Chicago Parent January/February 2023

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BY KATINA BENIARIS

Our speaker series continues in 2023 featuring more of the nation’s top parenting experts. Upcoming topics include talking to your kids about race, modeling a loving (and equal) partnership for your kids and more. Sign up for the remaining talks with our free series pass!

I’d model Mackenzie Bezos and be a badass philanthropist.

I’d pay off my house and the houses of all of my friends and family. Or buy them one if they don’t have one.

I’d buy cut fruit at the grocery store, which is so much more expensive and feels indulgent to me now.

I’d hire a personal assistant to do all the things I hate, like waiting on hold to make a doctor’s appointment, send any returns I have, get my car cleaned.

I’d hire a personal chef to make me really delicious food that is healthy — or not — depending on my mood.

I’d buy a bigger house with an indoor pool so I could swim on my own 365 days a year.

I’d buy art. Artists that are unknown that speak to me. Some that are huge whose work I could never afford. Oh, I’d buy so much art!

I’d have a personal medical staff and pay for an endowment at University of Michigan Medicine, so I’d have greater access to the best doctors for myself and my friends and family. Health is everything.

I’d hope that I lived a long life to enjoy it.”

Worried about money? Check out easy ways to recession proof your family this year on Page 14.

CEO & PUBLISHER: Alexis Bourkoulas

Content

VP OF MARKETING AND CONTENT: Julia Elliott

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy

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SENIOR EDITOR: Claire Charlton

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kelly Buren

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PHOTOGRAPHER AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Lauren Jeziorski

AUDIENCE AND SALES DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT: Kari Zaffarano

CONTRIBUTORS: Danielle Braff, Cheryl Eugenio, Amelia Finefrock, Cortney Fries, Julie M. Gentile, Paris Giles, Thomas Kubik, Steffy McCourt, Karen Nochimowski, Lori Orlinsky, Albiona Rakipi, Elisa A. Schmitz, Stacey Winconek, Lainey Yehl

PRINTER: Walsworth, St. Joseph, Mich.

Sales / Administrative

SENIOR MARKETING STRATEGIST: Dawn Ferencak

SALES ASSISTANT: Carlos Figuera

SPECIAL PROJECTS: Ruth Robbins

“First, I’d give away a LOT of it (most of it) to help feed the hungry, house those with no homes, provide physical and mental health support to everyone — EVERYONE — and a lot more. THEN, I would travel and see the world.”

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“I would rebuild and double staff all of the animal shelters to make them beautiful, comfortable pet hotels so that those little babies can live in the lap of luxury until they find their forever home.”

Chicago Parent is published by Zoe Communications Group, a certified Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation’s largest third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women. Articles and advertisements in Chicago Parent do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the magazine. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by Chicago Parent does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information being advertised. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading. ©2023 Zoe Communications Group. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any way without written permission of the publisher.

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If you had all the money you ever wanted, what would you do with it?

Handpicked

Bits of fun, inspiration and cool finds for you

FortuneTellers

Remember that old-school day thrill of opening your decorated shoe box to discover all of the tiny paper valentines from classmates? These days, we’re all so busy that classroom Valentine’s Day sharing might mean a last-minute Target run to grab whatever’s left.

It doesn’t have to be hard to reclaim the creative fun of Valentine’s Day with your kids. Instead of buying cheap-looking valentines, work together to whip

up super cute — and oh so simple — paper Valentine Fortune Cookies their classmates will love. Fold them together from scrapbook paper or even plain paper the kids decorate all on their own, then slip in a little message. If inspiration lags, a quick Google search will return a list of fortune cookie wisdoms to use.

Find a fun tutorial at ChicagoParent.com/LatestIssue.

Got 6 Minutes?

BY KAREN NOCHIMOWSKI

Hush, now, and I will let you in on a Momma Chef secret — when my kids were little, they ate *gasp* boxed mac and cheese. I mean, a LOT of boxed mac and cheese. Sure, I (mostly) bought the all-natural, organic brands to balance out my guilt from the unnecessary ingredients they were putting in their little bodies by the bowl full. So I became obsessed with finding an easy way to make homemade mac and cheese and more.

KAREN NOCHIMOWSKI

is the mom behind MommaChef.com. All her are quick and easy made with six ingredients or less and take less than six minutes of prep time. Karen also started and runs Momma Chef's Soup Kitchen and Momma Chef's Little Free Pantries in Chicago, which provides food at no cost. Her first cookbook, 6-Minute Dinners (& More!), is filled with simple and delicious recipes with six ingredients or less. Find it wherever books are sold.

mommachef.com

@themommachef

NO-BOIL MAC AND CHEESE

I wanted the kind of mac and cheese that almost brings you to tears because it is so rich and delish. After searching and testing and tweaking, I finally found my holy grail of no-boil baked mac and cheese. This recipe is so unbelievably easy that it actually makes the store-bought directions look difficult. Huzzah!

Our boxed mac and cheese days are over. Your kids will love to help make it, but you’ll need to be on hand to transfer the heavy dish in and out of the oven.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (regular or glutenfree)

• 4 cups 2 percent or whole milk

• 1 tsp. kosher salt

• 3 Tbsp. salted butter, melted

• 5 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

1 Preheat the oven to 350°F

2 Spray a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

3 In a large bowl, add the macaroni, milk, salt, butter and 3 cups of the cheese, mix well.

4 Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

5 Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese over the mixture and cover with foil.

Something that I learned in 2020 was that I definitely do not want to homeschool my kids. Ever. One silver lining was that my then 7-yearold son grew leaps and bounds as a mini-chef. At his request, we added “baking time with mom” into his morning schedule. Now, this was a class I loved teaching! We made a lot of Nutella-based recipes. One day, he wondered what we could do with a can of mandarin oranges. Skipping the Nutella trend, we created this cake. For budding cooks with a short attention span, the prep only took four minutes: It was finished before my oven preheated!

I would definitely give my son an A+ on his baking assignment. The cake was moist and delicious, and boy did it make our house smell terrific!

Prep Time: 4 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (15- to 18-ounce) package yellow cake mix, regular or gluten-free

• 3 eggs

• 1⁄2 cup avocado or canola oil

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges

1 Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2 Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish or a 10-inch Bundt cake pan with cooking spray.

3 In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil and vanilla, and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.

Want two more yummy options? ChicagoParent. com/LatestIssue

6 Bake covered for 35 minutes, then remove the foil, and bake uncovered 20 minutes more.

4 Add the mandarin oranges with their juices, and lightly fold them into the cake mixture until well blended.

5 Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish or cake pan.

6 Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool.

Try these wintery recipes to whip up a tummy-warming meal

SCRUMPTIOUS MANDARIN ORANGE CAKE

Building Blocks

Our readers pick their favorite Black-owned businesses

BY KARI ZAFFARANO

Small businesses make up the backbone of our neighborhoods, making them vital to stronger communities for families.

