All About Me
A Few Final Thoughts From One Lucky Chicago Mama
June 01, 2009
Today is my last post at Being Savvy: Chicago. As you all know, life with little ones is always busy. I have found life with three little ones to be especially busy. The past few chaotic months have convinced me that I need to devote more energy to fewer projects (my biggest project being enjoying every minute of summer with my kids).
On the occasion of my last post, I wanted to share one last message with my fellow Chicago mamas and papas: We are so lucky to live here. Make the most of it.
Take your kid to the Art Institute. Spend a rainy day wandering hand-in-hand through the Garfield Park Conservatory. Become a regular at the Chicago Children's Museum. Be witness to a butterfly release at the Peggy Notebaert Museum. Rock out together at a children's concert.
Play. Look. Draw. Touch. Splash. Taste. Dig. Spill. Listen.
Get out there and experience Chicago. Your kids will be better for it. And so will you.
Read more...
Guest Post: Seven Tips for Successful Breastfeeding
April 20, 2009
I am excited to welcome guest posters Suzanne Schlosberg and Sarah Bowen Shea who have recently written a book titled The Essential Breastfeeding Log. They each breastfed their twins for at least 9 months and have seven tips to pass along.
I am currently breastfeeding for the third time around and think that all breastfeeding moms (even the more experienced ones) can always benefit from a tip or two.
1. Remember: Just because it's natural doesn't necessarily mean it's easy.
Virtually all babies are capable of breastfeeding, and virtually all moms can produce enough milk. But it just may take more time and
effort than expected.
2. Educate yourself
The more you know about breastfeeding, the better, so take a breastfeeding class offered by your hospital. Also, you can join chat
rooms and check in with other nursing moms who are in your boat, whether you have a preemie in the NICU or a 6-month-old who seems to be self-weaning.
3. Get the gear
Sure, all that is really required for breastfeeding are breasts, but we recommend investing in a reliable pump, a few good-quality nursing bras, and a supportive nursing pillow.
4. Call in the pros
Many U.S. hospitals have lactation consultants on staff who can offer advice and hands-on help during your postpartum stay. Also, ask the nursing staff for guidance; they've been around more than their share of new moms and newborns.
5. Set short-term goals
When you were pregnant, you may have declared, "I'm going to breastfeed for one year," only to feel overwhelmed, even demoralized,
by that goal once your baby arrives and it's not smooth sailing. If this happens, take it in steps.
6. Involve other people
Sure, you're the one with the breasts, so there's only so much someone else can do. Still, it's important for partners to support each other on the breastfeeding front. And don't be shy about asking friends and neighbors to bring meals and to help around the house.
7. Stay hydrated, get your rest, and eat well
The physiological system that drives lactation depends on a variety of hormonal and physical factors, many of which are influenced by
hydration, energy, and sleep. In other words, if you're a dehydrated wreck, your milk isn't going to flow like the Colorado River.
99 Things To Do in Chicago Before Your Child Grows Up
February 24, 2009
January 27, 2009
The folks at Savvy Source are thinking about Resolutions and Reflections this month. While I have been writing about this theme, I have had a chance to reflect on the fact that my Eleanor is about to be a kindergartner. That's right, the sweet girl that I dropped off at preschool a short year and a half ago will be starting kindergarten before I know it. Then high school. And she'll be
Read more... January 23, 2009
Today we are going to discuss potty training -- getting those kids out of the diapers and into the bathroom. It is one of the biggest challenges during the toddler and preschool years. Not that changing diapers or Pull Ups is fun, but potty training sometimes seems so ... daunting. Here to help are Sean and Cindy Platt (http://writerdad.com/), the authors of Potty Training Power
Read more... January 06, 2009
The theme at Savvy Source for the month of January is "Resolutions and Reflecting." All month long we are going to be posting about looking back on your time with your little ones (time really does fly, doesn't it?) and planning for the future. Today, we are focusing on the things that really matter to our preschoolers (and skipping all of the other superfluous stuff).
I think that
Read more... December 30, 2008
It is the end of another year . . . which means the obligatory "best of" list. Here are my favorite ten posts from 2008.
(1) All Aboard the Choo Choo Train: More Train Resources in Chicago
(2) Five Things You Must Do With Your Child in Chicago Before He Grows Up
(3) Calling All Readers: Great Children's Book Stores
(4) The Greener Parent
(5) Why Your
Read more... December 10, 2008
Around this time of year, many families plan special outings or traditions to mark the season. If you are looking to really indulge your little elf on a holiday outing this year, you should consider the Children's Storytelling Tea at the Four Seasons Hotel .
The event sounds like a little girl's dream come true. Dress up in your finest and head downtown to hear popular Christmas tales, sip
Read more... November 25, 2008
I don't know about you, but I am a life-long Chicagoan and I love it here (maybe a little bit less in the winter, but I still love it). I hope that my children grow up feeling the same way about their hometown. If you are looking to teach your little one about our great city, I have a few book suggestions that will introduce them to some popular Chicago landmarks and institutions.
