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inside 12/14
12 Photo by Tony Speilberg
austinfamily
smart parenting • healthy homes
calendar
14 Family Matters Give “Busy-ness” the Boot Make People your Focus this Holiday Season
34 Family Events 39 Parenting Events 40 Storytimes
22 The Learning Curve Special Education is a Service, Not a Place 32 Lifelines Modest Mealtimes Bestow the Gift of Healthy Eating 37 Ten Things…for Winter Break! 50 Films Interstellar
30
18
columns
20 Family Connections Online Giving Connects you with a World of Need
features
in every issue 7 8 47
Play It Safe Product recalls Around Austin Kidzone Make a Hovercraft
12
Visions of Sugar Plums Ballerina Aara Krumpe Chats about Life and Dance
18
Ebola Scare Lessons in Risk Assessment and Anxiety Control
30
Helping Kids Understand Fair Trade
artículos en español
extras 15 25 26 31 49
Young Writers Contest Winners Holiday Camp Guide 2014 Holiday Gift Guide 2014 Smart Screen Time Focus on Doctors
52 Humor Bottom Line: I’m Pooped
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16
Rechace el Estar “Ocupadísima” Haga Que la Gente Sea Su Enfoque Purante Ésta Temporada de Fiesta
24
Educación Especial es un Servicio, No un Lugar
44
Piensa positivo Deseo
This little elf and her holiday helper are hoping to find something special under the tree on Christmas morning. New items each week. Visit our website to register.
Cover photographed by Tiffany Corbett of Studio213.net
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austinfamily®
editor’s note by Sherida Mock
This issue of Austin Family is bursting with holiday spirit in so many ways. First, our profile piece features Aara Krumpe, who dances the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker. She gives us a peek backstage and a glimpse at her demanding roles as dancer and mother. You might be yearning to make a change in the world; April Karli has a plan for discussing Fair Trade with your child, and Richard Singleton brings you ways to support your favorite cause through technology. If you’re looking for advice on how to de-stress, turn to Betty Richardson’s piece about making people the focus of the season or to Mike Brooks’ article about the valuable lessons we can all learn from the Ebola scare. Traditions are important, too. My own family likes to pile in the car, bundled up with a thermos of hot chocolate and a plate of cookies. We drive around looking at lights. Some years, the hot chocolate is slow-cooked on the stove from scratch; other years, it comes together with hot water and powdered mix in a couple of minutes. Doesn’t matter: we’re all together, sharing the same experiences and making memories. I hope you find some ways to make memories with your family, too. If you need ideas, check out our “10 Things” article for a host of activities to keep a smile on everyone’s face. I’m also pleased to announce the winners of our Young Writers Contest on page 15. We had an outstanding set of entries this year, and I applaud all the participants for tackling the task of committing their thoughts to the page. I’m proud of every single one of you. Have a happy and safe holiday season!
December 2014
Volume 22, No. 9
PUBLISHER Kaye K. Lowak EDITOR Sherida Mock editor2003@austinfamily.com COPY EDITOR Paula Halloum ADVISING EDITORS Dr. Betty Kehl Richardson Barb Cooper CALENDAR EDITOR Betty Kemper calendar2003@austinfamily.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sherida Mock, Jack Kyser, Sara Rider, Jennifer VanBuren, Dr. Betty Richardson, Richard Singleton, Carrie Taylor, April Karli, Dr. Mike Brooks TRANSLATION TEAM Maribel Ruvalcaba, Margo Vogelpohl, Pilar Korgel ART DIRECTOR John Franzetti jfranzetti@att.net AD DESIGN and PRODUCTION Jason Suarez nr2003@austinfamily.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Studio213.net
s r u o Y o t y l i m a From our F
s y a d i l o H Happy
ADVERTISING SALES Kaye K. Lowak kaye2003@austinfamily.com Greg Lowak greg@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. Austin Family is published monthly by KKKemper Inc. Mail Address: P.O. Box 7559 Round Rock, Texas 78683-7559 Phone Number: (512) 733-0038 Web: www.austinfamily.com 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. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. No portion of Austin Family may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
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play it safe: product recalls
Government Recalls Halloween Flashlights and Toy Toasters Meijer is recalling about 8,600 Halloween flashlights because they can overheat and melt the plastic handle, posing a burn risk to the user. The recall involves a Signature Designs Halloween image projector. The projector is a flashlight with cap that holds special lenses to project messages and images onto a wall or other surfaces. Affected units were sold at Meijer stores from September 2014 to October 2014 for about $3. Consumers should immediately stop using the flashlight, remove the batteries and return it to the customer service desk at any Meijer store or contact Meijer for a full refund. Toys R Us is recalling about 30,000 Just Like Home toy toaster sets because the plastic toast, under pressure, can crack and break into small pieces, creating sharp edges and posing a choking hazard. The recall includes the Just Like Home brand toy toaster sets. The teal blue plastic toy toaster has silver trim around the slice opening on top, with an orange slider handle on the side. Affected units were sold at Toys R Us stores nationwide and online at toysrus.com from July 2013 through August 2014 for about $10. Consumers should immediately take this product away from young children and return it to any Toys R Us for a full refund.
