friend of a mom

The best books for kids by age, crowdsourced from our community of moms. From newborn board books to chapter books at 5+, find your kid's next favorite read here.

Easy at home summer activities for toddlers and preschoolers that build creativity, learning, sensory play, and connection.

Choosing childcare in Chicago can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options and decisions to make. This guide walks you through when to start your search, the different types of daycare and preschool programs, and the most important questions to ask so you can feel confident finding the right fit for your child and your family.

Your clutter-free holiday toy guide. Mom-approved STEM toys, timeless gifts, and experience ideas for every age.

By Meredith Harrison, M.S. CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist and Mom of Two As a neurodiversity-affirming speech-language pathologist with over a decade of experience, I’ve worked with countless toddlers to help them build strong communication skills. From schools to clinics to in-home therapy, I’ve spent years guiding parents through this journey. And as a mom of two, I understand the real-life challenges of supporting your child’s speech development. The good news? You do