Chicago Parent January 2018

JANUARY 2018

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Making the Grade CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

Rules for 2018

73 winter wins

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Our annual school guide inside

Let them fail?

Why you should

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For over 90 years, thousands of families with children in need of orthopaedic care, specialized plastic surgery, cleft lip and palate repair, physical rehabilitation, and spinal cord injury care have come through our doors with hopes of finding the very best pediatric specialty care.

Under our roof, those hopes are answered every day — by physicians, nurses, and specialists using the latest technology, innovative research, and a collaborative, family-centered approach. It’s how the 22 Shriners Hospital locations have provided care for over 1.3 million children.

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BRAND NEW Digital Edition Debuts in February

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2 January 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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contents EDITOR

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THE UPSIDE OF FALLING DOWN Why letting your kids fail could be the best thing you do for them all year NEW YEAR, RENEWED RULES Just in time to save you from completely losing control WINTER SURVIVAL EATS Ramp up family time with your own homemade pizza CRACKING THE CODE How to get your kids engaged and learning a vital new language

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LIFE IN CHI

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INSIDE VOICE

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FAILING WITH GUSTO

PUBLISHER Dan Haley COMPTROLLER Ed Panschar

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VIVA DADDY

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MAKING THE GRADE INSIDE JANUARY 2018

Rules for 2018

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ON THE COVER Cover kid: Isla Lazzari, 7, of Chicago Photography: Thomas Kubik of TK Photography Design: Claire Innes

Let them fail? The Maggie Daley Ice Skating Why you should

Ribbon, in the heart of the Chicago, is open daily through March.

Admission is free. Skate rental is available. maggiedaleypark.com

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. © 2018 Wednesday Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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Make sure you matter in 2018 I recently found myself talking with a group of moms who, like me, feel like they are running themselves ragged trying to keep their busy kids on schedule and always happy.

One of the moms, who had been quietly listening to all of the stories, then asked: What do you do for self-care?

TAMARA L. The question was met with silence, O’SHAUGHNESSY then a few awkward chuckles. This mom, who turned out to be a therapist with a new baby, just didn’t get it yet. Or, at least that seemed to be the unspoken consensus.

Yet she pressed on. What do you do to feed your passions? How do you tend to your relationships, particularly with your husband and friends? When do you take time just for you?

What’s your life going to be like when the kids aren’t around?

There will be time to figure out the answers to those questions “later,” the moms responded.

Over the past few weeks, though, the questions remained in my head like a earworm because I realized I do not have good answers for any of them.

It’s true that I rarely do anything just for me (aside from binging on Hallmark movies, but who doesn’t do that?). I simply don’t want to face thinking about life after my kids grow up.

I’ve decided the

therapist-mom does, indeed, get it. Even though I don’t want to admit it to myself, these are important questions every parent should be asking themselves. Not only that, but they should be doing something that fulfills them outside of being someone’s mommy or daddy.

The kickoff of 2018 seems like a good time to start some self-care and passion feeding, to make yourself matter.

What do you think?

Happy New Year.

800-741-6931 www.anokijig.com Plymouth, WI 4 January 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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ON THE WEB

Open the door to new experiences at ChicagoParent.com Let it snow

JACKIE MCGOEY

Winter days are here to stay, for a while anyhow. And whether you get a thrill from snowball fights, ski slopes and icy nature walks, or prefer to cozy up at home for a family game night or with a bowl of hot homemade soup, you’ll find plenty of ideas at bit.ly/ CP_WinterWonder to keep p yyou busyy from now until March arch (or April, knowing Chicago).

Playing tourist

Start 2018 with a win

When cabin fever hits hard this month, bundle up and get out to explore a new Chicago neighborhood or suburb. There are hidden gems near and far. Head to bit.ly/CPExplore for guides to some of our favorite places, from Andersonville and Hyde Park to Wheaton and Chinatown.

Visit our Coupons & Contests page to enter to win a family four-pack to Paw Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure,” or plan a movie night and enter to win tickets to see “Paddington 2” and “Maze Runner: the Death Cure” at your nearest Classic Cinemas.

Blogger you should know Cheryl Eugenio is a wife and mom to three and officially addicted to exploring Chicagoland and beyond to find the best things for families. In 2017, she was awarded best blogger by the national Parenting Media Association.

In January, be on the watch for her cabin fever survival guide. And as always, she has a few surprises in store for readers.

She also recounts her family adventures at otheplaceswego. com.

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6 January 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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T

ake the reins of your life. Decide you want to count in your family, that your wants and needs matter.

There is no better time than January to hit the pause button and reflect on ourselves. It forces us to say ‘what do we want to improve?’

When you feel happy, confident and appreciated, it’s easier to steer your family to success in 2018.

Eirene Heidelberger, GIT Mom, Chicago parenting coach

Life in Chi

Setting the tone for 2018

Photo by Thomas Kubik

ChicagoParent.com January 2018 7

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INSIDE VOICE

A shiny new year deserves inspiring art

KEELY FLYNN

A new year is a magnificent opportunity to be the change you want to see (and have your kids become!) in the world. Here are three of our picks for starting off 2018 with a community-oriented— and wonderfully artistic—bang.

Photo by Paul Natkin

‘My Wonderful Birthday Suit’ at Chicago Children’s Theatre Who better to challenge old, dusty notions and reframe evolving conversations than the very, very young?

Small theatergoers (ages 4-7) and their party-loving grownups are invited to an extremely special birthday party in a Land Beyond the Rainbow, where three little kids explore race and differences, and celebrate what makes each of us unique.

Evolved from a conversation between Evanston playwright Gloria Bond Cunie and CCT’s Artistic

Director Jacqueline Russell, the play takes themes from Michael Tyler’s picture book for children, The Skin You Live In. Through the use of puppetry and music (and one fantastic Thinking Tree), this gentle and loving production will help the entire community spark important change—with small children leading the way.

Jan. 16-Feb. 18; Chicago Children’s Theatre’s The Station, 100 S. Racine Ave., Chicago; chicagochildrenstheatre. org

Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah

‘Family Day’ at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

Turns out, 13 can be a lucky—and downright inspiring—number. The 13th annual performance of Too Hot to Handel: The JazzGospel Messiah takes place, as always, over Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend and celebrates Dr. King’s message of “beloved community.”

George Frideric Handel’s soaring 18th century masterpiece gets a joyful treatment of blues, jazz, gospel and a downright impressive collective of soloists, 100+ member choir, ensemble orchestra and jazz combo.

Audiences are encouraged to clap along—as well as marvel that the roof hasn’t yet been blown off with the sheer enormity of ebullient soul.

7:30 p.m. Jan. 13, 3 p.m. Jan. 14; Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago; auditoriumtheatre.org

Don’t hibernate, create! With the Museum of Contemporary Arts’ monthly Family Days, families are invited to spark a lifelong love of the arts—while squashing any winter doldrums—through stroller tours, open studio sessions with Chicago artists and workshops galore.

It’s free for kids 18 and under (and adults with kids 12 and under), and is an accessible entry point into Chicago’s magnificent fine arts scene while starting off the new year with buckets of quality time.

Feelin’ feline? Felix, the MCA’s beloved 26-foot-tall cat skeleton, will be on display during the January date, so prepare yourself for the ultimate cat selfie.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 13; Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago; mcachicago.org Photo by Joshua Longbrake

8 January 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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Children learn best when they’re working with activities they love. At Guidepost, your child will enter the wonderful world of Montessori lessons and learning materials designed to captivate and inspire. Montessori Spanish Immersion now available for toddlers through kindergarten-aged children.

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12/15/17 3:01 PM

FAILING WITH GUSTO

Phased out?

After taking a part-time job a year ago to subsidize high school, future college funds and a possible tummy tuck, I was nervous about my kids’ functionality. Would they be able to get themselves up and dressed for school? Would they remember which days to wear uniforms for gym and which days to bring instruments for MARIANNE band? Had I done so much for them WALSH over the years that they would fail miserably at this big inaugural test of responsibility?

At first, my fears proved correct.

There were forgotten Chromebooks, gym days and homework. Field trip days went without bagged lunches and help-the-poor days went without canned donations from the Walshes.

I had obviously failed once again.

Slowly but surely, my knuckleheads did pull it together. Dan began laying out all needed items of clothing and equipment the night before. Jack and Joey took to taping notes above their beds with reminders: CHARGE CHROMEBOOK EAT BREAKFAST PACK LUNCH How anyone could “forget” to eat a meal remains a complete mystery, but whatever. They were figuring things out! They were growing up! They hardly needed me! Woot woot!

Then it started to sting.

They were figuring things out. They were growing up. They hardly needed me.

My babies weren’t babies anymore.

This realization hit me

squarely in the gut.

I had invested the last 13 years of my life in a job that I knew eventually would be phased out. I wasn’t prepared for this first reduction in responsibility.

I already had placed myself in a nursing home without visitors as part of a mental downward spiral of uselessness.

One morning, I got up early on a non-work day to see the boys off.

Joey had both pant legs firmly tucked into his socks. Jack had packed four Little Debbies and a can of my Red Bull “for lunch.”

Nobody had brushed their teeth. Or combed their hair.

Or thought winter coats necessary in 12 degree weather.

I pretended to be angry, yelling and screaming and waving my arms while quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Self Reliance.”

But secretly?

I knew I had a few good years left at the firm.

Which is a very good thing because I seriously love my bosses.

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ChicagoParent.com January 2018 11

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VIVA DADDY

365 pending victories

MATT BORESI

Flamenco Dance Classes for Children Where?

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

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As parents we tend to reflexively focus on our own failings.

How late did we get the kids to school, and how late were we subsequently to work? How much food are we wearing by our first meeting? How much ground did we lose on the battle of screen time? How much hair fell out today?

More disheartening, we often focus on our children’s defeats and deficits as well. What didn’t happen today, what hasn’t been learned, where are they falling behind?

This is a counterproductive, demotivating tack. I’ve noticed my daughter, Viva, has had some conspicuous victories lately—breakthroughs in reading, in confidence, in singing, in patience, in Lego building. With each victory comes satisfaction, pride and drive towards practice.

