2017 afm feb magazine by Austin Family Magazine

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FEBRUARY 2017

smart parenting • healthy homes

Serving Austin’s Families Since 1992

EUREKA! Our STEM Issue

What Does That Cough Mean? How to Raise Kids Who Code Meet Amy Jackson, Astronomer

Artículos en Español

INSIDE!

CAMP GUIDE • CALENDAR

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FEBRUARY 2017

smart parenting • healthy homes

A Night Out

Kids Who Code

columns

calendar

en español

14 Family Matters

40 Museum Exhibits 40 Family Events 42 Parenting Events 43 Story Times

16 Asuntos Familiares

How Can I Help My Traumatized Kids?

The Learning Curve Can Your Child Be Spanked at School?

22 Lifelines

Are You Treating Your Child’s Cough the Right Way?

in every issue

24 Remembering My Roots

24 Ten Things…

8 Around Austin 45 Kidzone

Candlemas in Mexico

For Bird Feeding Month!

46 Family Connections

Don’t Get Burned by That Hot New Device

48 Just for Grins

All I Want for Valentine’s Day is (Not) You

¿Cómo Puedo Ayudar a Mis Hijos Traumatizados?

17 Piensa Positivo

El Tipo de Miedo Que Te Domina y No Deja Avanzar

24 Recordando Mis Raíces El Día de la Candelaria

Play It Safe Product recalls

FILM REVIEW by Jack Kyser

Haikus!

This month’S review:

extras

“The Lego Batman Movie”

25 Camp Guide 44 Smart Screen TIme 45 Focus on Doctors

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On the Cover Meliyah, a 2017 Cover Kid Winner, is prepared to watch the stars.

tune in: Catch Austin Family live on “Good Day Austin” every Friday morning and “Despierta Austin” the first Friday morning of each month.

Read online at: www.austinfamily.com/films

New items each week. Visit our website to register.

Cover photographed by Jordan Ashley Photography

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® by S herida M o ck

February 2017

his issue is packed with information about STEM education. Of course, when I think of STEM—science, technology, engineering and math—my first thoughts are of technology. It’s such an integral part of our everyday lives, from the email that rules my working life to the programmable thermostat that keeps my home reliably cozy. But there’s more to STEM than tech, and one woman who knows that is local astronomer and author Amy Jackson. She’s the subject of this month’s Q&A, a soft-spoken yet passionate former classroom teacher who knows firsthand how inspiring and motivating the night sky can be. Spend some time with her, and you’ll be inspired, too.

Volume 24, No. 11

PUBLISHER

Kaye K. Lowak

EDITOR

Sherida Mock: editor2003@austinfamily.com

COPY EDITOR

Barb Matijevich

ADVISING EDITORS

Dr. Betty Kehl Richardson, Barb Matijevich

CALENDAR EDITOR

Betty Kemper: calendar2003@austinfamily.com

This month also includes a feature by Carolyn Jabs on how to introduce your kids to coding. And all that new tech around your house might leave you wary of the power source that charges them—lithium-ion batteries. Richard Singleton has important tips for how to stay safe and keep your devices juiced up.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Enjoy your February!

TRANSLATION TEAM

Sherida Mock, Dr. Betty Richardson, Jack Kyser, Richard Singleton, Carrie Taylor, Brenda Schoolfield, Rocio Barbosa, Margaret Nicklas, and Carolyn Jabs Maribel Ruvalcaba, Margo Vogelpohl

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Don Huff, Scott Doughty & Mary Lingle

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jordan Ashley Photography

ADVERTISING SALES

Kaye K. Lowak: kaye2003@austinfamily.com

BUSINESS & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Greg Lowak: greg@austinfamily.com

We are dedicated to serving the Greater Austin area by providing up-to-date information and ideas that promote smart parenting and healthy homes. We promote our clients’ businesses by increasing their customer bases and enhancing their public images.

DON’T LET THE FLU GIVE YOUR KIDS A MELTDOWN

Austin Family is published monthly by KKKemper Inc. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7559, Round Rock, Texas 78683-7559 Phone Number: 512-733-0038 On the web at: www.austinfamily.com

Flu Shots Now Only $20* One in five Americans could fall victim to the flu this year, getting sick for a week or more. You don’t have to be one of them. This season, go fever-less, sore throat-less, ache-less, and pain-less. Whether you need to protect yourself with a flu shot, want a rapid flu test if you think you’re getting the flu, or require fast relief and treatment from the flu, think FastMed Urgent Care.

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Advertising rates are available upon request. While we use great care in creating our display ads, mistakes can happen. Austin Family and the publisher are not liable for any damages arising from any typographical or mechanical errors beyond the cost of the ad. Austin Family does not necessarily endorse any of the advertisers, products or services listed in this publication. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

No portion of Austin Family may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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Play it product recalls

safe

Government Recalls Gift Boxes, Chicken Toys and Laptop Batteries Schurman Retail Group is recalling about 8,400 gift boxes because mold can be present on the boxes, posing a risk of respiratory or other infections. The recall involves decorative gift boxes constructed with metallic decorative paper coverings. The boxes are red and have the phrase “VIVID handmade” printed on the bottom in gold-colored ink. Affected units were sold at Papyrus, Paper Destiny and Carlton Cards Stores in October 2016 for between $5 and $7. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled paper boxes and return them to Papyrus, Paper Destiny or Carlton Cards Stores for a full refund or contact Schurman Retail Group for instructions on how to return the product. Bingo Deals is recalling about 2,700 chicken toys because the toys contain small eggs and the chicken can break into small plastic pieces, both posing a choking hazard to children. The recall involves the Bump ‘N Go Walking Egg Laying Chicken with light, sound and music. Affected units were sold at amazon.com and the Bingo Deals website at prextex.com between July 2015 and June 2016 for about $20. Consumers should immediately take the chicken toy and eggs away from children and contact Bingo Deals for a full refund. Bingo Deals is contacting consumers who bought the toy directly. Toshiba is recalling about 83,000 Panasonic battery packs used in Toshiba laptop computers because the lithium-ion battery packs can overheat, posing burn and fire hazards to consumers. The recall is an expansion of a previous recall in March 2016. Battery packs included in this recall have part numbers that begin with G71C. Affected units were sold at Office Depot, Staples and other electronics stores nationwide and online at toshibadirect. com and other websites between June 2011 and November 2016 for between $500 and $1,000 for the laptop and between $70 and $130 for the battery pack. Consumers should power off the laptop, remove the battery and follow the instructions to obtain a free replacement battery pack. Until a replacement battery pack is installed, consumers should use the laptop by plugging it into AC power only. af The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission works to protect the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products.

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G o t o www . austinfamily . c o m f o r weekly updates o f A r o und A ustin news Jung and Ali say it’s important to know the symptoms of dental health problems. Gingivitis is characterized by bleeding and swelling of the gums, usually preceding periodontitis, or gum disease. The students say a great way to avoid gum disease and cavities is to brush your teeth daily and consume a diet low in carbohydrates. Visit the students’ website at bit.ly/2iVYUEJ.

Preschool Science

Yeonseo Jung and Misbah Ali, McNeil High School students, promote awareness about cavities and gum disease through their school’s HOSA organization. Photo courtesy of Yeonseo Jung.

Dental Health Month

Two seniors at McNeil High School are promoting public awareness about dental health. Yeonseo Jung and Misbah Ali, both members of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), have shared presentations with elementary and middle schools and decorated their public library’s bulletin board.

In January, the Texas Museum of Science and Technology (TXMOST) launched “Wee-searchers,” a program for children under 5 and their caregivers. Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 9–10 a.m., kids can learn and explore topics such as dinosaurs, mummies, astronauts and more. The program features stories, songs and play. Each Wee-Searchers participant receives a passport that can be filled with stamps to receive a prize. Sessions are free for members and $3 for nonmembers. One caregiver is included in the price of admission. For more information, visit txmost.org.

The students say a common misunderstanding is that cavities are a concern only for children. The two emphasize that even the non-sweet carbohydrates adults eat can lead to cavities. Carbohydrates create a risk when they’re not properly cleaned from the outside layer of the tooth (the enamel), says the pair. Saliva and bacteria can then create acids, building a plaque that clings to the tooth. This plaque decays the enamel and may start to decay the inner layer of the tooth (the dentin), making the holes we call cavities.

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TXMOST provides “Wee-Searchers” participants with a passport to fill and redeem for a prize. Photo courtesy of TXMOST.

Must -Do This Month Gather your little football fans for the Super Bowl on Feb. 5. Brush Up! It’s National Childrens Dental Health Month. Get a jump on making class valentines. Start now!

Healthy Eating

Whole Kids Foundation announced in January that it raised $2.8 million to fund its Growing Healthy Kids campaign to give schoolchildren better access to fruits and vegetables. The foundation provides grants to develop school salad bars and school gardens. “We are so grateful to Whole Foods Market shoppers, team members and supplier partners who donated generously to this year’s Growing Healthy Kids campaign,” says Nona Evans, president and executive director of Whole Kids Foundation. “These funds give us the ability to support students and teachers through our programs, and to expand our reach to new communities and schools.” Since its inception in 2011, Whole Kids Foundation has raised more than $21 million. Its programs have served more than four million children in the US, Canada and the UK. Whole Foods Market covers the foundation’s operating costs, allowing all funds donated to directly support the foundation’s programs.

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Ozell S. works in the school garden at Smith Elementary. Photo courtesy of Whole Kids Foundation.

For more information, visit wholekidsfoundation.org.

Roadside Cleanup

Volunteers with Keep Austin Beautiful (KAB) worked in January to remove the remains of one popular Austin holiday tradition: decorating the ashe juniper trees along Loop 360. The tradition leaves tinsel, ornaments and more in the environment well after the holiday season, and the organization says festive accessories pose a threat to local watersheds and wildlife.

Volunteers with Keep Austin Beautiful remove holiday decorations along Loop 360. Photo courtesy of Keep Austin Beautiful.

“It’s not about what is on the tree; it is what has fallen off or what remains,” says Rodney Ahart, executive director of KAB. “We as Austinites have an obligation to restore the environment to its natural state, avoiding any harmful effects to wildlife or the nearby creeks.” This year’s 155 volunteers collected 100 bags of trash and 30 bags of usable decorations, which were donated to Goodwill. KAB asks that Austinites leave the trees unadorned, and urges those that decorated a tree to remove the decorations in a timely manner.

Pediatric Emergency Care

Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas has made its pediatric emergency care available in Hays County through a partnership with Seton Medical Center Hays. Care guidelines were developed in partnership with pediatric experts at Dell Children’s, and when advanced care is needed, doctors at Seton Hays will use virtual care technology to link directly to Dell Children’s specialists.

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Social Networks

“As Hays County continues to attract more families, it’s important to meet our community’s expanding needs,” says Neal Kelley, chief operating officer of Seton Medical Center Hays. Rhett Reed, MD, medical director of emergency care at Seton Medical Center Hays, says his team is eager to serve their community’s entire family— children and adults. Later this year, Dell Children’s says it plans to expand its quality emergency care to additional Seton sites, including Seton Southwest and Seton Northwest Hospitals.

Subscription Boxes

Mama Bird Box is an Austin-based company created by sisters Beth Knapp and Becca Hogan. Boxes arrive monthly filled with goodies for expectant mothers. Each box contains items to encourage a healthy lifestyle, items to pamper and items specific to the recipient’s month of pregnancy.

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LivingTree, an Austin-based private social network for PreK-12 family engagement, announced in January its acquisition of ClassMessenger, a parent-teacher communication tool. The network allows parents within a school community to share media and announcements, send and receive private direct messages, access directory listings, volunteer for school activities and keep in touch with their children’s teachers. “ClassMessenger has done an excellent job of syncing teachers, parents and students at the classroom level,” says LivingTree CEO Joni Carswell. “They have built an extremely active user base who believes in using technology for family engagement.” LivingTree is used by schools and districts in California, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and more. The company says it will continue to operate the ClassMessenger platform through the end of June, allowing its users to complete the 2016-17 school year. To learn more, visit livingtree.com.

by the

numbers 27th

Ranking of US students in math among 34 countries Source: oecd.org

Median wage for STEM jobs compared to all other jobs

Source: changetheequation.org

17%

Projected growth in STEM jobs between 2014 and 2024 Source: changetheequation.org

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Parents and parents-to-be can learn about the latest baby products at Gearapalooza on Feb. 11. Photo courtesy of Bump Club and Beyond.

