Meet-a-Mom, Colleen Napleton
What’s your favorite family activity in the Hinsdale, Western Springs, La Grange, Clarendon Hills Area?
We love being outdoors, so the parks are top of our list. We’re fortunate to have two parks across the street and down the block. We also have some favorite parks in different neighborhoods because of the different and cool playground equipment. From the fastest slides, best climbing structures, hiking and biking trails. We’re always up for new checking out new parks! In the Summer we love meeting other families at Burlington Park for Uniquely Thursdays.
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have one son, Jack who is in first grade
How long have you lived in the Hinsdale/WS/La Grange/CH Area? What made you decide to live here?
I moved to Hinsdale in 2016 when Jack was a baby. It was an easy choice because I grew up here. Our home is just two blocks away from my parents. And I have about 50 family members who live within 15 minutes of us.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop in the Hinsdale/WS/La Grange/CH Area?
We’re close to First Street in Hinsdale, so many times you will find us there enjoying Jack’s favorite grilled cheese at Fuller house, Asian Tacos at Nabuki or a nice quiet dinner Vistro Prime. Some of our other favorites include Page’s, York Tavern, And The Little Creperie for sweet and savory crepes! The newly opened Il Mio in Clarendon Hills is also becoming a new favorite.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I am an ambivert. My introverted side is much stronger than most people know. My quiet time is important for me to recharge. And as any mom can tell you, that’s hard to get with a busy six year old around the house.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My “mom crew” has been so important to me over the last few years. Starting when Jack was two, I developed a group of close friends at the Mommy and Me class at Union Church preschool. Ever since then, those connections and the support we give each other has been and continues to by my rock – four and a half years and still going! Now that Jack is in first grade, the “mom crew” is developing with a new set of moms at his school and that is so great and continues to be a meaningful experience for me and other moms.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
Being a mom to young children is hard work and doing it during a pandemic is even harder. That inspired me to open The Center for Balanced Parenthood in January 2022. It’s a welcoming place where moms can meet and start building their “mom crew” in mommy and me classes, drop off toddlers so they can have a couple hours to themselves, and sign up for parent coaching calls to get help in answering their questions when things pop up – from potty training, getting kids glasses, to preparing for a new sibling. Moms need to be taken care of too. And that is what I am here for at The Center for Balanced Parenthood. 
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I have so much love for Hinsdale. Women supporting women is a big part of the culture. There is so much shared respect for each other no matter how different the choices for our families might be. My business was built by having meaningful connections and chatting with other moms and realizing all the different needs that weren’t being met.
Photo Credit @thislittlepiggy