Cultivate Resilience: How to Raise a Hopeful Child

For many of us, the importance of hope in our lives has never been as evident as it is now. The events of the past year and a half have shown us how important hope is to cultivate resilience and keep us afloat in a world pummeled by the waves of instability. 

But what is hope, exactly?

According to a definition developed in the 1990s, hope consists of three things: a goal; at least one path to achieving that goal; and the belief that one is capable of following that path to success.

As a parent, you’d like your children to grow up hopeful, well-adjusted, and resilient. Here are three ways to help them do that.

Cultivate independence

To give your child hope in hard times, you have to teach them to find and take those pathways to success in times of trouble. This requires independence, which in turn requires practice being independent. So give your child that opportunity. Whenever possible, resist the urge to tell your child what to do in a difficult situation. Instead, provide guidance, and then let them figure it out. 

Foster self-confidence

A self-confident child is one who has faith in their self, their abilities, and their decisions. Again, this requires practice. To foster self-confidence, let your child make personal choices, such as choosing what clothing to wear. But you can also solicit their input in larger family decisions, such as where to go on vacation or how to cheer up an ailing relative. Demonstrating that you trust your child’s judgment will help them realize that they can trust it, too.

Provide a soft landing spot

Everyone messes up, and so will your child. Make sure they know that your love for them doesn’t waver. Provide a soft, but firm foundation for them to fall on when things are difficult. A child who grows up in a supportive, forgiving home is well positioned to be independent, hopeful and resilient.

Raising a hopeful child doesn’t happen by accident, but it is a byproduct of a healthy and supportive home life. By giving your child the agency to make mistakes, faith in their own decisions, and a safe place to fail, you will cultivate resilience and set them up to be a hopeful adult, ready to weather any trials the world may throw at them.

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Post-Baby Connection: Stay Connected After the Baby Arrives

Whether you’re expecting, or your bundle of joy has already arrived, there’s no question that life changes in a big way when you become parents. It can be tempting to drop everything and focus 100 percent of your energy and attention on your little one. But it’s incredibly important that you don’t do this at the expense of your spouse. In fact, a 2015 study found that couples’ awareness of each other and the relationship was one of the decisive factors in marital happiness and post-baby connection.  

The changes that happen to you–

Having a baby is a shock to a relationship. It’s a wonderful shock, yes, and it’s all worth it. But it is a shock all the same. Consider the changes that come about:

  • Sleep. You’re getting less of it. Which will make you irritable. That will inevitably affect your relationship.
  • Those spur-of-the-moment trips? Your weekly bar night with friends? Your sports league? You may still be able to do those things sometimes, but life is going to get in the way a lot more often now. Your time is no longer your own.

The changes you can make–

It’s crucial that, as you adjust to the rhythms of parenthood, you also establish new rhythms of couplehood. Here are a few ideas:

  1. Practice self-care and give your partner time to do the same. Taking care of yourselves in whatever manner you choose will help you give more to your baby and to your relationship.
  2. Check in with your partner regularly. Assess your personal states of mind as well as the state of the relationship. If someone needs a break, make sure they get it. Proactively managing your stress levels will help ensure no one gets overwhelmed.
  3. Get out of the house. If you’ve got a trusted sitter, go out to dinner, or just grab a cup of takeaway coffee and go for a walk. If you don’t have help, make a note to find some, and take the babe with you for the time being. 

The new days of parenthood are sweet and fleeting. Enjoy them. But tend to your relationship too, and it will survive even the toughest obstacles and maintain your post-baby connection with your spouse.

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Four Benefits of Homeschooling Your Child

The pandemic caused a global upheaval like the world has never known, and education was among the many areas of life that saw huge, game-changing shifts. The sudden switch to e-learning caused massive disruption in school districts that lacked the infrastructure to successfully navigate the change. And as a result, the number of families switching to homeschooling their children in the United States rose dramatically.

In fact, that number more than tripled in the fall of 2020, with more than 11% of families choosing to homeschool, up from about 3.3% pre-pandemic. 

For some, this was a triage option only during e-learning. But even as schools make plans to reopen, uncertainty abounds, and it’s likely that the surge in homeschooling will continue. The state of your school district may have you considering an option you’d previously discounted. If you are on the fence about homeschooling, read on to learn about the benefits of homeschooling. 

