Chicago Parent February 2014 by Chicago Parent

FEBRUARY 2014 | FREE

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

BLACKHAWKS

baby boom! CP_Cover_FebruaryDOUBLE_2014.indd 6

The

LOVE Issue

reasons to love February

INSIDE: Our big camp guide 1/8/14 3:31 PM

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Identifying High Quality Preschools By JENNI SORENSON Community Resource Director

hicago is a great city to grow up in. Parks, friendly neighborhoods, museums, and schools abound. So many preschool choices for families can often make the decision process daunting. Research indicates that enrollment in welldesigned preschool programs will produce long-term improvements in school success, including higher achievement test scores and higher educational attainment. High quality preschool programs can be identified by a variety of factors. It should be evident in these environments that the growth and well being of each child is the primary

consideration. Children are respected and valued for their contributions to the learning process. Teachers take into account the individuality of each child and are attentive to specific strengths and needs of the children in their class. A positive concept of self and school, along with a love of learning are the end goals. Well-educated, nurturing, experienced, and committed teachers are critical in creating child-centered classrooms where learning is achieved through discovery. Teachers must be valued and provided for in a way that echoes the importance placed on their education and expertise. The consistency of such a staff will reflect the learning achieved in each classroom. Preschool programs that partner with families will see the greatest achievement in child learning. Daily communication between parents and

teachers builds a strong community among children, families, and staff. The commitment and support that the parents give to the teachers and program reinforce the importance and need of Early Childhood Education. A clear indicator of a high quality program is one that achieves and maintains the accreditation standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. To learn more about the principles governing NAEYC, please visit www. naeyc.org. Finally, a quality program will be one with an enduring history. A program that reflects on the advances in Early Childhood Education, and improves its program through reflection and experience is one that will continue to better itself and the child it teaches.

Top Tips • Established child-centered and research based curriculum where ratios are designed to maximize the individualized learning of each child • An established community of children, families, and educators who share common goals • Teachers possessing a Bachelors and/or Master’s degrees in Education • NAEYC accredited • A solid foundation of leadership rooted in the principles of Early Childhood Education • Consistency is a priority for staff, leadership and child placement in classrooms

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contents IN THIS ISSUE 18

GOOD TO GO

Get a taste of Downton Abbey at Tiffin at The Langham BEST IN CHI

Best places to pamper yourself quickly THE SELF-AWARE PARENT

Self-love: Your most p important relationship tool 24

106 30

FEBRUARY 2014 | VOLUME 31 | NO. 2

FEATURES

BABY 37 BLACKHAWKS BOOM!

MOM OF THE MONTH TH H

Author and health counselor Beth Aldrich CRAFT

Blooming cupcake bouquets PARENT PANEL

Getting rid of hate CALENDAR

73 reasons to love February

ON THE COVER

7 moms, 7 dads, 10 babies: What life is like for these new families

FEBRUARY 2014 | FREE

LOVE ISSUE 44 THE Are we really communicating

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

with each other? Moms come clean on judgment and competition amongst mothers

BLACKHAWKS

baby boom!

The

LOVE Issue

reasons to love February

Four love stories you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t soon forget

Cover moms and kids (left to right): Dayna and Carter Seabrook

5 ways to play with the ones you love

Abby, Madelyn and Sadie Sharp

INSIDE: Our big camp guide

Kelly-Rae and Colton Keith Lene and Bennett Brookbank

THE WINTER 55 BEAT BLUES Make the most of exotic fruits

Jana, Mia and Zoja Hossa Elina Hjalmarsson

READY FOR SUMMER CAMP? Advice for picking the right overnight summer camp for your kids

Photography: Liz DeCarlo Design: Claire Innes ChicagoParent.com February 2014 9

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Love, not hate Here’s a challenge: Count how often the word hate creeps into your thoughts or conversations this month. Hate the weather? Yup. Hate getting stuck at a train crossing? Definitely. Hate the slow carpool lane? Oh yes. Hate how messy the kids can be? For sure. Even though I consider myself a TAMARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY pretty positive person most days, once I started keeping track, I was shocked to discover ‘I hate’ a lot of things. Then I discovered, when I started really listening for the word, that my kids also ‘hate’ a lot of things. When I asked around to my mom friends, they, too, realized the word is infiltrating their homes. So I posed the ‘hate’ question to our esteemed parent panel this month to see if they had ideas to help rid kids’ vocabularies of hating everyday things. “When hate starts creeping into our conversations I try to point it out and explain what a strong word it is,” parent panel member Tracie Guzolek says. “I then en This month watch suggest replacing it with another for Chicago Special word that isn’t so harsh. I tell them m Parent, a very they really don’t ‘hate’ anything. special magazine They just don’t really like it right our staff absolutely now.” loves. The issue is Another panel member, Jeff all about parent Mezydlo, says he treats the word empowerment. like a swear word in his house— Distribution begins Feb. 17. every time they use the word, the grown-ups contribute a quarter to the swear jar, their son a nickel. I think that is such a great visual way ay to keep a lid on the hate word. I’m determined to strike ‘hate’ from my kids’ vocabulary and this month of love seems a perfect time to make a move in the right direction. This issue, which we’re calling The Love Issue, is filled with ideas to get you thinking about love, from playing with the ones you love to keeping your relationship strong even in the hardest of circumstances. We’ve even tackled the topic of moms ‘hating’ on each other. Darn, there’s that word again. At a quarter a word, I have enough for a small cup of French vanilla coffee, which I love. Happy February. Love you all.

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CONTRIBUTORS

The moment I fell in love….

EDITOR Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy SENIOR EDITOR Liz DeCarlo ASSOCIATE EDITOR Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL EDITOR Graham Johnston DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Jackie

McGoey

ART DIRECTOR Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNER Sky Hatter CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cathy Cassani

Seeing how my then-boyfriend/nowhusband interacted and sincerely cared for my father when he was sick. Megan Murray Elsener

My husband was my first “real boyfriend.” I don’t remember the exact moment I fell in love, but I remember giving him a black eye when he asked me to be his girlfriend. I was so excited, I actually elbowed him in the eye! Kristy MacKaben

I watched him unfold his lanky 6’7” basketball body out of the vintage VW bug in the high school parking lot and knew I must make him mine. And I did (28 years later, he still is). Meredith Sinclair

The moment I fell in love with Starbucks was my first chai tea latte 12 years ago. How much money have I spent there since? Emily Paster

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

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Jessica Doerr

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Philip Soell

ADVERTISING DESIGN MANAGER

Andrew Mead

Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

ADVERTISING DESIGN Maggie Acker,

Debbie Becker

CIRCULATION MANAGER Kathy Hansen DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR

Alan Majeski Specializing CREDIT MANAGER Debbie Zari in Dentistry for PUBLISHER Dan Haley Diplomates of the Children & VP/OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Specializing American Board Andrew Johnston Adolescents of Pediatric Dentistry inDiplomates Dentistry of for the COMPTROLLER Ed Panschar Dennis R. LaMonte, D.D.S., M.S. Steven T. Kuhn,Board D.D.S. American FOUNDERS Natalie Goodman, Children & Specializing of Pediatric Dentistry Carolyn Jacobs Adolescents in Dentistry for Specializing Dennis R.Exceptional LaMonte, D.D.S., M.S. Steven T. Kuhn, D.D.S. HOW TO REACH US Children & forGeneral & Cosmetic in Dentistry 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Adolescents Children & Exceptional Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Dentistry

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(708) 386-5555 ChicagoParent.com EDITORS

chiparent@chicagoparent.com CALENDAR

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Chicago Parent is published monthly by Wednesday Journal, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chicago Parent, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60302. © 2014 Wednesday Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

12 February 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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March 8–9, 2014 • Donald E. Stephens Convention Center • Rosemont, IL

Two days of educaTion, demonsTraTions, connecTions, enTerTainmenT and more . . . All foR hAlf the Cost of A Co-pAy! Created specifically for parents, grandparents, childcare providers and caregivers, this one-of-a-kind event combines an in-depth education conference AND an interactive expo floor to get you up close and personal with the experts!

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MeDiA pARtNeRs pRoDuCeD by

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ChicagoParent.com February 2014 13

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1/17/14 1:46 PM

ON THE WEB

The web of love

e love babies here at Chicago Parent, and when we can spend time with seven of them, we’re in heaven. You will be, too, when you see the Blackhawks babies in action. Get behind the scenes—and into the Blackhawks’ locker room—at our cover photoshoot. Digital Content Manager Jackie McGoey caught the busy babies at their best at ChicagoParent.com/blackhawks. Plus, our friends at Dr. Smith’s Diaper Ointment provided some fabulous goodie bags for the Blackhawks mommies—and you could get just what they got! Stop by ChicagoParent.com during Valentine’s week for your chance to win.

Add some spice to February Need some ideas to make things a little more hot in the bedroom? Chicago mom Wendy Widom has been pushing the envelope recently when it comes to getting the topic of moms and sex more out in the open. Now she has some great tips for you. “The sad truth is that many couples struggle to keep their sex lives passionate and fulfilling after years together. But take heart: Kick-starting your sex life is not only easy, it’s fun!” she writes. Read the full story and her great tips at ChicagoParent.com/love.

Don’t forget your download. You can now read each issue of Chicago Par ent on your iPad or iPhone.

You’ll love this Our community is growing

KEVIN WHITEHEAD

TRACY JENSEN

Chicago Parent’s Blogger Network has been a great success, so we’re adding more bloggers we think you are absolutely going to love. Here are just a few: Kevin Whitehead lives in the southwest suburbs with his wife and almost 1-year-old daughter, Brynlee. He started PregoForMen shortly after finding out his wife was pregnant. Never missing a day, Kevin kept a “journal” of daily events showing a guy’s perspective on what it’s like to be a nervous, unexpecting, first-time dad. Tracy Jensen, aka ChiMomWriter, is a writer, marketer, mother, fundraiser, marathoner and music lover. A single, working mom of two, ages 5 and 3, she is notorious for doing things the hard way. She survives suburban exile by

blogging about life’s foibles at It Builds Character, Everyday Family, and SheKnows.com. Jennifer Evers is a 40-something blogger and small business owner living in the Chicago suburbs with her two young daughters and a DVR full of reality TV shows. She blogs about her life—single parenting, recipes, crafts and home projects, crazy things her children do, travel, celebrity encounters, community events and those wacky “Real Housewives.” Heather Holtz is a fitness and health enthusiast who lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two boys. She is a NASM personal trainer and a Les Mills Body Pump instructor. She blogs at Run Eat Play about fitness, food and family. Her blog shares healthy living tips, workouts, recipes and daily escapades of life with children.

The month of love means we’ve got some giveaways you’ll love. Whether you’re looking for movies for the whole family like Mr. Peabody and Sherman, an on-stage take on a beloved children’s story like Wilmette Theater’s The Little Mermaid, or a live show featurJENNIFER EVERS ing Disney Junior favorites Princess Sofia and Jake and the Neverland Pirates, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to stop by ChicagoParent. com each week to see what we have in store!

< 3

HEATHER HOLTZ

ChicagoParent.com .com February 2 20 2014 14 15

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WHAT IS

CENTRAL PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY? WHEN PUBERTY BEGINS BEFORE AGE 8 FOR GIRLS OR AGE 9 FOR BOYS IT OCCURS IN ONE OUT OF EVERY

5000 TO 10000 CHILDREN GO TO PUBERTYTOOEARLY.COM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT • Facts regarding central precocious puberty • Questions for your child’s doctor • Tips for talking to your child Endorsed by

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16 February 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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The Magic Explodin ng Bo Boy an and th he Invisible Circus us s Th he Actors Gymnasium um 92 27 Noyes St., Eva v nssto t n (8 847) 32 3 8-2795 5 ac a toorsgymnasium.com Run Ru uns ns Feb. 15-March 23

New show explodes with wackiness

Embrace the strange in circus adventure

magine a world where the adults are weird characters, oddballs who see things in magical ways and who aren’t always truthful. Now combine that with a group of youngsters who are straight arrow, Type A personalities who try to teach the adults to conform to society. What you have is “The Magical Exploding Boy and the Invisible Circus,” a new show written and performed by the actors and students from The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston.

The Exploding Boy, played by Dean Evans, is an imaginative and pretty weird character who sees mundane things in a magical way, so that everything he sees turns into a circus, says Lindsey Noel Whiting, performer and co-writer. “The Exploding Boy’s character runs into conflict because he’s a little too strange,” Whiting says. “He tries to fit in and he sort of fails. But by the end of it, hopefully, he’s come to embrace all the things that make him odd and strange.

Good t

$2 $20 adults; $10 kids, students and senior oorrs

“The young kids who are kind of straitlaced are trying to convince him to conform, but by the end everyone is encouraged to embrace their inner weirdo.” The show is appropriate for all ages, Whiting says, with many jokes written to entertain adults and lots of circus fun to entertain the kids. It will last about an hour, and with all the visual antics even young children should be able to sit through the performance, Whiting says. Liz DeCarlo

ChicagoParent.com February 2014 17

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DITCH THE KIDS

Tea is served, m’lady

f you gather a group of girlfriends together, chances are at least a few of them are fans of Downton Abbey, PBS’ popular period drama. Thankfully, for those of us who long to feel a bit more Lady Mary than carpool lady, there’s a chance to indulge in some old-fashioned British fun—without a trip to Highclere Castle. Every day, The Langham, Chicago offers a traditional afternoon tea—Tiffin at The Langham—that brings to mind evening gloves, parasols and meals cooked in faraway kitchens. While the hotel’s modern space couldn’t be more different than Downton’s ornate hallways, the food echoes the delights Mrs. Patmore regularly whips

up on the show. And the wide variety of teas (try the signature Langham Blend), served in sleek Wedgewood china, transport you to the English countryside even while you’re gazing at a cityscape below. Tea begins with a surprisingly delicious amuse-bouche to cleanse your palate. Then it’s time for the food, which ranges from sweet to savory. Traditionalists will love Earl Grey raisin-soaked scones, while more adventurous diners can try exotic smoked salmon pinwheels topped with caviar or cucumber sandwiches garnished with a bit of olive “soil.” And everyone can agree that dessert’s the best part, with flavors that would please even the Dowager Countess. The leisurely pace of the tea

means there’s lots of time for gossip, and the comfortable plush seating invites elegant relaxation. Groups of any size are welcome—we spied a gathering of 10-plus, as well as several smaller parties of two or three. The service is professional to a tee—Mr. Carson would be proud—and every last server treats guests like the nobility they aspire to be. It all makes for a fun Britishflavored escape for those of us who are more likely

to don a baseball cap than a tiara anytime soon. Elizabeth Diffin

Tiffin at The Langham 330 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago Seatings daily at 3, 4 and 5:30 p.m. Starts at $40 chicago.langhamhotels.com (312) 923-7710

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18 February 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD TO GO

Zia’s opens to rave reviews in Lakeview

ate last year, Lakeview welcomed Zia’s Lago Vista on Ashland Avenue, serving some of the same classics as Zia’s Trattoria in Edison Park, a neighborhood favorite. The décor is a stunner and has an almost palatial feel. But don’t let the opulent interior intimidate you if you have kids in tow. Children are welcome, and the kids’ menu features a make-yourown entree with a choice of a favorite pasta topped with

Zia’s Lago Vista 3819 Ashland Ave., Chicago Ziaslakeview.com

marinara and personal pizzas. While kids dig into their customized meal, adults are in for a real treat, both in food and service. The grilled octopus is perfectly done as a starter and the meatball sliders are a great way to get the meal rolling. For entrees, you can’t go wrong with the pasta or meat. The rotola—tri-color pasta adorned with ground sausage, spinach, three cheeses and Barese sauce—is delicious, and seafood lovers will be thrilled with the linguini mixed with shrimp, scallops, mussels, calamari and clams with a spicy tomato sauce. Meat lovers should check out the filet stuffed with herb cheese served with asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes.

Gluten-free diners will be satisfied with the wide array of choices of appetizers, salads and main meals including carpaccio, Bolognese with pork and veal and braised lamb shank. Linda Marsicano

ChicagoParent.com February 2014 19

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BEST IN CHI

Experience it January 28 - July 14, 2014

2100 Patriot Blvd. | Glenview, IL 847.832.6600

The best places to pamper yourself. Quickly It’s cold out, the daylight is still dim, yet it’s February and tradition says it’s the month where we’re supposed to treat ourselves to a little something special. But who has time for a 90-minute massage or a 60-minute pedicure? Not SARA R. FISHER me, and likely not you. So here are some ways to get pampered without punishing your busy schedule.

Take an interactive trip through Japan in our new hands-on exhibit! www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org/japan

Blowout at drybar, 1611 N. Sheffield Ave., (312) 288-3087 This salon opened just in time for me to test it out and the experience definitely lives up to the hype. Providing hair-drying expertise for only $40 and paced to get you in and out, drybar is going to be the hottest spot to hit the North/Sheffield quadrangle since Whole Foods. And a whole lot more fun.

We invite you to see our classic Montessori school, February 5th, March 19th. By appointment please, 773-779-7606

Express *Quick Fix* mani at Noktivo, 4831 N. Damen Ave., (773) 908-2263 Sometimes I’ll cheat on time and get an hour-long no-chip manicure that lasts two to three weeks (it saves time in the long run), but when I want to go the quick route, I head to the newest nail salon on the north side. Run by nail veteran Jenny Perillo, the Quick Fix mani is a shaping and polish for $12.

Eyebrow threading at Benefit, multiple locations Book at Benefit at the last-minute when your brows may have the best

of you. Benefit’s team of threading, waxing and plucking experts will get you from bushy to beauty in less than 10 minutes.

Dermaplaning at The Few Institute, 875 N. Michigan Ave. #3850, (312) 202-0882 For about 40 minutes (and $150) I tried out dermaplaning—an exfoliation technique that removes dead skin and peach fuzz from the face. The process felt like a rough tickle and I even took a little snooze during the treatment. Unlike other skin treatments, you can put makeup on immediately and get right back to your meetings or school pickups. A great midday mom moment! Tip: Book last-minute beauty appointments at the new site Pretty Quick, prettyquick.com. Pretty awesome!

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GOOD TO GO

New event especially made for families

our family’s New Year’s resolutions can get a boost March 8-9 at the first-ever Healthy Children Conference + Expo sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics. “It’s a blend of entertainment and fun and also learning. You often don’t see that kind of event available for parents and other caregivers,” says Dr. Jennifer Shu, medical editor of healthychildren.org. “This is really for the whole family.” The conference will feature a host of speakers, including iCarly

The

TV show star Reed Alexander who has penned a recipe book. Families also will find more than 60 healthy programs that tackle healthy living, safety and family life, a play zone for kids and healthy familyfriendly cooking lessons, plus lots of entertainment. Shu says she hopes families will take away from the conference the most current information they need, with the backing of the AAP’s 60,000 pediatricians, to keep themselves healthy. Conference session topics range from the latest in newborn care to sports injuries to teen issues. Of all the activities, Shu, who is leading several of the sessions, says she is most looking forward to the cooking demonstrations. “I really think it’s important for kids to be an active part of their own nutrition, and if you get them involved with the cooking and preparation,

they are more likely to eat healthy food,” Shu says. The day also will include strategies for healthy eating, with recipes. Organizers hope this conference will be the start of hosting similar conferences for families across the country. Chicago Parent is a media partner in this event.

Healthy Children Conference + Expo

10 a.m.-6 p.m. March 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 9 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont Advance registration $8, $10 at the door; free kids. healthychildrenexpo.org Sessions in English and Spanish. The website also offered in Spanish

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

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

Call to schedule a visit.

• Creative play • Daily art and gym classes • Nurturing environment with low student/teacher ratio • Half, full and extended day option

900 N. Franklin, Chicago, IL 60610

• Private log-in for daily photo/narrative reports

312-944-5600

www.chicagogrammar.org ChicagoParent.com February 2014 21

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Resolving to get fit Everyone knows Michigan apples taste great, but they can also help keep you healthy. There are many great health benefits of eating apples. • Apples are a rich source of plant-based antioxidants. Antioxidants are continually being studied for their links to reduced risk of cancer, protecting brain cells and improving respiratory health. • Apples and apple juice are two of the best sources of the mineral boron, which may promote bone health. • Apples are a good source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that may be good for the health of the inside and outside of the body, including the skin and eyes.

Enjoy the flavor of healthy living with Michigan Apples!

MichiganApples.com 22 February 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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THE SELF-AWARE PARENT

important relationship tool When we think love, we think romance, we think children, we think family and friends. We love to love, but we often love at a deficit because we forget to love ourselves. Our ability to love others is sabotaged when we forget to love ourselves. Carrying around negativity about who we are CATHY CASSANI or constantly criticizing our way of ADAMS being drains our energy and limits our ability to offer ourselves fully. When we are limited by constant feelings of inadequacy, these feelings become the lens through which we view the world, our experiences, and the people around us. Love is an internal job; you can’t give away what you don’t have. If you want to be a good partner, you need to honor who you are. If you want your children to love themselves, you need to model what it looks like. Your choice to put yourself last only decreases what you have to give. Since this is a month dedicated to love, create daily practices that reflect your dedication to self love: Be alone. Say no to things you don’t want to do. Recognize and question the internal voice that criticizes. Spend time with people who make you smile. Enjoy inspirational music. Take a long bath. Forgive yourself. Laugh and play. Question the voice that says you don’t have time for self love. That’s an old tape, a misinformed way of thinking that says you must

sacrifice yourself for others if you want to feel love. Self love is a daily choice, a conscious practice. It’s an ongoing decision to recognize your worth and make yourself a priority. It’s the ability to receive as well as you give. It’s also an acceptance; an acceptance of your imperfections, inabilities and inner puzzle. Don’t hold off on loving yourself until you have it all perfected and figured out. If you do, you will spend a lifetime watching, waiting and hoping. We are lovable with flaws. We are worthy when we make mistakes. We are valuable simply because we are here. Make self love your top coping mechanism, your way of dealing with an often unpredictable and busy life And more importantly, recognize that it is the first and most essential step in connecting with the ones who matter most.

Cathy Adams is an author, the host of Zen Parenting radio and the mom of three girls.

Need to know

Self love: Your most

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MOM OF THE MONTH blessing every time I look at them. I hear other mothers complain about their teens; I never really complain about my kids. I’m so thankful for every heartbeat they have.

The real mom

{M.O.M}

Beth Aldrich

Best advice you’ve ever received? So much advice I would have been given I give to women now as a mother mentor, because people don’t tell you things. But the best advice I ever received was when they were babies, ‘the nights can seem so long, but the days and weeks and years go by so fast’ and that’s from my Aunt Elaine. I remember that all of the time if I’m sitting at a practice or waiting in a carpool line. I try to be very Buddhist and really live in the moment and appreciate each moment with them. w

Husband, Tom; three sons, Tyler, 17, Ryan, 16, and Logan, 11; two Tibetan terriers, Bonsai and Karma. Wilmette Author of Real Moms Love to Eat: How to Conduct a Love Affair with Food, Lose Weight and Feel Fabulous (2012), certified health counselor and the event chair for the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation Auxiliary Board. Can you remember how you felt the first time your sons were placed in your arms? The first thing was relief because before my first son, I had miscarried twice. He was just a full-time labor of love to stay pregnant with him. That’s why I got pregnant right away with Ryan. ... I just feel like it is such a

What has been your most outrageous y ‘real mom’ moment? ‘ (She laughs.) All tthe times I’ve done pee-pee dances. p When you’ve given W birth three times, b yyou just can’t hold it

anymore. I’m OK if people read this and think ‘this girl is a freak’ because I know that we all probably go through this at one point or another. What is your guilty pleasure? Cold Stone Creamery. I would sneak in there, eat a single scoop with caramel, Heath bar, whipped cream and banana, and I would look around to make sure no one saw me. My new guilty pleasure is half a cup of English breakfast tea with half a cup of whole milk with Logan. Favorite Chicago-style food to feed your family? I love everything about Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, every one of their restaurants rocks. (She is about to launch a new site focused on food reviews.) What is something your friends would be surprised to know about you? Even though I am very outgoing and I love to do social things, I love to spend time just alone. I think a lot of moms feel that way, but they don’t say it.

Don’t just wait, meditate D Moms are always on the go. That often means we hurry up, only to have to wait. We wait in the carpool lane to pick up kids from school. We wait for kids to get done with practice. We wait in the grocery store checkout. And on and on. While this makes for great times to use the 30 Second Mom app to read quick tips, it’s also great to stop everything and meditate. When I need a mental health break, I close my eyes and shut everything out. Even if it’s just a few moments, it helps to stop the madness and feel myself breathe slowly in and out. When I open my eyes, I’m centered and ready to roll!

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

24 February 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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PLUGGED-IN PARENT Does your child snore? Does your child have multiple ear or sinus infections?

Raising tech crazy tots Q

We don’t allow our 3-year-old to use technology at home, but he seems obsessed with the computer at his day care center. Should I be concerned? It’s not unusual for children to look forward to computer activities—or any activities—at school that they do not have access to at home.

SHARON MILLER CINDRICH

While the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend screen time for children 2 or younger, use of technology in day care programs varies greatly. Some day care centers may make computers and tablets available to children even younger than 2. Others may minimize technology access for kids under 5. Talk to your child about why he likes playing on the computer. Then, talk to your child’s provider to get a clear understanding of how the technology is used. Here are a few tips to help that conversation: Understand the content. Are children using games to learn colors, the alphabet or just to pass the time during the morning drop-off? Ask to see the games the children are playing. Explain your concerns. There are many reasons you may want your child to participate in activities away from the computer.

