Start planning now for summer vacation BECAUSE IT’S ALMOST UPON US!  Try to plan activities for at least once or twice a week – that way you’ll have a weapon to hold over their heads:  If you don’t behave, you’re not going to go to  fill in the blank.  Hey!  it works, doesn’t it?  Plan at least one trip to a further-out suburb or into the city and have fun deciding where you will eat either before or after the final destination – even if it’s a picnic in the park, let the kids choose.

Get tickets to Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview.  You won’t blow your top when you spend just $9 for a Fun Pack admission for two people (regularly $19) or $18 for four people (regularly $38) — plus children under age 1 get in free. Your child’s imagination will erupt in the 17 hands-on, sensory exhibits tailored for infants up to 8-year-olds, like Music Makers, Pet Vet, Nature Explorers, or even play versions of Potbelly’s and Dominick’s — tots can pretend to shop or work at the store while using role-playing and math skills.  Limit two per person; additional two as gifts.