With more practice comes more victory. What’s the opposite of a vicious cycle? A virtuous cycle? It’s that, and I love it.

With both the little ones and ourselves, we need to break that vicious cycle of deficit focus. Yes, we were late to school (again), but we managed to pack an intact sun butter sandwich and didn’t leave the book bag on the car roof. Let’s carry that swagger with us as we saunter late into the meeting we’re about to crush because, though our pants are covered in sun butter, our tie bar is immaculately placed. The tie bar maketh the man and so we conquer the meeting, and eventually have won the

ILLUSTRATION BY STEPHEN SCHUDLICH

kingdom, all for the having of sun butter.

Most folks—grumpy and fatigued parents especially— communicate through commiseration (“You’re messing up your kid? You should hear how I’m messing up mine!”) and plan via failure analysis (“I gained 10 pounds, time to stop eating all foods!”).

Admit it, you can be a real drag.

It’s a major adjustment for most people, to focus on victories and strengths, but it’s a worthy goal for 2018. What did you do right today? Start there! Catalogue your wins for a change—you deserve it.

And, hey, you’ve still got SOME hair, and it’s gorgeous.

Viva Victory. Viva Viva.

Viva Daddy.

Viva is 6 years old. Daddy is about 7x that age. They live happily with Mommy in Chicago.

12 January 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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LIFE IN CHI

Cold shoulder nasty colds

O

ak Park mom Gail Coughlin says last winter was filled with sickness for her family. “We were sick from basically Halloween to St. Patrick’s Day, off and on, with everything from pneumonia, strep throat, colds, flu and ear infections that just wouldn’t quit.”

She is determined to keep illness out of her home this winter. Three things that might help her family and yours do just that.

Megan Murray Elsener

Wash, wash and wash again Essential oil up Mandy Smith Seaman, a mom of three, stands by the use of essential oils.

“Every day before school, my kids apply essential oils to the bottoms of their feet to support their immunity all day at school,” Seaman says. “Preventing illness and building up our bodies made a huge differences in how often illness hits and how hard it does.”

Seaman uses Thieves and Frankincense Vitality Essential Oils, youngliving.com

Love you, honey One of the best remedies for a sore throat is warm tea with honey.

But honey can be a great cough suppressant as well. Research shows that kids 2 and older with upper respiratory tract infections and were given up to 2 teaspoons of honey at bedtime had reduced coughing and improved sleep.

Dr. Josephine Dlugopolski-Gach, mom of three, Loyola University Health Systems

“Washing hands before eating, after touching or playing with someone else, after using ng the bathroom or after playing with animalss can reduce your chances of getting an infec-tion,” says Dr. Sameer Patel, a pediatricc infectious disease physician at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. “Also lso avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth th with unwashed hands.”

An alcohol-based sanitizer is better than han nothing, but sanitizers may not disinfect ct organisms such as Norovirus, he says.

Wash hands for at least 20 seconds and frequently clean surfaces, such as doorknobs and railings.

Try Soap Caps Musical Soap Pump Toppers, which play for the 20-25 seconds kids should wash. $4.99, soap-caps.com

ChicagoParent.com January 2018 13

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LIFE IN CHI

Shows to binge-watch after the kids are in bed

W

ith the holidays over, it’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a little TV binge after the kids are asleep. Pour a glass of wine, grab some snacks and settle in for a night of mindless entertainment (that doesn’t include anything with the words “paw” or “patrol” in the title).

Catastrophe (Amazon) Rob and Sharon’s relationship starts with a surprise pregnancy following a one night stand, so naturally, things aren’t going to follow a smooth path. The show follows their progression from strangers hooking up to a married couple balancing two kids and a mortgage in London.

Game of Thrones (HBOGO)

Parenthood (Netflix) Your family may not be quite as dramatic as the Braverman clan, but everyone can find something to relate to throughout the series. Marital issues, tricky mother/daughter dynamics and figuring out how to raisee a child with special needs are just a few of the themes the show explores.

Maybe you’re the th one person on has yet to get familiar earth who h with the folks in Westeros perhaps you want or p a refresher course before the final b sseason premieres.

Either way, the E beloved HBO drama is be chock-full of everything cho want in a TV drama— you wa triangles, tragic deaths and, love triangle of course, dragons. dr

Parks and Recreation (Netflix) If you could use a little bit of optimism in this current political climate, Parks Department Deputy Director Leslie Knope and her cohorts should do the trick. The show takes place in Pawnee, Ind., a place where the American Dream is still alive and well—and also has a sense of humor.

Dawson’s Creek (Hulu)

Sometimes you just need a slice of cheesy ‘90s nostalgia.

Natalie Dal Pra

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14 January 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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YOU

Inner beauty for the win!

B

CHERYL LEAHY

eauty. When you hear this word, what images does your mind conjure up? Most people think of external features. I admit I often neglect internal beauty in lieu of visions of a perfectly winged eyeliner, highlights and a dress tailored to a T. This New Year, I am focusing on beauty from the inside.

Here are the ways that I am working that angle; try the options that might work best for you.

Read Reading has always been my release valve, but I often felt my mind wandering when trying to crack open a self-help book. They are rarely entertaining and often do not contain practical applications for my life.

When I picked up the book 10% Happier by Dan Harris of ABC News, I immediately connected with the term “monkey mind.” Many of us jump from thought to thought, “constantly lurching from one pleasant experience to the next, never fully satisfied.” Harris takes you through his journey from meditation skeptic to full-on believer and explains how he credits meditation and

mindfulness with making him a happier person. Even if you don’t prescribe to his way of thinking, reading a book with a different perspective is a beautiful thing.

Talk At the end of summer 2010, I cracked. My husband and I were (unsuccessfully) trying for our first child, I was traveling for work in order to cover for another team member on maternity leave (sadistic, no?), and I had recently moved to the far western suburbs with no friends for miles. Big life changes, a lot of stress.

A therapist helped diagnose me with anxiety.

I eventually was able to talk through life’s issues and rewire my way of thinking. I started to feel more beautiful on the inside, and that feeling increases every day.

Drink

Download

You have heard this a million times: drink more water.

Even a 1 percent dehydration level can adversely affect your mood, attention, memory and coordination.

My solution? A water intake tracker bottle. You can buy one online or create your own with a permanent marker—mark hour by hour how much water you need. If you buy a 32-ounce water bottle, mark the first five-hour intervals, then refill and mark the second five hours (adjusting for weight and health issues).

I haven’t officially had a regular workout routine since 1999. That’s high school, folks.

I discovered the Aaptiv app that caters to my need for low-impact action and even offers programs for pregnant moms based upon their trimester, complete with post-natal stroller workouts!

Moral of the story: Make sure that you focus on that inner beauty because if your mind, body and spirit are a mess, that great pair of shoes won’t get you very far.

ChicagoParent.com January 2018 15

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CRAFT

softies Give your hot cocoa a little life STORY AND PHOTOS

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

B

e the most popular mom on the block by adding a little marshmallow snowman to that hot chocolate treat.

Surprise your little ones or let them create their own. The sweet softies will cheer up anyone on a cold winter’s day.

Materials: u Marshmallows u Mini candy corns or orange M&Ms u Pretzel sticks u Mini chocolate chips u Black icing for writing u 3-inch toothpicks

Directions:

marshmallow.

1

4

Put three marshmallows on the 3-inch toothpick to create the snowman’s body.

Note: If you only have regular toothpicks, use two through the center with one connecting the top marshmallow and the other connecting the bottom.

2

Break a pretzel stick in half to create “arms.” It helps to twist the pretzels into the marshmallow to secure them. Twist the arms into the center marshmallow on the sides.

3

Break off a small part of another two pretzel sticks to create “legs” and twist those into the bottom

For the snowman’s buttons, use an extra toothpick to create a small hole to stick the mini-chocolate chips into. Do the same for the candy corn or M&M nose.

5

Use black icing to make coal eyes and a smile. Or melt some chocolate chips and place in a small plastic bag with a cut tip to draw on the face.

6

Once the hot cocoa is ready, place your snowman across the top of the mug and enjoy! Make sure the kids know there is a toothpick in the center.

Megan Murray Elsener is a Chicago Parent contributor and mother of three.

16 January 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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2018 WONDER WORKS CONCERT SERIES Coming soon: January 14, 2018

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February 11, 2018

Tickets: $8 for members and $11 for non-members Tickets are available in person at Wonder Works Children’s Museum or over the phone by calling 708.383.4815 SERIES SPONSOR: CHICAGO PARENT MORE INFORMATION AT WONDER-WORKS.ORG

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The upside of falling down

J

Why letting your kids fail could be the best thing you do for them all year

BY SHANNAN YOUNGER

ulianne Neely knows that her daughter’s shirt is on backwards, but she’s not concerned and not about to correct her. Her daughter dressed herself and the look of joy on her face when she finally got her shirt on, after several failed attempts, was priceless.

“It’s huge for a child’s self-esteem to fail at first and then ultimately be successful, because they know that they overcame some challenges and did it all themselves,” says Neely, a Chicago mom who is also the executive director at Individual and Family Connection, a pediatric therapy practice.

It may not be a typical New Year’s resolution, but resolving not to rescue your kids as often and to let them stumble and fail in 2018 may be the best possible thing you could do for them in the long run.

Neely notes that letting kids fail can be particularly challenging for Chicago parents, who often worry about the high school admission process when kids are still small. They are concerned about the impact failure may have when applying to schools, especially in middle school.

That’s all the more reason to let kids fail when they’re young.

“The earlier you can let kids fail, the less the consequences are and the greater the benefits you’ll see,” Neely says. That’s good advice anywhere, she adds, because as kids get older, the stakes get higher.

Benefits of letting kids fail Allowing kids to fail also acknowledges that they are

human. After all, they’ll be making mistakes for a lifetime, and knowing that they can work hard to overcome setbacks will take them far.

When kids are allowed to fail, they have to face the consequences of their actions (or lack thereof), not blame others, and figure out how to adapt, explains Jessica Lahey, teacher, mom and author, in her book The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed.

Research shows that struggling also helps them see mistakes as an opportunity to learn and to develop problemsolving and coping skills.

Lahey says kids who have been overly protected from failure are less likely to be motivated to learn and less capable of doing so.

