program | Veterans Classes | Trail Classes Participant and Volunteer Openings Available!

Enjoy miles of nature trails and meet our 4-legged friends while visiting a historic landmark working farm just minutes from Chicago in Lemont, IL

For More Information Visit Us @ www.holisticridingtherapy.org 630-878-8096 | holisticriding19@gmail.com | Like us on Facebook @HolisticRidingEquestrianTeam CHICAGOPARENT.COM September 2019 7

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Our village

Learning is fun

School’s back in session, but that doesn’t mean you should stop learning

KATINA BENIARIS

with your kids! We’ve rounded up the best exhibits to see this month at ChicagoParent.com/Exhibits to get you started. While you’re out learning new things, share your family photos with us on Instagram by using our community hashtag #sharechicagoparent.

Connect with us Need help making weekend plans?

We’re talking about family-friendly weekend events over at our Facebook group this month. Join the group at ChicagoParent.com/OurVillage to learn about our Weekend Picks and talk with other parents about fun things to do with kids.

Lily from Villa Park, Instagram: @frostonepurltwo

We’re Invested in Our Local Community We participate in local events and support local charities.

We maintain strong community relationships and partnerships.

We invite guests and practitioners from the community to share and visit with our students and teachers.

We are easily accessible from residential neighborhoods and corporate office parks.

Schedule a tour today at thegardnerschool.com Schaumburg Lincolnshire West Loop 847.592.2513

847.415.5420

312.229.4299

Bucktown

Naperville

773.661.0151

630.657.5029

GlenviewNorthbrook 847.770.6260

Oak Brook Lincoln Park 630.576.4740

773.661.0232

8 September 2019 CHICAGOPARENT.COM

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47% yes

Our village

53% no

Bilingual kiddos

Does your child know more than one language? On Instagram, we’ve asked 272 readers and 47 percent said yes. If you’re thinking about raising your kid as bilingual, check out these great language classes at ChicagoParent.com/Language.

ICYMI

Listen in Before you know it, your kids will be heading off to college.

It’s never too early to start planning for that moment! On the Masters in Parenting podcast, we talk about college admissions this month with Jill Shulman, who wrote College Admissions Cracked: Saving Your Kid (and Yourself) from the Madness. Catch up with the latest episodes at ChicagoParent.com/Podcast.

We’ve updated our Kids Eat Free guide! The list includes Chicagoland restaurants that offer special days when kids can eat free (with the purchase of an adult meal). Download our complete guide at ChicagoParent.com/ KidsEatFree.

Enter to win Your favorite Sesame Street friends are coming to town this October! From Sept. 19-25, we’re giving away a pack of four tickets to “Sesame Street Live!

Make Your Magic.” If you’re excited for fall, don’t miss your chance to win tickets to “THE GLOW: A Pumpkin Wonderland” and a Chicago Wolves game.

Enter these giveaways and more at ChicagoParent.com/Contests.

FREE KID’S MEAL!*

*With the purchase of an adult entrée. Not valid with any other offer, discount or promotion including Landry’s Select Club. Offer valid at Downtown Chicago, Gurnee and Woodfield Mall locations only. One coupon per table, per visit. Expires 12/31/19. Code: 342-326-900

DOWNTOWN CHICAGO 605 N. Clark St. (312) 787-1501

WOODFIELD MALL D121 Woodfield Mall (847) 619-1900

GURNEE MILLS 6170 W. Grand Ave. (847) 855-7800

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Real life | Mom

I

BY LORI ORLINSKY

PHOTOS BY JUAN CARLOS PELAYO

sabel Gonzalez-Smith is the co-founder of Chicago Latina Moms, a group of more than 1,800 Latina mothers/ mothers-to-be that connect, uplift and celebrate each other.

From hosting mom’s night outs, to Spanish storytimes, playdates, workshops and more, they aim to create a community where moms feel supported, appreciated and recognized for their hard work in their families, communities and careers.

There are many mom groups here.

What inspired you to start Chicago Latina Moms?

During my pregnancy with my first son, when I searched “Chicago Latina moms” on Google, all the results that came back equated motherhood and Latina women with crisis. Teen pregnancy, domestic violence, homelessness are all very real issues in our community, but we also deserve a space to simply gather, share and grow together, like other mom demographics do. Today, mothers in our group have become best friends, business partners, colleagues. We are a strong community and a family, what I had always envisioned and hoped it would become.

How does the group support each other in the journey through motherhood?

Moms post questions from any point of motherhood and always get supportive, kind responses back. One thing that our members have said

Community creator

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Real life | Mom

Come In. Stand Out.

OPEN HOUSE RSVP fwparker.org/openhouse Lower School (JK–Grade 3) Saturday, October 26 • 9 a.m.

Middle School (Grades 6–8) Saturday, November 9 • 1 p.m.

Isabel Gonzalez-Smith ■ Hometown: Berwyn

other at Dvorak Park

■ Spouse: Tim

■ Parenting must-haves: Books, lots and lots of books. Wooden blocks.

An emergency plastic grocery bag tucked into the diaper bag for wet clothes or trash!

■ Children: Rafa, 4, and Emiliano, 2 ■ Perfect fall day in Chicago: Climbing around and chasing each

was that we are a safe, empowering space free of judgment and drama. ... There is a lot of wisdom shared to our moms at different points of connection.

We also feel strongly about supporting the members of our community who have businesses and putting our money back into our community.

What are some local issues the Chicago Latina Moms group is paying most attention to?

The death of Marlen OchoaLopez and her baby has devastated our community, as it highlights the need for safe spaces for families to sell and donate items to each other, but more importantly the treatment of Latino families in the social justice system. At a national level, what is happening in

Upper School (Grades 9–12) Saturday, November 16 • 10 a.m.

Apply to Parker Visit fwparker.org/apply • Accepting applications for Grades JK–12 • Need-based financial aid available

773.797.5107

our country with detention centers and family separations is beyond unacceptable and horrifying to us. We are always working collectively to pull resources and opportunities to make an impact on these issues.

Sadly, mom shaming is a common problem. As moms, how can we lift each other up instead of tear each other down?

Remember that we are all moms! We are simply trying to do our best with what we know and what we have. Don’t assume the worst of people when you misunderstand them.

And create safe space for parents to learn and grow together.

We can accomplish so much when we pull our community together and stand strong.

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Life in Chi

D

o your kids love to watch you bake and cook?

Get them beyond egg cracking on Sept. 13, or as the calendar makers call it: National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day. All of these products and more can be found at *Play in Logan Square (3109 W. Logan Blvd.) and Lincoln Park (2462 N. Lincoln Ave.).

KITCHEN TAKEOVER

1 Crocodile Creek Let’s Bake Cookie Cutters Newest bakers can improve their cookie game with adorable shapes and patterns.

Add more than sprinkles to show off style.

3

Kids Cooking book from Klutz With everything from tips to recipes with fun names (RazzleDazzle Smoothies, anyone?), kids will love the chance to learn or perfect their skills.

FAVES IN THE KITCHEN

2

HandStand Kitchen We loved this in our November gift guide and it’s still a favorite. The tools and bakeware are all usable in the kitchen and the intro set includes recipe cards that teach the basics.

5 Mindware Playful Chef Coat & Apron Dress to impress. Kids can don their own chef coat or apron leaving no question who is in charge.

4

Mindware Safety Knife Set These knives are recommended for 4 and older (you read that right) and can cut through veggies like carrots and cucumbers to give confidence to even the youngest chefs.

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Get the Smile You’ve Always Wanted!

$500

OFF

INVISALIGN® OR BRACES* includes free consultation

At iDentity Orthodontics, we pride ourselves in providing patient care that endears patient loyalty. Dr. Michael Stosich and staff are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to patients of all ages including kids, teens and adults in an environment that promotes a patient-doctor partnership. Patient’s concerns come first at iDentity Orthodontics. Dr. Stosich is consistently rated very highly by his patients, and strives to provide flexible appointments for patient convenience.

We’re proud to offer the following services and more:

• Invisalign®

• Traditional Braces

• Retainers

GRAYSLAKE OFFICE

KENILWORTH OFFICE

1275 East Belvidere Road, #100 Grayslake, IL 60030

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847.737.9016

224.412.8304

iDentityOrtho.com

*Must mention this offer to receive discount. Braces offer valid on standard 24-month orthodontic treatment for adults or children. Additional fees apply for 30-month treatment. Not valid on previous treatment or treatment already begun. May not be combined with any other offer, discount, or reduced-fee program. Discount for insurance patients may vary. ADA 9310, D8080, D8090. Dr. Michael Stosich & Associates. Offer expires 30 0 days af after receipt.

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VIVA DADDY

When enrichment gets real We sign our kids up for a little of everything these days. Optimistic take: Our children are receiving a wider array of experiences than any previous generation. Pessimistic take: We’re raising a generation of dabblers.

So, what happens when we notice— in the whirlwind of chauffeuring of our kids from Capoeira camp to Scrimshaw workshop to Khoomei MATT BORESI lessons—that the child has taken a deeper interest in something? My daughter Viva is 7, and while she’s previously expressed some level of interest in every possible activity save for soccer, she now seems genuinely fascinated by theater and wants to go beyond the occasional short class and, well, “do the work.”

What are the costs of moving beyond dilettantism?

It means trading absolute well-roundedness for specific expertise. As someone who lives and works in the performing arts world, I’m thrilled that she has an interest in the craft, not just in the ego-gratification of tiptoeing the boards. She wants to achieve mastery, something satisfying, soulful, potentially lucrative and sorely lacking in our drive-by society.

It also means cost, literal and emotional. Supporting a child turning an enrichment in to a way of life means more lessons, longer camps farther away, equipment and it means becoming that parent who is always in the stands, or on the sidelines, or in the audience. It means becoming a shoulder to cry on when a role isn’t obtained or a note is cracked or dialogue goes up—because when you care

ILLUSTRATION BY STEPHEN SCHUDLICH

about winning at something, it hurts more to lose.

For us, it could be worse. I have friends whose children play travel sports, and they seem to be rushing to a different city every day to sit on hot bleachers and eat mediocre encased meats. I know someone whose daughter plays the harp—that requires an entire van for transport, not to mention a musical instrument the size of a refrigerator.

Our biggest challenge will be watching plays every weekend without checking our phones.

Oof, maybe I liked it better when she just dabbled.

Viva Devotion. Viva Viva. Viva Daddy.

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FAILING WITH GUSTO

Middle school mindset Middle school is rough.

When my second son graduated eighth grade this past June, I was not the joyous mom in the crowd reflecting on how quickly the time passes. I did not shed tears of nostalgia. I did not look out at the graduates and see the adorable kindergartners they once were. My only thought?

MARIANNE Two kids down, one to go.

WALSH My older brother John is a junior high administrator. He warned me that these years were going to be rough. He assured me that kids go through kind of an “icky” period but turn out OK in the end.

After countless school emails about kids vandalizing bathrooms, cheating, and engaging in destructive behavior, I was not convinced. It all felt hopeless.

Still, I knew I had to attend the graduation parties and pretend this age group was marvelous.

At one such party, I suspiciously eyed a group of boys playing sports and goofing around. I waited for them to start throwing things at cars or stealing beers.

Instead, I noticed that wherever the crowd went, one boy rested his arm on a buddy and was sort of “led” to the next activity. My initial thought was the kid was just physical, as boys tend to be.

With a shock, I realized the boy was blind.

I spoke to the host who told me this is how the friend group had operated for years.

Wherever they went, someone would always take responsibility for ensuring this young man was included and safely transported to wherever they were going.

Instantly, I felt like the

grumpy old man yelling at kids to get off his lawn.

I know I can be the unforgiving sort when it comes to my children. Wrong me? I’ll forget about it in a week. Wrong my kids? I will place a pox upon your house and curse your progeny for all eternity.

It’s probably not the healthiest mindset. I may be part Sicilian gangster.

Yet in this one instance, I got a glimpse into the very best hearts of a middle school crowd. A drop of faith was restored. My brother was right.

Compassion and kindness were always there, it’s just that kids often bury these under bravado and group think.

But whatever the case, please don’t tell my brother he was right, I have a reputation to uphold.

I suppose there is still a middle schooler in us all.

Western Springs School of Talent Education and Naperville Suzuki School

Enriching the lives of students and their families for 39 years!

Expert Suzuki Method Instruction in

Violin . Viola . Cello New this Fall Early Childhood Education Classes, Ages 0-3 info@wsste.com . wsste.com . 708.246.9309

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Life in Chi

Free days for Chicago-area museums this month

C

hicago’s museums are world-class, but all those bones, weather simulators and rides in Chicago’s first El train car don’t come cheap. But in the philanthropic spirit of our fine city, most museums offer free admission days for Illinois residents. Luckily, September is full of them.

Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26

Museum of Contemporary Art Free 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays; kids 18 and under are always free

The Art Institute of Chicago Free 5-8 p.m. Thursdays. Kids 13 and under and Chicago teens under 18 are always free.

Chicago History Museum

Adler Planetarium Sept. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27

The Field Museum Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25

Shedd Aquarium Sept. 3, 4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30

Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center Sept. 10

Midway Village Museum

Free 12:30-9 p.m. on ■ Tuesdays. Illinois resident children under 18 and Find more at non-Illinios resident ChicagoParent.com children 12 and under /FreeDays are always free.

