Chicago Neighborhood Parents Network

In this episode we talk about the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit experience: what it is like from the parent perspective, and how to support a friend or family member who is going through it. We will also learn about Jackson Chance Foundation and the work they do to make it easier for parents to spend time with their babies in the NICU. Our guest is Carrie Meghie. In addition to managing a demanding...

In this episode we discuss a mindful approach to parenting that is relevant for adults in the hopeful, expecting, birthing, and parenting stage of life. The Heart of Birth offers a unique, transformative, evidence-based approach to whole-person care, a compliment to traditional clinical models and doula services. Our guest is Leah Lemelin, CPD, MMI. Leah is a consultant for caregivers, supporting...

In this episode we discuss a mindful approach to parenting that is relevant for adults in the hopeful, expecting, birthing, and parenting stage of life. We talk about the biggest pain points for new parents and the role that a doula can play in providing presence and continuous support through challenges that come with new parenthood. Our guest is Leah Lemelin, CPD, MMI. Leah is a consultant for c...

In this episode we discuss a mindful approach to parenting that is relevant for adults in the hopeful, expecting, birthing, and parenting stage of life. We talk about the biggest pain points for new parents and the role that a doula can play in providing presence and continuous support through challenges that come with new parenthood. Our guest is Leah Lemelin, CPD, MMI. Leah is a consultant for c...

In this episode we discuss parenting transitions from childbirth to the empty-nest stage, and how we can approach these transitions with confidence and calm.  The term “mindfulness” is thrown around a lot these days, but what is it, really? Is bringing “mindfulness” to childbirth helpful? Will it make childbirth less painful? What is "transformational pain?" Can mindfulness help with the...

Amy and Laura Van Zandt discuss sleep through the lens of developmental differences. They discuss why so many children with developmental differences struggle with sleep, some of the biggest misconceptions about sleep in children with developmental differences. They talk about why bedtime can be the hardest part of the day for children, and signs that parents can watch for to help tell the differe...

Martin Moran, Head of Program for Middle and Upper School at Bennett Day School, talks with Amy about the current feelings around AI in schools, what has changed in schools because of AI, and what primary concern adults, especially adults in schools, need to have as they engage with AI. They dive into what an 'AI-resilient' assignment looks like today and the skills students need in this a...

In this episode, Amy talks with Amy Liss of Campus Integrity Group about her work in preventing and investigating sexual misconduct. She explains the small, innocuous way that sexual misconduct often begins, and walks us through the warning signs we might see in a child who is being groomed. Amy provides concrete tips that parents can put into practice today to help keep their children safe, and s...

In today's digital age, many parents find themselves struggling to keep up with the technology their children use daily. One pressing question is: How can we guide our kids to form healthy relationships with social media and technology? In this episode, we'll explore the insights from Jane Kim, founder of KindEd, a social media literacy program aimed at empowering children with the skills...

In our latest podcast episode, Sitaara sits down and unpacks the valuable insights shared by Tareema Jean-Baptiste, a seasoned advocate and this year's Developmental Differences Parent Forum keynote speaker, who has dedicated her life to supporting families like yours. You'll learn actionable tips on how to advocate effectively, the importance of research, and how to maintain a positive mi...

In this episode of Chicago Style Parenting, Amy, Sitaara, and their guests discuss the challenges of self-care for parents, especially those with children who have developmental differences. They speak with Lydia Thibodeau, a mother of a child with a disability and Founder of  Sommet Nannies , and  Erica Hornthal , Founder and CEO of  Chicago Dance Therapy  and author of the award-winning book  Bo...

Mo Buti, advocate and instructional expert for people with autism and other disabilities, discusses important information that parents should know about IEPs and the IEP process. In this discussion, you will learn what an IEP is and who qualifies for one, the new law in Illinois regarding IEP drafts, what an IEP looks like, how to prepare for an IEP meeting, and so much more. Listen for practical,...

In this episode of Chicago Style Parenting, hosts Amy and Sitaara discuss the various summer camp options available for children in Chicago. They are joined by a panel of experts who share insights on the benefits of summer camp, how to choose the right camp, and the importance of early registration. The conversation also touches on the unique needs of neurodiverse children and the types of camps...