Baby Gear

Gearapalooza, a national touring event, will visit Baby Earth in Round Rock on Feb. 11. The tour is hosted by Bump Club and Beyond (BCB), a social event company connecting moms and moms-to-be with information, experts, products and each other. “As a mom, I am always asked what are the must-have products, the best of the best, each year,” says BCB Founder Lindsay Pinchuk. “With our network of over 200,000 moms, we always receive excellent feedback.” Guests will see the latest baby products and hear a talk from baby gear expert Jamie Grayson. Those who can’t make the event in person can join a Gearapalooza webinar on Jan. 25 or Jul. 12. To sign up, visit bumpclubandbeyond.com.

School Recess

Two new guidance documents aim to support school recess and enhance active school environments. The documents were released in January by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators. “This is a milestone in our quest to increase children’s physical activity levels,” says SHAPE America CEO E. Paul Roetert, PhD. “Daily recess, monitored by well-trained staff or volunteers, can optimize a child’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.” Roetert says recess contributes to the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity for students and helps them apply the knowledge and skills they learn in an effective health and physical education program. The documents, titled Strategies for Recess in Schools and Recess Planning in Schools: A Guide to Putting Strategies for Recess into Practice, can be downloaded free of charge at bit.ly/2iNlq2j. The documents are designed for state and school district leaders, teachers, recess and playground supervisors, support staff, school administrators, parent-teacher organizations, school health coordinators, advisory councils, parents and anyone interested in supporting recess in schools. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

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A NIGHT OUT

Local Astronomer Turns Kids (and Adults) Into Star Gazers by Sherida Mock

Amy Jackson and her mother.

Amy Jackson wants you to look up. She hopes your kids will, too. As an astronomer and former classroom science teacher, she values the lessons we can all learn from the night sky. Jackson is the founder of Starry Sky Austin and the author of a new children’s book, Cassandra and the Night Sky. She recently spoke with us about her work.

AF: What led you to the field of astronomy?

Amy: I grew up in Houston, and we’d go to NASA for field trips. My parents let me go to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, in 8th grade. Well, I begged them. Then my senior year in high school, I had a wonderful physics teacher. I just fell in love with physics. I felt drawn to teach, too. I taught high school first, and then I taught middle school science. Well, I got married and had a family and stayed home with my kids while they were really young. I was loving it, but also was bored and sad that I wasn’t feeding that that intellectual side and that passion. So, I created Starry Sky Austin.

AF: What do your students learn?

Amy: My main focus is a once-a-week, four-week class. I do this for kids and for UT informal classes for adults. We do boy and girl scout programs. Also, home school classes.

We’re outside at night, and we learn how to use a telescope. I tell star stories. They learn how to use a star chart. I do a laser pointer tour of the sky. These are things I feel like are fundamental toward our human experience of understanding our place on our planet and in our solar system. The immense space between things is one thing I feel like we don’t always experience. Also, the reason for the seasons. You’d be surprised how many people think that we’re closer to the sun in the summer, and that’s why it’s hotter. Students walk away with an understanding of seasons and moon phases. And that the North Star changes. Polaris won’t always be our North Star.

AF: Tell us about your book, Cassandra and the Night Sky.

Amy: It’s a story about a princess growing up in a kingdom with no stars. She finds the night sky and brings it back. It uses

“If you just look up, there are so many stories to tell.” – Amy Jackson

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some of my favorite summer constellations. My mother’s an artist, and she’s always wanted to illustrate a children’s book. So, we marked a big check box for her. And we found a publisher in Houston: the Bright Sky Press. The book just came out in November.

AF: What was it like working with your mother? Amy: That’s an aspect of the project that I didn’t even plan for. It brought us so close together. We’re close anyway, but any kind of tension kind of dissipated and became less important because we had this focused project to work on together. It was really fun, because I could be completely honest with her.

AF: What can kids learn from the night sky? Amy: First of all, the scientific method and learning to think critically. That’s the most important thing you can learn at all. Think critically about what you’re reading and what you’re learning, and the doors are open to learn anything. And so many processes, like the whole stellar evolution and how stars are formed and how if you look up, there’s all these different colored stars. Why are they different colors? Well, they started out with different mass. And just, from one question comes so many. If you just look up, there are so many stories to tell.

There are stories about history: the names of the stars and how they were named. And the constellation lines: there’s cultural information there, because each culture has their own constellations. You learn history, science, culture, weather systems and how geology works on our planet. Just by looking at the surface of the moon, you learn about volcanism. How did the craters form? It’s never ending. I feel like I’m always learning, and there’s so much to learn.

AF: What skills are important for astronomy? Amy: Having resilience and self-confidence and patience really pays off. And just an inspiration and self-motivated interest to learn. I think that’s important with anything. You have to persevere, then you can do anything. You can do hard math. You can learn calculus. You can learn physics. You just have to believe in yourself and keep trying. Take one step, then the next step.

AF: Tell us about your family.

Amy: I have three girls: a 10 year old, an 8 year old and a 2 and ¾ year old. We’re very outdoorsy. We like to mountain bike. We’re trying to get the kids into rock climbing. The past couple of years have been raising a toddler. We’re trying to figure out how to go from a family of four to a family of five [laughs]. We like to hear music. My husband works for Austin City Limits, so I take the kids to the tapings.

AF: Any last thoughts?

Amy: I want you to know about Reimers Observatory. It’s been there for almost 2 years. We limit the program to 30 people per program, so it won’t be these long lines behind telescopes. It’ll be more of an intimate experience. af

UPCOMING EVENTS • Texas Night Sky Festival March 18 Dripping Springs Ranch Park Texasnightskyfestival.org

Amy Jackson and her family.

• International Dark Sky Week April 22-28, darksky.org Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

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by betty richards o n

How Can I Help My

D E Z ATI

M U TRA Kids?

Q A

I recently left a bad relationship in which I was abused. I thought my kids (3, 7 and 13) were tough and would bounce right back. But friends have suggested I seek therapy for them. How can I tell if they are traumatized, and how can I help them?

Many children experience traumatic events. The American Psychological Association (apa.org) found more than two thirds of kids reported in community samples that they had experienced a traumatic event before age 16. Many children reported more than one.

loved ones, being homeless, unpredictable caregiver behavior due to mental illness or addiction, car accident, disaster or loss of loved ones—including pets as well as people.

Some children bounce back, and some don’t. Symptoms vary by age group. Kids under 5 tend to show fussiness or reluctance What is a traumatic event? The APA defines to explore. Children 5-12 tend to be quiet it as an event that “threatens injury, death or or withdrawn, want to be left alone, have physical integrity of self or others and causes frequent physical complaints or often horror, terror or helplessness at the time it appear sad. Preteens and teens engage in occurs.” Some traumatic events might be risky behaviors, run away or refuse to follow physical abuse, school violence, bullying, rules. They may be irritable. They can lose sexual abuse, neglect, medical trauma, interest in things. They may have a decline serious illness in loved ones, separation from in school work.

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Here are some suggestions for how you can help your children: 1. Provide structure to the day. Have a set time for meals,

homework, chores and playtime. A predictable schedule helps a child feel a sense of control. Let children know if their schedule will be different on any day.

2. Be alert to cues that your child wants hugs and kisses or doesn’t want physical contact, and follow those cues. Avoid making demands for kisses or hugs.

3. Have rules and set reasonable consequences for breaking them. Let your children help make the rules, and post important ones so the kids can understand and comply.

4. Model calmness. Hold your anxieties and fears in check. Avoid yelling at the children. If you are out of control, your kids will feel out of control and may mimic your out-of-control behavior.

5. Interact with your children. Draw, play board games or have a picnic at the park. These activities make you available if they want to talk, and it’s comforting that you are near.

6. Listen when your kids want to talk about the traumatic

event. Younger children may tend to blame themselves, and if they do, you can help them move toward a realistic view. Assure them that they can always talk with you, and you will help them understand or figure out what to do.

7. Avoid new romances. Also avoid friends who expect or demand a lot of your time or put you down.

8. Get professional help for yourself, particularly if you find

yourself unable to cope with the children, unable to enforce rules, unable to stay calm or wanting to get into another relationship without healing from the last one.

While some kids may get past a traumatic event without therapy, it’s hard for a parent to know if they will or won’t, so why not seek help? There are many child therapists in Austin and surrounding communities. If you don’t have insurance or money for therapy, you can use a computer search engine to look for “low cost mental health services for children in Austin Texas.” af Betty Richardson, Ph.D., R.N.C., L.P.C., L.M.F.T., is an Austin-based psychotherapist who specializes in dealing with the problems of children, adolescents and parents.

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by betty richards o n

¿Cómo Puedo Ayudar a ? S O Mis Hijos D A Z I

T A M U A R T

P R

Recientemente dejé una mala relación en la cual fui maltratada. Pensé que mis hijos (3, 7 y 13) eran lo suficientemente fuertes y que se recuperarían pronto. Pero mis amigos han sugerido que busque terapia para ellos. ¿Cómo puedo saber si están traumatizados y cómo puedo ayudarlos?

Muchos niños experimentan eventos traumáticos. La Asociación Americana de Psicología (apa.org) encontró que más de dos tercios de los niños reportaron en muestras de la comunidad que habían sufrido un evento traumático antes de los 16 años de edad. Muchos niños reportaron más de uno. ¿Qué es un evento traumático? La APA lo define como un evento que “amenaza con lesiones, muerte o integridad física de sí mismo o a otros y causa horror, terror o impotencia en el momento en que ocurre.” Algunos eventos traumáticos pueden ser el maltrato físico, violencia escolar, intimidación, abuso sexual, negligencia, trauma médica, enfermedad grave en seres queridos, separación de los seres queridos, falta de hogar, comportamiento impredecible del cuidador

February 2017 l austinfamily.com

debido a enfermedad mental o adicción, accidente automovilístico, desastre o perdida de seres queridos, incluyendo mascotas, así como las personas. Algunos niños se recuperan y otros no. Los síntomas varían por grupo de edad. Los niños menores de 5 años de edad tienden a mostrar irritabilidad o se niegan a explorar. Los niños de 5-12 años de edad tienden a estar tranquilos o retraídos, quieren que los dejen solos, tienen frecuentes quejas físicas o a menudo parecen estar tristes. Los preadolescentes y adolescentes se involucran en comportamientos arriesgados, se escapan o se niegan a seguir las reglas. Pueden estar irritables. Pueden perder el interés en las cosas. Pueden tener una decadencia en su trabajo escolar.

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Aquí están algunas sugerencias sobre cómo puede ayudar a sus hijos: 1. Proporcionar estructura al día. Tener un tiempo establecido

para comidas, tareas, quehaceres y tiempo para jugar. Un horario predecible ayuda al niño a tener un sentido de control. Dejar saber a sus hijos el día en que su horario será diferente.

2. Estar alerta a las señales de cuando su hijo quiere abrazos y besos o no quiere contacto físico, y seguir esas señales. Evitar hacer exiges besos o abrazos.

3. Tener reglas y establecer consecuencias razonables por romperlas. Dejar que sus hijos ayuden hace las reglas, y exponer los mensajes importantes para que los niños puedan entender y cumplir.

4. Modelar calma. Mantener sus ansiedades y miedos bajo control. Evitar gritarle a los niños. Si usted está fuera de control, sus hijos se sentirán fuera de control y pueden imitar su comportamiento fuera-de-control.

5. Interactuar con sus hijos. Dibujar, jugar juegos de mesa o hacer un paseo al parque. Estas actividades la hacen disponible por si quieren hablar, y es reconfortante que esté cerca.

