The key to being a rock star is displaying a killer combo of enthusiasm and self-confidence. In other words, be a toddler. (They’re the only ones that can get away with scream-singing “Itsy Bitsy Spider” while shaking a diapered butt.) Channel all that energy into these music classes for kids in Chicago that focus on learning and fun.
The underlying premise of Kindermusik is that music is the best method for early childhood development. Bucktown Music offers a progressive Kindermusik class for toddlers, which teaches vocal development, tone and rhythm patterns to instill a musical ear. Parents learn songs, poems and games to incorporate into everyday life, while a class album, e-book and interactive guide reinforce lessons.
Marsha’s Music teaches Music Together toddler classes in which parents participate alongside their kids, who learn by imitation. Each mixed-age class features songs, rhymes, movement and instrument play, and there’s plenty of room to improvise. A CD and illustrated songbook are take-homes for parents who want to bring the party back to their place.
Saint Paul & the Redeemer, 4945 S. Dorchester Ave., Hyde Park; Online: marshasmusic.com
In the early childhood classes at this music springboard located in the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center, gets tots their first taste of rhythms and beats. The Movers and Shakers program for ages 18 mos.-3 yrs. encourages peer interaction as kids sing and play simple percussion instruments.
Pros introduce kids to music fundamentals, like tapping out a beat and singing in tune. The philosophy behind the Music Together program is that the strongest way to learn is for parents to model music behaviors. Mixed-age classes (ages 0-5) include standard folk songs like “Skip to My Lou,” but also Bollywood, Klezmer and American Indian melodies to introduce children to different keys and musical meters.
Not only will you find live music classes for kids ages 4 & under, but Mr. Dave also partners with Buddha Belly Kids Yoga to teach Movement & Mindfulness to tots starting at 18 months. Open-Ended Art classes allow students to uniquely express how a particular piece of music makes them feel, and Baby Raves get the whole family on the dance floor.
Music Together classes fill up quickly at Music House. Their 45-minutes classes aim to increase family bonding while developing everyone’s love of music. Children learn how to make music while improving literacy, self-expression and motor skills.
2925 W. Devon, West Rogers Park & 1018 N. California Ave., Humboldt Park; Online: musichouseinc.com
Musikgarten classes build fundamental music skills by revisiting songs, stories and dances from session to session. The Family Music for Toddlers program includes singing, dancing, playing instruments and lots of movement so kids can learn to feel a beat. Working with the parent is an instrumental part of the program, so grownups are given a CD and guide to continue the learning at home.
Various locations throughout the city & suburbs; Online: musicinst.org
Instill in your kids a deep love and understanding of music through highly engaging, play-based classes. From infant sensory classes to music discovery and mixed-age adventures in singing and piano, 45-minute lessons are made memorable through repetition, gamification and just plain fun
The Old Town School of Folk Music brings its laid-back, hippie approach to its kid program, Wiggleworms. Teachers lead the class on guitar, banjo or ukulele while singing folk, rock and pop (think “Yellow Submarine”.) Kids sing, bang out rhythms, play with parachutes and bubbles and learn to socialize with each other.
Classes are currently held at the main Lincoln Park and Lincoln Square locations, as well as one at a satellite location in Evanston.
4544 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Square & 909 W. Armitage Ave., Lincoln Park; Online: oldtownschool.org
Looking to further encourage that new music appreciation? Check out these live music venues that are sure to bring out the inner groupie in you and your kids.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse is the largest kid-friendly concert series in the country and, lucky for us, Chicago is among their many stops. The Rock and Roll Playhouse brings together local musicians to play songs from the most iconic musicians, like The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, Phish, Bob Marley and Prince in order to provide a shared musical experience between parents and kids (ages 1-7, mostly.) In Chicago, you often find shows at Gallagher Way and Thalia Hall.
