Archive for November 2014

5 holidays that do not exist, but should

5 holidays that do not exist, but should
“Create a new holiday, or holidays, that you believe should exist.” That was my writing assignment for tonight. How fun is that? The possibilities are endless, because there really is so much to celebrate in this world. This was part of blogapalooza, an event during which ChicagoNow bloggers are all given the same topic and... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
November 25, 2014 at 10:04 pm • 

5 books tweens will love that make great gifts

5 books tweens will love that make great gifts
It’s true that books make good gifts, but an even more accurate statement is that great books make great gifts. If you’re looking for a book that would make a great gift, have something on hand for when winter break drags on a little too long, or just want to entice your tween reader, this... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
November 25, 2014 at 6:29 am • 

Teen and Tween Gift Guide 2014

Teen and Tween Gift Guide 2014
Teens and tweens are notoriously tough to buy for, especially when it comes to holiday gifts. Although the days of the must-have toy are gone, but the pricey items topping their wish list aren’t exactly going to work, either. This teen and tween gift guide will help you find items that will delight them and... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
November 24, 2014 at 6:52 am • 
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Tween and teen gift ideas: 11 Subscription boxes for all different interests

Tween and teen gift ideas: 11 Subscription boxes for all different interests
Want to give the holiday gift that keeps on giving to the older kids in your life?  No, a subscription to the jelly of the month club isn’t going to make them happy, but subscription boxes aimed specifically at their age and interest may be the perfect tween and teen gift ideas. Here how it... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
November 21, 2014 at 11:42 pm • 

9 perfect Thanksgiving quotes

9 perfect Thanksgiving quotes
The “giving thanks” part of Thanksgiving can sometimes get lost amid thawing the turkey, enjoying the pie and preparing to shop. Check out these Thanksgiving quotes that will help remind you of the reason and importance of this special holiday. Have your kids write out some of these quotes, or print them out, and have... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
November 19, 2014 at 4:50 pm • 

Tots vs. Teens: Different Kinds of Grateful

Tots vs. Teens: Different Kinds of Grateful
I have loved reading Kelly Konrad’s blog, LitzyDitz, for almost exactly two years now. She generally writes about books (and makes great recommendations!), but, on occasion, she’ll write about parenting and every time she does I find myself wishing that I could be as wise, eloquent and funny as she is. We both love college... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
November 17, 2014 at 6:54 am • 
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Why and how to talk to kids about drinking and driving

Why and how to talk to kids about drinking and driving
This weekend, ChicagoNow blogger Erin Massey was hit head on by a drunk driver on one of Chicago’s freeways and was seriously injured in the crash. Since learning of that this weekend, I’ve seen a lot of items about teen drinking, as well as drinking and driving. ChicagoNow bloggers have been posting about their experiences... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
November 13, 2014 at 7:06 pm • 

7 quotes for Veterans Day

7 quotes for Veterans Day
On November 11th, the United States observes Veterans Day and gives thanks to the men and women who have served our great nation in the Armed Forces. The Office of of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explains, “Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
November 10, 2014 at 11:49 pm • 

Crossing the Canyons: A guest post for National Adoption Month

Crossing the Canyons: A guest post for National Adoption Month
I’m thrilled today to share the second guest post in the new series of different tween and teen parenting perspectives. RoiAnn Phillips and I were both cast members in the 2013 Chicago Listen to Your Mother show. We are bonded both by that and by the title “mom of a tween girl.” I’m so glad... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
November 10, 2014 at 9:22 am • 
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Do you think Kelly Ripa reads this blog?

After seeing video of Kelly Ripa’s appearance on The Wendy Williams Show, I’m starting to think that maybe she’s a Tween Us reader. I realize she’s probably not, but I loved what she said about checking her 13 year-old daughter’s phone when the teen was supposed to be doing her homework. Here are some of... Read more »
By Shannan Younger,
November 9, 2014 at 12:26 am •