6. Escuchar cuando sus hijos quieren hablar sobre el evento

traumático. Los niños más pequeños tienden a culparse a sí mismos, y si lo hacen, usted puede ayudarlos a avanzar hacia una visión realista. Asegurarles que siempre pueden hablar con usted, y usted les ayudará a entender o averiguar qué hacer.

Piensa Positivo

by Leslie Montoya, life coach and host of Despierta Austin

El Tipo de Miedo Que Te Domina y No Deja Avanzar

En mi experiencia como life coach/experta en relaciones, he podido comprobar que uno de los miedos más dominantes en el ser humano es el miedo a no ser amado. ¿Cómo superarlo? Primero pregúntate: ¿me amo de la manera que me gustaría ser amado(a)? Si la respuesta es no, entonces empieza a amarte de la manera que te gustaria que lo hicieran los demás. ¡Piensa positivo!

Fear That Dominates and Doesn’t Let Go

In my experience as a life coach/relationship expert, I have been able to verify that one of the most dominant fears in human beings is the fear of not being loved. How do you overcome it? First ask yourself: Do I love myself the way I would like to be loved? If the answer is no, then start loving yourself the way you would like others to do it. Think positive!

Drop-In Childcare

Ages 18 months to 12 years old

7. Evitar nuevos romances. Evitar también a los amigos que

esperan o requieren mucho de su tiempo o que la hacen sentir mal.

8. Obtener ayuda profesional para usted, especialmente si se

encuentra incapaz de lidiar con los niños, si no puede hacer cumplir las reglas, si no puede mantener la calma o quiere entrar en otra relación sin haber sanado de la última.

Mientras que algunos niños pueden superar un evento traumático sin terapia, es difícil para un padre saber si lo harán o no, así que ¿por qué no buscar ayuda? Hay muchos terapeutas infantiles en Austin y en comunidades circundantes. Si no tiene seguro o dinero para la terapia, puede buscar en la computadora por internet “servicios de salud mental de bajo costo para niños en Austin, Texas.” af Betty Richardson, Ph.D., R.N.C., L.P.C., L.M.F.T., es una psicoterapeuta establecida en Austin que se especializa en ocuparse de los problemas de niños, de adolescentes y de padres.

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Playful, intentional learning experiences Full-Time & Pre-K programs available Locations in NW and SW Austin

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LOVE CODE

How to Raise Kids Who

by Carolyn Jabs, M.A. Over 600,000 computing jobs are available in the US, but only 43,000 computer science majors graduated last year. That startling statistic from code.org may explain why 9 out of 10 parents want children to learn computer programming. Even kids who aren’t likely to choose programming as a career benefit from learning something about it. Coding teaches kids to analyze problems, think logically and be persistent about troubleshooting. Getting results also gives kids a sense of accomplishment and confidence that they can make technology work for them. Unfortunately, many K-12 schools don’t routinely offer coding classes. To correct that problem, the White House launched a Computer Science for All initiative in 2016. Parents can find out about exemplary school programs at digitalpromise.org and discover local programs in the “Learn” section of code.org. You can also supplement what’s available at school with options like these:

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Toys. Three dimensional playthings can teach kids the kind of logical sequencing that is at the heart of programming. Code-a-pillar from Fisher Price is a caterpillar that does different things depending on how a toddler sequences its segments ($50). Circuit Maze teaches kids to think logically about circuits with a series of 60 puzzles ($30). Makerbloks, arriving in summer 2017, are domino-size blocks with different functions. Kids as young as 6 can snap them together to tell stories or solve puzzles ($99). Bots. Robots and droids can be fun for the entire family, but many models are expensive, delicate or tricky to operate. Exceptions include Makewonder’s Dash ($150) and Dot ($50), a couple of freestanding, kid-friendly bots that can be controlled through an app. Sphero sells several durable, rolling robots that will appeal to kids over 8, especially if they are Star Wars fans (starting at $80). Apps. A wide variety of apps claim to teach coding to kids. Two of the better ones come from Hopscotch (gethopscotch.com). The program lets school-age kids use code to design games and create artwork. A simpler program called Daisy the Dinosaur is available

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for preschoolers (both free through Apple products). Kodable teaches coding practices by having 6-10 year olds maneuver furry, round aliens through 30 increasingly difficult mazes (free on multiple platforms). The Foos ask elementaryage kids to help cute characters solve problems that just happen to involve coding skills such as pattern recognition and sequencing (free on most platforms). Lightbot is a slightly more abstract set of puzzles that can be addictive for older kids (free on most platforms). Hybrids. Several interesting programs teach code with a combination of tangible objects and apps. Bloxels has kids ages 8-12 create video games by inserting brightly colored blocks into a grid to create a pixellated image. Capture the image on a smart phone, and an app helps you convert it into a game with characters and obstacles (kits start at $50). Bitsbox has a free website and offers a subscription service for elementary school kids (starting at $20 per month). Each month, kids get a box of new programming challenges along with stickers, small toys and trading cards. Clubs. CS First from Google offers free modules that can be used in afterschool programs or summer camps. The materials are built around Scratch, a coding language devised at MIT and targeted to students in grades 4-8. All you need to start a club is a willing adult and access to one Internet-enabled device for each club member. Lessons. For children who develop a taste for coding, several organizations offer a more systematic way to become proficient. American Robotics Academy offers classes at several Austin-area schools. Code.org has links to “Hour of Code” projects that offer free one-hour tutorials introducing students to code. They also have a series of videos that help kids master basic algorithms and offer inspiration from master coders like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg. Pluralsight.com, a company that provides online training to adults by subscription, offers several free classes for kids. At Codecademy.com, teens who are motivated can master

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several programming languages through free interactive lessons. Finally, Tynker.com, a program widely used by schools, offers over 1,000 coding activities for a monthly subscription (starting at $8 per month). Try the free apps, available for Android and Apple, before signing up. Camps. Spring break and summer are great times to learn a new skill, and several camps will immerse kids in code. Fun 2 Learn Code offers spring break and summer camps at their Round Rock location. Bits Bytes and Bots runs summer camps at a variety of Austin area locations. Just for Girls. In the past, boys gravitated toward programming more readily than girls. A number of organizations are trying to reverse that trend. Girlstart provides a variety of programs in Austin just for girls. MadeWithCode.com, a Google initiative, features exciting coding projects developed by young women. GirlsWhoCode sponsors tech clubs and summer camps for girls in the Austin area. Around the House. CSunplugged.org promises to teach kids some of the basic concepts of computer science through games and puzzles that use inexpensive materials like cards, string, ping pong balls and crayons. The site, which is popular with educators, includes downloads and videos explaining how to make use of the materials. With so many options available, every parent should be able to find a program or project that matches their child’s age and temperament, as well as the family’s schedule and budget. So, what are you waiting for? Get your kids coding now! af Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids, including one with special needs.

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B y M argaret N icklas

Can Your Child Be Spanked at School? Last month, I wrote of the impressive efforts being made to bring social and emotional learning into Austin schools, where mindfulness and other techniques are helping children manage their emotions more productively. This month, I take a look at something that stands in sharp contrastâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the use of corporal punishment, a practice still legal in Texas public schools and in the public schools of almost half of states nation-wide. Texas defines corporal punishment as â&#x20AC;&#x153;deliberate infliction of physical pain by hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping or any other physical force used as a means of discipline.â&#x20AC;? School boards can prohibit its use in their districts, and many in Texas do. In public schools where the practice is allowed, parents may individually withhold permission for their children to be physically punished at school. By law, they must do so in writing and renew their written request each year. While the use of corporal punishment in schools has been steadily diminishing since the 1970s, it remains legal in 22 states. It is most prevalent in Mississippi, Arkansas and Alabama, where it potentially affects about 50 percent of students, according to a recent report authored by researchers Elizabeth Gershoff and Sarah Font. Their analysis also disturbingly revealed racial and other disparities in how punishments are carried out.

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In the period they reviewed, black boys were the most likely of all children to receive corporal punishment, at 16 percent of those attending a school that used it, followed by all boys at 11 percent. Although at lower rates than boys, all females with disabilities were more likely to be physically punished than their counterparts without disabilities; black girls in this group were punished at higher rates than white girls. Whether meted out in schools or elsewhere, many parents believe corporal punishment is appropriate. Child Trends, a national nonprofit research group that focuses on the well-being of children, youth and families, reports that a 2014 survey found 76 percent of men and 65 percent of women said that children sometimes need a “good, hard spanking.” Elsewhere, it’s been reported that 80 percent of parents worldwide spank or otherwise physically punish their children.

Tiffany Young with AISD says parents should report immediately to a child’s principal if they suspect he or she is being hit or otherwise punished inappropriately. They may also report the issue to an area superintendent if they don’t feel comfortable reporting it to the principal, she adds. Other Central Texas districts may allow corporal punishment, however, and rules that govern local private schools and charter schools may differ as well. If you are not sure and have a concern, contact your child’s school to find out which policies apply. You can also visit ocrdata.ed.gov and click on “School and District Search” to find out how about your school district or school stacks up in a variety of ways, including the use of corporal punishment. af Margaret Nicklas is an Austin-based freelance journalist, writer and mom who covers public affairs, public health and the well-being of children.

But Gershoff, who has studied the subject extensively, contends that corporal punishment is harmful to children and should be avoided. In a second study published earlier this year, Gershoff, along with co-author Andrew Grogan-Kaylor, analyzed previously conducted research on thousands of children to reach their conclusions. “There’s absolutely no evidence that when children experience physical punishment, they have any positive outcomes,” Gershoff says. “The more kids are spanked, the more aggressive they are over time, the more behavior problems they have, the worse their achievement in school,” she adds. The study also found that more mental health problems and negative relations with parents are associated with corporal punishment. Researchers are not alone in their concerns. US Education Secretary John B. King, Jr. recently issued a statement urging governors and state school officials to eliminate corporal punishment in schools across the country. “Our schools are bound by a sacred trust to safeguard the well-being, safety and extraordinary potential of the children and youth within the communities they serve,” King says in a statement. “No school can be considered safe or supportive if its students are fearful of being physically punished.” The Austin Independent School District (AISD) expressly prohibits the use of corporal punishment. But even where schools have prohibited corporal punishment, the disparities found by researchers may still be present in more subtle ways. For instance, black children were given in-school or out-of-school suspension at more than twice the rates of white students within AISD in 2013. Rates were also slightly higher for Hispanic students, compared to their proportion of the student population. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

Start Early. Start Right. Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic classes for preschool to eighth grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. The results are unmatched at any price! Come see for yourself at an Open House! Saturday, February 11, 11–3 Thursday, February 16, 9–6 Monday, February 27, 9–6 Open Enrollment Has Begun!

An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade

Avery Ranch (512) 341-8000 15101 Avery Ranch Boulevard, Austin Pond Springs (512) 258-1299 13015 Pond Springs Road, Austin Round Rock (512) 255-8844 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock

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B y B R E N D A S C H OO L F I E L D

Are You Treating Your Child’s Cough the Right Way? Chances are, your child will get a cough this year. In fact, coughs are one of the most common reasons that children see a doctor. To make sure your child gets better and not worse, you must be knowledgeable and prepared. It’s important to know what to do, what not to do and when to get medical care.

Do this:

Why Is My Child Coughing?

• If your child has aches and pains, ask your pediatrician about giving acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

The cough reflex serves a purpose—it helps clear the throat and airways of mucous, irritations or other substances. There are two types of coughs: acute and chronic. An acute cough comes on suddenly. Viruses, such as the common cold and flu, can cause this type of cough. Other causes are croup and pneumonia. A chronic cough is one that doesn’t go away, even after several weeks. Some problems that cause this type of cough are allergies, asthma, postnasal drip or reflux. Whooping cough begins as an acute cough, then becomes chronic.

What Should I Do?

When your child has a cough, there are some things that you can do to make your child more comfortable. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests the following.