DuSable Museum of African American History

CP

Free on Tuesdays. Kids 5 and under are always free.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Free Thursdays for Illinois residents.

Kids under 3 always free.

* Free days can change at the last minute, so call to confirm before heading out.

Preparing Children for Kindergarten and Beyond Safe, caring, stimulating environment for children ages 6 weeks through 6 years. Diverse student body and faculty.

Year-round preschool and childcare in the Old Town/River North area of downtown Chicago.

Part-time and full-time enrollment options.

Special programs include music, fitness and health, art, science, Spanish and yoga.

Call for a tour 312-573-8900 • Enroll at any time of the year!

CornerstoneChildrensLearningCenter.com

1111 North Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610

Managed by Childtime Learning Centers

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Around town

E X P L O R E

JEFFERSON PARK EXPLORE: Ed Paschke Art Center.

This is a place where art comes to life. The brainchild of the late Ed Paschke’s grandchildren, the center provides access to his large-scale, iconic, colorful work and serves as a platform for Chicago artists to showcase their work. The best part? It is free and open to the public.

PLAY: Copernicus Center. While this former cinema house rarely shows movies, it is used an average of 48 weeks per year.

From the famous Taste of Polonia Festival to concerts to bingo nights and athletic competitions, there’s rarely an empty seat.

This ‘suburb’ in the city feels like home

N

BY LORI ORLINSKY

icknamed the “Gateway to Chicago,” Jefferson Park is a quaint neighborhood, nestled on the northwest side. Home to many police officers, firefighters and teachers with a Chicago residency requirement, the diverse community feels more like a suburb than the hustle and bustle of the city.

Rows and rows of tree-lined streets feature mid-century single-family homes with “Chicago-sized” backyards that allow for urban gardens, swing sets

and blowup pools. The area is known for great public schools, big outdoor parks and a variety of dining options, from quick service and chains to upscale.

EAT: Gale Street Inn. This charming eatery is known for its fall-off-thebone BBQ ribs.

The restaurant is reminiscent of an old-fashioned supper club. Also musttry meals: steaks, chops, chicken and fresh seafood selections.

SHOP: American Science & Surplus.

Founded more than 80 years ago, shopping is a strange adventure here. Kids can roam aisles of things they never knew they needed: life-size skeletons, giant marbles, beakers, telescopes, duck feet finger puppets and more.

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REIMAGINE HIGH SCHOOL

At Bennett Day School, we empower curious students in a complex world through project-based learning.

JOIN US AT AN OPEN HOUSE THIS FALL

Learn more at bennettday.org/upperschool 18 September 2019 CHICAGOPARENT.COM

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KIDS CLUB PRESENTS:

PIRATE'S DAY! SAT. SEPTEMBER 14 • 11AM TO 1PM CENTER COURT GIVEAWAYS • FACE PAINTING CRAFT ACTIVITIES• MUSIC HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter to discover great stores, delicious restaurants, and special events!

www.golfmill.com

BOO BASH: SAT. OCT 26 • 11AM TO 1PM TRICK OR TREAT AT THE MALL: OCT 31 • 5PM TO 7PM

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Learn to

Indoor Waterpark Indoor Waterpark

Ice Skate Check out our classes today at www.SkokieParks.org.

Exquisite Exquisite

Lodging Options Lodging Options

Breath-Taking Breath-Taking Scenery Scenery

Delicious Delicious

Dining Options Dining Options

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Alexis and Kayla Cain find the ultimate Chicago selfie spot, The “Bean” PHOTO BY THOMAS KUBIK

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A Game of Likes Parents and kids weigh in on the good and bad of social media

K

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

CP

liked someone is based on how many ‘likes’ they get on a post.”

Paul Oren, a professor

from PBS) says, it’s the ‘Game of Likes’ and we’re trying to win the Game of Likes.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

89% 9 89 percent had smartphones in 2018

McDonald, Kitley and Oren all recommend parents have an ris McDonald hasn’t faced many challenges open dialogue with their kids when it comes to social media for her 16-year- about social media and what old twins, Kayla and Alexis, and 13-year-old could happen if it is misused.

McDonald’s tips for other partwin sons. ents: Make sure their accounts Mostly it’s because she’s been talking with are private. Follow them on their accounts. Make sure they them and teaching them about the risks and responsibilities know to ignore private mesonline since they were little. sages from strangers. Monitor “I don’t try to police them per se. I don’t want them to feel what they are posting. Finally, like they have to hide things. I do talk to them and tell them look at their friends’ accounts what’s good and bad and the things to look out for,” says to see what types of people they McDonald, the mom behind Little Tech Girl, littletechgirl.com. are associated with.

“It is equally important to “I remember when I was 16. ... The world is different now, give your kids a little bit of rebut it is still the same. We had our ways of communicating sponsibility and freedom so that and they have their phones, and so we just have to be a little they can learn what they need more vigilant when it comes to keeping our eyes open and our to do to take care of themselves on social media,” she says. ears open and seeing what they are up to,” McDonald says.

Oren agrees. of communications and Navigating social media can “It’s like the equivamedia at Valparaiso come with pitfalls, as studies lent of teaching University, has are starting to point to shaken someone seen that to be self-esteem, anxiety and depresto cook, sion for some kids. Social media the case. He but also frequently also takes bullying to a larger To hear more tips from Paul remindgives semiaudience.

Oren, listen to our Masters in ing them nars with Social media is always a hot Parenting podcast. not to topic in Kelley Kitley’s girl group students ChicagoParent.com/podcast put their and athtalks for kids transitioning to hand on the letes in high middle school. stove.

It can schools and “Social media creates anxiety burn you, but local colleges for kids by making them feel you still need the about social media. left out or fearful someone stove to cook and it’s “We’ve figured out a will say something about you,” an important tool,” Oren says. way to make daily life a game, says Kitley, a licensed clinical “Social media is an important and Snapchat and Instagram social worker and founder of tool and it should be used, but and Twitter and Facebook Serendipitous Psychotherapy in if you put your hand on it, it have turned that into—as the Chicago. “They also use social burns,” he says. documentary (Generation Like media as a tool of how well

LISTEN IN

SOCIAL KIDS

41 1% 41 percent had smartphones in 2012

70% 70 70 percent are on social media multiple times a day in 2018

34% 4% 34 percent are on social media multiple times a day in 2012

54 4% 54 percent of teens said if their parents actually knew what happens on social media, they’d be a lot more worried about it.

Source: Common Sense Media

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GAME OF LIKES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Local students and parents weigh in Natelli Bulvas, 14, Carol Stream Uses Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook for about two to three hours a day I started on Instagram when I was in fourth grade and since then I use social media to know what’s going on in the world and seeing new things come out. My favorite thing is there are people just like me or who I can look up to. Social media can be hard, though, because once one thing is out there, everyone knows it in a split second.

If you post something, you have so many opinions rolling and can be judged, which is how I have felt a couple times. I’ve been digitally bullied by nasty comments that people have said behind the phone that they are too scared to say face to face.

Shari Bulvas, Natelli’s mom I do random checks on Natelli’s phone

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Natelli Bulvas

and have all her passwords. She is only allowed to connect with people I know. I allowed her social media accounts because

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she needs to learn responsibility. But I do have the data shut off her phone three hours a day to focus on life outside of the phone world. Plus I no longer allow streaks on Snapchat because at one point she had close to 100 going and it consumed her day. Natelli did have an incident when she found out her best friend posted a private story bashing her on Snapchat. Kids don’t realize that once you post online you can

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Jackie Holland, George’s mom media isOldest talking to myAll-Male friends, seeing funny Chicago’s Catholic things online and keeping up with friends My husband and I follow George on both PREPARATORY HIGH I’ve met that I rarely see. MyChicago’s favorite things SCHOOL Chicago’s Oldest COLLEGE All-Male Catholic Oldest All-Male Instagram and Snapchat.

I’ve gone Catholic into the would be streaks on Snapchat and talking to settings to block YouTube and change the COLLEGE PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL George Holland, 13, River Forest PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL friends.

I’ve never beenCOLLEGE bullied, but if I was amount of time he can be on the phone. never get it back and stuff spreads like a wildfire. I encourage my daughter to delete anyone who doesn’t make her happy.

Uses Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube for about 1 1/2 hours a day For me, the positive of being on social

I’d show my parents what was written or go to that person and see why they wrote what they did.

My kids always seems to be needing more CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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GAME OF LIKES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 time and sometimes I give in because they want to watch educational things, but I keep saying it’s becoming obsessive. I do like how they connect and see pictures of friends on Instagram. But I remind them they need to TALK to each other more.

We did have a learning experience for our boys through a friend about how posting never ever goes away. It will be there stamped forever and can come up when they apply for college and jobs.

Jane MacEntee, 13, La Grange

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Uses Instagram for one to two hours when not in school I started using Instagram in seventh grade. It’s fun to see pictures of my friends and their vacations and pets and other things. I like to see what’s on Instagram, but I don’t really post a real lot myself. I haven’t been bullied, but I have heard of a few kids being bullied. If it happened to me, I’d probably get advice from my mom or shut down my account for a while to take a break.

Ellen MacEntee, Jane’s mom I follow Jane online and I’ve asked her not to post too many pictures of her doing things with friends. I don’t want others to feel left out. If I see her on it too much, I tell her to put it away or I take it away for the rest of the day. She also leaves it downstairs to charge at night, so isn’t on it in her room at night. She thinks it’s fun to see friends who live far away or who are gone for the summer. She has cousins who

Ella Petruczenko

live in another state and likes following them and keeping up with what they are doing. My concerns are that I don’t want her to post anything she will regret later, but so far she posts more on the account she has for our dog. It’s pretty innocent thus far, but she is young and she is also unusual in that she doesn’t care about it that much.

Julia Brummell, 14, Oak Park Uses Instagram and Snapchat for about two hours a day Social media has added to my life because I can contact people that I may not always be able to talk to in person or that I have lost touch with. I have made many friends by just Snapchatting them. My favorite thing is being able to see what everyone’s up to and finding new people to follow.

But I’ve definitely had some struggles with social media.

I feel very pressured to post something exactly right and that gave me so much anxiety that I actually deleted all of my posts off Instagram and had the app deleted from my phone for a solid month. Social media can be stressful and it’s very

24 September 2019 CHICAGOPARENT.COM

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my friends. Snapchat is my main communication and I don’t really even have my friend’s phone numbers.

To be honest, it’s hard when a friend doesn’t have w Snapchat! I have never been bullied and I haven’t seen it because I feel like we chat on the apps with w friends and don’t post mean things.

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Joey Petruczenko, 11, Wheaton

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refreshing to take a break. If you’re being digitally bullied, always screenshot whatever messages or harassment that’s being sent to you so that you can show someone who can help you.

Lee Brummell, Julia’s mom Julia was 11 when she got her first phone and we allowed her to get Instagram. A few months later she got Snapchat.

We encourage her to limit her time and she’s very responsible about following the limit we’ve recommended. While it’s a positive for her to stay connected with friends, I also worry about too much time spent watching what others are doing. For some children, it’s stressful to feel left out of social gatherings. They’re constantly being reminded of things that they aren’t a part of and that can be stressful.

Ella Petruczenko, 13, Wheaton Uses Instagram and Snapchat for more than two hours a day on her phone Social media is so easy to use and I use Insta and Snap to text

Uses Instagram for about an hour a day I like social media to find things out that my friends are doing. My favorite is then talking about it and knowing what is going on with them. I have never had a bad experience on social media or been bullied. If I ever was bullied, I would deal with it by blocking them so that they couldn’t do it anymore. I would then tell my mom and dad so they could contact the other kid’s parents.

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Meghan Petruczenko, Ella and Joey’s mom When Ella and Joey were given their phones, they were given “contracts” they had to follow. They were told the phone was mine and they were borrowing it. I do follow both of them on social media, and have full access to their phones at anytime. Unfortunately with Snapchat, messages go away so that’s probably why they use it for their main form of communication. It scares me they know way more about Snapchat than I do and they are able to delete without me ever knowing something happened.

It also scares me that they allow almost anyone to be their “friend.” I go through their followers from time to time and delete people I don’t know.

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PARENTS WITH A PLATFORM

Loving Ellie Grace

An extraordinary journey to motherhood

BY WHITNEY REYNOLDS PHOTOS BY JUAN CARLOS PELAYO

T

he moment Rebecca Kuntz saw twins Ellie and Prince she remembers thinking they were the missing pieces of her life she didn’t even know she was missing.

Critically ill, doctors gave the orphaned pair only a 1 percent chance of survival.

Undeterred, Kuntz knew she was meant to be their mom.

Tell us about your motherhood journey?

My motherhood journey has been anything but ordinary to say the least. When I was younger I imagined myself following the American Dream path: college, career, marriage, purchasing a house and then children. Never in a million years did I expect to travel to Ghana, West Africa, at 18, spend six years there and return to America at 24 being a single parent to an adopted child with disabilities. This is not the path I envisioned—it is infinitely better, greater and more joyous than I could ever have imagined.