“When you rescue kids too much, they are less able to

get frustrated and less able to hear critical feedback. They get freaked out hearing they are less than perfect. As a teacher, that’s a disaster,” she says.

Parents expect children to fall when they’re learning to walk or ride a bike, and that mindset should apply to other activities, too, says Annmarie Chereso, founder of BringIt! Home, which offers programs on mindfulness and conscious leadership skills for parents and teachers.

“It’s not realistic to expect kids not to fall. We don’t grow without failure,” she says.

Through failing, kids also

learn when and how to ask for help, a key life skill.

“As parents, we may think we’re being helpful, but every time we rescue them, a lesson is lost,” Lahey adds.

Neely agrees, saying that she hears parents complain that their kids don’t take responsibility for their actions, but the same parents are known to consistently rescue their kids from failure.

Another added benefit: experience is an excellent teacher. That’s quickly evident when a child leaves the house without a coat on a cold morning. “Not only do

18 January 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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children learn by doing (or with a coat, not doing), they’re more likely to remember. Even better, it avoids a control battle between parent and child,” Neely says.

Overcoming fear Fear is the number one reason that we don’t let our kids fail, according to Chereso.

Parents worry that their child’s struggles reflect poorly on their parenting ability.

“Before we became parents, we were used to getting performance reviews and feedback on our work. We miss that and look to our kids to be that feedback, but that’s so unfair. They are not extensions of us,” Lahey says.

Chereso reminds parents that there is no parent playbook detailing the exact right or wrong way to deal with every situation. Those who may judge have no idea what’s best for your child. Neely’s advice: “Just tune it out.”

Parents may worry that teachers will think they are slackers if their kids don’t always do well, but Lahey says odds are good that the teacher will not only understand, but also will be very supportive.

“If we are more worried about what other people think than our kids’ abilities to make it in the world, we need to think about our priorities,” says Lahey.

How parents can help their kids

1

Normalize and even celebrate failure

When talking about your day, ask kids to name both what they’re grateful for and something they failed at. Spanx CEO Sara Blakely says that her father asking her daily what she had failed at reframed her view of failure,

“As parents, we may think we’re being helpful, but every time we rescue them, a lesson is lost.”

JESSICA LAHEY Our cover girl, Isla Lazzari, 7, of Chicago, takes on the Maggie Daley Park Ice Ribbon which was integral to her success.

2

Discuss your own failures and be a model for them

Discussing at dinner how you accidentally hit “reply all” or telling them how you made an error

or took a risk not only normalizes imperfection, but it also gives you an opportunity to talk as a family about how to learn from it and make it right, if you can.

Some parents are focused on appearing perfect for their kids, but Lahey has a newsflash: “Our kids already know without a doubt that we are not perfect.”

3

Make peace with frustration and disappointment

Neely acknowledges that it’s hard to hear her kids struggle.

She notes that the huffing and puffing that comes from her CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

ChicagoParent.com January 2018 19

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UPSIDE OF FALLING DOWN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

frustrated kids is how many adults react when they are facing tough challenge. “It’s normal!” she says.

But kids won’t know how to handle sadness or disappointment if they never experience them. It’s also completely OK for parents to feel sad and disappointed when their child fails.

Chereso encourages parents to be authentic with their kids.

“It’s good to allow ourselves to feel our feelings and be in it together, even holding the sadness together. Those moments can be important building blocks of connection,” she says.

4

Remind your kids that you’re always in their corner Supporting kids when they make mistakes is hugely important. Make it clear you believe in your child and love them, no

be opportunities for your child to discover new passions or purpose, or to gain invaluable insight.

Chereso says her son’s academic struggles had many upsides. “In addition to how to study better, he learned so much about himself, like what his strengths and weaknesses are, and what’s important to him.

He’s grown into a cool kid,” she says.

6 matter what.

“We are not there to do it for them, but we can be there to nudge them back on their feet when they wobble or fall,” Lahey says.

5

Keep perspective

While certainly challenging in the moment, the emotions that come with failure typically don’t last as long as a parent fears they might. They can also

Know when and how to step in

When there’s a safety issue at hand, parents should absolutely get involved—and quickly, if need be. But if it’s not a safety issue, Neely suggests parents wait for kids to ask for their help before jumping in.

Shannan Younger is a mom of one living in Naperville, freelance writer and a blogger at ChicagoParent.com.

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New year, renewed

RULES

Just in time to save you from completely losing control

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

E

very parent has those days when it feels like NOBODY is listening. If you have to tell your child to clean their room one more time, you think you might really lose your mind.

The New Year is the perfect time to regain control!

Start fresh and enact, enforce and maintain a new set of rules in your house. It could be the best New Year’s resolution you’ve ever made.

Here are some guidelines and suggestions to stick to:

Rules rule Everyone needs rules and structure.

“Rules let children know what to expect, keep children healthy, help family members get along better and communicate our values to children,” says Karen Jacobson, co-founder of Parenting Perspectives, a Chicago parent coaching business.

“When parents are consistent and set rules effectively, there is greater cooperation and less misbehavior.”

Problems like getting out of the door in the morning often indicates there are no rules or the rules are unclear, says Lauren Bondy, Jacobson’s co-founder in Parenting Perspectives.

Just make sure you and your partner get on the same page about the rules.

22 January 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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Say yes to chores “All children should have chores or jobs,” Bondy insists.

“Chores teach children that contributing to the well-being of the family is important.

They learn that the family works best when everyone contributes and feels valuable. The best way to raise

Chart it up Start using a chart to add structure to help kids develop positive habits, says Beth Miller, a certified parent coach.

responsible children is to give them responsibilities.”

Even young children can water plants, turn out lights, bring in mail or feed the pet.

“Having chores protects children from a sense of entitlement,” Bondy says.

Skip doling out cash for chores.

SURE, AT FIRST I WAS A LITTLE TAKEN ABACK

BY THE WHOLE PEEING STANDING UP THING. SURE, BUT I TAUGHT HIM TO THROW A STICK AT FIRST WAS HANGING A LITTLEOUT TAKEN ABACK ANDI NOW WITH HIM

BY THE WHOLE PEEING STANDING UP THING. IS THE BEST PART OF MY DAY. BUT I TAUGHT HIM TO THROW A STICK AND NOW HANGING OUT —WITH HIM EINSTEIN IS THE BEST PART OFadopted MY DAY.12-09-10 — EINSTEIN adopted 12-09-10

“For many kids, a visual chart helps remind them of chores and the act of checking them off can help reinforce the habit.”

Ditch the rewards

Be positive

Rewards and reward charts cause kids to focus on the reward rather er than doing what is right, t, expected or moral. oral.

“We want children to be intrinsically motivated, so rewarding them for doing what is expected actutually interferes es with that goal al and can even be harmful harmful,”” Jacobson says.

“When children help out, are kind, respectful or do tasks independently, they naturally feel good and make additional reward unnecessary.”

Miller says kids will stick to rules if they have a hand in creating them them.

Make sure su the rules are a positive, focusing “on the ‘do’ behavior be rather than r a ‘don’t’ message,” m Miller M says. sa “... I encourage enc parents to use pare their energy and en attention to t focus on encouraging positive p behaviors rather than planning punishments.”

Megan Murray Elsener is a suburban mom of three and columnist at Chicago Parent.

ChicagoParent.com January 2018 23

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Winter survival eats

T

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

here isn’t much that’s better than creating your own custom pizza pies with your kids, adding toppings to fit everyone’s taste. January also just so happens to celebrate National Pizza Week (Jan. 8-14), so it’s a perfect excuse to ignore the outside temps and heat up the kitchen together for a family night in.

It might also become the thing that helps you and the kids survive Chicago’s winter. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started.

Ramp up family time with your own homemade pizza Bobby Flay’s traditional pizza Ingredients 3 ½-4 cups bread flour, plus more for rolling (Using bread flour will give you a much crisper crust. If you can’t find bread flour, substitute all-purpose flour, which will give you a chewier crust.)

1 tsp. sugar 1 envelope instant dry yeast 2 tsp. kosher salt 1 ½ cups hot water 2 Tbsp. olive oil, plus 2 tsp.

Pizza sauce, cheese, herbs and toppings

Directions Combine the flour, sugar, yeast and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. While the mixer is running, add the water and 2 Tbsp. of the oil and beat until the dough forms into a ball. If the dough is sticky, add additional flour, 1 Tbsp. at a time, until the dough comes together in a solid ball. If the dough is too dry, add additional water, 1 Tbsp. at a

time. Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead into a smooth, firm ball.

Grease a large bowl with the remaining 2 tsp. olive oil, add the dough, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in a warm area to let it double in size, about 1 hour. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Cover each with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rest for 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees at least 30 minutes before baking the pizza. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Working with one piece of dough at a time, shape the dough on the baking sheet into a rectangle, about 14 inches long by 7 inches wide by ¼-inch thick.

Repeat with the remaining ball of dough. Lightly prick the surface of each pizza with a fork and brush each with 1 Tbsp. of olive oil. Add pizza sauce, cheese and toppings as desired. Bake for 10-14 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of Bobby Flay

Gluten-free pizza Ingredients 2 tsp. sugar 1 tsp. instant or active dry yeast 2¼ cups gluten-free baking flour 1/3 cup almond meal 3 Tbsp. ground flaxseed 1 Tbsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt 1½ tsp. baking powder ¼ cup olive oil, plus more for pans 1 Tbsp. plus 1½ tsp. apple cider vinegar Pizza sauce, cheese and herbs

Directions Combine sugar and 11/3 cups warm water. Sprinkle in yeast and let stand until it begins to foam. Whisk flour, almond meal, flaxseed, salt and baking powder in the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment. Beat in yeast mixture, followed by ¼ cup oil, then vinegar.

Continue to beat on medium speed until dough is smooth and sticky for 2-3

minutes. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until puffed slightly (not as dramatically as conventional dough), 1-1½ hours.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Lightly coat 2 large heatproof nonstick skillets with oil.

Divide dough between skillets. Using a rubber spatula lightly coated with oil, spread dough to about ¼-inch thick.