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• Make sure your child drinks plenty of liquids. You also may want to offer warm soups, such as chicken soup. • If your child is young, try using saline nasal spray with a simple bulb and syringe to clear a stuffy nose. • Use a cool mist vaporizer, which may help loosen congestion.

Don’t do this:

• Don’t give over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines to children younger than 4 years old. These products can have serious side effects, cautions AAP. Be really careful about giving cough and cold medicines to children older than 4 years old. Many products contain several ingredients. Giving two products that have the same ingredient can cause an accidental overdose. See the sidebar “Use Caution When Giving OTC Cough and Cold Medicines.” Brenda Schoolfield is a freelance medical writer in Austin.

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When to Get Medical Care for Your Child with a Cough Call your pediatrician right away if your child:

• Is younger than 4 months old and has a cough • Is coughing up yellow or green mucus • Is coughing up blood • Has a fever and is not acting like himself—for example, lethargic or confused • Is coughing so hard that he vomits • Gets a cough after an episode where he choked on food or an object, even if it happened a few days or weeks ago • Has had the cough for more than 2 weeks and isn’t getting better • Is breathing funny—for example, fast breathing or making funny sounds when he breathes • Is having trouble breathing (see next column “When to call 9-1-1”) • Keeps refusing to drink anything for a long time

Call 9-1-1 right away if your child:

• Is having trouble talking or crying—only able to say one or two syllables at a time • Makes a grunting sound with each breath • Is gasping for breath • Is turning blue around the mouth • Is breathing very fast (more than 50 to 60 breaths a minute) • Is looking like he is struggling to get air in for each breath— his nostrils flare out or stomach or chest area sucks in

Use Caution When Giving OTC Cough and Cold Medicines Before giving any OTC cough or cold medicines to a child, the FDA advises parents to do the following: • Check to see what the “active ingredients” are. • Be very careful when giving more than one OTC cough and cold medicine to a child. If you use two medicines that have the same or similar “active ingredients,” a child could get too much of an ingredient. This can cause serious injury or even death. • Carefully follow the directions on how to give the medicine. • Only use the measuring spoons or cups that come with the medicine or those made specially for measuring medicines. • Choose OTC cough and cold medicines with childproof safety caps when available. Always store medicines out of reach of children. • Understand that OTC cough and cold medicines do not cure or shorten the duration of the common cold. • Don’t use these products to sedate a child or make children sleepy. af Source: US Food and Drug Administration

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BY ROCIO BARBOSA

by r o ci o barb o sa

Candlemas in Mexico

El Dia de la Candelaria

El Día de la Candelaria (or Candlemas) is a religious tradition practiced on February 2 in Latin America and other parts of the world as a continuation of Christmas. Where I come from in Mexico, the celebration arises from the fusion of two cultures—the Nahuatl (or Aztec) and the Spanish Christians—during the conquest in the early 1500s.

El Día de la Candelaria es una tradición religiosa practicada el 2 de Febrero en América Latina y otras partes del mudo como una continuación de la Navidad. De donde yo vengo en México, la celebración surge de la fusión de dos culturas—la náhuatl (o aztecas) y los españoles cristianos—durante la conquista a principios de los años 1500.

Families dress figures of the Christ child in special clothes and bring him to the church to be blessed, recreating the first time the baby Jesus was presented to God in the temple in Jerusalem. Some families have maintained their figures of the Christ child for decades.

Familias visten figuras del Niño Jesús en ropa especial y los llevan a la iglesia para ser bendecidos, recreando la primera vez que el Niño Jesús fue presentado a Dios en el templo en Jerusalén. Algunas familias han mantenido sus figuras del Niño Dios por decadas.

Food—and especially corn—is also an important component of the celebration. Families prepare a feast featuring tamales and atole (a hot drink made with milk and corn flour). For Mesoamerican cultures, corn represents life, because the corn is born as a young plant, matures and then dies, to be buried as a seed and reborn. In this way, corn represents the baby Jesus, but also Quetzalcoatl, the god of maize.

Alimentos—y sobre todo de maíz—es también un componente importante de la celebración. Las familias preparan una fiesta con tamales y atole (una bebida caliente hecha con la leche y la harina de maíz). Para las culturas mesoamericanas, el maíz representa la vida, porque el maíz nace como una planta joven, madura y muere para ser enterrado como una semilla y renace. De esta manera, el maíz representa al Niño Jesús , sino también Quetzalcoatl, el dios del maíz.

Rocio Barbosa, mother of two, lives in Round Rock.

Rocio Barbosa, madre de dos, vive en Round Rock.

10 Things... for Bird Feeding Month! 1. Library books about bird watching 2. Merlin Bird ID app 3. Binoculars 4. The Great Backyard Bird Count at birdsource.org

5. Black-oil sunflower seeds 6. Seed feeders 7. Bird houses 8. Nectar 9. Hummingbird feeders 10. Bird baths 24

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2017 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE SPONSORED BY:

YMCA of Greater Williamson County

austinymca.org

ymcagwc.org DAY CAMPS pg 25 • OVERNIGHT CAMPS pg 36 SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS pg 39

day camps Abrakadoodle Summer Camp

Leander, Round Rock, Georgetown 512-337-7017 www.abrakadoodle.com/tx-austin Ages 3 - 12 Art camps are fun-filled, action-packed events. Camp themes include bugs, pirates, super heroes, princesses, circus and zoo animals plus many, many more.

Austin Aquarium Summer Camps

Seahorse Camp, Stingray Camp & Shark Camp 13530 N Hwy 183, Austin 512-222-5586 www.austinaquarium.com Ages 4 – 7, 8 – 12, 13 – 18, respectively Your child will be diving into fun for summer. Learn about sea animals, hands on experience, all levels matched with age.

YMCA of Austin

Ages 4 – 13 Programs for children in an environmentally education-based curriculum. From nature studying, hiking and crafts to caving and stone tool making in older classes.

American Robotics

Austin metro area 512-844-2724 www.roboticsacademy.com Ages 6 – 17 Learn to design, build and test remotecontrolled miniature robots. We use simple, motorized machines – all made from LEGO bricks – to demonstrate mechanical movements and other effects.

Badgerdog Creative Writing Summer Camp

Several locations throughout Austin

Customize your Camp Guide search at austinfamily.com 512-542-0076 www.austinlibrary.org Ages 3rd – 12th grade Led by professional writers, campers discover and practice the arts of poetry and storytelling in a low-pressure, fun environment and become published authors.

Bits, Bytes & Bots Computer Adventures

Various Austin-Area locations 512-415-4120 www.austintx.bitsbytesbots.com Ages 6 – 14 Offering fun and educational week-long, half-day technology camps in game creation, movie-making, robotics, Scratch programming, Kodu Game Lab programming and Minecraft®. Low student to instructor ratio.

Austin Film Festival

512-478-4795 www.austinfilmfestival.com Ages 9 - 18 Rocking workshops that promise to teach, inspire, and help kids and young adults create their own fabulous funny, thought-provoking, heart-breaking, award-winning (you never know!) short films.

Austin Girls Choir

512-453-0884 www.girlschoir.com Ages 8 – 16 Austin Girls Choir camps include instruction on vocal skills, note reading, basic harmony and fun songs, with simple choreography.

Austin Nature and Science Center 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin 512-974-3880 www.austintexas.gov/ansc

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Bricks 4 Kidz ATX

Multiple greater Austin locations 512-270-9003 www.bricks4kidz.com/atx Ages 5 – 13 Build LEGO® models that move! Our themed enrichment camps feature motorized building, crafts, games and creative building time. Campers take home LEGO® mini-figures or accessory packs.

Cafe Monet Summer Art

Westgate, Triangle and San Marcos 512-892-3200, 512-906-2200, 512-805-2800 www.cafemonet.org Ages 6 and up Hands-on lessons in creativity. Paint pottery, fuse glass or spruce it up on a wooden plaque.

Camp Adventure by Kiddie Academy

1602 Medical Pkwy., Cedar Park 512-986-7355 www.kiddieacademy.com/cedarpark Ages preschool – school age At Kiddie Academy, we aim to make your child’s summer as educational as it is fun. Our Camp Adventure program and curriculum do exactly that, through themed events, activities and trips. Your child’s ordinary summer vacation is transformed into a fun and strong foundation for the future!

Camp Avalanche at Chaparral Ice Center

2525 W. Anderson Ln. #400, Austin 512-252-8500 x 160 www.chaparralice.com

WHERE KIDS BECOME A COMMUNITY Camp, like many Y programs, is about learning skills, developing character, and making friends. But few environments are as special as camp, where kids become a community as they learn both how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social, and educational activities. Y counselors are dedicated to making sure camp is an amazing experience for every camper.

Spring Break & Summer Camp Registration Opens February For ages 5-12 years old (spring) & 4-14 (summer)

Learn more and register online at AustinYMCA.org/camp or call Program Services at 512.236.9622

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Ages 7 - 14 Our campers fill their days swimming, going to the park, going on field trips, doing arts and crafts and—of course—ice skating!

Camp De Champs at Chaparral Ice Center

2525 W. Anderson Ln. #400, Austin 512-252-8500 x 160 www.chaparralice.com Ages 6 - 13 Camp De Champs offers 11 weeks of figure skating and hockey skating instruction. Kids receive two lessons daily, as well as public skating time, off-ice training, goal setting, arts and crafts and a new, optional performance recital on Thursday evening of each week.

Camp Doublecreek

800 Doublecreek Dr., Round Rock 512-255-3661 www.campdoublecreek.com Ages 4 – 14 Camp Doublecreek is Austin/Round Rock’s Best Day Camp for 45+ years. It is an activitybased camp with free transportation from 12 different locations.

Challenger School

Avery Ranch, Pond Springs and Round Rock 512-341-8000, 512-258-1299, 512-255-8844 www.challengerschool.com Ages PreK - 8th grade Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. Results are unmatched.

THE Y IS GIVING KIDS THEIR BEST SUMMER EVER FRIENDSHIP We’re here to inspire kids to work together and play together, creating friendships that can last a lifetime. ACCOMPLISHMENT We are here to surround your kids with fantastic chances to try new experiences. Show them all they can do when they believe in themselves. BELONGING We’re here to make kids feel welcome. To help them quickly realize this is a place where they belong and can be themselves. To try new things. To make new friends. And be a part of something great. • • • •

13 locations in Williamson County June – Aug | 7am – 6:30pm weekdays* Ages 4 thru 14 Outdoor, Excursion, Specialty & Kinder Camps • Financial assistance available *depending on location

2017 SUMMER DAY CAMP YMCA OF GREATER WILLIAMSON COUNTY

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512-246-9622

ymcagwc.org

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2017 summer camp guide Country Home Learning Center

Create with your Date

6900 Escarpment Blvd., Austin 512-288-8220 13120 U.S. Hwy. 183 N., Austin 512-331-1441 www.countryhomelearningcenter.com Ages 5 - 13 Children must have finished grade K to attend our summer camp program and field trips. (All ages, starting at 6 weeks, accepted for our year-round program.) Join us for an incredible summer camp experience, featuring child approved special events, exciting weekly field trips and kids’ choice special interest clubs.

Dance Discovery

A BYOB Studio where you can Paint Your Own Pottery! Birthday Parties • Kid’s Night Out • Much More!

Westgate: 512-892-3200 Triangle: 512-906-2200

Check out our events calendar at: CafeMonet.org

OVERNIGHT CAMP JUST AROUND THE CORNER! YMCA CAMP TWIN LAKES • CEDAR PARK, TX

Central Austin and Avery Ranch 512-419-7611, 512-658-2996 www.dancediscovery.com www.averyranchdance.com Ages 3 - 14 Various themed camps include storytime ballet, jazz, hip hop, gymnastics, musical theatre, and drama-set design. Each camp week ends with a great show!

Estancia Art Camp

12703 Hwy 71, Bee Caves 512-580-2999 www.estanciaart.com

Ages 4 and up Kids are introduced to plaster sculpture, acrylic painting on canvas and wet clay. Great art experiences.

