Parent Hacks

We've learned a few things being parents in Macomb. Some of our tips, suggestions, and what's worked/not worked.

• Places to take young children in Macomb
• Good Diaper Changing Facilities in Macomb
• Good Family Restaurants in Macomb
• Breastfeeding Areas/Support
• Special Places to Visit
• Places to Give Children Exercise
• Parties
• Supporting/Thanking Teachers
• Supporting Schools
• Safety

Places to Take Young Children in Macomb

• The 'first level' (Murray Street level) of the WIU Union. There are LOTS of pieces of art, and tons of space for toddlers to learn to walk. During the winter months, this was one of our favorite places to take Iris when she was learning to walk. MUCH cleaner than the big W store, much quieter, and far less commercialism.
• Top floor of Sherman Hall, old museum. Let 'em look out over the beautiful campus, or watch a daytime thunderstorm. Quite beautiful, and a place to run around.
• The WIU library...let them walk up and down the carpeted stairs and see all the beautiful art, plants, and marvel at the best kept secret in West Central Illinois....that Macomb houses the best research library in the State.

Good Bathrooms for Changing Diapers in Macomb

Hmmm...haven't yet found one that wasn't pretty dirty, at least in restaurants (if they even have changing tables, they're usually not very clean).

• Hy-Vee is pretty good for the counter with the lip on it, and they keep their bathroom clean
• The City Hall building has a very nice restroom -- very clean -- with a diaper changing station on the wall

Good Restaurants in Our City for Families

• Pagliai's (on the Square) -- casual atmosphere, fast, typical American fare, Non-smoking environment
• Hy-Vee -- good view of the outside, of colorful balloons, and you don't have to wait to pay when you are done. Note- Bring your own wipes for the high chairs & booster seats though...they are always filthy (at least when we go)
• Ponderosa -- Although you should aim to go at the beginning of the mealtime, as it is our opinion that they are not always very good at changing out food that has been sitting out too long. They do have a good variety of foods, but of course nobody eats out at American buffets because its especially healthful. However, it is an ultra-c

Breastfeeding in McDonough County

I will say that while I love WIU, I do hope they get some money to become more family-friendly. There are few, if any, diaper changing stations on the bathroom walls, even in the Union. When I worked in Horrabin Hall, I had to pump my baby's milk in the bathroom...and as you can imagine, not the most pleasant place. If there was someone in there before me with a ...um ...problem....then I had to sit in that smell the whole time. I had to balance my breastpump on my knees while trying not to move and have anything touch the floor, and still use both hands to hold the bottles. Uncomfortable, unsanitary (I washed my hands until they were raw and NEVER let anything touch any surfaces there)...not quite the best way to support working moms (I worked in cubicle land so can't pump in my cubicle).

Hope these things are better for the next generation of moms.

Interesting article..."Warning: Public health officials have determined that not breast-feeding may be hazardous to your baby's health...." (N.Y. Times Article)

Good Places to Breastfeed at WIU

The ground floor at the union...many comfortable chairs, clean bathrooms & water fountains nearby, and easy to find some relative privacy. (Of course, still in full view of anyone who walks by, but there usually aren't that many people)

Also:

• any empty classroom (but make sure there isn't a class scheduled there or end your pumping at least 20 minutes before the next class is due!)
• the Women's Center in Seal Hall

BRAVO to a few of the Deans at WIU who have decided to provide clean, private lactating rooms at the Universities to encourage lactating mothers to continue breastfeeding! Yet another benefit to working, going to school at WIU! Their forward-thinking will decrease childhood illnesses and save us all money.

Good Places for support...

• La Leche League

Special Places to Visit

• The old cafeteria in Thompson during the spring, fall...if you know someone who works there, or one of the students, it has a magnificient view of the gorgeous colors in the trees
• The WIU Library Atrium...a look out the windows is definitely worth the trip
• The parking lot overlooking the Ravine, just south of the heating plant at WIU...an EXCELLENT place to sit in your car and watch thunderstorms & lightning shows

Musical Places

• In the fall, sit on the lawn near Memorial hall in the late afternoon and be treated to the WIU Music students practicing their instruments, especially the drum line and the steel drum band
• In Browne Hall, sitting in a practice room downstairs (with the door open) will let you hear LOTS of talented people practicing
• The first floor of Sherman's women's east restroom during the cold winter days...there is a unique musical symphony that the antique pipes make that will bring a smile to anyone's face...quite beautiful & zen-like. I told my daughter that the 'winter fairies' were in there singing...
• The east staircase leading from the south side of Horrabin down to the parking lot. Whenever there is an easterly or northern wind, the wind tunnel effect there produces a fantastic, eerie 'spooky ghost' effect...especially great on windy fall evenings

Wear 'Em OUT!!!

• the library at WIU...let the little ones walk the carpeted steps. Beautiful scenery.