Cover with plastic wrap and let rest until slightly puffed again, 20-30 minutes. Bake dough, rotating skillets halfway through, until very lightly browned across the top and top of dough springs back, 30-40 minutes.

Increase temperature to 425 degrees. Top crusts with sauce, cheese and herbs. Bake pizzas until cheese is melted and bubbling and crust is golden brown and crunchy underneath, 10-12 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of Bon Appetit

24 January 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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Walking in a WINTER WONDERLAND

Disney on Ice

Embrace the chilly temps—these Chicago winter attractions are worth bundling up for!

1

Relish one of Chicago Park District’s most interactive events at Polar Adventure Days. Kids of all ages come face to face with other cold-lovers, Siberian huskies and wolves among them. Plus, plenty of winter activities and crafts for the family. It’s free!

Noon-4 p.m. Jan. 20 and Feb. 24 Northerly Island Park, 1521 S. Linn White Drive, Chicago; chicagopark district.com/events/polar-adventure-days

Sure, you’ll be indoors, but you’ll still be close to the ice as you take in Disney’s latest ice show, “Dare to Dream.” In her Disney On Ice debut, Maggie Daley Park’s Ice Ribbon isn’t your Moana embarks on an adventure among standard ice rink.

Disney’s other most beloved heroines like Instead, you’ll get a Belle and Cinderella. Multiple dates multi-sensory experience as you in January and February at United and the kids glide around the icy ribbon with the gorgeous city skyline Center and Allstate Arena.

2

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as your backdrop. After a few laps, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.

Skates are available to rent on site.

337 E. Randolph St., Chicago; maggie daleypark.com

3

Seeking a little quiet time together to kick off 2018? Set out with your brood on crosscountry skis or snowshoes on the 1,700 acres of snowy grounds at Morton Arboretum. Child and adult skis or snowshoes are available for rent through mid-March when snow is at least 4 inches deep at the Visitor Center. 4100 Illinois 53, Lisle; mortonarb.org Or, when snow is at least 3

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF DUPAGE COUNTY

CHIPAR0118_025.indd 1

inches deep, rent a snow tube for a trip down the 800-foot run on Mount Hoy in Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville, weekends through Feb. 25. Inner tube rentals are $5 per day.

DuPage Forest Preserve rangers also groom more than 70 miles of cross-country ski trails for families, including the beautiful Waterfall Glen in Darien. It’s a perfect setting for those Insta moments. dupageforest.org Jenny Muslin

ChicagoParent.com January 2018 25

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CRACKING THE

CODE

How to get your kids engaged and learning a vital new language

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

C

oding is now as essential as math and science.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be more than one million unfilled tech jobs in just two short years. That means now more than ever, a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) education is crucial for preparing the next generation for success.

to learning new things, and find it much easier to overcome their fear of making errors or mistakes.”

Tamasin Ford, founder of Power Up Tech Academy, says she believes young kids are more open to trying coding. “This is especially important for girls, who are unfortunately less likely to take a coding class the older they get.”

Not only are younger kids able to ‘think like a computer’ and understand algorithms, but they are “looking at errors as something that can be found and fixed, not a failure,” Ford says.

Coding for all “Simply put, coding is the new language of the future and technology is disrupting every single industry in the U.S.,” says Katy Lynch, co-founder of Codeverse, an immersive coding studio with classes for kids. “Teaching children how to code is as important as teaching them English or mathematics.”

Coding teaches kids to learn problem-solving and critical-thinking skills and encourages creativity, all skills they will need no matter what they do.

And the younger that children are exposed to coding, the better.

“It is easier for children to learn how to code (just like learning a foreign language) when they are very young,” Lynch says. “Kids absorb information like a sponge. They tend to be more open

In the past few years, coding studios and kids’ coding classes have expanded rapidly in Chicago and the suburbs.

One of those is Code Play Learn. William Greenwald opened it in 2013 because he wanted more enriching STEM education for his own kids and saw the lack of choices.

“I think of coding today as biology when I was younger,” Greenwald says. “Although not everyone will become a doctor or a scientist, it’s important that everyone have a basic scientific knowledge about how the human body works. I feel the same way about coding; I don’t expect everyone to become a programmer, but I do believe that it is critical that everyone gets a fundamental understanding of how technology works and how it is built.”

26 January 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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Places to start Codeverse codeverse.com

819 W. Eastman St., Chicago, with locations coming this year to Deerfield, Naperville and Skokie

In addition to specific coding studios and classes, coding is now part of the curriculum in schools across the country.

Nicole Zumpano, the instructional technology coach at Coonley Elementary School, has introduced coding to her kindergarten through fifthgrade students through Chicago Public Schools’ participation in the national CSforAll initiative to help all students learn

computer science.

“Our goal at the elementary level is to expose students to coding, so that as they grow older they feel it becomes an option for them to pursue and they will already have some fundamental knowledge about it,” Zumpano says.

In addition to being involved in CSforAll, CPS has added a new graduation requirement for computer science for the graduating class of 2020.

Parents love: Codeverse teaches kids all about problem solving, computational thinking, critical thinking, independence, teamwork and collaboration. Plus, parents and kids have access to their KidScript software, where they can continue to code at home.

Kids will love: Learning how their code applies to bringing real technology to life, including lights, disco balls and robotic arms.

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Remember ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT WILDFIRES. smokeybear.com

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calendar JANUARY

1

Does anything taste better on a cold winter night than a steaming mug of hot chocolate (topped with piles of marshmallows, of course)? The flavor of the season takes center stage at Loco for Cocoa, an educational—and tasty—look at chocolate in all of its forms. Kids 4-10 will examine the humble cacao bean, taste a few different chocolate varieties and then dip snacks in a kid-friendly fondue. Good news, parents: An adult companion is required, so now you just have to decide who gets the sweet honors. $24, $19.20 members. 9:30-11 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Jan. 20 and 28. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

2

You won’t find any snow at this Winterfest!

Chicago’s kindie music scene heats up with four fun bands your little rockers will love.

Enjoy performances from Cielito Lindo, Ice Cream Vendors, Poochamungas and Mary Macaroni, then head upstairs for some crafts, face painting and other awesome activities. The fest kicks off the next session of Concerts for Kids, the rare kids’ music series that even parents will love. Really. Pinkie swear. $10.

11 a.m. Jan. 7. Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. (773) 281-4444, beatkitchen.com.

3

Martin Luther King, Jr. fought for equality and justice for all Americans, so we can think of no better way to honor his legacy than to visit Hull-House Museum, our local spot that’s dedicated to those same values.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Hull-House: Resistance and Liberation pays its respects to Dr. King with arts workshops, tours and games around the topic of collective community action and a discussion with Harriet Tubman’s great-great-grandniece, who wrote a book about her ancestor’s work on the Underground Railroad. Hopefully it will encourage kids and parents alike to keep dreaming of—and working for—a better, more equal world. Free.

Noon-4 p.m. Jan. 14. Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, 800 S. Halsted, Chicago. (312) 413-5353, hullhousemuseum.org.

CELEBRATE WITH SKATES

BIRTHDAYS OUTINGS AND MUCH MORE

CHICAGO WOLVES

CHICAGOWOLVES COM

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CALENDAR 1 | MONDAY ZOOLIGHTS FAMILY NIGHTS.

In addition to seeing all of the ZooLights attractions, ride the Lionel Train Adventure, ATT Endangered Species Carousel and Holiday Wagon for free. Plus, receive a complimentary kids’ meal with the purchase of an adult meal at Park Place Café.

4:30-9 p.m. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (312) 7422000, lpzoo.org.

3 | WEDNESDAY FAMILY CHEFS: MADELEINES.

This hands-on workshop gives parents the opportunity to bake or cook a recipe with their kids, 5 and older. This week, cook madeleines, traditional small cakes from the Lorraine region in northeastern France. The workshop is in complete French immersion. $40 pair, $20 additional family member. 4:30 p.m.

Alliance Francaise de Chicago, 810 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. (312) 3371070, af-chicago.org.

4 | THURSDAY WINTER BREAK: ENVIRO-STEM.

Kids 6-10 learn about animals, plants and the earth through science experiments, Lego projects and natural observation. Most projects are done indoors, but includes a short time outside. $25, $20 resident. 9 a.m.-noon and noon-3 p.m. Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St., Skokie.

(847) 677-7001, skokieparks.org.

Doz ozi zin n’’ wit ith tth he Di D no nos s SSeee Ja Jan an. n. 19

12 | FRIDAY

13 | SATURDAY

KICKER ARENACROSS. See the nation’s top pro and amateur riders as they take on a huge man-made dirt race course. $18-$33; $13 kids 12 and under.

7:30 p.m. Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. (847) 649-2270, searscentre.com.

CHICAGO TELL ME A FRENCH STORY. This workshop for kids 3 and up includes stories in French, both from books and from an online library, as well as a hands-on activity. Each workshop is based on a theme and participants will be led to participate. Today’s theme is Les loups/Wolves. $12, $30 series of three workshops. 10:45 a.m. Alliance Francaise de Chicago, 810 N. Dearborn St. (312) 337-1070, af-chicago.org.

MCA FAMILY DAY. Take part in

Once On ce Upo pon a Sy ymp mphon ho ony ny: Sttone So Sou up up See Jan. 20 Se

workshops, open studio sessions, gallery tours and performances, all designed and led by Chicago artists. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. (312) 2802660, mcachicago.org.

EXELON FAMILY SERIES: NEW ORIGINAL WORK. Brian Brooks

and his company of eight dancers perform a lively program created

especially for family audiences. A pianist joins the company on stage for excerpts from Brooks’ newest production, reimagining classical works

by Chopin. This is a sensory-friendly performance, designed to offer a safe and welcoming experience for patrons on the autism spectrum or who have sensory sensitivities. $10$15. 2 p.m. Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive in Millennium Park. (312) 334-7777, harristheaterchicago.org.

TOO HOT TO HANDEL: THE JAZZGOSPEL MESSIAH. A jazz combo,

orchestra and 100-person choir join soloists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson in one of Chicago’s favorite annual events. $25$70. 7:30 p.m. Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway. (312) 922-2110, auditorium theatre.org.

SUBURBS NORTHBROOK WINTER CARNIVAL. Celebrate the season

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fellowship. Fundraising is encouraged.