In honor of Black History Month, we asked our Instagram followers to tell us about the Black-owned businesses they love, then vote for their favorites. Here are the businesses they ranked in the top to get to know.

Kido

This award-winning Black-owned kids boutique in Chicago’s South Loop offers unique kids clothing, sustainable toys and inclusive books. The items at this shop teach little ones about race and diversity.

1137 S. Delano Court, Chicago; @kidochicago

Bronze Balloons

This Black-owned business opened a little over a year ago and is already making headway with meeting parents’ party needs, including balloon walls, standing bouquets, garland, topiary and structure rentals.

3429 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago; @bronzeballoons

Find even more awesome Black-owned businesses to visit at ChicagoParent.com/ LatestIssue.

Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream

It just recently opened its second location in the south suburbs. The shop features pound cakes and ice cream with flavors like bourbon butter pecan, banana pudding, lemon sunbeam supreme and Grandma’s old-fashioned vanilla. It also offers vegan ice cream options.

46 E. 47th St., Chicago; 3252 Vollmer Road, Olympia Fields; @shawnmichelleschicago

Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery

This Wicker Park bookstore and gallery space is Chicago’s only Black-owned and woman-owned bookstore. It features more than 800 titles grouped by association, rather than by genres. Each month, the store does #ClearTheShelves, in which CPS students are invited to pick out books for free. It offers family-friendly events, too. 1714 W. Division St., Chicago; @semicolonchi

@keepupwithkari

KARI ZAFFARANO

is a mom of one and Chicago Parent’s Audience & Sales Development assistant. She compiles all of the fun things for families to do at ChicagoParent.com and in print.

Photo by Nataki Muhammad

Photo by Andrea Stanton

Photo by Danielle Mullen

Photo by Keewa Nurullah

Parenting Trends We’ll See in 2023

BY ALBIONA RAKIPI

Parenting is a process that constantly evolves and changes. Yet somewhere along the way, parents received a memo that you must constantly be “doing” to parent well. If something is going wrong, parents assume they’re not doing enough. I’m happy to report that parents are amenable to the idea that we can do less. This indicates that parenting is heading in a healthier direction in 2023.

As we begin a new year, here are four parenting trends and healthy habits I hope all parents adopt.

Allow kids to be kids

We often place demands on our kids without realizing they are unrealistic. The good news is that parents are taking time to explore what their children need.

Instead of scheduling every minute of our kid’s day, we’re leaving room for open-ended play. We recognize the benefit of allowing our children to explore, ask questions, problem-solve and remain curious. Kids need space to be kids. Rigid schedules and stepby-step directions do not give kids the room to thrive and grow.

In short, allow your kids to make a mess. When it’s all said and done, make sure to smile because this, too, shall pass.

Say goodbye to overparenting

Parents see the value in pulling back and observing their children as they take in the world. Instead of constantly talking and narrating, observe and witness how they work through a problem. Parents often assume they need to have all the answers or solve every problem.

When your kids come to you with a question, try answering with a question. For example, if a child asks, “where are my shoes?” you can respond by saying, “I’m not sure. Where did you see them last?” Exercising restraint while observing your child work through a challenge will help your kids become more self-reliant and independent.

Parenting will be simplified

Parents are considering a simpler approach to parenting. This means in moments when you think the answer is more, you instead consider where you could do less. As we move out of the pandemic, I see parents asking, “What do we really need?” There is value in asking ourselves this question frequently. It’s easy to assume we need to keep going or doing more. But in many instances, scaling back can be beneficial.

We’re consuming fewer toys and adopting manageable schedules. Parents are also practicing discernment with their commitments and only saying yes to things that truly matter. We’re learning how to add value to our family life by subtracting the extras.

Letting go of shoulds, supposed-tos and have-tos

For so long, parents have been policing themselves and others about the right or wrong way to parent. We adopt our definition of being a good parent and what that should look like. The minute our lives fall short of this ideal, we struggle to understand where we went wrong. Mothers, primarily, assume they need to do more and blame themselves when a challenge arises. Letting go of unrealistic expectations and constant comparisons will liberate parents.

Take the time to reflect and consider what your kids need but not at the detriment of your evolution or self-growth.

As we continue to evolve ourselves, parenting will be an ever-changing process. Instead of seeing it as a one-way road map that leads to one positive outcome, stay open and lean into new ideas and possibilities.

I hope that in 2023 parents exercise compassion and kindness toward themselves while finding creative ways

to build deeper connections with their kids, and more importantly, themselves. May 2023 usher in a calmer and more forgiving parent who remembers it’s OK to break the rules every once in a while.

ALBIONA RAKIPI

is a parenting coach known for helping parents reframe their daily challenges and discover accessible solutions. She hosts the podcast “The Parenting Reframe.”

Become the Fire

Takeaways for moms to transform life’s chaos into personal success

BY ELISA A. SCHMITZ

In my new book, Become the Fire: Transform Life’s Chaos into Business and Personal Success, I share 10 lessons that show success in career and life is not dependent on how smooth a path you have. It’s about mastering your own transformation — from being thrown into the fire to becoming the fire — every single day. Here are a few takeaways for moms so you, too, can go from dreaming to doing.

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable and kick impostor syndrome to the curb.

You know the little voice inside your head that whispers things like, “I’m not qualified” or “What if I fail?” or “I can’t do this”?

Those thoughts are part of impostor syndrome, the uncomfortable feeling that you are a fraud or a phony unworthy of success. So many moms deal with those self-limiting thoughts that make us doubt ourselves. We may think, “Who, me? I can’t do it!” To which I answer, “Why not you? You can do it!”

To battle any fire that stands between you and your goal, you need self-confidence. The more self-confident you are, the more you can be comfortable with being uncomfortable. And the more comfortable you are with discomfort, the more success you can achieve.

Start small and accomplish achievable tasks – from organizing a kids’ activity to running a school fundraiser –to build up your ability and appetite for taking on bigger challenges.

Then one day, you’ll realize there’s nothing you can’t do when you set your mind to it.

Side hustle your way to viability.

If you have a business or idea but you’re not sure it will be viable (at least not right away), a good way to test it out is by starting it as a side hustle.

Side hustles can be especially helpful if you want to stay at home with your kids, or if you can’t afford to leave your job to start a new business.

When I started my first business, iParenting, my dream was that it would be something I could do part-time from home as I raised my family. When inspiration struck again with my second business, 30Seconds, I followed a similar path. As a single mom, my kids

were my priority. I worked intently at night and while they were in school so that when they were home, they got my full attention.

Overcome chaos and “work-life balance” challenges with passion and grit.

You know when someone tells you something can’t be done, but you show them it can be done anyway? That’s grit. As a young mom to three children, finding the sweet spot between work and parenting wasn’t easy. And like many moms, I was always putting myself last.

