This 11-Year-Old Is the First African-American to Dance the Lead Role in “The Nutcracker”

by Erica LoopDecember 3, 2019

Charlotte Nebres was only six when acclaimed dancer Misty Copeland became American Ballet Theatre’s first female African-American principal. Now Nebres is making dance history too! The 11-year-old was recently cast as the first African-American Marie in New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker.

Nebres, who is a student at the School of American Ballet, is part of a larger cultural shift going on at the New York City Ballet. Not only is the 11-year-old breaking barriers, but the Ballet has also cast half-Chinese Tanner Quirk as Marie’s Prince, half-Korean/half-Greek Sophia Thomopoulos as the other Marie (the children’s roles are double-cast) and half-South Asian Kai Misra-Stone as the other Prince.

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The young dancer recently spoke to the New York Times, talking about the first time she saw Copland perform, “When I saw someone who looked like me onstage, I thought, that’s amazing. She was representing me and all the people like me.”

Charlotte’s mother opened up to the New York Times, about her daughter’s reaction after the audition, “With that poker face of hers, she said, ‘Well, I’m Marie,’ And I just thought, oh my goodness— they really did it. I couldn’t believe it.”

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Ms. Nebres also talked about her daughter’s response to finding out that she is the first African-American child cast in the role of Marie. According to the proud mom, the 11-year-old said, “Wow. That seems a little late.”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: New York City Ballet via Instagram

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The History of Mother’s Day: What You Didn’t Know About the Holiday

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyMay 7, 2019

Moms have been around since the beginning of time, so it’s no surprise that there’s a lot more to the Mother’s Day holiday than just breakfast in bed and floral bouquets (although, we love those things, too!). Show mom how much you care by impressing her with these Mother’s Day fun facts … and flowers.

Raw Pixel via unsplash

In 1872...
The first Mother's Day in the United States was suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe, who is a pacifist, suffragette, and writer of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Her goal was to have a day where mothers could come together in the name of peace.

Petal Pusher
Mother’s Day sees around one-quarter of all flowers purchased throughout the year.

M Liu via Flickr

Caller I.D.
According to the Pew Research Center, more phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year. In the United States alone, more than 122 million calls are made to moms on Mother's Day.

Give Me an 'M'
In most of the world’s languages, the word for “mother” begins with the letter M—German is "mutter," Hindi is "maji," and Lithuanian is "motina" to name a few.

Damon Smith

The Grandmother of Mother's Day
Anna Jarvis, a social activist and community organizer, founded the modern American concept of Mother’s Day in 1908. Ironically, Jarvis never married or had children.

Too Much of a Good Thing?
Soon after President Woodrow Wilson declared Mother’s Day a national holiday, it became so commercialized (like it is today) that Anna Jarvis, the holiday's creator, actually campaigned to have it rescinded.

L_Dawg2000 via Flickr

Get Carded
Roughly 65% of all greeting card sales happen during the last five days before Mother's Day. Us? Procrastinators? Noooooo.

Won't You Be My Neighbor?
You know all of those sweaters and cardigans that Mr. Rogers wore on his television show? Most of them were knitted by his real mother. Awwww!

Maddy Sager via Flickr

Medal Ceremony
After France lost more than 4% of its population in World War I, the government celebrated Mother's Day in 1920 by giving moms medals—women with five kids got a bronze medal, women with eight got silver, and those with ten or more got gold!

In Good Company
There are approximately two billion (yes, BILLION) mothers in the world.

Big Spender
Last year, the National Retail Federation estimated that shoppers would spend $23.1 billion (yes, BILLION again). That's about $180 per mama.

Gabby Cullen

Nom Nom
Mother’s Day is the most popular day of the year for people to eat out. Yep, it's even bigger than Valentine’s Day.

Grammar Police
Mother's Day is written with an apostrophe before the "s" because it was intended to honor moms individually, not collectively.

Flower Power
The Carnations, which are the go-to Mother's Day flower, do not drop their petals. Instead, they hug them to the center, just like a mom does with her kids. Swoon!

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

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Feature photo: IStock

19 Baby Name Trends That Will Take 2019 by Storm

by Keiko ZollJanuary 8, 2019

If you’re a child of the ’80s or ’90s, we bet you can remember the sea of Jennifers, Jessicas, Michaels and Christophers you grew up with. Thankfully, the decades since have seen the rise of unique baby names from which to choose.

Whether you’re looking for trendy baby names, hot new takes on popular picks or something completely different, scroll on for our roundup of the biggest baby name trends to be on the lookout for this year.

Royal Baby Names

The Royal Baby Watch is officially on as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex—that's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to us commoners across the pond—are expecting their first child together in 2019. From the birth of Prince Louis to Meghan and Harry's dreamy royal wedding and Princess Eugenie's wedding in October, 2018 was totally the Year of the Royals.

According to BabyCenter, two of these royally-inspired names increased in popularity in 2018: Louis (up 17 percent) and Meghan (up 49 percent). We bet whatever Meghan and Harry name the newest royal baby will definitely top the baby name charts by year's end. Keep an eye out for Eugenie and Jack as popular choices, too.

Nonbinary & Gender-Neutral Baby Names

Gender conformity is so last year. The new hotness? Nonbinary names that aren't typically aligned with one gender or another, says Nameberry. Parents are raising gender-neutral kids more than ever before, whether it from shopping for gender-neutral clothing or shattering gendered playtime stereotypes.

Look for gender-neutral baby names to rise in popularity this year, with names like Briar, Campbell, Drew, Finley, Journey, Justice, Laken, Max, Revel, Robin, Royal, Stevie, Story and Tyler.

Global Chic Baby Names

Nameberry predicts that 2019 will be the year of globally-inspired baby names. With the rise of inclusivity and representation of cultures and ethnicities in kids books, movies and TV shows, it only makes sense that we'd see a rise in names that hail from all four corners of the Earth. Nameberry has its sights on names like Acacius, Aroha, Cyrene, Jedda, Kiran, Lautaro, Lior, Niabi, Sena and Walken.