There is no better way to have a relaxing weekend brunch than when your kids are in the next room dancing their bottoms off. Beat Kitchen has long hosted Concerts for Kids on Sundays at 11 a.m. Catch acts like Mary Macaroni, Super Stolie or The Boogers. Tickets are only a few bucks, and you are free to bring your mimosas and Bloody Mary’s into the stage room and cut a rug yourself. While the Concerts for Kids is on hiatus, due to the pandemic, it has been temporarily replaced by Bluegrass Brunch for all ages on Saturdays at 11 a.m. Tickets are free.
2100 W. Belmont Ave., Roscoe Village; Online: beatkitchen.com
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Listen to the classics in a captivating way with programs such as Once Upon a Symphony which incorporates storytelling, magical set designs and costumes alongside live music, with the help of the Chicago Children’s Theatre. As children grow, Family Matinees are geared towards kids ages 5 & up.
Catch many of the city’s best children’s concerts at Gallagher Way during their free Wiggleworms sessions in the summer, or enjoy various genres during their French Market and many other events throughout the year. With ample space for the kids to run around or play in the fountains, it’s easy to kick back and enjoy a cocktail while you listen, dance or sing along.
The Old Town School of Folk Music is working on bringing back their Kids Concerts, where local favorites such as Little Miss Ann, Laura Doherty perform regularly, and even Justin Roberts has appeared annually.
The well-known summer festival also includes Kids Concerts. Prior performances have included the world-famous Laurie Berkner. Get there before the show to enjoy the KidsLawn, which includes an Interactive Musical Playground. The 2022 lineup will be announced on Mar. 24, with tickets going on sale on May 4.
201 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park; Online: ravinia.org
Some of the best places to enjoy live music with the whole family are the many, many street festivals in Chicago during the summer. Most street festivals have a family stage during the day with lots of local kid bands on the schedule, and if you can keep the kids out a little late, you can all rock out to the headliners at night.
Leapin’ leprechauns! St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and we know that means parents will be on the lookout for kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day events around Boston. Consider this your lucky day, because we’ve rounded up nine local activities for families to make the day special. Here’s where to celebrate the Irish with your wee ones this month.
The South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade is back for 2022! Bring the kids to enjoy floats, bands, bagpipes and more that celebrate the area’s Irish roots. Sun., Mar. 20, 2022. Event details.
Patriot Place will once again celebrate the joys of Irish culture with the 11th annual Irish Festival. The daylong celebration will feature live performances by Irish musicians and step dancers, as well as a full slate of free Irish-themed activities including airbrush tattoos, caricature artists, a balloon artist and a petting zoo for families to enjoy. Sat., Mar. 12, 2022. Event details.
Join the students from BoSoma School of Dance for a St. Patrick's Day Celebration. Under the direction of award-winning Irish Step instructor, Pattie Hunter, this incredible Irish dance show will feature talented kid dancers, performing traditional reels and jigs. Sun. Mar. 20, 2022. Event details.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day season and the joy of moving together to live music, renowned Irish dancer, Jackie O’Riley, will lead dancers of any age in easy-to-follow, fun, approachable céilí dances (group Irish dances) to live Irish music by two of Boston’s best traditional Irish musicians. Sat., Mar. 19, 2022. Event details.
Join Goats to Go for a stroll in the woods, with goats on leads and some roaming free through the farm's woods. Goat treats to each participant will be provided, and staff will teach you more about goats and life on the farm. The walk will be an hour and a little over a mile round-trip on gravel and hilly terrain. Thu., Mar. 17, 2022. Event details.
Join the Irish Cultural Centre for this family-friendly celebration that includes: arts and crafts, storytime with Princess Belle, face painting, Irish dance and music by Dave Try. A breakfast buffet will also be served until 11:30 a.m. Sat., Mar. 19, 2022. Event details.
Learn about Irish history in Boston when you and the kids walk the Irish Heritage Trail. It’s a guide to landmarks of Irish-American artists and heroes from the 1700s to the present. Around the city, you’ll find 20 sites in downtown Boston and Back Bay, covering over three miles, and over 20 other landmarks in Boston neighborhoods and beyond. Daily in March. Event details.
If you’re looking for a way to get outside and get some exercise to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, check out this race that benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. The race is a fun, healthy and a meaningful community event, full of spirit, good cheer and positive energy, featuring performances by South Boston kids and teens. Sun., Mar. 20, 2202. Event details.
