May is fast approaching, and with it, high school graduation. There’s always a lot of pressure to find the perfect gift — after all, it’s a relatively momentous occasion and sometimes cold hard cash just feels too impersonal. But teenagers are notoriously difficult to please. Luckily, this handy gift guide offers something for everyone. Cue […]
Every 20 seconds around the world, a child dies from a vaccine-preventable disease. One in 5 children globally does not have access to the vaccines they need to survive. “Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective ways to help kids grow into adults,” says former Ambassador John Lange, who now serves as the […]
“Becoming a mother is one of life’s most amazing and challenging experiences.” I hear this from so many of the North Shore mothers we meet at our paint and sip studio, Pinot’s Palette, where they come for some fun “me” time with friends and family. One of the moms I met last week told me, […]
It’s never too early to get kids involved in taking care of our planet. As Earth Day celebrates 46 years of promoting discussion of environmental issues and ideas on April 22, you can celebrate as a family with these events around Chicago. Earth Day at Kohl Children’s Museum April 22 Nature Cat will be on […]
Have you started realizing you sound like your mother a little too often? This might mean it’s time for you and the kids to change things up a bit. Often a quick escape to fresh surroundings does the trick nicely. “When everyone starts acting squirrely and I feel that ‘Calgon, take me away’ moment coming […]
You can certainly make an impact in the world by donating money and time to nonprofits and investing in companies that share your values. But, if you want to exponentially multiply your impact, you have to get your whole family involved in giving. In a recent study on giving in retirement, Merrill Lynch asked thought […]
After five years of marriage, a big move from Chicago to Grand Rapids, Michigan, new jobs and two new babies, Sarah Tupper knew she wanted to mark her wedding anniversary in a significant and meaningful way. “I think it’s easy to get lost in the everyday routine of life that shifts the focus off the […]
Reflecting on a lifetime of visits to the zoo triggers vivid recollections of colorful sights, odd smells, and emotions ranging from childish amazement to adult amusement. April 8 marks National Zoo Lovers Day, and the Lincoln Park Zoo is celebrating its residents and patrons. “I cherish the zoo for the look of wonder and excitement […]
The importance of quality early childhood learning opportunities in children’s development is certain. Patterns for lifelong learning are set, and fundamental building blocks of knowledge, such as language, basic math and socio-emotional skills, are developed. Simply put, the time from birth to three years old lays the foundation for the rest of a child’s life. […]
Education is the civil rights issue of the 21st century. Pedro Noguera, author, distinguished professor of education at UCLA and the director of the Center for the Study of School Transformation, attributes this bold statement to multiple policy makers. But, says Noguera, politicians often don’t explain, or possibly even understand, exactly what is at stake […]