We have our eyes on names from popular kids' media that have made great leaps in representation over the last couple of years, such as Disney's Moana, Marvel's Into the Spiderverse new Spider-Man Miles Morales, Shuri from Black Panther or Araminta from Crazy Rich Asians.

Baby Names with Eastern Vibes

While you can work your way around the world in 80 names, Nameberry also predicts that names from Eastern religious traditions steeped with mysticism will also cast a spell on parents-to-be in 2019. Spiritual names with origins in Hindi, Sanskrit, Buddhism and even ancient Egypt are expected to trend this year, including Asherah, Bodhi, Kali, Lakshmi, Manu, Osiris, Raiden, Rama, Tanith and Zen.

Baby Names with Southern Charm

Southern-inspired baby names are definitely in vogue for 2019, BabyCenter notes. So, what's the allure? Maybe it's the kindness of Southern hospitality—or maybe it's the hope that a name inspired by Southern slow living will make for a calmer baby! Look for names full of Southern charm, such as Antonio (as in San Antonio), Austin, Carolina, Charlotte, Dallas, Georgia, Macon, Nash (think Nashville), Raleigh, Savannah and Tennessee.

(PS...Reese Witherspoon, if you're reading this—2019 is def your year to drop a Draper James baby collection.)

Muted Color Baby Names

Pastels are anything but boring and according to Nameberry, some of the hottest names of 2019 will be inspired by muted color palettes. Look for muted color names like Ash, Fawn, Grey (or Gray), Ivory, Lavender, Lilac, Mauve, Moss, Olive and Sage to grace their way into Mommy & Me classes this year.

Gemstone & Jewel Tone Baby Names

While muted pastels will be popular, so too will more vibrant complementary color names in gemstone and jewel tone colors rise in popularity in 2019, Nameberry predicts. Break out the color wheel and dial up the saturation for names like Amethyst, Emerald, Garnet, Jasper, Jet, Onyx, Opal, Peridot, Sapphire and Topaz.

Celeb Name Trends: Keeping Up with the Kiddos

Celebrity baby names are always popular every year, but the last few years have afforded us Hollywood stargazers a bounty of particularly unique celebrity baby names. Whether it's the Kardashians and the Jenners (Stormi, Chicago, True), Hollywood power couples like Chrissy Teigen and John Legend (with kiddos Luna and Miles) or George and Amal Clooney (and twins Ella and Alexander) new celeb moms like Hilary Duff (baby girl Banks) or Kate Hudson (baby Rani Rose), celeb baby names are seriously on fire right now.

Celeb Name Trends: Last Names

While celeb kids are certainly great baby name inspo, so too are their parents' names...more specifically, their last names, according to Nameberry. Try these celebrity surnames on for size in 2019: (Victoria and David) Beckham, (David) Bowie, (Duke) Ellington, (Jimmy) Hendrix, (Angelina) Jolie, (Heath) Ledger, (John) Lennon, (Annie) Lennox, (Marilyn) Monroe and (Gene) Wilder.

Trendiest Letter: Fantastic "F" Names

2019's most popular baby names are sure to be fancy, fantastic and fabulous—especially with names that start with the letter F! Nameberry predicts F-names like Faye, Felix, Fern, Finnian, Flora, Florian, Frances, Frankie, Frederick and Frost will festoon plenty of baby name shortlists this year.

Trendiest Vowel: The Ever-Unique "U"

There's nothing more unique than the letter U, especially when it comes to vowels. As Nameberry notes, there are very few baby names that start with the letter U, but that doesn't mean you can't achieve that most luxurious vowel sound with other names like Eugenie, Hugo, Jude, Juniper, Keanu, Louise, Luca, Luna, Reuben, Tallulah or True.

Trendiest Middle Names: Animals

Look no further than you local zoo if you're stumped for a middle name. Nameberry's menagerie of middle names includes everything from the cuddly to the fierce, like Bear, Falcon, Fox, Hawk, Koala, Lion, Lynx, Otter, Tiger and Wolf.

Trendiest Nicknames: Old School Boys' Names

Any new parent can tell you: it's not just about picking the perfect baby name—you have to think about nicknames, too. But even nicknames can be their own baby name inspo, and according to Nameberry, old-school boys' nicknames are making a comeback as first names.

Get ready for a new generation of Little Rascals with names for boys like Ace, Billy, Buddy, Buster, Hank, Ike, Jimmy, Johnny, Scout, Sonny and Spike.

Trendiest Name Length: 3-Letter Names

Kit, Ida and Van: each of these names are short and sweet. Unlike some of the other baby name trends for this year, monosyllabic names with just three letters are easy to spell and pronounce, which makes names like Hal, Jem, Koa, Liv, Lux, Rex and Rio such popular choices, according to Nameberry.

Weirdest Baby Name Trend for 2019: Sneakers

If you're a famous athlete like Michael Jordan, you get a pair of shoes named after you. But in 2019, BabyCenter predicts the reverse will be true, as sneaker-heads could tip the scales on names like Chuck and Taylor (of Converse fame), as well as Nike styles like Cortez, Max, Monarch and of course, the ever-iconic Jordan. Adidas shoes like the Stan, Smith and Falcon are also possibilities.

We're pretty sure baby Manolo won't exactly top the lists, but BabyCenter seems to think Fila and Puma stand a chance in 2019.

Up & Coming Baby Names for Boys

The U.S. Social Security Administration keeps a fantastic database of baby names in America and breaks down the data in interesting ways, including baby names that are rising in popularity.

From 2016 to 2017, the following boys' baby names have shot up the charts, in order of rising popularity: Wells, Kairo, Caspian, Nova, Colson, Kace, Kashton, Koa, Gatlin and Bjorn.

Up & Coming Baby Names for Girls

According to the SSA, the following girls' baby names have skyrocketed in popularity between 2016 and 2017: Ensley, Oaklynn, Dream, Oaklyn, Melania, Emberly, Octavia, Paisleigh, Yara and Kehlani.