While living in Ghana working with various nonprofits I was contacted regarding a heartbreaking situation that left a CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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LOVING ELLIE GRACE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 set of “underdeveloped” twins orphaned. I worked with my staff to arrange for them to be brought to a local foster home where they could have roundthe-clock care.

They fought hard to get stronger while I worked on the legal paperwork to gain custody of them. Tragically, Prince passed away after their first birthday, mere weeks before my court date to be granted custody.

When I got custody of Ellie she was 16 months old, weighed 5 pounds and was very, very sick.

For months I stayed up all night with her to give medication, fluids, and feedings and slowly she grew and became healthier.

It is hard to believe that she just turned 6 and runs in her walker, loves dancing to “Frozen,” knows a long list of facts about penguins, and has many friends whom she adores.

She is my miracle through and through.

What was it like finally knowing that Ellie was going to be officially yours?

Ellie’s adoption day was the best day of my life thus far. I held Ellie in my arms as a judge in a tiny courtroom in Accra, Ghana, stated “she is yours and you are hers, forever, as if she were born to you.” I started crying as it was the moment I had been waiting and fighting for for over three years. I always knew Ellie was my daughter, but having it legalized and validated meant we were one step closer to going home to America.

If I knew then what I know now, going through 3.5 years of immense hardship, struggle and opposition to go through the process of fostering and adopting her, I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Ellie is worth it all, being her mom is

the greatest honor in the world, and watching her thrive is my biggest joy.

Single parenting can be hard.

What has helped you always push through?

I always say “it takes a village to raise an Ellie,” because truly, it does. On any given week I work with, or Ellie is seen by: at least one doctor (sometimes three to four), 5-10 physical & occupational & speech therapists, nurses, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, teachers, schedulers, equipment vendors, care coordinators, the list goes on and on. Without these people on Team Ellie, our life would not be possible. Personally, Ellie and I have been blessed with an incredible group of friends, most of whom also have adopted children with disabilities. We often come together and tag team the tasks at hand. ...This rag tag village is how we survive. Without these friends, single parenting would be very difficult, and definitely a lot less fun.

Can you tell us what a day is like for a parent with a child who has special needs?

My day-to-day life with Ellie is pretty typical for a 6-year-old... we just do things a little differently. Ellie is just like any other kid. She has her favorite movies and she still gets timeouts if she has an attitude, she loves to do adventurous things like go on roller coasters and ride her bike, she has lots of friends, and she always tries to get me to allow her to stay up late. Our family motto is “adapt and conquer.”

Ellie wanted to ski, so I found an adaptive ski program that she could participate in. Ellie wanted to swim, so I researched and found a swim float that can hold her up. Ellie loves

penguins, so I booked a penguin documentary genre. I not only encounter at the local zoo. learned the technical aspects of There is nothing Ellie can’t do! filming and editing, but how to She does not let her physical tell my own story, as well as emdisability hold her back in the power others to tell theirs. On slightest and she sees herself my first trip to Ghana I started like any other 6-year-old. a blog to keep friends and Certainly, there are family updated, but extra things that it quickly gained ■ I have to do for traction and tens For more inspirational Ellie that other of thousands interviews or to see parents don’t all over the Rebecca and Ellie in do like GTube world became action, watch The Whitney changes, interested in Reynolds Show Mondays purchasing exmy work and at 6:30 p.m. on pensive adaptive life in Ghana.

Lakeshore PBS. equipment, lifting When Ellie came her in and out of bed, along I started sharstanders and walkers, hundreds ing about our life, travels of hours of therapy per year, and journey to adoption. It is so but we do not dwell on these heartwarming to get messages things. They are simply part of from people saying how even our life, but they are not our just Ellie’s smile has brightened whole life. their day.

What has become your platform?

Through working at a high school’s student television station, I fell in love with

How can we get involved?

I share photos, videos, tutorials and updates at instagram.com/lifewithelliegirl and lifewithelliegrace.com.

28 September 2019 CHICAGOPARENT.COM

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Rock & Roe!

Seven sushi spots the kids will love

I

BY CORTNEY FRIES

f you’re like me, I could devour spicy tuna maki every day, but my kids don’t always want to roll with it. So, here are seven sushi restaurants in the Chicago area that not only serve great sushi, but also unique dining experiences or other options for the non-raw-fish-eating folks.

1. Tokio Pub tokiopub.com This Japanese, Latin and American fusion pub is connected to Shaw’s Crab House in Schaumburg. It’s famous for its Hot Rock appetizers (sizzle your own filet mignon or ahi tuna on a very hot rock) and Ramen Burgers (yup, a burger served on ramen fried into circular-shaped buns). Tokio Pub recently launched a new kids’ menu, with a variety of healthy and indulgent options.

Kids can order Cucumber & Avocado Rolls, Steak Tacos, Sweet & Sour Chicken Bites and even that Ramen Burger as a slider.

The Tokio Spicy Tuna Roll is a favorite and the Red Dragon Roll looks super snazzy. At the end of the meal, try the beignets that burst with warm, melted chocolate in your mouth.

2. Shakou

shakourestaurants.com Think Shakou when you’re craving a swanky, loungy vibe. The sushi is inventive and while it can be pricey, I do recommend bringing the kids every now and then. Locations in Libertyville, St. Charles, Barrington, Park Ridge and Arlington Heights.

Bento boxes, mac ‘n cheese, chicken teriyaki and cheese pizza grace the kids’ menu. Milk, soda or Ramune, a Japanese soda, is included with each kids’ meal.

3. Sushi + Rotary Sushi Bar

rotarysushi.com Conveyor belt sushi is a concept out of Japan that makes for quick and easy eating and an exciting experience. I loved the clean, modern atmosphere of Sushi + Rotary Sushi in Chicago (also in Aurora’s Fox Valley Mall). More than 90 dishes, including salads, dessert and sushi, rotate around the restaurant and diners can choose what they’d like to eat immediately or order from the tablet, which will send a car to deliver the grub. Plates are color coded by price. Try sushi sandwiches and tacos. Kids’ meals are served in little cars that include fruit and French fries.

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4. Sushi Station

sushistation.us This conveyor belt sushi restaurant in Rolling Meadows and Elgin isn’t fancy, but it sure was packed when we visited. Similar to other rotary sushi restaurants, color-coded plates whiz around the belt offering sushi, sashimi, fruit, desserts and sides.

The kids gravitated towards the fruit (strawberries with cream, pineapple and kiwi) while the adults devoured as much spicy maki as we could manage.

5. Taste of Tokyo thetasteoftokyo.com If the idea of a floating sushi bar floats your boat, then you are in luck. This cozy Buffalo Grove restaurant features all-you-can-eat sushi that travels around on little wooden boats. See something you like, grab it.

Sides like edamame and eggrolls come around too or you can order dishes like chicken teriyaki off the menu.

7. Tsukasa of Tokyo

6. Hub 51 hub51chicago.com When you think of Hub 51 in Chicago you might not think of sushi; but its maki game is awesome for families with half-price sushi 3-6 p.m. daily. Order a Tuna & Thai Basil, Spicy Shrimp & King Crab or a handful of other options for less than $10 each. Plus, the new “Happiest Hour” promotion gets your group free Pulled Chicken Nachos when you pay $20 per adult for two drinks of choice.

tsukasaoftokyo.com This hibachi-style restaurestau rant (think flying knives, flipping food, flames and a whole bunch of fun) specializes in Teppan Yaki (hot steel cooking). They also serve seafood, steaks, salads and sushi, with many rolls named after Chicago Bears players.

Find locations in Vernon Hills and Kildeer.

Expect veggie slinging and egg flipping as fried rice, shrimp and other favorites are prepared at the table.

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ESSAY

OVER THE BRIDGE

Our family’s story of love and loss Dealing with pet loss from a mom who has been there: ■ Encourage your child to ask questions ■ Validate your child’s feelings ■ Remind your child what a good life they gave your pet ■ Allow your child time to grieve and realize it may be different than your grief ■ Provide your child with a tangible reminder of your pet (a photo, stuffed animal, etc.)

O

BY LORI ORLINSKY

n a Wednesday, at 8:49 p.m., my husband and I made the difficult decision to say goodbye to our beloved 18-year-old cat, Tiger. Some of the details of our conversation with the vet, like “kidney disease” and “no treatment options” blurred together, but I won’t forget looking at the clock at the exact moment of heartbreak, sealing those raw feelings in my memory.

The whole thing was a complete shock. Just two hours earlier, I’d noticed that our usually vocal and active cat was lethargic. While I had a gut feeling something wasn’t right, I put on a brave face for the kids, wrapped her up in a blanket and sent my husband off to the vet. I waited by my phone for the next hour as they ran blood tests.

And then, amidst my worry, compulsive need to clean to distract my mind and the sound of “Paw Patrol” in the background, Brian called me. The

vet was on speaker, and I felt like an outsider watching a nightmare unfold.

“Would you like to bring her home so the kids can say goodbye?” she asked.

Suddenly, my mindset changed. My kids. Oh my God, my sweet, young daughters. How could they cope with this when I couldn’t even begin to comprehend it? What do I tell them?

We were hesitant, but decided to bring the girls to the vet to say goodbye to Tiger. Because the vet didn’t know if Tiger had days or hours

to live, we didn’t want to chance that she could die at home in the kids’ presence.

My then-2-year-old daughter Ellie was so innocent. The wonderful office staff at the vet gave her a coloring book and put on “Shrek” for her. She said goodbye to Tiger, but I think she thought Tiger was going away to play hide-and-seek.

My 5-year-old Hayley was another story entirely. I explained to her on the way over that like my parent’s dog, Tiki, who went to heaven a few months prior, Tiger was sick and needed to join him.

“Why can’t the vet help her, isn’t that their job?” she pleaded with me.

“How will they find each other in heaven?” she asked persistently.

The questions kept on coming.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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OVER THE RAINBOW BRIDGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

Here are a few books that helped us cope with pet loss: ■ Badger’s Parting Gifts (Susan Varley) ■ Cat Heaven (Cynthia Rylant) ■ Here in the Garden (Briony Stewart) ■ The Invisible String (Patrice Karst) ■ The Rainbow Bridge: A Visit to Pet Paradise (Adrian Raeside)

Now, just three hours after sitting around the table eating spaghetti and meatballs, worrying only about finalizing our weekend plans, Hayley was saying goodbye to the first animal she’s ever known. The cat that attended her tea parties; the easy-going animal who tolerated piggy back rides from the kids; the cuddle companion that slept on the foot of their beds when they needed comfort.

I watched as Hayley pulled a beaded necklace out of her pocket that she strung together when Tiger had gone to the vet. It was colorful and had a Little Mermaid charm in the middle, her favorite. The vet made sure Tiger was wearing

“

the necklace as she took her last breath.

“I’ll love you forever, Tiger,” she said while my heart sank to the floor.

Just as I anticipated, my sensitive kindergartner was asking all kinds of questions, tossing and turning throughout the night.

“Why do animals die”?

“Who decides when we die?”

“Why can’t we live forever?”

I told Hayley she could continue to ask questions, but for most of them, there weren’t answers.

Like any modern-day mom, I turned to Mamatribe on Facebook for words of wisdom.

I was fearful of giving the wrong answers. There, I found a place of support, encouragement and resources. It was

cathartic to read stories from moms who’ve been where I was and who’ve come out stronger.

Despite the different circumstances in everyone’s story, one common theme kept coming up: be honest with your child and try not to sugarcoat it.

“Kids are resilient, sometimes more than we give them credit for,” one mom reminded me.

As parents, all we can do is listen, validate their feelings and try to help them make sense of this thing called life.

I truly believe that while Tiger has left our life, she will never leave our hearts. In the days after her death, Hayley and Ellie drew photos and wrote letters to her, and we taped them to balloons and sent them up to heaven. It was a beautiful, intimate moment for our family.

Oui

”

are the world. welcome you.

Pre-K — Grade 12 Multilingual Education High School IB Track in English Register for our

OPEN HOUSE on November 2 LyceeChicago.org The world awaits.

1929 W. Wilson Ave. Chicago, IL 34 September 2019 CHICAGOPARENT.COM

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high school choice | special advertising section

6 ways to take the stress out of the high school selection process

By Shannon Younger

F

inding the right high school can be a cause of concern for Chicago parents, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Grace Sawin, founder of Chicago School GPS, shares some tips on how to take the stress out of the process of finding the best place for your child.

Knowledge is power We fear the unknown, so the more you know about finding a school, the less fear you and your kids will have. Learning about how the high school selection process works and the wide variety of high schools often brings families peace of mind.

The Hidden Gems Chicago High School Fair Sept. 29 features about three dozen high schools in and around Chicago with a variety of different styles.

Both Chicago public high schools and private schools participate in the fair, which is a good place for families to begin their search.

Sawin says that, after attending, parents will understand that there are many choices and a fit for every

student. For those ready to dive in deeper, it’s a great way to get an insight into a large number of schools in a short amount of time.

“Parents are pleasantly surprised when they see that there are multiple places where their kids could be happy,” Sawin says.

Spread your net wide Once a student discovers schools that would be a good fit, they should strongly consider applying to a number of them.