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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Around Austin Go to www.austinfamily.com for weekly updates of Around Austin news DELL CHILDREN’S ANNOUNCES NEW VISITOR RESTRICTIONS FOR FLU SEASON
Must-Do this month Wash your hands! Not only are we deep in flu season and traveling/shopping/cooking like mad, but the first week of December is national Handwashing Awareness Week. Take a deeper look at your own beliefs or spend some time discovering others’. December is national Spiritual Literacy Month. Take the kids to Zilker Park and let them spin themselves silly underneath the Holiday Tree.
To keep patients safe during flu season, which typically runs from early November through February, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas will not allow brothers, sisters and other children who are age 12 or younger to visit patients in the hospital. The same restriction will apply to children age 13 to 17 who are not patient siblings and all visitors with symptoms suggesting they could have a respiratory virus that can further ail patients. All visitors also must pass a screening process at the hospital’s main entrance to ensure that they are healthy enough to visit patients. Beginning November 3 and running through March 2015, Dell Children’s visitor policy will include the following:
Enjoy time with the special people in your life. Give less attention to the trappings of the holidays and more to the relationships that matter.
•
Healthy parents, guardians, visitors and siblings age 13 and older may visit patients.
•
Siblings age 12 and under and other children up to 17 years old may not visit the hospital during respiratory virus season.
85.3
•
No one, of any age, should visit the hospital if he or she has respiratory illness symptoms such as a runny nose, body aches or fever.
•
A limit of four visitors, including parents/guardians, will be allowed in a patient room at the same time.
BY THE NUMBERS
million
This new patient safety policy is based on flu season practices already in place at other leading children’s hospitals across the nation. “Patient safety is our top priority,” said Deb Brown, Dell Children’s vice president for patient care services and chief operating officer. “To ensure our young patients receive the safest care possible, we added these extra screening measures during a time of year where we see the most viruses. “We regret that this will inconvenience some visitors, but we trust they will understand that it is our job to keep our patients as safe as possible,” Brown said. “What is just a cold to an otherwise healthy person can make our patients very, very sick or seriously complicate the health of children with cancer or heart and lung problems.”
Number of children worldwide who work in hazardous situations or conditions, such as working in mines, working with chemicals and pesticides in agriculture or working with dangerous machinery. See our Fair Trade article on page 30.
EDUCENTER BY NETS LAUNCHES EDUTALK In November, Educenter by Nets announced EduTalk, a free monthly forum regarding topics related to education, academic advancement tactics and other areas of interest for parents, teachers and anyone else supporting students. EduTalk will take place every first Wednesday and Saturday of the month at EduCenter by Nets, located at 1900 Cypress Creek Rd., #101, in Cedar Park.
Source: International Labour Organization
Each EduTalk includes a 40-minute topic discussion followed by 15 minutes of questions and answers. Attendance is free and open to the public.
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December’s EduTalk explores “Content Driven Learning versus Cognition Driven Learning” on December 3 at 6:30 p.m. and December 6 at 9:30 a.m. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP at info@ educenter4me.com.
KIDSVISION BRINGS EYE EXAMS, GLASSES TO ROUND ROCK ISD Students are seeing life a little clearer thanks to KidsVision for Life Central Texas, an organization that provides free vision exams and glasses at schools across Round Rock ISD. The KidsVision mobile clinic has visited five elementary schools this year so and plans to visit another seven elementary schools in the next two months.
