'Being Middle': New book gives middle children their moment to shine | ChicagoNOW
Middle children, often stuck between the overachieving oldest and the youngest, don't always get the spotlight. But that's about to change. National Middle Child Day is on August 12, and a new children's book called Being Middle is shining a light on the lovable middle kid. Here to talk about it are author Lori Orlinsky and the real-life inspiration behind the story, her daughter Ellie.
Middle children, often stuck between the overachieving oldest and the youngest, don't always get the spotlight. But that's about to change. National Middle Child Day is on August 12, and a new children's book called Being Middle is shining a light on the lovable middle kid. Here to talk about it are author Lori Orlinsky and the real-life inspiration behind the story, her daughter Ellie.
'Trump accounts' for newborns could grow to $1.9M, Treasury says
Even without additional contributions beyond the initial $1K deposit, the Treasury estimates the account could grow to $13,800 in 18 years.
Even without additional contributions beyond the initial $1K deposit, the Treasury estimates the account could grow to $13,800 in 18 years.
Should you talk to babies like adults? A development expert explains | ChicagoNOW
There's a "momfluencer" on TikTok named Alex Bennett who talks to her baby like an adult. It's gone viral, and it's very cute. So we wanted to know, is this good for the baby? Or is there a reason there's "baby talk?" Michigan State Professor Dr. Claire Vallotton explains the best way to talk to a baby.
There's a "momfluencer" on TikTok named Alex Bennett who talks to her baby like an adult. It's gone viral, and it's very cute. So we wanted to know, is this good for the baby? Or is there a reason there's "baby talk?" Michigan State Professor Dr. Claire Vallotton explains the best way to talk to a baby.
CDC: US fertility rate dropped to all-time low in 2024
The fertility rate has been sliding in America for close to two decades as women wait longer to have kids or choose not to have them at all.
The fertility rate has been sliding in America for close to two decades as women wait longer to have kids or choose not to have them at all.
Nearly two-thirds of parents say they’ve gone into debt for summer camp or activities
Summer child care is breaking the bank. A new survey reveals how much parents are spending to keep their kids busy during the break.
Summer child care is breaking the bank. A new survey reveals how much parents are spending to keep their kids busy during the break.
Viral 'Daddy Strolls' give Chicago fathers space to share wins and struggles
A Chicago dad founded the Daddy Victory Club to give fathers — especially Black dads — a supportive space to share parenting challenges, celebrate small wins, and connect through viral “Daddy Strolls."
A Chicago dad founded the Daddy Victory Club to give fathers — especially Black dads — a supportive space to share parenting challenges, celebrate small wins, and connect through viral “Daddy Strolls."
Wonder Bubbles and Foam Fun Fest at Oak Park children's museum
It's a fun activities for kids and families, the Wonder Bubbles and Foam Fun Fest at the Wonder Works Children's Museum out in Oak Park.
It's a fun activities for kids and families, the Wonder Bubbles and Foam Fun Fest at the Wonder Works Children's Museum out in Oak Park.
Poll shows most Americans feel child care costs are a 'major problem'
Most Americans agree child care costs are a major issue in the U.S., but they don’t agree on how to fix it.
Most Americans agree child care costs are a major issue in the U.S., but they don’t agree on how to fix it.
5 unique travel destinations that go beyond the all-inclusive honeymoon
Emmy-winning travel host Alle Pierce shares her top five off-the-beaten-path getaways for couples?and anyone craving a one-of-a-kind escape.
Emmy-winning travel host Alle Pierce shares her top five off-the-beaten-path getaways for couples?and anyone craving a one-of-a-kind escape.
Indiana family's cat found alive days after devastating fire
It's a story of survival. A cat survived a devastating fire to make it back to its family in Indiana.
It's a story of survival. A cat survived a devastating fire to make it back to its family in Indiana.
Child care costs are highest in these states, study finds
The steep cost of child care in America is weighing on parents all over the country, but those in these particular states were found to feel the pinch the most.
The steep cost of child care in America is weighing on parents all over the country, but those in these particular states were found to feel the pinch the most.
Biggest baby name trends of 2025 revealed
From luxury brands to bird names and ‘90s nostalgia, BabyCenter is revealing 2025’s top baby name trends based on real-time data from parents.
From luxury brands to bird names and ‘90s nostalgia, BabyCenter is revealing 2025’s top baby name trends based on real-time data from parents.
Lurie Children's encouraging skin-to-skin contact for ICU babies
Holding a newborn close is a cherished part of early parenthood—but for parents of babies with heart defects, that moment is often filled with hesitation. A new campaign at Lurie Children's is trying to change that.
Holding a newborn close is a cherished part of early parenthood—but for parents of babies with heart defects, that moment is often filled with hesitation. A new campaign at Lurie Children's is trying to change that.
These are the best cities to raise a family in 2025, study finds
A new study has listed the best cities for raising a family based on metrics including cost of housing, quality of local schools and opportunities for fun.
A new study has listed the best cities for raising a family based on metrics including cost of housing, quality of local schools and opportunities for fun.
Lessons for all parents from a mom with disabilities
Parenting can feel overwhelming, especially when there's the constant pressure to do it all. Jessica Slice is redefining what strength and success look like in parenting.
Parenting can feel overwhelming, especially when there's the constant pressure to do it all. Jessica Slice is redefining what strength and success look like in parenting.
When to stand firm or let kids skip out on plans
Being a parent has its ups and downs, and one of those downs are the tantrums young kids can throw when they don't want to go somewhere. But they're not thinking of the money you spent to get them there, so when do you put your foot down, and when do you let them skep out?
Being a parent has its ups and downs, and one of those downs are the tantrums young kids can throw when they don't want to go somewhere. But they're not thinking of the money you spent to get them there, so when do you put your foot down, and when do you let them skep out?
'She just lit up': Baby born deaf hears parents for 1st time after cochlear implants
A Massachusetts couple is celebrating after their 10-month-old daughter, Charlie, who was born deaf due to Usher syndrome, heard for the first time thanks to cochlear implants.
A Massachusetts couple is celebrating after their 10-month-old daughter, Charlie, who was born deaf due to Usher syndrome, heard for the first time thanks to cochlear implants.
Tips for unlocking chaos-free mornings with your children
We are talking about how to unlock the elusive chaos-free morning. Rachael Fritz with Parenting on Mars has just released a formula to help parents get there.
We are talking about how to unlock the elusive chaos-free morning. Rachael Fritz with Parenting on Mars has just released a formula to help parents get there.
These baby names are at risk of going extinct in 2025
BabyCenter's new report shows a large decline in certain names. The list includes royal names, along with ‘80s and ‘90s names.
BabyCenter's new report shows a large decline in certain names. The list includes royal names, along with ‘80s and ‘90s names.
South Shore couple rings in 2025 as Cook County's first newlyweds
A South Shore couple were the first lovebirds to tie the knot in Cook County this year.
A South Shore couple were the first lovebirds to tie the knot in Cook County this year.