Tried & True Classic Baby Names

Trends come and go every year when it comes to baby names, but these names have withstood the tests of time. According to the SSA, these are the most popular baby names over the last 100 years, in order of popularity.

For boys: James, John, Robert, Michael, William, David, Richard, Joseph, Thomas and Charles. For girls: Mary, Patricia, Jennifer, Linda, Elizabeth, Barbara, Susan, Jessica, Sarah and Margaret.

The End of "Em" Names

According to Nameberry, it's the end—or is it the emd?—of an era. Names beginning with "Em" have sharply fallen in popularity in recent years. It's time to retire names like Emerson, Emery, Emily, Emma, Emmett and Emmy to make way for all the new names that will reign supreme in 2019.

—Keiko Zoll

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7 Natural Asthma Remedies That Worked Wonders for My Family

By Sara Ahmed

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

July 10, 2017

Last week, as I was having the best day ever (because my piece was published on Scary Mommy), my little one got sick. My boys both have asthma and their symptoms seem to worsen anytime there’s an onset of even the slightest of colds. Short of keeping them in a bubble, I do everything I can to limit the number of colds as well as the duration. So while my phone was going crazy with texts, facebook notifications, tweets and what-not, I was sitting in the bathroom with a makeshift steam room so that my little one’s coughing fits could be soothed. As I was sitting on the damp bathroom floor, I felt comforted that at least I wasn’t the only one struggling through this disease.

In the US, asthma is the LEADING chronic disease amongst children, which translates to 6.2 million children affected. There aren’t really any chronic diseases that can be labeled as easy but as a mother of two boys who suffer from asthma, I can’t emphasize enough how excruciating it can be watching your child struggle to breathe. But after years and years of diligently giving my children albuterol, QVAR, and sometimes escalating to prednisone (and his scarier cousin dexamethasone) I decided to look outside of the box and explore if there were any other ways to help reduce my these turbulent flare-ups.

So here is the part where I do a disclaimer and tell you not to foolish and trust what your doctor tells you. If your child is in the middle of an asthmatic episode, get them their inhaler stat! If your kid has uncontrolled asthma, don’t start experimenting with holistic medicines and stick to the steroids and rescue meds your doctor has prescribed. Basically, just use your common sense and don’t be a moron, okay?

Since my boys are prone to getting asthmatic flare-ups after they get a cold, I work really hard to reduce their respiratory irritation and knock the sh*t out of all that mucus before it becomes a full-fledged beast. Here are my tried and trusted antidotes that have significantly helped my kids go from having to take 4-5 courses of steroids every year to just once or twice. I’m scared of jinxing myself here for even saying it but over the last twelve months, we’ve had exactly ZERO urgent care, middle of the night, panicked runs to see a doctor. Any parent raising kids with asthma know what a huge feat that is! Just remember, all kids are different so make sure you use common sense, check with your doctor first and don’t come sue me if it doesn’t work out for you!

1. Neti-pot Nasal Rinses. I really should be getting paid from this company (but I don’t) because I recommend one to every single mom I know. The process requires your child to pour saline water (with your assistance) into one side of their nostril and let it come out the other side. This is great for flushing out mucus, allergens and relieving sinuses. If my irrational four year-old can handle this because it feels so damn good afterwards, I promise that with a little bit of practice, your kid can too. My boys do this daily and it has prevented many minor colds from becoming something more sinister and gargantuan. Plus the bonus is the joy your heart will pulsate with when your child’s nasty, thick, gooey mucus slides out one side. It’s enough to provide me with unequivocal happiness for a minute.

2. Khichri. This is comfort food for my people and consists mostly of legumes, spices and rice. Most people living in the south Asian subcontinent use this as their go-to meal for any ailment and is believed to reduce inflammation and cultivate vitality of the respiratory system. It’s the dish my mom would make whenever I got sick and when I began researching potent herbs, I kept stumbling upon the spices used in khichdi: turmeric, ginger, tulsi, asafetida. These and the legumes and rice are cooked in ghee and onions and every one of these ingredients is a powerhouse for helping asthmatic and coughing symptoms.

3. Elderberry syrup. The herb elderberry goes all the way back to Hippocrates (“the father of medicine”) who referred to it as his “medicine chest” because of it’s proven antidotal properties. Not only does elderberry increase immune system boosters in the body, but it’s antioxidant-laden syrups reduces inflammation and the symptoms of allergies. When the kids are in maintenance-mode, I try to stick to ½ tsp. at bedtime every day. Once a cold appears, we bump it up to twice daily.

4. Aromatherapy/essential oils. I have found rubbing eucalyptus chest rub (I use the baby ones to keep things mild) on my kids to have a calming effect almost instantaneously. Diffusing peppermint, eucalyptus and laurel leaf oils at night also gives them some sensory comfort. Play around with this and see if your child finds it helpful or not. For my kids specifically, it activates an olfactory reaction of mental calmness and I’ll take whatever I can get.

5. Juicing. It took us ages to perfect but my kids finally embraced a green juice recipe that we all could be happy with. There are thousands upon thousands of recipes out there but mine is very simple and contains spinach, cherries carrots and pineapples. Once again, these fruits and vegetables contain lots of anti-inflammatory properties and if I add a protein powder to our juice, just like that, I’ve got dinner made!

6. Steam showers. This is another old remedy that has proved incredibly useful when the inhalers just can’t seem to stop a coughing asthmatic attack. I run the shower on hot and line up the bathroom doorway with a towel. Then we hang out for about 10 minutes in there (no electronics allowed, !) before walking out.

7. Chiropractic adjustments. Spinal manipulative therapy (otherwise known as adjustments) has been found to be subjectively useful to patients. My children do really well with this and during the high-risk seasons, we try and do adjustments every other week. Studies suggest using chiropractic adjustments as a supplement (not replacement!) of remedies being used. Both my boys have done really well with bi-weekly adjustments and it helps to have a kid-friendly chiropractor!