I stuck with it. Adjusting my mindset to “I can do it” often meant that I really could do it.

One of the best answers I give to those who ask “How can I achieve success, too?” is this: do what you love, work harder than anyone else, be relentless and stick with it. Success will follow.

ELISA A. SCHMITZ

is the founder and CEO of 30Seconds.com, a digital media platform making life better for millions of unique users every month, and the author of the critically acclaimed book Become the Fire: Transform Life’s Chaos into Business and Personal Success.

elisaschmitz.com @elisaschmitzauthor

REAL LIFE: KEEWA NURULLAH

Big Dreams Connect Moms

BY TAMARA L. O'SHAUGHNESSY | PHOTO BY THOMAS KUBIK

All kids deserve to be seen and represented. For Keewa Nurullah, those kids, and their parents, are what drives her every day.

“When people think of representation, they think initially of just race or disabilities. I really think of representation as everything,” including the kids who look differently or are interested in something not considered mainstream, says the Chicago mom of two.

“These days with social media, I think that when you pair that feeling of being an outlier with social media, it becomes a bigger problem and it is a bigger problem for kids these days. Those become bigger feelings and it leads to self harm and harm to others in the most drastic of circumstances. I think the more we can include children and tell them from the very beginning that just because you look a little different or care about whatever you care about, you’re still cared for by a larger community of people.”

In her boutique, Kido, in Chicago’s South Loop, she is on a mission to create that community of caring where everyone belongs. In addition to selling sweet clothing and unique toys, Nurullah is in the thick of raising her own two children, ages 4 and 6, while creating opportunities for moms to connect and learn from each other.

But this life is not all glitter and rainbows, she laughs.

“Motherhood is so humbling.”

She sat down recently to talk about being a mom in Chicago.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST PARENTING LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNED?

She says Kido offers new mommy meetups, but she tries not to give too much advice because it can be so overwhelming to the moms. But there are two lessons she likes to share:

1. “Be comfortable with your whole life looking differently than it did before. The more you try to tether yourself to your former self, the harder the transition you have. The more you can open yourself to the possibility of becoming a whole new person, which often happens when you become a new mother, the more fun you’ll have and the better experience you have.”

2. “Pay attention and be a good listener. Sometimes kids don’t answer your question because you didn’t ask it the right way. As much as I can listen and get to the nitty gritty in their way, I try to keep that in mind.” Let them lead while you also lead them, she says.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF RAISING KIDS TODAY IN CHICAGO?

Safety is on every parent’s mind, particularly with the shootings and other violence, she says.

“So unfortunate and sad, I think the mother of every Black boy just wants their boy to grow up to see their full life be fleshed out however they want to.” It shouldn’t be this way, she says.

But she also worries about the negative impacts of social media.

She wants kids’ childhoods to

be playful and imaginative and free from the worries their parents are balancing.

WHAT DO YOU WANT AS A PARENT?

“I want my kids to grow knowing, really it’s cheesy, that they can do anything they want and that they belong everywhere and that whoever they choose to be has a place in our society, at their school and their work. I just want them to always feel like they belong, to feel seen and acknowledged in a way that really shapes their core person. I know I’m not alone. As much as I can support other children and other families who want the same for their children, that’s my feel-good mission for sure.”

HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR LIFE AS A WOMAN, MOM AND COMMUNITY CONNECTOR?

When she feels like she is doing well at Kido, she says she doesn’t feel like she’s doing well at home and vice versa. “I rarely feel like I’m succeeding in all arenas of my life.”

But lately she says she’s been more intentional about trying to feed herself with things that make her feel good, such as time with friends. “I think so many parents, including myself, endure a certain amount of suffering. We do without a lot and it has a toll on our health, the kind of parent we are. When we are intentional about doing without, it shows,” she says. She's learning to shed the comparisons with others and keep doing what she’s doing.

FAST TALK FAST TALK

MOM SUPERPOWER: Laughter. “I can always make my kids laugh and I encourage them to be silly and not take themselves so seriously.” She says she loves to laugh.

FAVORITE THING AT KIDO: The 48-piece Beautiful Faces puzzle, which she created with the children who visit the store in mind and with the representation she wants to see in the world.

#1 THING KIDS NEED TODAY: “One person who loves them unconditionally.”

SECRET OBSESSION: Colorful coats.

WHO INSPIRES YOU: “Other moms who are putting their foot one step in front of the other.”

WHAT YOU HOPE YOUR KIDS SAY ABOUT YOU: “I just hope they say, 'I love my mom.'”

RECESSION - PROOF

Your Family

Little things you can do when everything else feels so out of your control

BY PARIS GILES

Experts may disagree on the appropriate terminology (are we in a recession or not?), but complicated economic concepts aside, families are definitely feeling the burn. At the end of 2022, the prices of everyday goods and services were up 7.7% over 2021. And let’s not even get started on the housing market. The state of the economy may be out of your control, but you’re not powerless at home. We called on three financial experts for their advice on how best to recession-proof your family and make the smartest money moves this year and beyond.

Set Goals & Make it a Team Sport

Moving toward financial stability is no different than any other task in that it helps to know your end goal. Mike Gorman, certified financial planner at financial advisory firm Experience Your Wealth, estimates that 90% of his clients are in their 30s and 40s, and parents with younger kids or in the family planning stage.

Gorman’s advice? Don’t worry so much about what others are doing and instead set goals that are specific to your own family and needs. For instance, especially with kiddos, it may be more valuable to you to prioritize experiences and making memories than tucking every extra cent away. There’s a way to do that smartly.

Financial literacy coach Sharita Humphrey likes to tell her clients to write down their goals. But don’t just stick them in a drawer somewhere never to be seen again. Display them prominently on the fridge or some other place where the whole family can see them and be involved. Humphrey says she started teaching her kids about the power of money when they were just 2 years old.

Nia Gillett, CFP and paraplanner at Gen Y Planning, agrees that it’s crucial to teach children smart money moves, especially since finances aren’t covered heavily (if at all) in school. Prepare them to manage their own household finances one day and set them up for success, Gillett says. Give them allowances, and don’t be afraid to say no to things that are outside of your family budget. Use these moments as an opportunity to explain why this week’s hottest item doesn’t make good money sense for your family’s goals. They may roll their eyes in the moment, but they’ll thank you later.

Don't worry so much about what others are doing and instead set goals that are specific to your own family and needs.

Save Smartly & Stay Consistent

An emergency fund that can cover three to six months of expenses should be the goal, according to Gorman. Especially with inflation delivering dizzying jabs during every shopping trip, this can be a tall task for most families.

But again, it’s about keeping your eye on the goal. He points to I bonds as a favored way to start saving and protecting your cash. I bonds are a type of U.S. saving bond where the interest rate moves with the market to protect against inflation, and the principal can’t be lost so the risk is lower than with traditional investments. Interest is earned monthly and compounded every six months.