Check website for times. St. Pauls Church, 2335 N. Orchard St. (773) 348-3829, spucc.org.

TOO HOT TO HANDEL: THE JAZZGOSPEL MESSIAH. See Jan. 13.

Today’s time is 3 p.m.

SPRING VALLEY WINTER FEST.

SPRING VALLEY WINTER FEST.

Schaumburg. See Jan. 13.

Estates. See Jan. 12.

14 | SUNDAY CHICAGO POLAR PEACE MARCH.

Families and individuals come together to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., address the epidemic of violence in Chicago and to be part of the solution to decrease violence.

It begins with a brief program in the sanctuary that includes inclusive, peaceful messages, poetry and music.

Participants then hit the street for a 1.5-mile walk. Upon their return to St. Pauls, they are greeted with a free soup supper and the opportunity for

Helping kids learn & grow for more than 40 years!

SUBURBS

See a dog sledding demonstration.

Enjoy free snowshoe walks through the prairie; horse-drawn wagon rides throughout the grounds; winter snacks, crafts, and activities inside the Nature Center; and marshmallows roasted on a winter bonfire. $3 per person or $12 a family. Noon-3 p.m. Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. (847) 985-2100, parkfun.com.

KICKER ARENACROSS. Hoffman

20

with indoor and outdoor activities at this annual family event. Includes horse-drawn trolley rides, sled dogs, ice sculpting, family games, snowshoeing, holiday bingo, golf games, bonfire and s’mores, winter demonstrations and ice skating. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Meadowhill Park, 1479 Maple Ave., Northbrook. (847) 2912995, nbparks.org.

P 18 lan –2 no 01 w 9 s for ch th oo e ly ea r

CALENDAR

15 | MONDAY MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY KUMBAYA CHESS WORKSHOP.

The workshop provides kids with a way to improve their chess skills through instruction, practice and oneon-one coaching. In addition, puzzling, analysis of famous games and tournament-like gameplay is included.

Students will be grouped according to skill level. $70 full day; $40 half-day.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Edgebrook Lutheran Church, 5252 W. Devon, Chicago.

(847) 775-9906, chess-ed.com.

SMA RT Technology Stor y Time

We offer a wide variety of classes that provide both flexibility in scheduling and unique curricula, designed to maximize your child’s academic achievement with Early Learning & Development Standards.

Classes for ages 2–5 • 2, 3, & 5-day options • SMART Technology Full immersion Spanish classes • Monthly Payment Plans Open House • January 31st • 6:00–7:30pm

Registration opens February 5 Questions? Jeanette.Berard @ DPParks.org • 847-391-5700 Des Plaines Park District • 2222 Birch Street

MLK BIRTHDAY PARTY.

Enjoy balloons, birthday cake, cool crafts and a giant card, plus interact with puppets from My Wonderful Birthday Suit! Playwright and director Gloria Bond Clunie will be on hand to host interactive theater activities celebrating Martin Luther King’s birthday and the themes of acceptance he championed. Chicago author Michael Tyler, joined by illustrator David Lee Csisko, will read and sign copies of his children’s book, The Skin You Live In. Registration required. 11 a.m.-2

About the calendar

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

Birthday Parties & Group Packages

The deadline for submitting listings for the February issue is Jan. 2. 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 month are listed in Ongoing Events, beginning on page 40.

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

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar

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ChicagoParent.com January 2018 35

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CALENDAR 17 | WEDNESDAY PRESCHOOL AND DAYCARE FAIR. Parents looking for preschool

MC CA Fa Family a Day Da

and daycare options can talk directly with representatives from Niles area organizations and take home flyers.

6:30-8 p.m. Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles. (847) 663-6623, nileslibrary.org.

Seee JJaan. 13

19 | FRIDAY TODDLER EXPLORATION TIME. Kids learn about plants

p.m. Chicago Children’s Theatre, The Station, 100 S. Racine Ave., Chicago.

(872) 222-9555, chicagochildrens theatre.org.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY.

Learn about one of America’s most inspirational social activists who led the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and ‘60s. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. used nonviolent methods to achieve social change. $3, $2 members. 1-3 p.m. Des Plaines History Center, 781

Pearson St., Des Plaines. (847) 3915399, desplaineshistory.org.

BE THE GROOVE PRESENTS: RHYTHM IN/OUT. This professional

troupe blends movement and music by using unconventional objects as percussion instruments, their highenergy performance showcases how rhythm is present everywhere. 2-2:45 p.m. Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove.

(847) 929-5102, webrary.org.

and nature by listening to a story, engaging in a hands-on learning experience, and enjoying a short walk in the conservatory. Registration required. 9:30-10:15 a.m. Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park. (708) 725-2400, oakpark conservatory.org.

HEJSAN - STORY & CRAFT HOUR.

A story and craft hour focusing on music. Explore the rich music culture of Sweden. Free with museum admission. 11 a.m.-noon. Swedish American

Museum & Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration, 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago. (773) 728-8111, swedish americanmuseum.org.

DOZIN’ WITH THE DINOS. Families with kids 6-12 get to sleep next to real dinosaurs, meet Field Museum scientists and see rarely viewed items from the collections, and explore an ancient Egyptian tomb after dark.

Activities include owl pellet dissections, drawing real specimens and playing musical instruments from around the world. $65, $78 Premium Package, $90 Tour Package. 5:45 p.m. Friday-9 a.m. Saturday. The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org.

20 | SATURDAY CHICAGO TELL ME A FRENCH STORY. See Jan. 13. Today’s theme is Le corps/ the body.

NEW!

Light Show and Sound System!

• Lite Brite Wall

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BIRTHDAY PACKAGE INCLUDES: • ADMISSION TO RINK • SKATE RENTAL • DECORATED CAKE • PIZZA & SOFT DRINK

• BIRTHDAY CENTERPIECE • BIRTHDAY HOST & MIC ANNOUNCEMENT • GIFT FOR BIRTHDAY PERSON

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PUBLIC SKATING HOURS WED EVENING 6:30PM-9PM $7 FRI EVENING 7:30PM-10:30PM $8 SAT MORNING 10:30AM-1PM $7 SAT AFTERNOON 1:30PM-4:30PM $8 SAT EVENING 7:30PM-10:30PM $8 SUN AFTERNOON 1:30AM-4:30PM $8 SUN EVENING 6:30PM-9PM $7

• Climbing Wall • Transportation Station • Engineering Mega Station • Tubes and Tunnels • Water Play • Dress up Stage • Toddler Area

As Seen on TV ABC’s Ch. 7 “190 North”

PLUS $3.00 FOR SKATE RENTAL

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• Private Birthday Parties

SkokieParks.org

7231 West Archer Ave. • Summit (1/4 Block West of Harlem, 3 Blocks South of I-55) Additional parking across Archer Avenue in our lot

708-458-0300 • www.fleetwoodrollerrink.com

4701 Oakton Street, Skokie • (847) 674-1500, ext. 2700

36 January 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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CALENDAR

Chicago Parent is having a new baby, too!

Spri Sp S pri rn ng g Va alllle ey Win ntter ter er F es est Seee Jan. 13

ONCE UPON A SYMPHONY: STONE SOUP. Vibrant music,

engaging storytelling and enchanting visuals blend together in a playful concert experience designed especially for the youngest audience members. $17. 10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 220 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 294-3000, cso. org.

SUBURBS

Jan. 13. Today’s theme is Voyage voyage/Let’s travel.

SUBURBS WINTER BIRD TREATS. Spend time

together making pinecone and wreath bird feeders. Discover which birds may find the creations to be a tasty treat. $9.50, $7.50 resident. 10-11 a.m. Northside Park, 1417 N. West St., Wheaton. (630) 665-4710, wheaton parkdistrict.com.

TERRY FATOR. America’s Got

Talent winner Terry Fator does celebrity impressions, singing, comedy and ventriloquism with the help of his puppet pals. $79-$99. 3 and 8 p.m.

Paramount Arts Centre and Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

26 | FRIDAY DOZIN’ WITH THE DINOS.

Chicago. See Jan. 19.

NIGHT SNOWSHOEING. View the

stars while snowshoeing through the winter landscape of Lincoln Marsh. Marshmallows, hot cocoa, and a campfire finish a perfect hike.

Snowshoes are provided. $12.50, $10 resident. 6-7:30 p.m. Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. (630) 871-2810, lincolnmarsh.org.

HUSKY HEROES. See Siberian

husky sled pulling, skijoring, and speed demonstrations. Visit with the dogs and sled team, inspect the equipment, and have a photo taken with the rig. Free with arboretum admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

28 | SUNDAY CHICAGO

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27 | SATURDAY

floors to the top of one of Chicago’s tallest buildings, while raising money for the patients and families of Ann Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Discounted parking available in the garage. $50, free kids 12 and under. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The Aon Center, 200 E. Randolph St. (312) 227-7298, luriechildrens.org/stepup.

CHICAGO

SUBURBS

TELL ME A FRENCH STORY. See

Hey Baby, (in conjunction with Bump Club and Beyond) is an essential guide for expectant and new parents.

BRING YOUR PACK TO THE CHICAGO WOLVES

HUSKY HEROES. Lisle. See Jan. 27.

CHICAGOWOLVES COM

ChicagoParent.com January 2018 37

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Play the

cold away

S

orry, parents: Hibernation is not an option. While we grown-up Chicagoans may wish we could hunker down and catch up on some sleep (or maybe Netflix) until the crocuses pop up, our littles aren’t quite as winter averse.

So check out these four options for some serious play time your kids will love.

PLAY IN THE SAND: When it comes to sand, you either love it or you hate it. For beach bums, that grit beneath your toes feels downright heavenly and transports you to a place far from Chiberia. That’s the beauty of Kiddy Club, an indoor playspace that features an oversized sandbox (filled with non-toxic, safe play sand), where kids can dig, build and play to their hearts’ content. There’s also an indoor playground, dance floor and an p infant and toddler area for all the i sand haters out there. $10-$14. 4314 E. New York St., Aurora. (630) 2296247, kiddy-club.com.