Extend-A-Care for Kids Summer Day Camp

Locations in AISD, DVISD and HCISD 512-472-9402 www.eackids.org Ages 3 - 12 Weekly sessions consisting of sports, field trips, swimming, cooking, games and puzzles, reading, arts and crafts and more. Weekly themes are based on children’s literature.

Fantastic Magic Camp

Austin metro area 512-850-4677 www.magiccamp.com Ages 5 – 12 Kids discover their unique inner magic through learning magic tricks. Campers are surrounded by people, both young and old, who recognize and embrace that uniqueness.

Fun2Learn Code

Round Rock and Austin, watch for more 512-900-8380 www.fun2learncode.com Ages 7 and up Half-day and full-day computer

OVERNIGHT CAMP is a great way for kids to develop skills, independence and confidence! OVERNIGHT CAMP DETAILS ( full week ) Jun11-16 • Jun 18-23 • Jun 25-30 Jul 9-14 • Jul 16-21 • Jul 23-28 • Conveniently located in Cedar Park • 6 weeks of overnight camp • Boys & girls from grades 3 – 8 • 6 days, Sunday – Friday • New cabins with bathrooms and A/C • Experienced counselors & nutritious meals MINI OVERNIGHT CAMP DETAILS ( 2 nights ) July 5-7 • Aug 2-4 • Aug 9-11 • ALL THE FUN of above, only shorter! • Begins lunch Wednesday to dinner Friday • Monday & Tuesday Day Camp included! RATES • Full Week Camp $649 ( Y members ) or $724 ( non members ) • Mini Camp $375 ( Y members ) or $399 ( non members ) • Financial assistance available

512-257-0709

camptwinlakes.ymcagwc.org YMCA OF GREATER WILLIAMSON COUNTY

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programming camps, including Minecraft Mods in Java, Scratch programming, Python, video game design, web development, robotics, circuits and stop motion animation.

Girls Empowerment Network-campGEN

901 Trinity St. Austin 512-808-4044 ext. 104 www.genaustin.org Ages 4 - 8th grade campGEN girls participate in fun, interactive workshops during weeklong sessions that are designed to help girls feel more confident as they navigate girlhood. Girls will gain new skills, new friendships and a new sense of self!

Girlstart Summer Camp

1400 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 512-916-4775 www.girlstart.org Rising 4th - 8th grades Girlstart summer camp allows girls to explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in a fun, informal environment and equips them with STEM skills they will use for life. Girlstart’s camp provides unique experiences that develop a strong conceptual understanding of STEM subjects and increases participants’ interest in STEM activities and careers.

Heartsong

2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 512-371-9506 www.heartsongmusic.net Ages up to 9 Join us spring and summer for our Music Together classes for children and their caregivers.

iD Tech Camp

St. Edward’s, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas Hillel & more 844-788-1858 www.idtech.com/austin Ages 7 – 18 Code, game, and create at the world’s #1 summer technology camp! Learn to code apps, design video games, mod Minecraft, engineer robots, discover cyber security, build websites, print 3D models, and more. Register online.

SUMMER & SPRING Break Camps 9 Different Camps to Choose From! Rockets, Robots, Chemistry, Spies, Grossology, Invention and More!

austin.madscience.org

2009 - 2016 Fun and Hand-on Camps! Locations All Over Town Half-day & Full day Camps For Ages 4-12

Iron Horse Country Camp

Austin 512-917-5733 www.ironhorsecountry.com Ages 8 - 15 Weekly Day & (1)Overnight Camp. Our staff is highly trained for teaching children to ride safely. We supply all motorcycles, gear and training. Beginners to advanced riders welcomed.

Jump Gymnastics!

2911 Manchaca Rd., Austin 2117 Anderson Ln., Austin 512-593-6226

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MAD SCIENCE OFFERS EXCITING:

512-892-1143

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS • ASSEMBLIES • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • WORKSHOPS SPECIAL EVENTS • SPRING BREAK & SUMMER CAMPS• PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

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2017 summer camp guide www.jump-austin.com Ages 3 - 10 Voted Austin Family Magazine's Most Fun Camp in 2011, 2014, 2015. Theme-based gymnastics, games, activities, arts and crafts keep kids coming back.

Kiddie Academy’s Camp Adventure

2617 Kelly Ln., Pflugerville 512-989-7777 www.kiddieacademy.com/pflugerville Ages preschool – 12 years We aim to make your child’s summer as educational as it is fun. Our Camp Adventure program and curriculum do exactly that, through themed events, activities and trips. With Camp Adventure, your child’s ordinary

summer vacation is transformed into a fun and strong foundation for the future!

KidsActing Spring Break and Summer Camps

16 Locations throughout Austin metro 512-836-5437 www.kidsactingstudio.com Ages 3 - 19 KidsActing's award-winning camps feature full-scale musical or play productions, Triple Threat Musical, Glee! and Adventures in Acting. Creative Kids for ages 4 - 8 are introduction to the performing arts.

Kidventure

Westlake, Steiner Ranch, Lakeway 512-263-8992 www.kidventure.com Ages 3 - 12 Ignite your child’s passion with games, sports, adventures and getting as wet as possible. Build self-confidence, learn responsibility and instill courage.

Layla y la Ballena Spanish Immersion

8707 Mountain Crest Dr., Austin 2700 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 107 Ranch Rd. 620 S. #200, Lakeway 512-299-5731, 512-299-5732, 512-466-2409 www.austinbilingualschool.com Ages 2 – 11 Children join together to make the story “Leyla y la Ballena” come to life. Every week is dedicated to a theme, which is taught in an enthusiastic, fun-filled environment.

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Little Medical School

10691 RR 2222, Ste. R189, Austin 512-271-2002 x800 www.littlemedicalschool.com Ages 6 - 10 Little Medical School brings medicine, science, and the importance of health to children in an entertaining, exciting, and fun way.

Mad Science

Locations throughout Austin metro 512-892-1143 www.austin.madscience.org Ages 4 - 12 Mad Science camps are filled with exciting, fun, hands-on science activities. Children become junior scientists for the week and experience a variety of science adventures.

Nitro Swim

Cedar Park/Round Rock, Bee Cave 512-259-7999 www.nitroswim.com Ages 6 months and up The indoor Nitro Swim Center offers the highest quality swim lessons, non-competitive and competitive swimming around. Learn to wakeboard, kneeboard and water-ski in a fun, supportive environment from our experienced and professional staff. No equipment or experience is necessary.

One World Theatre Summer Camp Missoula Children’s Theatre’s Jack & the Beanstalk

7701 Bee Cave Rd., Austin

DISCOVER & EXPLORE! DIVE INTO SUMMER CAMP! rs be a t! em eive oun M c sc re di % 20

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Sea Horse Camp • Stingray Camp • Shark Camp 13530 N. Hwy. 183 @ Hwy. 183 & Anderson Mill Rd. • Austin 78750 • 512-222-5586

AustinAquarium.com

McKinney Roughs Nature Camp

McKinney Roughs Nature Park 512-303-5073 www.lcra.org/naturecamp Ages 5 – 15 Explore the outdoors and learn about wilderness skills and native plants and animals. Older campers enjoy swimming, a challenge course and raft trips.

PARAMOUNT PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS FOR GRADES 1–10

Moolah U

Locations throughout Austin 512-443-8851 www.moolahu.com Ages 7 – 18 Kids learn how to make and appreciate money by starting their own business.

Summer 2017

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

CAMPS

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2017 summer camp guide 512-330-9500 www.oneworldtheatre.org Ages 5 – 18 At Camp One World, campers audition on Monday for roles, have a week full of activities and rehearsals, and on Saturday perform in costume with lines, singing & dancing on the One World Stage.

Paramount Academy for the Arts

Downtown Paramount Theatre and South Austin 512-692-0526 www.austintheatre.org/camps Ages 1st -10th grades Make lifelong memories on the Paramount stage. Four sessions downtown. Additional

north and south locations offering Camp Story Wranglers, technique intensives, song writing, comedy, and film acting.

Rio Vista Farm

13013 Fallwell Ln., Del Valle 512-247-2302 www.riovistafarm.net Ages 7 - 16 Austin’s originator of English riding camps. Daily lessons taught by professional trainers, lots of horse time/care, arts and crafts and swimming for hotter afternoons. Friday horse shows for parents to attend.

Scholar Ship

6001 W. Parmer Ln., Austin 512-333-4684 www.thescholarship.rocks/products/camps Ages 7 – 12 The Scholar Ship's stellar science camps are $275/week. Monday-Friday, 9-4 pm. Includes snacks and drinks. Lunch and before/after care options.

Sherwood Forest Summer Camp

1883 Old Hwy 20, McDade 512-222-6680 www.sherwoodforestsummercamp.com Ages 7 – 15 and Grown-ups Dragons 7-9, Druids 10-12, Knights 13-15, Grown-up Camp: 21+ Campers will be transported back in time to a world of knights, ladies, and a simpler way of life. Campers will work with their hands to create useful tools and learn skills that were essential to daily living in the medieval era.

“Bonding Mothers & Daughters Through Horses”

Spring Break Camp Dates: March 11-17 & March 18-24 The Ranch offers Mother & Daughter Week-Long Sessions All Summer. All packages are all-inclusive. Own your own horse for a week & learn what it’s like to live on a working horse ranch. Family Weekend & Vacation Packages Available all Year.

“The Best Ranching Experience in Texas”

Call for details 830-460-8487 www.texashorsecamps.com

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No modern entertainment devices will be available.

Spicewood Country Camp

6102 Spicewood Springs Rd., Austin 512-346-2992 www.spicewoodcountry.com Ages 3½ – 10 Nine shady acres in northwest Austin with animals, music, swimming, crafts, sports and horseback riding.

Stepping Stone School at the Brainery!

17 locations in the Austin area 512-459-0258 www.steppingstoneschool.com Ages 5 - 13 Engaging and exciting summer curriculum achieves a balance between engaging and challenging students, while ensuring they are ready for the coming school year. Campers will explore the continents of the world. The World Awaits.

Summer Spark

Headwaters Schools, Austin 512-593-5393 www.summerspark.com Ages 1st – 6th grades With packed schedules, powerful media everywhere, and performance pressure on schools, we believe that a fundamental component of a strong foundation is missing in the lives of many children today.

6102 Spicewood Springs Rd. 512-346-2992 www.spicewoodcountry.com “A 37-year tradition for children ages 3 1/2 to 10 1/2 in West and Northwest Austin” Safe, shaded day camp offering both indoor and outdoor activities, with an emphasis on swimming and horseback riding instruction. (2 week sessions) Session 1: June 5 Session 4: July 17 Session 2: June 19 Session 5: July 31 Session 3: July 3 Session 6: Aug 14 Prices: $645 for 9:00–3:00 $780 for 7:30–5:30

Spring Break

I conquered fears. I learned new skills. I made great friends.

Camp De Champs

AGES 6-13

you ready?

c a mp st ewa rt fo r b oys h ea rt o ’ t h e h il l s fo r g i rls

Chaparral Ice Camp Avalanche:

General day camps with field trips, daily ice skating and much, much more. Camp De Champs: Ice Skating intensive Camp, no better way to learn! From beginner skater through advanced. Keeping people Ice Skating in Austin since 1996 Check for daily Public Skating Hours

2525 W. Anderson Ln., Austin 78757 www.chaparralice.com • 512-252-8500 Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

Learn more about us and see for yourself why so many young girls and boys call our camps their favorite places to be. (830) 238-4650 www.hohcamp.com Jane@hohcamp.com

ONE WEEK SESSIONS NOW OPEN FOR BOYS AGES 6-11

CALL OR GO ONLINE FOR MORE INFO

LOCATED IN HUNT, TX (830) 238-4670 www.campstewart.com George@campstewart.com

TOURS AVAILABLE ANYTIME. CALL TO SCHEDULE YOURS TODAY!