Or, or in addition to, Gillett suggests setting up automatic deposits into a high-interest savings account, which can have annual percentage yields at 2%, 3% or better — much higher than the average savings account. Plus, Gillett says, you’re more likely to be successful if you can set it and forget it.

The most important thing is that you start somewhere, Humphrey adds. Every little bit counts. Even apps like Acorns, which invests your literal spare change, is another easy way to start saving toward your family’s future.

Shop Around for the Best Deals

When it comes to expenses like cell phone plans, insurance carriers and gym memberships, Humphrey says avoid the temptation to marry the first suitor. Sure, it’ll take a little more effort, but she suggests taking the time to shop around and compare to be sure you’re getting the most lucrative deal.

And Humphrey says not to be so strict that you completely shun those family outings, date nights and the things that bring your family joy. But take advantage of discount apps like Groupon and rewards apps like Fetch — which awards points for scanning grocery store receipts, which you can exchange for gift cards and other perks — or programs like Honey, which scans the internet for coupon codes.

Plan Ahead & Spend Intentionally

The experts say, no matter the state of the economy, it’s all about the budget blueprint. Gorman says give every dollar a job. What’s coming in? What must go out? And where do you have some flexibility? He says it’s important to spend with intention, keeping your family’s goals and values in mind.

In short: Planning helps you avoid overspending and allows you to consider where you may be able to trim, Gillett notes.

You want to try to avoid those impulsive purchases as much as possible, the little things that feel pretty harmless in the moment but add up over time. For example, Humphrey says plan your meals so that you’re not left with DoorDash as your only option (delivery charge + tip + plus service fee = yikes!).

That said, especially with kids, it’s important to factor in the value of time. It may be more complicated to quantify than dollars and cents, but time is precious. Gorman says it’s OK to pay for convenience sometimes. Instead of spending an hour in the kitchen cooking dinner, maybe picking up takeout is the key to more snuggle time on the couch and so it’s worth it. But again, it’s all about planning. Do you have extra this month to swing it, or is there a big expense looming that makes being stricter necessary?

And remember, Humphrey says, that budgets are living things. You should constantly be re-evaluating, readjusting and reimagining.

An emergency fund that can cover three to six months of expenses should be the goal, according to Gorman.

Little things you can do when everything else feels so out of your control BY PARIS GILES

MAKING THE GRADE 2023

WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT LEARNING LOSS

BY LORI ORLINSKY

The results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as The Nation’s Report Card, last fall gave us a clearer picture of the pandemic’s devastating impact on students — and the results weren’t surprising.

Compared to 2019, average scores — as well as students’ confidence levels — declined nationwide. The most troubling data from fourth graders showed that reading scores slid to the lowest since 1990. However, when looking at math, the declines in both fourth and eighth graders’ scores were the largest ever recorded. Nationwide, one-quarter of fourth graders and 40 percent of eighth graders were “below basic” in math.

Experts say the eighth-grade scores are especially troubling as those students who took the test last year are now in high school, where they will be confronted with higher level math that will prepare them for careers in STEM related fields.

When compared to the nationwide results, Illinois fared better than most. In reading and math, Illinois fourth graders’ scores remained the same as in 2019.

Eighth grade reading scores dipped minimally, but math scores fell in line with the national average of an 8-point drop. Educators generally equate a 10-point decline with a year of learning.

National Education Consultant Gary Abud Jr. says that parents can take an active role in helping their children succeed in school. He offers some tips: Get to know your child’s teachers to understand expectations and create learning goals.

For elementary school children, work on math fact fluency (practicing addition, subtraction, multiplication, division facts) in simple ways, such as using flashcards.

When working through homework together, don’t focus simply on getting to the answer, but instead take time to have your child explain their process and make their thinking visible. Helping kids make sense out of what they are thinking and how they are thinking can help them better retain information and have a deeper understanding of the concepts they are learning.

A MID-YEAR CHECK-IN

Simple things that mean a lot when it comes to school

BY STEFFY MCCOURT

We check-in with our kids about school all the time. Sometimes we get more information than other times. Sometimes the information we get is awesome; sometimes it isn’t. How often do we check-in with ourselves and our families about how we are doing as a community?

The following suggestions were compiled after I sat down to do just such a check-in with my family.

1

Create a homework station at home if there isn’t one already. At my home we use a small cart where I keep everything my boys might need for schoolwork. It is stocked with folders, pens, pencils, tape, highlighters, a stapler and staples, white paper, lined paper, construction paper, colored pencils, gel pens, sharpies, crayons, glue, scissors, a ruler, an eraser, earbuds, chargers and a calculator. I keep it next to my desk, so that I can make sure it is always stocked. Above the cart, I keep a cork board for important papers from school. There is never an excuse not to complete homework.

absolutely needs to be at the kitchen table, or even better, the library, in order to get his homework done. If he is in his room, the temptation to open a new tab on his Chromebook is too high. In the kitchen, I can keep an eye on his computer.

3

Be sure that your child has a quiet place to study, read and do their homework. Each of my children is committed to their work in unique ways. I know which child

2

Find out what your child is learning about. Ask them to see their teacher’s website. Find out how you can support their learning. If your child is learning to play an instrument, attend a concert with them on the weekend or watch a concert on TV. They are probably always supposed to be reading a “choice book.” Give them more options than what the school has by bringing them to the public library or bookstore to find a “just right book.”

4Does your child need extra support? Tutors can be ex-

pensive, but they can also be free. Your local library might even have free tutoring options. In our town, the high school’s National Honor Society offers free tutoring every school evening and on Sundays for two hours. It is amazing how quickly and efficiently my children get their homework done when they are working with a high school student.

5Take time to celebrate your child’s successes during the first half of the school year. Make a special meal and sit down as a family to celebrate all of the successes. Small and big! Model gratitude by ending the meal with a promise to thank the people who have helped your children succeed. Help your child write a meaningful thank you card to important people in their life — coaches, teachers, administrators, counselors, doctors, neighbors.

30 EASY WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL

Research shows parental involvement matters to kids

BY STEFFY MCCOURT

The whole world is short staffed right now; schools are no different. Beyond joining the Parent Teacher Organization, which might not meet at a time that fits your schedule, parents and grandparents are needed as school volunteers more than ever. Oftentimes, a quick background check is the only thing needed in order to volunteer your time.

Supporting your child’s school doesn’t need to be time extensive or expensive. Here is a list of ideas to get you started:

1. Volunteer to put up and/or maintain a bulletin board.

2. Become a mentor for new families. (Make it an official part of the PTO or just reach out to new families in your child’s class on your own.)