“We’re really happy to be offering these learning opportunities to Cedar Park and other communities throughout the Austin metro area,” said Mr. Joey Suarez, CEO of EduCenter by NETS. “We are delighted to be a resource for families and provide them and their children with tools that will enable them to accelerate and succeed. Many of our students enroll in our center to catch up in school, and we also enroll many students who want to excel beyond school standards.”
The mobile clinic is a one-stop shop for students to get the vision assistance they need. For example, KidsVision visited Robertson Elementary School on October 27 and served 34 students in its mobile clinic. Of those 34 students, 19 received glasses the same day, 15 will receive specialized glasses in one month and 19 students received prescription lenses for the first time.
EduCenter by Nets learning center offers a wide range of programs for all ages, with strategic learning techniques such as study skills, math and reading tutoring and grade transition programs. The center’s offerings also include entrepreneurial learning strategies and enrichment programs. The center also offers specialized therapy services, including speech-language pathology, occupational and behavioral therapy and licensed professional counseling.
“Our district is fortunate to have community partners like KidsVision that not only provide essential services, but also focus on accessibility for our families,” Executive Director of State and Federal Programs Laura Segars said. “By ensuring that all children have access to proper vision exams and glasses, their services directly impact student success.” The clinic is outfitted with two exam areas for licensed optometrists and equipment to adjust glasses and cut lenses for each frame. Individuals with other vision issues, like a continued on page 10
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continued from page 9
lazy eye, receive referrals to ophthalmologists for further exams. Students are eligible to participate in the KidsVision program if they are eligible for free or reduced lunch or if their family does not have vision insurance. Students with Medicaid are also eligible for the service. “Vision is an obvious need, but it’s often an overlooked one,” said Christin Alvarado, KidsVision for Life Central Texas program director.
CITY ANNOUNCES NAMING PROCESS FOR DECK AT AUDITORIUM SHORES TRAILHEAD The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department has begun the naming process for the deck at the Auditorium Shores Trailhead. The process includes a 90-day public comment period, allowing for recommendations and/or feedback on the name of the deck.
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The facilities/property naming ordinance allows facilities and property to be named after an individual(s) (living or dead) or something other than an individual, such as a place or natural feature. Suggestions for naming a facility/property must include: • If an individual—a biographical sketch; a description of the individual’s involvement in the community; and the individual’s connection, if any, to the Austin park system. • If other than an individual—justification for the suggested name. Deadline for submissions is January 27, 2015. After the deadline, the Parks and Recreation Board will call a public hearing on the suggested name(s) and make a recommendation to the City Council for final approval. Nomination forms are available at the Parks and Recreation Department’s Annex, located at 919 W. 28th Street; or online at austintexas.gov/department/parks-and-recreation.
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Visions of Sugar
Plums
Photo by Tony Speilberg
Ballet Austin Dancer Chats About Life and Dance
by Sherida Mock On stage, Aara Krumpe dazzles in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in Ballet Austin’s The Nutcracker. In fact, during this native Texan’s 15 years with the company, she has danced numerous roles—Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella and Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute—but the role that requires the most balance and flexibility is that of mother and wife. Recently, she sat down with us between rehearsals to talk about pregnancy, dancing and oh, yeah—that amazing costume. AF: Tell us about your family. I have two boys, a husband, Ambrose, and a dog named Lola. Leo is six, and Lucas is four and a half. AF: What are the benefits and challenges of being a dancer and a mother? We work 34 weeks out of the year, so I have summers off. I’m able to be with my kids more then. And when we’re in the theater, we work at night and not during the day, so I can visit my son’s school.
to be with them full-time for two weeks. It’s nice. We all need it after The Nutcracker. AF: What’s it like to be pregnant as a professional dancer? That is probably the craziest experience I’ve ever had. As a dancer, we’re so in tune with our bodies. You get bigger and your balance gets crazy; you can’t jump. I waited until I was at 12 weeks to tell my boss, which happened to be in the middle of The Nutcracker. I was very, very busy that first trimester, which was crazy. The dancers knew something was up, because all I could eat was bagels and mustard. [Laughs] That was my last performance, and I was lucky that they needed help in the studio. I helped Artistic Director Stephen Mills and different people who were creating works in the apprentice company. I would take class every morning and then switch into a front-of-the-room role, where I would do the music and write down notes and help the dancers get ready to go on stage. I learned so much, which really helped my dancing. I came back a better artist and dancer.