_____________

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Sara Ahmed

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Sara Ahmed is a freelance writer for Babble & Scary Mommy. When she’s not busy raising her two boys, Sara yields her powers as a dubious matriarch in her casa de testosterone.

Beyond Books: Local Libraries with a Twist

by Jessica SmithApril 13, 2017

You go to the library to check out books. But you can spend just as much time checking out the scene. At certain extra-special libraries in Chicago and the suburbs there are educational toys, engaging activities and interactive atmospheres that entice kids to hang out for hours. Whether you need a rainy day getaway or want to make the case that reading is cool, these spots are great places to start.

photo: Chicago Public Library

Sulzer Regional Branch – Chicago Public Libraries
This Chicago Library branch has a kids’ section that really bustles first thing in the morning. Half of the ground floor is dedicated to little readers and offers not only books, but blocks, LEGOs and puzzles. Special programs include everything from toddler crafts to family game nights. More than 20 kids’ computers await hours of happy tapping in this warm environment where everyone is encouraged to take their time.

4455 N. Lincoln Ave.
Lincoln Square
312-744-7616
Online: www.chipublib.org

Budlong Woods Branch – Chicago Public Libraries
The library named after pickle farm founder Lyman Budlong has become a stable of west Rogers Park, and its original kids’ programming makes it a standout. In addition to hosting story and craft hours, it offers field trips to Chicago landmarks like the Goodman Theatre (parents or caregivers must accompany children). Plus, on top of having computers and a great selection of picture books, Budlong Woods also has a picturesque outdoor reading garden.

5630 N. Lincoln Ave.
Rogers Park
312-742-9590
Online: www.chipublib.org

Bezazian Branch – Chicago Public Libraries
Multicultural resources abound at this lively branch. There is a particularly large Vietnamese, Chinese and Spanish language section perfect for families that enjoy expanding horizons. Occasional programs take place in the onsite auditorium, while the everyday hangout for little bookworms is the cozy kids’ corner. Packed story times are known to focus on multi-culti literature.

1226 W. Ainslie St.
Uptown
312-744-0019
Online: www.chipublib.org

photo: Evanston Public Library

Evanston Public Library
The kids’ room of this North Shore gem has the chill vibe and originality of your favorite coffeehouse. Kick back on an oversized cushion, play with puppets and toys, and chat with friendly employees. The nearly 5,000-square-foot space devoted to littles is set aside from the main library on first floor and makes all ages feel welcome. Its events calendar bubbles over with activities like programs geared toward STEM learning, scavenger hunts, The Young and the Restless sing-a-longs and more.

1703 Orrington Ave.
Evanston
847-448-8600
Online: www.epl.org

La Grange Public Library
When three-year-old Tyler Duelm lost his battle with brain cancer, his family created the Tyler Duelm Activity Room to facilitate fun and unique library programming in his memory. Thanks to the family, hundreds of kids have enjoyed story times, after-school programs and summer reading programs in a cozy, welcoming space. Besides the Tyler’s Time programming, the library has colorful wall murals depicting animals and a fish tank if you prefer gazing at the real deal.

10 W. Cossitt Ave.
La Grange
708-352-0576
Online: www.lagrangelibrary.org

Hanover Park Branch – Schaumburg Township District Libraries
As part of the Schaumburg library system, the Hanover Park branch gives you the benefit of shared materials yet it has its own engaging children section. Along with books and computers, there are fun surprises like a faux T-Rex protruding from the wall and a replica of a mummy coffin. You can also nose around the mini castle complete with a train set and king’s chair. Despite all the eye candy, this is a fairly quiet place to pass the hours.

1266 Irving Park Rd.
Hanover Park
630-372-7800
Online: www.schaumburglibrary.org

photo: Oak Park Public Library

Oak Park Public Library
With techie amenities like a wide-screen TV with video games, this family oasis is an easy win. Its vaulted ceiling and natural light help grownups relax, while kids love their own level that’s complete with a wooden toy boat climbing structure, art alcove, toddler tree house and three gerbil mascots named Henry, Ralph and Mudge. Right next to the library is Scoville Park, grassy plain perfect for post-reading romps.

834 Lake St.
Oak Park
708-383-8200
Online: www.oppl.org

Edgewater Branch – Chicago Public Libraries
After two years of constructions, Edgewater’s gem went up with the help of a $13.7 million budget in 2013. You’ll appreciate that they invested in the kids section: The entire first floor is devoted to young ones and is full of new materials. There are about 30 computers just for juvenile use, plus an impressive picture book area. Look for lots of games, with craft activities coming this fall.

6000 N. Broadway St.
Edgewater
312-742-1945
Online: www.chipublib.org

Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch – Chicago Public Libraries
The kids’ section, encompassing part of the first floor, has activities for all ages, including regular story times, LEGO story times where kids are read a book and asked to build a solution, and unstructured play days. Toddlers have their own area with LEGOs and board books, while older kids get their brainy fix with educational computer games. This is a calmer library that lends itself to a quiet afternoon in an active part of the city.

1701 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Wicker Park
312-744-6022
Online: www.chipublib.org

photo: Downers Grove Public Library

Downers Grove Public Library
Go here for the Early Literacy play area, where kids in second grade or below can learn about a special topic, which changes every two months. The library’s Mouse House is an inviting cottage nook with pint-sized furniture, providing a peaceful place for kids to kick back with a book. There are also two train tables and a story time room. There programming is robust, with activities liked guided STEM time, paleontology digs, Pokemon play days and more.

1050 Curtiss St.
Downers Grove
630-960-1200
Online: www.downersgrovelibrary.org

Skokie Public Library
This destination feels like a play space meets theater meets book nook — all with the cool vibe of an Apple store. Imaginations fly when kids set their sights on the puppet stage, craft room, computer lab and digital media lab furnished with Mac products. For littler ones, there is preschool play area surrounded by picture windows and outfitted with LEGO tables, a play kitchen, puzzles and educational games. A large world languages section offers books in everything from Hebrew to Hindi. On Thursdays, they host POP! Parents of Preschoolers. While the kids get their story time fix, the library shares parenting resources and tips over coffee and cookies.