3. Start a book club. (Meet a small group of students during recess or lunch during the winter months.)

4. Host a parent book club. (Get together to read parenting books.)

5. Volunteer to read aloud. (Even middle and high school classrooms enjoy hearing adults read out loud.)

6. Volunteer as a professional support. (Go in to talk about your profession or offer to work with the teacher on a project-based learning unit.)

7. Take in a warm meal for an educator to take home on “Meet the Teacher Night.”

8. Help build a teacher’s classroom library by donating books. (Email the teacher to find out if there is a wish list.)

9. Help build the school’s library by donating books. (Email the librarian to see what gaps exist in the library.)

10. Offer games, blocks and puzzles to build a station for recess and lunch. (Even middle school and high school kids love playing games during lunch.)

11. Volunteer to go in and play games with the kids during lunch.

12. Offer to make copies or laminate in the front office.

13. Take in fun classroom prizes for the teacher to give away.

14. Provide fun teacher supplies (flare pins, binder clips, nice pens, pencils, markers, gel pens, sharpies) for the principal to give away.

15. Volunteer in the library (help with shelving books or making displays.)

16. Email the principal to see how she needs parent support.

17. Volunteer for recess or lunch duty.

18. Sign up to substitute teach (schools are in desperate need of substitutes.)

19. Create a garden (or offer to maintain a garden.)

20. Help decorate the cafeteria or main entryway.

21. Volunteer to supervise school activities (concerts, field day or guest speakers).

22. Volunteer to supervise field trips.

23. Create a gallery wall for the art class. (You can find inexpensive frames on Amazon.)

24. Volunteer to create a poetry café. (Bring in hot chocolate, cups and fairy lights.)

25. Volunteer to create a calm room near the guidance office. (Stock it with calming lighting, comfy chairs, fidgets, a sound machine, coloring utensils, coloring pages and inspirational posters.)

26. Take in healthy treats for the teachers.

27. Decorate the teachers lounge. (Stock it with goodies.)

28. Support your child’s classroom by buying books through Scholastic Book Club. (Teachers get points from every purchase that they can use to get materials for their rooms.)

29. Ask your child’s teacher for their classroom Amazon Wishlist

30. Solicit local businesses to help with school projects.

IT’S TO NOT GET INTO HARVARD

What our drive to help our kids be the very best is really doing to them

BY DANIELLE BRAFF

STRESS OF SUCCESS

It was a rough morning in my household.

My 11-year-old, Aria, woke me at 5 a.m. screaming like an erratic fire alarm because she was worried that she didn’t do all her homework. Spoiler alert: She did, but she was concerned that maybe she had overlooked something she was supposed to do.

This was topped by my 13-year-old, Anya, who forgot to charge her school iPad and was yelling at me because there was a chance it wouldn’t get to 100 percent before school began.

And then I hopped on a Zoom call with Gary Abud Jr., a Detroit educational consultant with Saga Educators, who had once worked as a high school science teacher, a principal and in essentially every other school role you could imagine.

“We are creating a generation of stressed-out students,” Abud told me.

Um, yes. Welcome to my world!

“We’re putting so much pressure on them to take the hardest classes, to get the best degrees — and that trickles down to the youngest ages,” he says, explaining that in order to be competitive, parents believe their children have to be in a great preschool program that will help them be ahead by the time those kids reach kindergarten.

I remembered all those tours I took of the preschools, all the nights I spent Googling them. Do I want a play-based approach? An education-focused preschool? One that will teach them self-sufficiency? I even went so far as to call the local elementary school, asking the principal which preschools she noticed created the most prepared kindergartners.

I, apparently, was solely responsible for creating the stressed-out monsters that were up at the early dawn hours because they couldn’t handle life.

told? That we must get our children into great preschools which will help them get the start they need for school which will launch them into their Ivy League colleges which will get them great jobs so they’ll be financially stable and ultimately happy.

change that narrative.

“

We are creating a generation of stressed-out students.

– Gary Abud Jr.

THE STRESS OF SUCCESS

THE PRESSURE TO BE PERFECT

Perfectionism isn’t a new concept: It’s been going on for a few decades. Most of us were most likely raised to be perfectionists in pursuit of a report card full of A-plus-pluses and a chart adorned with good behavior

school musical and STEM clubs. On top of that, throw in involvement in the community to look even better on those college apps.

Then now there’s the added pressure of social media.

We all covet our friends and neighbors’ lives, says Eirene Heidelberger, the president and CEO of GIT Mom.

“We have a front row seat from pregnancy to birth to postpartum body-bounce-back pics to baby’s first birthday party — and if one isn’t posting their most fabulous lives, they appear to be losing to their richer, thinner friends and neighbors, which creates stronger competition to have perfect children, thus placing insane pressure on our littles, which grows through their teens,” Heidelberger says.

THE RISKS

“While we can rail about the coddling of the American mind, blame participation trophies or lament how the digital age has created the dumbest generation, as it turns out kids these days are in fact working hard, but few are taking notice, because that’s, well, just what we have come to expect out of them — to be the best and nothing less,” Abud shares.

He calls it successism.

Some might call it perfectionism.

that their workload is a major source of stress.

Between 2009 and 2017, the rates of depression among kids ages 14 to 17 increased by more than 60 percent, according to a study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology. This was prior to the pandemic. Depression rates are rising to contribute to a national mental health epidemic, but the number of children getting treatment for mental health problems only stands at 20 percent, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This pressure to be perfect, to be the best, also holds kids back from wanting to branch out, or to try activities that may not come easily to them, says JoLeann Trine, a licensed clinical professional counselor at Thriveworks, a counseling company with more than 380 locations nationwide.

“The best lessons are learned through mistakes,” Trine says. “If children feel pressured to be great, and primarily receive admiration for accomplishments, they are likely to avoid tasks that do not give them that feedback.”

In addition, the pressure has a significant effect on their self-esteem. When pressure to perform or to be perfect is a constant in a child’s life, the outcome can result in lowered self-esteem, Trine says.

identity crisis among our kids when things don’t go their way. “…Saddest of all, though, is the false notion that creeps up in the minds of young strivers that they are not worthy of love unless they earn it through their own personal achievements. Sadly, I have seen it with far too many of the teens and young adults I have worked with over the years.”

Let’s just pretend, for a moment, that we don’t care that our kids are sleep deprived, risk-averse, stressed-out maniacs. After all, we’re trying to get to the end goal (A great college, fantastic job and wonderful life). But unfortunately, life isn’t linear so our kids are most likely stressed for no reason at all.

“We’ve built up in our culture that going to an Ivy League school will guarantee success,” Abud says. “But some of the most widely successful people dropped out of college. We have to confront our own biases as parents.”

HOW TO HELP

We all want our children to succeed in everything they do and we don’t want to encourage a society of underachievers. So how do we balance this when it comes to helping our children?

and great effort stickers — and now, we’re bringing up children with the pressure to be perfect at everything from school to sports.