Amy speaks with Cortney Stark Cope of  Chicago Jewish Day School , Joy Campbell of  St. James Lutheran School , and Amy Cascarano of  St. Josaphat School  about the value of a religious school education. Beyond religious education, Cortney, Joy, and Amy describe how well-organized schools help students thrive. Every parent who is in school-search mode will benefit from this conversation.

Amy, Sitaara, and Lydia Thibodeau, founder of  ⁠Sommet Nannies⁠ , discuss how parents can conduct an independent nanny search, and how to identify and address red and yellow flags that might come up during the search process.   About our guest:  Lydia Thibodeau is a highly regarded expert in the childcare industry. She has presented at the International Nanny Association conference and has been a...

Amy and Sitaara talk with Sara Phou, LCSW, about how parents can talk with other kids about their child's disability. In this episode, you'll learn how to prepare yourself for the conversation, and you'll walk away with at least one concrete step you can take to make the conversation easier.   About our guest Sara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working with children...

Laura Baginski, of  Earlybirds Club , joins Amy and Sitaara to dive deep into NPN's popular email, the NPN Weekly. We talk about the amazing vibes of Earlybirds Club and relocating for incentives. We touch on the  450%  increase in birth rate for women over the age 45 and the ups and downs of parenting at any age. We also discuss the mindboggling statistic that nearly  20%  of recent college gradu...

Join Amy as she talks with four Chicago teenagers about their summer jobs. These teens share where they worked, how they got their jobs, their work schedules, and what they liked and didn't like about working. Listen in for the practical advice they have for Chicago teenagers looking for their first summer job, such as when to start looking, how to apply, and more. Finally, hear what these pan...

Join Sitaara as she talks with Natasha Croff and Julie Molina,  Parent Support Specialists  for Chicago Public Schools, about the CPS application and admissions process for students with disabilities. Natasha and Julie provide expert insights on navigating the system, things to take into consideration when applying to selective enrollment elementary and high schools, available resources and what r...

Marc Berkman is the CEO of the  Organization for Social Media Safety  (OFSMS), the first consumer protection organization focused on social media. In this episode he talks with Amy and Sitaara about how the organization uses a consumer-oriented approach of education, advocacy, and technology in working to make social media safe for children. Learn about children’s drive for “clout”, the lose-lose...

Martin Moran, lead designer of Middle and Upper School at  Bennett Day School  talks with Amy and Sitaara about preparing children for the age of artificial intelligence. We discuss Bennett Day School's educational approach and why Martin and his team aren't particularly worried about AI. Learn some ways teachers and students use AI to increase efficiency and enhance their work, when paren...

Samantha Alloway, Executive Director of  The Arc of Illinois  talks with Amy about Medicaid. We discuss what it is, what it provides, and  who uses it . Parents might be surprised to learn that Medicaid benefits families at all income levels and it makes disability services possible in Illinois. Hear about what services will be lost and who will be at risk if Medicaid funding is cut. Learn how to...

Dr. Camille Franklin, Network 4 Family Engagement Coordinator from the CPS Office of Early Childhood Education talks with Amy and Sitaara about the preschool options in CPS. We discuss CPS PreK, community-based preschool, early learning programs and more. Learn how to determine which type is right for your family, when to apply, how to apply and what to do once the offers come out.

Shambrekia Wise,  ⁠author⁠ ,  ⁠entrepreneur⁠ , co-creator, mama, and explorer with a Masters Degree in Public Health, talks with Amy and Sitaara about traveling with Multiple Sclerosis, children, and within an environment where nobody looks like you. We talk about her background, writing career, and how travel can impact children and families. She also shares her experience managing a chronic illn...

Amy and Sitaara dive deep into NPN's popular email, the NPN Weekly. We talk about holiday theater productions and how NPN members won tickets to  Annie  and can enter now to win tickets to  The Nutcracker . We touch on  Building Blocks Toy Store 's partnership with NPN and share a sneak peek of NPN's Giving Tuesday campaign. We also discuss parenting dilemmas pulled from the NPN discussion forum l...