Capital City Parent

The term “sandwich generation” was first coined in the 1980s by sociologists Dorothy Miller and Elaine Brody to identify people in their 30s and 40s who were taking care of their children as well as their elderly parents or extended family members. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 54% of Americans in their 40s […]

The Springfield Art Association and Springfield School District 186 have entered into a partnership that allows art to flourish for students selected to participate. The program in total involves 52 District 186 students this year, with 16 high school and 10 grade school students participating each semester. SAA asked art teachers from the three Springfield […]

I’ve mentioned this before, but one of the many things I love about children’s literature is the author’s ability to help young readers learn a lesson, at times without explicitly calling out that lesson. As a parent, kid lit can be a helpful tool to use when conversations are difficult or when your child needs […]

Every parent on the planet likely knows the importance of reading as it relates to their kids’ future literacy. You probably also know that when very young children are read to their vocabulary increases and their language development blossoms. Reading with your kids is also quality time that ultimately strengthens the parent/child bond. And it’s […]

FEBRUARY Lilacs and Letters Through March 22. This one-act play features a single actor portraying Walt Whitman, one of America’s most influential poets, as Whitman processes the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and tends to wounded Civil War soldiers. Free with admission. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 217-558-8844. Ho Etsu Tauko Drummers Sat., […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]