Talk to your child’s teacher about skills you feel your child needs to work on and ways to steer him to those activities. “I’d prefer Timmy interact with other children at the train table because I feel he needs to work on his social skills.” Find out about other activities. Activities you see occurring during drop-off and pick-up may not accurately represent your child’s overall interest level. Ask how your child reacts to other activities throughout the day, such as art or outside play. Create a healthy foundation. Your habits at home now will provide a foundation for a healthy balance between technology and other activities later. For now, use family time for reading and playing together. “I’m going to turn my phone off for the rest of the night so we can read some books together and relax.”

FUN FACT The Earth takes approximately 365 days to travel around the Sun. This is known as an orbit. Because the Moon’s orbit around Earth is much smaller, it only takes approximately 27 days. Learn more about the Moon by following your favorite friends from Sesame Street in One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure at the Adler Planetarium.

Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists Visit us at any of our locations! In the city: 1460 N. Halsted St. Suite 506 In the suburbs: Niles, Skokie, Park Ridge, Libertyville, Glenview & Highland Park

Katherine K. Hamming, M.D.

Robert P. Miller, M.D.

David L. Walner, M.D.

On Staff at: Lurie Children’s Hospital Rush University Medical Center Lutheran General Children’s Hospital

To make an appt. Call 847-674-5585 AdlerPlanetarium.org

www.pediatricentchicago.com

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Camp

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ChiCago Parent’s annual CamP guide Monthly through May For more information, call (708) 386-5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com

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26 February 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD SENSE EATING

Put on a happy plate Do crabby children live at your house? It could be their diet. At one time, the link between food and mood was pooh-poohed by scientists. Now research suggests a child’s diet may influence not only mood, but stress, attention, anxiety, impulse control and sleep. “A diet for good mental health is the same one that dietitians promote for heart health—one with lots of fruits and vegetables and a variety of protein sources including lean beef, cold water fish and legumes,” says Bridget CHRISTINE Swinney, MS, RD, a nutrition consultant and author of PALUMBO Eating Expectantly and Healthy Food for Healthy Kids. “Overall, a balance of nutrients is important.”

How it works

Proper nutrition is important to the production of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that help messages get passed between nerve cells in the brain. An imbalance of neurotransmitters has been implicated in mental health. Amino acids—the building blocks of protein—are the precursors to neurotransmitters. Vitamins and minerals also play a role in their conversion. One neurotransmitter is serotonin, which regulates mood, anger and aggression, appetite and some cognitive functions. There can be a shortage of serotonin due to an insufficiency of the amino acid tryptophan. Although tryptophan is widely distributed in proteinrich foods, such as meats, poultry and fish, other amino acids in those foods interfere with the entry of tryptophan into the brain. The brain is then not able to make adequate serotonin. By eating a balanced diet that also contains healthy carbohydrates, tryptophan can get into the brain, where it’s converted into serotonin.

of ADHD, depression and psychosis,” says Swinney. They can be found in “cold water fish like salmon, sardines, supplements containing fish oil or omega-3 fat produced from algae.”

Inflammation There may be an inflammation-brainmood connection, with inflammatory cytokines signaling certain regions of the brain to release the stress hormone cortisol, which can lower mood. Antiinflammatory foods include colorful produce, beans, mushrooms, anti-inflammatory spices (garlic, turmeric and curcumin), green tea, soy protein, extra virgin olive oil and dark chocolate. While there are some cases where diet is not enough to influence your child’s overall mental health, dietary improvements are certainly worth a try. Christine Palumbo is a Naperville registered dietitian nutritionist who gets crabby when she doesn’t get enough green salad. Follow her on Twitter @PalumboRD, Facebook at Christine Palumbo Nutrition or Chris@ ChristinePalumbo.com.

Omega-3 Omega-3 fatty acids are an important structural component of brain tissue, and a lack of them may affect both cognima tive function and behavior. “There are promising studies showing a link between fish oil and decreased symptoms

Black Bean Burgers Total time: 15 minutes Prep time: 10 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients 1 cup finely chopped onion 3 cloves garlic, minced 4 tsp. vegetable oil, divided 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained 1 tsp. cumin 18 / tsp. salt 1 egg, beaten 2 cups Kellogg’s All-Bran Complete Wheat Flakes cereal, crushed to about 1 cup ¼ cup chopped pecans 13 / cup salsa

Directions In large nonstick skillet, cook onion and garlic in 2 tsp. of oil until tender. In food processor bowl, combine onion mixture, beans, cumin and salt. Cover and process until smooth. In medium bowl, stir together bean mixture, egg, cereal and pecans. Shape into four ½-inch thick patties. In same skillet, heat remaining 2 tsp. oil until sizzling. Cook patties over medium-high heat for 5 minutes or until lightly browned, turning once. Serve with salsa. Nutrition per serving: 250 calories, 37 g carbohydrates, 11 g fiber, 7 g sugar, 9 g protein, 11 g fat (1 g sat fat), 45 mg cholesterol, 570 mg sodium, 80% DV iron, 80% DV vitamin C, 10% DV vitamin A, 8% DV calcium. Recipe courtesy of Kellogg Kitchens

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NEWS YOU CAN USE

Naper Settlement adds scavenger hunts Two interactive scavenger hunts, a Family Adventure and a History Challenge, have been added to Naper Settlement’s free cellphone audio tour. “The family-friendly scavenger hunt is a way for visitors to interact with the exteriors of the buildings in a fun and educational way,” says Jenn Edginton, learning experiences coordinator, who developed the scavenger hunts. “The history challenge scavenger hunt is targeted for ages 13 and older and really tests their historical knowledge.” The audio tour

and scavenger hunts can be accessed via cellphone at (630) 300-0603, via mobile phone with Internet access at http://myoncell. mobi/16303000603 or through napersettlement. com. The content also is available through Google’s new Field Trip app for Android and Apple devices. The buildings are closed November-March, but visitors can explore the exteriors and exhibits inside the Pre-Emption House Visitor Center, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Admission is $5.25 adults, $4.75 seniors and $4 youth 4-12. Naperville residents and museum members are free.

Safer swaddling A study recently released in the Archives of Disease in Childhood finds a connection between tight swaddling and post natal hip dysplasia. Study author Dr. Nicholas Clarke, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at the Southampton University hospital in the U.K.,

says the baby’s legs should not be tightly wrapped and pressed together when swaddling. Commercial products for swaddling should loose pouch hould havee a lo loos osee po p ouc uch h or sack fo the baby’s fforr th he ba baby by’s ’s legs leg egss and an feet, allowing plenty owiing g ffor or p leent ny of hip m movement. ovem ov emen ent.

High chair injuries high h The longest and largest study into high chairhai airr related injuries shows a 22 percent increase iin the n th he number of babies and toddlers needing emergency errge genc n y nc room care. The new research from Nationwide idee id Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, shows most w m ws ot os of the children, 92 percent, were hurt after the they h y fell out of the high chair. Researchers at Nationwide studied data bebe tween 2003-2010 and found: An average of 9,421 high chair-related d injuries seen in the emergency departments eeach ach ac h year, which translates to one child getting hurt every hour. The most common injury was to the head. The majority of these injuries occurred in the home. Children under 1 account for 78.3 percent of injuries.

28 February 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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TRENDING

Sundance style

MEREDITH SINCLAIR

Each winter, the beautiful folks of the silver screen descend upon the picturesque playground of Park City, Utah, for the Sundance Film Festival. And while the focus of the festival is its films, what all the beautiful people are wearing often takes center stage. Here are four simple ways to make that fabulous sky resort style your very own.

1 The “it” lid

Even if you’re a vegan and only hunt for bargains, looking like you enjoy trapping wildlife in your “down time” is the key. Treat your noggin to the warmth and borderline dorkiness of the “trapper hat.” I own one of these bad boys and it is like wearing a space heater on your thinker. ker. Plus the flaps are just fun. n.

2 The WAY-too-long o-long scarf If your scarf looks ks like your grandma got carried away watching Dancing ancing With the Stars and nd just... kept...knitting, then hen you’ve nailed this look. When worn with a hip-length h not-toopuffy puffy coatt (so that not everything is over-sized), ver-sized), the big ol’ scarf won’t n’t swallow you whole. Let the ends hang down to your our waist, make the middlee look like a boa constrictor has taken up residence around d your neck, and you’re good to g go. o.

3 Wa Walk like an Eskimo Three words for the perfect Thre Sundance snow boots: Loads of laces. Sunda These aare the kind of boots that put you in a straight jacket if would p you had to help your kids into them, just you, so relax. Think but it’s ju knee-high, with tufts of “fur” peekknee-hig ing out, and a touch of “I know how to cr craft candles from animal blubber” and you’ve got it.

4 High-end Hig flannel This might be my favorite Sundance Sundan nc wannabe essential. Growing up in the “sticks,” I’ve always been a fan of the flanne flannel anything, even when it wasn’t cute to you 1990s). But wa w asn sn’tt cut te (I (I’m ’m ttalking a alas, ala al las as, th as, thee fe ffemale ema ma flannel shirt has finally found its fashion sense. Match these fitted flannels with some skinny jeans, black leggings, or a denim mini and tights (with those boots from #3), and bam! Instant Park City native.

ChicagoParent.com February 2014 29 C

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CRAFT

Blooming cupcake bouquets

Make these floral bunches for your favorite valentines

PHOTOS AND STORY BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER eclare your love and impress your valentines this year with your own custommade flower bouquet that will never wilt. With four simple supplies, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have blooming buds in a matter of minutes. Find festive cupcake liners in shades of pink, reds, and whites to create a one-of-a-kind bouquet.

Supplies Cupcake liners Green pipe cleaners Take-out boxes or containers Crinkle paper or tissue paper

Directions: 1. Use three cupcake liners per flower and arrange them together by flattening out and fluffing the liners as desired. 2. Thread one end of the pipe cleaner through the center of the three-cupcake liners together. Take the other end and thread it through nearby to make a little green stem visible in the top center of the flower. 3. Twist the two ends of the pipe cleaner together to create a stem underneath

the flower. 4. Fold down the sides of your take-out box or container on the inside. Fill the box with crinkle paper, shredded paper or tissue paper. 5. Stick the twisted pipe cleaner flower into the paper in the container. 6. Make as many flowers as you want for your bouquet. You should make at least four or five to fill the container. 7. Arrange the flowers in your bouquet and deliver to your favorite valentine!

30 February 2014 Ch C ChicagoParent.com hicag icag ic agoP oPa aren ar entt..c co om

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This free access online mathathome.org site provides you with printable lesson plans, videos, a blog and resources to help you with planning math activities for young children. Questions? Write to info@mathathome.org

www.Mathathome.org a Free access online Professional Development Center for Family Child Care Home Providers, Center and school Based Teachers and Parents Math At Home is a National Louis University project funded by CME Group Foundation.

NaTioNal louis uNiversiTy www.nl.edu ChicagoParent.com February 2014 31

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FAILING WITH GUSTO

Talk back

The empty kitchen drawer While visiting my sister Megan recently, I found myself in need of a spoon to stir my coffee. I immediately began rifling through her cabinets to locate one. That is when I saw it. The empty kitchen drawer. Up until that very moment, I assumed empty kitchen drawers MARIANNE were the stuff of legends and lore. WALSH Sure, one would occasionally hear whispers of purported sightings, but nobody could ever prove they existed. The empty kitchen drawer, as far as I was concerned, was the Yeti wrapped in the Abominable Snowman shrouded in Santa Claus. The reason for my shock and disbelief in this uncommon finding? My sister has children. Did she not know that kitchen drawers become the ultimate purveyors of crap once kids come along? They are the place you shove Rainbow Loom bracelets and orthodontist’s appointment cards. They are where pens that don’t write and batteries that don’t work go to die.

Kitchen drawers are the Pandora’s Box of things you know you should throw away but can’t. Yet disposing of this junk requires a decision-making ability that is often eroded by the larger questions of the day like “Why can’t I do third-grade math?” or “Where did I leave Joey?” As insignificant as the task may seem, going toe-to-toe with a cluttered kitchen drawer

can feel overwhelming in the throes of everyday life. Yet my sister is a minimalist. There is no clinging to the sentimental. If something is not part of Megan’s daily rotation, it gets discarded or donated. She does not retain tools and equipment simply because they might be used one day. She takes pictures of her kids’ art projects instead of boxing and storing them for all perpetuity. Megan claims this makes for a less stressful life. She tries to sell me on the practice, insisting how easy it is to dust with fewer knickknacks and books strewn about. She nudges me excitedly, feeling confident that I will take the bait. I haven’t the heart to tell her that there hasn’t been any dusting in my house since the Bush

administration. Regardless, I felt I should still give the minimalist thing a shot. I started with our out-of-control stuffed animal collection. Yet, as I sorted through dozens of bears and dogs, countless memories of my kids’ toddler years came flooding back. The animals beseeched me. Just give us a little more time. For the children. Annoyed and frustrated at my mawkishness, I knew I needed to begin somewhere easier. I needed a project where sentimentality wouldn’t derail me from the start. I needed to rid myself of the superfluous, but not hesitate in doing it. Joe is still wondering where half his old T-shirts have gone. For the first time ever, we have an empty closet shelf. It may not be the much-coveted empty kitchen drawer, but it is a step in the right direction. Next week? I tackle Joe’s beer stein collection. This is going way better than I thought. Marianne Walsh is a Chicago mom of three boys. Want more? Go to ChicagoParent.com and webandofmothers.blogspot. com.

32 February 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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REAL PARENTS IN THE TRENCHES

Want more? Visit ChicagoParent.com/parentpanel

You find the word “hate” creeping into your family’s conversations (i.e. I hate the cold, I hate traffic, etc.). How do you combat it?

I explain that it is certainly OK not to like something. We all have our likes and dislikes. But hate is too strong of a word and it’s just so negative. I tell the kids to say they “dislike” something. That seems to soften the tone, yet still gets their point across. Kerry Quirin, Downers Grove

Sit down with your kids and write a list of all the things you LOVE and focus on that. That or learn to smile over that inner rage! Ryan Salzwedel, Chicago

I would be proud if my child “hated” things like senseless shootings and terminal illnesses enough to want to help. Hate is not a bad emotion. I would help them to distinguish between the things that warrant such a strong word and all the little things that don’t. Gia Lee, Chicago

I have had this issue. I make an effort not to say the word and when I hear the kids saying it, I explain that we don’t use that word but can replace it with “I don’t like.” Jackie Sergeant, Richton Park

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Look up the definition of “hate” together and talk through any intense feelings you might have about a certain subject. Then come up with substitute words you can use instead. Anne Rezabek, Elgin

When my kids were younger I taught them “hate” was a bad word. Recently I’ve heard them slip the “hate” word in conversations. I’ll say, “Oh-oh ‘hate’ is going to come back to you.” They will change their wording to “I dislike...” or “I don’t appreciate...” Diane Oliver, Chicago

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As my kids have morphed from cherubim to shocking over the 300 years I’ve been living in Chicago, I have dreaded the March melt-off. The collection of lost things it always reveals in the yard is a running commentary on my kids’ lives, like a growth chart, only horribly, horribly embarrassing.

HOW!? I’m no underwearist! 2001: Three shoes, none I know men who will walk matching. out to get the paper in full 2004: A bike and a case of regalia, Fruit of the Diet Coke. Looms to the 2007: My best wind, wave cutting board. to their 2010: The neighbors key to the and mosey snowblower, back into swim trunks, their house. two snow I am not one shovels. of those guys, 2012: Those I. . . I . . . Christmas lights JA ILL DE UST RATIO N BY TOM OK, yes I am. I was supposed to I may not skip to the hang. curb in my skivvies, but I 2013, however, surpassed work at home (a phrase all for sheer public humy wife instinctively finger miliation. As the last days quotes), which means I sit in of March warmed, I spent a La-Z-Boy in my underwear each morning at the window playing games on my laptop with my coffee waiting for until genius strikes. But I the inevitable revelation. don’t go outside like that! I Each day, more grass poked put on a robe! And even if through. I began to hope I did, it’s not like I’m taking for no horrible reminders of them off and dropping them what hideous slobs we could on the ground and saying be. ‘oh my, where have my Nope. There it was. Three underpants gone? Alas, I will o’clock on a Tuesday, the have to return to my abode last patch of snow melted, al fresca!’ revealing a pair of 3X men’s I will Sherlock this thing underwear, splayed out like until I get an answer, but a flag. And yes, they were I fear there is no detective mine, and yes, there were 20 show wrap-up. people walking their dogs It’s just one more thing when I raced out the door in that drives me ever closer to my gym shorts and T-shirt to a rubber room where I will grab them, which makes it sit curled in a corner, softly that much worse. mumbling “Why?” Because why? WHY!?

34 February 2014 ChicagoParent.com DOSC-13182_CL_ChicagoParentAugustAd.indd 7/2/13 12:20 PM

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VOICE: CORTNEY FRIES

Sybaris saved our marriage for us. There was a knock at the door. Although it was the man I’d known almost half my life, I was nervous. “I can NOT believe this!” he laughed, swooping me up. He was giddy, grinning ear-to-ear. Despite the gray hairs, wrinkles and spit-up, I was his prize. We swam without children climbing on us. We drank in the daytime. We giggled like school children at the swing hanging over the bed. So excited to just be alone together laughing, those four hours went by like lightning. We were sad to trade the fluffy Sybaris robes back for our Mommy and Daddy clothes. Admittedly it did feel funny to walk into our home with damp hair and dodge questions about our date. But it was our dirty little secret. Wink, wink. And it was awesome. In the last few years, we’ve been there four times. The funniest was the two-story villa with a waterslide from top to bottom. My 200-pound husband whipped down it so fast, he kaboomed into the water, releasing a tidal wave onto the mirrored wall below. I laughed so hard I cried. When we go, he is always excited and happy, no matter how little sleep he’s had. The novelty hasn’t worn off because it’s not about the waterfalls and racy movies. It’s a chance for us to

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reconnect and have fun. Having those days has helped us even when we are back in our hectic, exhausting lives with little ones, work and responsibilities. Now we give each other knowing winks over the dinner table. And instead of just “please pick up milk,” we send more funny and flirty text messages. We haven’t mentioned our Sybaris adventures to many people because we were worried about what they would think. But then I realized that it was gamechanging for us. And, as I try to teach our children, it’s best to share. The few people I’ve told so far usually give me that look. But then it turns into a sparkle in their eyes, a laugh and eventually booking a room. I hope you will, too. It saved our marriage.

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t the check-in of the Sybaris romantic pool suites, I stood in my long black coat. Underneath were yoga pants with fresh baby spit-up. “My husband will be meeting me here,” I said, trying to sound cool and confident, although this was never something in our 15-year relationship I had imagined doing. We had courted over long walks, Sunday morning snuggles and quarterly travel plans. But in the “The Diaper Dark Ages,” with a toddler and baby, our exchanges had become a carnival of the Blame Game and the Guilt-o-Whirl. It’s not Key in hand, I texted my husband the address about the of our surprise date. waterfalls Would he think it was sleazy and ridiculous? and racy Would he insist we leave movies. It’s immediately? All I knew was something needed a chance to to change, not only for but for the sake of have fun. us, our children. I used to be the sought-after prize. Now the D word (divorce) had been thrown out over tears and tantrums. As I opened the door to our proposed romantic retreat, I was hit with a warm waft of pool-water air, low lights and romance radio. The bidet and underthe-bed lights were a bit much. In the wall-to-wall mirrors, I felt totally imperfect. But the pool, hot tub and steam shower would be like a mini vacation

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BLACKHAWKS

baby boom! 7 MOMS, 7 DADS, 10 BABIES STORY BY ELIZABETH DIFFIN PHOTOS BY LIZ DECARLO ost days, the Chicago Blackhawks locker room is crawling with reporters looking for a quote. This day, it’s crawling with … well … crawlers. And walkers. And a few eat-sleep-and-cry-ers. And while all eyes are on famous names like “Hossa,” “Keith” and “Seabrook,” these hockey sweaters are much smaller versions than what we typically see on the United Center ice. After all, these jerseys are designed for the hockey players’ tinier counterparts—their kids. That’s right: the Blackhawks are having a baby boom. In the last two

and a half years, the team has added eight mini-Hawks to its ranks, with two players-to-be-named-later on their way. “Everyone’s been joking that they’re the lockout babies,” says Abby Sharp, wife of left wing Patrick Sharp. “We’ve actually had to convert part of the family room into a kids’ play area. It’s so much fun.” We wanted to find out what life is

like for these new Blackhawks families, so we sat down with seven Blackhawks wives to talk about parenting while the team’s on the road, raising kids in Chicago, and whether the hockeyplaying dads are really tough enough for diaper duty.

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BABY BOOM

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Lene Brookbank Husband: #17 Sheldon Brookbank, Defenseman Kids: Bennett, 16 months; Baby #2 due in May How would you describe your husband as a dad? He’s the best. I honestly couldn’t imagine doing it without him. He’s so helpful and great. He takes the early shifts and changes diapers and feeds Bennett… and he’s right on the floor with him playing. And how do you handle it when Sheldon’s on the road? “Handle that” is actually a great way of putting it. You get in kind of a routine; you get used to it. I think it’s tougher for Bennett because he’s a daddy’s boy. He loves having his dad home. So for him, it’s probably a little bit worse than it is for me. Would you like to see Bennett play hockey? He likes playing mini-sticks with his dad at home, which is fun. I know that,

especially growing up in Canada, it’s such a part of the culture, having the kids play outside and things like that. I think that he would really enjoy it. But whatever he decides to do. A lot of fans are kind of curious about the Blackhawks wives in general. Is there one thing you wish they knew about you? That we are really just normal. We talk just like other girlfriends do and do the same kind of things and share the same kind of experiences. I think a lot of people would be surprised at how boring our day-to-day lives really are in the grand scheme of things. You went to culinary school. Is that something you use in daily life? At this stage of my life, it’s more just doing it for the joy of doing it and cooking for the family. We do like to have dinner parties, although having a baby kind of limits that aspect of things. But we still like to enjoy a nice meal every once in a while.

Jana Hossa Husband: #81 Marian Hossa, Right Wing Kids: Mia, 28 months; Zoja, 2 months How would you describe your husband as a dad? He loves the girls. He is a proud daddy of his little princesses. Usually men want a son, especially professional athletes. But during my pregnancies, he was so happy to find out we were having girls. Even the second time, he wanted to have another girl. What’s he like in a house surrounded by girls? When our first daughter was born, he was very careful with her. Now he is comfortable with our second baby; he has no problem changing diapers and stuff like that. And Mia loves to play with him; they run around the house and play crazy games together. What’s it like taking care of two little girls while Marian’s on the road? It’s not easy. But the grandmas visit us often, so that helps. Does Mia skate yet? No, she doesn’t try to skate yet. But she knows daddy goes to play hockey. And she knows the Hawks! When we are watching games on TV, she looks at him and says “Daddy” and “Hawks” or “goal,” but that’s it. She doesn’t have

patience to watch the game for more than 30 seconds. You’re pretty far from home here in Chicago. What do you miss the most? Family and friends. But after every season, we spend the whole summer back home in

Slovakia. At the beginning it was hard … different language, people, culture, traditions. But on the other hand, it is such a great experience. You travel, learn a new language, live in a different city. We are happy to be here; Chicago is a great city.

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Dayna Seabrook Husband: #7 Brent Seabrook, Defenseman Kid: Carter, 5 months How has life changed now that Carter’s here? It’s not as hard as I thought it was going to be. It’s been really fun. I thought I’d be locked in the house and not be able to do anything, but he’s been such a good baby. … I guess I’m just not sleeping as much, but other than that, it’s been really, really good. How would you describe your husband as a dad? Brent’s been amazing. He’s shocked me. Not that I didn’t think he’d be a good dad, but he’s just so hands-on. I had a C-section, so he changed all the diapers at the beginning. …He’s been really, really good with Carter. I think he’s excited that he was a boy, too. Are there any responsibilities that he’s taken on as his own? He’s all about prepping him

to be a hockey player. So he’s got these exercises that he wants him to do every day. He’s got to stand, get his leg strength up, all this stuff. It’s really cute, actually. How do you feel about Carter being a hockey player? I’d love it if he was a hockey player! I don’t care what he does. I always joke with Brent that he’s going to be a ballerina. … We’ll support him whatever he wants to do. But we’re both Canadian and we’d love it if he played hockey. Carter’s middle name is “Seven,” which is Brent’s number. Why did you decide to do that? We just said it kind of in passing when I was pregnant. And then we kind of forgot about it. We actually had another name picked out, and then in the hospital, Brent’s like, “Well, what about Seven?” Carter Seven Seabrook has a good ring to it. It’s been Brent’s number his whole career. So why not?

Elina Hjalmarsson Husband: #4 Niklas Hjalmarsson, Defenseman Kid: Baby Boy due in April What are you looking forward to most about being a mom? Probably just becoming a family. Niklas loves kids and he’s been looking forward to this for a long time. What kind of a dad do you think he’s going to be? He’s very fun. He loves to play and do family stuff. I think he’s going to be very loving and fun. What about Chicago are you excited about introducing your baby to? I just love Chicago as a city overall. We would not want to be anywhere else. It’s big and it has everything, but it’s still very cozy and calm. That’s what I like. You’re still kind of newlyweds, and then becoming parents. How are you handling that transition? Everything just happened really fast. It is just like a blur. But it’s fun. This is a new chapter in our life that we are looking forward to. You’re due in April. Do you have any plans if you go into labor during a game? If he’s at an away game, I hope they put him on a plane to come here right away. And if it’s a game here, hopefully they just get him off the ice! CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

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BABY BOOM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

Abby Sharp Husband: #10 Patrick Sharp, Left Wing (Alternate Captain) Kids: Madelyn, 25 months; Sadie, 3 months What is it like to have two little girls in the house now? It’s definitely a lot busier. I’m finding I don’t have much free time to do anything aside from taking care of both of them, especially with Madelyn being a toddler now and getting into everything. But it’s a lot of fun. What about when Patrick’s on the road? I don’t mean to throw him under the bus or anything… It’s not too much different from when he’s home because usually he’s napping or resting for the game. But no, we’re used to being on our own, you know, so it’s really not that much different. How would you describe Patrick as a dad? He is an awesome dad. He loves to play with Madelyn. I think now that she’s getting older, and can talk and play with him, he’s just in love. He has so much fun with her, comes home and just throws her around and does that kind of stuff. He’s really enjoying

it, I think, now that she’s getting out of the baby stage. What was it like to see your husband win the Stanley Cup? When they were playing in Boston, Patrick really wanted Madelyn to be out on the ice, just so she could have those memories. Poor Sadie. I was pregnant, so I technically say she was there too, so she

can’t feel left out. But now we have a ring for each girl, which is cool. How do you handle all the talk about Patrick being the sexiest guy in the NHL? We laugh about it for sure. ‘Cause you know, I see him at home, and he’s in his pajamas, hanging out, sleeping. We get a good laugh out of it.