Academic success:

Homeschoolers do better academically than their public schooled peers: their test scores are higher, and 10% more of them graduate college. Learning at home allows the children to learn at their own pace with 1:1 attention. They aren’t bound by the needs of 24 other students in a classroom.

Emotional health:

With bullying made more ruthless by the rise of social media, this concern is more relevant than ever. The emotional scars from intense bullying can negatively affect a child for life. With homeschooling, children can grow into their confidence before experiencing any bullying that can happen in school.

Independent thinking:

A child raised away from environments of peer pressure is better equipped to think for their self. This level of independent thinking allows them to better stand up for their self. 

Family togetherness:

Homeschooled siblings spend a lot more time together. This helps them form a bond that just can’t be replicated if they’re in different classes in school all day. Families have freedom to take vacations or participate in activities whenever they want. The don’t have to squeeze them in on days off. Many homeschooling families choose to continue homeschooling just to preserve this type of freedom.

Homeschooling isn’t for everyone, but maybe it’s for you. If these benefits have piqued your interest, give it a try. You might find you never want to go back.

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Three Things to Discuss Before Having Kids

If you want to have children, chances are you have already discussed this with your spouse. That’s important. For many people, having kids—or not having kids—is a relationship deal-breaker. But when your first bundle of joy arrives, so do brand-new friction points that can stress your relationship. This is completely normal—having a child is a huge, life-changing event that requires adjustment. And it’s definitely not possible to discuss everything with your spouse before the baby is born. But if you can get on the same page with your partner in a few key places, you’ll enter parenthood with a better idea of what to expect, and be better equipped to weather the inevitable storms that will come. Prepare by agreeing on a few different topics before having kids. Three big ones are reviewed here. 

Medical philosophy

Depending on your mindset, the topic of vaccines for your baby can be polarizing. But whether you choose to vaccinate on schedule or go another route, you should definitely make sure you and your spouse are in agreement before your baby is born. In those early days, the shot schedule is fast and furious, so having a plan in place will help reduce friction and stress.

Co-sleeping

Some parents prefer to co-sleep with their children for years. This can be easier for mom if she’s nursing and provide a sense of closeness that the whole family enjoys. But it can also disrupt sleep and cause fathers to feel distant from their partners. Like many aspects of parenting, co-sleeping is something that you can’t truly form an opinion on until baby comes. But it’s still a good idea to have some idea of how you and your partner feel about it before you become parents.

Discipline

I know. You’re wondering why we’re talking about discipline for a newborn who can’t do anything independently except cry and poop. But that tiny tot won’t stay tiny forever. At some point you will find yourself having to set boundaries, and mete out the consequences when your child crosses them. Discuss appropriate forms of discipline with your spouse to get an idea of where you each stand.

You can’t plan for everything, and nowhere is that more true than when it comes to having kids. Above all, parenting teaches us to be flexible. But taking the time to discuss key aspects of child-rearing with your spouse before having kids is never a bad idea. It will help you find common ground, and you will likely become closer in the process.

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Adulting: Three Little Habits that Have a Big Impact

After years in the nest, setting out on your own is exhilarating—and maybe a little daunting. Sometimes it can take years to feel as adult as you appear on the outside. Whether you’re 21, 25, in your thirties (or older!), you still may not feel as though you’ve got everything figured out. That’s ok. It’s normal. And most of us feel that way at some time or another. But there are some effective, and simple, ways to take the reins and feel like you’re in control of your life. These are habits that are useful for all of us, no matter what stage we’re in. But they are particularly relevant in that transitory period after you’ve completed your education and are ready to set out on your own. Here are three little habits that have a big impact:

Live within your means

When you are finally making a living for yourself, especially if you’ve been a poor student in the recent past, it can be so tempting to go nuts spending money. You earned it, and you’re in charge now. But it’s crucial to make sure you’re not spending more than you make. It’s also important to make a habit of saving. 

Some sources say you should save 20% of your after-tax income. If you can’t, commit to a smaller amount that you can put away each month. When an emergency hits, you’ll be glad you have a nest egg. And you’ll be more confident in your ability to weather life’s ups and downs when you have a safety cushion. 

Pull yourself together

You don’t have to put on a suit, or full makeup and heels, but you do need to groom yourself and get dressed. Every day. If you’re a recent college graduate, maybe you have been used to going to class in your sweats. Pandemic Zoom life also got everyone comfortable being a little sloppier than normal. But pulling yourself together on the outside helps you feel put-together on the inside. It’s a habit that’s worth cultivating.

