Most parents I meet these days worry about what their kids do online. After all, it can be hard to know what they’re absorbing from their media interactions. The good news is that online experiences can help kids learn conversation skills, strengthen their decision-making abilities and much more. However, they do need guidance from parents and caregivers to gain the greatest benefit (and avoid …
Category: Parenting and Family
Illinois poised to become a haven for out-of-state IVF patients amid conservative backlash
In the wake of an Alabama court ruling, there is worry among many about the future of the procedure in conservative states.
Lake County reports first measles case as Chicago outbreak rises to 17
Health officials say the case is connected to the outbreak in Chicago, which is now at 17 confirmed cases mostly concentrated in a migrant shelter on the Lower West Side.
A week before measles outbreak, less than half of CPS students without stable housing were fully immunized
Of nearly 22,000 Chicago Public Schools students without stable housing as of the end of February, less than half met all CPS immunization requirements, according to a monthly report the district provides the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. The report covers various characteristics of students in temporary living situations. Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, which provides homeless youth legal aid and other resources, provided a copy of the report Thursday, to the Tribune “If a family is experiencing homelessness because of a disaster, they might not have those documents, so they’re allowed to be enrolled without those documents being needed,” […]
Underpaid teachers and support staff among topics highlighted in annual education report
Underpaid and overworked teachers and support staff highlight 2024 State of Education report published by the Illinois Education Association.
Ask the Pediatrician: How to raise a healthy active child?
Parents and caregivers influence a child’s home environment and daily routines around mealtimes, sleep, active and screen use.
Illinois abortion providers praise Walgreens, CVS plans to carry mifepristone
As the drugstore chains Walgreens and CVS Health plan to begin dispensing the controversial abortion pill mifepristone, Illinois reproductive rights advocates praise the new means of access to the medication — which they say will improve health equity as well as help destigmatize abortion. Abortion opponents, however, have decried the move, fearing the distribution of the popular abortion medication at well-known retailers will normalize terminating a pregnancy. Dr. Amy Whitaker, chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood of Illinois, said the availability of abortion pills at drugstores with a prescription will “let people get the care they need in the way […]
City detects first case of measles in Chicago in 5 years
Chicago public health officials are investigating the first case of measles detected in the city since 2019, according to a Thursday announcement.
After loss of tax credit money, anonymous donors help Catholic school in Cicero stay open
Contributions from anonymous donors Big Shoulders Fund allows St. Frances of Rome school in Cicero to remain open despite sunset of tax credit scholarships.
Ask the Pediatrician: What household chores are appropriate for children and teens?
Young children are naturally eager helpers. Take advantage of this and develop a culture of teamwork in your home. Most preschool age kids can start pitching in with some simple household tasks. This teaches them life skills and how to cooperate with a group (in this case, your family).