Sticks and stones may break your bones, but they can also make for an awesome craft project. We’ve rounded up a bunch of cool art activities that incorporate sticks, twigs and leaves so you can bring the outdoors into your art-making. Read on to get the scoop on these fun nature-inspired art projects for kids.
We love this outdoor activity from Growing Family. Go on a nature walk and create a journey stick filled with things you’ve seen along the way, like leaves, flowers or twigs that have fallen to the ground. Get all the details on how to make your own by clicking here.
Turn a stick into a fun piece of room decor with this idea from The Ladybirds’ Adventures. Homemade pom poms give the mobile a whimsical look, and they’re fun to make too. To get the scoop on how it’s done, click here.
Gather up a few sticks and some twine and make these fun spider webs from Kitchen Counter Chronicles. You can even make some spiders to hang out on the webs, too—click here to get the instructions.
Go on the hunt for twigs in your backyard for this activity from Preschool Toolkit. Kids can practice their fine motor skills as they write out the letters of the alphabet. To learn more about this activity, click here.
Did you lose a tree limb in the last storm? Before you drag it to the street, reserve the best parts and saw off a few slices. Easy to do and ideal for gift-giving, find out more about this beautiful idea over at Homegrown Friends.
Sail Away
Julie Seguss
There’s nothing like creating your own craft, then sending it on a maiden voyage. With a few sticks, a low-temp hot glue gun, twine, and construction paper, your little sailors can watch their own boat sail the high seas. Grab the how-to by clicking here.
This one touches our hearts. Your little artists will have fun painting the sticks—which should be shaped and sized before the painting starts—all you’ll need to do is use low gauge craft wire to bind them together. We recommend wrapping the wire from the bottom to the top, then from right to left. Get a better view over at Ellen’s Daily Heart.
Make your own Reggio-inspired stacking blocks by slicing, sanding, and sealing wood pieces with a little beeswax to preserve their natural form. And, the best part? These DIY toys are perfect for indoor or outdoor play.Head to Adventure-in-a-Box for a great tutorial.
Hello, beautiful. This gorgeous craft is best left to your older kids and may take some time, but it's well worth the effort! An easy tutorial, including tricks for keeping the stick steady, can be found over at Natural Suburbia.
Teeny, Tiny Houses
Gabby Cullen
Have your scouts gather the best sticks, leaves, flowers, and rocks, then sit back, relax, and watch them build houses for woodland fairy folk. Want to know the trick to getting the roof just right? Shove the sturdiest sticks deep into the ground and layer long sticks and leaves on top. Take a peek at our favorite fairy houses by clicking here.
Magic Trees
Ann Harquail
This one is so simple but so brilliant. Gather branches, sand, empty pots and scraps of fabric, then let your kids decorate to their heart's content!
This bright and cheery wood chime project is easy to re-create. Your little naturalists can collect their own materials—all you’ll need to do is insert the hook and attach the string. Get the tutorial from Jackie, the creative curator of Happy Hooligans.
There is all manner of stick folk to be found on craft blogs, but we are in love with the ones created by Georgina and crew over at Craftulate. You won’t need much prep in the way of materials with this one; the biggest challenge may be picking sticks in your own likeness. Head over to Craftulate for the how-to.
Goblins, ghosts and… garlic?! You read that right, and this new graphic novel about Garlic, a brave little veggie and delightfully unusual heroine, is one of our favorite new reads of the season—it’s the perfect Halloween treat (and won’t stick to your teeth!). If you’re looking to build confidence in your little ghoul’s reading skills (ages 6+) or just fill their fall with a cozy adventuresome read, Garlic & the Vampire by Bree Paulsen is the farm-fresh book you need on your shelf now.
Garlic feels as though she’s always doing something wrong. At least with her friend Carrot by her side and the kindly Witch Agnes encouraging her, Garlic is happy to just tend her garden, where it’s nice and safe. But when her village of vegetable folk learns that a bloodthirsty vampire has moved into the nearby castle, they all agree that, in spite of her fear and self-doubt, Garlic is the obvious choice to confront him. And with everyone counting on her, Garlic reluctantly agrees to face the mysterious vampire, hoping she has what it takes.