5215 Oakton St.
Skokie
847-673-7774
Online: www.skokielibrary.info

Harold Washington Library Center – Chicago Public Libraries
The crown jewel of Chicago libraries is known for both for its outstanding Postmodern architecture and breadth of programs. Its enormous second-floor Thomas Hughes Children’s Library is currently under construction, but keep your eyes peeled for the new and improved space expected to reopen in early summer.

400 S. State St.
The Loop
312-747-4200
Online: www.chipublib.org

photo: Palatine Public Library

Palatine Public Library
This treasure lures with a first-floor Early Literacy Area that’s interactive and welcoming. Go there for games, activities, puzzles, puppets and computers — all designed to encourage and develop learning skills. Be sure to check out the Museum Pass program, story times, drop-in craft projects, LEGO building sessions and kids’ chess matches.

700 N. North Ct.
Palatine
847-358-5881
Online: www.palatinelibrary.org

Lake Forest Public Library
This gorgeous domed building was dedicated in 1931 and has been continually renovated. The basement is where you’ll find the kid fun, including a beautiful tree-like structure to gather around, as well as a stage equipped with hand puppets. In addition to books, you can get lost in puzzles, educational computer games, craft projects and scheduled calendar events, like pajama story times.

360 E. Deerpath Rd.
Lake Forest
847-234-0636
Online: www.lakeforestlibrary.org

Arlington Heights Memorial Library
This is one of only five Illinois libraries to receive five stars, the highest of Library Journal’s national public library ratings. The first thing you might notice about it is its size — it’s huge, taking up almost an entire city block. A large portion of the first floor is for kids. Kids delight in the open puppet theater with audience seating for parents. There’s also a toy area for younger kids and computers for all age groups.

500 N. Dunton Ave.
Arlington Heights
847-392-0100
Online: www.ahml.info

Did your favorite public library make our list? If not, let us know what your favorite library is in the Comments section below.

— Maria Chambers & Jessica Smith

Introducing Toddler Literary Circle: A Book Club for Tots

by Rachel SokolMay 23, 2016

Whether you’re looking for an alternative to a “mommy & me” music class, or you’re stone cold serious about instilling a love of reading in your child as early as possible, a new book club for the littlest of lit fans is now meeting. Read on to find out how your tiny “reader” can become a member!

photo: Toddler Literary Circle

The Story of TLC: Toddler Literary Circle
The Toddler Literary Circle is the creation of Manhattan attorney (and mother) Sania Anwar, whose lifelong love of children’s books inspired her to launch the group, which brings together young readers and caregivers to enjoy and learn from kids’ books contemporary, classic and international.

While not an educator herself, Anwar consulted with librarians and educators to compose the curriculum, and after a successful inaugural session, TLC is returning this summer for more good reads.

photo: Toddler Literary Circle

Join the Club
TLC currently offers two weekly classes: the 60-minute “Two-Hoots” for 2-3-year-olds, and the 90-minute “Three-Bees,” for 3-4-year-olds. Anwar limits class size to just six children to maintain optimal individual attention, interaction, and engagement, and she reads the books aloud to the children (complete with quirky voices!) while sitting with them on the floor. “I try to make the classes as engaging and interactive as possible,” she says. Parents are sent the curriculum in advance, so they know what to expect for the week, and children can bring their own copy of the book if they’d like.
With toddlers as her audience, Anwar is prepared for anything, from boredom to tantrums, and adjusts the classes accordingly. “We’ll do some ice breakers and some nursery rhymes and dancing to get them moving, or I’ll distribute some musical instruments.”

photo: Toddler Literary Circle

Read, Learn, Create
Each class is dedicated to a single age-appropriate title and follows what Anwar has dubbed the “TLC Method.” (Last session’s titles included books such as Bears in a Band, Lemons are Not Red and Blueberries for Sal.) Members can expect three carefully-designed components to every class: “The Keynote” (the reading of the book of the week); “The Linguistic Leap” (when kids learn relevant simple multilingual vocabulary or an ASL sign), and “Art of Play” (a hands-on creative activity and constructive and dramatic play).

So, yes, your child will be exposed to a new book, but they’ll also have an art project to take home, and expand their vocabulary in a variety of languages. “Each class has two ASL words and one non-English word — Spanish, Italian, Urdu, Hindi, or Arabic — based on the book,” says Anwar. “All three are listed on a card that the children take home with them.”

For example, Pout Pout Fish was featured as a book of the week or “The Keynote” last season. After Anwar read the book to the toddlers, she then taught them to sign “happy“ and “sad” in ASL, and the word pesce, which is Italian for “fish”. Then, the kids made a fish tank sensory bag and mixed and matched Velcro expressions on fish.

photo: Ashley Webb via Flickr

TLC for Summer
Summer sessions begin in mid-July, and are held in child-friendly Upper East Side space. You can even try a class out for free to see if it’s a good match for your budding bibliophile. Note that this is not a drop-in class and parents/caretakers must accompany their child at each class. Rates are as follows:

Two-Hoots (2 – 3 year olds, one-hour class): Half session (4 classes) $160; full session (8 classes), $300

Three-Bees (3-4 year olds, 90-minute class): Half session (4 classes): $200; full session (8 classes): $375

Curious to learn more?

Toddler Literary Circle
toddlerliterarycircle@gmail.com
Online: toddlerliterarycircle

Would you join a book club for kids? Tell us in the comments below!