We want them to be in gifted classes in grade school and by high school, juggling an ever-growing list of AP classes along with sports, the

Either way, it comes at a cost.

In a survey by Denise Clark Pope at Stanford University of more than 250,000 middle and high school students in the United States, 95 percent are sleep deprived, 63 percent are constantly worried about academics and 62 percent reported

When this becomes especially dangerous is when these children don’t perceive themselves as successful.

“Feelings of low worth can lead to anxiety, depression, substance use and even suicide,” she says.

Abud worries it is causing an

First, get rid of the majority of the extracurricular activities, says Kelley Kitley, a therapist with Serendipitous Psychotherapy in Chicago. Stick with one or two activities so children have time to play and be free in their spare time.

Let your children choose their extracurriculars, and allow them to have their own interests, activities and goals — even if these are unlike

It’s crucial to provide plenty of unconditional love and support, no matter what the child does or doesn’t achieve.

– Mo Mulla

THE STRESS OF SUCCESS

the ideals you had for them, says Camille Humes, an assistant professor, counselor and infant mental health consultant in Michigan.

Not sure if you’re pressuring your child too much? You can simply ask them if they feel like you’re putting too much pressure on them, Heidelberger says. If the answer is “yes,” then find a solution that works for everyone.

“It’s also important for parents to resist the temptation to live vicariously through their children, pushing them to become someone whom the parent could or did not become,” Heidelberger says.

And it’s important to model a healthy balance between work and play, says Mo Mulla, a parenting expert and founder of Parental Questions, a blog for parents. Children should see that their parents enjoy time spent away from work, whether it’s relaxing at home, spending time with friends and family, or engaging in hobbies and activities they love, Mulla says.

If something goes wrong — in your work or with your child’s school, remember to frame setbacks and failures in a more positive light, emphasizing that everyone makes mistakes sometimes, and that’s how we learn and grow.

“Finally, it’s crucial to provide plenty of unconditional love and support, no matter what the child does or doesn’t achieve,” Mulla says.

Now that, I can do.

– JoLeann Trine

If children feel pressured to be great, and primarily receive admiration for accomplishments, they are likely to avoid tasks that do not give them that feedback.

“

Things To Do

Jan. 7, Feb. 25 • Chicago

Once Upon a Symphony: Stone Soup

Hear the story, Stone Soup, with the Chicago Children’s Theatre accompanied by the symphony. 10 and 11:45 a.m. $20/standard, $10/ youth. Chicago Symphony Orchestra. cso.org.

Jan 20, 27; Feb. 10, 24 • Chicago

Dozin’ with the Dinos

Spend the night at the museum and enjoy hands-on activities with museum scientists and explore the museum at night. For ages 6-12. 5:30 p.m.-9 a.m. $85/standard ticket. Field Museum. fieldmuseum.org.

Jan. 13, Feb. 11 • Chicago

Asleep with the Fishes Explore exhibits, complete a scavenger hunt, create aquatic crafts and enjoy a sleepover at the aquarium. For ages 5-12. Adults must accompany children. 6 p.m.-8:30 a.m. $85, $75/members. Shedd Aquarium. sheddaquarium.org.

Feb. 4-26 • Chicago

The Young People’s Theatre of Chicago Presents Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

See the premiere performance adapted from the book by Mo Willems. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. $25/12-plus, $19/11 and under. The Greenhouse Theater Center. yptchi.org.

Jan. 18-29 • Chicago

Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival

Be astonished by contemporary puppet acts and artists from 10 countries over the 12 days of the festival. One not to miss is the Chicago premiere of Moby Dick Jan. 18, 20 and 21 for ages 14 and older. Also, the festival again features free Neighborhood Tours and a series of puppetry workshop. Prices, days and times vary. Fine Arts Building. chicagopuppetfest.org

Feb. 21-26 • Chicago

Cats See the award-winning musical with original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, but with new choreography and all-new lighting design. For older kids. Times and prices vary. James M. Nederlander Theatre. broadwayinchicago.com.

Feb. 24-25 • Chicago

Bunking with the Butterflies

Jan 1922, Feb. 2-5 • Rosemont

Disney on Ice presents Frozen & Encanto

See Mirabel, her sisters, Isabela and Luisa, plus Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, Sven and others. 7 p.m. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. $25-plus. Allstate Arena. disneyonice.com.

Spend the night, meet live animals and participate in nature and scienceinspired activities. 6 p.m. Friday-9 a.m. Saturday. $79/participant (with a required ratio of one chaperone per five children). Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. naturemuseum.org.

Begins Feb. 24 •

Evanston

Jan. 25Feb. 5 • Chicago

ChicagoParent.com/

Hansel and Gretel Root for Hansel and Gretel as they battle the witch in this familyfriendly opera, created as a good introduction to the opera for all ages. Sung in German with projected English subtitles. Ticket prices vary. Lyric Opera House. lyricopera.org.

Imagine U: The Snowy Day and Other Stories By Ezra Jack Keats

Enjoy this performance packed with humor and fun for ages 3 and older. 7 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. $15/ general admission, $10/kids. Hal & Martha Hyer Wallis Theater. wirtz.northwestern.edu.

Cats

Photo by Matthew Murphy, Murphymade

Hansel and Gretel

Photo by Marty Sohl, Metropolitan Opera

Winter just got a whole lot more fun. Check out our Winter Bucket List for Families at ChicagoParent.com/ LatestIssue.

It’s a Winter Wonderland

BY PARIS GILES

Now that the hubbub of the holidays is over, the inclination may be to hibernate until that first spring thaw. But don’t sleep on wintertime — it has its perks. From science experiments to homemade crafts and family outings, discover fun ways to get the kids up and making memories at home and out in the community this winter.

Set Up a Hot Cocoa Bar

Enter winter’s answer to the summertime sundae bar: the hot cocoa bar. Heat up the almond milk and the 2% and lay out your family’s favorite toppings for a hands-on sweet treat that’s guaranteed to be a household pleaser. Can you hear the mini marshmallows, whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles calling? Yum.

Build Snow Castles

No shade to Frosty, but when that next fluffy snow falls, instead of a snowman, encourage the kiddos to build snow castles in the yard. Good ol’ fashioned buckets will do the trick, of course, or you could spring for a castle making kit. And, who knows, maybe they’ll want to go all out and build a whole scene where Frosty is the king of his own castle.

Go for a Wintertime Hike

It can be tempting to keep cozy on the couch all winter long, but before you tap that “next episode” button, consider bundling up the kids and heading to your favorite park or trail for a hike and a bit of fresh (albeit brisk) air. A wintertime hike means less crowded trails, and it’s the perfect time to spot things you may have missed during the summer months, like bird nests sitting high up in the trees. Don’t let the early sunset deter you. Grab a few flashlights or lanterns to guide you while you listen for the sounds of owls and other nocturnal creatures.