PLAY WITH YOUR IMAGINATION: “Forts” is far from your typical theater visit: Instead of just watching the action unfold, kids can actually take part in the fun! Imaginative kids use cardboard boxes, clotheslines, sheets and other unconventional materials to build their own adventure—and adults can play right along with them. The Jan. PLAY IN THE MUD: The ground outside might be frozen solid, but the mud at Kids Clay Room in Lincoln Park makes for perfectly messy fun. The MLK Day Clay Camp is a great chance to get some dirt under your nails. Kids 5 and up will use different techniques and fun tools to create their own unique projects.

Looking for a more regularly scheduled muddy mess? Saturday drop-in sessions are available on a weekly basis ($30). $50. 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 15. 2646 N. Halsted St., Chicago. (773) 416-4511, kidsclayroom.com.

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9, 23 and 30 performances are just for kids 18 months-4, while the rest of the DIY performances are aimed at the 5-and-up set. $12 adult/child pair; $5 additional family member. Jan. 6-Feb. 11; check website for schedule. Filament Theatre, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. (773) 270-1660, filamenttheatre.org.

PLAY IN THE COLD: As hard as it is to believe, some people actually like the snow (three guesses where we fall on that question). But Morton Arboretum is watching out for winter enthusiasts with frosty fun every day through March. Materials are provided in the uber popular Children’s Garden for Winter Play activities like snow painting and fort building. But be sure to bundle them up before heading outside!

Free with arboretum admission. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle.

(630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

Elizabeth Diffin

Specıal Parent CHICAGO

A Chicago Parent EMPOWERMENT GUIDE

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Ace the school year

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SUMMER 2017

AN EMPOWERMENT GUIDE FROM

Anxious?

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6/29/17 2:54 PM

38 January 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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WINTER EVENTS

Team Building, Holiday Parties, Birthdays, Corporate

THE ULTIMATE GLOW EVENTS

www.ThePGGames.com | 847-373-6925 | DeerямБeld, IL ChicagoParent.com January 2018 39

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ONGOING EVENTS EXHIBITS WONDERLAND EXPRESS.

Through Jan. 7. Enjoy indoor and outdoor lighted displays, designer wreaths and trees, and garden-scale trains that wind their way over bridges and through tunnels, and past more than 80 miniature versions of Chicago landmarks, all handcrafted with natural materials. $13, $10 kids. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD AND HOLIDAYS OF LIGHT. Through Jan. 7. The muse-

um’s 45-foot Grand Tree takes center stage in the Rotunda, surrounded by more than 50 smaller trees decorated by volunteers from Chicago’s ethnic communities to represent their various cultures and holiday traditions.

Stroll through the trees, enjoy falling “snow” and savor performances on the stage. School choral groups perform during the week, and ethnic song and dance performances take place on the weekends. This year’s theme celebrates the 75th anniversary of the exhibit. Free with museum admission. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.

Museum of Science & Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 684-1414, msichicago.org.

BRICK BY BRICK. Through Jan.

7. Features more than a dozen giant Lego-built structures of engineering marvels, including a 60-foot-long Golden Gate Bridge. Guests learn how architects and engineers push the limits of design, materials and location; witness how form follows function; learn how building beautifully uplifts us; and explore Chicago’s impact as the birthplace of the skyscraper. Requires a separate, timed-entry ticket. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 6841414, msichicago.org.

VERY ERIC CARLE. Through Jan.

7. Visitors can step into the pages of Eric Carle’s classic “Very” series, introducing five special insects who take journeys of discovery. Visitors

He H ear artt & Se Seoul: Seou l: Growin wing in ng U Up p in Ko ore rea a Seee thiss pag agee

become the Very Hungry Caterpillar as they follow his path, weave a web with the Very Busy Spider, find their light with the Very Lonely Firefly, make the Very Clumsy Click Beetle flip and jump, compose a night symphony with the Very Quiet Cricket and enjoy a gallery of prints from Eric Carle’s “Very” book series. Free with museum admission. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 5271000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

JURASSIC WORLD: THE EXHIBITION. Through Jan. 7.

Guests walk through the famous Jurassic World gates to get up close to the towering dinosaurs, some more than 24 feet tall, and explore the park through a specially guided tour. Once on-site, visitors experience the family-friendly Gentle Giants Petting Zoo; step behind the glass into The Hammond Creation Lab; get a special preview of Jurassic World’s top-secret project, the Indominus rex; and go inside the Raptor Training Paddock. $15, $10 kids (daytime); $25, $20 kids (evening). 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. The Field Museum, 1400

S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org.

4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

GREAT BALLS OF FIRE. Through

HEART & SEOUL: GROWING UP IN KOREA. Opens Jan. 24. A brand

Jan. 14. Climb into a “spaceship” and blast off to the asteroid belt and Jupiter on a mission to gather data about asteroids and comets. Role play as an “explorer-in-training” to gather data about differences asteroids and planets and comets.

Plus, find out what happens back on Earth as you take an interactive look at meteors and impacts through a variety of experiences. Free with museum admission. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford.

(815) 963-6769, discoverycenter museum.org.

ENCHANTED RAILROAD. Opens

Jan. 14. Watch an intricate miniature model railroad wind through scenery.

The trains run at a child-friendly height. More than 10 model trains wind through a two-level display of tree collections from around the world. Free with arboretum admission. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. MondaysFridays; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. SaturdaysSundays. The Morton Arboretum,

new exhibit that digs right into the heart and soul of the Korean culture.

Free with museum admission.

Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago.

(312) 527-1000, chicagochildrens museum.org.

ROBOT REVOLUTION. Guests

interact with robots that rarely have been shown to the public. New robots include a life-sized humanoid robot, the Cube Solver, who dazzles guests with its lightning-fast ability to solve a Rubik’s cube, a hexapod robot with snakelike and Adept Lynx, a self-navigating industrial robot used in shipping factories. $12, $9 kids.

Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.

(773) 684-1414, msichicago.org.

LAURA INGALLS WILDER: FROM PRAIRIE TO PAGE. Exhibit details

Wilder’s lifetime of writing and explores various themes including

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ONGOING EVENTS “Educated on the Move,” which shows how the formal and informal education young Laura Ingalls received shaped the style of her writing, subject matter and the values embedded in the Little House series.

The exhibit will display the longhand manuscript of The Long Winter, reproduced typed Long Winter pages with handwritten notes by Wilder, merchandise and memorabilia. Free with museum admission. American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan, 2nd Floor, Chicago. (312) 374-8790, americanwritersmuseum.org.

with 10 different varieties of blocks in a single space. Free with museum admission. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

Bric ck by y Brick k

ART IS INSTRUMENTAL. This

See pagge 40

hands-on, open-ended exhibit will explore artist’s representations of instruments in both 2-D and 3-D works. Activities include building a musical sculpture out of household items, creating a still-life out of musical instruments, playing a tune on a PVC pipe organ and conducting an “orchestra.” Free with museum admission.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 6378000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES.

The exhibit focuses on outdoor activities that occur during different seasons. Plus, facts and short histories for all ages. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. (630) 510-4941, dupagemuseum.org.

WASHED ASHORE: ART TO SAVE THE SEA. A traveling exhibit

featuring massive, colorful sculptures

ORY

TAKE A STAND CENTER. The

of ocean animals made entirely of plastic marine debris removed from West Coast beaches. The collection provides a powerful, visual reality of the proliferation of plastic pollution in the world’s waterways. Free with museum admission. John G. Shedd

Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 939-2438, shedd aquarium.org.

BUILD IT! Exhibit puts an innovative

spin on classic building blocks by letting children explore and interact

exhibit employ groundbreaking, interactive, three-dimensional technology to tell Holocaust Survivor stories in an incredibly life-like way.

Recommended for kids 11 and up.

Free with museum admission. Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY Pediatric dentistry

pediatric dentistry

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Outstanding Pediatric Dental Care –

We take the fear out of dentistry for your child.

It’s at the heart of what we do.

• Dental care for children from infancy to adolescence • Specializing in patients with special health care needs • Modern child friendly office • Sedation dentistry available • Digital X-rays to reduce your child’s exposure to radiation • Pleasant, comfortable surroundings

As an award-winning practice, we pride ourselves on providing the finest comprehensive dental care for the children in our practice so they leave with a healthy smile and positive attitude toward dental care as they approach adulthood.

1125 S. Harlem Ave., Forest Park 4801 W. Peterson Ave • Chicago, IL 60646

773-790-4282

(708) 386-5437 • (708) FUN-KIDS www.kidsdentistforestpark.com

DR. YAA N. McDONALD Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry 16345 S. Harlem • Tinley Park

708-633-8700 • www.kidsdds.net ChicagoParent.com January 2018 41

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ONGOING EVENTS Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie.

(847) 967-4800, ilholocaustmuseum. org.

All-Access passes. The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.

(312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org.

RACE: ARE WE SO DIFFERENT?

EXTREME ICE. Through photographic documentation and time-lapse videography of glaciers, guests experience a visual representation of climate change. Plus, touch a real 7-foot-tall ice wall, interact with maps showcasing the potential impact of coastal flooding, see how rising temps will affect Chicago, explore the work of other ice scientists and more. Free with museum admission. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 684-1414, msichicago.org.

Exhibit tells the stories of race from the biological, cultural and historical points of view, and explores how they have shaped the history of this country and society. Educational programs tailored for middle and high school students give youth the opportunity to talk about the history of race in Chicago, with help from facilitators, and how it continues to impact contemporary life. Free with museum admission.

Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago. (312) 642-4600, chicagohistory.org.

SPECIMENS: UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF LIFE. Visitors can see

some of the most amazing objects in The Field’s collections, including a giant clamshell, a nearly 6-foot-long sawfish snout, and a drawer full of now-extinct butterflies with silveryblue wings. Included in Discovery and

OTHER EVENTS WINTER CAMP. Kids 4-11 experi-

ence nature in the winter and meet museum critters, engage in science activities, and explore outside. Camp curricula are designed to enhance campers’ critical thinking and problem solving skills as they engage in inquiry, develop science process skills

Verry Ve y Eri r c Ca Carlle Carl See pa Se page ge 40

and cultivate a love for nature and learning. $80 per day. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jan. 2-5. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, nature museum.org.

