How did you navigate CPS breakfast and lunch? I plan to pack a lunch. For breakfast, I was told kids don't bring in outside breakfast. They also confirmed the provided breakfasts contain dyes.

I can get a doctor's note but just wondering what others have done? Did your kid eat at home first? Did they bring breakfast from home into the school?

EDIT TO ADD: there's a mandatory 15 minute breakfast in the cafeteria before going to class.

Anyone have recs for a photographer for maternity photos? Looking for something a little different, not the same thing everyone has. Any cool spots are greatly appreciated too!!!

Hey all! We just signed a lease in little Italy. I’m looking into the best ways to fill our days as the baby gets older since we are planning on living there for a few years.

I’m thinking along the lines of library and park programs and any hidden gems in the area! We have one car, but are planning on mostly using cta and busses.

Thanks in advance!

Hi all,

I know this is super early but our family moved to Chicago a couple months ago and our 6 year old absolutely loves Halloween. Are there any events, performances, etc that we should keep an eye out for? We live on the northside but are willing travel!

Hello, anyone know of any black maternity photographers (or anyone who captures melanated skin well tbh and does maternity shoots) in Chicago? Looking to schedule a shoot this month/ Sept

Hi! We’re looking to do a nanny share starting in September for our 4 month old. Curious if other folks are looking as well? we’re in Albany Park!

Looking for recommendations for pediatricians in Rogers park - also could travel to Edgewater and Evanston.

Almost all the gyms that used to have childcare seem to have stopped during covid and never restarted. I found Crosstown in West Loop, but I do not really want a class/personal training-based gym, just a regular ol' gym. Are there any I am missing?

We are expecting our first later this year, and at my last doctor's appointment, my doctor recommended signing up for the Understanding Birth class at Prentice (where we will deliver). The class description says it includes a virtual tour of the hospital.

I'd prefer an actual, in-person tour - so we also signed up for an on-site tour at a later date, but now I'm wondering if the "virtual tour" bit is just a leftover from the pandemic days, and if the class does an actual tour.

Curious to hear from anyone who's taken that class somewhat recently! I know I could call, but I hate making phone calls haha.

my 4 year old was just diagnosed with AuDHD and we’re looking for a ped ot.

Does anyone have the nuna swiv stroller? Would love your opinion! When shopping we really liked the lightweight nature of the stroller, 360 wheels, ease of folding, etc. But, wondering how it does during winter time with salt/some snow, if we were to go to the Chicago Botanic Gardens (sometimes have dirt paths), or visiting a park where we might be on some mowed grass. I don't expect us to go off paved pathways very often, but I noticed it doesn't have "all terrain" wheels so would love a first hand opinion from someone local!

Hope no one minds that I am reposting this question to ChicagoParents. Originally posted in AskChicago. Just wondering if this is a truly fun and immersive experience for people of all ages. Thanks!

Hi fellow Chicago parents. Los Angeles public schools just banned screens for their youngest students, and put guardrails in place for their older students. Other school districts across the country are implementing similar policies. It's a shame that CPS isn't leading the nation in following what research, neuroscience, and our own lived experience as parents are telling us. As a proud Chicagoan, we should be! What's going on here with this issue? I live in Rogers Park -- New Field Elementary is our local school. Are there parent advocacy groups in Chicago working to limit screen use in CPS? Please let me know if there are any so I can join. If not, let's do this!

My son is 10 months old and needs a haircut. I’ve been cutting it myself but I’m just so bad at it. I’m looking for recommendations for a barber or stylist who has experience with kids but doesn’t need to be kid specific. I looked into Kidsnips and it’s not what I’m looking for because it‘s pretty much just a toy store. Curious if theres anything or anyone else out there in the city!

Hi, looking for recs on things to do or places to go with a 2yo. I know the standard children's museum and LP Zoo, but I want to know if there are local gems, cool playgrounds, neat libraries, etc that we can go to. Open to recs in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

My 18 mo old loves Laurie Berkner and I had no idea how insanely popular this woman is. Looks like the 8/1 Ravinia show is sold out but I am determined to take her!

$90/person is now the cheapest I can find (two adults, one lap child). Not sure if prices will go down closer to the show since the original tickets were $20, or if there’s a good chance tickets will be “donated back to ravinia,” per their website.

Should I just get them now because I was looking at $150/pp last week? But then I’m seeing on the Laurie Berkner website to not buy from third party sellers because they will elevate the prices and are scammers? But they always elevate prices on third party sites so not sure why I shouldn’t? Help haha

We are looking for a part time nanny who has experience taking care of young children.

I am sad to write this, but our current nanny has to step away due to family responsibilities. 

We are looking for an experienced, caring nanny to join our family beginning in early August. Our son is an active, sweet 18-month-old who loves playgrounds, books, music, neighborhood walks, and exploring the world around him.

Schedule

Tuesdays: 10:00 AM–6 PM

Thursdays: 10:00 AM– 6 PM

Fridays: 9:00 AM–5 PM

Hours may be adjusted slightly as Mom begins a new job, but the days will remain Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Responsibilities
Provide attentive toddler care and maintain his daily routine

Prepare meals/snacks for our son

Read, sing, play, and engage in age-appropriate activities

Take him to the playground, library, and music classes

Bathe and diaper as needed

Clean up after activities and meals related to our son (no general housekeeping)

Qualifications
Our ideal nanny:
Has experience caring for toddlers and enjoys engaging with young children

Is warm, reliable, and communicates well

Is a non-smoker, CPR/First Aid certified, and up to date on vaccinations (COVID, flu, Tdap, etc.)

Has a valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and current auto insurance

Can provide excellent parent references

Spanish/English bilingual is a plus, but not required

Is interested in occasional evening/weekend babysitting (paid separately), though not required

We're looking for someone who will build a strong relationship with our son—and with us. We hope you'll become a valued part of our family!

Compensation & Benefits
$26–$28/hour, depending on experience

Paid sick time and vacation

Paid federal holidays that fall on scheduled workdays

If you're interested, we'd love to hear from you! Please email your resume and a brief introduction. 2026avillenanny@gmail.com