Read more... November 14, 2008
The
answer to my question may depend on what you think your little one's
chances are of being elected president one day! But one thing is
certain: our future President and your (potential) future president
both live in Chicago. How cool is that? Have you noticed that the
city is positively beaming with pride over the the election of
President Obama and the incredible celebration in Grant
Read more... November 13, 2008
Does
that sound familiar? Our little ones are full of questions and I know
that I sometimes don't take the time to slow down and answer each and
every one of them. But the truth is that asking questions and
listening to the answers is an essential part of the learning process.
Here are a few tips when it comes to tackling those endless questions from
your preschooler. * Don't
discourage
Read more... November 10, 2008
I think that we parents sometimes
unnecessarily complicate the learning process for our preschoolers
(despite our best intentions). Their little lives are full in
unplanned, unscheduled, unscripted opportunities for learning each and
every day. I wanted to share a story about my four-year-old daughter
as an example. While driving home after school one day last
week, my daughter said,
Read more... October 24, 2008
Are
you usually awake around 6:15 a.m on Saturday mornings? If you are,
tune in tomorrow to the NBC5 Chicago Morning Show to see me talking
about "Five Tips to Avoid Over-scheduling Kids." In the event
that you will be sleeping at that time (and for your sake, I hope that
you are), here are some common sense tips to keep your preschooler's
Read more... October 07, 2008
My daughter has been talking
about what she wants to be for Halloween since last Halloween. One day
she says definitely mermaid. And the next day she seems to be leaning
more towards princess. And then sometimes she comes up with something
that is really out of left field like "a swimming dog." The time has
come to decide on a costume because pretty soon the stores are going to
have slim
Read more... September 18, 2008
From what I can tell, it seems like imaginary friends are
the very best kind of friends to have.
An imaginary friend is always there when you need him. He is flexible and lets you do what you want
to do (I've never heard of an imaginary friend not sharing). And when you are done with him -- Poof! -- he is gone as fast as he
arrived.
My daughter Ellie has an imaginary
Read more... September 16, 2008
All Mamas need a break from time to time. And sometimes it is fun for a group of Mamas
to take a breather from the kiddos and do something together (other than sit in
a sandbox and make small talk). These
are some of my favorite Mama Outings in the Chicago area (all tried and tested by your
truly).
Massages for Mamas.
If you are looking for some Mommy pampering, look no
Read more... September 11, 2008
Charlie
and Lola. Max and Ruby. Arthur and D.W. When it comes to sibling relationships, these
names might sound familiar to you (or at least your kids).
Sibling relationships are
. . . complicated (even for adults).
One minute, my kids are snuggled up together on the couch, happily
playing a game. And the next minute they
are involved in a knock-down,
Read more... September 10, 2008
Today is guest post day at Being Savvy: Chicago! Today, Marcie Pickelsimer is joining us to share the perspective of a parent of a special needs child. Marcie is tackling the timely issue of after school meltdowns (who among us hasn't been dealing with this as our little ones get adjusted to the new school schedule?). Marcie writes about adoption and special needs at A Child Chosen and
Read more... September 02, 2008
To Get Off to A Good Start the Night Before. Mornings at our house are very chaotic so I try to do as much as I can the night before. So lay out those school clothes and shoes to avoid a debate with your fashionista. Leave the backpack by the door. Discuss breakfast options in advance so your little preschooler doesn't have a break down when he finds out there isn't time for homemade
Read more... August 29, 2008
Heading back to school or starting preschool for the first
time is a big transition (how is that for an understatement?). Sending our little ones off alone for the
first time can be almost as hard on them as it is on us parents. Some kids seem ready to go off and conquer the preschool world, while others would rather stick close to Mom and Dad. Either way, parents need to talk to
Read more... August 28, 2008
The nighttime bath ritual can be more than a much-needed
head-to-toe scrub down. Throw in a few toys
and some imagination, and bath time can be the perfect opportunity for creative
play. I must confess that I love bath
time at our house because my kids can play in a contained space and Mom gets to
sit down on the step stool for a few minutes while they entertain each other (yeah!).
Read more... August 27, 2008
You think your kid is super in all sorts of ways,
right? Why not encourage him to think
that same thing about himself by planning a 'super hero day. Devote a day to celebrating your child's
greatness while he practices his super skills (maybe his x-ray vision or her
ability to climb tall buildings). Here
are some ideas to get you started.
What to Wear. Start with the cape.
Read more... August 20, 2008
Do you have a preschooler who knows all of the words to
Disney's The Little Mermaid by
heart? I sure do. My daughter Ellie is a big fan of Ariel and
her friends Flounder and Sebastian. She was
hoping to name our new baby Ariel if she was a girl (thank goodness we are
having a boy rather than a baby mermaid).