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2017 summer camp guide Synergy Dance

spring break

2314 Bee Cave Rd. #C1, Austin 512-327-4130 www.synergydancestudio.com Ages 2 and up Dance camps include ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, also included are tumbling, theatre, crafts and a performance on Fridays. Dance intensives for beginner to advanced.

ART CAMP

Swim Safe Schools

10700 Anderson Mill Rd. Suite 207, Austin 1401 Town Center Drive, Suite 100, Pflugerville www.safesplash.com/anderson-mill-road 512-879-4300 All ages

Spr i

EstanciaArt.com

17 20

nd Summer a ng

Beyond giving you peace of mind that your child is safe, swimming lessons give kids the opportunity to feel pride, confidence, and develop socially.

Switchwillo Stables Summer Camp

4829 Switch Willo Rd., Austin 512-920-0554 www.switchwillo.com/camp All ages and skill levels We educate riders in a relaxed, supportive learning environment emphasizing safety in a tree shaded ring. They learn grooming, tacking up, and bathing of the horse or pony selected for your child.

TexARTS Summer Camps

2300 Lohman’s Spur #160, Lakeway 512-852-9079 ext 104 www.tex-arts.org Ages 2 - 18 Musical theatre, dance and visual arts camps including a musical theatre intensive, weekly “best of” musicals, mini camps for ages 2 - 4 and visual arts camps.

The Magnolia School

12703 Hwy 71 West Bee Cave 512 580-2999

2903 RR 620, Lake Travis 512-266-9620 www.themagnoliaschoolatx.com Ages 3 - 11 Full or part time camps, featuring morning academic booster with language arts and handwriting, reading and math. Plus afternoon weekly themed camp activities. 7:30-5:30, Monday through Friday.

Are You Ready For An Adventure? EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS . . .

We oﬀer a fully accredited, innovative educational program in a beautiful state-of-the-art facility, where a warm and caring staﬀ utilizes a professional curriculum and the very best in educational toys and equipment! • Full & Part Time: Infants – Age 13 • Drop-Ins Accepted • 6:30am - 6:30pm

AFTER SCHOOL & SUMMER CAMP . . . Join us for exceptional programs! • Kinder–13 Years • Exciting Weekly Field Trips during Summer Camp • Special Events & Weekly Field Trips to exciting destinations planned for public school holidays

• In-House Special Events • Kids' Choice Special Interest Clubs • Exciting Theme-Based Units • Transportation service provided from neighborhood schools

OUR CAMPUS INCLUDES . . .

• Country Home Waterpark • 1950's-Style Soda Shop for Cooking & Science Projects • Arts/Crafts Lab & Computer Lab • Large Indoor Gym & Basketball Court (North Austin)

• Adventure Jungle Indoor Playground • Country Home Movie Theater • Putt-Putt Golf Course • Student ABCMouse.com Accounts • iPad Station & Interactive Whiteboard

NOW ENROLLING . . .

Full & Part Time for PRESCHOOL, AFTER SCHOOL & SUMMER CAMP!

Call & Enroll Today! South Austin (512) 288-8220 · North Austin (512) 331-1441 View All 10 of Our Locations at www.countryhomelearningcenter.com

A Fully Accredited Program

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Tinkering Teachers

5701 Cameron Rd., Austin 512-698-6269 www.tinkerteachers.com Campers enjoy STEAM investigations, hands-on learning, crafts, literacy connections and more.

Wanna Play

4500 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock 14010 N. Hwy 183, Austin 512-345-PLAY and 512-258-PLAY www.wannaplayplaycare.com Ages 6 wks - 12 yrs A place where kids want to be. Kids bring imagination, we bring the fun.

Where Girls Get inspired 4th-5th Grade and 6th-8th Grade Camps June 5-9 July 10-14 June 12-16 July 17-21 June 19-23 July 24-28 June 26-30

YMCA of Austin Summer Day Camp

22 locations throughout Travis, Hays and Bastrop counties 512-236-9622 www.austinymca.org Ages 4 - 14 Safe and enriching summer day camps. Enjoy field trips, swimming, games and more in a character rich environment with the YMCA of Austin.

annual

Girls in stem ConferenCe

YMCA Williamson County

Hutto 512-846-2360, Burnet 512-756-6180, Cedar Park 512-250-9622, Round Rock 512-615-5563 www.ymcagwc.org Outdoor Adventure Camps K - 8th grade, Excursion Camps K - 6th grade, Specialty Camps K - 8th grade, Kinder Camps, 3 years - K At the Y, we offer a wide array of summer

april 22, 2017 reGister today! (512) 916-4775 | Girlstart.orG AFM Summer Camp Flyer-jan-2017.pdf

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2017 summer camp guide camp options and activities that are designed to make summer fun, exciting, convenient and safe.

OVERNIGHT camps Camp Eagle

6424 Hackberry Rd., Rocksprings 830-683-3219 www.campeagle.org Ages 1st – 12th grade Our mission is to inspire Christ-like change through outdoor adventure, authentic relationships and Biblical truth.

Camp Forest Glen

34 Forest Glen Rd. Huntsville 936-295-7641 www.forestglen.org All ages Through outdoor learning kids learn to respect nature and create team building skills. “Providing an environment where people can encounter God.”

Camp Lantern Creek for Girls

4045 N. FM 1486, Montgomery 936-597-8225 www.camplanterncreek.com A unique girls sleep away summer camp that was created so girls can create their art, find their voice, try new skills, be cheered on whether they succeed or not, get dirty, push boundaries, love nature and so much more.

Empowering Kids Ages 18 mos-19 yrs through Perfoming Arts

3-4 week camps: Full-Scale Musical and Play Productions 1 week camps: S N O I T Adventures in Acting, Triple Threat LOCA Creative Kids, Glee!, and Much More!

ENROLL TODAY • 512-836-5437 • www.kidsActingStudio.com

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Camp Stewart for Boys

612 FM 1340, Hunt 830-238-4670 www.campstewart.com Boys ages 6 - 16 “Low-tech,” wholesome fun, growth, 70-plus activities. Ragsdale family-owned, operated. Outstanding role model counselors, worldwide enrollent, home-style cooking. North Fork, Guadalupe River.

Creative Writing Summer Camp

Heart O’ the Hills Camp

2430 Hwy 39, Hunt 830-238-4650 www.hohcamp.com Girls age 6 - 16 Care-free all-girls atmosphere, Guadalupe River, air-conditioned. Family style dining. Worldwide enrollment, personable! More than 40 activities. Ragsdale family owned, operated.

Book Crush

Summer programs led by professional writers to inspire a love of reading and writing, strengthen language skills, and exercise creativity.

www.austinlibrary.org.

Kidventure Overnight

Safari, Echo, and APEX Hunt, Rocksprings, and Pecos River 512-263-8992 www.kidventure.com Safari for ages 8 – 12, Echo 13 – 16 and APEX 17 – 18. Kidventure provides kids with opportunities to learn important life lessons through adventure, teamwork and just pure fun.

Newk's Summer Tennis Academy

325 Mission Valley Rd., New Braunfels 830-625-9105

www.newktennis.com/summer-academy Ages 8 - 18 This program is designed to accommodate any level tournament tennis player. Players are

OUTDOOR CAMP TEEN ADVENTURE CAMP FOR AGES 5-12

FOR AGES 13-15

CAMPS BEGIN TH JUNE 19 $225 PER WEEK ZIP LINING RIVER RAFTING SWIMMING CHALLENGE COURSE ROCK WALL CLIMBING

AUSTIN SHUTTLE AVAILABLE

lcra.org/camps

512-303-5073

February 2017 l austinfamily.com

2017 summer camp guide

A Specialty SI: June 19-30 SII: July 10-21 Summer Program for Gifted Children, ages 5-12 Designed to foster critical and creative thinking, to be fun, multidisciplinary, STEAM emphasized, hands-on, and paced for high-level learners. Karen Sims Langdon, M.Ed., Executive Director Director of Award-Winning Summer Camp in two Austin Publications, 7 Times

Gullett Elementary School • 512-203-4540 www.InquiringMinds-Austin.org

$275/week • Ages 7-12 Mon–Fri, 9-4pm Includes: Snacks & Drinks

Options: Before/After Care and Lunch 512-333-4684 • info@thescholarship.rocks TheScholarship.rocks/products/camps

required to attend at least three of the eight weeks to ensure he or she experiences the ultimate academy training environment.

Sugar & Spice Ranch Camp

Bandera, TX 830-460-8487 www.texashorsecamps.com Ages 5 and up Bonding mothers and daughters through horses. You and your daughter will own horses for a week and do everything together as a team. All-inclusive week-long session and a great way to reconnect with each other.

Texas Adventure Camp

325 Mission Valley Rd., New Braunfels 830-625-9105 www.newktennis.com/ outback-texas-adventure-camp Ages 9 - 16 Don't think of coming to the "Outback" Adventure Camp unless you are looking for an action packed, exciting week of fun and adventurous challenges. 50-foot swings, canoeing, zipline, rock climbing and more.

YMCA Twin Lakes Overnight Camp

204 E. Little Elm Trail, Cedar Park Grades 3rd - 8th New cabins have bathrooms and A/C. Experienced counselors, nutritious meals and new friends. All the activities you love and a whole lot more!

Summer Spotlight Camps begin on June 5th! Week-long Summer Camps Half Day, Full Day, and Mini Camps in Musical Theatre Visual Arts Acting Dance and more!

Perform in a fully-produced Summer Musical! The Little Mermaid Jr. June 5 - 25

Enroll Today! tex-arts.org 512-852-9079 x104

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Special Needs Camps

Archery, Blacksmithing, Candle Making, Chainmaille, Cross Stitching, Falconry, Herbal Lore, Leatherwork, Magic, Music, Poi Spinning, Pottery, Swordplay, Theatre

Inquiring Minds

3901 Shoal Creek Blvd., Austin 512-203-4540 www.inquiringminds-austin.org Ages 4 - 13 A program for gifted students to explore diverse subjects through an integrated, hands-on approach.

1883 Old Hwy 20 â&#x20AC;˘ McDade, TX 78650 SherwoodForestSummerCamp.com 512-222-6680 â&#x20AC;˘ Youth Camp: Dragons 7-9, Druids 10-12, Knights 13-15

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

February 2017 l austinfamily.com

February

2017 calendar

Compiled by BETTY KEMPER

Museum Exhibits pg 40

•

Family Events pg 40

•

Parenting Events pg 42

•

Story Times pg 43

++ Denotes event occurs on multiple dates

Museum Exhibits Detecting the Past Through Feb. 28. Capitol Visitors Center, 1100 Congress Ave. texasstatecapitol.com or 512-463-4630. Purchased Lives: American Slave Trade Feb. 11 through July 9. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. Finding Refuge in Austin Feb. 21 through Sep. 10. Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe St. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7480.

Family Events WEDNESDAY 1 Storywalk ++ 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trail behind City Hall, 1102 Lohmans Crossing, Lakeway. FREE. lakeway-tx.gov or 512-314-7532. Tween Scratch Programming at the Library 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. FREE with preregistration. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-218-3275. Austin Barn Dancers ++ 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Hancock Rec Center, 811 E. 41st St. FREE. austinbarndancers.org or 512-453-4225.

THURSDAY 2 Living History Days 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE with preregistration. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. First Thursday Austin 5 to 8 p.m. Downtown Austin, Cesar Chavez and 2nd St. FREE. firstthursdayaustin.com. CONTINUING: Storywalk see Wednesday 1.