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Zuzana Handzus Husband: #26 Michal Handzus, Center Kid: Tomas, 19 months What is Michal like as a dad? I think he’s very responsible, maybe more than I am. He’s a very good dad. He cares a lot about the little one. He doesn’t have any problems doing the diaper changes or helping with any other responsibilities. So I cannot complain. I’m very happy to have him around. What has been the hardest part of being far from home? I think we miss our families. It would be much more fun to have them around and to share Tomas’ first steps with them and his first words. And also it’s a very big help when you have family around; you don’t have to get a babysitter all the time. How have you adjusted? For us, it’s hard to adjust to the winter in Chicago. With the wind blowing so hard and the

cold being so bad, it’s hard to get outside with a baby. We don’t have much stuff to do inside and staying home all the time is not as much fun. Do your families visit ever? Yeah, they come sometimes. My mom was here for two weeks and Michal’s mom was here for a month. So they get to come here, but it’s hard to fly in for just a few days. It’s like a 12-hour flight and the time difference is seven hours, so it’s hard. Tomas just skated for the first time. How did that go? He got to have figure skating skates, which is funny because Michal started as a figure skater and then he switched to hockey. Tomas had so much fun. He loves hockey; he loves to watch hockey; he loves to play with the hockey sticks at home. So he enjoyed it.

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BABY BOOM

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Kelly-Rae Keith Husband: #2 Duncan Keith, Defenseman (Alternate Captain) Kid: Colton, 8 months You’ve been with Duncan since you were 17. How has your relationship changed, especially since becoming parents? Colton’s brought us closer. We’re more of a team now, because we have to work together to raise a good boy. Obviously, it adds a little stress, too. Colton was colicky, so that’s hard. Now we’re having a lot of fun. Are there any specific duties that Duncan has taken on as a dad? He helps out with the care of the male anatomy because I’m not very good at that. Feedings. I would say he’s poor in the diaper-change area, but I’m sure most dads are. Is there anything in particular you’re looking forward to experiencing with your son here in Chicago? I think mainly just the experience of growing up in a city. We’re from a small town and we go back in the summers. So it’s nice to offer him the best of both

worlds, growing up in the city and then going back to the lake house. You played basketball in college and Duncan’s obviously an athlete. Is there any sport you want him to play? Well, his dad is definitely all for him being a hockey player! But he’s just kidding, whatever Colton wants to do. I think he’s got good genes in him that there’s a good chance he will be an athlete. Whatever sport he chooses, we’ll be happy. Charity work is important to you, both with the Blackhawks and your own charity, Keith Relief. Why is that a priority? I feel very blessed with the life I’ve been given, and fortunate. It’s really hard to see other people who have more hardship than what I’ve experienced in my lifetime. That was the main reason: We wanted to help out. And the second (reason) was, being Canadian, I wanted to utilize my time here in Chicago and I wasn’t able to get a work visa here. So I wanted to find a way to keep busy, but also do good work at the same time.

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The language of

Are you really communicating with each other?

y husband Scott and I just celebrated our 10th anniversary. Though we aren’t newlyweds, we still try to make each other happy. Scott sometimes surprises me with flowers, often thanks me for a good dinner or tells me I look nice when I’m sporting a new outfit. I plan special dates and vacations and I

BY KRISTY MacKABEN love to bake his favorite treats. He never fails to kiss me before heading off to work and I pack his lunch every morning. Despite our attempts to show our love, we have been speaking different love languages, according to Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages. After a decade of marriage, we are not fully meeting each other’s love needs. We are not alone, Chapman says.

Many couples, even those who are happily married, do not truly understand each other’s needs, and therefore, they do not communicate effectively. “Couples often forget that a marriage has to be nurtured,” says Chapman. Chapman, a marriage counselor from North Carolina who has CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

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LANGUAGE OF LOVE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43

written several books on marriage, believes every person speaks primarily one of five distinct love languages: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch. This primary love language is how a person shows love and also how they want to receive love. “What makes one person feel loved doesn’t necessarily make another person feel loved,” Chapman says. “You tend to express your love in a way you feel loved.” Kathleen Gettelfinger, a therapist with the Family Institute in Chicago, says she often uses Chapman’s book as a tool when working with couples. “Sometimes things that come naturally to us when it comes to showing love and affection may not be the thing that most speaks to our partner when expressing love,” says Gettelfinger, who often suggests her clients determine their primary love languages. After taking a quiz on

5lovelanguages.com, Scott discovered his primary love languages were physical touch and words of affirmation. Quality time won by a landslide for my primary love language, with acts of service coming in second. When couples don’t speak the same love language, they might become aggravated when their partner isn’t responding the way they would like. This might explain why I get annoyed when Scott is glued to his iPad. (He isn’t meeting my need for quality time.) And he gets frustrated on nights when I just want to sleep. (I’m not meeting his need for physical touch.) Scott feels appreciated when I compliment him or recognize his hard work (meeting the need of words of affirmation), while I love when he gives the kids a bath or washes the dishes (meeting the need of acts of service). “Couples often have the mistaken idea that the way that their partners feel loved and cared for

and connected is the same way that they feel loved and cared for and connected,” says Sara Schwarzbaum, founder of Couples Counseling Associates in Chicago and professor of couple and family counseling at Northwestern University. “Many people tend to give what they want to receive as opposed to what the other person wants. This is the concept of real giving.” To better communicate with Scott, according to the book, I should be more physical (this doesn’t always mean sexual touch), as well as show appreciation or compliment him more frequently. Scott should take time to give me his undivided attention, and he should help around the house or with our children. “Sometimes people don’t feel loved even though they appreciate what the person is doing. It doesn’t speak deeply to their hearts in terms of love,” Chapman says.

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Tips to try

For couples who want to communicate more deeply, Chapman and local therapists suggest the following tips:

Discover your true love language. Gettelfinger and Schwarzbaum usually advise their clients take the 5 Love Languages quiz to determine how they feel most loved. While some people inherently know what makes them feel loved, others might be surprised by the quiz results. The quiz is 30 questions, asking you to pick one of two options you prefer the most. At the end of the quiz, the results are tabulated and usually one love language stands out.

Find your partner’s love language. A spouse doesn’t always want to take a quiz, read a book or go to therapy. In these cases, Chapman suggests a person

pay close attention to how their spouse reacts to different acts of love. “You observe the behavior of your spouse. How do they relate to other people? What does the spouse complain about?” Chapman says. If your spouse often pats people on the back or always wants back rubs, that person might think physical touch is important. Acts of service could be the love language if the spouse complains frequently about chores that aren’t completed, Chapman says.

Fulfill your partner’s love needs. Once you learn a spouse’s love language, you should start speaking it regularly. It might seem awkward or difficult, but it will undoubtedly improve your relationship, Chapman says. Two months later, ask your spouse on a scale of 1 to 10 “How much love do you feel from me?” Chapman says. If the response is less than 6, then ask how you can

improve. “What they’re suggesting might not be what you’re doing,” Chapman says. “Whenever they give you an 8, 9 or 10, they are feeling your love.”

Tell your partner what you want. Once you start speaking your spouse’s love language, he or she will be more likely to try to meet your love needs, Chapman says. “Give them a request. Because they’ve been feeling the love from you, they’re very likely to give in to your request. You’re teaching them how to speak your love language.” Chapman says couples who work on communication and learn to speak each other’s love languages can usually turn around their relationship. “I think they will find that emotional love can be reborn in relationships,” Chapman says.

Kristy MacKaben is a mom of two and frequent contributor at Chicago Parent.

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Where’s the Moms co ome m clean on judgmentt and compettittion o among gstt mothers

BY B Y MEG EGAN GAN AN MUR URRAY ELSENER

hen it co he omes to mo m other oth th herin ing, it’s a toug to ugh en ug nough job with wi with thout out w worrying ab bo ou ut what h others aarre th t in nk king about how yo ho you’re doing iitt. t. Y Yeet mo motth her e ho hoo hood od d oft f en en involves un u unsp nsp spok oken ken en co om mpe mpe pettiiti tion o and a unkind jju udg dgme ment ment nt fro rom th thosse who should be th be hee most ost un os unde nde d rsta rssta tand nd ding—other mo m otth her erss.. Here He re are re fo ou ur mo moms’ ttakes on tth he co comp mpeettit itive ive an iv and ju j d dgmental envviiro en ronm nmeen nt am amo on ng mo others.

Rae Ann Mattson N peerv Na r viillle lle, llee, mo mom o mom off thre hree hr ee Why do Wh do you ou th hiink in nk k mo otth he ers rs jud udge udge g oth he err mo oth ther ers? s? I thin thin th nk m mo other oth tth her ers jju ers udg dge each eeaach ch oth t er er to h heelp p just ju stiiffy th th hee wa ways ys in wh whic hich icch th hey ey are re mo otthe herring. in g. Theere re issn n’t ’t a how w-tto paare ren nttin ng bo book k. I cons co ons nsta tan ta tant nttly ly waallk ar arou oun nd d wonde ond on deeri ring ring ng if I am am feeed fe din ng them theem th m the he best est food es foo fo od ds, s, washi aasshi hing g their heir he ir ccllot othe othe hes in in th hee leaastt to oxxiicc det eter erg geen ntt, ke keeep ping to in to a nap ap scch hed edu ulle, e, and d the he lis ist go goeess on and on nd on. n. Aft fter fter er hav avin in ng g my my thi hird rd ch hiild ld,

I surr surrren su nde derreed tto o my ssiittu uat atio tio on an and h haad ad no cho no hoicce b bu ut tto o bec ecom om o me m mo ore re con onfi fide dent dent nt in n “m myy” ch chos o en en mot othe heri he eri ring ng sk kiillls an and nd no nott wo w orrrry abou aab bou ut w wh haatt otth her her ers rs ar are thin are th hinki in nk kiin ng g. Havve Ha Have e you u be ee en c crrit itiic ciz ize ized ed d by o otthe ther he er m mo oms ms or fo or ou und d yo ou urrssel urs self elf ju el ud dg gin gin ng o otthers herss? he We had We d maj ajo orr sle leep p issssue ues wi with h ou urr fir i st cch hilld aan nd I wa was exha exxh haau usste ted and and vveent an ent ntin ing g to a frriiien to end end. en d.. In nssste tteeaad d of jju u ust sstt lis iste ste teni nin ng g, sh g, he instteeaad to in old ld me I maay no not b bee cut out u for motth mo h her erho er rho hood od and nd sho hou ulld ma mayb ayyb be go go bac a k to to worrk wo k. No Not w wh haatt a tirred ed an nd d fru ustra sttrraatteed mo mom m

n ed ne ded ed.. Fi Five ve yea e rs later that comment still stin st ings in g. gs Ho ow do you o try to stop the competition m amon am ng mo m th t er ers? s s? It is a re It real al tim ime-waster, to be honest. Beeco Beco omi m ng ng a mom m has been on ne of the most mo st cha hall lllen engi giing g n things I’ve eve ver done aan nd I haave ve fou ound n it importantt to to surround myseelf wit myse my i h ot o he h r similar-mind ndeed moms who supp wh su upp por o t on one another. Wha hatt we need to tell te lll eacch ot o he h r mo more iss that we are doing a grreaat jo j b.

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Tracy Yu Stronsky Chicago, mother of two Why do you think mothers judge other mothers? Unfortunately, some mothers feel the need to make more of something than they need to, whether it’s breast milk or formula, cloth or disposable diapers, or working or staying-at-home. There are many situations that are seen as

every day and mothers will always compete about which choices they deem better than others. I think we can all be better about choosing what to do with the judgments we make. Do we say something to someone that could be hurtful? Worse yet, do we gossip about our judgments to other mothers? Or do we bite our tongues and remind ourselves that our perspective is not necessarily the “right” or only perspective? As usual, it would serve us well to listen to the advice our parents gave us long ago, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all!”

Nicole Nichols

Tracy Yu Stronsky competitions, when the fact of the matter is everyone is working incredibly hard to do what is best for their families. Raising a family is a complex matter; it’s not a race. Have you been criticized by other moms or found yourself judging others? In my day-to-day running around, I definitely feel judged by other mothers. Whether it’s checking out my diaper bag or stroller or how much baby weight I’ve lost, I can sense the judgments being made about me. Over the years, I’ve learned to feel comfortable in my own skin, so I’m not terribly bothered by judging looks and snide comments. How do you try to stop the competition among mothers? Unfortunately, competition amongst mothers is a reality. We make choices for our children

Oak Park, mother of two Why do you think mothers judge other mothers? I think mothers judge each other because of personal insecurities, jealousy, ignorance or because they feel threatened. Have you been criticized by other moms or found yourself judging others? I try my best not to judge because I know parenting is not an easy task and you never really know what is going on in someone else’s life. With that being said, I know I am guilty of being judgmental at times. I find that I can be judgmental about parents who are very opinionated and vocal about their parenting style and think that everyone should follow their lead. Sometimes I feel like saying something, but then I remind myself that everyone is on their own parenting journey and respect that we have differences in our approach to raising kids. How do you try to stop the competition among mothers? I wish it didn’t exist! I think it stems from everyone wanting to be the best mom they can be, which is not a bad thing. But when being judgmental invades this territory, it becomes much messier and hurtful. We should all

remember that every child is unique, as is the experience of parenting them.

Anne Maselli Park Ridge, mother of three Why do you think mothers judge other mothers? Almost all mothers want the best for their children and because of that there can be an unspoken, or sometimes spoken, jealousy and judging of other mothers. I think women often judge other mothers to help them feel better about themselves or their situations. Have you been criticized by other moms or found yourself judging others? It is natural to sometimes look at other mothers or parents and think, “That’s not how I would do it.” I did more of that type of judging before I was a mom. Now I realize how difficult being a parent can be, and how there are circumstances you can’t always control, and things you don’t know about as an outsider. Before I was a mom, I never thought I would be a parent of a child who had a tantrum in a store or restaurant, but just recently I was in a shoe store where two of my three children were having screaming tantrums. All of the other parents in the store were staring at me,

some with a few eye rolls, as I picked up my screaming kids from the floor and walked out of the store. I was embarrassed and I felt judged. I have vowed to never again roll my eyes or make a comment when someone else’s child is throwing a tantrum. Instead I plan to share a sympathetic and understanding look because I know what it feels like to be that parent. How do you try to stop the competition among mothers? I really would like to see mothers be more supportive of each other. Motherhood shouldn’t be a competition; it should be a bond among women. Megan Murray Elsener is a Chicago mother of two.

Anne Maselli

Nicole Nichols

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Love conquers all... most of the time

STORY BY DANIELLE BRAFF PHOTOS BY FRANK PINC

‘I had my whole life in front of me’

ine months after they got married, Laura and Steve Lutarewych’s vows were put to the challenge. Laura—in her 20s and always healthy—was diagnosed with skin cancer. Doctors gave her a 40 percent chance of surviving. “I thought my life was over,” she says. “I thought that this was my death sentence and I was terrified. I was so sad. I had just gotten married, and I had my whole life in front of me.” A partial finger amputation, the removal of her lymph nodes and a year of treatment saved her life, and just a few months after being declared cancer-free, Lutarewych was pregnant. “I was so over the moon. It was everything that I had worked through my treatment for. I had done it, and now I was getting the greatest gift. I got my life, and now I was getting my child,” she says. But her baby, Atia, would face her own crisis. At 17 months old, she crumpled to the floor and screamed in pain when Lutarewych changed her diaper. Three trips to the emergency room in 1½ weeks finally left them with an official diagnosis: Atia had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and she had to start chemotherapy immediately to save her life. “I couldn’t catch my breath,” Lutarewych says, remembering the utter nightmare that her life became once again. “Is my baby going to have to die?” Atia would undergo daily chemotherapy for 2½ years until July 2011. “When I was weak, Steve was strong,” Lutarewych says of her husband and their family survival technique. “When he had his breaking

When real love is involved, parents can face some of the toughest challenges imaginable and still come out on the other side stronger, tougher and wiser.

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‘It brought everything into perspective’ ust before he turned 6, Isaac Parris, of Montgomery, started complaining of headaches. His mom April Schippers took him to the pediatrician, who sent him to the chiropractor, who sent him to the emergency room doctor, who sent him by ambulance to Lutheran General Hospital. “Here I am getting crazy news that you’re never expecting to get from a headache,” says Schippers, who learned in June 2011 that Isaac had a brain tumor. “When I found out that Isaac had a mass in his head, I didn’t really get it,” Schippers says. But when she was told he would have two weeks to live without surgery and a 25 percent chance

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that he would die during the surgery, it all sunk in. “It became very real and beyond frightening,” she says. But Isaac was a survivor. He underwent 30 days of radiation to his brain and spine and nine rounds of chemo for his stage 4 Medulloblastoma. As bad luck would have it, Schippers, a first-grade teacher, had broken up with her boyfriend, Pat, just before Isaac’s diagnosis. When Schippers’s sister called him to tell him that Isaac was being rushed by ambulance to the hospital, Pat raced there even faster—and he never left Isaac’s side. In fact, he never left anyone’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

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LOVE CONQUERS ALL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49

“We wouldn’t wish this on anyone, but it was the best year of our lives because it brought everything into perspective.” April Schippers side ever again. Isaac finished his treatment Aug. 24, 2012, and was officially declared cancer-free. April and Pat Schippers married Oct. 20, 2012, with Isaac and his sister, Ivy, walking them down the aisle. “It’s a really hard thing to understand, and we wouldn’t wish this on anyone, but it was the best year of our lives because it brought everything into perspective,” April Schippers says. “We

truly cherished everything.” They’re sharing their blessings with care packages called Camp Out From Cancer. So far, the Schippers-Parris family and their supporters have donated 35 care packages with a camping theme to children in the

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‘We are there with and for each other’

hen they were married back in 1969, Nancy and Paul Dunn never could have guessed how much their married life would be put to the test. Their first child was born in 1971 and was healthy. But three years later, when Nancy was pregnant with their second daughter, their OB/GYN immediately noticed a problem. “He says, ‘We should have a pediatrician look at her,’’’ Nancy Dunn recalls. Within an hour after little baby Regina’s birth, she was diagnosed with Spina bifida, a developmental congenital disorder caused by the incomplete closing of her embryonic neural tube. Eight hours later, Regina had her first surgery to correct water on her brain. She was

paralyzed from her waist down and would have another 40 surgeries throughout her life. Regina died in 2008, but Nancy Dunn was grateful for Regina’s short life. “She was a joy. Probably to other people, if you gave them this story about her, I understand that it can sound very down. But you take a day at a time, and a step at a time, and when you have someone you love and they love you, she was a very happy person, and I can’t imagine my life if I hadn’t had her.” Twelve years before she died, Regina embraced Michelle Rose King, her full-term stillborn niece, who passed away due to her umbilical cord being wrapped around her neck. “We talked about how life CONTINUED ON PAGE 52

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LOVE CONQUERS ALL

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Nancy Dunn was a gift from God, and he would help us through this no matter what the outcome was,” Nancy Dunn says. “We are there with and for each other. We had one another, and you know that life does continue.” It does, though Nancy and her family have had even more struggles. In 2001, Nancy was diagnosed with breast cancer and is now in remission. And in 2010, her husband, Paul, had a stroke and is unable to speak.

“Are we going to face struggles that other people are not going to face?” she asks. “Yes. It’s just something you have to work through when you’re in it, and you take a deep breath and you step forward. I have a choice to be happy with what I have, and where I am—or I can feel defeated and angry—and none of that is going to make my life any better. So we thank the Lord for what he’s given us and we move on.”

‘It doesn’t have to be pretty’

lizabeth Handler’s first dreadful pregnancy set the tone for all the rest. After getting pregnant while on birth control, her 3-pound, 2-ounce baby was born when Handler, of Wheaton, was 27 weeks pregnant. When she realized she’d have to take care of this little bundle, the harsh reality set in. “How are we going to do this? How is this going to work? When we got to take her home, I remember thinking, ‘Are you seriously going to let me take this child home with me?’’’ About 17 months later, Handler found herself pregnant again. She was still on birth control, and this time, she suffered from an extreme form of morning sickness called hyperemesis. Since her husband, Brian, is a firefighter, Elizabeth took her IV fluids, vomited and took care of her other baby mostly on her own. After her second child was born—early again—she found herself pregnant. Again. And again. And again. All while on birth control.

The cycle continued. Handler had a total of five live births, each one premature, and she’s had hyperemesis in four of them. She also had 12 miscarriages, a stroke, and is likely going to need to have a kidney removed. She tries to stay strong for her children and she knows that she has her husband’s support, even when he’s not physically by her side every night. “We’re in this together. There’s no other way to think about it,” she says. “I couldn’t do it without him, and he couldn’t take care of five kids without me.” Handler has learned how to survive it all while taking care of her home and her children. “Our house doesn’t have to be clean. So what if there’s a pile of laundry? The dishes will always be there,” Handler says. “We had to really shift our priorities from trying to keep up with the housework to trying to work on communicating with each other and with the kids. The biggest thing was understanding that it doesn’t have to be pretty. We just have to make it through.”

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FORGET YOUR WORRIES, ENJOY THE FUN

BY MEREDITH SINCLAIR

or the 28 days of February, we focus on showing the folks in our lives how much we admire them. But all this warm and fuzzy infatuation should not be reserved for those romantically involved. This month, turn Valentine’s Day on its head and make room to playfully show your loved ones how awesome you think they are. Forget the usual heart-shaped presents and give your most favorite people the gift of pure presence. Here are five playful ways to connect and bond with the ones you love most.

y a l p to s y a s w e n o e h t h wit e v o l u yo

Go Speed Racer. GO!

For my son’s 16th birthday, we took a batch of learning-to-drive dudes to K1 Speed, an indoor electric go-cart facility in Buffalo Grove. Watching them have the time of their lives, I knew we’d be back for more. It’s the perfect playful date night, either with just your partner or, even better, a group of ready-to-race couples. If you’re the parent of teens, I assure you this is a fabulous way to connect. K1 Speed has locations in Addison and Buffalo Grove. And if you have a group of at least eight, you get the track to yourselves. Find out more at k1speed.com/chicago-buffalogrove-location.html.

Act it out

One off-the-wall way to connect with your kids, spouse, girlfriends or grown-up siblings is by getting downright silly together. And one of our city’s performing arts treasures, The Second City, has a multitude of ways to help you get your silly ON. If you don’t want to commit to a series of acting or improv classes, you

and your loved ones can pop into one of the drop-in improvisation classes, held 6-8 p.m. every Sunday. No skill required, but you’ll want to check your ego at the door. There is something special that happens when people let their guard down, forget reality and pretend. Find out more about everything The Second City has to offer at secondcity.com. CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

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PLAY

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Chop to it

My teenage son has hopes of being the next Bobby Flay, and while I LOVE his zest est for the culinary arts, I wanted to make sure he knew how to properly use all those knives in the chopping block before unleashing his Iron Chef-ness. ess. So he and my husband took a knife skills course together. Not only did they learn proper chopping technique, they had a little bonding moment over all those blades. Whether you take

a cooking class with your teen, your partner, your small kids or your elderly parent, the act of preparing good food often results in good conversation. Plus, it’s just fun tto learn something new somethi together. Two toget great places gre for unique fo llessons in tthe culinary arts are The Chopping Block with B locations lo on Lincoln Avenue and in Aven Merchandise the Me Mart, and Sur La Table located on Michigan Avenue and in Naperville, Northbrook Court and Old Orchard. See a full list of classes at thechoppingblock.net and surlatable.com.

Learn to FLY!

“Do it scared” has long been one of my favorite mantras. When we face a fear, especially with people we love beside us, it can be overwhelmingly empowering. Not to mention a total trust building/bonding kind of thing. So why not learn to leap from a platform and take a swing on the flying trapeze? Just north of downtown, in the Edgewater neighborhood, sits an old school fieldhouse that houses the Trapeze School of New York in Chicago, where people are overcoming their fears and learning to fly every day. There is instruction for all levels, from scaredy cat to superhero. Check out chicago.trapezeschool.com for classes and times. Or stop in at Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N. Broadway St., Chicago.

Start from scratch

When I think of what I want most from the relationships with the people I love, it’s to know them better. I want to connect on a level beyond carpools, homework, housework, mortgage payments, weekly responsibilities and the daily grind. Play is anything that takes us to that sweet spot where time stands still, and there are no rights and wrongs. When I have taken the time to learn something new, right along with my kids and spouse, we are able to see each other in a new way. So this month, choose something fun and and learn to do it together. I’ll get you started with a few things, at right, you might consider learning with the folks you love.

HOW TO Ski (We did this at 40. Our kids are now on Black Diamond and we’re still on green, but we learned!) Crochet (it’s easier than knitting) Play poker Juggle Paint with watercolors Write HTML code Throw pottery Play the accordion Do a cartwheel Tie a cherry stem with your tongue Make bread from scratch Tap dance Meredith Sinclair is a mom of two, columnist for Chicago Parent and a play specialist.

