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 […]
Capital City Parent
Posted inSpecial Issues
Books that teach Black history
Sometimes we learn about the same brave and historic individuals each year during celebrations such as Black History Month, but this year, consider sharing some stories or biographies with your child of African American individuals who made a strong impact on American history, but may not have the same level of name recognition as others. […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
STEM Fair returns
After a pandemic pause and a name change, the Central Illinois STEM Fair is back. Featuring dozens of exhibitors, the STEM Fair will be held March 30 from 6-8 p.m. at the Rochester High School Athletic Complex, located at 1 Rocket Drive in Rochester. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Parent volunteer and […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Cooking with kids
Winter is a great time to teach kids about cooking. When everyone is stuck inside during inclement weather, why not gather in the kitchen to make cookies or dinner together? As a bonus, kids are invested in the result. “Children enjoy getting hands-on with chopping and prepping vegetables. I’ve noticed kids are more likely to […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Musically related
Plato said, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” For the families of Sangamon County, music also gives a way to pass time spent in the car, a cross-generational bonding experience and, sometimes, ample fodder for parent/child disagreement. Passing down a passion Nick […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Teaching kids about money
Can you remember how you first learned about money? For many of us, thinking about our earliest money memories may bring to mind lemonade stands, car washes or door-to-door fundraisers. Even more so, we probably have some sense of how our parents felt about money, and we may recall how they spoke about it in […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Family event calendar
Backgammon Club Ever play backgammon? Here’s your chance to try it. Backgammon games and lessons available for beginners every Wednesday. First time entry is free. Meets 6-9 p.m. at Harvest Market, 3001 Veterans Pkwy., 217-622-9447. Springfield Chess Club Chess, the ultimate game of strategy. Casual chess games for the public and club members of all […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Stay well this winter
With winter weather steadily approaching, many of us are moving our gatherings and events indoors. This means the onset of cold and flu season. While the months ahead do pose a risk in terms of annoying illness, there are several preventative tips that families can take in order to protect their loved ones from cold […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Read about Thanksgiving history
During the holidays, most families tend to have their own traditions. Some are large, like all the extended family gathering at one house for Thanksgiving, or small, like taking a drive around the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights. One tradition that I didn’t have as a child, but have started as a parent, was […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Nonprofit launches to provide donation-based music education
Music has been a life-long calling for Chatham native Corey Cochran, director of Sangamon Conservatory and Academy of the Recording Arts, located at 960 Clocktower Drive, Ste. E. Corey and his wife, Kali, who teaches the preschool-age kids, are both fulfilling this calling by bringing the gift of free music education to the Springfield area. […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Winter family fun
Ansar Shrine Circus Nov. 11 – Nov. 13. Come one, come all to the greatest show in three rings. Adults $15, ages 12 and under $8. BOS Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 800-745-3000. Baby Shark Live! The Christmas Show Nov. 11, 6pm. Journey into the sea for the holidays to sing and dance through some of your favorite […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Support healthy holiday eating
The holidays can bring a lot of fun and happiness to our lives, but also a few extra pounds. Modeling healthy eating for our children is ideal to help them also eat a healthier diet, but with Aunt Gertrude’s famous pumpkin pie and Uncle Dorsey’s divinity at every family party, how do we do this? […]