FRIDAY 3 First Friday on the Square ++ All day. Georgetown Square, Downtown, Georgetown. FREE. thegeorgetownsquare.com. National Wear Red Day All day. All over Austin. FREE. goredforwomen.org. Starry Nights at Girlstart 5:30 to 7 p.m. Mini Planetarium,

February 2017 l austinfamily.com

1400 Anderson Ln. By donation. girlsstart.org or 512-916-4775. CONTINUING: Storywalk see Wednesday 1.

SATURDAY 4 Cupid’s Chase 5K and Fun Run 7:30 a.m. Kids’ fun run, 8 a.m. 5K run, Georgetown. FREE. georgetown.org. Madrone Canyon Hike 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Puff, the Magic Dragon ++ 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W. 18th St. $8 child; $12 adults. scottishritetheater.org or 512-472-5436. Giant Chess ++ 12:30 to 3 p.m. Wooldridge Square Park, 900 Guadalupe St. FREE. giantchess.org. Courthouse Tours ++ 1:30 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670. Family Movie 2 p.m. Windsor Park Branch Library, 5833 Westminster Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9840. The Thing in Grandma’s Closet ++ 2 p.m. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. $12. pollyannatheatrecompany.org.

Game On! Board Games ++ 1 to 5:30 p.m. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St., Pflugerville. FREE. pflugervilletx. gov or 512-990-6375. CONTINUING: Storywalk see Wednesday 1; Courthouse Tours see Saturday 4; Puff, the Magic Dragon see Saturday 4; The Thing in Grandma’s Closet see Saturday 4.

MONDAY 6 Crafternoon 3:30 p.m. Manchaca Road Branch Library, 5500 Manchaca Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-8700. Rockin’ Kids: Lego Free-build ++ 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-218-7002. CONTINUING: Storywalk see Wednesday 1.

TUESDAY 7 Family Board Games ++ 5:30 p.m. Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe St., FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7400. CONTINUING: Storywalk see Wednesday 1.

WEDNESDAY 8 CONTINUING: Austin Barn Dancers see Wed 1.

THURSDAY 9

Daddy Daughter Dance 5 to 10:30 p.m. Clay Madsen Rec Center, 1600 Gattis School Rd., Round Rock. $7. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-218-3220.

Little Texans 10 a.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE with admission. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746.

CONTINUING: Storywalk see Wednesday 1.

Terra Toys Make Your Own Origami Heart

SUNDAY 5 Free Skate Lessons ++ 11 to 11:45 a.m. Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Dr., Austin. $8. playlandskatecenter.com or 512-452-1901. Free First Sundays 12 to 3 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. Sunday Funday 1 to 4 p.m. Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St. FREE. nchmuseum.org or 512-478-2335.

2 to 4 pm., 2438 W. Anderson Ln., FREE 512-445-4489

CONTINUING: Storywalk see Wednesday 1.

FRIDAY 10 Bridging Cultures Storytime: Cinderella Tales from Asia 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd. FREE. austintexas.gov or 512-336-5069. Celebrate Umbrella Day! 10:30 a.m. Faulk Central Library, 800 Guadalupe St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7400.

Austin Family is now making it easier for you to submit your calendar event. Go to www.austinfamily.com, click on “Submit your event” and send in your entry. The deadline is the 5th of each month preceding the month of the event. Events less than $15 usually are listed. For events more than $15, send details to kaye2003@austinfamily.com

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CONTINUING: Storywalk see Wednesday 1.

SATURDAY 11 Guided Hike ++ 9 to 11 a.m. Bright Leaf Preserve, 2222 and Creek Mountain Rd. brightleaf.org or 512-459-7269. Celebrate Urban Birds 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Austin Nature and Science Center, 2389 Stratford Dr. FREE. austintexas.gov or 512-974-3888. Hands on History 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin Ave., Georgetown. FREE. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670. Celebrate Valentine’s Day! 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lakeshore Learning Store, 9828 Great Hills Tr. FREE. lakeshorelearning.com. Second Saturdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th St. FREE. thecontemporaryaustin.org or 512-458-8191. Sweet Affair on the Square 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Georgetown. $15. thegeorgetownsquare.com. Skippyjon Jones Snow What 12 p.m. One World Theatre, 7701 Bee Caves Rd. $12 child; $15 adult. oneworldtheatre.org or 512-330-9500. Kite Workshop 1 to 3 p.m. Gus Garcia Rec Center, 1201 E. Rundberg Ln. FREE. 512-339-0016. CONTINUING: Storywalk see Wednesday 1;

Giant Chess see Saturday 4; Courthouse Tours see Saturday 4; Puff, the Magic Dragon see Saturday 4.

SUNDAY 12 Family Day 12 to 4 p.m. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. FREE. umlaufsculpture.org or 512-445-5582. Austin Ukestra-Ukulele Group 1 to 2 p.m. Recycled Reads Bookstore, 5335 Burnet Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7460. CONTINUING: Storywalk see Wednesday 1; Puff, the Magic Dragon see Saturday 4; Courthouse Tours see Saturday 4; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 5; Game On! Board Games see Sunday 5.

MONDAY 13 Rockin’ Kids Art Club 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov or 512-218-5400. Book Club 7 p.m. Hampton Branch Library, 5125 Convict Hill Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9900. CONTINUING: Storywalk see Wednesday 1; Rockin’ Kids: Lego Free-build see Monday 6.

TUESDAY 14 Art Smart-Heart Collage 6:30 p.m. Willie Mae Kirk Branch Library, 3101 Oak Springs Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9920.

Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market

Family Movie NightThe Secret Life of Pets (PG) 6:30 p.m. Twin Oaks Branch Library, 1800 S. 5th St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9980. CONTINUING: Storywalk see Wednesday 1; Family Board Games see Tuesday 7.

WEDNESDAY 15 Austin Regional Science Festival ++ All day. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. sciencefest.org. Liberty! Equality! and Fireworks! 11:30 a.m. LBJ Library Auditorium, 2313 Red River St. $12. pollyannatheatrecompany.org or 512-743-7966. CONTINUING: Austin Barn Dancers see Wednesday 1.

THURSDAY 16 Liberty! Equality! and Fireworks! ++ 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. LBJ Library Auditorium, 2313 Red River St. $12. 512-743-7966. pollyannatheatrecompany.org or Science Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bullock Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. FREE. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. 2017 Austin RV Expo ++ 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St. $8 Adults. CONTINUING: Austin Regional Science Festival see Wednesday 15.

February 2017 l austinfamily.com

FRIDAY 17 Movie Matinee-The Devil Wears Prada 2 to 4 p.m. Old Quarry Branch Library, 7051 Village Center Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-8860. Daddy Daughter Dance 6 to 9:30 p.m. Cedar Park Rec Center, 1435 Main St., Cedar Park. $25 per couple. cpparks.net or 512-401-5500. Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play! 6:30 p.m. Zach Theatre, 202 S. Lamar Blvd. From $16. zachtheatre.org or 512-476-0541.

Liberty! Equality! And Fireworks! 2 p.m. LBJ Library Auditorium, 2313 Red River St. $12. pollyannatheatrecompany.org or 512-743-7966. The Marvelous Wonderettes ++ 7:30 p.m. TexARTS Theatre, 2300 Lohmans Spur. tex-arts.org or 512-634-8589. CONTINUING: Giant Chess see Saturday 4; Puff, the Magic Dragon see Saturday 4; Courthouse Tours see Saturday 4; Austin Regional Science Festival see Wednesday 15.

SUNDAY 19

CONTINUING: Austin RV Expo see Thursday 16; Austin Regional Science Festival see Wednesday 15; Liberty! Equality! and Fireworks! see Thursday 16.

Bee Creative Origami 2 to 4 p.m. Recycled Reads Bookstore, 5335 Burnet Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7460.

SATURDAY 18

Tito Carrillo, Professor of Jazz Trumpet 4 to 5:30 p.m. AISD Performing Arts Center, 1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd. $12.

Williamson County Gemboree 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Community Center San Gabriel Park, 445 E. Morrow St., Georgetown. $3. wcgms.org or 512-930-2768. Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play! ++ 2 p.m. Zach Theatre, 202 S. Lamar Blvd. From $16. zachtheatre.org or 512-476-0541.

CONTINUING: Courthouse Tours see Saturday 4; Puff, the Magic Dragon see Saturday 4; Free Skate Lessons see Sunday 5; Game On! Board Games see Sunday 5; Williamson County Gemboree see Saturday 18; Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play! see Saturday 18.

MONDAY 20 Open Skate 12 to 6 p.m. Playland Skate Center, 8822 McCann Dr., $8. playlandskatecenter.com or 512-452-1901. CONTINUING: Rockin’ Kids: Lego Free-build see Monday 6.

TUESDAY 21 CONTINUING: Family Board Games see Tues. 7.

WEDNESDAY 22 CONTINUING: Austin Barn Dancers see Wed 1.

THURSDAY 23 Culture Nights 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AGE Cafeteria, 3710 Cedar St. FREE. austinpowwow.net. CONTINUING: The Marvelous Wonderettes see Saturday 18.

FRIDAY 24 Jugglefest ++ 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Texas School for the Deaf, 1102 S. Congress Ave $10. juggling.place.org. CONTINUING: The Marvelous Wonderettes see Saturday 18.

SATURDAY 25 That Takes the Cake! All day. Round Rock Sports Complex, 2400 Chisholm Trail Rd., Round Rock. $12. thattakesthecake.org or 510-969-0189. Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Bash 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lakeshore Learning Store, 9828 Great Hills Tr. FREE. Lakeshorelearning.com. CONTINUING: Giant Chess see Saturday 4; Courthouse Tours see Saturday 4; Jugglefest see Friday 24; Puff, the Magic Dragon see Saturday 4; The Marvelous Wonderettes see Saturday 18; Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play! see Saturday 18.

SUNDAY 26 CONTINUING: Puff, the Magic Dragon see Saturday 4; Board Games see Sunday 5; Jugglefest see Friday 24; The Marvelous Wonderettes see Saturday 18; That Takes the Cake! see Saturday 25; Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play! see Saturday 18.

MONDAY 27 CONTINUING: Rockin’ Kids: Lego Free-build see Monday 6.

St. Francis School

TUESDAY 28 CONTINUING: Family Board Games see Tues. 7.

“Excellence Without Exclusivity”

Parenting Events

• Project-based instruction • No religious affiliation • Small class sizes • Dynamic and engaging teachers • 62% of students test at one full grade level ahead in core subjects • 50% of 2016 graduates attend private high schools with competitive admissions or were accepted into accelerated programs at public schools

Barbara A. Porter, Head of School • www.stfrancis-school.org (512) 454-0848 • 300 E. Huntland Dr. 2 blocks from the ACC Highland Campus

February 2017 l austinfamily.com

Any BABY CAN offers free parenting classes in English and Spanish on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Postpartum support group meets on Thursdays. 6207 Sheridan Ave. FREE. anybabycan.org or 512‑454‑3743. Bridges TO GROWTH offers early childhood parenting classes throughout the month. 805

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WEDNESDAY 8 Baylor Scott & White Clinic Open House 5:30 to 6 a.m. Baylor Scott and White Clinic, 910 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park. FREE. 844-279-3627.

• TEX AS

• FU N

•

YMCA offers a free Childhood Obesity Intervention Program on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the month. Various locations. austinymca.org or 512‑236‑9622.

SATURDAY 11 Gearapalooza 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Baby Earth, 106 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock. FREE (Reservation required). bumpclubandbeyond.com.

D INDOOR PL ZE A SI

La LECHE LEAGUE of Central Texas hosts nine regular meetings in addition to play dates and gatherings in Austin, Round Rock, Killeen/Temple, Bryan-College Station and Waco. All breastfeeding mothers, babies and mothers-to-be are welcome to attend. Texaslll.org.

Working with Your Child’s Medical Team 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Easter Seals of Central Texas, 8505 Cross Park Dr. Suite 120. FREE. 512-472-8696.

A R CA

The CITY OF AUSTIN offers free car seat checks and Safe Baby Academy classes throughout the year at a variety of locations in the Central Texas area. Appointments and reservations are required. For dates and locations, email emspubed@austintexas.gov or call 512‑972‑SAFE (7233).

THURSDAY 9 PE • CA YS

W. University Ave., Georgetown. georgetownproject.org or 512‑864‑3008.

R PA S•F OOD •

@ Mt Playmore

Keep Calm & Color On: Coffee and Coloring for Adults 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Twin Oaks Branch Library, 1800 S. 5th St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9980.