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Beat winter blues with oranges (and lemons and limes) Make the most of exotic fruits

BY EMILY PASTER n the winter, just about the only excitement to be found in the produce section is in citrus. All the other fruit has that anemic, flown-in-from-the-southern-hemisphere look. Summer vegetables like peppers, zucchini and tomatoes are expensive or tasteless or both. And while I love cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, root vegetables, and winter squash, by the dead of winter, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all starting to get old. CONTINUED ON PAGE 56

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CITRUS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55

Exotic varieties of citrus are one of the few culinary highlights in the otherwise bleak Chicago winter. Like an antidote to the winter doldrums, a new kind of citrus fruit arrives in the stores every week. Pomelos, tangelos, blood oranges, Key limes and Meyer lemons are just some of the varieties that you find in the grocery store at this time of year. Citrus fruits work well in both sweet and savory dishes and add not only the brightness of their acidity, but also a jolt of welcome color. Here are some of the more unusual citrus fruits you can find in grocery stores and ideas for how to use them. If a recipe calls for citrus juice, be sure to zest the fruit first so you don’t waste all the flavor and oils that are found in the outer layer of peel. You can use the zest to flavor sugar and even salt. Blood oranges: Named for the deep, beet red color of its flesh, blood oranges are usually smaller than navel oranges—you might

confuse it for a tangerine at first glance—and have a more dimpled peel. Blood oranges are prized not only for their color but for their sweet, fruity flavor. Blood oranges are often showcased in salads or their juice is used in cocktails and sauces. Pomelos: Pomelos are round, large and often yellow or pale green in color. Some scientists think that the pomelo is the grapefruit’s ancestor and that grapefruit are actually a hybrid of oranges and pomelos. Pomelos, which are milder than grapefruit but have a similar flavor, are native to Southeast Asia. Not surprisingly, you typically see pomelos in salads or desserts in Vietnamese or Thai cuisine. Pomelos have very thick rinds, which make them a chore to peel. They are delicious to eat out of hand and make a refreshing addition to a salad. For an elegant first course, try a winter salad with arugula, pomelo segments and red onion. Or you can just zest and juice pomelos and use

Citrus Bars While we are all familiar with lemon bars, you can use almost any citrus fruit in place of lemons for a fun twist on this classic dessert. Key limes are especially good in this recipe. Crust 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces ¼ cup sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ tsp. salt

Citrus custard 2 eggs at room temperature 1 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. flour ½ tsp. baking powder 2 Tbsp. citrus juice Zest from citrus fruit Powdered sugar

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Preheat oven to 325 degrees. To make the crust for the bars, whisk together flour, sugar and salt in a bowl. Add the pieces of butter

and cut them into the flour mixture using two knives or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. (The dough will not hold together but instead will remain crumbly. That’s OK!) Pour crust mixture into an ungreased 8x8 square baking pan and press down with your fingertips until it starts to come together just a bit. Bake crust for 20 minutes. Remove pan from oven and set aside. Turn heat up to 350 degrees. Meanwhile, make the custard. In a standing mixer, beat the eggs and sugar. Add the flour, baking powder, and the citrus juice and citrus zest. Mix until smooth. Pour the citrus custard on top of the baked crust. Bake 20-25 minutes until the custard is set. Cool on a wire rack. While the bars are still warm, dust the top with powdered sugar. Cut into squares.

1/17/14 3:24 PM

Citrus Fruit Syrup If you are at a loss for what to do with any citrus fruit, try making delicious syrup from the juice. Serve the syrup with sparkling water, sparkling wine such as Prosecco or gin. Yum! 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 1 cup freshly squeezed citrus juice Zest from the juiced fruit

them in any of your favorite citrus recipes. Rangpur Limes: Rangpur limes look like orange limes but they aren’t even limes at all. They are a cross between a mandarin and a lemon. The zest and juice of the Rangpur lime are wonderfully flavorful and tart. Some even say the juice has a smoky flavor. They are very seedy, so it’s a bit of a chore to juice them. People who are familiar with Rangpur limes associate them with Indian cuisine; in fact,

the fruit originated on the subcontinent and did not arrive in the United States until the 19th century. Rangpur lime juice is a favorite in cocktails. Tanqueray even makes a special Rangpur lime-infused version of its iconic gin. You can use them as you would any citrus fruit. Emily Paster is a freelance writer and mother of two living in the

Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan and heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. (This is just a simple syrup). When the sugar is dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool. Add the citrus juice and zest to the simple syrup and whisk together. Place syrup in a jar or bottle and refrigerate.

Chicago suburbs. She writes about fitting real food into family life on her blog, West of the Loop, westoftheloop.com.

Tonight, leave the kids at home!

www.classiccinemas.com

Discover Roycemore…

PERSONAL, ENGAGED COLLEGE PREP Admissions Open House Sunday, February 16, 1-2:30 PM Call Amanda at 847-866-6055 or visit roycemoreschool.org 1200 Davis Street in Evanston Age 3–Grade 12

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Ready for summer camp?

Advice for picking the right overnight summer camp for your kids

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER espite the still chilly weather, now is when your kids can start dreaming of swimming, canoeing, hiking and campfire songs. It’s the perfect time to begin planning your little ones’ summer schedules and to consider sending them to overnight summer camps.

But when it comes to picking away camps for your kids, it’s hard to know where to start and exactly what questions to ask. “When it comes to summer camps, you have tons of options and only you know your child best to be able to select the best fit for them,” according to Kim Kiser, vice president of camping for YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. “For example, many camps offer mini or starter sessions for two to three days, which is great for a parent who is unsure about how their child will fare or for nervous campers. And there are always weekly and monthly options, too,” Kiser says. She advises that one of the first steps to narrowing your search for overnight summer camps is checking if the camps are American Camp Association accredited with almost 300 standards required. According to Gordie Kaplan, executive director of the ACA Illinois, the main purpose of the accreditation program is to establish guidelines for policies, procedures and practices to help with camp operations.

“The ACA represents over 2,400 accredited camps and the reality is that camp is more than just fun in the sun. Camp allows for growth and youth development that is rarer and rarer in our culture today,” Kaplan says. “A family cannot duplicate giving their child an independent living experience with peers where they are supported and there is an emphasis on relating to others and getting along with your peers—all without parental help.” Missy Thompson, a Chicago mom of three, always knew she wanted her kids to experience overnight camp and has sent her two oldest to Camp Tecumseh in Brookston, Ind., for the past few summers. “Camp Tecumseh was recommended to us as having great counselors, which I thought was very

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Photo by G. Yoshioka

to us as having great counselors, which I thought was very important and a good place to start when selecting summer camp,” says Thompson. In addition to getting recommendations from friends and family, Kiser suggests picking your top three camps and calling the camp directors with questions such as how staff are screened, the electronic policies and how activity selection works. “It’s important for parents shopping for summer camps to go beyond just the camp websites and start an actual director-parent relationship to help you make your

decision easier easier,”” Kiser says says. Kaplan agrees. “The ACA website is a great place to start for suggestions of what questions to ask of a camp director while searching for the perfect camp.” Kiser also advises an inperson tour of the camp you select, with your camper on the tour with you. “When a child comes to visit in advance, the jitters on check-in day or homesickness is almost always eliminated by the pre-visit that helped them become comfortable with the camp setting,” Kiser says. Often one of the challenges of sending your kids

Redefining Smart. At Brickton Montessori School we measure our students’ abilities to THINK critically, MAKE responsible decisions, and SOLVE problems creatively. Call 773.714.0646 today or visit www.brickton.org.

Redefining Smart.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 60

Open House on Sunday, March 2nd 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

At Brickton Montessori School we measure our Located just South of I-90MAKE between students’ abilities to THINK critically, Cumberland East River Road responsible decisions, andand SOLVE problems 8622 West Catalpatoday Avenueor in visit Chicago creatively. Call 773.714.0646 www.brickton.org. Ages 2-14 (Toddlers do not need to be

t need to be toilet trained) dependent Schools Association the American Montessori Society.

trained) Located just South oftoilet I-90 Fully accredited between Cumberland and by the Independent East River Road Schools Association of the Central States

8622 West Catalpa Avenue and the American in Chicago Montessori Society.

Good Thinking ChicagoParent.com February 2014 59

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SUMMER CAMP

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 59

to overnight camp is that the parents are overly worried about how the experience will be. “If a child wants to go to camp, they may be nervous or anxious, but they will go. But if they pick up from mom or dad that they have anxiety, the kids take it on themselves. Parents need to support their kids and encourage the idea of going to camp and being independent,” Kaplan says. Another common concern is that parents worry about sending their children without any friends to away camp. “Parents think if they don’t have a friend to send with their child, they shouldn’t send them to away camp. That couldn’t be more wrong,” says Kiser. “The majority of kids do not come with friends, but leave with many who become friends for life and they come back year after year to be together.” “In reality, kids who come without friends are more apt to make friends right away as opposed to those who come with their friends already and

often don’t branch out.” And while summer camps will provide your children with exposure to new activities like windsurfing, boating, hiking and more, those are not the most important things they are getting from an overnight camp experience. “Camp is the only place your child will be nurtured and safe in an independent environment, and come away with values that are instrumental as they go through life,” Kiser says. As Thompson gears up to send her youngest child for his first overnight camp experience this summer, she’s confident it will be a positive experience and all three of her children will be eager to return year after year. “In my opinion and experience, the biggest benefit of summer camp is that it helps kids become more independent,” Thompson says. “When they go off to college, I hope I will rest easier knowing they’ve spent a couple of weeks away from home in the past and have experienced making new friends and living in a group setting.”

Academic Adventures for Bright Young Learners 2014 Leapfrog Summer Program Age 4 – Grade 3

• Fun courses that engage and challenge advanced learners • Weeklong, half- and all-day courses • 6 program sites throughout Chicago area

Center for Talent Development Northwestern University

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS

www.ctd.northwestern.edu • 847/491-3782

Great Programs for Grades 4 – 12 • • • •

Assessment to identify strengths Residential summer programs on top-tier college campus Weekend enrichment courses Rigorous, individualized online courses

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special advertising section // DAY CAMP School of the Art Institute of Chicago Multi-Arts Summer Camps SAIC’s downtown Chicago campus Chicago (312) 629-6170 saic.edu/summercamps In SAIC’s 1- and 2-week camps in June, July, and August, kids learn to discover, explore, and imagine. Projects include painting, drawing, mixed-media, sculpture, printmaking, performance, digital art, and more, and includes opportunities to explore the Art Institute of Chicago. Camps are grouped by ages 4-5, 6-7, and 8-10. Each camp has a new focus, so students can enroll in multiple sessions.

Avery Coonley Summer Program 1400 W. Maple Ave., Downers Grove (630) 969-0800, option 2 averycoonley.org Educational and recreational programs for children ages 4-14, offering a variety of enrichment classes for those entering kindergarten through eighth grade. Three sessions: Session 1: June 16 – June 27 Session 2: June 30 - July 11 Session 3: July 14-July 25. Program individualized to foster the unique curiosity of each child. Students select from a wide range of courses that stimulate new interests while strengthening existing

skills.

Baker Summer Discovery 201 Sheridan Rd., Wilmette (847) 425-5800 bakerdemschool.org What will you learn this summer? Baker Summer Discovery offers a blend of hands-on progressive educational activities and traditional summer camp fun. Educational Explorations, Musical Theater, STEAM, BIT/CIT programs, small camp groups, caring college-age counselors, swim instruction, and Fun Fridays make for an engaging summer. June 16 - August 8.

Brickton Montessori School 8622 W. Catalpa, Chicago (773) 714-0646 Brickton.org Brickton Montessori School is fully accredited by the American Montessori Society and ISACS. Summer Enrichment Classes are taught by expert instructors in science, sports, art, circus performing and clowning, drama, music and dance. Afternoons are filled with fun activities related to the weekly theme, including games, sports, art projects, cooking and other activities inspired by the campers. More info at Brickton.org/summer.

Center for Talent Development (CTD) at Northwestern University 2014 Summer Program 617 Dartmouth Pl., Evanston

(847) 491-3782 ext. 2 ctd.northwestern.edu/summer Life-changing residential and commuter programs for academically gifted children, PreK–grade 12, at Northwestern University and other Chicago-area sites. Students delve into a subject of intrigue, build upon strengths and connect with a community of peers. Enrichment and credit courses in a range of subject areas. Single and multi-week programs.

Chiaravalle Montessori School 425 Dempster St., Evanston (847) 864-2190 chiaravalle.org For nearly fifty years, Chiaravalle has provided quality Montessori education for children. Parents are delighted for find a nationally respected program in Evanston, serving children aged 6 months through Middle School. Chiaravalle develops skills to impact a child’s whole life: to think independently, communicate persuasively, and make responsible decisions. Our graduates find these abilities, combined with a strong academic foundation to be outstanding preparation for educational and life success.

Chicago Athletic Clubs 1019 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago (773) 529-2022 ChicagoAthleticClubs.com

camp 2014

child’s progress, encouraging them to reach new heights on the rock wall, great lengths in the pool, and most importantly, to have fun! Available for kids ages 2-8 years in Lincoln Park, West Loop, and Evanston.

Chicago Grammar School 900 N. Franklin, Chicago (312) 944-5600 chicagogrammar.org A full and half-day Summer Program for Kindergarten - 8th Grade designed to stimulate, provoke and nurture your child’s curiosity and performance. Weekly themed academic enrichment in reading, grammar, and math; Sports (including swimming); and Creative Arts. Also offering standardized test prep program for 7th and 8th graders. Dates: June 16-July 25.

Summer Arts Garden at Columbia College Chicago 1312 S Michigan Ave, Chicago (312) 369-3100 colum.edu/sherwood Drop off your child to a fun, nurturing learning environment filled with arts and play! Your child will grow and explore in our exciting arts camp for ages 4-6. Columbia’s Summer Arts Garden meets for a half-day in the South Loop, and features classes in music, dance, theatre and visual arts. Learn more at colum.edu/sherwood.

At CAC Kids Club Camp, our energetic camp counselors are dedicated to your

FEATURING

Summer Camp

• Music • Robotics • Gymnastics • Theater • Cooking • Baseball • Art • Star Wars • Basketball • Yoga • Anime Studio • Soccer • Legos • Ceramics • Tennis • Science Explorers • Academic Enrichment • Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

June 23 to August 1

Preschool to Grade 8

MPASummerCamp.org 773-881-6704

2153 W. 111th Street, Chicago

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camp 2014 // special advertising section The Robert Crown Center for Health Education invites you to the coolest SUMMER SCIENCE CAMP ever!

Deerfield Park District Summer Day Camps

Good Times Summer Day Camp

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

Northern Suburbs (Glenview, Northbrook, Deerfield, Arlington Heights, etc.) (847) 729-4884 Far North Suburbs (Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Lake Zurich, etc.) (847) 680-4884 Western Suburbs (Naperville) (815) 451-2267 GoodTimesDayCamp.com

An array of camps for Summertime Fun: General by Age (3 yrs.+), Sports, Art and Theater! Swimming, trips & more. 3-, 4-, 6- and 7-week camps. Full- and half-day. Before- and After-Camp Care. “After-Summer School” and “Specialty” (Sports, Cooking, Arts, Technology) Camps for 1-4 weeks; and August “Extra Added Attraction” offered 1, 2 or 3 weeks.

AN ACTION-PACKED TRIP THROUGH THE HUMAN BODY

Freds Camp

A summer camp for students 6th through 8th grade

The DePaul University Athletic Training Center 2323 N. Sheffield Ray Mayer Fitness & Recreation Center 2235 N. Sheffield (773) 818-8027 fredscamp.com

• activities and presentations led by healthcare professionals - physicians, EMT’s, veterinarians • hands-on experiences including models for suturing, dissections • team building • field trips to hospital operating rooms and other healthcare settings Four Chicagoland locations:

RCC Hinsdale Naperville/North Central College Chicago/North Lawndale Chicago South Loop/Daystar Ctr.

For more information: www.robertcrown.org or call 630-325-1900

SALT CREEK BALLET SUMMER

BALLERINA SUMMER FUN ages 3-8 6 wks. of Tuesday Afternoon Ballet June 16—July 25

SUMMER BALLET CAMPS

Photo by Cheryl Mann

themes include Cinderella, Peter Pan, Swan Lake & more

July 28-August 1 August 4-August 8

Fairy Tale Camp Ages 3-4 9 am—11 am

Dance Training

 increases musicality  promotes teamwork  improves coordination  builds strength

Is Fun!

Creative Ballet Camp Ages 5-7 12 noon—2 pm

Boys are Welcome too!

Excellence in Dance Training 630.769.1199 saltcreekballet.org 98 E Chicago Ave., Westmont, IL 60559

We offer a broad and flexible program encouraging campers to participate and challenge themselves. Through creative and stimulating activities, children will have the opportunity to develop physical coordination, awareness of themselves as group members, self-esteem and sensitivity to their environment.

Good Times Day Camp - Providing sensational summer experiences for children 4 1/2 to 12 since 1979. Each week includes 2 field trips, swimming 3 days per week, sports of all sorts, & exciting activities. Part-time and full-time schedules are available. Convenient locations! Check website for location nearest you.

iD Tech Camps Held at Northwestern, Lake Forest, and over 80 universities nationwide (888) 709-TECH (8324) iDTech.com Take interests further and gain a competitive edge for school, college, and future careers! Ages 7-17 create apps, video games, C++/Java programs, movies, and more at weeklong, day and overnight summer programs. Held at Northwestern, Lake Forest, Princeton, Stanford, and others. Also

Safari Land Explore Chicagoland’s Largest Indoor Amusement Park And Experience The Largest Indoor Roller Coaster In Illinois Exhilarating Family Fun filled with adventure, food, games and rides! Tilt-A-Whirl • 3DMaxFlight Simulator • Bumper Cars Kiddie Go Karts • Cosmic Bowling • Soft Play Video Games • Atlantis Restaurant

Birthday Parties & Group Packages

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

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special advertising section //

IGNITE YOUR CHILD’S

camp 2014 2013

LYCÉE FRANÇAIS DE CHICAGO

CREATIVITY IN A TRULY INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

ARABIC, FRENCH, GERMAN & MANDARIN CAMPS RUN JUNE THROUGH JULY SCIENCE, ART, AND SPORTS CAMPS RUN THROUGHOUT AUGUST

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camp 2014 // special advertising section

1525 Circle Ave., Forest Park 708-724-4674 www.flipsidecamps2014.com

LEE M MP

• AR

Train like an American Ninja Warrior! Fully matted, safe indoor facility Awesome Fun, plus Fitness Jump, Climb, Swing and Free-Run! Experienced Instructors 1/2 day camp, 6 weeks of options

• CA

Ninja Warrior/Parkour Camp Boys and Girls, ages 5-16

Camp Lee Mar, located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, is a coed overnight camp for children and teenagers (from 7 to 21) with mild to moderate developmental challenges.

A Life Changing Experience! 2014 Dates: June 25-August 12 Check out our website at

www.leemar.com

CAMP WOODBROOKE Simple outdoor living close to nature. Archery, Swimming, Garden, Animals, Hiking 34 boys & girls ages 7-12 • 10 teens ages 13-15 Richland Center, WI • 800-498-9703 • 608-647-8703

www.campwoodbrooke.org

• Fun traditional summer camp activities • Academics • Speech and language therapy

nd 62

• Daily living skills ason! • Teenage campers enjoy social Se dancing every week with an Winter Office end-of-summer “Prom” Camp Lee Mar • Optional trips during the summer Ph: 215-658-1708 • Exceptional facilities featuring air Fax: 215-658-1710 conditioned bunks and buildings Email: gtour400@aol.com • Junior Olympic heated pool Like us on facebook • Caring Nurturing Staff

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special advertising section //

camp 2014

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Enter to win a $500 camp tuition!

Camp & Summer Adventure Fair

Sunday, February 9, 2014, 11a.m.- 3p.m. Daniel Wright Junior High School 1370 Riverwoods Road, Lincolnshire www.ptocampfair.weebly.com

111 W. CAMPBELL ST. • ARLINGTON HEIGHTS • EDUCATION 847

577 5982 x221 • METROPOLISARTS.COM/SOPA MEDIA Connecting with families

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North Shore Day Camp Highland Park Camp Henry Horner Ingleside Big City Day Camp Chicago Horner Grove Day Camp Buffalo Grove NSDC Sports Highland Park Champ Camp Highland Park Camp STAR Highland Park Camp Red Leaf Ingleside Sunflower Day Camps Chicago & Highland Park

Illinois Section

pto@d103.org

• FREE Admission • Meet Directors and Counselors • Over 50 local and national Summer programs represented • Covers Preschool to High School • A unique adventure for every child

find your niche with JCYS For kids six weeks to sixteen years old, Jewish Council for Youth Services has a dozen options for your unique family throughout Chicagoland.

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camp 2014 // special advertising section 2-week, pre-college programs for ages 13-18: iD Programming Academy (held at Lake Forest), iD Game Design & Development Academy (also at Lake Forest), and iD Film Academy.

SUMMER Programs at Parker 2014 Educational and Recreational Activities for Junior Kindergarten through 12th grades

JCYS Big City Day Camp & Sunflower Camp JCYS Michael R. Lutz Family Center 957 W. Grace St., Chicago (773) 281-2533 jcys.com Jewish Council for Youth Services’ youngest campers enjoy Sunflower Day Camp with age-appropriate activities and in-house field trips, while our Kindergarten – 8th Graders explore Chicago’s hidden gems at Big City Day Camp with behind-the-scenes field trips, daily swim lessons, and games and activities taught by professionals in the field!

JCYS Horner Grove Day Camp JCYS Northwest Family Center 1700 Weiland Rd., Buffalo Grove (847) 279-0900 jcys.com/BuffaloGrove Enjoy a “big” day camp experience in a safe and comfortable setting located close to home. Jewish Council for Youth Services’ Horner Grove Day Camp offers a fun-filled summer program for children six weeks to six years old. Choose from two to five day weeks, and half and full-day options.

JCYS North Shore Day Camps Locations around Highland Park, IL (847) 433-6001 jcys.com Jewish Council for Youth Services offers something for everyone: sportscentric NSDC Sports; health and fitness Champ Camp featuring tennis lessons; Camp STAR, a day camp for children with ADHD and related disorders; Sunflower Camp for our youngest campers; and ever-popular North Shore Day Camp has had three decades of fun-filled summers!

Kiddie AcademyCamp Adventure Batavia (630) 761-4500 kiddieacademy.com/batavia Bolingbrook (630) 679-9400 kiddieacademy.com/bolingbrook Carpentersville (847) 844-8600 kiddieacademy.com/carpentersville Plainfield (815) 609-0900 kiddieacademy.com/plainfield Streamwood (630) 497-0200 kiddieacademy.com/streamwood The Camp Adventure curriculum is built upon a series of two week themes to help reinforce learning all summer long. They inspire your child to explore, create, interact and stay active during the summer months. At Camp Adventure you child’s summer vacation is transformed into a strong foundation for the future.

Summer Camps | 2014

for Girls!

ergir

Unique Summer Program • Morning enrichment classes and afternoon recreation

p UR su er O Y ’s he cov

S is her d wers. Help po uper her s

• Flexible class options that fit any schedule, 1st-8th grade • Full and half-day preschool and kindergarten

• Four, two-week sessions: June 16 through August 8 • Hot lunch option

t! fasfast!

Visit our website for schedule & brochure

Saint Mary’s College Summer Camps for girls include fine arts, athletics (6 sports!), our popular Forensic nce flls u Scie Science Camp, and our new Studio Arts iicc Science flls u p s p n e Super Hero Camp. FForre ns

• 9 am-3 pm with early morning and extended day care

Camps start July 6.

For more information and to reserve her spot today, visit saintmarys.edu/camps

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special advertising section // Summer Lab 2014 University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (773) 834-7766 summerlab.org Summer Lab’s six-week program includes Summer School, Adventure Kids Day Camp, Summer Lab Sports Camps, Fun in the Sun and Summer Lab on Stage. Please join us for a memorable Summer Lab experience, where love of learning spends the summer!

Latin School Summer at Latin 59 W. North Blvd., Chicago (312) 582-6080 latinschool.org/summer Summer at Latin offers children ages 3 to grade 12 a wealth of camp opportunities and academic activities. Highlights include Day Camp, which includes swimming lessons in Latin’s pool, academic courses in arts, science, math, language arts, and languages, and chess, basketball, and volleyball camps. Registration available online.

Little Green Tree House Childcare and Preschool 118 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago 3111 N Ashland Ave, Chicago (312) 492-9876 littlegreentreehouse.com Offering full-day childcare and preschool programs during the Summer featuring special weekly activities based on engaging seasonal themes.

Come grow and learn with us and get your hands dirty in our organic gardens ! At Little Green Tree House children will enjoy exercise, art and culture, science and more Summer fun.

Montessori Academy of Chicago 1335 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 243-0977 (ask for Nina Pope) montessoriacademychicago.org The Academy offers a range of fun and stimulating sessions for ages 6-12 including arts, academic enrichment, outdoor education, sports, and field trips. An inspiring summer awaits in our state-of-the-art facility. Tuition includes: programming, organic lunch/ snacks, field trip costs and a flexible 7:00am to 6:30pm schedule. Five 2-week sessions begin June 9th. Minimum 3 sessions sign-up per family.

Morgan Park Academy 2153 W. 111th St., Chicago (773) 881-6704 morganparkacademy.org Join us for Summer Camp June 23rd to August 1st. Help your child embrace and discover hidden talents and interests at the world-class Morgan Park Academy summer programs. These exciting, educational programs foster independence, imagination and enriching experiences that will impact your child’s success throughout life.

Park District of Highland Park Summer Camps 636 Ridge Rd. Highland Park (847) 831-3810 pdhp.org PDHP camps are sensory-rich and supportive of children’s need for stimulation and activity. Music, sports, dance, the natural world, or theater our camp staff will guide exploration, discovery, and imagination.