ZOOLIGHTS. Through Jan. 7. This event transitions Lincoln

Park Zoo into a twinkling winter wonderland. The event is complete with ice sculptors, holiday crafts and activities, and sweet treats of all kinds. Don’t miss the Light Maze with more than 30,000 bulbs. 4:30-9 p.m.

Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY pediatric dentistry

PEDIATRIC EYE CARE

Pediatric Ophthalmologists Medical and Surgical Eye Care for Infants, Children and Teens

Every Tooth Counts Pediatric Dental Center Carmella Barrett Perry, DDS Specialist in Dentistry for Infants, Children & Adolescents

• Flexible Hours • Insurance Accepted

Located 2 blocks from downtown Flossmoor 2711 Flossmoor Rd, Flossmoor, IL 60422

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

(708) 799-9755

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

Buffalo Grove 847-459-6060 • Barrington 847-382-4116 www.everytoothcounts.com

www.eyesbypremier.com

42 January 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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ONGOING EVENTS WINTER WONDERFEST AT NAVY PIER. Through Jan. 8. 170,000

square feet of holiday fun features indoor ice skating, entertainment, rides and inflatable slides. There are also thousands of glistening lights, plush holiday décor, and holiday trees. A ride on the 200-foot-tall Centennial Wheel is included with every ticket. $28, $13 guests 36-42 inches and seniors 65 and up, free infants. Check website for schedule.

600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. (312) 595-PIER, winterwonderfest.com.

PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE CHICAGO BOAT, RV & STRICTLY SAIL SHOW. Mariners teach an

entertaining curriculum of hands-on boating courses including teaching guests to virtually dock a boat or tie a proper knot. Paddlefest invites attendees of all ages to test out the fun of stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking in an indoor pool. Kids can try their hand at fishing for real trout at the Huck Finn Trout Pond. $15, free kids 12 and under. 2-8 p.m. Jan. 10; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Jan. 11-12; 10

ORY

a.m.-8 p.m. Jan. 13; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 14. McCormick Place South, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. chicagoboatshow.com.

DINOSAUR TIME TREK: SHARK EDITION. Experience up-close en-

counters with a lifelike Stegosaurus, Velociraptor and the king T-Rex in a thrilling walk-through exhibit. Kids can also meet a baby dinosaur, take a spin in the Jurassic Jeeps on the Dino Raceway and visit the Kids Adventure Zone filled with themed bouncy houses, crafts, face painting and more. Plus, play an all-new mini golf course, become junior paleontologists while completing the scavenger hunt, and dig for fossils in the Valley of the Bones. Check website for cost and schedule. Jan. 12-15. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. discoverthe dinosaurs.com.

ILLINOIS SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION. Watch snow-

sculpting teams form “frozen art” from giant blocks of snow. Abstract

shapes and whimsical figures take shape under the skilled hands of state teams and high school teams. Walk or drive the one-mile route through the park to see sculptures. Spectators can cast their vote for “People’s Choice.”

Awards ceremony will be 1 p.m. Jan. 20. Sunrise-10:30 p.m. Jan. 17-20.

Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford. (815) 987-8800, ilsnow sculpting.com.

CHICAGOLAND FISHING, TRAVEL & OUTDOOR EXPO. Features indoor

fishing, daily seminars, a 5,000gallon fish tank stocked with bass and pan fish, a birds of prey exhibit, and a family-friendly interactive exhibit with snakes and reptiles. On Sunday, kids under 11 are free, and there will be several unique and fun kid-friendly activities throughout the day, including a scavenger hunt and BASSMaster CastingKids competition. The first 100 kids who attend will receive a free Plano Tackle Box. $12, $3 kids 6-11, free kids 5 and under. Noon-8 p.m. Jan. 25-26; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Jan. 27; 10

a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 28. Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. sportshows. com/chicago.

TODDLER TIME. Legoland

Discovery Center Chicago opens early on the second floor exclusively for kids 5 and under and their parents with unique and engaging programs. Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee and muffins the first week of every month. $7 in advance; $9 at door; free kids 2 and under.

10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays. Legoland Discovery Center, 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg. (847) 5929700, legolanddiscoverycenter.com/ chicago.

ARBOR READING ADVENTURES.

Interactive story time and fun crafts indoors before heading out on the grounds for an adventure walk.

Themes change each week. $5. 1111:45 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays.

The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

PEDIATRIC DENTAL ASSOCIATES, P.C.

George Lin, D.D.S. Anjali Talati, D.M.D. Carol Nixon, D.D.S.

Buffalo Grove Business Park 195 Arlington Hts Rd., Suite 150 Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

847-537-7695

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

815-459-2727

Ask us about our NO SHOT & NO DRILL Laser fillings!

www.kidsmyl.com

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

(773) 871-4964

MiniSmilesChicago.com chrismorin5@yahoo.com

Evenings and Saturdays available.

Practice limited to infants, children and adolescents.

ChicagoParent.com January 2018 43

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ONGOING EVENTS Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

JUICEBOX. A music and performance series for the stroller set. Performances are on the first and third Friday at the Chicago Cultural Center and first and third Saturday at Garfield Park Conservatory.

Parents and young children can enjoy Chicago’s best music, dance and theater in a kid-friendly setting.

Parents are welcome to bring snacks and juiceboxes. 11-11:45 a.m. cityof chicago.org/specialevents.

NATURE DISCOVERY DAYS.

Designed for kids and adults to explore nature topics together. Enjoy fun hands-on activities, games, crafts, experiments, nature books and more. This month’s theme is Trees in Winter. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Sundays. Naperville Park District, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

FIRST FLIGHT BUTTERFLY RELEASE. Watch in wonder as

brand-new butterflies spread their wings and take flight for the very first time in the Judy Istock Butterfly

STORY TIME. Listen to a story selected for the littlest visitors, and then keep the fun going with games and activities. Free with admission.

11 a.m. daily. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, nature museum.org.

WINTER PLAY. A self-guided glimpse

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into the world of outdoor play.

Activities include painting snow or building a fort. Free with admission.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

Seee page See paage 43

CRITTER CONNECTION. More than

Haven. Free with museum admission.

2 p.m. daily. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, nature museum.org.

GNOME HUNT. Can you find all of

the gnomes hiding in the Children’s Garden? Free with admission. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53,

50 animal species reside in the Look-in Lab. Get up-close and hands-on with one of those critters and learn about our animal friends that live at the Nature Museum. Free with admission.

Noon daily. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, nature museum.org.

Camp

2018

FEBRUARY

2017 | FREE

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

LOVE is in the air

Spare a hug?

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CHICAGO PARENT’S ANNUAL CAMP GUIDE January - May

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

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PERFORMANCES IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! Through Jan. 6. Full-scale

production with Foley sound effects, an original score and a cast of eight.

After each performance, milk and cookies are served. $19-$49. 7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays-Fridays; 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays.

Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. (773) 327-5252, american bluestheater.com.

ELF THE MUSICAL. Through Jan.

7. Based on the hilarious 2003 Will Ferrell movie. Everybody’s favorite overgrown elf, Buddy, grew up at the North Pole but leaves to search for his father, a workaholic New York City publisher who couldn’t care less about Christmas. $36-$74. 1:30 and 7 p.m.

Wednesdays; 7 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sundays. Plus, noon Jan. 4. Paramount Arts Centre and Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora.

(630) 896-6666, paramountaurora. com.

Tha Th att’s s Wei eird rd,, rd G an Gr nd dm ma: Sto ori r es ffo or Ch C ange ge g e Seee pa p gee 46

WICKED. Through Jan. 21. Chicago’s

most popular musical looks at what happened in the Land of Oz but from a different angle. The thrilling score includes the hits “Defying Gravity,” “Popular” and “For Good.” $62 and up. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays.

Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. (800) 775-2000, broadway inchicago.com.

HARD TIMES. Through Jan. 14.

A Dickensian carnival of characters inhabits the streets of smoke-choked Coketown. Only when a traveling circus alights nearby, and young orphan Sissy Jupe enters their world, does a ray of hope shine through.

Recommended for families with kids 8 and up. $40 and up. 7:30

p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Lookingglass Theatre in the Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 337-0665, looking glasstheatre.org.

JUNIE B. JONES IS NOT A CROOK. Opens Jan. 11. Junie

B.’s everyday life is packed with amazing discoveries, cool new kids and life-long lessons about being a good person and a good friend.

Recommended for families with kids 5 and up. $5-$10. 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays. Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-1999, theatre. depaul.edu.

THE WIZARD OF OZ. The most

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beloved tale of all time comes to life on the stage. Dorothy and her three friends trot delightfully and tunefully down the fabled road of yellow brick to meet the Wizard of Oz. $15. 10 a.m. and noon Saturdays; 10 a.m.

Sundays. Jan. 13-28. Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines. bignoise.org.

MONTAUCIEL TAKES FLIGHT.

Opens Jan. 13. Montauciel’s name means “climb-to-the-sky,” and one day, her adventurous spirit carries her to the town of Annonay, where she teams up with the legendary Montgolfier brothers. This world premiere musical is inspired by the story of the first living creatures to take to the skies in a human-made flying machine. Recommended for families with kids 5 and up. $15.

11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. (773) 7614477, lifelinetheatre.com MY WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY SUIT. Opens Jan. 16. Step inside an

enchanted room in The Land Beyond The Rainbow, where three friends are surrounded by birthday cards, balloons, presents and the Thinking Tree.

But when hurtful words about skin color slip out, it becomes a charming story about how to appreciate outer beauty and celebrate the remarkable gifts inside each of us. Includes music, puppets and surprises. Hands-on pre- and post-show experiences help

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PERFORMANCES

Th T he V Va an Go G ogh gh Caf afé Seee th Se this is pagge

audiences explore outward appearances and inner gifts. Recommended for kids 4-7. $35. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays; 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Sundays. Chicago Children’s Theatre, The Station, 100 S. Racine Ave., Chicago. (872) 222-9555, chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

CHICKEN LITTLE. Opens Jan. 17.