While students can only receive two offers from CPS, Sawin recommends submitting many more applications. Doing so “alleviates the worry that you won’t get in anywhere,” says Sawin.

She also notes that there can be several different pathways into one school. For example, there are several different ways to gain admission to Lincoln Park High School, including by audition, the IB program and the double honors program. “That gives you three bites of the apple,” she says.

Start early “Starting early helps destress the process,” Sawin says.

The best time to begin learning about the process is

when a student reaches sixth grade, she says. Visit one or two “high interest” schools to determine requirements and enter seventh grade with a goal.

In seventh grade, attend high school open houses, not just for the “high interest” schools, but other possible academic and social fits.

opinions needed to rank those options.”

Families are often surprised to learn that CPS asks students to rank their lottery-based selections. Starting early can help give families time “to see schools and formulate the

Keep in mind that schools are organic and can change, even in a few years. “A lot of people go off old information. Get up-todate information and recognize that sometimes the quality of

Do your own research Middle school parents can attest to the many conversations they have about high school.

Everyone has an opinion, but there is no substitute for doing your own research.

PEOPLE LOVE MAGAZINES. 36 September 2019 CHICAGOPARENT.COM

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high school choice | special advertising section education is there, but people haven’t heard about it,” Sawin says.

Also, she adds, one student’s experience is not always indicative of what your child’s experience would be. Don’t rely on information from others.

Talking to officials from schools and seeing them firsthand is the best way to feel comfortable with your decisions.

Hidden Gems High School Fair Sunday, Sept. 29 1-4 p.m.

Social shifts are less scary than they seem Leaving an established social network and starting at a new school can be a source of stress for some kids and parents. Sawin notes that this is typically one of the worries that dissipates the fastest for parents, and it’s often a non-issue one month into the school year.

She cautions against permitting students to choose a high school based on where their friends are going. Even if they are in the same school, it’s

possible that they will never have a class together.

“Often, teens are ready for a new set of faces. Even neighborhood high schools draw a bigger swath of students and it can be refreshing,” Sawin says.

Shift your perspective Even if your middle schooler doesn’t want to admit it, they

pay attention to their parents.

Sawin says parental attitude about the high school selection process is very important and sets the tone for the entire family. If you’re not stressed about it, chances are your child won’t be, either.

“Instead of dreading the process, see it as an opportunity,” she says.

De Le Salle Institute High School 3434 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago Admission: $15/family in advance, $25/family at the door CHIschoolgps.com The annual event includes seminars and workshops for parents and students, including school presentations, the ins and outs of the high school admissions process and peerto-peer time with current high school students.

#5

ranked K–12 school in Illinois* Engage MORE

Achieve MORE

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• • • • • • • •

6:1 Student Teacher Ratio Individualized Learning Onsite Gifted Coordinator Dedicated Learning Specialists Partnership with Northwestern No-Charge Early Drop Off Multiple After-School Options Sliding Scale Tuition

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Open House October 27th 1:00–3:00 pm

REGISTER AT:

roycemoreschool.org

College Prep Education Preschool – Grade 12 CHICAGOPARENT.COM September 2019 37

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high school choice | special advertising section

Calling incoming Freshman!

Intrinsic Schools welcomed its new downtown campus, opened in Fall 2019

Intrinsic Schools: A network of schools serving Chicago students

with its first campus earning a Level 1+ CPS Rating for the past four years. We prepare all students to graduate college & career ready Our fundamental commitment: our teachers, staff, and community will child’s andIntrinsic we partner with families & our community to ensure your prepare you forcontinued post-secondary success. Whether postsecondary success!you want to go to college or into a job, you will be ready.

Intrinsic offers:

Join the Intrinsic Community!

• 1:1 technology and team teaching is taking applications for our Join our Intrinsic founding class!

Intrinsic offers: 2020 9th grade class. Our new campus, at • Personalized learning approach

79 W. Monroe, hasfounding opened • 1:1 technology for our • Variety of student clubs andIntrinsic is takingofapplications • Blended learning classrooms downtown.

9th grade class. extracurricular activities • Variety of student clubs and extracurricular activities

in the heart

• Convenient to public transportation Our new campus, at 79 W. Monroe, will open in • Warm & collaborative classrooms the heart of downtown.

• Internship and job shadowing opportunities • Convenient to public transportation • Internship and job shadowingattractions opportunities • Cultural • Cultural attractions • Access to arts • Early college opportunities

Open House Dates:

Monday, Octwill 21st - 8pm Due to recent approval, lottery be 6:30pm held on Wednesday, Saturday, Nov until 23rdMay 9am - 10:30am May 29th. Applications accepted 28th.

Thursday, Dec 5th 6:30pm - 8pm Saturday, Jan 18th 9am - 10:30am

APPLY ONLINE IntrinsicSchools.org 79 West Monroe , Chicago (708) 887-2810 38 September 2019 CHICAGOPARENT.COM

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high school choice | special advertising section

Lycée Français de Chicago

Roycemore School

1929 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago (773) 665-0066 lyceechicago.org

Lycée Français de Chicago offers a worldclass pre-K to 12 education in a multicultural, multilingual learning environment. Our outstanding programs, including our Englishbased IB, open student minds to the world.

Open House: Nov. 2

1200 Davis St., Evanston (847) 866-6055 RoycemoreSchool.org

ERIC VETEAU,

Lycée Français de Chicago

GEMS World Academy Chicago

Roycemore School

Open House: Oct. 27

59 W. North Blvd., Chicago (312) 582-6000 LatinSchool.org

New High School Campus will be located at 355 E. Wacker Drive

We offer an IB Diploma program rooted in an inquiry-based exploration of Chicago, in which students learn by doing. Students have the rare opportunity to craft culture and leave a legacy.

ADRIANNE FINLEY ODELL,

Latin School of Chicago

350 E. South Water St., Chicago

(312) 809-8941 gemschicago.org

Roycemore is an intentionally small school where teachers challenge students to help them reach their full potential. The range of ages provides opportunities for leadership and mentoring that bring out the best in each child.

TOM CANGIANO, GEMS World Academy

Open House: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 26.

Latin School of Chicago provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program in a community that embraces diversity of people, cultures and ideas.

Open House: Oct. 27

RANDALL DUNN, Latin School of Chicago

Intrinsic Schools: A network of schools serving Chicago students with the Belmont campus earning a Level 1+ CPS Rating for the past four years. We prepare all students to graduate college & career ready and we partner with families & our community to ensure your child’s continued postsecondary success!

Intrinsic offers:

• 1:1 technology and team teaching • Personalized learning approach • Variety of student clubs and extracurricular activities • Warm & collaborative classrooms

Open House Dates:

Thursday, October 17th at 6pm

Tuesday, November 19th at 6pm Saturday, December 7th at 9am

APPLY ONLINE IntrinsicSchools.org 4540 W Belmont Ave, Chicago (708) 887-2735 CHICAGOPARENT.COM September 2019 39

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high school choice/principals | special advertising section

Beacon Academy

Chicago Waldorf School

1574 Sherman Ave., Evanston (224) 999-1177 BeaconAcademyil.org

Beacon Academy re-imagines high school education with a Montessori and IB program, bringing together brain science-based practices, challenging curriculum, and student agency.

Open House: 1:30 p.m., Nov. 9

5200 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago (773) 465-2662 ChicagoWaldorf.org

JEFF BELL, Beacon Academy

Saint Patrick High School

Open House info: ChicagoWaldorf.org/visit

LUKE GOODWIN, Chicago Waldorf School

British International School of Chicago, South Loop

5900 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago (773) 282-8844 StPatrick.org

(773) 998-2472 BISChicagoSL.org

Saint Patrick High School is the premier school for a transformative, all-male college prep Lasallian Catholic high school education.

Open House: Oct. 24 and Nov. 14

Chicago Waldorf High School is redefining rigor.

While traditional schools teach to the test, we provide real world experience and, with a 100 percent college acceptance rate, get real world results.

JON BAFFICO, St. Patrick High School

Our school appreciates that every child is unique, BISC-SL students enjoy a personalized approach to learning through which they are inspired to Be Ambitious.

Open House: 9 a.m.-noon and 4-8 p.m., Nov. 7 and Jan. 9.

MICHAEL HENDERSON, British International School

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, November 9, 1:30-4pm RSVP: beaconacademyil.org/admissionsevents/

Montessori Mindset | IB Backbone 1574 Sherman Avenue, Evanston | 224.999.1177 beaconacademyil.org 40 September 2019 CHICAGOPARENT.COM

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high school choice | special advertising section | open houses

Bennett Day School

955 W. Grand Ave., Chicago (312) 236-6388 BennettDay.org/upperschool

The mission of our school is to advance creativity and innovation in education. Through a project-based learning curriculum, we empower curious students in a complex world.

Open House: For families considering grades 6-12: Sept. 26, Oct. 19. See all dates at bennettday.org/events

MARTIN MORAN, Bennett Day School

Intrinsic Schools Downtown campus (708) 887-2810 IntrinsicSchools.org

Intrinsic Schools is a great choice for students, our unique classroom model encourages creativity and academic ownership for each student.

Open House: 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 21, 9 a.m.10:30 a.m. Nov. 23, 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 5, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Jan. 18

Bennett Day School

Lycee Francais de Chicago

955 W. Grand Ave, Chicago

Pre K -12th Grade

312-236-6388 BennettDay.org/ upperschool/ PK-12

1929 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 773-665-0066

Upcoming Open Houses for families considering grades 6-12: 9/26/19 and 10/19/19 Upcoming Information Sessions for families considering grades PreK-2: 9/12/19, 9/19/19, 9/26/19 Private tours available for families considering grades 3-5 See all dates at bennettday.org/ events/

British International School of Chicago, South Loop TIM LIGUE,

Intrinsic Schools of Chicago

161 W. 9th St., Chicago 773-998-2472 BISChicagosl.org

LyceeChicago.org

Open House – Saturday, November 2, 2019

Saint Patrick High School 5900 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634 773-282-8844 StPatrick.org

Open houses: October 24 & November 14

Latin School of Chicago Pre K -12th Grade

59 W. North Blvd., Chicago

Open house dates are November 7 and January 9. 9 am – 12 pm & 4 pm – 8 pm.

312-582-6000 LatinSchool.org

Middle/Upper School Open House Sunday, October 27, 2019

L O O H !

S C E SRESCP C R U O C H I C AG O P A R E N T . C O M

Find Schools, Open House listings and more at

CP C H I C A G O P AR E N T . C O M

HighSchoolChoice_Sept2019.indd 41

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open houses | special advertising section

The Ancona School 4770 S. Dorchester, Chicago 773-924-2356 AnconaSchool.org 3 years - 8th Grade

Open House dates: 10/19/19- 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm 11/13/19- 9:30 am - 11:30 am 12/10/19- 9:30 am - 11:30 am 1/15/20- 9:30 am - 11:30 am 2/13/20- 9:30 am - 11:30 am 4/15/20- 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Avery Coonley School 1400 Maple Ave., Downers Grove 630-969-0800 AveryCoonley.org

Dates for upcoming Admission Tours, registration required: October 23 (Early Childhood) October 29 (K-8) November 8 (Early Childhood, K-8) December 13 (Early Childhood, K-8) Pre-K ~ 8th grade independent school for academically gifted students.

Chicago Waldorf School Andersonville and Lincoln Square

ChicagoWaldorf.org

Early Childhood Open Houses Andersonville AND Lincoln Square Campuses 9:00-11:00am September 21, 2019 October 12, 2019 Pre-K thru 8th Grade 8:30am-10:30am | Andersonville Campus October 17, 2019 November 14, 2019 January 16, 2019 High School 9:00am-10:30 am | Andersonville Campus October 17, 2019 November 14, 2019 January 16, 2019

Sacred Heart Schools 6250 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago 773-681-8418 SHSChicago.org

Pre-Kindergarten – 8th Grade Admissions Coffees: 9:15-11:15 am Friday, October 11 Wednesday, October 23 Wednesday, November 6 Friday, November 15 Friday, December 6 Friday, February 7 Friday, March 27 Friday, May 1

German International School Chicago 1726 W Berteau, Chicago 773-857-3000 GermanSchoolChicago.com Now enrolling Preschool - Grade 8 Friday, Sept 27, 10 am - 12:00 pm Friday, Oct 4, 10 am - 12:00 pm Friday, Oct 18, 10 am - 12:00 pm Friday, Nov 1, 10 am - 12:00 pm Friday, Nov 15, 10 am - 12:00 pm Friday, Dec 13, 10 am - 12:00 pm

Intrinsic Schools 4540 W Belmont Ave, Chicago 708-887-2735 IntrinsicSchools.org

Open House Dates: Thursday, October 17th at 6 pm Tuesday, November 19th at 6 pm Saturday, December 7th at 9 am

Intrinsic Schools Downtown Campus 79 W. Monroe, Chicago 708-887-2810 IntrinsicSchools.org

Monday October 21st 6:30 - 8p m Saturday November 23rd 9am - 10:30 am Thursday December 5th 6:30 pm-8:00 pm Saturday January 18th 9 am - 10:30 am

Roycemore School 1200 Davis St, Evanston 847-866-6055 RoycemoreSchool.org Grades K-12 Sunday, October 27th 1 pm – 3 pm

chicago waldorf school pre-k thru 12th grade

Two campuses in the heart of Chicago

Andersonville & Lincoln Square

See Waldorf in Action at our

Monthly Enrollment Events It’s how we teach that changes everything.

