October 20, 2008

Boo Fighters

Dr. Polin’s Tips for Easing Nighttime Fears

One day, it’s the bogeyman; the next, it’s monsters under the bed. A scared kid is anything but a scream.

Help Junior conquer nighttime fears with tips from Dr. Kenneth Polin of Town and Country Pediatrics and Children’s Memorial Hospital.

1. Talk to your child to discover if fear is rooted in a real experience.

2. If there’s no rational explanation, tell him/her that monsters and bogeymen don’t like the smell of lemon. Buy lemon-scented air freshener to spray at bedtime.

3. Build your child’s confidence by not staying in the bedroom too long.

4. Encourage the use of comfort objects like blankies and stuffed animals.

Fear won’t stand a ghost of a chance.

Town & Country Pediatrics, 1460 North Halsted Street, between Blackhawk and Eastman Streets, suite 402 (312-279-8900); for additional locations, go to townandcountrypeds.com. Children’s Memorial Hospital, 2300 Children’s Plaza, at Lincoln Avenue (773-880-4000 or childrensmemorial.org).

PLAY
Gray Children’s Center
What: New kids’ spot teems with hands-on activities like a rope climbing tube, mechanized toy theater, and more.
Why: Gray matters.
When: Opens Sun. Sun.-Wed., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Spertus Museum, 610 S. Michigan Ave., at Harrison St. (312-322-1700).

SEE
Little Dodo
What: As part of the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, animated film from Germany tells the story of an orangutan who discovers the power of music.
Why: Do some monkey business.
When: Sat., 10:30 a.m.
Where: Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln Ave., b/t Eastwood and Wilson Aves. Tickets online at ticketweb.com.

The Magic Ofrenda
What: Theatre Building Chicago’s New Musicals for Kids series kicks off with this Mexico-based family comedy.
Why: You believe in magic.
When: Thru Nov. 6. Wed. & Thurs., 9:30 & 11 a.m.
Where: 1225 W. Belmont Ave., at Racine Ave. (773-327-5252).