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Sing along with Chicken Little and her friends Henny Penny, Turkey Lurkey, Goosey Loosey and Foxy Loxy as they travel to tell the king that the sky is falling. Recommended for families with kids 2-8. $12. Check website for schedule. Stahl Family Theater, 5900 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. chicagokidscompany.com.

over

kids 7 and up. $45, $30 kids. 5 p.m.

Saturdays-Sundays. Fannie’s Cafe, 5044 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago. filamenttheatre.org.

THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: STORIES FOR CHANGE. Opens

Jan. 22. An evening of stories showcasing the fascinating, poignant and often hilarious ideas students have for the change they’d like to see in their lives and their communities. Stories are written by Chicago Public School students and adapted for the stage and performed by Barrel of Monkeys Company Members. $15, $5 kids under 12. 8 p.m. Mondays. Barrel of Monkeys, 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. (312) 409-1954, barrelof monkeys.org.

THE VAN GOGH CAFÉ. Opens A world premiere musical inspired by historical events

MONTAUCIEL TAKES FLIGHT Book by JAMES

E. GROTE COUTINHO Directed by AILEEN MCGRODDY

Music & Lyrics by RUSSELL

January 13 – February 18, 2018

Lifeline Theatre 6912 N Glenwood Ave Chicago, IL 60626 For tickets call 773-761-4477 or visit www.lifelinetheatre.com

Jan. 20. The story centers around 10-year-old Clara, who knows that anything can happen at the Van Gogh Cafe, a small roadside diner owned by her father Marc. At the Van Gogh Cafe, it’s not a question of if magic will happen, but when. Filament’s immersive production puts the audience right in the middle of the magic cafe complete with a full multi-course meal served by the characters to enhance the storytelling. Features a new menu developed by Fannie’s Cafe owner and chef Stephanie Rybandt.

Recommended for families with

MAGIC TREE HOUSE: SHOWTIME WITH SHAKESPEARE. Opens Jan.

27. Climb into a musical time machine with Jack and Annie and travel back to Shakespearean England. In this Midwest premiere, the sibling duo learns to overcome stage fright to save the famed bard’s show. Full of freestyle beats to move your feet, this tuneful tale is a hip-hop hit for families of kids 5 and up. $19 and up. Check website for schedule.

Apollo Theater Chicago, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 9356100, apollochicago.com.

46 January 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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High energy comedy magic show & balloon twisting!

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

Winterfest/U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition u Jan. 27-Feb. 4 u Lake Geneva, Wis. u visitlakegeneva.com

Snow many masterpieces

W

hether you love it or hate it, you have to admit that snow is beautiful. And it becomes downright stunning once nce some of the country’s best snow sculptors get their hands—orr chisels!—on it.

You can check out thee frozen works of art that result at the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition, tition, a showcase of the best off the best that takes place on the frozen en shores of Lake Geneva, Wis., at the end d of the month.

The competition is partt of the town’s annual Winterfest celebration. bration.

Each of the 15 teams receives a block of snow that’s 8 feet across and 9 feet tall, and then it’s up to them to turn it into something amazing. Past entries have included a detailed astronaut monkey, the inner

workings of a mechanical turtle, and a menagerie of animals. Visitors can watch the teams work on their masterpieces from Wednesday-Friday, which are then displayed to the public over the weekend. Prizes are presented late Saturday afternoon, including the coveted People’s Choice Award, voted on by observers.

And if watching snow sculpting isn’t quite your outing of

choice, Winterfest also features live music, magic shows, kids’ activities, helicopter rides and a chili cook-off (for when you need to warm up). It’s also home to the Human Dog D Sled Race for those who have an inner inn huskie that’s just barking to get out.

It all works together to take advantage of the Midwest’s Midwest most divisive season. Because even if you despise the white stuff when it’s messing up your commute keeping the kids home or keepin from school, you won’t sc be able to resist it when it’ in it’s i its most artistic form. form Elizabeth Diffin

48 January 2018 ChicagoParent.com nt.co om

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Jacob Sanchez Diagnosed with autism

Sensory sensitivity is a sign of autism.

Learn the others at autismspeaks.org/signs.

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Chicago Chicago Montessori

1713 W. Cullom Ave., Chicago 60613 www.chicagomontessori.org 773.525.4358

AMI Accredited since 2005. Serving ages 15 months – 15 years.

Intercultural Montessori Language School

Chicago North/ Northwest Brickton Montessori School

Est. 1986. Serving children 24 mos. through 8th grade. Accredited by AMS and ISACS. Half to Full day. Extracurriculars and summer program.

1335 W. Randolph St., Chicago 60607 www.montessoriacademychicago.org 312.243.0977 Full-day, full-year accredited programming including Spanish and music for students infant thru middle school.

Caring for and educating children 2-6 years old, offering full, half and flexible programs with enrichment classes. Fully licensed.

Rogers Park Montessori School

Forest Bluff School

8 W Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff forestbluffschool.org 847.295.8338

3652 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago 60613 Prairielandmontessori.com 773.698.7514

Growing young minds…organically! Infants through Kindergarten; 3 campus locations.

University Village Montessori School

1304 S. Halsted St., Chicago 60607 www.uvmontessori.com 773.800.9780

Midwest Montessori Demonstration School

Greenbrook Montessori School

926 Noyes St., Evanston midwestmontessori.com 847.328.6630

Igniting a passion for learning in children 2 months to 6 years. Half, School and Full-day programs. AMS Full Member School.

Chicago Southwest Montessori Foundations of Chicago

3575 S. Archer, Chicago 60609 www.montessorifoundations.com 773.254.5437

Providing a quality Montessori education to children ages 6 weeks to 6 years at an affordable price.

CHIPAR0118_CV4.indd 1

Ronald Knox Montessori School 2031 Elmwood Avenue, Wilmette 847.256.2922

Fostering confident, creative, curious, citizens AMS accredited serving infants through kindergarten, Providing a lifetime foundation to be tomorrow’s collaborative leaders and innovators. 6 months – 6 years. Parent/Child, for over 40 years.

Toddler, Full day Primary & Kindergarten.

Crystal Lake Montessori School Est. 1963

Est 1981. AMS Accredited for and serving children 12 weeks to 14 years. Offering Spanish, PE, Music, Art & Band, Before & After Care, Summer camp, and after school activities inc. chess, robotics and coding.

Montessori Academy of Illinois 418 W. Touhy Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068 montessoriacademyofillinois.com 847.292.1229

EST in 1993. Serving ages 3 months-6 years.

Year-round; Full & Part-time programs. After school and Summer Camp to age 9. Offer Spanish, Polish, music, dance, & robotics

www.swsmontessori.com 708.448.5332

AMI Accredited 1982. Birth to 14 years.

Paula Polk Lillard, Lynn Jessen founders.

Montessori School of Lake Forest

3013 S. Country Club Rd., Woodstock www.clms.org 815.338.0013

Est. 1972; Preschool – 8th grade. Spanish, Mandarin, Before/After School Programs, Summer School. 7 acre natural playground with chicken coop, creek and nature trails.

Est. 1970. Beautiful woodland setting.

Serving children 2 - 6 years; am & pm, full-day Kindergarten. Spanish, Gym, Yoga, Music & Summer school. Accredited by NAEYC.

1800 W. Balmoral Ave., Chicago 60640 Demonstration School (MMTTC) ages 3 - 6 www.rpmschool.org years, full and part time.

773.271.1700

950 Ellen Dr., Buffalo Grove 847.541.8111 bgmsweb.net

16427 W. 135th St., Lemont

Est. 1966, AMS Accredited & Living Legacy.

3 mos. - 12 yrs., Full & Half day, Elementary Southwest Suburban Montessori 8800 W. 119th St., Palos Park & Summer Camp.

Located in Andersonville, RPMS educates Near North Montessori children ages 2- 14 years old. Fully AMS & 13700 W. Laurel Dr., Lake Forest 1434 W. Division St., Chicago 60642 ISACS accredited. Full & Half day programs www.mslf.org nnms.org 847.918.1000 available.

773.384.1434 Serving children from birth to 15 years. We Est. 1963 serving children 6 months – 8th Suburban Northwest strive to cultivate in every MSLF child a lifegrade. Early morning, Afterschool & summer Buffalo Grove Montessori School long love of learning. programs. Fully Accredited.

Prairieland Montessori

Montessori School of Lemont

Deerfield, Glenview & Riverwoods lemontmontessori.com 815.834.0607 Montessori Schools

8622 West Catalpa Ave., Chicago 60656 3140 Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods www.montessori-schools.com Brickton.org 847.945.8661 773.714.0646

114 S. Racine, Ste. 100, Chicago 60607 interculturalmontessori.org Ravenswood Montessori School 312.265.1514 1945 W. Wilson, Suite 200, Dual-language Montessori programs from Chicago 60640 Pre-K through Middle School in Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese Mandarin. Oak Park www.ravenswoodmontessori.com 773.293.6655 campus as well.

Montessori Academy of Chicago

Suburban North

Vernon Hills Montessori

21 Hawthorn Parkway Vernon Hills, IL 60061 www.vernonhillsacademy.com 847.918.0342

Suburban West

1675 Greenbrook Blvd., Hanover Park www.Greenbrook-Montessori.com 630.830.1675 Accredited by AMS. Serving children 15 months – Kindergarten all day, every day.

Mansio Montessori of Geneva 102 Howard St., Geneva 60134 www.genevamontessori.org 630.232.6750

Nurturing children 15 months – 6 years to help them develop their natural sense of wonder, motor and social skills, self-esteem and cognitive ability. Est. 1981

Seton Montessori School

5728 Virginia Ave., Clarendon Hills www.SetonMontessori.org 630.655.1066

Est. 1965, a Lab School serving students 2 months - 12 years; accredited by AMS and NAEYC; offering full and half day, summer programs and Parent-Child class.

West Suburban Montessori School 1039 S. East Ave. OakPark 708.848.2662

AMI Accredited 1988; ages 3 - 12 years. Full and half day options available.

15 months - 6 years; afterschool, summer camp, private piano & voice; semi-private karate, swimming, skating & music.

Suburban South Montessori Children's Schoolhouse

5935 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN mcshammond.com 219.932.5666

AMS Accredited (22 months - 12 years), before and after care available. Est. 1968

12/14/17 11:14 AM