It’s a familiar refrain: “Mom? Dad? I’m bored.”

Aren’t you tired of hearing this? And these days, when kids have access to so much information and stimulation, it can be hard to find something to quell that boredom.

But we’ve got you covered. It’s boredom-stopping, absolutely absorbing, unique entertainment on a budget, perfect for the whole family. Stages, Sights & Sounds, our spring performing arts festival, is the only source in Chicago for family-friendly theater from Europ...

Warm weather is here and many of Chicago's street festivals and block parties will be sprouting up soon.  Mark your calendars for May 19th because Chicago Kids Day is the one event you don't want to miss. This amazing festival focuses on children's health & wellness- with huge amounts of fun thrown in! Here are the top ten reasons you and your family should plan on spending your morning at Chicago KIDS Day:

Have fun while learning about health, safety, development & more fr...

As parents, its easy to get caught up in our busy schedules, and giving back to the community sometimes takes a back seat.  We want to teach our kids to be charitable and compassionate, but we may not know how.  Here's a great way that our family (and the NPN community!) pulled together to introduce our children to the spirit of giving. 

Direct Effect Charities collects Letters to Santa from underprivileged students in Chicago Public Schools and distributes them to donors willing to fu...

Mother's Day is May 13th! It's not too late to get your act together on that extra special Mother's Day gift for the mom in your life... or you!

McKinley Consulting Nanny Division Save 10% off your first placement with us. McKinley Consulting Nanny specializes in placing the most qualified Nannies, Night Nurses,  Domestic Helpers, and Babysitters who are sensitive to the needs of children. Read more.

Ruby Room In honor of Mothers Day and to pamper moms everywhere, Ruby Room will of...

Chicago’s Biggest Online Shopping Event is here! Preview week lets you scope out all of the fantastic items you want to bid on.  GET REGISTERED to make sure you are ready to shop May 1st!

NPN’s Silent Auction is our biggest fundraiser of the year.  Shop local businesses, support city families, and save on more than $60,000 of items that are perfect for Chicago families.

Each year more than 300 businesses, nonprofits, and NPN Partners donate amazing items ranging from soccer classes...

The mere mention of cloth diapers sets eyes rolling, gasps, whispers of "eew" and "you must be kidding?" As a mom of three, I've had experience with both cloth and disposable diapers. Shocking but true, the cloth diaper store owner used disposable diapers. Gasp! So, from one experienced mom to another, here are five great reasons (in no particular order) to consider making the switch:

1. If I only knew then what I know now: After disposable diapering two children well past the "av...

What can you do to reduce the amount of trash you create?  Make sure I eat all my lunch at school, even when there’s broccoli.  – Ella, 8

The creative power of the ten and under crowd is at it again in month two of our “Little People, Big Hearts, Big Impact,” and I’m back to explore a new cause: our environment.  In honor of Earth Day this month, I am encouraging my family to reduce, reuse, and recycle and hoping to spread the word so other families can do the same. 

The 3-month wi...

Five months ago, l was in Amsterdam and New York shopping for the best spring trends; I was 30 weeks pregnant and had a blast trying them all.  Now as I unpack the new arrivals, I thought I’d share my favorite trends with you.  (P.S.  With a 10 week-old at home, I’m also wearing many of the “maternity” pieces, thanks to their built-in nursing functions and stretchy fabrics!)

Nautical Stripes:  I’m obsessed with them -  blue, red, black and grey.   Do they work for maternity?  DEFINITEL...

When planning a trip with your kiddos by air, sea, or lots of roads, all parents need to think about their "bag of tricks"!  Here is a list of 5 parent-approved toy picks to make your adventures a whole lot less stressful:

#1. Squeeze Rockets.  Launch these soft, safe foam rockets by squeezing air from the hand-held bulb. It's fun to pop them around the car or run after the rockets in motion. These are super light to pack and a big suprise for when you arrive!

#2. Key Crayons.  Nev...

Childhood is supposed to be a happy carefree time. But today’s world places more stress on children than ever before.  Combined factors such as living in a more challenging and hectic environment, meeting increased demands for extra activities, coping with problems at home, and internalizing pressure from parents and classmates can produce more stress on a child than he or she can handle.  Alarmingly, the incidence of anxiety, depression, and ADHD in children is on the rise.  Children may ...