— Rachel Sokol

Let It Glow: Candle Traditions from Around the World

by Amber GuetebierNovember 10, 2015

This time of year the days are shorter and the nights are longer so it’s no wonder that holiday celebrations around the world rely on candles to make them a little brighter. Since it’s Worldwide Candle Lighting Day, we rounded up a few different traditions from across the globe that are sure to light up your night. Scroll down to see what we learned.

photo: Partha Sarathi Sahana via flickr

Worldwide Candle Lighting

Organized by the Compassionate Friends Network, Worldwide Candle Lighting Day takes place every year on Dec. 11 and encourages people around the world to light a candle to honor a child who has passed away. Whether it’s a son or daughter, friend or stranger, grandchild or sibling, you can light a candle to honor lost loved ones. Candles are lit at 7 p.m. local time. This tradition was started in 1997 and has since become a global effort to bring compassionate and love to those who are grieving. Learn more here.

Diwali

Diwali is an ancient Hindu tradition that takes place in the late autumn in the northern hemisphere, typically in November. In 2016 it was held on Oct. 30. Also called the Festival of Lights, it is a five day celebration of light over darkness and marks a time for making wishes for the coming year. The night before Diwali the home is cleaned and decorated. On Diwali night, people dress up and light diyas, or lamps and candles, inside and outside the home. Lamps that float are sent out on water with wishes to Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Families feast and often exchange gifts. Celebrated widely throughout India, Diwali is also celebrated among Hindus throughout the United States.

photo: hotzeplotz via flickr

Hannukah

Also called The Festival of Lights, the eight candles of the menorah represent the oil that burned for eight days instead of the one it should have. This is the miracle of light, the ability to triumph in the face of adversity and shine against darkness and evil. Each night, one candle is lit and games are played festive food is served. The celebration lasts for 8 days, and usually begins in late November to mid-December. This year it begins on Dec. 24.

photo: Miles Banbery via flickr

Imbolc, or Brigid’s Day

The old Irish holiday of Imbolc, or St. Brigid’s Day, falls on Feb. 1. Originally named for the Goddess Brigid, also known as Brigit or Brighid, it is also celebrated by Catholics as St. Brigid’s Day and honors St. Brigid of Kildare. The day officially marks the beginning of spring and so candles are lit to represent the sun and longer days that will be ahead. It is one of the four fire festivals in Irish mythology with bonfires lit throughout the countryside. Candles and offerings are made to Brigid, including corn dollies fashioned in her likeness, both at home and in churches.

photo: Mr. TinDC via flickr

St. Lucia Day

Nordic countries have a long tradition of celebrating the Winter Solstice. Today, on Dec. 13, many people in Sweden, Norway and parts of Finland celebrate St. Lucia Day, sometimes called St. Lucy’s Day, a traditional festival of lights. Each town and village chooses a St. Lucia who leads the town’s young girls on a procession. The Lucias are dressed in white with wreaths of lingonberry branches and candles (real candles are used for older kids, while smaller kids may use electric candles) around their heads. Boys dress as star boys, and very young girls will dress like Lucia minus the candles. Gingersnaps are the traditional treat for this day.

photo: Matt Pagel via flickr

Kwanzaa

his week long celebration began in 1966-67. It is held over seven days, beginning on Dec. 26 and ending Jan. 1 and honors African American heritage and history. Celebrated throughout the U.S. and other parts of the Americas with music, dance and food shared throughout each of the seven days. The final night culminates in gift giving and a feast. Each day honors one of the seven principles of Kwaanza: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. The kinara is the candleholder which holds seven candles, with one being lit in honor of each of these principles. Cakes are a popular means for holding candles and become part of the feast.

What candlelit traditions do you celebrate? Share them with us in the comments below.

—Amber Guetebier

Baby Got Bach: Music Concert Series Just For Kids

by Mimi O'ConnorOctober 18, 2015

So you want your child to have an appreciation of music beyond Katy Perry, Daniel Tiger or Frozen? Great news! Not only is NYC home to premier music companies and organizations, many create programming just for kids. (Even better: several just launched kids’ music series with programming that will have the whole family singing and grooving until spring.) Here are some of the best places in the city to introduce kids to compositions beyond “Wheels on the Bus” and “Bad Blood.”

art: LOS Kids

LOS Kids
The Little Orchestra Society is all about getting them while they’re young. The organization is staging a new concert series for families this fall, dubbed LOS Kids. The series is recommended for kids ages 3 to 7 and will feature four of the classical giants and their greatest hits. “Mozart! Starting Small to Become Great” will include Magic Flute, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and the Marriage of Figaro; “Dvorak! Exploring the New World” will feature Humoresque, New World Symphony and Slavonic Dance; “Gershwin!: Got Rhythm?” spotlights Rhapsody in Blue, I Got Rhythm and Summertime,” and “Tchaikovsky!: Bigger Than Ballet” rolls out the Nutcracker, Mozartiana, Serenade for Strings and Swan Lake. Tickets are available as 4-concerts subscriptions, 2-concert subscriptions or individually. All concerts take place at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College.

LOS Kids
Sat., Nov. 7 to Sun. March 6
Tickets: starting at $15
The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College
695 Park Ave. at 68th St.
212-971-9500
Online: littleorchestra.org/

photo: Jeffrey Bary via Flickr

BAM Kids
The Brooklyn Academy of Music brings its funky sensibility to kids programming too, and that includes music. The arts organization’s kid’s music series is already underway, and this season will feature a bilingual concert by Sol y Canto for kids ages 2 to 5 (Nov. 7); a jazzy holiday concert by Grammy-winning Jennifer Gasoi for kids 4 to11 years old (Dec. 12), and Brooklyn viola and violin duo Chargaux performing original songs and pop favorite for those 5 to 11 (Jan. 23).

Brooklyn Academy of Music
Nov 7 -Jan. 23
Tickets: $10
Peter Jay Sharp Building
30 Lafayette Ave.
Fort Greene
718-636-4100
Online: bam.org/kids

photo: New York Philharmonic Facebook page

New York Philharmonic Young People’s Concerts and Very Young People’s Concerts
The New York Philharmonic offers concerts for the tiniest of culture vultures and their parents. Started in the 1960s by Leonard Bernstein, the Saturday afternoon Young People’s Concert series for kids six years old and up explores symphonic music through a theme each season. This year, “Once Upon a Time,” with concerts such as “Fables and Folktales”, “Myths and Legends” and “Babble and Verse” will demonstrate how stories, poems, legends, tales of heroes and villains all come to life in music by great composers. Works by Strauss, Gershwin, Mahler and others will be featured this season.