River Forest Community Center Summer Camp Programs 8020 Madison St., River Forest (708) 771-6159 rfcc.info Offering full and part-time programs for parents & tots and children ages 3-12 years of age. Activities include arts &crafts, games, sports, swimming, field trips, special events, and more!

Roycemore School 1200 Davis St., Evanston (847) 866-6055 roycemoreschool.org/summer Which Roycemore summer adventure will you choose?. Discovery Unlimited is a mornings-only enrichment program for age 4 through Grade 6. Two sessions of creative, hands-on offerings by grade pairs. Day Camp Adventures is a full- or half-day recreational program with activities and trips for ages 3-12. Take one week at a time or sign up for all nine!

23970 N. Elm Road, Lincolnshire, IL 60069

camp 2014 2013

Summer at Sacred Heart Sacred Heart Schools 6250 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago (773) 262-4446 shschicago.org Make this the BEST summer yet! Learning, and friendships, and fun… Oh my! Whether it’s fun academic programs, day camps, field trips or beach excursions… don’t miss out! Full and half day camps available. Summer Fun begins June 16-July 25 ! Visit www. shschicago.org to make your summer a Summer at Sacred Heart!

Science & Arts Academy Summer Adventures Learning 1025 Miner Street Des Plaines (847) 827-7880 scienceandartsacademy.org/summer Morning enrichment classes and afternoon recreation. Flexible class options that fit any schedule, 1st-8th grade. Full and half-day preschool and kindergarten. 9am-3pm with early morning and extended day care. Four, two-week sessions: June 16 through August 8. Hot lunch option. Visit our website for schedule & brochure. Unique Summer Program

Skokie Park District 9300 Weber Park Pl., Skokie (847) 674-1500 SkokieParks.com For more than 85 years, the Skokie Park District has provided summer camps

phone: 847.634.3168 fax: 847.634.8262

Registration Now Underway for 2014! 2014 Camp Season June 16 to August 8 4, 6 or 8 week options Instructional Swim Twice Daily Sports, Performing Arts, Archery, Nature, Tennis, Specials Weeks and Athletic Clinics! Door to Door Transportation

For more information, to schedule a tour or to register please call 847.634.3168 Visit us on the web at www.TamarakDayCamp.com

Before and After Camp Care Available

Come see us at the District 103 Summer Camp and Adventure Fair on Sunday, February 9, 2014 at Daniel Wright Middle School in Lincolnshire

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camp 2014 // special advertising section that focus on adventure, friendship, fun, exploration, discovery and safety. This summer, the district’s camp program promises to offer yet another exciting experience for kids. Check us out today!

Steve & Kate’s Camp Multiple locations in the Chicago area including Chicago’s Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, Libertyville, and River Forest (773) 770-4752 www.steveandkatescamp.com Steve & Kate’s Camp conforms to kids. Instead of rigid structure, we give our campers choice. The difference is subtle – yet profound. Four Chicagoland locations. Use day passes anytime, anywhere—and we’ll fully refund what you don’t use!

Summer Programs at Parker 2014 330 W. Webster Ave., Chicago (773) 797-5104 fwparker.org/summers

iDTech.com

1-888-709-TECH (8324)

Tech Camps held at Northwestern, Lake Forest, Stanford, and 80+ Universities Ages 7-18

In tercultur a l Montessori Language School Two Locations: Oak Park (708) 848-6626 Chicago-West Loop (312) 265-1514

Francis W. Parker School’s Summer Programs at Parker 2014 offers exciting summer educational programs and recreational activities for students entering JK through 12th grade. Our campus offers access to many funfilled day camp activities, enrichment courses, sports conditioning camps, performing arts classes and a wide range of STEM-based course offerings. You can learn more or register

for Summer Programs at Parker 2014 at fwparker.org/summers.

Tamarak Day Camp 23970 N. Elm Rd., Lincolnshire (847) 634-3345 tamarakdaycamp.com Tamarak Day Camp has had a tradition of excellence since 1946. We have established a reputation for providing the finest programs with a special emphasis on swimming, magnificent grounds and facilities and enthusiastic, highly trained staff. Your child will have a great time at Tamarak and experience the satisfaction of improving their skills, learning to do their best and helping others.

Wee Care Preschool and Summer Camp 2816 N. Pine Grove Ave., Chicago (773) 781-2273 WeeCare.com Our summer camp offers a wealth of programming. In addition to free play and art, your child will embark on a creative journey through nature with a staff member who is a degreed Environmentalist. We offer learning experiences that your child will take with them into their future. Providing enjoyment and enrichment for children ages 15 months to 7 years for nearly 30 years!

Make this your child’s best summer yet!

Dual Language Montessori Programs • Chinese/English • Spanish/English • Japanese/English • Ages 3-12 years old

ENROLL NOW FOR WINTER/SPRING 2014 E-mail: admissions@interculturalmontessori.org Visit: www.interculturalmontessori.org Elementary After School Language programs in Spanish and Mandarin – Oak Park campus only

Join us for a summer full of fun in the sun. Sacred Heart offers something for every child. Choose to participate in day camps, academic and recreational programs.

Summer at Sacred Heart June 16–July 25 for Ages 3-15

For a brochure or more information, please call: (773) 262-4446 www.shschicago.org 6250 N. SheridaN road ChiCago, iL 60660-1799

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special advertising section //

Celebrating 29 years

camp 2014 2013

HIGHWOOD & EVANSTON

THE BEST SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS

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highwood.schoolofrock.com evanston.schoolofrock.com

9 Prairie Ave (847)433-ROCK 1311 Sherman Pl. (847)864-ROCK

• Flexible Scheduling • Sensible Pricing • Nature Tots Program • Pee Wee Workout • Summer Camp • Spanish Program

2816 N. Pine Grove, Chicago WeeCare.com 773.781.2273

elite tRaining Camps Commuter & residential options for boys 12-18

additional information & online registration available www.uicsoccercamp.com 312.996-6755

Spanish • French • Italian • Japanese • Mandarin • German • Russian • Arabic • Sign

day Camps Week-long day camps for boys and girls 4-14

The Language and

Amber, 6, a student since she was a baby, takes piano, violin, Spanish, French, and Chinese

Music School In Central Oak Park Since 1994 Trial Classes Available! $28

Customized Spanish immersion

SUMMER CAMP (to accommodate your vacation planning)

•Ages 2-5 and 6-9 • 1 week to 8 weeks • 9:30am to 12:30/12:00 - 3:00 • 11:30am to 2:30 or 3:30pm Open but few spots are available

• Once a week to 5 times a week (3 or more days a week strongly recommended for language retention and comfortability in the program)

Aeryn, 9 months, Spanish Parent/Tot

Call for a placement visit today! Program fills up quickly.

1 5 0 N . O a k Pa r k Ave . , O a k Pa r k LMSCHOOL.com • 708-524-5252

Guitar • Violin • Viola • Cello • Mandolin • Voice • Flute • Clarinet • axophone and more

• Parent-Tot and Preschool • Private Lessons in Piano • All Styles of

#1 Choice for Language Programs that Work! • 50+ Trophies in Illinois Music Assoc. Competition!

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camp 2014 // special advertising section Overnight Animal Camps in Missouri and Jamaica (573) 458-2125 MOScienceCamp.com AnimalCampJamaica.com Cub Creek Science Camp (ages 7 - 17) and it’s newest program Animal Camp Jamaica (Ages 14 - 18) were created for kids and teens who love animals. At Cub Creek, campers have amazing animal encounters with over 300 animals. In Jamaica, campers snorkel through a Caribbean reef every day while learning about marine biology.

Conductive Education for newborns to 12 years with cerebral palsy. Our Intensive Motor Training Program enhances confidence and self-reliance in daily life skills using positive peer interactions through motor activities, music and games.

Black River Farm and Ranch 5040 Sheridan Line Crosswell, MI 48422 (810) 679-2505 blackriverfarmandranch.com At Black River you will be able to experience being a horsewoman. Each camper will enjoy bringing in the horses, feeding, grooming, and saddling them. You will go on trail rides, mounted lessons, & ground lessons. The camp activities program at Black River is full of adventure, creativity, and fun!

Camp Agawak for Girls

Locations: Chicago, Countryside, Lake Zurich Contact: Patti Herbst @ 708-588-0833 center-for-independence.org

7851 Agawak Rd., Minocqua, WI (715) 356-5383 Mary Fried, Owner & Director for 23 years agawak.com Camp Agawak for Girls, established in

1921, is much more than a traditional girl’s overnight camp. For girls ages 7-16, it’s an oasis for growth, friendship and self-discovery. We offer quality instruction in over 45 different activities. Campers create their own schedules tailored to their interests. Spectacular waterfront, programming! Take our virtual tour.

Camp Anokijig W5639 Anokijig Ln. Plymouth, WI 53073 (800) 741-6931 or (920) 893-0782 anokijig.com Camp Anokijig offers summer adventures filled with positive values, personal growth and outrageous fun. Coed, ages 7-16, overnight camp with sessions from four days to one or more weeks. A great variety of activities to choose from plus many specialties, horses, teen programs and adventure trips. Conveniently located. Plymouth, WI

Camp Kesem Augustana The Y Camp of Des Moines- 1192 166th Drive Boone, IA 50036 (260) 225-3736 campkesem.org/augustana Camp Kesem provides a life-changing camp experience by using innovative activities and events such as swimming, hiking, sports, archery, canoeing, ropes course, campfires, and more during the week of camp that also provides a safe, nurturing environment where campers feel comfortable sharing their emotions and experiences

CAMP

iNVENT & iNSPIRE CAMP A CO-ED SUMMER DAY ILDREN CH FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

Now At Francis W. Parker

School

THIS SUMME R

Extract & analyze your own DNA Explore the world of nanotechnology Create an interactive friendly monster

Individual one-week sessio June 16 - July 25

Plan a moon colony & more CURRICULUM BY Over 20 of the world’s leading STEM organizations

ENROLL NOW! www.i2CAMP.org

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special advertising section // having a parent with cancer.

Camp Kesem Northwestern JCC Rainbow Camp Trails End Rd., Fredonia, WI 53021 (260) 225-3736 campkesem.org/northwestern Camp Kesem provides a life-changing camp experience by using innovative activities and events such as swimming, hiking, sports, archery, canoeing, ropes course, campfires, and more during the week of camp that also provides a safe, nurturing environment where campers feel comfortable sharing their emotions and experiences having a parent with cancer.

Camp Kesem University of Illinois Camp Akita- 1684 Knox Rd. 1200 N. Gilson, IL 61436 (260) 225-3736 campkesem.org/illinois Camp Kesem provides a life-changing camp experience by using innovative activities and events such as swimming, hiking, sports, archery, canoeing, ropes course, campfires, and more during the week of camp that also provides a safe, nurturing environment where campers feel comfortable sharing their emotions and experiences having a parent with cancer.

Camp Lee Mar 450 Rte. 590 Lackawaxen, PA 18435 (215) 658-1708 leemar.com Camp for children & teenagers with mild to moderate developmental challenges. A structured environment, individual attention & guidance are emphasized at all times. Traditional camp activities plus academics, speech & language therapy, music & art therapy, daily living skills. We also have therapeutic horseback riding & overnight trips. Heated pool, modern facilities & air-conditioned buildings (including bunks). ACA accredited.

Camp Woodbrooke Richland Center, WI (800) 498-9703, (608) 647-8703 www.campwoodbrooke.org

iD Tech Academies Held at Lake Forest, Stanford, Princeton, and select universities nationwide (888) 709-TECH (8324) iDTech.com Gain a competitive edge and learn how programming, app development, robotics, game design, 3D modeling, filmmaking, or photography can become a college degree and even a rewarding career. 2-week, pre-college summer programs for ages 13-18: iD Programming Academy, iD Game Design & Development Academy, and iD Film Academy. Held at prestigious universities including Lake Forest College, Princeton, Stanford, Yale, and others. Also weeklong camps for ages 7-17 held at iD Tech Camps.

JCYS Camp Henry Horner & Camp Red Leaf 26710 W. Nippersink Rd., Ingleside (847) 740-5010 jcys.com Located on 180 wooded acres on the shores of Wooster Lake, Jewish Council for Youth Services offers a day and overnight camp that features lake excursions, a ropes course and zip line, sports fields, and more! Camp Red Leaf provides these same outdoor experiences to youth and adults with developmental disabilities.

Session 1: July 21-25 Session 2: Jul 28-Aug 1 Overnight & day camp for 2nd-8th graders in Carol Stream, Illinois Instruction in 3 sports with over 15 choices Mind & body focus for peak performance Organic camp meals matrixsportscamp.com Register by Apr 1 for $50 off

In e ett Wilm

Ages

8–18

Saint Mary’s College Summer Camps Office of Special Events Saint Mary’s College Notre Dame, IN (574) 284-4778 saintmarys.edu/camps Saint Mary’s College offers the best in summer camp fun and learning for young women entering grades 5-12. Choose from our three overnight camps in July: Athletics, Fine Arts, and Summer Academy. Explore your interests. Make new friends. Live in residence halls on the College’s historic campus. SaintMarys.edu/camps

SPECIALTY Acacia Academy 6425 S. Willow Springs Rd., La Grange Highlands www.AcaciaAcademy.com

The Achievement Centers, Inc.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PARK DISTRICT OF HIGHLAND PARK

camp 2014 2013

Explore 162 acres of wooded hillsides near Richland Center, WI. Up to 34 boys and girls ages 7-15 thrive with the small 3:1 camper staff ratio in our diverse, caring community. Archery, hiking, wading in the creek, pottery, campfires, woodworking and swimming. Wholesome family style meals, sleep in simple cabins listening to owls.

6425 S. Willow Springs Rd., La Grange Highlands www.AchievementCenters.com (708) 579-9040

Summer Workshop No auditions • Every child gets a part Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (ages 8–13) • June 16–21 Oklahoma! (ages 8–13) • June 23–28 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (ages 8–13) • July 7–12 The Pirates of Penzance (ages 8–13) • July 14–19 Once Upon a Mattress (ages 8–13) • July 21–26 Fiddler on the Roof teen (ages 13–18) July 30–August 16 (audition required)

(847) 920-5360•LightOperaWorks.com

Acacia offers programs of individual

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camp 2014 // special advertising section instruction emphasizing: reading, mathematics, writing, personal forms of authorship, book making, literary development, study skills, and thinking skills. These programs create the desire to read, motivate students to learn, and build self esteem. Our 2 acre Nature Center integrates the curriculum with the outdoors. Design your program to fit your schedule.

Adler Planetarium 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (312) 322-0329 alderplanetarium.org Build a rocket, program a robot, or explore the edge of space at the Adler this summer! Our popular hands-on summer camps are specially designed for kids ages 5-14. Adler camps sell out quickly so register beginning February 3 at www.adlerplanetarium. org/camps.

All-Sports Camps 3155 Spring Valley Rd. Dubuque, IA 52001 www.all-sportscamps.com

*offer valid through Feb 28th

ANGE STR B

IRD

www.onestrangebird.com

2124 W. Division St. Chicago, IL 60622

I C AG O

Kids ages 7-13 are invited to explore the unique opportunities at the AllSports Camps. The camps emphasize Christian values as well as athletic instruction in three different sports selected from over 40 sports during the week and participate in special activities and competitions daily. The camps are located at Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa.

ArtReach Education Theatre

HASSLE-FREE BIRTHDAY PARTIES Hassle-free and convenient for parents

VOTED BEST PLACE TO WEAR OUT THE KIDS

Many themed packages available

Aurora, Woodridge, Orland Park (630) 692-SWIM bearpaddle.com Experience swimming created just for kids at Bear Paddle Swim School! 5-Day Spring Swim Camp is offered in a 91 degree warm saltwater pool, with small class sizes and our exclusive iron-on skill patches. View online schedule and register today! The first 25 students to register will receive a swim bag!

Event staff plan and facilitate games No cleanup CALL NOW! Dates filling fast!

Camp Invention

Call Alexis at

or email akniaz@windycityfieldhouse.com

ArtReach Educational Theatre offers a variety of arts and theater camps, workshops, and private lessons. Workshops take place at 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine. One, Two, and Three Week Summer Sessions offered With After Care Sessions Available. Let your child have fun this summer while learning all aspects of the creative and performing arts! activities, and explore nature trails! In addition to our Summer Camps we also offer acting, singing, and dance classes, as well as teen programs and private voice lessons all summer long!

Bear Paddle Swim School

Fun and exciting for kids of all ages, 1 to adult

(773) 486-7416

915 Crestwood Court, Streamwood (847) 372-7798 artreachspotlite.com Cost: Varies by workshop.

Follow WCF Online

WindyCityFieldhouse.com/birthdays

Multiple locations (800) 968-4332 www.campinvention.org A summer enrichment program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame

Foundation in partnership with the US Patent and Trademark Office. This nationally acclaimed program provides enrichment in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Hands-on and engaging activities with inquiry-based learning and physical activity that adds in kinesthetics and creative problem solving.

Center for Independence through Conductive Education Summer Motor Training Program for kids with cerebral palsy 100 W. Plainfield Rd., Countryside (also offered in West side of Chicago and Lake Zurich) (708) 588-0833 center-for-independence.org Conductive Education for newborns to 12 years with cerebral palsy. Our Intensive Motor Training Program enhances confidence and self-reliance in daily life skills using positive peer interactions through motor activities, music and games.

Chicago City Soccer Club (630) 251- 6257 ChicagoCitySoccerClub.com CCSC is Chicago’s Premier soccer club. With programs designed by professional coaches and USSF qualified staff, CCSC offers programming for all ages & abilities. Check out our summer camp information on our website and have your kids trained by the top soccer coaches in the city. Camps for. 3-19yrs along with private training & fitness camps.

The Summer Language Institute at Clapham School 332 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton (630) 547-5125 info@claphamschool.com claphamschool.com For the first time, Clapham is offering language classes to the wider community. Three levels for 1st through 12th grades: Grades One through Three: One week intro to Spanish or French, June 23rd through 27th. Grades Four through Six: Two week intensive Spanish or French, July 7-18 and July 21-Aug 1. Grades Seven through Twelve: Four week Intensive Latin I, Greek I, French I and Spanish I, July 7 – Aug 1 (High School credit given)

Dolphin Swim Club Crystal Lake, Elk Grove Village, Skokie (847) 854-1300 dolphinswimclub.com Swimming lessons for children 4 months to adults! We offer professional, indoor swimming lessons year round for all ages and skill level. Splashtacular birthday parties are also available! Call today for your FREE trial lesson!

Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater In residence at Northeastern Illinois University (773) 442-5916

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special advertising section //

camp 2014

River Forest Community Center

Summer Camps

Registration Begins March 10th Half-Day Camps

Full-Day Camps

Breakfast Club (15 mos. – 2 yrs) Parent/Caregiver and Tot Camp M,W : 9:00 am–10:00 am

Young Voyagers (3 yrs. - 1st gr.) M-F: 10:00 am– 4:00 pm Extended Care: 7:00 am-10:00 am & 4:00 pm-6:00 pm

Three For All (3 yrs. by 9-1-14) M,W: 10:15 am–12:15 pm T,Th : 9:30 am–11:30 am Little Explorers (4 & 5 yrs) M-Th: 9:00 am-11:30 am Summer Scene (K – 7th grade) M-F: 12:00 am – 4:00 pm

Adventure Camp (2nd – 4th gr.) M-F: 10:00 am-4:00 pm Extended Care: 7:00 am-10:00 am & 4:00 pm-6:00 pm Urban Safari (5th – 8th gr.) M-F: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm & 4:00 pm-6:00 pm Extended Care: 7:00 am-10:00 am & 4:00 pm-6:00 pm

Unforgettable Adventures from June 9th – August 22nd Arts & Crafts, Games, Sports, Swimming Field Trips, Special Events, and More!

River Forest Community Center 8020 Madison Street • River Forest, IL 60305 708-771-6159 • www.rfcc.info

Day Camp l Credit & Non-Credit Courses l Sports Camps l Chess Camp

June 9-August 1, 2014 Online Registration begins January 22, 2014

Join us for a FUNtastic summer!

l www.latinschool.org/summer l 312.582.6080 l summer@latinschool.org

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camp 2014 // special advertising section Private summer day camP

Located on the Lincoln Park Campus of DePaul University

Co-Ed Pre K - 8th grade June 16 - August 8, 2014 Extended Morning & Afternoon Hours Available

Fred’s Camp - Where Your Child’s Happiness is our Greatest Concern. We offer a multi-faceted program including instructional swim, field trips, sports & games, special activities and more.

(773) 818-8027 www.fredscamp.com

We are a family owned business

Join us on Facebook for great conversation, contests and up to date information. Go to Facebook.com/ ChicagoParent

summer ! camp at the old town school of folk

FOR AGES 6-10

Summer Camp at the Old Town School is an exciting and educational way for your child to experience the summer in Chicago! We offer two sessions, which include music, visual arts, dance, social studies, science, history, outdoor play, and more!

music

FOR PRESCHOOLERS

Drop your kids off for an artful adventure! Each day, children attend two classes and group time for singing, dancing, and storytelling. We’ll introduce your child to a wide variety of music, art, make-believe, and movement forms. Join the fun!

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special advertising section // Summer Flamenco dance workshops for children ages 4 through 12 starting July, 2014. Six week session; $85. EnsembleEspanol.org for more information

Foss Swim School Highland Park (847) 266-3677 Lakeview (773) 248-3677 Libertyville (847) 680-7946 fossswimschool.com Fit it in and learn to swim with 2-Week and 4-Week Progress Builder Camps® at Foss Swim School. Each camp offers 8 lessons, 91 degree warm water, adult instructors and fast, fun results. Camps are underway... View available classes and register today!!

German Summer Day Camp for Teenagers Goethe-Institut Chicago 150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 200, Chicago (312) 263-0474 goethe.de/chicago The Goethe-Institut Chicago, official cultural institute of Germany, is offering a summer day camp for teenagers (ages 13 – 16) from June 16 – 27. Participants will have fun exploring German Chicago, German art, music and film, all while learning German. Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM – 4 PM. Fee: $ 800.

SPRING MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP Begins February 15th! 12 Weeks of Musical Theatre Exploration culminating in a fully staged musical!

camp 2014 2013

GreenApple Campus

EnsembleEspanol.org Where Your Feet Make Music!

Locations in Chicago & Naperville (877) 735-4550 or (630) 778-8480 greenapplecampus.org Hey Robotics, Digital Media & LEGO Maniacs! GreenApple Campus provides creative, challenging programs for kids, preK to grade 8. Programs rich in science, technology, engineering, architecture, design and invention. Exciting Robotics, Digital Media & Technology, LEGO, green energy, and Video Game Design Chicago & Naperville.

i2 Camp located at: Francis W. Parker School 330 West Webster Ave., Chicago (917) 886-1669 i2camp.org i2 Camp is a STEM camp for middle schoolers that has partnered with MIT, Stanford, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the American Museum of Natural History and other leading scientific institutions to offer hands-on courses across a broad range of topics, including Engineering, Robotics, Genetics, Nanotechnology, Smart Cities and Environmental Sciences.

ADLER PLANETARIUM

SUMMER CAMPS MINI CAMPS:

iD Tech Camps & iD Tech Academies

Astro Explorers Jr.:

Astro Explorers:

Solar System Adventure

Astro Investigators:

Held at Lake Forest, Stanford, and over 80 universities nationwide

Engineering Experiences

June 16–17 or June 25–26 (Kindergarten)

June 16–17, June 18–19, or June 23–24 (1st-2nd Grade)

June 18–19, June 23–24 or June 25–26 (3rd-4th Grade)

AFFORDABLE SUMMER CAMPS One, Three, and Six week sessions available! Acting, Singing, Dancing, Swimming, Crafts, and Outdoor Activities! Early Registration Discounts! Camps & Workshops taught in the Palatine/Schaumburg, Rolling Meadows area For more info - visit our website at www.artreachspotlite.com or call our offices at (847) 372-7798 or (773) 604-1892.

*Must be at least 5 years old

Solar System Adventure

Summer Worlds Tour

Exploring the Edge of Space

July 7–11, July 14–18, July 21–25 or July 28–August 1 (Kindergarten-4th Grade)

June 16–20 or June 23–27 (6th-8th Grade)

TECHNOLOGY CAMPS:

Boys & Girls

Girls Only

June 16–20 or June 23–27 (4th-5th Grade) July 14–18 (6th-7th Grade)

July 7–11 (4th-5th Grade) July 21–25 (6th-7th Grade)

Technology Camp 2.0 July 28–August 1 Boys & Girls (5th-8th Grade) who have previously completed an Adler Technology Camp *Age guidelines are based on the grade campers will be entering in Fall 2014

Save the Date: Registration begins February 3 at 10 am Register online at adlerplanetarium.org/camps

www.adlerplanetarium.org

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camp 2014 // special advertising section (888) 709-TECH (8324) iDTech.com Take interests further and gain a competitive edge for school, college, and future careers! Ages 7-17 create apps, video games, C++/Java programs, movies, and more at weeklong, day and overnight summer programs. Held at Northwestern, Lake Forest, Princeton, Stanford, and others. Also 2-week, precollege iD Tech Academies for ages 13-18: iD Programming Academy (held at Lake Forest), iD Game Design & Development Academy (also at Lake Forest), and iD Film Academy.

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

STEM Programs for Kids

Robotics & Invention • Adventure with LEGO Digital Media & Technology Video Game Design · App Design Explore NASA • MinecraftEdu • KidsCode

Naperville and Chicago

www.greenapplecampus.org 630.778.8480

Looking for Summer Fun! Intercultural 2014 Summer Program for children ages 3-12 begins Monday, June 9. Register now if you want your child’s summer to include cultural activities such as foreign language, art, music, folklore, outdoor games and cooking. Our 5 two-week Summer Sessions are available at both locations.

