I first started using essential oils on my kids last winter. We were packing for a trip to Disney World during Christmas break, and all three of my children were coughing, congested, tired and cranky – in short, not at all ready for the physical exertion necessary to navigate Disney. Plus, I was worried about […]
Capital City Parent
Posted inSpecial Issues
Holiday cooking with kids
For many Italian-American families, homemade stuffed pastas like ravioli and lasagna are a cherished part of traditional holiday meals. Family members both young and old will gather in the kitchen on the days leading up to Christmas, rubbing elbows as they roll out pasta, mix filling and cut and crimp the edges of the little […]
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How to give the gift of reading
Giving books as gifts to kids during the holidays is a wonderful idea, but can also be overwhelming, considering how many options there are these days. An obvious first choice is to ask the child what books he or she wants, but that’s not always an option. So, here are some things to consider, along […]
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Family event calendar
Collectors Day and Artifact Identification Nov 16, 1-3pm Sat. Local collectors will display their best objects. Visitors can bring in items to be identified by museum staff and other experts. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 217-782-7386. 217-558-6696. Superheroes and Villains Pops Concert Nov 16, 7:30pm Sat. Illinois Symphony Orchestra . UIS Performing Arts […]
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Family event calendar
Illinois State Fair Aug 8-18, Thu-Sun. An abundance of fried food-on-a-stick, a butter cow, beer tents, exhibits, livestock judging, a carnival and top-notch grandstand acts. Children up to 12 free, ages 13-59 $10 and seniors 60+ $3. Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 217-782-6661. Wizard of Oz Aug 8-11, 8:30pm Thu-Sun. L. Frank Baum’s classic […]
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Fun phone apps for kids to stimulate thinking and creativity
With a massive sea of kids’ phone apps on the market, which ones best maximize kids’ media time? The following is a selection of kid-tested and parent-approved apps to help boost kids’ critical thinking skills and creativity. Piano Kids – Music & Songs (Free for Android. Ages 3+). This top-rated app teaches kids and parents […]
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Could your child be on the autism spectrum?
Sometimes the signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are subtle – developmental delays or not smiling or cooing as much as other babies. Sometimes the red flags are hard to ignore, such as losing speech, a lack of eye contact or lining up toys or pieces of food. According to information provided by Autism Support […]
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Financial independence for teens and young adults
It’s a fine line between knowing what is enough and what is too much financial help when it comes to teens and adult children. The hope is to raise strong, independent adults and the key may be instilling knowledge about finances, along with financial confidence. The Junior Achievement and Citizens Bank Teens and Personal […]
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Taking the lead in sportsmanship
We’ve all seen it – the parent who stands on the sidelines criticizing the decisions made by coaches and officials; the one who yells at his own child when she makes a mistake; the fan that hurls rude remarks to the opposing team; and the parent who always places blame. Some of us have even […]
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The facts about active shooter drills
For decades, students have participated in fire and tornado drills. Many of us remember the sudden wailing of a fire alarm, then lining up and traipsing out of the building, waiting for the all clear from the fire department. Or we remember crouching in a hall, hands over our heads as practice for a tornado. […]
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Back to school anxiety
Starting out in a new school for the first time can feel like a journey into the unknown, whether the student is an awkward tween or a shy preschooler leaving a parent’s side for the first time. Along with excitement over a new school year comes a slew of logistical and social-emotional obstacles for kids […]
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Fantasy books for kids
Do you have a child who is into the fantasy genre, but maybe isn’t quite ready to sit down with a Harry Potter novel? Maybe a child who is inquisitive about what the future on Earth may look like? Or a child that likes a fast-paced mystery? Then I have a title for you – […]