To learn more, visit: chicagowaldorf.org 42 September 2019 CHICAGOPARENT.COM

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CP

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CHICAGO PARENT.COM

CHICAGO

CP CP

PARENT Guidepost

FEBRUARY 2019 | advertising FREE open houses | special section

M E D I AMontessori at 1574 Sherman Ave, Evanston

CHICAGO PARENT.COM

Junior Kindergarten through 12th Grade

224-999-1177

Naperville

Saturday November 9, 1:30pm - 4pm

Family Fun Day Open House (Age 12 weeks to Kindergarten) 630-884-8866

BeaconAcademyil.com

Guidepost MontessoriMONTH atTH 2019 Magnificent Mile

| FREE

Explore Our Children’s House (Age 3 - Kindergarten) 312-796-940

GuidePostMontessori.com/ naperville Sunday, September 22, 2019 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

MEDIA

Saturday, September 14, 2019 10am to 11am

GuidePostMontessori.com/ magnificent-mile

Guidepost Montessori at West Loop Fall Literacy Event (Age 6 weeks to Kindergarten) 312-883-4090

Guidepost GuidePostMontessori.com/ Montessori CHICAGO PARENT.COM west-loop Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Wicker Park

CP

Walk into Our Children’s House (Age 3 - Kindergarten) 773-663-4732

Follow Chicago Parent MONTH 2019 Media | FREE on Social

22 Month 2019 CHICAGOPARENT.COM

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Francis W. Parker School MONTH TH 2019 | FREE GuidePostMontessori.com/ wicker-park

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 Tours available at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11 a.m.

330 West Webster Ave., Chicago 773-797-5107

MEDIA

More than a British school

Our student body represents over 40 nationalities creating an inclusive international family atmosphere. Our curricula are enhanced through collaborations with the world’s best — Juilliard, MIT, and UNICEF. See what sets us apart at BISChicagoSL.org

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FWParker.org

Beacon Academy

Open Houses Lower School Open House (JK-3rd Grades) - Saturday, October 26 at 9 a.m.

Middle School Open House (6th8th Grades) - Saturday, November 9 at 1 p.m.

Upper School Open Houses (9th12th Grades) - Saturday, November 16 at 10 a.m.

Register online at fwparker.org/ openhouse

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GEMS World Academy Chicago

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350 E. South Water St., Chicago 312-809-8941 GemsChicago.org Preschool-12

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Open House dates Coffee With Administration - Sep. 11, 8:30 AM (various dates all fall) Lower School Info Night - October 10, 6:30 PM (various dates for different grades all fall) Open House - October 26, 11 AM (all grades)

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Open House

Preschool through Grade 12 November 7 & January 9 9am-12pm & 4pm-8pm

CHICAGOPARENT.COM September 2019 43

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Calendar

25 family-friendly il f i dl

events you can’t miss

SEPTEMBER Passport Europe Festival

Frida a Fest.

Fest Fe st. Enjoy live music, live visual art, live dance, authentic Mexican food vendors and more in a kick-off to the yearlong celebration of Frida Kahlo at McAninch Arts Center.

Sept. 8.

Chicago Jazz Festival

County Fair Chicago.

Taste of Polonia.

Live music, dancing, carnival games and food. Lace up your dancing shoes for a traditional barn dance once the sun goes down at Bank of America Auditorium.

Sept. 7-8.

Features four stages of music, Polish cuisine and a Kids World in Chicago.

Sept. 1-2.

Chicago Jazz Festival. Live jazz in the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park.

Sept. 1.

African Festival of the Arts. Festival

Touch a Truck. Touch, Lambs Farm Fall on the Farm

highlighting African culture features dancing, music, art and entertainment in Washington Park. Sept. 1-2.

Irish Days. A tribute to culture, music, food and Guinness in Long Grove.

Sept. 1-2.

Naperville Last Fling. Enjoy entertainment, live music, carnival, contests and a Family Fun Land. Sept. 1.

Stroller Tours. Caregivers & kids discover the Museum of Contemporary Art’s exhibitions with a docent. Sept. 4.

Mama Fresh Family Days. Enjoy Family Yoga, story times, free music, crafts and more at Hyde Park Farmers Market.

Sept. 5.

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Stars of Lyric Opera.

Listen to Lyric Opera stars under the stars in Millennium Park. Sept. 6.

Throwback Music Festival. In addition to music acts, there will be arts and crafts and kids’ activities at Gladstone Park in Chicago. Sept. 6-8.

feel and climb through a variety of vehicles at Berens Park in Elmhurst.

Sept. 7.

Bird is the Word.

Enjoy a visit from American Racing Pigeon Union, see these amazing birds up close and even experience a release at Morton Arboretum. Sept. 8.

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts.

Features music, a beer and wine garden and an interactive children’s area.

Sept. 14-15.

{ } Lakeview East Festival of the Arts Photo courtesy Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce

8/15/19 3:57 PM

Calendar Autumn in the Park Festival.

Includes a parade, music, games and a kids’ area in Palos Park. Sept. 20-22.

Long Grove Apple Fest. Get your apple fix and participate in family activities. Sept.

20-22.

Long Grove Apple Fest Photo courtesy Grimaldi Public Relations

Lakeview Taco Fest. In addition to tacos and music, features beer and taco pairings, Mexican wrestlers, a kids’ activity area and arts/ crafts. Sept. 21-22.

Smithsonian Museum Day. A free day for museums all over the country.

Sept. 21.

Lambs Farm Fall on the Farm.

Fall-themed crafts and activities will be available at the Libertyville farm.

Sept. 21.

Passport Europe Festival. Immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of Europe at Morton Arboretum.

Sept. 21-22.

National Geographic Live: Between River & Rim. National Geographic explorers shed light on the environmental threats National Parks face while sharing stories of their treks at The Auditorium Theatre. Sept. 24.

and entertainment on three stages, arts crafts, and KinderFest with face paintings, storytelling, inflatables, dance parties and art activities. Sept. 27-29.

Edgewater Arts Festival.

Kid-friendly activities include face painting, finger painting, sidewalk chalk drawing, interactive puppet shows, and arts and crafts. fts. Sept. 28-29.

Apple Pie Off. Oak Park Library’s baking contest open to bakers of all ages and skill levels. Judges will rate each pie on taste, appearance and creativity. Sept.

28.

Fall Fun Fest & Duck Race. Enjoy a duck race and festival outside of the Oak Lawn Children’s Museum. Sept. 29.

Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus.

Features food, music

Lakeview Taco Fest Photo courtesy Special Events Management

International ship to dock

F

NAVY PIER YARD

estooned with an artistic sail, The Ship of Tolerance was born of the concept to teach young people about kids their own age across the globe.

In 2005, children and young adults discussed tolerance, then drew art to reflect the discussion. The art was translated to a giant sail that sits on the mast of the ship that has “sailed” the globe to keep the discussion going.

Beginning Sept. 17 and coinciding with Expo Chicago, The Ship of Tolerance will dock in Polk Bros. Park at Navy Pier.

The concept art piece has been seen in Miami and Brooklyn, and will take a trip around London before making its way to Chicago.

“We are all afraid of the unknown,” says artist Emilia Kabakov in a release. “Like a child, you are afraid of something coming at you from the darkness of different religions, different races. We work with these fears—trying to eliminate them, trying to learn about the others—and trying to make our audience understand that knowledge is a tool, which helps with communication.”

Hillary Bird

Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus

The Ship of Tolerance When: Sept. 17-Oct. 6 Where: Polk Bros. Park at Navy Pier Cost: Free On the web: shipoftolerance.com & navypier.org CHICAGOPARENT.COM September 2019 45

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Calendar

Apple Fest PHOTO GRIMALDI PUBLIC RELATIONS

SUBURBS

1 | SUNDAY CHICAGO

Taste of Polonia. Features four stages of music, Polish cuisine and a Kids World. $10, free kids 12 and under. Noon-10 p.m. Copernicus Center. (773) 777-8898, topchicago.org.

Chicago Jazz Festival.

Live jazz in the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park. Visit website for performance schedule.

Millennium Park. (312) 744-3315, chicagojazzfestival.us.

Live on the Lake. Live, family-friendly music and performances at the Miller Lite Beer Garden at Navy Pier. Visit website for schedule. Navy Pier. navypier. org.

Secret Agent Storytime.

Sing, dance, read books and make crafts with Agent Zach and your friends, parents, and siblings. 11 a.m.-noon. The Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co. (646) 239-9625, facebook.com/ events/352704895576700.

African Festival of the Arts.

Festival highlighting African culture features dancing, music, art and entertainment. Visit website for ticket information. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Washington Park. (773) 955-2787, africanfestivalchicago.com.

Bristol Renaissance Faire.

Take a trip through Elizabethan England. $25.95, $11.50 kids, free kids 4 and under. Visit the website for discounted tickets. 10 a.m.-7 47) p.m. Bristol Renaissance, Wis. (847) 395-7773, renfair.com/Bristol.

Proceeds are given to nonprofit organizations throughout DuPage County. $10-$125. Naperville Central High School, Naperville.

(630) 961-4143, lastfling.org.

Frankfort Fall Festival. l.

Features artisans, entertainment, carnival and a parade.

10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Downtown Frankfort. (815) 469-3356, frankfortfallfestival.info.

Nashwood. Highwood restaurants will feature Nashville hot chicken, chicken and waffles, fresh biscuits, shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes and more.

Fees for food. Highwood. celebratehighwood.org/nashwood.

Irish Days. A tribute to culture, music, food and Guinness.

10 a.m.-7 p.m. Long Grove. (847) 634-0888, visitlonggrove.com.

Fox Valley Folk Festival.

Features folk music and storytelling, plus a barn dance and ghost stories. $20, free kids 12 and under. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Island Park, Geneva. (630) 897-3655, foxvalleyfolk.com.

Naperville Last Fling. Enjoy entertainment, live music, carnival, contests and a Family Fun Land.

4 | WEDNESDAY Stroller Tours. Caregivers & kids discover the MCA’s exhibitions with a docent, exploring galleries without concern that their baby or st stroller will disrupt the tour. Free w with admission 11:30 a.m. Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago. mcachicago.org. m

5 | THURSDAY

Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo

2 | MONDAY

Mama Fresh Family Days.

E Enjoy Family Yoga, story times, fr free music, crafts and more while ch checking out vendors with prod duce, flowers, baked goods, and ja jams/jellies, in addition to handcr crafted items by local artisans. 8:30 a. a.m.-noon. Hyde Park Farmers Market, Chicago. facebook.com/ hydeparkchicagofarmersmarket.

Taste of Polonia. See Sept. 1.

Today’s schedule: noon-9 p.m.

Frankfort Fall. See Sept.

1. Today’s schedule: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Irish Days. See Sept. 1.

Today’s schedule: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fox Valley Folk Festival. See Sept. 1.

African Festival of the Arts.

See Sept. 1.

Bristol Renaissance Faire. See Sept. 1.

6 | FRIDAY Festival de la Villita.

Cultural event celebrates Mexico’s independence. Fees for carnival rides. 6-10 p.m. 26th Street & Kostner, Chicago. (773) 868-3010, chicagoevents.com/events/ fiestaspatrias.

Stars of Lyric Opera.

Listen to Lyric Opera stars under the stars. 7:30 p.m. Millennium Park, Chicago. lyricopera.org.

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Calendar Nature Museum Camp Out. Kids ages 7-11 and their parents enjoy an evening under the stars—complete with s’mores, animal encounters, nature-inspired crafts and more.

Families are first invited to join the Camp Out Sleepunder from 6-8 p.m., then sleep in the museum overnight. $40 sleepover, $15 adult & $10 camper for sleepunder; registration required. 6 p.m.-9 a.m.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago. naturemuseum.org.

Drop-In Small Wonders Art for Kids. On the first Friday of each month, artists ages 4-12 take part in a variety of creative visual and performing arts activities. Drop off begins at 4:10 p.m., and artists should wear appropriate painting clothes. $5 donation. 4:15-6:15 p.m. Side Street Studio Arts, Elgin. sidestreetstudioarts.org.

Throwback Music Festival. In addition to music acts, there will be arts and crafts and kids’ activities. $5 donation. 4-10 p.m. Gladstone Park, Chicago. (773) 868-3010, throwbackmusicfest.com.

Downtown Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival.

About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the October issue is Aug. 26. All events are subject to change. Please confirm before you go. Events taking place on four or more dates during the month are listed in Ongoing Events, beginning on page 53.

■

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar

7 | SATURDAY CHICAGO

County Fair Chicago. Live music, dancing, carnival games and food. Lace up your dancing shoes for a traditional barn dance once the sun goes down Saturday night. $10, free 12 and under. Noon-10 p.m. Bank of America Auditorium. countyfairchicago.com.

Chicago Bourbon & Barbecue Fest. Mouth-watering foods, music, artisans and kids’ activities.