Interlochen Arts Camp PO Box 199 Interlochen, MI 49643 (800) 681-5912 or (231) 276-7472 Camp.Interlochen.org Each summer, young artists from around the world come to Interlochen Arts Camp to learn, create and perform

alongside leading artists and instructors. Located in beautiful northwest Michigan, Interlochen Arts Camp offers summer programs for grades 3-12. We are now accepting applications for summer 2014.

Language & Music School 150 North Oak Park Ave. Oak Park (708) 524-5252 lmschool.com Spanish summer camp – ages 2-5, 6-9. Flexible scheduling to accommodate your summer travel plans! Sign up for 1 week or up to 9 weeks – May 23rd thru July 23rd, half day or full day. Special trips to the park etc., weather permitting. $42/3 hrs/1 day a week.

Language Stars 15 Locations around Chicago (866) 55-STARS info@languagestars.com languagestars.com This summer at Language Stars, your child will experience our full immersion camps and classes in Spanish, French, Mandarin, Italian, and German taught by native-speaking teachers from around the globe. Your child will be immersed in language, culture, and pure fun! Choose the summer program or mix and match programs that best fit your summer plans. Choose Parents & Tots (1-3 years old), Summer Long Programs (ages 3-10), Week-long camps (ages 3-8), or build your own schedule! Join Language Stars for a summer of fun with a lifetime of benefits!

I am ... a writer a filmmaker a dancer a sculptor an actor a musician

... an artist.

CREATIVE WRITING • DANCE • MOTION PICTURE ARTS MUSIC • THEATRE • VISUAL ARTS

SUMMER ARTS PROGRAMS Grades 3-12 • June - August

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special advertising section //

camp 2014 2013

Theatre Summer Camps be you. be together. be lookingglass.

AGES 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;18

registration is now open for 2014 summer camps! for information call 773.477.9257 x 193 or visit lookingglasstheatre.org /education ChicagoParent.com February 2014 77

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camp 2014 // special advertising section Start 2014 with resolve

Lifeline Theatre Summer Drama Camps & Classes June 16-July 23, 2014 Ages 4-12 6912 N. Glenwood, Chicago (773) 761-4477 lifelinetheatre.com This summer campers will explore stories about art-making and the visual imagination. With DRAMA KIDS (ages 5-6), we will adapt two different stories from The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon, and with DRAMA STARS (ages 7-12), we will have fun recreating the world of When Pigasso Met Mootsie. Both camps culminate in a special performance for family and friends. And ask us about our DRAMA TOTS classes for ages 4-5!

Learn from a Legend Call today to visit a class!

6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park

708-383-3456

www.master-sh-yu.com Supporting our community for 20 years with Real SkillS for Real life!

Light Opera Works Summer Kids Musical Theater Workshop 516 4th Street, Wilmette (847) 920-5360 LightOperaWorks.com/workshop.html Kids 8 to 13 learn acting, dancing and singing from professional actors and counselors, in five self-contained weeklong sessions based on popular musicals. Classes begin on Monday; on Saturday the kids put on a mini-musical. No experience needed. Every child gets a part. Also “Fiddler on the Roof” teen (audition required) for 13 to 18.

The Little Gym of Chicago 3216 North Lincoln Avenue

(773) 525-5750 thelittlegym.com/ChicagoIL Our summer camps offer three hours of fun and activities. The specially developed camp curriculum using fun weekly themes, combines physical fitness and play with arts, crafts and special events. It’s the perfect break for kids (and parents!) during the long summer months. Available to children ages 3-12.

Lookingglass Theatre Company 875 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1430 Chicago (773) 477-9257, x193 lookingglasstheatre.org/education Spend your summer with Lookingglass! Our multiple camp programs for students 5-18 years old offer opportunities to explore thrilling stories about the world around us, as we create original pieces performed on the Lookingglass Main Stage. Each program, offered at multiple sites, focuses on developing theatre skills using Lookingglass core values: collaboration, invention and transformation.

Lycée Français de Chicago World Camp 613 W. Bittersweet Pl., Chicago (773) 665-0066 LyceeChicago.org Ignite your child’s creativity at the Lycée Français de Chicago’s World Camp. Language immersion camps in Arabic, French, German, and Mandarin,

GERMAN SUMMER DAY CAMP FOR TEENAGERS June 16 – 27, 2014 | Monday through Friday

Enjoy a hot summer in the city with some cool German! Program includes music, games, films, and Chicago - while learning German! Want to supplement your high school German, travel to Germany? Have German ancestors? You must experience the German language and culture through the Goethe-Institut Chicago, the official cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany! For more information about this unique opportunity or our other language offerings, call (312) 263-0474 or visit www.goethe.de/chicago

Goethe-Institut Chicago German Cultural Center 150 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60601 Tel.: (312) 263-0474 www.goethe.de/chicago 78 February 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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special advertising section //

North Shore School of Dance SUMMER DANCE CAMPS Fairy Tale and Favorite Story themes for ages 3 - 5 Ballet & Contemporary Camps for ages 6 - teen Intensive Study Programs for ages 10 - teen

Celebrating 25 years Professional faculty State of the art facility

camp 2014 2013

Camp p 2014

Experts in Play

505 Laurel Avenue Highland Park

New! Early Bird Pricing

Discounts until noon, Feb 28, 2014

Where dance dreams come true

847-432-2060

ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, bollywood, pointe, variations, character, and contemporary

Field trips, friends, fun, life skills... itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all HERE. Register Online www.pdhp.org

www.northshoredance.com nssdance@aol.com

Resident registration begins Jan 8, 2014

Minocqua, WI

Fun

Friendships

Memories

Take our Virtual Tour! www.agawak.com

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camp 2014 // special advertising section

Where big ideas become the next big thing. Only at Camp InventIOn.

since 1962

Summer Horse Camp for Girls

Camp Invention inspires confidence in curious children like yours. Not just for a day or a week, but for a lifetime.

Western Riding • Vaulting • Trail Rides • Swimming • Boating Arts & Crafts • Field Activities • and much more! ** Mother / Daughter weekends available! Call for details! **

Call today to learn more! Phone (810) 679-2505

www.BlackRiverFarmAndRanch.com

s at Camp Anok e Friend ijig! k a M Person New Friends

al Growt h

Act Now to Save Big. $25 off through March 28. Sign up at CAMPINVENTION.ORG

Positive Values p • Overnight, resident cam 6 • Boys & Girls, ages 7-1 ty • Traditional and Special s plu ies, ivit act ms, • HORSES, teen progra s trip ure ent and adv

s geou Outra n! Fu 1 or • Sessions from 4 days to fun! more weeks of summer • Kids love us; Parents trust us • Online Registration Available

800-741-6931 www.anokijig.com Plymouth, WI

Brought to your community by local educators. Coming to a location near you!

In partnership with

The United States Patent and Trademark Office, an Agency of the Department of Commerce

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special advertising section // co-hosted by China Friends, the German International School, and Turath Institute, run from June through July. Arts, Science, and Sports camps (with instruction in English) run throughout August.

Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts 6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park (708) 383-3456 Master-SH-Yu.com Ninja Camp (ages 5-12) presents the movement, culture and history of the Martial Arts. GrandMaster Yu appears with Kumdo (Swords) demonstrations and leads traditional martial arts conditioning games. Other camps include: The Twin Sticks Defense Art, and Airborne Kicks, for youth & teens. Camps presented in June and August: Schedules available after March 1st.

Matrix Sports Camp Glenbard North High School, Carol Stream matrixsportscamp.com With over 15 sports, overnight and extended day options, organic meals, and tons of fun activities, Matrix Sports Camp is a sure hit! Kids in 2nd8th grade choose three sports and also learn tools such as journaling, goal setting, and using affirmations and visualizations for peak performance and stress management.

Metropolis School of the Performing Arts Metropolis Summer Performance Camps

111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights (847) 577-5982 x221 MetropolisArts.com/sopa Spend this summer in the arts, and be in an awesome show on Metropolis’ main stage! Campers will learn all the elements that go into putting on a play, from auditions, to character development, to stage presence. Camps are for all ages from 4 years through high school.

The Music Playhouse 3829 N. Southport Ave., Chicago (773) 572-8054 themusicplayhouse.com The Music Playhouse Camps (ages 4-6) are 3 hour, fun-filled days, complete with musical activities such as singing, dancing and instrument exploration. Campers will also participate in creative play and music-themed art projects. A final performance will highlight your little musician’s week at camp, followed by a treat reception!

Ninja Warrior/Parkour Camp 1525 Circle Ave., Forest Park (708) 724-4674 www.flipsidecamps2014.com Flipside Academy is the only yearround Parkour Training facility in the Chicagoland area. Kids will train Ninja Warrior and Parkour Skills in a safe and fun environment . For 3 hours participants will move through a warmup, basic skill progressions, free play running through obstacle courses, and

2014

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North Shore School of Dance 505 Laurel, Highland Park (847) 432-2060 northshoredance.com North Shore School of Dance inspires dancers of all ages and levels in a variety of fun and exciting camps. All camps are held in our air-conditioned studios under the direction of warm, nurturing, professional teachers. Several 1, 2 and 4 week sessions are offered throughout the summer for pre-schoolers, grade-schoolers, and teens. We offer the opportunity to learn many dance styles while having fun and making new friends!

Old Town School of Folk Music 4544 N. Lincoln Ave & 909 W. Armitage Chicago (773) 728-6000 oldtownschool.org Summer Camp at the Old Town School is an exciting & educational way for your child to experience the summer in Chicago! Two sessions for 6-10 year olds includes music, visual arts, dance, social studies, science, history, outdoor play and more! oldtownschool.org/ classes/kids/camp/.

One Strange Bird 2124 W. North Ave., Chicago (777) 276-4420 www.onestrangebird.com One Strange Bird offers summer camps

camp 2014

for kids 4 and up, art parties, and art classes. Join us this summer for our exciting art camps in a variety of art techniques and themes. Let your child explore art through our exciting kid centered themes such as: outer space, comics, magic, fantasy, and more. Call us to plan your next creative birthday, sign up for summer, or drop by for weekend art classes.

2014 Play On Comedy Camp 1330 Ridge Ave., Evanston (847) 337-9614 playonltd.com This exciting camp combines professional theatre training with field trips, swimming and outdoor fun for the perfect, well-rounded camp experience! Campers attend classes in improv, acting, musical theatre, and film, plus a variety of workshops and guest artists. Field trips include Chicago Shakespeare and The Second City as well as fun friendship-building trips such as a trip to a museum or a recording studio!

Robert Crown Center for Health Education’s Body Trek Camp Hinsdale, Naperville, Chicago/South Loop and Chicago/Homan Square (630) 325-1900 robertcrown.org The Robert Crown Center for Health Education (RCC) offers “Body Trek,” a summer science camp designed to give

3829 N. Southport Ave. Chicago (773) 572-8054 themusicplayhouse.com Located at our custom studio in Lakeview

Adventure Kids Day Camp

Increase your child’s musical aptitude & vocabulary, creative thinking skills, and self-confidence. Enjoy a final performance to show off highlights from your little musician’s week at camp!

Full Session: June 23–August 1 Session I: June 23–July 11 Session II: July 14–August 1

4-6 year old Campers • 3 hour fun-filled days of singing, dancing, and instrument exploration

Open to students entering grades 1–8

• 10 uniquely themed camps…attend all weeks with no overlap

• Creative play, art projects, park time, snacks, games & more

Celebrate our fourteenth anniversary with us! Activitypacked schedules every day and two field trips every week to some of the greatest Chicagoland attractions. Sailing, kayaking, sports, crafts, creative center, team-building and positive group dynamics make Adventure Kids the fun place to be. A full day program from 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., with before and after programming available, too. Full Day, Morning, and Afternoon Programs for Children of All Ages. Call 773-834-7766 or visit us online at: http://summerlab.org

Birthday Parties • Weekly Classes birth - 6 ChicagoParent.com February 2014 81

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camp 2014 // special advertising section Planning your summer? ...WE ARE!

AVERY COONLEY SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM

Extended Day Program before and after camp

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IMPROV • SKETCH • MUSIC • ACTING • CLOWNING • STAND-UP • CAMPS

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special advertising section // 6th through 8th graders an in-depth exploration of the human body and an overview of health and science careers. Camp features hands-on experiences including models for suturing and dissections, plus a field trip to a hospital operating room where students observe a surgery via monitors, learn to take a patient’s vital signs, and perform routine medical tests.

opportunity to learn from the pros and meet sports celebrities. Make sports anchor tapes from a tv studio. Make play-by-play tapes of the Super Bowl and NBA Finals. Tour a pro stadium/ arena and make reporting tapes from the stadium. Participate in mock sports talk radio and PTI style shows, and much more. Day/overnight sessions available.

Salt Creek Ballet Summer

UIC Soccer Camp

98 East Chicago Ave., Westmont (630) 769-1199 saltcreekballet.org

UIC Athletics Fields 839 W Roosevelt, Chicago (312) 996-6755 www.uicsoccercamp.com

You choose the dance option this summer! Girls and boys ages 3-8. Six weeks of Summer Fun on Tuesday afternoons only: June 16-July 25, or Week Long Summer Ballet Camps: July 28-August 1, and August 4-August 8. Bring your energy and take home some dance enrichment! Summer programs also available for ages 10 and older.

School of Rock Evanston and Highwood 1311 Sherman Pl, Evanston & 9 Prairie Ave, Highwood (847) 864- ROCK or (847) 433-ROCK We believe the best way to learn music is to play music! We take students from the lesson room to the stage, developing both their confidence and musicianship with programs designed for all skill levels. We have programs and camps for ages 3 – 18 and an adult program for 18 and up!

UIC Soccer Camp has developed a reputation the past eight years as a premier environment for players of all ages, levels and interest to develop their abilities as a soccer player and further their passion for this great game. Day Camp and Residential/Commuter Camp Options are available.

Windy City Fieldhouse 2367 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago (773) 486-7300 WindyCityFieldhouse.com/youth WCF specializes in youth programs including sports classes, clinics and camps Year-Round. These programs strengthen children’s skills in a structured and safe no-pressure environment. All programs focus on learning rather than winning. WCF offers a

full schedule of Summer Classes and Camps. Classes and camps for boys and girls ages 2-14.

Field Trips Chicago Children’s Museum Navy Pier 700 E. Grand, Chicago (312) 527-1000 chicagochildrensmuseum.org Chicago Children’s Museum is the perfect summer destination for families, camp groups, scout troops, daycare centers and field trips of all kinds. Located on historic Navy Pier, it’s three floors of hands-on fun!

Kohl Children’s Museum 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview (847) 832-6600 kohlchildrensmuseum.org Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago offers 17 interactive, handson exhibits for children ages birth to 8. All of our exhibits and programs are aligned to the Illinois State Learning Standards and are designed to nurture a love of learning in young children.

Make-A-Messterpiece 2050 Tower Dr., Glenview (847) 730-5275 www.Makeamessterpiece.com Unleash camper’s creativity with

The Second City Training Center 1608 N. Wells St., 4th Fl., Chicago (312) 664-3959 secondcitysummers.com

Pump It Up Chicago (312) 664 PUMP (7867) (708) 479-2220 Orland Park pumpitupparty.com The #1 indoor inflatable party place in the country! With private arenas and party rooms and our dedicated staff, Pump It Up isn’t just for birthday parties. We will customize field trips and special events for any group! No matter the size of your group, your event will be private-no sharing of inflatables with other groups guaranteed!

Safariland 701 W North Ave, Villa Park (630) 530-4649 safarilandfun.com Come start your journey here....don your pith helmet and prepare for ja jungle adventure. Explore the grounds, play any of our 190 state of the art and retro video games. Venture if you dare and ride the tiger terror..the Midwests’ largest indoor roller coaster; little explorers can ride the monkey jump, merry-go-round or play in the lion’s den soft play area. Want to fly...ride in our 3D Hi Def Max Flight simulator...”

Camp Resources Camp & Summer Adventure Fair

Get ready to laugh! The Second City Training Center offers Spring Break and Summer youth camps in improvisation and sketch comedy for students ages 11-18. Summer Camps are two weeks long and feature an end of camp performance, an exclusive Second City show, and a pizza party.

February 9, 11am-3pm Daniel Wright Junior High School 1370 Riverwoods Rd., Lincolnshire ptocampfair.weebly.com

Sports Broadcasting Camps July 7-11, 2014 Skokie (800) 319-0884 playbyplaycamps.com Boys and girls age 10-18 will have an

camp 2014

unique, messy, hands-on activities... explore gravity, airflow and color theory while painting with bubbles at Bubble’ology, work together and create a giant banner to proudly display back at camp at the Splat’tacular tables, and mess-makers will be oozing with joy as they create their own ooey gooey slime, while discovering the states of matter at Experimentation Station or dig into our dirt box and excavate dinosaur bones then paint a picture of their favorite fossilized friends!’

photo courtesy of id tech camp

Camp and Summer Adventure Fair: Sunday, February 9, 11am-3pm at Daniel Wright Junior High School, Lincolnshire. Nearly 60 local and national camps in attendance. The Fair is FREE and attendees will be entered into drawings to win $500 tuition to a participating camp of their choice.

Camp 2014 ChiCago Parent’s annual CamP guide

Monthly through May

Making the Grade

JANUARY 2013 | FREE

Your school guide

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Finds for

foodie families

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

reasons to love WINTER

New year, new look (for you & us)

For more information, call (708) 386-5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com January_Cover_2013.indd 5

12/13/12 5:24 PM

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camp 2014 // special advertising section THE AWARD-WINNING

N Br atio oa n’s dc #1 as tin Spo g C rts am p

SPORTS BROADCASTING CAMP is back for our 9th year in Chicago

July 7-11, 2014

Soccer Camp 2014 June 23-27, 9a-12p Half day camps for all boys and girls ages 3yrs - 19yrs. CCSC is Chicago’s Premier soccer club. Programs designed for all levels and abilities run by USSF Professional Coaching staff Tryouts for 2014-2015, June 2-15 Check out our website for full list of programs

Registration is open now Chicago City Soccer Club 630.251.6257 ChicagoCitySoccerClub.com

• Boys and Girls age 10-18 will have an opportunity to learn from the pros in the industry • Make sports anchor tapes from a TV studio • Make Play-By-Play tapes of the Super Bowl and NBA Finals • Make reporting tapes at a professional stadium • Meet sports celebrities… and much more

Art and Design Camps for Kids and Teens One- and two-week sessions begin Monday, June 9

saic.edu/cs

Day/Overnight sessions available For more info call 800.319.0884 or visit www.playbyplaycamps.com facebook.com/sportsbroadcastingcamps youtube.com/sportsbroadcastcamp

Our unique camps provide three hours of fun and activities in a non-competitive, nurturing environment. Each day, Our unique camps provide three hours of fun and activities different creative themes keep your child on their toes as in a non-competitive, nurturing environment. Each day, they take part in exciting imaginative journeys. different creative themes keep your child on their toes as they take part in exciting imaginative journeys.

The Little Gym of Chicago www.TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL The Little Gym of Chicago (773) 525-5750 www.TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL (773) 525-5750

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#1 Birthday magician

Make your next Birthday Party a

Amazing Tim Adamz 3 Arrives Early

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• Hands-on • No mess fun • Ages 5-12!

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

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

847-672-6165

www.letsclownaround.net

Providing Fun & Adventure for over 30 years. You come to us or we come to you!

We Come to You!

Taylor Made Productions

Exciting hands-on experiments may include: • Slippery slime • Cool chemistry Also Available • Rocket launches • Cotton candy ....and lots more

• Mobile Dj • Magicians • Jugglers • Costumed Characters • Moonwalks • Mobile Rock Climbing • Clowns

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KIDZMAGIC by Andrew

Magical Entertainment for all occasions!

Award-winning magician with over 30 years experience! All Birthday Shows include balloon animals and live rabbits! Also offering Face Painting! As seen on WGN, WTTW, Don’t miss our newest magic trick, and “BirthDAy ChilD levitAteS” NBC Local!

630-855-4521 toll free:855-KDM-AGIC

www.kidzmagic.biz www.jellybeanproductions.biz ChicagoParent.com February 2014 85

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Mary Macaroni

SuE’S Party AnimAlS

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

Book us for your next party or event!

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Perfect 5-star rating on Yelp Learn more: www.TheGreatScott.com

Natures Creatures Animal Show

A fun Exotic Educational Animal Show for kids & adults of all ages! Serving the Chicago land area for over 10 years!

• Birthday Parties • Block Parties • Scouts • Schools • Licensed & Insured • Veterinarian & Teacher Approved!

For more info or to book:

call Erin at

• Snakes • Frogs • Bunnies • Lizards • Giant Turtles • Spiders • Ducks • Talking Parrots • Alligators • Pony Rides

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or visit:

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Carol Weston CE JUMP SING DANIG AND W GLE

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Please call or visit our website for reservations & current promotions

(773) 354-7720 (708) 862-2500 www.jumpnjamplayland.com

Located at: 1584 Huntington Dr. Calumet City, IL. 60409

A Musical Party filled with lively music and fun that entertains kids NOtapping, W OPEhand & adults alike! Toe N! Call to learn about clapping sing along fun, puppets, Indoor Center Highlights music for your musical instruments, dance, * Bouncers, Slides, Obstacles Moremore! Parties & Events! and&much

* Birthday Parties * Huge Play Area chicagoparent.com/carolweston * Tons of Party Options * Field Trips/Group Rates • Our entertainment travels to your location * Toddler Area • Affordable pricing beats competition • Youthful, trendy staff * Free WiFi • Caters to girls & boys ages 4-12

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• Goodie Bags, Invitations & Cookie Favors

BLING GLITZY GIRLZ Please call or visit ourBYwebsite for Online Store sells our custom sequin transfers/clothing www.blingbyglitzy.com reservations and current promotions (708) 862-2500 Birthday Parties: NEW Pajama Sequin Party GlamGlitz, Pop/Rock Dance, Spa Retreat, Pink (773) 354-7720 In Paris, Funky Peace Dance, Princess/Pirates,

W W W. J U M P N J A M P LClasses A Y Lrun A inN40 D.Park C ODistricts M Event Hawaiian Luau, VIP Diva Package

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Girl Scouts/Mother/Daughter Events Custom Embellishing Apparel: Affordable & Unique Spiritwear/Cheer/Pom/Dance/ Organizations/Team Sports

1 5 8 4 H u n t i n g t o n D r. C a lu m e847-873-2011 t C it y, I•Lwwwblingbyglitzy.com 60409

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Magic & Juggling Shows Balloon Animals and Puppets

Providing Quality, Professional Entertainment since 1991 Several Themed Characters available. Video clips and party ideas are provided on the website.

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Traveling Players presents

Aurora area

CLOE the Clown

• Magic Tricks • Games • Face Painting • Balloon Animals • Story Telling and More

Book your Birthday Parties Today!

Call: 630-816-2288

847-228-0882

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Walk on the WildSide! Exotic Animal Programs Bat Talks

School,

The Bus of Fun will come to your home for your child’s next Birthday Party. “Like Us” and add a friend on Facebook and receive $25 off your Party! ...Sit back and let us run the PARTY for you!

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Planning a Party? Look here for the perfect entertainer, party supply or service. Even more resouces at...

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calendar FEBRUARY

Start making those tinfoil hats—the aliens are coming! OK, Alien Invasion: Orchestra from Planet X just features some out-of-this-world music from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Magic Circle Mime Company in an extraterrestrial adventure. And come early for the usual preconcert activities, including composition and visual art activities and the popular Instrument Petting Zoo. Just don’t blame us if it takes a while for your little E.T.s to come back to earth. $6-$57. 11 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Feb. 8. Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 294-3000, cso. org.

Figure skaters, curlers and even lugers are descending on Russia this month, and the Sochi Winter Olympic Celebration is a great way to get in the competitive spirit. Kids 3-8 can enjoy an afternoon of crafts and indoor games honoring Olympic sports, teamwork and sportsmanship. Plus, if the weather cooperates, a sledding hill and outdoor skating rink will be available. Now only if they could make whining “I’m cooold” into an Olympic sport … $18, $12 resident. Noon-1:15 p.m. Feb. 8. Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

Valentine’s Day might get all the positive press this month, but we’re more interested in Hoodie Hoo Day, an opportunity for winter-weary Chicagoans (raise your hands!) to chase the season away. Tradition dictates that people go outside at noon, wave their hands over their heads and yell “hoodie hoo!” to force Old Man Winter into submission. Plus, bring a picnic for a fireside winter luau (seasonally appropriate s’mores are provided). $5, $3 resident. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Feb. 20. Irons Oaks, 20000 S. Western Ave., Olympia Fields. (708) 481-2330, ironsoaks.com.

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CALENDAR 1 | SATURDAY SUBURBS NATURE DISCOVERY DAY.

Visit nature classrooms, complete a craft to take home, explore the science of nature, go sledding or cross country skiing, view live animals and enjoy a roasted marshmallow around a crackling campfire. Activities may vary and some are weather dependent. 10 a.m.-noon. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernature center.org. POLAR BEARS, PENGUINS AND PANCAKES. Kids 3 and up enjoy a

pancake and sausage breakfast, then head outside to find polar bears and penguins. Games and crafts inside. $15, $10 residents. 9:30-11 a.m. Bock Neighborhood Center, 1223 W. Sharon Lane, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com. WEEKEND FAMILY CLASS: HOT CHOCOLATE. Uncover the story of

chilies and chocolatesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;products that come from South American plants. Examine parts of the cacao tree, learn how bitter beans make delicious desserts, and mix up different kinds of historic chocolate drinks, even an ancient Aztec version. $22 per child. 9:30-11 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org. BUILD A BIRDFEEDER WORKSHOP. Kids 6-12 build a

birdfeeder and learn about feathered friends, then venture outside to explore and find winter birds. Registration required. $15, $10 resident. 10 a.m.-noon. Irons Oaks, 20000 S. Western Ave., Olympia Fields. (708) 481-2330, ironsoaks. com. A CLOSER LOOK. Families view nature up close using microscopes and hand lenses to study the intricate patterns and details of insects, plants and fungi. 1-2:30 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

FREE Eze ze Da ay y See FFeeb. 9

CHOCOLATE EXPO AND MARKET.

