The Chicago Parent - A great resource for local families.
Written: Jul 31 '00 (Updated Jul 31 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: FREE! Excellent info
Cons: -
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| jenb123's Full Review: Chicago Parent Magazine |
I discovered Chicago Parent about six years ago in the waiting room for my OB/GYN, a welcome find when your doctor is running behind. I’ve been a faithful reader ever since and look forward to picking up my FREE issue every month.
In it’s 16th year, the Chicago Parent is a fabulous resource for families living in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Along with important parenting news and advice, this magazine caters to the local family offering articles specifically for area parents.
Comprehensive features about food safety, the internet, breastfeeding and vaccination are among recent articles that any parent (local or not) can use. Movie and book reviews are well done as are articles about upcoming local events.
Monthly columns include
· Healthy Child
· Middle Years
· Smart Love
· Laughing Matters
· Getaways
PediaMedia is a terrific resource featuring book, movie, music, website, software and video reviews. Local arts and entertainment frequently show up in this section ranging from nearby dance ensembles to area museums. In the most recent issue (August 2000) Museum Highlights discusses “tie-ins with local schools” going on at three popular children’s museums.
An especially useful section of the Chicago Parent is Going Places. If you are looking for local festivals, exhibits and special events, this section is sure to hit the spot. The easy to read calendar offers hundreds of things to do in the city and suburbs. Most events list prices, addresses and phone numbers to make planning your outings fast and easy. Unique ideas for family outings are plentiful along with listings for small theatrical presentations, park district events and “Taste of...” food fests make Going Places an excellent reference.
Going Places Resources is a guide to local parenting groups and miscellaneous listings. You can find contact information for playgroups, support groups (bi-racial, multiples, single parents, homeschooling, etc.) and special needs resources. Easier than looking in the yellow pages, this section can help parents find the support they need for children with illnesses and disabilities.
The Professional Services Directory is an easy way to find a local pediatric dentist, midwife, attorney, diaper service, pregnancy massage or professional childproofer.
A wonderful Classified section is a great way to find gently used children’s items for sale, clowns or magicians for your child’s birthday party. Local resale and consignment stores are listed here, home business ideas, nanny services galore and even playgroup personals are among the listings.
Other departments include:
· From the Editor
· A Dad’s Life
· Feedback
· Short Stuff
· Ongoing Events
· Let’s Eat Out
Reader letters, cartoons, photos of local kids and fun promotions are found throughout the magazine. Photo and coloring contests, giveaways and coupons for local attractions are frequently found along with useful editorials and announcements.
This free magazine does contain an abundance of paid advertising, but I actually see this as a plus. Rather than full page diaper ads that are typical in general parenting magazines, the Chicago Parent features advertisements for local businesses and services. Typical ads might include:
· Local private schools
· Specialty stores
· Music lessons
· Day Care
· Dance programs
· Area photographers
The Chicago Parent also puts out special issues periodically like Chicago Baby and a maternity issue. Parents looking for specific information on pregnancy, childbirth and infant care can benefit from these extra issues. Local hospitals, birthing centers, doulas and even mohels are often mentioned in these special issues. An annual Going Places guide is a handy reference for local events year round. 97% of Chicago Parent readers are female, so the special Healthy Woman is quite popular as well.
The Chicago Parent is a useful, educational and entertaining resource for local parents which I recommend to everyone I know. Families new to the area can easily get their bearings while new parents can find the support, goods and services they need. Important issues are frequently addressed and spotlights on local parents provide the perfect blend of information area families can really use. A great read!
You can get your FREE Chicago Parent at many locations such as:
· Public Libraries
· Whole Foods Market
· Babies R Us
· Once Upon a Child
· Some doctors’ offices
More information can also be found at LocalMom.com as well.
Recommended:
Yes
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jenb123
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