$5 donation. Noon-10 p.m. Damen & Roscoe. bourbonandbbq.com.

Festival de la Villita. See Sept. 6. Today’s schedule: 2-10 p.m.

Throwback Music Festival.

See Sept. 6. Today’s schedule: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

SUBURBS

Touch a Truck. Touch, feel, and climb through a variety of vehicles. 9 a.m.-noon. Berens Park, Elmhurst. (630) 993-8900, epd.org.

Enjoy live entertainment and a kids’ art booth. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Downtown Downers Grove.

(630) 725-0991, downtowndg. org.

Prairie Farmstead Tour. Enjoy a short and easy 90-minute walk to learn about the National Registereligible Rodgers/Schumacher Farmstead. Free, preregistration required. 9:30-11 a.m. Midewin Welcome Center, Wilmington.

(815) 423-6370, fs.usda.gov/main/ midewin/home.

The Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ. Festivities include live music, a dunk tank and activities for kids.

Crescent Boulevard & Main Street, Glen Ellyn. glenellynbackyardbbq. org.

Tails on the Trails. Enjoy a day out with your pup at the arboretum. $5 per dog plus admission. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (dogs allowed 7 a.m.sunset). The Morton Arboretum, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb. org.

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Calendar 8 | SUNDAY CHICAGO

Botanic Illustration. Teens and adults can join scientific illustrator Alex Boersma for an afternoon drawing and painting nature. $75, $70 members (no materials); $100, $95 member (with materials). 2-6 p.m. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. naturemuseum.org.

Low-Sensory Early Exploration. Guests can explore featured exhibits in a less crowded and more sensory-friendly environment. Preregistration required.

8:30-9:30 a.m. Museum of Science and Industry. msichicago.org.

County Fair Chicago. See Sept.

7. Today’s schedule: noon-9 p.m.

Chicago Bourbon & Barbecue Fest. See Sept. 7 Festival de la Villita. See Sept. 6. Today’s schedule: 2-10 p.m.

Throwback Music Festival.

See Sept. 6. Today’s schedule: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

SUBURBS

Grandparents Day. Enjoy fun, intergenerational family activities in the historic buildings. Free with museum admission 1-4 p.m. Naper Settlement, Naperville. napersettlement.org.

Sensory Friendly Sundays.

13 | FRIDAY Middle School Night at The Hub. Kids in grades 6-9 are invited

Families with children who are 18 months to 10 years old who have sensory needs to experience a less crowded Children’s Garden with minimal noise. Free with arboretum admission; registration required.

8:45-9:30 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

to The Hub at Berens Park for a fun-filled night of mini golf, batting cages, music provided by a DJ and more. Food and drink will be available for purchase at the concessions stand. $19, $15 residents, preregistration required. 6-9 p.m.

Berens Park, Elmhurst. epd.org.

Bird is the Word. Enjoy a visit from American Racing Pigeon Union, see these amazing birds up close and even experience a release. Release times will be at different times during the day and are based on weather. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Morton Arboretum, Lisle. mortonarb.org/events/bird-word.

14 | SATURDAY

Scandinavian Day Festival.

Celebrates the cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. $10, free kids under 12. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Vasa Park, South Elgin. (847) 695-6720, scandinaviandayil.com.

Frida Fest. Enjoy live music, live visual art, live dance, authentic Mexican food vendors and more in a kick-off to the yearlong celebration of Frida Kahlo. Noon-9 p.m. McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn. atthemac.org/events/ frida-fest.

Billiards, Chicago. facebook.com/ northrivercommission.

11 | WEDNESDAY Autism Helping Hands Support Group. Parent support group to talk about life transitions, get help & advice, and hear & share stories. 5:30-7 p.m.

Higgins Education Center, Hoffman Estates. adc.d211.org/Domain/13.

12 | THURSDAY Lot Jams in Albany Park.

Lot Jams is an all-ages event that has live music, activities for kids, and food and drink available. 7-9 p.m.

Surge Coffee Bar &

CHICAGO

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts. Features music, a beer and wine garden and an interactive children’s area. $5 donation.

10 a.m.-7 p.m. Broadway from Belmont Avenue to Roscoe Street. lakevieweastfestivalofthearts.com.

Ravenswood ArtWalk.

Enjoy a weekend of art, music, food and community. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Ravenswood Avenue from Irving Park to Lawrence. ravenswoodartwalk.org.

SUBURBS

Ghosts of the Ammunition Plant. Tour the inside of one of the few remaining ammunition storage bunkers and learn about the deadly explosion during World War II. Preregistration required. 10 a.m.-noon. Midewin Welcome Center, Wilmington.

(815) 423-6370, fs.usda.gov/main/ midewin/home.

Monarch Festival.

Includes butterfly arts and crafts, butterfly tagging and more. 2-5 p.m. Oak View Community Center, Oak Lawn. olparks.com.

15 | SUNDAY CHICAGO

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts. See Sept. 14. Today’s schedule: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

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Ravenswood ArtWalk. See Sept. 14.

SUBURBS

Open Swim. Open Swim is a great opportunity for additional practice outside of swim lessons or to simply have fun in the pool. $10, RSVP recommended. 3-5 p.m.

British Swim School, Skokie.

(708) 613-5179, BSSChicago.com.

19 | THURSDAY New Music Chicago Presents. New Music Chicago members will play a contemporary concert. Noon-12:45 p.m. Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago. newmusicchicago.org.

20 | FRIDAY Long Grove Apple Fest. Get your apple fix and participate in family activities. $5, free kids 12 and under. Noon-11 p.m. Long Grove. longgrove.org/festivals/ apple-fest.

Autumn in the Park Festival. Includes a parade, music, games and a kids’ area.

6-11 p.m. Palos Park Village Green, Palos Park. palospark.org.

21 | SATURDAY CHICAGO

Lakeview Taco Fest. In addition to tacos and music, fest features beer and taco pairings, Mexican wrestlers, a kids’ activity area and arts/crafts. $10 donation. 11

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Calendar

Nurturing the Potential Within Each Child Develop your child’s potential • Ages 15 months through Elementary • Beautiful, bright new building • Regular informational tours • Now enrolling Accredited through age 12 by the by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI)

Homewood Fall Fest a.m.-10 p.m. Southport between Addison and Roscoe. lakeviewtacofest.com.

Smithsonian Museum Day. A free day for museums all over the country. This year’s theme will celebrate the Smithsonian Year of Music.

Sign up for tickets on the Smithsonian Magazine website. One ticket is good for two people at one museum.

Various museums in Chicago & suburbs. smithsonianmag.com.

Andersonville Arts Fest.

Features artwork, live music, kids’ activities and food from on-site and neighboring restaurants. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. North Clark & West Winona streets. (847) 926-4300, amdurproductions.com/event/ andersonville-art-festival-2019.

SUBURBS

Hooray for Bollywood– Let’s Dance. Dance experts from Bollywood Dance Fit demonstrate how easy and fun to dance on pumping up Bollywood beats.

10-11 a.m., Evergreen Park Public Library, Evergreen Park. evergreenparklibrary.org.

Midewin Geology Tour.

See the rocks, hills and plains that show what was here 15,000 years ago. 9 a.m.-noon. Midewin Welcome Center, Wilmington.

(815) 423-6370, fs.usda.gov/main/ midewin/home

The Midwest Wizard of Oz Festival. Includes a carnival, pie-

Gateway Montessori 4041 N. Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641 www.GatewayMontessoriSchool.org 773.539.3025 • info@gatewaymontessorischool.org

eating contest and characters from The Wizard of Oz. Visit website for ticket information. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Odyssey Fun Farm, Tinley Park. midwestozfest.com.

2019-2020 Season

Autumn in the Park Festival.

See Sept. 20. Today’s schedule: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Passport Europe Festival.

Immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of Europe. Free with arboretum admission. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Morton Arboretum, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org/events/ passport-europe-festival.

22 | SUNDAY CHICAGO

Andersonville Arts Fest.

See Sept. 21.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Oct. 10-12, 2019

THE MLK PROJECT: THE FIGHT FOR

CIVIL RIGHTS

Jan. 27-Feb. 1, 2020

Lakeview Taco Fest. See Sept.

Lambs Farm Fall on the Farm.

Fall-themed crafts and activities will be available. $8, $15 kids, free 2 and under. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lambs Farm, Libertyville. lambsfarm.org/ marquee-events/fall-on-the-farm.

See Sept. 21.

Long Grove Apple Fest. See

Long Grove Apple Fest. See

Sept. 20. Today’s schedule: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Sept. 20. Today’s schedule: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

CAMP

Wonderland!

Dec. 2-14, 2019

Aladdin April 13-19, 2020

Call now for the BEST seats!

21.

SUBURBS

Groups: 219-836-3258

Lambs Farm Fall on the Farm.

Box Office: 219-836-3255 1040 Ridge Road Munster, IN

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ORY

Calendar The Midwest Wizard of Oz Festival. See Sept. 21 Passport Europe Festival. See Sept. 21.

24 | TUESDAY National Geographic Live: Between River & Rim. National Geographic explorers shed light on environmental threats facing the Grand Canyon while sharing stories from their trek, accompanied by McBride’s stunning photos and videos. $42+. 7 p.m. The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Chicago. tickets.auditoriumtheatre.org.

27 | FRIDAY Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus. Features food, music and entertainment on three stages, arts crafts, and KinderFest with face paintings, storytelling, inflatables, dance parties and art activities. $5-$10. 5-10 p.m. St. Alphonsus Church, Chicago. (773) 868-3010, oktoberfestchicago.org.

Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo. Includes animal chats, music, a pumpkin patch and fall-themed enrichment. Ride tickets cost extra.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago. lpzoo.org.

28 | SATURDAY 26 | THURSDAY Writing Club for Kids.

Create a story based on a fun writing prompt. Recommended for grades 4-6. Free. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Homewood Public Library, Homewood. (708) 798-0121, homewoodlibrary.org.

CHICAGO

Edgewater Arts Festival.

Kid-friendly activities include face painting, finger painting, sidewalk chalk drawing, interactive puppet shows, and arts and crafts. The Children’s Music Talent Showcase will feature performances by local elementary school-age children.

Oaktoberfest

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Christopher J. Morin, DDS 811 W. Wellington, Chicago, IL 60657

(773) 871-4964 DR. YAA N. McDONALD 4801 W. Peterson Ave • Chicago, IL 60646

773-790-4282

Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry 16345 S. Harlem • Tinley Park

708-633-8700 • www.kidsdds.net

MiniSmilesChicago.com chrismorin5@yahoo.com

Evenings and Saturdays available.

Practice limited to infants, children and adolescents.

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Calendar

Fall/Winter Consignment Sale 2019 Offering gently used boutique and designer clothing

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(sizes newborn - size 16), shoes, toys, accessories and baby gear.

Saturday, September 21st 9am-4pm & Sunday, September 22nd 10am-2pm Canlan Sportsplex 28156 W. Northpointe Parkway Lake Barrington There is still time to Consign. Register today at:

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Free Admission & Parking • BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag)

Cash & Credit sweet Cards Accepted • NO STROLLERS ALLOWED growing cents of style typeface: sans medium (a professional font that needs to be purchased ... mvbfonts.com/sweet_sans)

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Oak Lawn Monarch Festival hex# for web: 28638E

Plus, a “Doggie District” pet show. $5 donation. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Granville Avenue, between Broadway and Kenmore. edge waterartists.com/arts-festival.html.

Cornucopia Fall Festival.

Includes pony rides, a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch and more. $2-$5 activities. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Eugene Field Park, eugenefieldpac.com.

Hyde Park Jazz Festival. Jazz music, dancing, food and activities for kids. $5 donation requested.

1 p.m-midnight. Hyde Park. hydeparkjazzfestival.org.

r: 40 taste, appearance and creativity.

G: 99 Prizes will be awarded for best B: 142 taste, best appearance and best c: 89% overall. Preregistration required.

M: 50% 1 p.m. arrival, 1:45 p.m. open to Y: 24% the public. Oak Park K:Public 5% Library, Oak Park. oppl.org.

c: 5% M: 89% Y: 75% K: 0%

Homewood Fall Fest.

Jacob Sanchez Diagnosed with autism

29 | SUNDAY

schedule: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Zoo. See Sept. 27.

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Features live entertainment, wagon rides, a pumpkin patch and food. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Downtown Homewood. homesweet homewood.com.

Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus. See Sept. 27. Today’s Fall Fest at Lincoln Park

hex# for web: E34345

CHICAGO

Oktoberfest Chicago at St. Alphonsus. See Sept. 27. Today’s schedule: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

SUBURBS

Family Day/Open House.

Families can see the ranch’s wolves, Siberian tiger, black bear, cougar, skunk and porcupines. $7. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Big Run Wolf Ranch, Lockport. (815) 588-0044, bigrunwolfranch.org.

Tim Adams Magic Show.

Magician Tim Adamz performs a very magical and interactive show the entire family will enjoy. 2 p.m. Morton Grove Public Library, Morton Grove. (847) 929-5102, mgpl.org.

Apple Pie Off. The Apple Pie Off is a baking contest open to bakers of all ages and skill levels. Judges will rate each pie on

Edgewater Arts Festival. See Sept. 28.