Get enough sleep

This is easy for some people and really dang difficult for others. You know which you are. If you’re still staying up late just because there’s no one around to tell you to go to sleep, stop. There are tons of benefits to getting enough sleep, including better productivity, minimizing health risks like heart disease and diabetes, staving off depression, and improving your immunity, just for starters. Plus, you just feel better when you’re well rested. That episode can wait until tomorrow night, so go to bed!

 

These three little habits are small, but they have a big impact that extends into other areas of your life. Pick one and start working on it today. You won’t regret it.

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Fixer Upper: 4 Easy Home Improvement Projects

Summer is upon us, pandemic restrictions have eased, and hopefully you will find yourself with a little free time on your hands. But summer isn’t just a great time to enjoy being outside. The more relaxed pace makes this season a good time to tackle small home improvement projects around the house that can have a big impact.

From improving an unsightly corner of your home to upgrading a room, here are four ideas for easy summer projects that will invigorate and inspire you to flex your DIY muscle.

Give your half bath a facelift.

Changing the whole look of your guest bathroom can be as easy as replacing the mirror with a statement piece and adding a rug or new hand towels. If you’re willing to put in a little more work, consider a new paint job. Half bathrooms are typically small enough that it doesn’t take long—or much paint—to repaint the whole thing. The small wall area also means that you can experiment with bolder colors than you’d choose for a larger room. Try a deep copper or a vivid plum—or create a statement wall with stencils or wallpaper.

Reorganize a closet.

Warning: This project is addictive. Once you’ve redone one closet, you may want to do all of them. Making over a closet can be as simple as purging items you no longer need and reorganizing the ones you choose to keep. Or you can remove closet doors, install new hardware or turn an unused storage space into a fun office or reading nook.

Create a mudroom.

The entry of a house or apartment can be the hardest area to keep organized. You can help bring order to this space—and the rest of your home—with some clever organizational wizardry. Try removable self-adhesive hooks on a wall near your front door, with a boot tray or small shoe rack underneath. Having a place to keep your stuff will motivate you to put it away, and make it easier to find when you are trying to get out the door in a hurry.

Organize a collection.

Whether we’re talking purses, baseball caps, scarves, or ties, it can be difficult to keep a collection of items organized. If space is at a premium, try displaying them as art in a hallway. Or utilize the underused space on the back of a bedroom door. You can store purses or belts in a repurposed wall file organizer, or install decorative hooks for scarves and hats. Best yet, collect it all for donation!

A home improvement project like one of these is the perfect summer pastime. Happy DIYing!

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Music Festivals & Architecture: Check Out Chicago this September!

As the weather starts to cool down, new events are coming to the Chicago area! Live music festivals in local parks, house music showcases, and architecture exhibits allow for plenty of ways to find fun in the city. As such, many of these events are taking place in safe, considerate spaces that have your health in mind. Many of them are even outside! As Fall rolls in, take a look at some of the awesome upcoming events in the area.

Enjoy Some Music

first, from August 19th – September 19th, Chicago In Tune is bringing music all around the Chicago area for the 2021 Year of Chicago Music. As part of this event, DCASE is presenting new and revolutionized programs in Millennium Park. There are four planned evenings from 5:30 to 8:30pm at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. They are themed around honoring music that has its roots in Chicago. These dates are:

  • 9/03/2021 – Gospel
  • 9/04/2021 – Jazz
  • 9/11/2021 – House
  • 9/18/2021 – Blues

Looking for more Jazz beyond the DCASE programs? Similarly to last year, take a look at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival! From Sept. 25-26, enjoy artists such as Corey Wilkes’ Improvised Soul Projekt featuring Megan McNeal & Kahil El Zabar, John Wojciechowski Quartet featuring Xavier Davis, Tomeka Reid & Regina Carter, and Isaiah Collier’s 3-6 Project featuring JD Allen. Visit the Hyde Park Jazz Festival website to see more information as it is announced! 