"In this down comforter of a graphic novel, Garlic discovers that she is braver and more capable than she ever believed when she is called upon to save her friends. The color palette is folkloric, drawing on lush earth tones to highlight this cozy little village where people and vegetables live harmoniously—this is cottagecore through and through."
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
"Gorgeous artwork featuring anthropomorphized plants and colors reminiscent of those used in Kate Greenaway stories make this a joy to read... Perfect for chapter-book readers and up, this will delight anyone wanting a light adventure heavy on friendship and self-actualization."
Even as a fairly optimistic person, there haven’t been too many COVID-related instances that have left me with feelings of positivity. I did, as I would assume many have since the disease outbreak, get the opportunity to really take a good, hard look at myself, however. COVID-19 has added stress to our lives, has challenged us to put society before self, and has been one of the few instances that I can recall (especially as a hermit writer who prefers to work alone) where life’s daily tasks involved a certain sense of teamwork with every single person we encounter in a given day. Here are a few things I learned about myself while adapting to the “new normal.”
1. I Can Be a Team Player. Though I am a very happy and gainfully employed writer now, I took aim at this life after realizing that the office life was simply not something I could master, nor ever be truly happy with. I could step back, take a deep breath, and truly say to myself, “You work with really good people” on multiple occasions, and still hate the “work with” part of that sentence.
Cue COVID.
When the outcome of working together became the health and safety of humankind, rather than a paycheck, I was pleasantly surprised with my own willingness to “play ball.” Even a successful trip to the corner store these days involves my mask and washed hands, as well as everyone’s in said store, and at least in my neck of the woods, I often left those scenarios thinking, “Great work, team!”
2. I Really Appreciate Healthcare Workers. I’ve always had an unrealistic fear of hospitals and places of the like, simply because a silly voice in my head was telling me they are just full of diseases and I was going to get sick if I went. I can readily admit that those thoughts were irrational for my first few decades on the planet, but the last few months they have actually be justifiable, with no action of my own, of course. With that, I truly view the healthcare workers risking their lives to save others as absolute heroes and when hand shaking is deemed a safe practice, I hope to shake every doctor, nurse, and hospital staff member I ever interact with.
In addition to their jobs, I can’t even fathom the level of stress management skills nurses have to have to stay sane, and I simply can’t say enough about how much I have come to appreciate them.
3. Cooking Is Fun. Unfortunately I can’t title this section “I realized I was good at cooking,” but I sure do enjoy it, and some somewhat-edible concoctions have made their way from my kitchen to my table in the last few months. With the evolution of grocery delivery looking like it will hang around after COVID-19 has been put to rest, I like to think I will continue on this journey of self-taught culinary “arts” and maybe even get the confidence to share some with a neighbor or something. As for now, I’ll view the quarantine order as a silver lining that is allowing my newly found cooking habit to get polished up.
4. Human Interaction Is Important to Me (This One Surprised Me). As cliché as it may be, the saying “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone” is probably ringing true for a lot of people with something related to COVID-19 and the things it took away from us that we otherwise took for granted. For me, that is human interaction. Though it was something I often avoided for extended periods, it was not something that I was ever forced to avoid, and I have been quite thankful to be able to utilize my Zoom setup and see some familiar faces every couple of weeks.
5. Society Still Makes Me Sad. Despite everything I have just written, my core reasons for being a hermit have definitely been reinforced during these stand down periods. Though so many people have come together for the greater good of society, so many have not. I’m a realist, and I believe the new polarizes any instances they know would upset us (for me, the “COVID is a hoax” folk), but nonetheless, the failures and seeming short attention spans of a lot of the nation are, indeed, the reasons for a continued rise in cases and I just wish we could all make this an “us against COVID” situation instead of a left and right issue like so many issues in our country have come to be.
Sarah Daren has been a consultant for startups in industries including health and wellness, wearable technology, and education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life, including her position as a yoga instructor and raising her children. Sarah enjoys watching baseball and reading on the beach.