Jacob Sanchez Diagnosed with autism

Hyde Park Jazz Festival. See Sept. 28. Today’s schedule: 1 p.m.9:15 p.m.

Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo. See Sept. 27.

SUBURBS

Sensory sensitivity is a sign of autism.

Learn the others at autismspeaks.org/signs.

Fall Fun Fest & Duck Race. Enjoy a duck race and festival outside of the museum. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn, Oak Lawn. cmoaklawn. org.

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Sensory sensitivity is a sign of autism.

Learn the others at autismspeaks.org/signs.

8/15/19 4:01 PM

Exhibit

The Power of Children

I

nspire your kids to make a difference byy introducing them to ordinary kids who ended up doing some pretty extraordinary things.

The Elmhurst History Museum this month unveils a traveling exhibit from The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis that it has coveted for years.

The Power of Children: Making a Difference tells the stories of Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges and Ryan White, three children who made a positive difference in the world through words and actions.

Expect hands-on interactives and original artifacts. In addition, see the Secret Annex where Anne Frank and her

Ann and Ryan’s stoRuby, An ries ttake place in the past, fast forward pas to 2019 and their experiences sound ex family familiar to us in a fa spent two modern context.” m years in At the end of A Anne Frank, May 1942. hiding; the the exhibit, visitors Courtesy AFF/AFS. classroom challenged to find are ch in which Ruby by ways that they can make a Bridges spent nt an entire difference. diff school year alone with her “It is a unique power that teacher; and Ryan White’s bedyoung people have to stand room, filled with his treasured up to injustice and remind the belongings. adults in their world of their “The themes of this exhibit role in these battles. We feel it are as meaningful and necesis our obligation to share exhibsary today as ever,” Elmhurst its like this with the public in History Museum’s Executive the hope that we can inspire all Director David Oberg says in people to stand up to combat a news release. “Even though prejudice and intolerance in all

Ruby Bridges, 1960.

Donated by Corbis.

its forms,” Oberg says.

To reach the most people with the message, Elmhurst History Museum is making general admission free.

The Power of Children: Making a Difference ■ Sept. 6-Oct. 13 ■ Recommended for ages 8 and older ■ Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst ■ 1-5 p.m. Sunday, TuesdayFriday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday ■ elmhursthistory.org

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY pediatric dentistry

PEDIATRIC EYE CARE Anne Frank, May 1942.

Courtesy AFF/AFS.

Pediatric Ophthalmologists Ruby Bridges, 1960.

Donated by Corbis.

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Ongoing

Imagine the Moon Sky Show Exhibits

Animal House. Meet the newest tree-dwelling additions to Peggy Notebaert’s Animal House. Free with admission. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, naturemuseum.org.

and adult fans. $5, $3 children 3-11, free 2 and under. Zoo admission additional. Through Sept.

29. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. (708) 688-8000, czs.org.

Imagine the Moon, takes a closer look at humanity’s relationship with Earth’s nearest neighbor. Adler Planetarium, Chicago. (312) 922STAR (7827), adlerplanetarium.org.

and under. Thursdays-Sundays beginning Sept. 7 and Labor Day. Richardson Adventure Farm, Spring Grove. (815) 675-9729, richardsonadventurefarm.com.

Drop-in Acorn Express Adventures. Take a family-friend-

Lego Ninjago: Master Wu’s Mission. Discover your elemen-

Nature Connects: Art with Lego bricks by Sean Kenney.

Art on theMart. Curated digital art installation across 2.5 acres of theMART’s river façade. About 7-9 p.m. daily. The Merchandise Mart, Chicago. artonthemart.com.

ly tram-ride adventure through the arboretum. Seek out fun destinations to hike, make a craft and explore new topics each week. $5.

11-11:45 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. The Morton Arboretum, Lisle. (630) 719-2468, mortonarb. org.

Bixbee Imagination Station.

Fantastic Bug Encounters!

Rooms inspired by Bixbee product design themes, each providing Instagrammable backdrops with engaging activities that boost creativity while creating moments of awareness and self-expression. $30, $23 ages 3-11, Free 2 and under. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. North Avenue Collection, Chicago. bixbeeimaginationstation.com.

Brick Safari. Created from millions of individual Lego bricks, the never-before-seen-in-NorthAmerica sculptures will amaze kids

Step into a larger-than-life version of their hidden world. Told from a bug’s point of view, Fantastic Bug Encounters! invites you to take a closer look at the beauty, diversity and abilities of these resourceful creatures. Explore hands-on stations to learn about the unique superpowers of spiders and insects. $6+, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Field Museum, Chicago. fieldmuseum.org.

Imagine the Moon Sky Show.

The planetarium’s sky show,

tal power, create your own ninja battle movie, conquer the Spinjitzu mountain with your newly built mech machine, and show off your ninja skills to Ninja Kai. Free with admission. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Legoland Discovery Center, Schaumburg. (847) 592-9700, chicago.legolanddiscoverycenter. com.

Marvel at 13 larger-than-life displays created from nearly half a million Lego bricks, including a monarch butterfly boasting an eight-foot wingspan and an enormous hummingbird sipping nectar from a colorful trumpet flower. Free with admission. 7 a.m.sunset through Sept. 15. Morton Arboretum, Lisle. mortonarb.org.

Moon Corn Maze. The Richardson Adventure Farm corn maze will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing with two astronauts, the Columbia, the Eagle, an American flag, Earth, stars and the words “Apollo 50,” “Richardson Farm” and “Next Giant Leap.” Activities also include wagon rides, pig races, a vintage carousel and a “park train” that runs on real tracks. Parking is free. $17 ages 13 and up, $14 for ages 4-12 in September. Free 2

Nature Cat: Backyard and Beyond. In collaboration with WTTW, Kohl Children’s Museum will debut an exhibit featuring Nature Cat and his friends designed to encourage children to explore the natural world. Free with museum admission. Kohl Children’s Museum, Glenview. kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

Pop-Up Pianos. Interact with pianos placed throughout town at ACL Laboratories, Donald

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Wired to Wear

E. Stephens Convention Center, Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Parkway Bank Sports Complex, Rosemont Senior Center, Rosemont Village Hall and Wintrust Financial Corporation. rosemont.com.

Remembering Dr. King: 19291968. Walk through a gallery of key moments in Dr. King’s work and Civil Rights. Free with museum admission. Chicago History Museum, Chicago. chicagohistory.org/visit.

Troll Hunt. The 15- to 20-foottall trolls invite visitors to interact with them, while elements of the exhibition encourage visitors to consider their personal responsibility as stewards of our environment. Free with arboretum admission. Morton Arboretum, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb. org.

Wired to Wear. The first-ever exhibit dedicated to wearable technology—smart clothing and devices designed to extend the human body’s capabilities and make us healthier, stronger and safer. Recommended for ages 6 and older. $12, $9 ages 3-11, $6 members. Timed ticket required.

Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. (773) 684-1414, msichicago.org.

OTHER EVENTS

DAILY Story Time. Listen to a story selected for the littlest visitors,

Ignoring your risk of breast cancer is no different.

and then keep the fun going with games and activities. Free with admission. 11 a.m. daily. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, naturemuseum.org.

SUNDAY Family Build Lab. Join experts in the studio for themed stations to introduce you to architecture basics, a design challenge and a take-home project. Family Build is great for families with children 3 and up. $12, free members. 10 a.m. Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago. architecture.org.

Fiddleheads. Join the conservatory each weekend for activities and projects that get kids and families wondering about the plants and the natural world. Each week is a different science-based activity. Noon-4 p.m. Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago. (773) 6381766, garfieldconservatory.org.

If a small fire started in your kitchen, would you ignore it? Of course not. In much the same way, it’s critical to find breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

Call 1-877 GO KOMEN or visit komen.org to learn more.

Because every woman is at risk.

Pavement. The activity is a variety of group painting activities set to music, so children can dance, wiggle and giggle their way to a collaborative masterpiece.

Free with museum admission.

12:30-4:30 p.m. Wonder Works Children’s Museum, Oak Park.

(708) 383-4815, wonder-works.org.

MONDAY Morning Glories. Children and their caregivers can explore different areas of the Children’s Garden. Educators provide story

This space provided as a public service. ©20 0 9 Susan G . Komen for the Cure ® The Running Ribbon is a registered trademark of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

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We provide exceptional service, quality care, and the latest technology. Our faculty and students have expertise addressing the unique needs of children with communication and/or visual impairment.

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Speech-Language Institute & Eye Institute Your Family’s Home for Healthcare

3450 Lacey Road Downers Grove, IL 60515 630.743.4500 www.mwuclinics.com

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Ongoing time, imaginative play and sensory activities. Recommended for 5 and younger. Free, donation requested.

10 a.m.-noon. Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago. (773) 6381766, garfieldconservatory.org.

Shadow Puppet Story Time.

An exciting adventure with Bill, the museum’s story time expert, and his trusty sidekick. Free with

museum admission. 11:30 a.m.

Wonder Works, Oak Park. (708) 383-4815, wonder-works.org.

Baby & Me. A chance for parents of infants to meet others adjusting to parenthood, ask questions and make friends. A nurse representative from Advocate Lutheran General Hospital will answer questions and facilitate discussions about early childhood developch ment. Free with wi admission. 9:30-11 a.m. Kohl C Children’s Museum, Glenview.

Glenview (847) 832-6600, kcmgc.org. kcmgc TUESDAY Kido Books Storytime. The story St

Nature Cat

time tim specializes in books that feature multicultural chara characters and encourage empathy empat and inclusivity.

10:30-11 a.m. KIDO, 1137 S. Delano Cou Court, Chicago. kidochicago.c kidochicago.com.

Wiggleworms at Gallagher Way. Young children and their families can participate in an interactive, social and imaginative musical world with live music, shakers, bubbles, singing and dancing. 10 a.m. through Sept. 24.

Gallagher Way, Chicago. gallagherway.com.

Children’s Movies at Gallagher Way. Families can enjoy movies on the big screen. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. An American Tail, Sept. 3; Sing, Sept. 17; Minions, Sept. 24. Gallagher Way, Chicago. gallagherway.com.

Mindfulness and More. Oral storytelling and mindful awareness games develop focusing skills.

Free with museum admission. 3:30 p.m. Wonder Works Children’s Museum, Oak Park. (708) 3834815, wonder-works.org.

THURSDAY Slot Car Free Play. Enjoy racing slot cars, hot chocolate, a coloring station, a game room with foosball, ping pong, air hockey and more. 5-9 p.m. ThursdaysFridays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays.

Fieldhouse Jones, Chicago. fieldhousejones.com.

Play Late Thursdays. On the

WEDNESDAY Wild Wednesdays. Kids explore nature, get their hands dirty and discover new things about plants, animals and nature.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. 4-7 p.m. Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago. (773) 638-1766, garfieldconservatory. org.

first Thursday of each month, kids take center stage with programs including open mic nights with guest MCs to run the show, themed dance parties for the whole family, kid-friendly and kid-starring performances and more. The rest of the month on Thursdays, entrance late in the day is $14.95 for up to four people, $5 each additional person.

fall fun | special advertising section A Fairytale Ballet & Academy Lakeview, Bucktown, Evanston 773-477-4488 (LV & EV) 773-606-0318 (BT) AFairytaleBallet.com

Fairytale Ballet with costumes & props PLUS Academy level classes. 2-17 yrs.

Codeverse 819 W Eastman Street 844-644-CODE Codeverse.com

17 Interactive exhibits, including Nature Cat: Backyard and Beyond!

World’s largest corn maze with family fun, picnic sites, concessions.

The Little Gym of Chicago 3216 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago 773-525-5750

Visit Delavan P.O. Box 117 Delavan, WI 53115 800-395-8687 VisitDelavan.com

Our awesome curriculum facilitates ongoing skill development and maximum fun!

Main Event Entertainment Warrenville: 28248 Diehl Road (630) 393-9400

Codeverse is Chicago’s best interactive coding studio for kids!

Hoffman Estates: 2575 Pratum Ave.

Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy Lemont, IL 60439

847-645-1111 Mainevent.com

630-878-8096 HolisticRidingTherapy.org

Therapeutic horseback riding, grooming, trail, and hands-on farm interactive program

Kohl Children’s Museum 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview 847-832-6600 Kcmgc.org

Main Event has the most FUN under one roof with bowling, laser tag, over 100 arcade games and food!

Pump It Up Party Orland Park: 708-479-2220 Chicago: 312-664-PUMP Richardson Adventure Farm 1101 English Prairie Rd., Spring Grove IL 60081 815-675-9729 RichardsonFarm.com

Christmas trees.

815-827-5200 YouPickFun.com Rainforest Café A Wild Place to Shop and Eat

Home to Scarecrow Fest, pumpkin picking and other fall fun!