Shop for distinctive chocolate treats and learn more about the world of chocolate through presentations and demonstrations. Free with admission. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. GROUNDHOG DAZE. Learn about

groundhogs and make one to take home. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. JAPAN FEST. Stage performances include Japanese drums, traditional dance and Aikido demonstrations. Activity stations include putting on a kimono, face painting, sumo wrestling, origami, calligraphy, using chopsticks, making

crafts, playing with Japanese toys and games, mini language and culture lessons, and learning proper table manners. Noon-4 p.m. Oak Park and River Forest High School, 201 N. Scoville Ave., Oak Park. (708) 4343386, oprfhs.org.

identification procedures. All materials are provided. Reservations required. $5, $3 members. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave. (in Wilder Park), Elmhurst. (630) 833-1616, lizzadromuseum.org.

LEGO EXTRAVAGANZA. Kids 5-12 build skyscrapers, vehicles, cranes, even a motorized project, with Legos. Instructors lead projects. $27, $18 resident. 1:30-3 p.m. or 3:30-5 p.m. Barn Recreation Center, 421 W. Martin Ave., Naperville. (630) 8485000, napervilleparks.org.

SHADOW PUPPET WORKSHOP WITH ARTIST DANA MAJOR. Exhibiting artist Dana

ROCK & MINERAL IDENTIFICATION. Geologist Sara

Johnson presents an introduction to rocks and minerals for kids 8 and up. Learn how to make a basic mineral test kit and try hands-on

About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the March issue is Jan. 28. All events are subject to change. Please call the event sponsor at the number listed to confirm before you go. Events taking place on four or more dates during the February are listed in Ongoing Events, beginning on page 100.

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar

Major helps create shadow puppets from paper and simple construction materials. Puppeteers can record 2-minute movie shorts on a shadow screen using their own devices. 10:30 a.m. Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 834-0202, elmhurstartmuseum.org. VICTORIAN VALENTINES.

Kids 3-12 create their own Victorianstyle Valentine. All materials provided. Donations appreciated. 1-3 p.m. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. (630) 510-4941, dupagemuseum.org. FUN FEST. Families can prep for the Chicago Wolves game in the Skyline Room across the street from the arenaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s north entrance. Play games, create posters, enjoy music and take part in several other activities. 5-6:30 p.m. Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. (800) THE-WOLVES, chicagowolves. com.

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CALENDAR

Fred S. Margolis, D.D.S., P.C. Pediatric & Laser Dentistry Dentistry for Special Needs

2 | SUNDAY SUBURBS NATURE STORY TIME. Kids 3-6,

with adult, enjoy a nature-inspired story, followed by a craft and a snack. $1/child. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

1770 First Street, Suite 360 Highland Park, IL 60035 224/927.9321 Saturday Appointments Available!

24 Hour Answering Service

www.fredmargolisdds.com

THAT’S THAT’S THAT’SSO SO SO “CHEER“CHEER“CHEERLEADER LEADER LEADER WHO WHO WHOLIKE, LIKE, LIKE, CAN’T CAN’T CAN’TLIKE, LIKE, LIKE, SAY SAY SAYSMART SMART SMART STUFF.” STUFF.” STUFF.” How How How n? n?n? mea mea mea t’s t’st’s tha tha tha nk nknk Thi Thi Thi so soso at’s at’s at’s “th kk “th k “th thin thin thin you you you do dodo l.l. l. tfu tfu tfu Hur Hur ?? Hur ? nds nds nds sou sou sou gay” gay” gay” .. . off off itit off it ck ckck kno kno kno So, So, So,

“BONE” APPETIT. Visit during feeding time to learn about Trailside Museum’s outdoor resident animals. 1-1:30 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc. com. CHOCOLATE EXPO AND MARKET.

Lisle. See Feb. 1. GROUNDHOG DAZE. Lisle. See

Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

7 | FRIDAY DATE WITH MY DAD. Girls 8 and up, with adult, enjoy a meal, make a paper craft, and sign a “fatherdaughter promise” to keep having fun together. Reservations required. $43. 5:30 p.m. American Girl Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (877) 247-5223, americangirl.com. DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE.

Dinner and dessert, games, dancing and memories. Suits and dresses are suggested. Corsages and professional daddy-daughter photos available for purchase. $19, $17 resident. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. (847) 887-0219, poplarcreekcc.com.

Feb. 1. VICTORIAN VALENTINES.

Wheaton. See Feb. 1.

6 | THURSDAY MINI-MATHEMATICIANS. Kids 15-24 months, with adult, enjoy math fun. $20 pair, $14 member pair. 9:30-10 a.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupage childrensmuseum.org.

FAMILY FUN FRIDAY NIGHT: I LOVE ENGINEERING! Join

Northern Illinois University’s STEM Outreach for an evening of hands-on engineering activities related to the popular children’s book Rosie Revere, Engineer. Features a museum-wide scavenger hunt, prize drawing, and a book signing by author Andrea Beatty. Free with admission. 6-8 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupagechildrens museum.org.

STORIES IN THE SNOW. Kids 3-6,

with adult, take a hike in the snow with a naturalist, then warm up with a cup of cocoa and a story inside. $8 pair, $3 additional family member. 10-11 a.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821

TIARAS AND TIES: DADDY/ DAUGHTER PRINCESS BALL.

Includes dancing, entertainment, party favors, refreshments and appetizers. A special photo of each

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CALENDAR Lightwire Theater’s The Ugly Duckling

princess and her dad is included. $50 couple; $40 resident couple; $28 additional daughter, $22 additional resident daughter. 7-9 p.m. Elmhurst Park District, 225 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 993-8900, epd.org.

See Feb. 16

WINTER FEST. Winter activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, live ice sculpting, snow painting, indoor winter crafts, cardboard sled-building competition and more. 5-7 p.m. River Forest Park District, 401 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6660, rfparks.com.

CHICAGO A FAMILY AFFAIR: SPORTY SATURDAY. The Junior League of

FAMILY DANCE MATINEE: KHECARI AND THE HUMANS.

Features special one-hour familyoriented performances preceded by free parent/child movement workshops with the artists. $15 adults, free kids under 12. Check website for time. Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, 1306 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 369-8330, colum.edu/ dancecenter.

SECOND SATURDAYS. Explore the city’s stories with your family through interactive activities, makeand-take crafts, music, performances, and more. Use a compass and connect artifacts to where they came from in the city. Follow clues and share stories. Free with admission; free kids 12 and under. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. (312) 642-4600, chicagohistory.org.

DINOSAUR DISCOVERIES. Families with kids 4 and up become dinosaur detectives with Paleontologist “Illinois Bones” to learn about the world of dinosaurs. Live animals show how dinosaurs are related to animals living today. Free with admission. 2 p.m. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave. (in Wilder Park), Elmhurst. (630) 833-1616, lizzadromuseum.org. LEGO TRAIN SHOW. Watch

DOLL ’DOS AND HOW-TOS. Doll

Hair Salon stylists show lots of ways to style a doll’s hair using the new Bright Highlights Set, vibrant clip-in hair colors made just for My American Girl dolls. $28. 8:15 a.m. American Girl Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave. (877) 247-5223, americangirl.com.

SUBURBS FAMILY DAY: MOVE. Learn

about the art of our time through hands-on art activities, scavenger hunts, Look & Learn stations, and more. Families can explore the exhibition MCA DNA: Alexander Calder and manipulate materials and play with air to invent sculptures that move. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. (312) 2802660, mcachicago.org.

with Llama Llama and Mama Llama as they encounter the daily fun and foibles of llama life. Based on the popular Llama Llama series by Anna Dewdney. Free with admission. 9:30 a.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupagechildrensmuseum. org. GETTING PREPARED FOR ANNUAL REVIEWS WORKSHOP.

8 | SATURDAY

Chicago’s signature family event includes family-friendly activities, games, entertainment and nutritious snacks for all attendees. Lunch is included. The event focuses on healthy lifestyles and physical fitness. Children will receive sweatbands to wear as they participate and attendees are encouraged to dress in sports attire. $35, $30 kids, free kids under 2; $115 family package (2 adults and 2 kids). 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Francis W. Parker School, 330 W. Webster. jlchicago.org.

TINY GREAT PERFORMANCE: LLAMA LLAMA BY EMERALD CITY THEATRE. Spend the morning

DARWIN CELEBRATION DAYS. Celebrate Charles Darwin’s

Birthday with the staff of Trailside Museum, and explore the concepts of adaptation, fitness, selection and survival through drop-in activities and displays. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

as Lego trains race through cities and towns, as well as scenes from popular movies in a custom-made display produced by the Northern Illinois Lego Train Club. Today, the DuPage Society of Model Engineers will operate the HO model layout located on the lower level. Donations appreciated. Noon-4 p.m. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. (630) 5104941, dupagemuseum.org. SCIENCE SATURDAY: WIND AND WILD WEATHER. Wind direc-

tion can help forecast the weather, and for this program, kids in grades 3-6 play meteorologists and construct mini weather stations. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Lisle Library District, 777 Front St., Lisle. (630) 971-1675 ext. 3003, lislelibrary.org.

For parents of children with special needs. The topics covered in the first session include annual reviews; placement options and considerations; student rights; testing accommodations, modifications and considerations. The afternoon session includes transitioning to a new school, new program and/ or new placement. $50 for one session, $100 for both. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Empowering Parents with TLC, National Louis University, 1000 Capitol Drive, Wheeling. (847) 4613137, empoweringparentswithtlc. com.

9 | SUNDAY CHICAGO NPN DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES RESOURCE FAIR.

Fair attracts about 90 exhibitors ranging from therapeutic services to education and enrichment help to retail stores all geared for families with special needs. Breakout workshops focus on information parents need for school, home and community. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Gordon Tech High School, 3633 N. California Ave. npnparents.org. JUNIOR ARCHAEOLOGISTS. Kids 5-12, with adult, learn how archaeologists work in the field and discover artifacts, then take part in excavating a simulated dig in the Oriental Institute’s Kipper Family Archaeology Discovery Center. $9, $5 museum members. 2-4 p.m. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

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Fami Fa mily ly Day y: Mo ove Seee Fe Se Feb. b. 8

SUBURBS CHOCOLATE SUNDAE SUNDAY.

Enjoy a sundae you design yourself, create heart-themed crafts and listen to the Dixieland Docs. $2.50, $1.50 members; plus admission. 2-4 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org. DADDY & DAUGHTER DINNER DANCE. Fairy Tale Fun event with

“dress-up,” dinner, entertainment and some dancing for kids in grades K-5. $50 couple, $25 individual. 5:30-8 p.m. Patty Turner Center, 375 Elm St., Deerfield. (847) 945-0650, dfpd. org. WINTER IS FOR WORMS.

Vermicomposting is creating compost out of food scraps using worms. Each family with kids 6 and up puts

together a worm bin, complete with worms, to take home, as well as get tips and information on how to maintain it, and why composting is important for everyone. $12 per worm bin. 1-2 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernature center.org. JEWISH YOUTH ZONE MINI CHEFS: I LOVE SHABBAT. Kids

2-8 learn cooking skills alongside relevant Jewish laws and upcoming holidays. Parents can drop off children or join the fun. This month, cook Shabbat favorites, learn about Ashkenazic and Sefardic ethnic cultures and experiment with gefilte fish, chicken soup, and spicy sefardic dips. $7. 2-4 p.m. Chabad and F.R.E.E. of Niles, 9401 Margail Ave., Des Plaines. (847) 296-1770, chabadandfree.com.

DARWIN CELEBRATION DAYS.

River Forest. See Feb. 8. FREEZE DAY. Join the Green Valley Dog Drivers for sled demonstrations, sled runs, musher talks and other dog-related fun. Parking fee applies. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. (708) 688-8000, czs.org. FROSTY’S WINTER PLAY DATE. Meet Frosty the Snowman,

take a nature hike and try on snowshoes. Bring sleds for the hill (weather permitting). Free Spirit Sled Demo Team will demonstrate the world of mushing and offer information about Free Spirit Siberian Rescue organization and accept donations to help orphaned huskies find new homes. Enjoy a snack in the great outdoors while warming up by the campfire. Noon-3 p.m. Lake

View Nature Center, 17W063 Hodges Road, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 9418747, obtpd.org/lvnc. LEGO TRAIN SHOW. WHEATON. See Feb. 8.

10 | MONDAY MAKE MT. RUSHMORE. Kids in grades K-5 test sculpting skills and create a clay version of one of America’s most iconic landmarks, Mt. Rushmore. 4-5 p.m. Lisle Library District, 777 Front St., Lisle. (630) 971-1675 ext.3003, lislelibrary.org.

11 | TUESDAY BITTY BABY AND ME. At this event

inspired by the new picture-book collection, girls 3 and up enjoy a “mommy-daughter” activity, coloring pages and a delicious snack.

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CALENDAR 14 | FRIDAY

Reservations required. $10. 10-11 a.m. American Girl Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (877) 2475223, americangirl.com. CHOCOLATE GARDEN. Kids 18-35

months, with adult, discover why we need trees to enjoy chocolate and other sweet treats. $22, $15 members. 9:30-10:45 a.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb. org. GEOMETRY IN OUR WORLD. Kids

2-4, with adult, construct in two and three dimensions and are introduced to the many shapes that surround us each day. $23 pair, $17 member pair. 9:30-10:15 a.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupage childrensmuseum.org.

12 | WEDNESDAY DARWIN CELEBRATION DAYS. River Forest. See Feb. 8.

Today’s time is 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

DANCES FROM THE HEART. A Valentine’s Day performance with an array of dance styles ranging from aerial and acrobatic to contemporary, ballroom, tap and urban. Call for cost. 8 p.m. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. (773) 327-5252, dancechicago.com.

Lego Le go Trra ain n Sh how w Seee Feb. Feb. 8

THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Rob PATTERNS ARE EVERYWHERE.

From dinner plates to great works of art, patterns take on many shapes and forms. In this class, kids 4-6, with adult, seek out and create patterns of their own. $23 pair, $17 member pair. 4-5 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupage childrensmuseum.org.

13 | THURSDAY EXPLORE & PLAY: WINTER ANIMALS. This month is about the

many types of animals that call Irons Oaks home. Explore who is awake

and who is asleep in the woods and pond. Registration is required. $6, $4 resident; free adult. 10-11 a.m. Irons Oaks, 20000 S. Western Ave., Olympia Fields. (708) 481-2330, ironsoaks.com. VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY. Kids

Reiner’s romantic fairy tale gets a new take for Valentine’s Day with audience interaction. Pre-show entertainment includes a costume contest where attendees may dress up as their favorite characters. Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. (773) 871-6604, musicboxtheatre.com.

3-5, with adult, make homemade Valentine’s Day cards and other fun crafts. Plus, spend some time playing games and reading a special story. $20, $15 resident; free adult. 4 p.m. Oakbrook Terrace Park District, 1 South 325 Ardmore Ave., Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 627-6100, obtpd.org.

MAKE A VALENTINE. Kids in grades K-6 learn envelope-making and unique printing techniques that can be used for greeting cards for all occasions. $30. 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Pleasant Home, 217 Home Ave., Oak Park. (708) 383-2654, pleasanthome.org.

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CALENDAR Recommended for families with kids 3-8. $6, $4 kids. 10:30 a.m. PickStaiger Concert Hall, Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. (847) 467-4000, pickstaiger.org. VINTAGE VALENTINES. View his-

toric valentines throughout history, then design a vintage valentine using scrap materials and a steel-tipped pen to write a message. $2. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Elk Grove Historical Museum, 399 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village. (847) 439-3994, elkgrove parks.org/museumcampus.asp. HOME SWEET HOMEWOOD CHOCOLATE FEST. Features live

Chicag go Mariti time me Fest Fe stiv iv val a See Feeb. Se b. 22

music, children’s activities, demos and vendor booths with sweets, desserts and gourmet baked goods. Plus, the Chocolate Bake-off Contest for amateur bakers to be crowned “Home Sweet Homewood’s Master Pastry Chef.” 11 a.m.-2 p.m. H-F Park District Auditorium, 2010 Chestnut Road, Homewood. homesweethome wood.com. FUN FEST. Rosemont. See

FAMILY FUN FRIDAY NIGHT. Build,

craft, tinker, sew or attend a show. There’s always something for the entire family. Check website to view specific details about different events and activities. Free with museum admission. 6-8 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupage childrensmuseum.org. MR. CHICKEE’S FUNNY MONEY AUTISM-FRIENDLY NIGHT. This

performance of Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money is autism-friendly. The entire house is reserved exclusively for families with children on the autism spectrum. $25. 6 p.m. Chicago Children’s Theatre, Ruth Page Center, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. (872) 222-9555, chicago childrenstheatre.org.

15 | SATURDAY

in the Crown Family PlayLab and throughout the museum. Stop by the art studio to make a unique mosaic design using patterns found in nature. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. (312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org. FAMILY SCIENCE DAYS.

Browse interactive tabletop exhibits, learn about cool science jobs, and ask questions to experts convened by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Meet scientists, see robots in action, try out 3D printing, explore the chemistry of food, collect forensic evidence, play with liquid crystals, touch live animals and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive. (312) 565-1234, aaas. org/fsd2014.

SUBURBS

CHICAGO STARRY STARRY NIGHT. Kids ARTISTS AND AUTHORS: PATTERNS. Have fun looking for

color, shape and spiral patterns

7 and up step inside the Starlab portable planetarium and take a tour of the night sky. Learn to identify

constellations and discover stories told about them for centuries, then head outside to practice identifying skills. Kids must be accompanied by a participating adult. $8. 6:30-8 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 4336901, hellernaturecenter.org. DAD AND DAUGHTER UNDER THE SEA DATE NIGHT. Activities

for girls 4 and up include games, crafts, dinner and dancing. Each child receives a parting gift and picture with her dad. Pre-registration is required. $45 couple, $22 additional child; $30 resident, $15 additional resident child. 5-7 p.m. Schaumburg Park District, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com. KIDS FARE: FESTEJAR O RITMO DE BRAZIL. Brazilian percussion

virtuoso Dede Sampaio and friends perform South American rhythms on indigenous instruments. Special guests demonstrate “capoeira,” a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance and music.

Feb. 1.

16 | SUNDAY CHICAGO FAMILY SCIENCE DAYS. See

Feb. 15.

SUBURBS FRIENDS FAMILY SUNDAY.

Silas B. Thislewig, of Madcap Puppets, weaves stories together with giant puppets and audience participation. 2-4 p.m. Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines. (847) 376-2839, dppl. org. WEEKEND FAMILY CLASS: HOMEMADE ICE CREAM. Get an

up-close look at one of the world’s tiniest seeds from the vanilla orchid, make a batch of ice cream, and pot up a plant that can flavor ice cream. $22 per child. 9:30-11 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

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Flamenco Flamenco Flamenco Children Flamenco Children

CALENDAR

Where ?

Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance & Music Building J Dance Studio Northeastern Illinois University 5500 N. St. Louis Avenue Chicago, IL 60625 773.442.5916 info@ensembleespanol.org

Pola Po ar Adve Ad dve ent n ur ure e Da D ays ys

When?

Going on now through May 6th, registration still available

SSeee Feb. Feb. Fe b 22

Ages 4-6 Ages 7-12 Beginners Ages 7-12 Intermediate

LIGHTWIRE THEATER’S THE UGLY DUCKLING AND THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE. See

Ave., Oak Park. (708) 383-2654, pleasanthome.org.

NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” finalist, Lightwire Theater, bring beloved tales into a new and brilliant light through the use of cutting edge technology, choreography and music ranging from classical to jazz to pop. $30, $15 kids 16 and under. 2 p.m. Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park. (708) 235-2222, centertickets.net.

MEET OWLS, HAWKS AND FALCONS. Come face to face with

WARM HEARTS, COLD NOSES HIKE. Take a late winter

SCHOOL’S OUT: HOBBY HUNTING. Kids in grades 1-6

nature hike on trails through Thatcher Woods Forest Preserve. Registration required. 1-2:30 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

play horseshoes just like President Lincoln; try tabletop bowling like President Nixon; examine artifacts like an archaeologist and President Jefferson; have fun painting like President Bush and President Eisenhower; try out a favorite presidential recipe and more. $45 includes snack. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 420-6010, naper settlement.com.

LITTLE DEBBIE SUNDAY. Special

promotions, plus kids have the opportunity to meet players after the game. Free with admission. Chicago Wolves, Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. (800) THE-WOLVES, chicagowolves.com.

17 | MONDAY MEET MR. LINCOLN. Kids in grades K-6 make wood chopping toys to take home, then meet “Abraham Lincoln” and hear the funny stories he has to tell. $30. 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Pleasant Home, 217 Home

Dance Classes for Dance Classes for

birds of prey. Experts from SOAR (Save Our American Raptors), along with some of their feathery friends, shed light on the lives of owls, hawks and falcons. Kids also make a craft to take home. $17, $10 members. 1-2:30 p.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

SINK AND FLOAT WITH ABRAHAM LINCOLN Abraham

Lincoln was the only U.S. president to be granted a patent for his invention. Kids in grades K-5 learn about what makes things sink and float and discover how his invention worked. 4-5 p.m. Lisle Library District, 777 Front St., Lisle. (630) 971-1675 ext. 3003, lislelibrary.org.

6:00 pm – 6:45 pm 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Class rates: Children: $200 Adult classes also available In residence at Northeastern Illinois University

In residence at Northeastern Illinois University

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CALENDAR with shapes for kids 15-24 months, with adult. $20 pair, $14 member pair. 9:30-10 a.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupage childrensmuseum.org. THIRD THURSDAY. A special time

for families of children with autism spectrum disorder, visual impairments and/or mobility impairments. Families can explore the museum during a typically quieter time. Specially trained staff will assist with art activities, and resource tables provide information on issues and services. Free with admission. 5-7 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupagechildrensmuseum. org.

Fa ami m ly Dan ance Ma ati tine ee See Fe See Se Feb. 8

18 | TUESDAY

21 | FRIDAY 20 | THURSDAY

CHOCOLATE GARDEN. Lisle. See

NATURE STORY TIME. River

Feb. 11.

Forest. See Feb. 6.

MOTHER SON DATE NIGHT. SHAPES! SHAPES! AND MORE SHAPES. All things take on a new

dimension in a class full of activities that encourage play and learning

Participants enjoy an evening of dinner and dessert, games, dancing and memories. Suits and dresses are suggested. Corsages and professional

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CALENDAR mom-son photos available for purchase. $19, $17 resident. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, 1400 Poplar Creek Drive, Hoffman Estates. (847) 887-0219, poplarcreekcc.com. FAMILY FEATURE: FAMILY DATE NIGHT. Dress up for a grand dinner

in the S.M.A.R.T. Café, followed by activities to help create life-long memories of the event. This event features both free and ticketed activities. Reservations are required. 6-8 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupagechildrensmuseum. org.

22 | SATURDAY CHICAGO CHICAGO MARITIME FESTIVAL.

The festival features a taste of almost every aspect of life on or near the water in Chicago through seminars, workshops, and concerts on topics including maritime history, shipwreck diving, battles at sea, water safety, weather forecasting, model ships, commercial shipping, canoes and kayaks, maritime music, marine art, and more. Activities for younger sailors include model boat building, songs for younger sailors, and “How to be an Underwater Detective.” $14 daytime activities; $20 concert. Daytime activities: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; evening concert: 7 p.m. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. (773) 575-7244, chicagomaritime festival.org.

and meet live animals. Activities may include dog sledding demonstrations, live entertainment from the Old Town School of Folk Music, arts and crafts table, toddler zone with outdoor “ice fishing,” REI winter activity station, and free snowshoe rental if weather conditions allow. First 500 visitors receive hot cocoa. Dress for the outdoors. Call to confirm scheduled activities. $3 parking. Noon-4 p.m. Northerly Island, 1400 S. Linn White Drive. (312) 745-2910, chicagoparkdistrict.com.

tracking adventure to uncover the mysteries of animal tracks. Enjoy hot chocolate around a toasty fire at the end of the program. $6, $4 resident. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Irons Oaks, 20000 S. Western Ave., Olympia Fields. (708) 481-2330, ironsoaks.com.

Forest. See Feb. 2.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY...LIVE! Join Kidworks

DADDY/DAUGHTER WINTER LUAU. Dads and daughters 3 and

Touring Theatre Co. as they travel through 400 years of history from the West Coast of Africa to America. Kidworks actors narrate as volunteers from the audience play Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and more. Recommended for kids 4-12. 2 p.m. Warren-Newport Public Library, 224 N. O’Plaine Road, Gurnee. (773) 972-7112, kidworkstheatre.org.

up are invited to a luau featuring treats and a DJ playing favorite tunes. Registration required. $22, $15 resident. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Ranch

of real engineers set up shop to give kids and adults hands-on experiences. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org. FAMILY WORKSHOP WITH ARTIST MONIKA WULFERS. This

workshop, inspired by the artist’s own work, helps kids 5 and up explore the intersection of math and art. Learn about grids, lines, and points, and how you use number values to make a drawing. 10:30 a.m. Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 834-0202, elmhurstartmuseum.org.

