Wedding: Alex Ford-Carther and Katrina A. Mattingly-Carther

“I think I love her.” These were the very first words Alex ever said to Katrina. Coincidentally, those words happened to be the lyrics in the song that began their lasting love affair. On Memorial Day weekend in 2010, the two found themselves singing and dancing at the former Landmark Restaurant in Lincoln Park after […]

Hedda Sharapan on Kids and Creativity

Research shows that music improves math and reading skills, as well as creativity and social development. And according to Americans for the Arts, students with access to an arts-rich education have better GPAs, higher standardized test scores in reading and math, and lower dropout rates. So what’s a parent to do if their child’s school […]

Bright Ideas for Bridesmaid Gifts

Doting on the bride-to-be is hard work! To show your appreciation, skip the monogrammed sweats and give your girls some goodies they’ll really love. These brilliant bridesmaid gift ideas are sure to please your pals. A Feminine Flask Why should the groomsmen have all the fun? Give your bawdy bridesmaids a lady-like flask to stash […]

College Admissions Craziness: Frank Bruni on How to Avoid It

Use your common sense. Don’t get caught up in the hype. Focus on the facts, not the stereotypes. Be honest with yourself. Those are just a few pieces of advice from Frank Bruni, op-ed columnist for The New York Times, to students and their parents caught up in the emotionally challenging college admissions process. In […]

Where to Eat With Your Mini Gourmet: Restaurants Parents and Kids Will Love

There are kids’ restaurants (hello, Rainforest Cafe) and adults’ restaurants (yes, Alinea) and then there’s the sweet spot—places that welcome children while also serving food that adults love. We’ve assembled a list of restaurants that fit the bill with inventive kids’ menus and friendly service. Mealtimes are all about connecting with each other and that’s […]

Help Your Anxious Child Cope With Worry

It’s natural for children to feel worried at times – say, before a test or on the first day of school. Actually, worry can motivate them to excel. But, when it causes a barrage of irrational thoughts that interfere with everyday functioning—“What if mom drops me off at gymnastics and I get kidnapped?”—and provokes them […]

Everything You Need for a Super Fun Family Game Night

The demands of work, school and extracurricular activities make it difficult to find time for the whole family to connect and have some fun together. One simple way to log quality time with your clan is a good old-fashioned family game night—a great way to unwind, share some laughs and make memories with the kids. […]

2015 Camp Guide

Believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about summer camp! Here’s everything you need to know to make this the best summer ever. Articles Family Camps: Fun for All Ages Life in the Spotlight: 3 Arts Camps for Kids 8 Horseback Riding Camps Your Kids Will Love Summer Sports Camps for Kids of […]

Create a Happy, Harmonious Blended Family (Yes, It Can Be Done)

Divorce remains common in the United States. As a result, blended families are one of the fastest growing family groups in the country. However, even though blended families are becoming more prevalent, they are not without challenges. According to World Village, children who live in a blended family are three times more likely to need psychological […]