Lend a Helping Hand

Getting flooded with cries of boredom? Get the little ones up and moving and teach them that the season of giving is year-round by encouraging them to offer to shovel a neighbor’s driveway and walkway, or by volunteering at a local shelter. Make giving back a New Year’s resolution the whole family can get behind.

Attend a Winter Festival

Summertime may reign supreme as peak festival season, but don’t underestimate the power of a winter wonderland.

Enjoy Snow Ice Cream

Yes, snow is generally safe to eat but it’s probably best to plan for a big snowstorm and catch your flakes midway through the dump (after the air has gotten a good scrubbing) in a clean container. Find fun recipes at ChicagoParent.com/LatestIssue.

Organize a Winter-Themed Scavenger Hunt

Help the kids plan and execute a real-life scavenger hunt. You can find premade lists online and print those, or create your own with must-finds like animal tracks, a smoking chimney, a melting snowman, a pile of firewood, a lost mitten, or (ew!) yellow snow. Take snaps along the way.

Erupt a Snow Volcano

No doubt you remember those science fair volcanoes from when you were in school. Well, this is the same idea, except the mess isn’t on your dining room table. Help your future geologists mold a volcano out of snow, and then whip out the baking soda, vinegar and food coloring for an experimental explosion.

Make Frozen Bubbles

For an experiment that’s equal parts fun and educational, help the kids make frozen bubbles. First, unearth the bubble mix left over from summer or make your own. Then use straws or wands to blow, blow, blow. It works best on days when temps reach single digits. For a different take, try making frozen marbles: Simply fill a balloon with water and food coloring, put it outside to freeze, then cut off the balloon.

MAKE A DIY SNOW GLOBE

Who says snow globes are just for the holidays? Carry the magic into the new year by helping the kids make their very own glittery globes. It’s super simple. All you’ll need is a small plastic figurine, a glass jar, glitter, glycerin, super glue and cold water.

1. Glue the figurine to the inside of the jar’s lid.

2. Fill the jar with cold water.

3. Mix in a couple teaspoons of loose glitter.

4. Add a few drops of glycerin (this will keep the glitter from floating to the bottom too quickly).

5. Screw the lid onto the jar and glue it closed.

The Negro Motorist Green Book

This new exhibit at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center explains the history of “The Green Book,” the annual guide that provided Black travelers with information on where they were welcome during the Jim Crow era. ilholocaustmuseum.org Opens Jan. 29

paradise of Lego bricks to unleash creativity and problem-solving skills. “The sheer scale of the number of Legos available to play with will be an exciting experience but also, having the opportunity to play with or next to other children opens up new ideas and new learning opportunities,” says Kimberly Stull, the museum’s chief of Building & Making.

Opens Jan. 21

Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till

Imagination Fuel

Where to turn on little brains this year

BY KARI ZAFFARANO

While we are seeing some truly great exhibits packing up to leave, there are more to take their place. From a new theater experience born from real life to seeing a modern miracle up close, 2023 is set to bring the fun for families. Here’s a start on what to look for.

SpaceX Dragon 1

Dive into space as the Museum of Science and Industry sets up a permanent exhibit for its new spacecraft, SpaceX Dragon 1 cargo spacecraft C113, the first private spacecraft to take humans to the International Space Station.

“This spacecraft is the embodiment of curiosity, wonder, scientific method, hard work and the American ‘how-to’ spirit,” says Chevy Humphrey, MSI president and CEO, in a news release. msichicago.org.

Expected to launch in the spring

Water City

Replacing the popular 25-year-old Water Ways exhibit, the new Water City being built at Chicago Children’s Museum is sure to be a favorite. It will be

an homage to Chicago, including skyscrapers, Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. The museum also kicked off a year-long 40th anniversary celebration, ‘Play Never Gets Old,’ featuring programs to mark four decades of playful learning. While waiting for Water City, don’t miss Castle, with secret tunnels, a rope bridge, a tower, a dungeon and costumes.  chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

Expected to open early this year

Math Connections

Find hands-on experiences that let kids practice counting, sorting and recognizing patterns, plus work on spatial awareness and experiment with tessellations to compose creative masterpieces. In the Build It Small, Build It Tall area, explore a brick builder’s

The award-winning NBC Chicago/ Collaboration Theatre Company teleplay becomes a fully produced live stage version at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. It is expected to be an immersive reenactment of what occurred in the courtroom in 1955 when two men were found not guilty of murdering Till. Best for ages 12 and older. collaboraction.org Feb. 9-19

Nature Cat: Backyard and Beyond

Visit Nature Cat and friends at Kohl Children’s Museum in an immersive exhibit that is all about nature, including a marsh, cave and a forest. Plus, kids can discover bioluminescent organisms and practice researching facts. kohlchildrensmuseum.org

Of the Earth

Connect kids with the trees in a new way at Morton Arboretum when Polish-American artist Olga Ziemska creates five large-scale sculptures from reclaimed tree branches and other natural materials gathered. mortonarb.org

Opens May 2

Photo by James Kegley

THINGS TO DO

Winter Wanderings

How to explore the zoo with kids in the winter

BY CHERYL EUGENIO

BROOKFIELD ZOO

Have cabin fever? Embrace winter by going to the zoo. When the temperature drops, many forget that the zoo is open year-round. Unlike a summer visit, a trip to the zoo during the winter can be quite different but in a good way.

Here are a few tips to enjoy Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo in the winter.

INSIDER TIPS

Bundle up. This goes without saying, but make sure you’re protected from the elements! Hey, if it’s cool outside, bust out the snowpants. Just remember to dress in layers, especially if you plan on heading inside at any time. You’ll want to be able to easily remove any layers if needed.

It’s more peaceful. Visiting during winter is a lot less busy than the warmer months, so it can feel like you have the zoo to yourself! Less crowds = better views of animals.

Spend time inside. In the summer you may be accustomed to being outside, but during the winter you’ll likely want to spend time looking at all the indoor exhibits. And believe me, there are plenty. Who knows? You may find an animal or two you’ve never seen before!

Go at the right time. Visit in the late mornings or late afternoon to find the animals most active.

Say hello to the cold-hardy animals. Many animals like the Amur tiger, bison, snow leopards, polar bears, Przewalski’s horses and Amur leopards are in their natural element.

Learn about the animals.

With fewer people around, docents can spend more time with guests sharing interesting facts and stories about the animals.

Warm up indoors.

Head to the indoor habitats such as Tropic World, The Living Coast or Clouded Leopard Rain Forest that will make you feel like you’re a continent away from Chicagoland. Other indoor buildings are heated as well.

Save money by visiting on a free day.

General admission to Brookfield Zoo is free on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in January and February. Hamill Family Play Zoo and Hamill Family Wild Encounters are free to all guests through February. Just pay for parking.