For even younger kids (children 3 to 6 years old), the New York Philharmonic produces the lively and interactive Very Young People’s Concerts on Sunday afternoons. Designed by Philharmonic musicians together with faculty of Columbia University’s Teacher’s College, Very Young People’s Concerts combine games, storytelling, and great music in one fun-filled hour that unlocks children’s imagination and talent. This season’s theme of “Philharmonic Playground” explores musical concepts such as treble and base, forte and piano, allegro and adagio with works by Bach, Tchaikovsky and Grieg. Check out an example of a Very Young People’s Concert programs here.

Young People’s Concerts
Dec. 12 – May 14
Tickets: $13 and up
David Geffen Hall
10 Lincoln Center Plaza
Upper West Side
212-875-5656
Online: nyphil.org

Very Young People’s Concerts
Nov. 8 – April 4
Tickets: $24 and up
Merkin Concert Hall
129 W. 67th St.
Upper West Side
212-875-5656
Online: nyphil.org

photo: Carnegie Hall/Stephanie Berger

Carnegie Hall Carnegie Kids
Carnegie Hall is so serious about introducing young kids to music its concerts are free. Now entering its 20th season, the interactive concert series Carnegie Kids is developed for children ages 3 to six and features a diverse slate of performers and musical genres, from funk and bluegrass to “Indie Hindi”, Latin and classic kindie rock. Acts appearing in the 2015-26 season include Songs for Unusual Creatures, Shine and the Moonbeams and Little Big Tiny.

This season will also include two large orchestral concerts in the Stern Ausitorium/Perelman Stage just for families. We’re super psyched for the Carnegie Hall Family Concert: The New York Pops A Charlie Brown Christmas celebrating the 50th anniversary of the classic holiday special. The December 20 concert will include a singalong, dance, a reading of the story and other surprises. (This one isn’t free, but ticket prices start at $10. Buy now: tickets are going fast!)

Carnegie Kids
November 15 – June 12
Tickets: free
Carnegie Hall
154 W. 57th St.
Upper West Side
212-247-7800
Online: carnegiehall.org

What’s your favorite spot in the city to catch a concert with kids? Tell us in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor

Speaking in Tongues: 6 Great Places to Learn a Language

by rtstephaniepedersenApril 13, 2015

New York City is a multi-cultural mecca filled with sights, sounds and tastes from around the world. Whether you want your young urbanite to learn the language of your ancestors or are swayed by research that suggests knowing a second (or third) language can make your child a more successful adult, NYC—with its large pool of immigrants from around the world—is the place to learn. To help you narrow your choices, we present six of our favorite language schools.

photo: via Carousel of Languages Facebook page

Carousel of Languages
Some language schools teach one or two languages. Carousel of Language teaches seven: English, French, Hebrew, Italian, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish. Children as young as six months old come to the Upper East Side center each week for weekly, one-hour lessons, where native-speaking instructors use a multi-sensory approach (that is: verbal, visual and tactile ) to help children learn. There’s an emphasis on the practical at Carousel of Languages; children are taught to talk about the sights and situations they encounter in their everyday NYC life, making it easy for them to practice with other speakers. Want to give your child a chance to study a language in the country of origin? Sign up for one of Carousel of Language’s “family adventures” to Venice, Paris, Barcelona or China.

Tip: Reinforce what your child learns by jumping on Carousel of Language’s website for online lessons. You can also download a practice app, which allows the entire family to be involved in language learning.

Carousel of Languages
1309 Madison Ave.
212-501-8524
Upper East Side
Online: carousellanguages.com

photo: MPD01605 via Flickr

ABC Languages
ABC Languages is the place to go if your child has a crazy schedule, you can only do Skype lessons, if you want a language that is not Mandarin, French, Spanish or Italian, or your kid needs special attention. ABC offers traditional weekly lessons, but the school is also happy to create a custom-designed program based on your family’s wants and needs. Farsi, Urdu, Hindi, Polish and Greek are just a few of the 20 languages on the menu. If you’ll be travelling to a country soon, take advantage of ABC Language’s Crash Course for Travelers. You’ll find additional ABC locations in Westchester, San Francisco, and Fairfield, CT.

Tip: Want to try out ABC Languages? Register for the two-hour Open House, during which you can tour the school and meet the instructors, and will have an opportunity to “learn” a new language every 20 minutes.

ABC Languages
146 West 29th St., Suite 6E
Chelsea
212-563-7580
Online: abclang.com

photo: via Tribeca Language Facebook page

Tribeca Language
At Tribeca Language, the goal is to get kids (and adults) to begin speaking a language immediately. Using its own teaching method dubbed “QTalk“, instructors focus on the simple association of a sound with image, which is said to “inspire verbal production immediately” and most closely resemble the way in which humans organically acquire language. Want to see what all this educational theory is about? Check out Tribeca Language’s education videos or enroll your child in a free trial class (you can take one yourself, too) in one of 11 languages offered, including Arabic, Japanese, Korean and French. A variety of class options are available for kids and adults, including group (by age and ability) and private.

Tip: Have an aspiring polyglot with a birthday coming up? Tribeca Language offers gift certificates to be used however a recipient would like. They also host super cool language-themed birthday parties that include teachers, games, crafts, activities, birthday food and gift bags.

Tribeca Language
22 Harrison St.
Tribeca
212-219-9893
Online: tribecalanguage.com

photo: Romain Cloff via Flickr

Language Workshop for Children
Language Workshop is a traditional, one-stop language center that features after school group and private classes for children, as well as babies as young as six months. It also hosts summer and holiday camps and birthday parties. But if coming to the school’s Upper East Side campus isn’t an option for you, home lessons are also available, as are lessons at the school’s campuses in Manhasset, Long Island, and the New Jersey suburbs of Madison, Montclair and Ridgewood. For students needing to test into specialized schools, test prep instruction is available as well.