I wanted to tell you about a fun event for the little
mermaids in
Read more... August 07, 2008
Do you have a sea-faring, swashbuckling sailor in your house? Why not indulge his or her love for the
pirate life by having a Pirate's Day around town? Here are a few ideas to get your planning
started.
Read Like a Pirate. Check out some pirate reading from your local
library for inspiration. Good selections
include How I Became A Pirate by Melinda
Long, the 2007
Read more... July 07, 2008
is made up of many wonderful small neighborhoods and communities each with its own appeal and offerings. Being Savvy: Chicago is going to periodically highlight some of the family-friendly offerings in various neighborhoods around the city. I am going to start with what I know best: my neighborhood.
Bucktown/Wicker Park is more than just home to hipsters, artists, and some of
Read more... May 12, 2008
My name is Caitlin Giles and I am the new Being Savvy: Chicago City Expert (their words, not mine). The truth is that I am no expert in anything I am just a Mom to two preschool-aged kids looking for fun and educational activities for my little ones. You too? Oh, great!
I spend my days running around with my four-year-old daughter Eleanor and two-year-old son Brendan, trying to
Read more...Looking Ahead: Five Things To Do With Your Preschooler Before Kindergarten
Guest Post: Potty Talk
The Big Picture: Five Things That Really Matter to Your Preschooler
My Favorite Ten Posts of 2008
Fancy-Schmancy Holiday: Children's Tea at the Four Seasons Hotel
Books Essential to Chicago Kids
What Do Your Child and President-Elect Obama Have In Common?
"Mom, Can I Ask You a Question?"
What is Your Favorite Word?
Being Savvy: Chicago on NBC5 Tomorrow with Five Tips to Avoid Over-Scheduling Kids
Fairies, Lions, and Dinos, Oh My: Resources for Halloween Costumes
Imaginary Friends
Five Things To Do With Friends -- Mama Friends, That Is
Brothers and Sisters
Dealing with After School Meltdowns
On the First Day of Preschool, Don't Forget . . . .
Back-To-School Reading List
Splish Splash! Having Fun in the Bath!
It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's a Super Hero in Training!
Calling All Mermaids!
Ayyy Matey!: Resources for Little Pirates in Chicago
Neighborhood Spotlight: Bucktown/Wicker Park
Hi There, Chicago Moms and Dads!
More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in chicago
Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle
Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune
Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues
Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors
Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun
A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories
Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites
Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet
The Most Fun in Life Is Free!
The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots
The Voice of Being Savvy chicago:
Caitlin Giles
Read more Being Savvy for:
Advertisement
Favorite chicago Lists
- Books Essential to Chicago Kids
- The Local Lingo
- It Takes Two: Things That Are More Fun With a Friend
- Ice Cream in Chicago
- Dinner Table Destinations: Eat and Learn
- Signs of Summer
- 5 Best Ways to Enjoy Millennium Park
- Ways to Learn About Math in the Windy City
- Hey Kid, You Got the Time?
- 99 Things To Do in Chicago Before Your Child Grows Up
Advertisement
Review Your Preschool
Join the hundreds of chicago parents helping other parents find the right preschool for their child.
View Preschools and Daycare Centers in Other Cities
View preschools in other cities
- Akron Preschools >
- Albuquerque Preschools >
- Alexandria Preschools >
- Alpharetta Preschools >
- Anaheim Preschools >
- Ann Arbor Preschools >
- Arlington Preschools >
- Atlanta Preschools >
- Bakersfield Preschools >
- Baltimore Preschools >
- Baton Rouge Preschools >
- Bellevue Preschools >
- Birmingham Preschools >
- Boca Raton Preschools >
- Boise Preschools >
- Bronx Preschools >
- Charlotte Preschools >
- Cincinnati Preschools >
- Clearwater Preschools >
- Cleveland Preschools >
- Colorado Springs Preschools >
- Columbia Preschools >
- Columbus Preschools >
- Dayton Preschools >
- Denver Preschools >
- Detroit Preschools >
- Durham Preschools >
- El Paso Preschools >
- Fort Lauderdale Preschools >
- Fort Wayne Preschools >
- Fort Worth Preschools >
- Fremont Preschools >
- Fresno Preschools >
- Gainesville Preschools >
- Grand Rapids Preschools >
- Greenville Preschools >
- Hialeah Preschools >
- Honolulu Preschools >
- Houston Preschools >
- Huntsville Preschools >
- Indianapolis Preschools >
- Irvine Preschools >
- Jacksonville Preschools >
- Kansas City Preschools >
- Katy Preschools >
- Knoxville Preschools >
- Lakeland Preschools >
- Las Vegas Preschools >
- Lexington Preschools >
- Lincoln Preschools >
Preschools Activities Savvy Parenting Books, Toys & More My Child's Development
About Us Feedback Privacy Policy Comment Policy News Blog Partners Sitemap
© Savvy Source for Parents 2006 - 2008