Best place to eat:

There’s always a restaurant open during zoo hours, but locations may change so check before going. Also, you can pack your own food.

NEW HABITATS COMING THIS YEAR:

• Sandhill crane aviary on the south side of Tropic World

• A toucan aviary at Hamill Family Play Zoo

• A habitat for the Eurasian eagle-owl, one of the largest owl species in the world with a wingspan of 5 to 6.6 feet wide.

• A native turtle habitat for Blanding’s and ornate box turtles at Hamill Family Nature Plaza

• Macaw habitats near the southwest corner of The Swamp and on the south side of the Mary Ann MacLean Conservation Leadership Center

LINCOLN PARK ZOO

Winter paradise.

Many animals are fans of the winter weather. For instance, the grey and harbor seals at Kovler Seal Pool prefer icebergs and ice shelves and can be seen swimming about. Watch for male polar bear Siku playing in the snow, or with his favorite enrichment toy, empty barrels. Some animals that unexpectedly prefer the winter include Chilean flamingos, Bactrian camels and Japanese macaques.

Know where to look for lions.

With 16 temperature-controlled micro-climates, the lion habitat at Pepper Family Wildlife Center allows lions to enjoy the outdoors even in the winter. Some of their favorite heated spots: large “pride rocks” in the east and west sides of the habitat, the rocks on the ground next to the glass in the east and west outdoor viewing shelters and the “window” in the middle of the kopje rocks in the west habitat. Observe them from inside or outside the building.

Escape the cold.

Take a journey through tropical Africa in the Regenstein African Journey where you’ll spot pygmy hippos, giraffes and meerkats. Visit the humid tropical ecosystem in the Regenstein Small Mammal and Reptile House where you’ll find sloths, rare Puerto Rican parrots and snakes.

Play at the Houston Family Play Treehouse.

Featuring accessible and inclusive features, the structure offers a year-round indoor nature-based play space.

Best place to eat and warm up: Park Place Café.

Photos courtesy of Todd Rosenberg/Lincoln Park Zoo

Photo courtesy of Brookfield Zoo

Photo courtesy of Brookfield Zoo

Photo courtesy of Christopher Bijalba/ Lincoln Park Zoo

Celebrate the Snowy Season

Great getaways for families who love the cold

BY CORTNEY FRIES

Instead of avoiding the cold, how about embracing it? These three winter festivals are snow much fun!

Soulard Mardi Gras in St. Louis, Missouri Jan. 6-Feb. 21

The second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country, Soulard Mardi Gras in St. Louis, includes kid-friendly events. At the free Family Winter Carnival, kids can make their own Mardi Gras crowns, capes, masks and beads, then show them off in the children’s parade. Live performances, interactive sports challenges and food and drink for purchase round out the event.

Dress your family pet up and march in the Purina Pet Parade, a Guinness Book of World Records holder for the largest collection of costumed dogs. There’s also a Weiner Dog Derby, 5K Run for Your Beads and Taste of Soulard self-guided sampler of Cajun flavors.

Overnight at Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, where you can swim in an indoor pool and walk to The Gateway Arch. Other family-friendly fun includes a view-tiful spin around The St. Louis Wheel, a visit to the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, with an immersive train-themed entry, and a stop at the Soda Fountain for diner classics and over-the-top milkshakes. Scoop up fresh baked goods, produce and Creole dishes at the historic Soulard Farmers Market to keep the good times rolling.

Winterfest in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Feb. 1-5

Featuring the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship, bonfires on the beach and live entertainment, Lake Geneva’s Winterfest is an exceptional way to embrace the season. Fifteen teams compete to build beautiful creations out of snow and ice. Music, concessions and character visits brighten the vibe and kids can play in the Snow Zone.

Stroll downtown Lake Geneva to see more than 40 ice sculptures. Visit the Winter Carnival at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa on Feb. 4 for human bowling on the sled hill, toboggan

races and balloon artistry. Ice Castles will glow at Geneva National Resort & Club. The magical, icicle-adorned creation delights with ice slides, tunnels, thrones and archways.

Take advantage of the winter package at the Lake Lawn Resort, where you can ice skate, swim indoors and use a $75 dining credit in your own private igloo. Scenic views of Delavan Lake, supervised children’s activities, an arcade, rejuvenating spa and three on-site restaurants make it an easy escape.

Great Northern Festival in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota

Jan. 25-Feb. 5

As one of the top winter celebrations in the world, The Great Northern Festival in the Twin Cities seizes the season with an exciting St. Paul Winter Carnival, the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, Kidarod outdoor racing, engaging art, live performances and climate education. The 10-day festival is all about invigorating minds and bodies during the frigid months.

Walk, ski or snowshoe around candlelit Lake of the Isles during the Luminary Loppet. Join The Lowry pre-party for poutine and hot chocolate. Kidarod is a two-mile winter obstacle course inspired by Alaska’s famous dog sled race. Children can climb, slide and run, then receive medals and meet Husky dogs.

The Winter Wonderland Relaxed Family Concert is designed for all audience members, including individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. Explore downtown St. Paul’s interactive digital art installations, which Nina Graham, director of development for The Great Northern, says are a gamified artistic interpretation of human’s impact on the Earth.

“Open your mouth and trash spews out,” she says. “Close your mouth and vegetation grows.”

She also recommends Ten Thousand Birds, a musical experience that imitates birdsong throughout the course of a day, as a gorgeous feast for the senses.

Rest at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, which features an indoor pool and offers festivalgoers a 15% discount.

Photo by Cortney Fries

Photo by Jayme Halbritter

Love Bites

Little things to do that can add up to big memories

BY AMELIA FINEFROCK

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and what better way to spend it than with the folks you love the most? We’ve compiled a few little spots full of easy-to-do fun to help you book sweet moments together.

Take time to create memorable pieces sure to bring a smile to your kiddo’s face. Get crafty and show some love together! Perfect for ages 3-6. 5-5:45 p.m., Feb. 14. $10. Field (Eugene) Park, 5100 N. Ridgeway Ave., Chicago. chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Candy Bar Bingo

Take a trip to the Victorian era when valentines were precious keepsakes. In this unique afternoon workshop, create your own Victorian-style valentines with plenty of feathers, beads and fabric. Perfect for ages 6 and up. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Feb. 4 and Feb. 11. Free with a $3 suggested donation per participant. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. dupagemuseum.org

Love Bug Box

MY MANTRA | How I Make It Through The Day

JULIE M. GENTILE

is a mom of two. She also is the author of two award-winning books, 108 Yoga and SelfCare Practices for Busy Mamas and How to Stay Calm in Chaos: An Everyday Self-Care Guide. She created her monthly Nourish Note, the Stand Up for Your Self-Care YouTube Channel and blog at JulieGtheYogi.com to inspire busy moms to live well. Add spark to your self-care with her tips on Instagram and Facebook @JulieGtheYogi.