TINY GREAT PERFORMANCE: NAHUI OLLIN; MAYA AND AZTEC DANCE. Experience the

dance, music, costumes and original instruments of Nahui Ollin. This company’s dances are inherited from the old Maya and Aztec traditions. Free with admission. 9:30 a.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupagechildrensmuseum. org. CHARLOTTE’S WEB THE MUSICAL. The story of a pig named

Laura’s third kids’ CD, In a Heartbeat. Laura and her band will play every song on the album and the audience will see favorite characters, Domingo the Flamingo and Jazzasaurus, appear as puppets. After the show, Laura signs CDs and meets fans. $12. 11 a.m. Old Town School of Folk Music, Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. (773) 728-6000, oldtownschool.org.

Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte. 2-3 p.m. Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. (847) 929-5102, webrary.org.

Families can enjoy winter activities

View School Gym, 1651 Ranchview Drive, Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org. DISCOVER ENGINEERING. Dozens

TREKKIN’ FOR TRACKS. A

“BONE” APPETIT. River

SUBURBS

LAURA DOHERTY CD RELEASE PARTY. Celebrate the release of

POLAR ADVENTURE DAYS.

picnic, go for a hike and make a day of it. 1-4 p.m. Irons Oaks, 20000 S. Western Ave., Olympia Fields. (708) 481-2330, ironsoaks.com.

MUSEUM DISCOVERY DAY: ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS. Includes

thematic stories, art project and self-guided activities. Stay and explore center exhibits including Animal Tracks, Digging into the Past, Sensory Exploration, Activity Corner and Nature Displays. Pack a

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CALENDAR even duct tape. 1-3 p.m. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. (630) 5104941, dupagemuseum.org.

will be celebrated in visual arts, dance, music, food and stories. 2-4 p.m. Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. (773) 445-3838, beverlyartcenter.org.

NATURE NAVIGATORS: RODENTIA. Kids 7-10 learn about

SUBURBS

rodents such as squirrels, beavers, rats, mice and more. Wear snow pants and boots for a nature hike. Bring an extra pair of shoes and socks for indoor exploration. A snack is provided. $27, $22 resident. 1-4 p.m. Lake View Nature Center, 17W063 Hodges Road, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 941-8747, obtpd.org/lvnc. FUN FEST. Rosemont. See

S ho Sc ool ol’s ’s s Out: Ou t: Firre an a nd Ic ce

Feb. 1.

23 | SUNDAY

S e Feb. Se Feeb. 28

FOLDED FAVORITES: FANS, TIES AND WALLETS. Make a fancy

CHICAGO

folded fan or experiment and create a tie or wallet using paper, felt and

GET IN, GET ART DAYS. A series of free monthly hands-on art days, centered on a theme. Today’s theme is “Get Global.” World cultures

“NOT JUST FOR KIDS” CLASSICAL CHILDREN’S CONCERT. The Fox Valley

Philharmonic Orchestra features a performance of the classic, Aladdin. Among other favorites on the program is the music of Looney Tunes cartoons. There will be an opportunity for children to have a brief turn conducting the orchestra. During intermission, there will be an “Instrument Petting Zoo” where children can try playing various orchestral instruments, and the Instrument Doctor will give a “check-up” to any old instruments that are brought in, to provide an estimate on their value or repair. Donations are appreciated. 3 p.m. Our Savior Lutheran Church, 420 W. Downer Place, Aurora. (630) 476-9072, fvacademy.org

Professional services Directory pediatric dentistry

Pediatric dentistry

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Fred S. Margolis, D.D.S., P.C.

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CALENDAR Library, 20 S. Prospect, Park Ridge. (847) 825-3123, parkridgelibrary.org.

OWL SECRETS. Kids 8 and up, with adult, learn about owls through touchable owl artifacts and fun activities including dissecting owl pellets. Registration required. 1-2:15 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

GEOMETRIC G.E.M.S. Big words of math come into play in a class with a geometric theme for kids 4-6 with adult. $23 pair, $17 member pair. 4-5 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupagechildrensmuseum. org.

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LITTLE DEBBIE SUNDAY. ROSEMONT. See Feb. 16.

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25 | TUESDAY EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILY FUN NIGHT. Kids 6 and under

explore different stations while experiencing interactive fun. There will be time to play games and use the preschool fitness station where children test their strength and endurance on a treadmill, weight bench, cycle and elliptical machine. Plus, try the snowball room. 6-7:30 p.m. Meineke Recreation Center, 220 E. Weathersfield Way,

ory

Photo provided by AAAS

MEET OWLS, HAWKS AND FALCONS. Lisle. See Feb. 17.

Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com. WEEKDAY SNOWSHOE HIKE. Explore local trails on

snowshoes if there’s snow (or on foot if there’s not). Registration is required. 1-2 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

26 | WEDNESDAY READ TO SUCCEED WITH THE CHICAGO WOLVES. The goal

for every young participant is to spend more time in libraries and see the valuable resources they have to offer, as well as understand the benefits of reading as a recreational tool. Today, meet Wolves center Christian Hanson. 4 p.m. Park Ridge Public

28 | FRIDAY SCHOOL’S OUT: FIRE AND ICE.

Kids in grades 1-6 visit the blacksmith and learn how they use fire to shape metal; try on firefighting gear and see Naperville’s first fire pumper up close; visit the Martin Mitchell Mansion and see how people in the late 1800s kept their food cold; learn how to paint on ice and how to preserve it during the ice cube keeper challenge; play a game of hot potato and more. $45 includes snack. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 4206010, napersettlement.com.

Professional services Directory ORTHODONTICS

Pediatric dentistry

PEDIATRIC DENTAL ASSOCIATES, P.C.

We offer braces for children & adults

Bonciel Griffin DDS

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10019 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60643

www.bgriffinorthodontics.com Complimentary Orthodontic Evaluations Most Insurances Accepted • Flexible Payment Plans Dr. Griffin is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists

George Lin, D.D.S. Anjali Talati, D.M.D. Kyung-Hong “Cal” Kim, D.D.S. Buffalo Grove Business Park 195 Arlington Hts Rd., Suite 150 Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

847-537-7695

George Lin, D.D.S. Anjali Talati, D.M.D. Fred Fitzpatrick, D.D.S.

College Hill Professional Building 690 N. Route 31 Crystal Lake, Il 60012

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

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Evenings and Saturdays available. Practice limited to infants, children and adolescents.

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ONGOING EVENTS EXHIBITS FORTS. Use couch cushions,

upside-down tables, doors, headboards to create a cool and cozy space. Free with admission. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrens museum.org. OPENING THE VAULTS: WONDERS OF THE 1893 WORLD’S FAIR. Visitors see items

that thrilled fairgoers 120 years ago including large taxidermied animals. Included in Discovery and All Access passes. Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 9229410, fieldmuseum.org. JAPAN AND NATURE: SPIRITS OF THE SEASONS. A multime-

dia, interactive exhibit that allows children to discover how nature is reflected and celebrated in the lives of Japanese children. The exhibit offers an in-depth exploration through video, audio and visual

media. Free with admission. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

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WINTER DINOSAUR EXHIBIT. Exhibit features the

Apatosaurus, one of the largest land animals that ever existed. See how you measure up to an Apatosaurus leg and footprint, touch a fossilized dinosaur bone and more. Closed the first Monday of the month. Lake View Nature Center, 17W063 Hodges Road, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 9418747, obtpd.org/lvnc. TREASURES OF THE WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES. Features

drawings, props, costumes, artwork, theme park attractions, TV shows and live action films. Interactive stations bring Disney’s technological breakthroughs to life. $9, $7 kids 3-11, plus admission. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 6841414, msichicago.org.

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THE PLACES YOU’LL GO.

Includes hands-on elements that teach children about the role of transportation in their lives. The exhibit includes an auto repair shop, a train station with caboose, flight simulator and bicycles. The exhibit also helps develop map-reading skills, teach the elements of flight, and help children recognize street signs. Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County St., Waukegan. (847) 623-2041, waukeganpl.org.

OTHER EVENTS PROGRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOW. Features

stunt shows, seminars, family

activities, an exotics pavilion, the world’s largest custom bike competition, digital graffiti walls and more. $6-$15. 1-9 p.m. Feb. 7; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 8; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 9. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. (800) 331-5706, motorcycleshows.com. DOWNERS GROVE ICE FEST. Unique ice sculptures line the

streets of downtown, while families enjoy an array of events, including live ice carving demonstrations. 6 p.m. Feb. 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 8-9. Main Street, Downers Grove. downtowndg.org.

Professional services Directory Pediatric dentistry

Pediatric dentistry

Pediatric Ophthalmologists

We take the fear out of dentistry for your child. • Shots and drilling are no longer necessary • Computer x-rays reduce your child’s exposure to radiation • We use smaller chairs and instruments • We welcome patients with special needs • Pleasant, comfortable surroundings

Medical and Surgical Eye Care for Infants, Children and Teens

Office Hours By Appointment Days Evenings Saturdays

Ned L. Savide, D.D.S., Ltd. PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Practice Limited to Children & Adolescents Diplomate American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

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16345 S. Harlem • Tinley Park

708-633-8700 • www.kidsdds.net

Pediatric eye care

12001 South Harlem Ave. Palos Heights, IL 60463 Tel. (708) 448-6700 24 Hours

Deena F. Leonard, M.D. Dana L. Kolton, M.D. Kathy Anderson, M.D.

Muscle Imbalance (Lazy Eye) • Blocked Tear Ducts • Premature Infants • Routine Eye Exams

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Pediatric theraPy Assential Therapies, Inc

Pediatric Therapy Services: Speech/Feeding Therapy Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Developmental Therapy Located in Niles, IL (in Golf Mill Mall) Call: (847) 699-9757 x0 for more info.

www.atmfc.com

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ONGOING EVENTS SNOW DAYS CHICAGO.

Teams of artists gather starting Feb. 5 to create sculpting masterpieces out of 10 foot blocks of man-made snow. Other winter-themed activities for kids and families. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 8; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 9. Gateway Park, Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 7443315, snowdayschicago.us. THE ORCHID SHOW. A showcase of unusual and stunning orchids. Special activities include a free story time on Mondays and family weekend classes. Feb. 15-28. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org. LAKE HOME & CABIN SHOW.

Includes furniture and furnishings, boats, docks and hundreds of unique products, gifts and accessories. $12, $5 kids 5-15, free kids under 5. Feb. 21-23; check website for schedule. Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. (847) 303-4100, lakehomeandcabin show.com.

ory

COOL KIDS WINTER PLAY. A

guided glimpse into the world of outdoor play will depend on the day. Possibilities include snowman and snow fort building. Free with admission. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. SCIENCE FRIDAYS. Northwestern

physicians and museum staff provide demonstrations about topics such as eyesight, senses and breathing, and lead children in hands-on activities to help them learn through experimentation. Free with admission. 2:30-4 p.m. every other Friday. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

OPEN GYM. Explore a play space that includes soft places to climb and explore, developmentally appropriate gross motor equipment, slides, tricycles, climbing structures and more. $10 family. Sundays. Florence G. Heller JCC, 524 W. Melrose Ave., Chicago. (773) 8716780, gojcc.org. WESTFIELD OLD ORCHARD ICE SKATING. Includes special perfor-

mances on Sundays and Tuesdays, along with live DJs on Saturday evenings. $1, $3 skate rental. 4-8

p.m. Monday-Friday; noon-8 p.m. Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Westfield Old Orchard, 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie. (847) 6747070, westfield.com/oldorchard. SOLAR LIT TRAILS. Hikers, skiers and snowshoers traverse the Solar Lit Trails at Pleasant Valley, Woodstock (half-mile loop) or Hickory Grove Highlands, Cary (1-mile loop). Until 9 p.m. daily. Lake County Forest Preserves, 2000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. (847) 968-3321, LCFPD.org.

SNAKE FEEDING. Watch staff

Open Op en nin i g th he V Va a aul ullts t

feed snakes every Sunday. Free with admission. 1-1:15 p.m. Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. (815) 895-9777, mmnh.org.

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Professional services Directory special needs dentistry

Childproofing

At Southwest Dental we take special care of

Got Tots... Get Peace of Mind

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Exceptional care and patient comfort go hand in hand at Southwest Dental Group. This gives special needs children and adults an experience they can feel good about - with the option of IV sedation for situational anxiety. We believe there’s no need too special.

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16600 South 107th Court, Orland Park, IL Dr. Tentler holds diplomate status in the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists. Dr. Robert L. Tentler and Associates, General Dentistry

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services to offer?

Call Chicago Parent @708-386-5555 to advertise them today!

TUTORING

Tutor Services Individualized sessions to your child’s needs by a certified tutor. Nanny Services We specialize in active role models who support your family’s lifestyle.

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www.collegenannies.com Lincoln Park • 773-697-9326 Glenview • 847-998-5657 ChicagoParent.com February 2014 101

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BOOK PEOPLE UNITE

Help us get books to kids in need. Help us get books to kids in need. TAKE THE PLEDGE TAKE THE PLEDGE BookPeopleUnite.org BookPeopleUnite.org All trademarks and copyrights are properties of their respective owners. All trademarks and copyrights are properties of their respective owners.

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HOLIDAY 2013

FREE

GOING PLACES

The Ultimate Guide to Family Fun!

314

things to do

Nature escapes

‘tis the season

For sleigh rides, flurries & sugar plum fairies

GP_Holiday_Cover.indd 5

Spring edition coming soon!

11/1/13 2:50 PM

For more information, call (708) 386 5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com

Chicago Playworks for Families & Young Audiences

By Dr. Douglas W. Larche with Susan Elliott Larche Based on the novel by Lois Lowry | Directed By Ernie Nolan

JAN 18 – FEB 22, 2014 at DePaul’s historic Merle Reskin Theatre 60 E Balbo Dr, Chicago | 312 922 1999 | theatre.depaul.edu

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PERFORMANCES THE LITTLE PRINCE. Through Feb. 2. A pilot stranded in the Sahara Desert meets a young prince who regales him with tales. This fully immersive theatrical interpretation illustrates the story with fantastic characters and gravity-defying physical feats. $45-$75. Lookingglass Theatre in the Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 337-0665, looking glasstheatre.org. ADVENTURES OF A COMIC BOOK ARTIST. Through Feb. 2. Witness

superpowers and dastardly plots and let your imagination soar, as heroes and villains battle, scheme, sing and dance in this hilarious and actionpacked spoof of the comic book genre. For tickets, contact rbouwman@gojcc.org or (847) 763-3514. Mayer Kaplan JCC Children’s Center, 5050 Church St., Skokie. (847) 7633500, gojcc.org. DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS LET’S CELEBRATE. Through Feb. 9. This

show features a magical montage of celebrations and is set to a blend of contemporary music and favorite Disney songs. Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; Mardi Gras with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen; a Royal Valentine’s Day Ball with the Disney princesses; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney villains and more. United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. $12-$75. disneyonice.com. THE FROG PRINCESS. Through Feb. 9. 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and 1 p.m. Sundays. $15, $10 kids 16 and under. Steel Beam Children’s Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com. THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS. Through Feb. 16. The

long-suppressed account of the Big, Bad Wolf is finally brought to light in Piggsylvania’s Trial of the Century. Decide the fate of Big ‘n Bad.

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Recommended for families with kids 5 and up, $15. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. (773) 761-4477, lifelinetheatre.com.

$10. Chicago Playworks at DePaul University, Merle Reskin Theatre at DePaul University, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-1999, theatre school.depaul.edu.

a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays. $12; $10 at Box Office on Fridays. Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. (847) 2912367, northbrooktheatre.org.

NUMBER THE STARS. Through

GOODNIGHT MOON THE MUSICAL. Through Feb. 22. The

FRINDLE. Nick and his friends

Feb. 22. Annemarie Johansen and Ellen Rosen play carefree games in Copenhagen until the Nazi occupation forces them to escape. 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 2 p.m. Saturdays. Recommended for families with kids 8 and older.

musical transforms the simple story of a young bunny preparing for bedtime into a 3-D wonderland full of songs, choreography, a colorful set and clever costumes. Recommended for families with kids 4 and older. 10

think that Language Arts class is the worst. A plan to get out of having homework backfires as Mrs. Granger, their teacher, assigns Nick the task of finding out where words come from. Recommended for families with kids in grade 4-8. Feb. 6-14. $14, $12 kids

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Fri. 7:30 PM • Sat. 2:00 & 7:30 PM • Sun. 2:00 & 7:30 PM

Use offer code: BIG

Buy Tickets: Ticketmaster.com • 800-745-3000 • Venue Box Office

Celebrated Chicago clown Dean Evans returns to The Actors

a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and 1 p.m. Sundays from Feb. 22-March 16. $15, $10 kids 16 and under. Steel Beam Children’s Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. (630) 5878521, steelbeamtheatre.com.

FEB. 7 – 9 • ALLSTATE ARENA

THE MAGICAL EXPLODING BOY AND THE INVISIBLE CIRCUS.

BABE THE SHEEP-PIG. 10:30

Use offer code (Day of Show only): BIG1 • Excludes premium seats. Restrictions and exclusions may apply. Subject to availability. All tickets $2 more day of show.

Runs from Feb. 8-16. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone or at the theater box office. The Wilmette Theater, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. (847) 251-7424, wilmettetheater.com.

March 9. Tickets can be purchased at wilmettetheatre.com, by phone or at the theater box office. $18, $15 advance. The Wilmette Theater, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. (847) 2517424, wilmettetheater.com.

SAVE $5 ON ADULT TICKETS!

LITTLE WOMEN: THE MUSICAL.

LITTLE MERMAID: THE MUSICAL. Runs from Feb. 22-

Excludes premium seats. Ages 2-12. Limit of four (4) Kids’ tickets with purchase of a full-price adult ticket. Excludes Opening Night performance. Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability. All tickets $2 more day of show.

RAMONA QUIMBY. Ramona Quimby is about to start third grade and everything is about to change. Her sister Beezus guides the audience through a full year on Klickitat Street. Recommended for ages 5-10. $16, $13 kids. Feb. 6-May 18. Emerald City Theatre Company, Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 935-6100, emerald citytheatre.com.

Gymnasium to headline this wild, circus adventure into the imagination. This event features original live music and aerial acrobatics. 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Feb. 15-March 23. $20, $15 kids and seniors. The Actors Gymnasium, Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. (847) 328-2795, actorsgymnasium.com.

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12 and under. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

KIDS’ TICKETS $12!

PERFORMANCES

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PERFORMANCES

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THE BULLY SHOW. Join Professor

McBumble and his group of rag tag actors as they present three fairy tales with an anti-bullying message. Check website for venues and dates. Recommended for families with kids 4-10. $7-$10, depending on venue. 10:30 a.m. AlphaBet Soup Productions, P.O. Box 85, Lombard. (630) 932-1555, absproductions.com. THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA. Barrel

of Monkeys, a Chicago-based arts education theater ensemble, turns Chicago Public Schools students’ stories into professionally performed theater. $12; $6 for kids under 12. 2 p.m. Sundays. The Neo-Futurarium Theater (2nd Floor), 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. (312) 409-1954, barrel ofmonkeys.org. MR. CHICKEE’S FUNNY MONEY.

SAVE $5 on Kids’ Tickets! Good on Weekday Performances

Ages 2-12. Limit of four (4) kids’ tickets with purchase of a full-price adult ticket. Restrictions and exclusions may apply. No double discounts. Excludes Opening Night performances. Excludes premium seats.

JAN. 22 – 26

JAN. 29 – FEB. 9

ALLSTATE ARENA UNITED CENTER

250273

Buy Tickets: Ticketmaster.com 800-745-3000 Venue Box Office #DisneyOnIce

The story follows 9-year-old Steven, a self-proclaimed spy and president of the “Flint Future Detectives Club.” This all-new musical grooves to a diverse new set of original songs played by a live band celebrating music through the decades. Recommended for families with kids 7 and up. $25. Chicago Children’s Theatre, The Ruth Page Center for Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. (872) 2229555, chicagochildrenstheatre.org. PRINCESS AND THE PEA. Classic

story is recommended for families with kids 2-12. $12. Chicago Kids Company, Stahl Family Theater, 5900 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. (773) 205-9600, chicagokidscompany.com. SLEEPING BEAUTY. Classic tale is recommended for families with kids

2-12. $12. Chicago Kids Company, Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago. (773) 205-9600, chicago kidscompany.com. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. When the pigpen starts to look like a real sty, Mama says it’s time to leave and build something new. Recommended for ages 3-10. $16, $13 kids. Emerald City Theatre Company, Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 935-6100, emerald citytheatre.com. THE TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC. The performance includes gentle sound and lighting effects that create a full sensory experience. The show lasts about 45 minutes. Recommended for families with kids 4 and younger. $14 for ages 1 and up, and $7 for children under 1. Emerald City’s Little Theatre, 2933 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. (773) 529-2690 ext. 810, emeraldcitytheatre.com. SOUNDS OF BLACKNESS. The Showfolk Family Matinee is performed on Saturdays. Call for cost. eta Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S. South Chicago Ave., Chicago. (773) 752-3955, etacreativearts.org. STORYTOWN. From superheroes to undersea adventures, princesses to dinosaurs, Storytown takes the audience on an interactive, fully improvised adventure. The cast uses audience suggestions and ideas to create a different story every week. Recommended for families with kids 3-10. $10. 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. (773) 327-5252, stage773.com.

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CATS vs. DOGS

It’s the age-old battle: Are you a dog person or a cat person? Well, the good news is that this his month, there are events that cater to canine crusaders and feline fans alike. Here are all the details to know before you pledge your allegiance.

Lincoln State Cat Club Felinee Expo and CFA All Breed Benefit Cat Show When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 22-23 Where: Harper College, Building M, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine Cost: $8, $6 seniors and kids 6-12, free kids 5 and under Highlights: A cat scavenger hunt, where kids identify cat breeds throughout the show; The Education Ring hosts sessions on everything from grooming to

nutrition, all presented as college courses urses in “Cat University”; ty”; Breed Booths let visitors itors meet kitties from breeds reeds from the American n Bobtail to the Tonkinese. ese. And the Household d Pet Competition means even Fluffy can an compete on the basis asis of condition, grooming ooming and personality. ity. More Info: lscats. org

Interna International Kennel Club Cluster of Dog Shows When: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 22-23 McCormick Where: M Lakeside Building, Place, Lak Lake Shore 2301 S. L Chicago Drive, Chi Cost: $2 $20, $15 seniors, free kids u under 12 (cash only) Highlights: The sureHighligh to-be-adorable Puppy to-be-ador Spectacular features dogs Spectacula months competing ages 4-6 mont for Best Puppy in Show;

a unique “Chicago-style” format that allows guests to meet and greet dogs from around the country; and a new Barn Hunt demonstration, where dogs and handlers work as a team to locate rats (in aerated tubes) hidden in a maze of hay bales. Plus, the Kids Zone includes face painting and a coloring station, and kids 9-19 can take part in Junior Dog Judging. More Info: ikcdogshow.com

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Shark

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Sharks are having a moment. Whether it’s the bizarro shark-meets-natural disaster of Sharknado or the best-ever rated Shark Week on TV’s Discovery Channel or even the stillhaunting two-note JAWS theme, the big-toothed fish are everywhere you look.

And now they’re invading Rockford’s Burpee Museum of Natural History. That invasion is being led by Megalodon, the two-millionyears-extinct shark who is the star of the new exhibit Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived. “This exhibit capitalizes on the public’s fascination with sharks and how it affects our world today,” says marketing coordinator MacKenna Atteberry. “The objective is really to inform the public.” Because while pop-culture

representations may pique the public’s interest in sharks, not all information out there is entirely accurate. In fact, a Discovery Channel mockumentary last summer called “Megalodon: The Monster Shark That Lives” convinced many viewers that the massive shark still swims in our oceans. “[The exhibit] helps to set the record straight a bit,” Atteberry says. To that end, the exhibit includes lots of interactive elements that teach kids and families about the ancient shark and its evolution and biology. The most obvious feature is a 60-foot walk-through Megalodon sculpture that provides an immediate introduction to the famous shark. Other highlights include life-sized models of Megalodon’s relatives, the modern Great White and Mako sharks, four Megalodon jaws that came from 30- to 60-foot-long sharks (and could swallow a human in one bite!) and fossilized shark teeth. But despite the presence of teeth and jaws, Atteberry says the exhibit isn’t a scary one, contrary to what some JAWSscarred parents might fear. “It’s a very non-intimidating

exhibit,” she says. “But it’s still informative and lets you know how big and massive these sharks were.” And since Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived is making its Midwest debut at Burpee, museum staff are hoping the shark’s fame will draw people from across the region, including Chicago. Plus, the exhibit ties in nicely with the museum’s other exhibits, including those focused on dinosaurs and geology. “It’s a great way to take a day trip for the family,” Atteberry says. “Everyone is going to take something away from it.”

Megalodon:

Largest Shark that Ever Lived Feb. 1-April 29

$5, plus admission Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford (815) 965-3433 burpee.org

108 February 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

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hether your kids are still into playing with Matchbox cars or already dreaming of getting their learner’s permit, the Chicago Auto Show is a great day out for the whole family. The country’s largest auto show pulls into McCormick Place on Feb. 8, and offers a special Family Day on Feb. 17 that includes music, prizes and educational activities. But don’t think that the car show is just for gearheads planning their next hot ride. Kids will love the chance to test-drive miniature Jeeps, try out driving simulators from Mazda, play the “Toyota Live” game show or Xbox games with Honda, and even bust a move with those dancing Kia hamsters. The Chevy “Family Fun Zone” includes a photo kiosk and a Hot Wheels jump.

And for moms and dads a little sick of the minivan, there are lots of chances to ogle high-end cars—or pick out your next practical (sigh) family vehicle. Athletes from local teams will stop by throughout the show to sign autographs for lucky fans. McCormick Place is massive, so you may want to rent a locker or check your coats before exploring the show. Strollers are encouraged for little ones whose legs might get tired, and diaper-changing stations are available at most restrooms. And if you’re in the mood for some multi-tasking, don’t forget the DMV office on the premises, ideal for replacing or renewing your license. After all, you may want to stop at the dealership on your way back home. Elizabeth Diffin

112 February 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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