THURSDAY 16 Homeschool Meetup 1 to 2:30 p.m. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd., Leander. FREE. leandertx.gov or 512-259-5259.

Story Times AUSTIN AREA LIBRARIES OFFER STORY TIMES for families with children of all ages. In addition, there are story times in foreign and sign languages. Contact your local library. View the calendar at austinfamily.com!

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The LARGEST indoor playground in Central Texas!

13609 North IH-35 512-989-8886

Austin,TX • MtPlaymore.com •

/MtPlaymore

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SMART SCREEN TIME Starting Jan. 16, PBS KIDS took a new step in outreach with a 24-hour online/mobile streaming service; on Apr. 1, KLRU will begin airing the same service on TV Channel 18.4. I must admit that at I first I was taken aback. What does it mean for PBS KIDS, a promoter of healthy screen habits, to be accessible anywhere, anytime? Shouldn’t we be encouraging families to turn off screens for large portions of their day? The more I dug into the rationales, the more it made sense. Most obvious was the evidence showing that our audience (kids ages 2-8) watches significant amounts of TV from 6–9 p.m., when our main channel switches to general audience programs. We put so much effort into ensuring that our content has positive educational and social outcomes; why wouldn’t we try to be available when most kids are watching? Moreover, there are youth who can’t follow typical day/night routines because they are ill or their parents work atypical hours. These kids deserve access to educational programming just as much as those with standard schedules. Lastly, our messaging hasn’t changed. We still want families to set healthy limits on screen time, and we still want our programs to be leaping-off points for further exploration. Now we can reach even more families.

channel 18.1 • cable channel 9

Watch the live stream on computers through pbskids.org; the free PBS KIDS Video App works on nearly all mobile devices and the top digital devices for TVs. Ben Kramer, PhD, is the vice president of educational services for KLRU-TV, Austin PBS.

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KID ONE Haikus! The month of February is a wonderful time to reflect upon and appreciate the people we love. Celebrate the season with some creative inspiration, and practice your writing skills with a personal Valentine’s-inspired haiku. Let’s start with a little history. Haikus are one of the oldest forms of poetry, dating back to the 9th century. A haiku is a Japanese poetry form that usually centers on the comparison of two images. However, the style uses very limited words and syllables to create the poem. Haiku poems consist of three lines. The first and last lines have five syllables, and the middle line has seven syllables. Because haikus are a simple yet powerful form of poetry, they are the perfect starting point for young writers.

Now create your own Valentine’s haiku! Here’s an example: You are my sweetheart. (5 syllables) Sweeter than chocolate, and (7 syllables) yes, more important. (5 syllables) To help with counting syllables, read your poem out loud, clap with each syllable and count the claps per line. Display your haiku on colorful construction paper, decorate with stickers or drawings and hand deliver to someone special. The YMCA of Austin offers programs to help your child succeed in the classroom. Whether you’re a new parent looking to learn how to best prepare your young one for school, or looking for a fun, enriching place for your older child to spend time, the YMCA of Austin has programs aimed at giving them the best chance at a bright future. Learn more about the YMCA of Austin Youth Programming at austinymca.org.

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focus on advertisement

doctors

Dr. Kimberly Albert, ADC Steiner Ranch Dr. Kimberly Albert received her medical degree from University of California in San Francisco and completed her pediatric residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. She is board certified in pediatrics. Dr. Albert joined ADC in 1998 and has been recognized as by Best Doctors, Inc since 2005. See ad on page 48 Dr. Shelby Denman Great Expressions Dental Centers Dr. Denman is a general dentist in Round Rock. A proud member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association and Capital Area Dental Society, Dr. Denman prides himself in providing affordable dental care, without sacrificing quality or convenience. Accepting new patients! See ad on page 11 Dr. Andrew Edmonds Great Expressions Dental Centers Dr. Edmonds is a general dentist in Round Rock. A Western University of Health Sciences graduate, he enjoys restorative family dentistry and putting a smile on his patients’ faces. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys time with family and friends, the outdoors, and traveling. See ad on page 11 Dr. Rachel Montgomery Lonestar Pediatric Dental Dr. Montgomery graduated from Baylor University in Waco, and followed up by attending the University of Texas Dental School in Houston. Her residency was completed at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine, with a specialty in pediatrics. Rachel can most likely be found spending time with her husband Marty and their precious boys. See ad on page 23

Dr. Marty Montgomery Lonestar Pediatric Dental Dr. Marty Montgomery comes from a family where all the children were drawn to dental careers early in life. A graduate of Baylor University in Waco, Marty attended Tufts Dental School in Boston. He completed his residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, specializing in pediatrics. See ad on page 23 Dr. Theresa Willis, ADC Steiner Ranch Dr. Willis is a graduate of the University of Texas, received her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and completed her residency at Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Willis’ professional interests include developmental pediatrics, fitness and healthy weight in children and teens. She is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. See ad on page 48 February 2017 l austinfamily.com

by R ichard S inglet o n

Don’t Get Burned by that Hot New Device

As many of you know, I have some weaknesses: Samsung phones, Apple Computers, Tesla Cars and Cheetos. Some would call that a lethal combination. I might have to agree. One of them corrodes your arteries. Two ransack your bank account. And one of them may make you…how to put it delicately…spontaneously combust! Recent issues with lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries have sent the tech world scurrying for answers—and an occasional fire extinguisher. Most notably, it’s been the meltdown (quite literally) of the Samsung flagship phone, the Galaxy Note 7. I was one of the giddy customers longing for a hot new upgrade. The allure fizzled pretty fast. My trusty Note 5 will have to carry the load for a while longer. But some believe the Note 8 and any future Galaxy Note progeny may never make it out of R&D and into our hands. All because of bad batteries. Batteries and their safety are clearly big business. Billions! Maybe the “batteries not included” folks had it right all along. With the proliferation of tech, battery factories are growing at a blistering pace. Tesla’s Gigafactories, for instance, are a modern wonder. Dubbed Gigafactory 1 in America and Gigafactory 2 in Europe, when completed they will produce mind-boggling stockpiles of lithium-ion batteries. These energy-infused cells will harvest electricity for the expanding fleet of Tesla thrill rides, the home powering Powerwall and the business powering Powerpacks. An exploding phone was one thing. But your car? House? Office? Okay, maybe your office. (You know you were thinking it.)

In all seriousness, how safe is our Li-ion future?

Rupert Goodwins writes for ZDNet. He reminds us that we have met the enemy and he is us. Our voracious appetite for brighter, faster and slimmer phones has driven the boundaries of physics to its breaking point. Li-ion is great for taking on power quickly and dosing it out efficiently. But when we try to squeeze so much energy into and out of such high-tech batteries, there’s no room for error. We might not realize just how much juice is lurking in those tiny batteries. Goodwins brings it home in an unforgettable way. He crunched the numbers, and a fully charged phone battery stores the equivalent heat of several hundred Bunsen burners. And if that power is released in one fireball of fury? Ouch! Josh Kirschner, writing for Techlicous in 2013, talked about the dangers of exploding laptop batteries. He spectacularly warned that failing Li-ion batteries can

February 2017 l austinfamily.com

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We might not realize just how much juice is lurking in those tiny batteries. send 1,000-degree metal shards flying through a room. I prefer to keep my pyrotechnics limited to the 4th and New Year. You too, I bet. Are there safer alternatives? Some are being explored, but as with all tech research, it takes lots of time and money. Batteries will be safer, more efficient and less polluting as time goes on, but we’ll be handling Li-ion for quite some time.

What should we do?

You might want to be a late adopter. Instead of being the first one in line for a new phone, let others be the beta testing dare-devils. Treat batteries or devices with batteries more gently that you might think. Bent, damaged or shorted batteries can become unstable and dangerous.

If your battery is replaceable, always go with the recommendation of the manufacturer. Don’t try to save a few bucks by buying a knock-off. The same goes for charging adapters, cables and the like. Always use products that have been tested and approved by the manufacturer. I recently did some research on a Mac charger replacement. A YouTuber cracked open the look-a-like charger, and the innards were a hot mess. It looked like something that you’d put together in a basement with leftover parts from your 1980s jam box. Don’t skimp when it comes to safety. Keep your device out of extreme heat. Don’t leave it in a hot car, near the fire or on any other hot surface. This could elevate the risk of battery failure. Finally, if you notice any overheating or bulging in your device’s battery, power it off completely. Don’t charge it. Find an expert and seek a safe solution. Our world runs on electricity. Whether it’s coming directly out of a wire or is stored in a battery, there’s no getting around it if you want to remain connected to the world. To be sure, there have been some notable issues in the recent past, but by and in large batteries are safe and getting safer all the time. Follow a few wise tips, and you’ll be juiced up and ready to go. Now, about those Cheetos… Richard Singleton, MACE, MAMFC, LPC, is the executive director at STARRY in Round Rock.

(512) 32-World • www.oneWorldtheatre.org for information on Summer Camp or weekday field trips to one World theatre, please contact tracy@oneworldtheatre.org

Skippyjon Jones Snow What

12:00 pm Sat, feb 11

Biscuit One World Summer Camp

12:00 pm Sat, March 4

Junie B. Jones Essential 12:00 pm Survival Guide to School Sat, april 1

June 26-30 • Final Performance Sat, July 1 Hartt & Soul PreSentS a Benefit for one World This project supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

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February 2017 l austinfamily.com

by C A R R I E T A Y L O R

All I Want for Valentine’s Day is (Not) You Dear husband (and children), Please do not take this personally, but I would prefer to not see you on Valentine’s Day. If you are stuck on what to buy as a gift, or what grand gesture to perform, please know I am easy. Skip the chocolate and roses (boring), and just… please…send me away. Give me the gift of a good night’s sleep and the ability to watch something other than Paw Patrol on TV. Book me a night in a hotel. Every day I fantasize about sitting on the toilet alone, without having to hear, “Mommy, what you doing?” twelve hundred times from the other side of the door that I am keeping shut with my foot. I fantasize about taking a nap longer than 15 minutes, and about sleeping without the persistent and chest-tightening fear of hearing a baby cry. (Since becoming a parent, my greatest fear has shifted from clowns to being woken up as soon as I fall asleep.)

Seriously though, how horrendously awful is it to be woken up at the beginning of a sleep cycle? It’s like someone ripping the world’s largest Band-Aid off your soul. Basically, I fantasize about being completely alone. It’s not that I don’t love you guys, because I do—and I would get in a knife fight for you—but I’m tired. And sleeping in a bed with sheets that are (probably) cleaner than my own for as long as I like sounds better than a night out with Beyonce. But just barely. And finally, if you don’t feel comfortable sending me away, here are some other ideas: Hire a service to clean the toddler’s bathroom, your side of the sink, and the oven; get a vasectomy.

Love, your tired wife. Carrie Taylor is a freelance writer and mother of two boys.

ADC PEDIATRICS NOW IN CEDAR PARK Selecting a pediatrician for your child is one of the most important

a parent will do, and the decision is not always an easy one. At Lisa things Gaw, M.D. Urgent Care Pediatrics The Austin Diagnostic Clinic our goal is to provide quality, compassion and individualized care for your child. With offices in north Austin, Circle C, Steiner Ranch and now Cedar Park we are sure to have a convenient office close to home.

Kimberly Albert, MD brings 19 years experience to ADC Cedar Park and is accepting new patients and most insurance plans now.

512-901-1111

Kimberly Albert, M.D. Pediatrician, ADC Cedar Park Now accepting new patients

ADC Cedar Bend

+ Urgent Care 2400 Cedar Bend Dr.

ADClinic.com ADC Cedar Park

1401 Medical Parkway Building 2, Ste 150

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ADC Circle C

+ Urgent Care 5701 W. Slaughter Ln.

ADC Steiner Ranch 5145 RM 620 N. Building I

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Join us for Spring Break camp! Enjoy a free book for your child when you tour any of our locations.

$100 WAIVED ENROLLMENT FEE for new families who enroll in February and mention Austin Family Magazine

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