Are you maybe more of a House fan? House City is a 10-part event series that has been running throughout the summer celebrating the neighborhoods that helped create the House music genre more than 35 years ago. In September, they have two events:

  • 9/12/2021 – South Shore, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm – DJs Torin Edmond, Rae Chardonnay, and DK Kobe One Kenobi
  • 9/19/2021 – Bronzeville, 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm – DJs Mike Dunn, Daryll Mellowman, and JStar

Learn about Local Architects

Live music festivals may not be your thing, but maybe try a day in Chicago’s architecture! In 2021, the famous Chicago architect and style icon Helmut Jahn passed away. He collected almost every architectural award during his career and challenged modernist orthodoxy. Some of his buildings that you may be familiar with include the Michigan City Public Library, the James R. Thompson Center, and the Sony Center in Berlin. The Chicago Architecture Center is holding an exhibit with photography, models, and sketches to help us learn more about this innovator’s creative and engineering processes. From the United Terminal at O’Hare to the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, Helmut Jahn’s work is provocative and adventurous. 

Overall, music festivals and architecture are not hard to find in Chicago. However, if they both are not interesting to you, then stay tuned for more events! Meanwhile, please continue to stay safe while stepping out! To stay updated on the latest and most accurate information related to COVID-19, please refer to https://www.cdc.gov/

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August Arts & Music: Frida to Latin Pop

August brings the end of events like the El Jolgorio de Salsa y Más and Grant Park Music Festival. However, it also signals the beginning of many new events! In the arts and music industries, events are popping up around the city. Most events still have safety precautions in place. Therefore, you can feel safe and comfortable while listening to live music or going to a local market. We have gathered our highly anticipated events for August so that you can find the perfect event for the end of the Summer. From Frida to Latin Pop, look below for our suggestions for the month!

Visit the Chinatown Summer Fair

Start off the month by visiting the Chinatown Summer Fair either July 31st or August 1st. This highly anticipated fair includes a traditional lion dance procession, Asian performances, and kung fu demonstrations. Additionally, it hosts a children’s area and vendors from Chinatown’s restaurants to local arts merchandise. This fair showcases a stunning variety of Asian cultures and traditions. Enjoy the rich food, music, and artistry from Chicago’s Chinatown and learn a little bit more about this historical neighborhood.

View an Art Show

August brings a handful of new art shows to the area. If you are okay with heading out to the suburbs, the MAC (McAninch Arts Center) is featuring 26 original pieces of Frida Kahlo along with an immersive exhibit in Frida Kahlo: Timeless. The exhibit includes a multimedia timeline with reproductions of Kahlo’s clothing and over 100 photos from their life. Additionally, it hosts a children’s area and a Frida Kahlo-inspired garden by Ball Horticultural. You can get untimed tickets for $40 and timed tickets for $23.

Check out the Art Institute

If you are looking for something closer to home, consider the new installation at the Art Institute. During the first half of the month, the Art Institute of Chicago is showing The Obama Portraits, which brings the acclaimed pieces of Kehinde Wiley’s painting of President Barack Obama and Amy Sherald’s portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama. Chicago was the longtime home of the Obama family. Thus, the Art Institute and Chicago itself share a special history with the former presidential family. Additionally, the painters were the first African Americans commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery to make official presidential portraits.

See Live Latin American Music

Showing from August 20th-22nd, see Ruido Fest, a celebration of Latin American music from the rock genre to pop at Union Park! The headliners this year include: Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, which is an Argentine ska band from Buenos Aires; Pantheón Rococó, a Mexican ska band from Mexico City; and Café Tacvba, an alternative band from Ciudad Satélite, Mexico. There will be over a dozen food vendors there with varied fare for festival goers as well. Additional sanitizing will be in effect, and they will continue to follow the state guidelines for that time. They may require proof of vaccination or proof of a recent negative test. 

 

Stay safe socializing with friends! To stay updated on the latest and most accurate information related to COVID-19, please refer to https://www.cdc.gov/

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Jane Goodall to Jazz: July Events in Chicago this Summer

As vaccinations continue to climb, we continue to see event spaces opening up. There are many new and fun ways you can spend your social nights now. There are many spaces starting up consistent shows again, right in time for the music festivals so popular around this time of year. These spaces are consistently conscious of attendee safety, meaning you can go out without too much stress. Whether you’re itching for live music or wanting to nerd out at an arboretum, we have events for you and your date! From Jane Goodall to Jazz, July events in Chicago this summer are off to a great start!