Anyone with curly hair knows that it requires lots of love, attention and a special hair cut! If you’re looking to whip your waves into place for the summer season, then a quick scroll through this list is a must. We’ve rounded up the best haircuts and hairstyles for curly hair that will take your locks from drab to fab, just in time to battle the next heat wave.
Haircuts
Curly Crop
Just because you have wavy locks doesn't mean you have to keep them long. Get to a skilled stylist to crop your curls so that they lay right, without excess bulk. Invest in some great product and rock you cute curly 'do with this amazingly adorable short curly hairstyle.
Medium length styles are beyond versatile. Long enough for braids and pony's, but short enough to not feel overwhelming, have your stylist give a textured cut that adds volume without the frizz.
Want to keep your luxurious locks long? Get some face-framing layers to help take out bulk and show the world the curls you've got! This long curly hairstyle is timeless and easy to wear down or twist into a top knot (aka, the mom bun).
Big Body
iStock
Why battle the bulge when you can rock your curly hair with some big body? Whether you have loose waves or tight curls, embrace the fullness and accessories with scarves and headbands to complete your look.
Curly-haired folk have missed out on many a bang style over the decades, but not anymore! If you have tight spiral curls, there's absolutely no reason not to flash your fringe. Go for a manageable length and go out with a bang.
Enjoy your waves but keep them out of your face with this half-up mini twist style. Grab your top layer of hair, do a simple twist then just pin with bobby pins! This style works great for an everyday look or even a night out.
Dress up this uncomplicated braid with a headband for the perfect look for any day. We love the simple, side swept look with framing layers and the added bonus of a cute hair accessory! Curly or straight, this look is for everyone.
Pony tails are classic for a reason: they look great on everyone and can be dressed up or down! When it comes to controlling your waves, a low pony plus a cute head scarf makes this look appear a little more pulled together and great for day or night.
Want to dress up? This half braid is great for keeping hair off your face, while still putting your curls on display. If you're talented in braiding, give this sophisticated look a try!
Holy curls, batman! Let your curls do their thang with this simple style that packs a punch. Rather than wrapping all your hair into a smooth bun, let some hang out in all their glory.
When kiddo is sick you’ll do anything to make them feel better. But do so-called “folk remedies” actually work?
A few years ago, San Diego mom Debbie Vigan posted her unusual cold cure on Facebook, namely, putting sliced potatoes in her son’s socks as he slept. After a night sleeping with potato socks, her son had stopped coughing and his runny nose dried up. While Vigan mentioned she “saw an article” touting the cough and cold home remedy, she didn’t include her source—but the idea isn’t entirely out of left field.
According to Healthline, putting onions in your socks is an old folk remedy for kicking the common cold or flu to the curb. While it might smell awful, the reasoning behind this trick comes from several different sources. In the 14th century, people believed onions could ward off the Black Plague.
But why stick onions or potatoes in your socks? According to Chinese reflexology—an ancient form of complementary medicine—the feet are covered in “access points” that connect to all other areas of your body, via your qi, or life force energy. Basically, treat the feet to treat the whole body.
Western medicine and science have shown that sulphuric compounds in onions have the ability to kill bacteria and viruses—but only when ingested, and in very limited studies. There isn’t data to back those results you apply those same onion compounds externally to your skin, as myth-busting website Snopes notes. When it comes down to it, there’s no solid scientific evidence that onions on your feet can cure a cold. Then again, there’s also no evidence that they don’t, either.
Ditto all of the above for potatoes.
Please note, we don’t advocate using this remedy in place of consulting a medical professional when your child is ill.
Time for a screen break? Then head over to Audible.com! The Amazon company is now instantly streaming tons of stories just for kids.
The free service includes titles in six languages, ranging from little listeners to teens. Kids can pick from Audible originals, literary classics like Winnie the Pooh, folk tales and more.
photo: Courtesy of Amazon
Every story is free to stream and can be listened to on a tablet, phone, laptop or desktop computer. All you need to do is use your device and head to Audible, click on your story and press play!
