Maureen Wilkey

Chicago

Freelance Writer at Mommy Poppins

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Articles

Flying With a Toddler for the First Time? Read This Before Your Trip

4 days ago | momswhothink.com | Maureen Wilkey

Air travel is stressful for almost everyone, but it can be especially fraught for parents flying with toddlers. If you're flying with little ones for the first time, you'll want to do as much as you can to make the experience enjoyable, or at least not a hassle, for you and everyone involved. When you're first planning your trip, try to pick a direct flight at the time of day when your child is at their best.
Best Movie Musicals for Kids (Beyond Wicked)

1 week ago | mommypoppins.com | Maureen Wilkey

Encanto may not have had the staying power of Frozen, but it's a great introduction to Lin-Manuel Miranda for little musical enthusiasts. The story of a girl with no powers in a family where everyone has a special power or talent teaches kids about jealousy and not acting like the victim. There are lots of amazing, upbeat songs and a good mix of male and female characters. There's also a song in Spanish, which is a great way to introduce or reinforce another language. 2.
Don't Head to the Pool This Summer Without These Must-Have Items

1 week ago | momswhothink.com | Maureen Wilkey

Summer is finally here, and we've bought our annual pool passes! Swimming is a great way to keep kids active in the summer months, when there's the temptation to stay inside and play video games or read all day. Now we just need to make sure we have everything to make our pool days the best. This summer, we're keeping a pool bag in each car stocked with everything we need to go. We'll be ready for an after-camp dip any time with our bag filled with awesome pool go-tos.
The Best Things to Do in June 2025 in Chicago With Kids

3 weeks ago | mommypoppins.com | Maureen Wilkey

Summer festivals come in all colors and flavors in Chicago. Plus, don't forget Juneteenth and Father's Day. Here are the best things to do in June 2025.
Stop Nagging and Establish a Homework Routine That Works With These Simple Tips

1 month ago | momswhothink.com | Maureen Wilkey

Homework can be as taxing on parents of school-aged children as it is for the children themselves. Finding a way to get your child to sit down and focus on academics again after a full day of school is quite the task, and many parents struggle to find ways to motivate their kids to complete their assignments. Some experts argue that homework should be limited and may not really be necessary for kids to achieve high academic standards.
Chicago Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families

1 month ago | mommypoppins.com | Maureen Wilkey

Summer vacations can get pricey fast, especially if you're taking a flight or driving a long distance. But there are actually plenty of things to do in Chicago that cost only a little money, or sometimes nothing at all, like one of our Awesome Self-Guide Walking Tours. Whether you're taking a staycation or traveling from somewhere else in the Midwest, we have you covered with three days worth of activities that won't break the bank.
Tired of Constantly Shopping? Make the Grocery Haul Last with These Tips

1 month ago | momswhothink.com | Maureen Wilkey

How can you possibly be out of strawberries and cherry tomatoes again? If your kids are eating you out of house and home, you're not alone. Lots of parents have noted that their children go through their favorite foods at breakneck speed, leaving parents constantly in a rush to go to the grocery store. My two kids (newly 8 and almost 10) definitely eat their fair share of food, but we have lots of systems in place to help us avoid daily grocery store runs.
10 Fun Logic Puzzles and Games for Kids, With Answers [FREE, PRINTABLE]

1 month ago | mommypoppins.com | Maureen Wilkey

Logic puzzles have been popular for as long as we can remember, and they're a great way to have some fun with your kids while using your brain and staying away from a screen. Print out a few for a road trip, or play at home when you're trying to keep kids engaged and mentally active.
Cinco de Mayo Events in Chicago for Kids

2 months ago | mommypoppins.com | Maureen Wilkey

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Mexican-American heritage in the United States at one of these Chicago events for kids. Parks, restaurants, malls, and more are putting on events for kids to get them involved in the fiesta. We've rounded up nine in the city and suburbs. One thing to note is that the annual Cinco de Mayo Parade in Pilsen has been cancelled this year. Please check each organizer's website before heading out to the event to make sure there are no changes.
Don't Start Potty Training Without These Must-Have Products

2 months ago | momswhothink.com | Maureen Wilkey

So you think you're ready for potty training? Whether you're getting started because you feel your child is ready or because their school or daycare is saying it's time for them to be ready, there are a few products that can make this roller coaster a bit easier. Most parents potty train their children between the ages of 2.5 and 3.5 years, but every kid is different.