Enjoy Outdoor Live Music

Grant Park Music Festival

Grant Park Music Festival is going forward this year with an impressive line up throughout the summer including the New World Symphony, the William Tell Overture, Grieg Piano Concerto, and Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun. Along with the many shows, there are a ton of family-oriented events like Carnival of the Animals and Classic Broadway. Of course, masks will be required unless eating or drinking, and all seats within the seating bowl are free of charge. The Great Lawn has also been modified to allow for “pods” for groups of 2 to 6! 

Lollapalooza

Lollapalooza is also back, including headliners like the Foo Fighters, Post Malone, Tyler the Creator, Miley Cyrics, DaBaby, and Megan Thee Stallion. The event will take place from July 29th-August 1st in Grant Park. In accordance with local public health guidance, attendees must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results to attend. 

MCA’s Anna & John Kern Terrace Garden

For a smaller venue, MCA’s Anna and John Kern Terrace Garden is opening up to free music focusing on Chicago’s jazz community. This event will be outdoors and will require masks unless seated in your socially-distanced spots. Food and beverages will be available through the upper part of the terrace, making this a great dinner and drinks date spot! A few upcoming shows include acts such as Edwin Sanchez and Papo Santiago, Twin Talk, Junius Paul/Tomeka Reid Duo, and The Fred Anderson Legacy Band featuring Tatsu Aoki. While advanced free tickets are claimed, sign up for their waiting lists and join their mailing list as they expect the potential for more tickets to be available!

Check Out some Science-Themed Events

The Field Museum

Looking for an event to nerd out about? There are a few awesome science-related exhibits throughout the Chicago area that are currently running! One we suggest is Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall at the Field Museum. This event runs through September 6th, and details Jane’s inspiring life and experiences. You will get to interact with features such as a projection of Dr. Goodall, who shares memories in a biographical format; augmented reality interactive activities; and a projection of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park complete with virtual chimpanzees.

https://www.fieldmuseum.org/exhibitions/becoming-jane-evolution-dr-jane-goodall

The Morton Arboretum

Looking for something outdoors? Check out The Morton Arboretum’s Human+Nature exhibit. The artist Daniel Popper shows his 15 to 26-foot-tall sculptures beautifully set in the landscape, inspiring attendees to rethink their relationship to nature and trees.

 

Stay safe socializing with friends! To stay updated on the latest and most accurate information related to COVID-19, please refer to https://www.cdc.gov/

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Going Maskless: Comfortable Ways to Start Socializing Again

With the CDC and certain states allowing for safe gatherings of vaccinated individuals, people are excited to get out and see their loved ones and friends again. Along with this buzzing sense of energy to be out and have fun is a little bit of underlying anxiety for many of us. While we want to get out and spend time, the idea of going maskless can still be a little intimidating. It is totally understandable after a full year of getting used to it as part of our routines! We have come up with a list of ways you can hang out with your friends in a way that feels natural and comfortable as we transition slowly back into more normal social outings.

Picnics and Parks

One of the most comfortable ways to hang out as we adapt to maskless socializing is to do so outside. This feels much more natural to many of us as many states didn’t mandate outdoor masking when not in close proximity to others. One suggestion is that you can plan a potluck-style picnic where everyone brings fun treats to share. Alternatively, just a nice long walk through a park while catching up can be extremely relaxing and fun!

Takeout or Delivery at Home

Looking to do something a little more personal? If your friends are vaccinated and comfortable, you can invite them over to your home and do delivery or takeout. This can take away the stress of reserving a table at a busy restaurant. You can set up a fun hangout plan like a movie or board game night while enjoying professionally cooked food with friends. If you are more interested in going out, many restaurants are still keeping social distancing and indoor masking in effect. This will keep you and your pod comfortable while eating at your favorite locations!

Check Out Local Events

Once you have a group that you are comfortable going out with, it is time to check out local events! There are many safe and exciting events you can attend, and more are bound to appear as things open up. For example, this summer there is the “Behold, Be Held” exhibition at The Block Museum’s first-ever outdoor showing that celebrates human intimacy, touch, and self-care in Chicago. Many craft markets and farmers’ markets are starting to open up, providing comfortable and exciting shopping opportunities with friends. Look around in your area to see what may be popping up there!

Regardless of what you and your group chooses to do, make sure to consider everyone’s different levels of comfort. It will take some people longer than others to acclimate back to normal. Make sure to create space for them to transition at their own pace! They will appreciate the support and care.

Stay safe as you start to socialize again! To stay updated on the latest and most accurate information related to COVID-19, please refer to https://www.cdc.gov/

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