When discussing his success on the game show “Jeopardy,” recent champion James Holzhauer told The Washington Post that children’s books were a big key to his success, partly because “They are chock-full of infographics, pictures and all kinds of stuff to keep the reader engaged.” If that’s true for him, imagine how engaging they can […]
Newsletter – Parent
Posted inSpecial Issues
Welcome to The Rainbow Room
If you’re looking for ways to keep your creative kids engaged, head to the mall. The upper level of White Oaks Mall just welcomed The Rainbow Room, a nonprofit creative space and art gallery. “Our goal is to make the central Illinois arts community more diverse, inclusive, and collaborative,” explains Angie Tonucci, local artist and […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Muffin cup meals
Stocking the freezer with ready-to-eat meals is a smart way for busy families to put home-cooked food on the table. Unfortunately, unless that casserole has had time to thaw it’s going to be a while before supper is ready. A frozen 9×13 inch casserole will take at least 90 minutes or more to bake, which […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Family event calendar
Weekly carillon concerts Wednesdays, 12pm, Sundays 2pm and 4pm. Throughout the year you can find Carlo van Ulft, the park district’s carillonneur, playing a variety of classical, folk and popular music. When the carillon is being played, a monitor at the base of the tower allows you to see Carlo in action. Free. Washington Park, […]
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Essential guidelines
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 […]
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 […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
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 […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
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 […]