Downtown Oak Park Oaktoberfest – Kids’ Root Beer Garden September 20, 4-10pm, September 21, noon-10pm Free Admission

Downtown Chicago 312-787-1501 Woodfield Mall 847-619-1900 Gurnee Mills 847-855-7800 RainforestCafe.com Safari Land Indoor Amusement Park

Oaktoberfest.net Golf Mill Shopping Center 239 Golf Mill Center, Niles Pirates Day Sat. Sept 14, 11 to 1pm Boo Bash: Sat. Oct 26 11am - 1pm Trick or Treat at the Mall: Oct 31 5pm to 7pm

Golfmill.com Kuipers Family Farm 1N318 Watson Road, Maple Park

701 W. North Ave., Villa Park 630-530-4649 SafariLand.com Skokie Park District 9300 Weber Park Pl., Skokie 847-674-1500 Skokieparks.org

Check out Chicagoland’s best programs, parties and destinations this fall!

August through December U pick apples, pumpkins and

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Ongoing 4-8 p.m. Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000. chicagochildrens museum.org.

Ravinia District Food Truck Thursdays. Held on Dean Avenue between Roger Williams and St. Johns avenues, and in Jens Jensen Park, across from the Ravinia Metra Station. Familyfriendly crafts and activities in the park add to the fun. 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. through Sept. 12. Highland Park. cityhpil.com.

Songs and Stories. Join artists at Bubbles Academy every Thursday afternoon for songs and stories. Entry includes cost for open play. $12, free enrolled families.

3:30 p.m. Bubbles Academy, Chicago. bubblesacademy.com.

FRIDAY

Garden Story Time. Gather for

story time and fun in the Children’s Garden amphitheater. Free with arboretum admission. 11 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

independently. For those who need to learn, there is a dropin group instructional session 10-10:30 a.m. Must have a deck of 60 cards. 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays. Cat & Mouse Games, Chicago. cat-n-mouse.com.

Little Squirrels Storytime.

Stories and songs celebrating classic literature for preschoolage kids. Free with admission.

10:30-11:30 a.m. American Writers Museum, Chicago. (312) 374-8790, americanwritersmuseum.org.

CP

Shadow Puppet Story Time.

See Monday.

Slot Car Free Play. See Thursday.

SATURDAY

Kids Pokémon League.

FE

S.T.E.A.M. Saturdays. Each

week, kids get a chance to learn more through play, mostly focusing on chemistry, geometry and physics. Free with museum admission.

3:30-4:30 p.m. Wonder Works, Oak Park. (708) 383-4815, wonderworks.org.

The Cat & Mouse Games Kids’ Pokemon League brings together kids 6-12 serious about learnSlot Car Free Play. See ing how to play the game.

Thursday.

Participants need to understand the Fiddleheads. See Sunday. official rules and CH ICAG O PAR ENT .C OM Nature be able to Weekend Crafts. See Sunday.

Connects play Saturday times: Noon-1 p.m.

FE

CP C

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arts education | special advertising section

special needs | special advertising section

A Fairytale Ballet & Academy

Shriners Hospitals for Children

Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy

2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago 773-622-5400 Referral line: 773-385-KIDS (5437)

Lemont, IL 60439 630-878-8096

Lakeview, Bucktown, Evanston 773-477-4488 (LV & EV) 773-606-0318 (BT)

AFairytaleBallet.com Fairytale Ballet with costumes & props PLUS Academy level classes. 2-17 yrs.

Master S. H. Yu Martial Arts Fitness Assoc.

6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park 708-383-456 Master-sh-yu.com

Theatre at the Center 1040 Ridge Road Munster, IN Groups: 219-836-3258 Box Office: 219-836-3255

Western Springs School of Talent Education and Naperville Suzuki School Expert Suzuki Method Instruction in Violin, Viola, Cello 708-246-9309 WSSTE.com

ShrinersChicago.org Providing pediatric specialty care in orthopedics, rehabilitation, and plastic surgery for over 90 years.

Autism Home Support Services & AHSS Autism Centers Serving all of Chicagoland and Rockford 844-247-7222

AutismHomeSupport.com AHSS, a leader in the industry providing compassionate care that delivers real results.

HolisticRidingTherapy.org Therapeutic horseback riding, grooming, trail, and hands-on farm interactive program

Midwestern University 3450 Lacey Rd, Downers Grove

630-743-4500

MWUClinics.com Speech-Language Institute & Eye Institute

Marilyn Longwell & Associates, PC Attorneys at Law Chicago 312-263-4730 Oakbrook 630-954-1480 Longwell-law.com

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YOUR FAMILY GUIDE TO THE

Chicago Riverwalk STORY AND PHOTOS

BY KATINA BENIARIS

T

he Chicago Riverwalk has gone through so many amazing changes over the past few years and now, it has become a beloved attraction in the city’s downtown area. Stretching for 1.25 miles along the Chicago River, the stroller-friendly path offers public art displays, quick bites, plenty of fun and so much more for your entire family.

Play The Water Plaza Looking to cool down after your walk? The Water Plaza, one of the themed spaces on the Riverwalk, offers a free splash pad for families. This splash pad is elevated and gated away from the river edge, so your kids can roam free and you can take a seat while watching them.

Between LaSalle and Wells Avenues bridges Urban Kayaks If your family is up for an adventure, take a challenge and kayak down the Chicago River. Urban Kayaks offers a “Riverwalk Intro Paddle” perfect for families who never tried kayaking before. Parents can ride with kids under 15 in a tandem (two-person) kayak.

Experienced kayakers can try out special tours like the “Ultimate Fireworks Outing” and the “Art on the Mart Twilight Paddle” for some sweet views.

435 E. Riverwalk South

The Riverbank What we love about the Chicago Riverwalk is the growing number of public art displays. On the farther end of the Riverwalk, check out the Black Tiberinus by the School of Art Institute Chicago alum, Robert Burnier. The yellow installation is hard to miss on the Riverwalk and while you’re there, take a seat on one of the brightly-colored lawn chairs.

Between Franklin Street and Lake Street bridges

Eat The Northman Beer & Cider Garden Chicago’s first cider bar has

made a name for itself in North Center and now you can enjoy a traditional European beer garden on the river. With plenty ty of drink options available ble for parents, don’t hesitate ate to take a seat at the picnic cnic tables with the kids as well.

The food menu hosts plenty of family-friendly options from artisanal hot dogs and sausages to soft pretzels and sandwiches.

There’s also cornhole available if the kids want to play.

233 E. Riverwalk South Sweet Home Gelato Head over to Sweet Home

Gelato when it’s time for a dessert break. Conveniently located right next to the splash pad in The Water Plaza, the gelato spot offers special treats like root beer floats, milkshakes and sundaes.

151-155 W. Riverwalk South

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Chicago Riverwalk Community Marketplace New this year, the Riverwalk brings some neighborhood gems to the Riverwalk. Try out the French toast flight at Batter and Berries or curry tacos and savory pies at Chiya Chai Café.

Note: Hours vary and businesses may not be open during your visit.

65 E. Riverwalk South

Shop Shop Small Chicago Support local artists at this kiosk hosting a rotating selection of accessories, apparel and lifestyle products. Some products included are honey-infused skincare from BeeLove (North Lawndale) and Chicago-inspired pet collars from Six Point Pet (Ravenswood). Check its website to see which brands are featured in the shop this month.

65 E. Riverwalk South

Neighborly Here’s another great business offering handmade and ecofriendly products. If you’re looking for some cool Chicago-themed products, Neighborly is your onestop-shop to find phone cases, tote bags and apparel showcasing the city we all love.

65 E. Riverwalk South

Explore McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum With all the bridge houses located along the Chicago River, there’s actually one where you can explore inside! The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum is certainly worth the visit if you want to take a closer look of massive bridge gears, learn more about the Chicago River and see some nice views from a historic bridge house. Tip: Free admission is offered on Sundays.

Chicago Water Taxi We know that there are a lot of boat tours to choose from on the Chicago River, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Chicago Water Taxi is where to go. You can get an all-day pass for $10 and ride around downtown as many times as you want (or take it all the way to Chinatown!).

105 W. Riverwalk South

Art on theMART Running through Sept. 29, see incredible digital art projections on The Merchandise Mart. The program begins about 15 minutes after sunset and this year, you can enjoy Art on theMart every single day. Tip: Try to find a seat at The Jetty (located from Wells to Franklin), an area with small piers and floating wetland gardens, which is the best spot to see the projections from the Riverwalk.

222 Merchandise Mart Plaza

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Prize-winning story with a Tony Award-winning restaging, ‘The Color Purple’ is a heroine’s tale of hope and love against the odds.

The play’s music is a heart-soaring blend of jazz, gospel and the blues. $30 and up. 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays & Thursdays, 8 p.m. ThursdaysSaturdays, 3 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. Sundays beginning Sept.

13. Drury Lane Theater, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 530-0111, drurylanetheatre.com.

Destinos–Chicago International Latino Theater Festival. Chicago’s annual international live theater festival dedicated to showcasing the Latino experience as told by Latino artists and companies from Chicago, the U.S. and Latin America. Begins Sept. 19, see event website for schedule and ticket information. Goodman Theatre, Chicago. clata.org.

Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players.

Expect special guests, hilarious puppetry, brand new songs and treasured hits. $20.30. 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Sept. 21. Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-0200, marriotttheatre.com.

Love, Chaos, and Dinner.

Teatro ZinZanni is a whirlwind of international cirque, comedy and cabaret served with a multi-course feast. $123 and up, includes four-course meal. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, noon Saturdays & Sundays through Sept. 29. The Cambria Hotel

Loop-Theatre District, Chicago. broadwayinchicago.com

Midnight Circus in the Parks.

Each two-hour show takes place under a little big top tent at a park in Chicago. $5-$22, free kids under 2. Times vary by location and run each weekend. Visit website for schedule. midnightcircus.net.

Newsies. Based on the 1992 movie, Newsies is a rousing musical nominated for eight Tony Awards, winning Best Choreography and Best Score.

Recommended for ages 8 and older. $36-$74 beginning Sept.

4. Paramount Arts Centre and Theatre, Aurora. paramountaurora. com.

Peter and the Starcatcher.

An epic romp through the Neverland you never knew as 13 actors play more than 100 roles. $40-$45. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3 p.m.

Sundays beginning Sept. 20-Oct. 20. Citadel Theatre, Lake Forest. citadeltheatre.org.

Very Hungry Caterpillar - The Show. Based on author/ illustrator Eric Carle’s book, this is the story of an insatiable herbivore munching its way towards butterflyhood. Featuring 75 puppets, the production includes three additional Carle stories: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, and The Very Lonely Firefly. Recommended for all ages. $27. 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays beginning Sept. 28. Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago. chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

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L ast word

M Dilemma PARENTING

y mom’s health is failing and I don’t want her to end up in a nursing home.

I want her to move in with us, but my husband has put his foot down with a hard no. I don’t know what to do.

You can always get a new husband. You can’t get a new mom.

For me, I would be taking care of my stepmom. SheWITH didn’t FAMILIES have to CONNECTING love me. But did. She didn’t have to be there for me. But she was.

And I will always be there for her.

Heather W.

◆ Time to get mature with the husband and see what’s going on.

Find out his reasons and break through them. Last resort would be to find another living space for you AND your mom so you’ll have two homes. He will see how serious you are.

Dar L.

◆ Find a therapist or a mediator to talk through what the issues are and try to come up with a solution. This is too big of an issue with huge reaching consequences to be handled with anything but maturity and reason.

Jennifer D.

◆

◆

I’d do anything for my parents and I wouldn’t hesitate. It’s gonna be time consuming, hard and stressful but nothing can repay a parent for all the sacrifices they made for you.

Nina G.

◆

◆

Unfortunately this is the issue with many, many people and it’s a hard decision to make.

No matter how much you like to be upset with your husband, he has a right to his home and there’s no right answer except that these things should be discussed before marriage.

Dorenda C.

Your husband is thinking about you. It is a difficult task looking after an elderly or unwell parent.

If you find somewhere close, it may solve all problems.

Brigitte P.

You made vows with your spouse, not your mom. Would you feel it is your children’s responsibility to upend their lives to care for you?

Nancy G.

◆

◆

I would take a serious look at what it takes to care for someone.

Caring for your mother will likely become a 24/7 job. It’s not the right choice for everyone. For some families, moving an older parent in just totally makes sense, for others it’s nothing but stress. ... It will completely change your life.

Emma B.

Your mom will not be around forever, you have to do what you can to help her. You have a voice too, not just the sound of your husband putting his foot down. I remember my parents taking my grandmother in and I would do the same. Definitely a hard decision for you to make.

Jennie S.

◆ How we respect our parents and how we sacrifice, as they have, to make their lives better, is a future indication of how we will respect our spouse in that time, and hopefully how our children will respect and treat us. Your husband needs to put his immediate needs aside and recognize this is the time to step up. There is no “foot down” scenario here. There is the right thing to do and the selfish thing to do.

Emily P.

You can always get another husband.

You can’t get a new mom.

I don’t know your relationship with your mother, but I’m assuming she took care of you your whole life.

It’s time to return the favor. He would understand if it was his own mother.

Sarah B.

◆ Not going to sugarcoat this, your husband sounds like a jerk and then some. This is your mother, not some long-lost relative that found you on Facebook. Marriage is 50/50. He doesn’t get to make the rules and hopefully he remembers this behavior when his parent’s health begins to fail.

April L.

64 September 2019 CHICAGOPARENT.COM

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