Enjoy stories in English, Spanish, Italian, German, French and Japanese.
If you’ve ever wondered what the most popular Disney movie in the United States was, well you’re in luck. CableTV.com’s team of analysts looked at the Disney data and determined the country’s favoritest of the faves. So what did CableTV.com uncover? The Lion King is the number one Disney flick in America, ranking at the top of the list in a whopping 16 states.
Here are how some of the other top-ranking Disney films across the United States. Which Disney movie does your state claim as the best?
The Lion King (1994) was a clear favorite among 16 different states and not limited to one specific region of the country, either. The story of Simba's coming-of-age tale-meets-Hamlet clearly has broad appeal across the United States. Here's where The Lion King reigns supreme: Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Wisconsin.
Each state where Bambi was the most popular Disney film makes total sense, as each has sweeping meadows and beautiful landscapes where fawns like Bambi are a common sight. Folks in the five states of Alaska, Maryland, Montana, Oklahoma and Virginia are absolutely twitterpated for Bambi (1942).
It makes sense that a place like Florida would have The Little Mermaid (1989)as its favorite Disney flick, but even dry desert states like Arizona, Nevada and Texas have a longing for what's under the sea, too.
Kentucky, Massachusetts and Washington must really love their honey and one silly ol' bear, where The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh seems to be these states' favorite Disney flick.
There's something about Aladdin (1992) that the coastal states of California and New Jersey can't get enough of—perhaps it's the flying carpets, Robin Williams as the Genie, the allure of "Prince Ali" (a.k.a., the best Disney song ever) or maybe just dreams of "A Whole New World."
Nine states favored films that weren't the favorites of any other state, representing a wide swath of Disney classics, both new and old, including: Arkansas(Pocahontas),Delaware (Lady and the Tramp), Hawaii(Mulan),Idaho (Sleeping Beauty), Mississippi(Fantasia),NewMexico (Alice in Wonderland), NewYork(Dumbo),Vermont (One Hundred and One Dalmatians), WestVirginia (Snow White) and Wyoming(Hercules).
Utahreally likes its Disney movies—so much that there wasn't just a two- or three-way tie for the Beehive State's favorite Disney films. Utah had a 14-way tie for the following Disney favorites: Snow White, Pinocchio, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp,Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, Robin Hood, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules and Tarzan!
—Erica Loop, with additional reporting by Keiko Zoll
As if you didn’t already loooove her laidback style (and just about everything else about the superstar actress), Drew Barrymore’s family calendar system is about to become your new BFF. This celeb mama has it down when it comes to balancing work and family life.
Um, wait. None of us really do. And just because she’s fab and famous doesn’t mean she’s got the whole working mom thing under wraps. But she does have some pretty brilliant advice for mommy-ing with a busy, busy work schedule. She’s a mom, actress, entrepreneur and so much more. Yep, Drew Barrymore has a busy schedule — and that means having to take time away from her family life to work and travel.
Barrymore posted to Instagram her tips for working moms. Even though the actress-mama may have more money and fame than any of us regular ol’ folk could imagine, that doesn’t mean she isn’t totally down to earth when it comes to finding ways to balance parenting and her job.
Barrymore starts her post by writing, “Olive has a working mom. So, I came up with a couple of systems. One is “THE CALENDAR”. It has been very successful recently.”
So what is “THE CALENDAR”? Well, Barrymore uses an old-school paper calendar—not an app, not an online version and not some sort of mobile-connected, super-confusing techy version—to circle all of her travel days. She then has her daughter, Olive, mark the days with an “X” as they end. This gives her a visual reference for how long mom is gone and when she’ll be back.
Along with “THE CALENDAR,” Barrymore makes sure that she doesn’t give her daughter a negative picture of working. She writes on IG, “I always explain to her that I love my Job. I don’t say, “I have to go to work” with a grimace on my face, because I fear it will make her feel negative about something a lot of moms must do to provide.”
We totally agree, Drew! And thanks for the awesome tips.
What’s your best piece of working mom advice? Share your tips with us in the comments below.