One of my favorite children’s book authors is Mac Barnett, who has authored numerous picture books and middle-school chapter books. Each book I’ve read that he has written brings a smile to my face, and often also a chuckle. The likelihood that my kids and I laughed while reading one of his books is at […]
Capital City Parent
Posted inSpecial Issues
Take your infant to work
We know about “Take Your Daughter/Son to Work” days, but what if you could take your infant to work every day? That is what is happening at the Illinois Educators’ Credit Union here in Springfield, and many companies across the U.S. have implemented a program known as Infant at Work. According to the Parenting in […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Big holiday feelings – for kids and parents
As the end of the year approaches, so do the winter holidays. As magical and wonderful as this time of year is, it can also feel chaotic and hectic. Families are dealing with a unique mixture of too much sugar and too little routine. For kids, the holidays can seem like they are filled with […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Kidzeum and the STEAM experience
Kidzeum occupies a unique niche in Springfield. As a science museum, children of all ages enjoy the exhibits centered around learning about a healthy body, healthy earth and healthy community. Kidzeum also offers many STEAM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). Its flagship program, STEAM Residency, began as “we were looking for a way […]
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Illinois to be the first state to protect child influencers
Illinois is soon to be the first state in the nation to provide legal protection for children whose parents make money posting videos of them on social media channels, thanks to the work of a high school student from Normal. According to the new legislation, parents will be legally required to set aside a portion […]
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Not all screen time is created equally
Recent headlines have suggested that excessive screen time can be detrimental to the brains of developing children. While there is no parental handbook on how to address screen time issues with your child, an overwhelming body of research can provide guidance. Screens aren’t all bad Recent research acknowledges that electronics use can play a positive, […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Books to prepare for back-to-school feelings
Summer is ending, and the new school year is upon us. This change can bring lots of emotions in children, both positive and negative. Students all over are feeling excitement about a new grade, new school or just the new year in general. Or, children may be feeling apprehension about those same things. I have […]
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Start your kids off on the right foot this school year
The mark of a new school is often anticipated with a mix of emotions for kids and parents alike, ranging from exhilaration to anxiety. Kids are excited to wear their new clothes, see their classmates and participate in extracurricular activities. Parents are proud to see their kids reach another milestone and look forward to exciting […]
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Savor those long summer nights
On June 21 at 5:07 a.m., the sun will reach its furthest point north of the equator, and we will enjoy our longest day of the year: the summer solstice (south of the equator it will be the winter solstice). Here in Springfield, the sun will rise at 5:30 a.m., and it won’t set until […]
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Sun safety
Two years ago, at the age of 42, I had my first appointment with a dermatologist. Standing in her exam room, naked and vulnerable, I cracked jokes about having more moles on my body than there are stars in the sky. Instead of laughing, my dermatologist continued studying my skin with her dermatoscope until eventually […]
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Museums for all: Dismantling barriers for accessibility
My child is lying on the floor, screaming. Everyone is looking at us. He’s causing a ruckus, but at 70 pounds he’s too big for me to carry out of the museum. My only hope is to calm him down so that we can leave for a safer, less-stimulating environment. Enter the security guard, who […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Books about kindness
As parents, our vision for our kids’ future usually includes raising children who are compassionate adults who care for the world around them and the people in it. We want them to be able to do their part to make the world a better place. Personally, there are times when I find that authors of […]