Tip: Language Workshop for Children frequently offers a variety of discounts. To see what’s available, click on the “Discount” tab found on the home page or go here.

Language Workshop for Children
888 Lexington Ave.
Upper East Side
212-396-0830
Online: languageworkshopforchildren.com

photo: via French Institute Alliance Francaise

French Institute Alliance Francaise
If you’re serious about French, you may just want a school that is equally serious about La Linga Franca. And in NYC, that would be French Institute Alliance Francaise, better known as FIAF. This mecca of French culture offers plays, concerts, movie nights, culinary events, study groups and other weekly activities as part of its Young Audience program. (There are just as many interesting adult-offerings each week.) Lessons are an important part of the center’s raison d’etre: Students as young as 12 months take a mandatory placement test, then put in just the right group class for their age and ability. (Private lessons are also available.) For hardcore Francophiles, FIAF offers a year-round French-language preschool.

Tip: Can’t make it into Manhattan for lessons? FIAF has locations in Brooklyn, and Montclair, NJ, and also offers online instruction.

French Institute Alliance Francaise
22 East 60th St.
Upper East Side
646) 388 6612
Online: fiaf.org

photo: via Lango Facebook page

Lango Brooklyn Early Language and Cultural Center
Full immersion is the way humans learn a native tongue, so it makes sense that immersion would be a fast, effective way for a child to learn additional languages. Lango Brooklyn Early Language and Cultural Center uses full immersion to help teach students ages 12 months and up — including adults. Songs, stories, games, dance, yoga and art keep children engaged, listening, talking and learning a new tongue. The school offers instruction in French, Mandarin and Spanish, which are available in after-school and weekend group classes. Lango also hosts a playgroup, holiday and summer camps, and immersion preschool.

Tip: Help kids cement their learning by reviewing the worksheets, CDs and flashcards that Lango sends home. The resource section of Lango’s website offers additional (and free!) study aids.

Lango Brooklyn Early Language and Cultural Center
93 3rd Ave.
Boerum Hill
917-300-8789
Online: langokidsnyc.com

Where do your kids learn a new language? Tell us about your experience in the Comments!

—Stephanie Pedersen

A Miniature World to Explore With Your Mini Me

by rtamaliedrurySeptember 11, 2014

Who needs dollhouses when we’re living in the era of life-simulation video games like The Sims? Kids do, that’s who. Teeny-tiny universes capture children’s imaginations, so gather your clan and gaze into the Art Institute’s Thorne Miniature Rooms. The exhibit of 68 incredibly detailed European and American interiors is filled with tiny chandeliers, minuscule sweeping staircases and itty-bitty chaise lounges. Exploring them is a magical way to spend a few hours — and will leave your kids talking for days.

How to Find Them
Locating the Thorne Rooms can be an adventure in itself — the dark, maze-like exhibit is tucked away on the museum’s lower level under the Grand Staircase. If you’re coming from the AIC’s main entrance on Michigan Avenue, walk straight back into the museum until you see the staircase, then descend and enter the gallery on the south side of the room. From the Modern Wing entrance, walk through Griffin Court and exit through the glass doors that connect to the original part of the museum. Make a right through the South Asian Art galleries, then walk past another set of glass doors. Look for the staircase and head down.

photo: Mrs. James Ward Thorne Louisiana Bedroom c. 1942. The Art Institute of Chicago. Gift of Mrs. James Ward Thorne

Make It a Treasure Hunt
While you’re touring the exhibit, encourage your kids to delight in discovering secret, special details. Thorne Miniature Rooms caretaker Mican Morgan provided us with this list of ideas. Grownups, click on the red numbers in the brackets below to see the rooms online so you’ll know what to look for when you get there.

1. There are lots of animals living in the Thorne Rooms. Do you see a birdcage? [A32] Can you find two cats? One dog? [E1] There’s only one room with a goldfish in a bowl! [A36] Can you find it?

2. Some of the rooms have model ships in them. Can you find the room that has two models … one in a frame and one in a bottle? [A12] What about the room that has a model of the Mayflower? [A1]

3. Can you find the room that has the Eiffel Tower outside the window? [E27]

4. The Virginia Parlor is a replica of George and Martha Washington’s house. How many pictures of President Washington can you find in that room? [A21]

5. Which room has lots of tiny instruments inside? [A29]

6. Can you find the room with a tiny toy train? Did you know that the train is actually made of 24-carat gold? It was a gift to the exhibit’s creator, Mrs. Thorne, who painted it herself. [A33]

7. The Thorne rooms are doll sized, but some have dolls in them too! How many dolls can you find? (Answer: Three) [A12, A27, A23]

photo: Mrs. James Ward Thorne South Carolina Ballroom c. 1940. The Art Institute of Chicago. Gift of Mrs. James Ward Thorne.

Ask Questions and Take Selfies
Encourage little ones to engage with the vignettes by posing questions along the way. Which bedroom would they most like to sleep in? What do they think people cooked in each of the different kitchens?

If you’ve read the book series The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone, take the museum’s book-themed mini-tour — brochures are available at the desk near the entrance to the Thorne Miniature Rooms.

Finally, pause to snap a selfie in the convex mirror in the Virginia Drawing Room [A25], and later, walk over the museum’s American Art exhibits in the Rice Building to see convex mirrors that are life sized.

photo: Mrs. James Ward Thorne English Great Room c. 1937. The Art Institute of Chicago. Gift of Mrs. James Ward Thorne.

Plan Your Visit
The Art Institute is open daily from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (and until 8 p.m. on Thursdays). Admission is $23 for adults and free for children under 14. Thursday nights are also free. Another bonus: There’s a new kids’ menu in the Museum Café.

The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave.
The Loop
312-443-3600
Online: artic.edu

Have you checked out the Thorne Miniature Rooms yet? Let us know in the Comments!

— Amalie Drury

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