Ballet Austin has a nursery. Some dancers are able to handle that situation well. I found that I needed a separation. You wear so many hats when you’re a mom, and I found that I was able to take my kids to day care and say good-bye to the “mom” part of me and transition into a dancer.
I danced en pointe until about 34 weeks, and then we went on break for the summer. Eight weeks after I had Leo, I was back dancing.
Thanksgiving is my last weekend with the boys until Christmas, which can be difficult. But my husband steps in and becomes Super Dad for the month of December. Afterward, I’m able
They do. [Laughs] They’re boys, and they’re young. They don’t quite get it, but it’s important for them to see me perform.
12 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
AF: Do your boys ever see you perform?
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I’m 34, so I have a few good years left, but that’s the thing about this career: your body can only last so long. It’s important for them to see their mom up on stage. It’s something that I’ve worked hard for all my life. AF: When did you decide you wanted to dance as a career? I had been dancing since I was three, doing flamenco and folklorico dancing. Then I took ballet and fell in love with it. I’d watched a video about Russian schools, and I just knew that I wanted to go to a good school. So I started out at the best schools in Corpus Christi, and when I was 15, I went to Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School and ended up staying there for my sophomore, junior and senior years. Then I went to the Richmond Ballet as a trainee. After my year at Richmond, I came to Ballet Austin. I’ve been here since I was 19. My husband did the standard route; he went to college and then graduate school. But I never went to college. I like the fact that my kids have two different examples of what to do with your life. AF: Tell us about your costume. We have two Sugar Plum Fairy tutus. They were made for us last year by the costumers for the Royal Ballet in London. I get goose bumps thinking about it—having such a beautiful costume made just for you doesn’t happen in everyone’s career. It’s all hand-stitched; it’s gorgeous. It’s a little heavy, and you have to make sure it fits perfectly; otherwise, it can shift and slow down your turns. We usually only wear it once in the studio, because you want to make sure it doesn’t bunch up, and everything lies smoothly. But it’s important for us to always wear a practice tutu. I don’t want my dance partner to see my legs, because he needs to support me by feeling my balance. AF: And what about your shoes? We are given 35 pair a year, and they cost about $100 a pair. It’s a big part of our budget. I have them special-ordered, tailored to my feet. One year they gave me an upgrade I didn’t ask for. I always cut off the tip of the satin so the shoe doesn’t slip—the fabric underneath is more matte, like canvas. But one year they added some padding so that when you land it’s quieter. So when I cut them off, all this stuff was flying out. We had to send all those shoes back and I got in another batch just in time for The Nutcracker. This year, the shoes are a little softer. It’s just the way they made them; they put a little less glue in them and that makes for a slightly different balance point. So I usually wear them once in class, and after I break them in a bit, I use super glue in the box so that it maintains that shape for as long as possible. Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
austinfamily.com | December 2014 | 13
family matters by Dr. Betty Richardson
Give “Busy-ness” the Boot
Make People your Focus this Holiday Season
Q
I love my three children, and I want their holidays—and my husband’s and his family, who join us—to be memorable. I tend to get stressed out with so much baking, cooking, addressing cards, buying and wrapping presents, etc. I remember the holidays years ago when my mother was so frantic with preparations. All her “busyness” meant she had no time to spend with me or any other family member. I don’t want to be like my mother, stressed out, complaining and unable to spend precious moments with my family and guests. What suggestions do you have for me?
It’s a challenge for a mother to remain calm and reserve special, individual time with family members and friends over the holidays, but I have faith that you can meet this challenge. Having faith in yourself is your first step to success. I’ll offer some ideas; you can choose those that work for you, and I’m sure you can come up with additional ideas, too. 1. Get a calendar and write in the chores you can accomplish each day leading up to the holidays. Don’t procrastinate; procrastination creates stress. As you get chores accomplished, you’ll feel energized and have less to do when the children are home and guests ring your door bell. 2. Free up some time by enlisting the children with some chores, too. Make a list for them to chose from. As they agree to certain chores, pencil them in on their own calendar. 3. Have a family session to get the Christmas cards out. The children can each create drawings and write small notes—things like their age, birthday,
etc. Make copies and have the kids glue the notes on the backs of their photos, then stick those in the card. 4. Involve all the children in an assembly line, putting together dry ingredients for hot chocolate or cookies in jars for gifts. They could tie scraps of cloth with baker’s twine over the lid and tie on an instruction sheet. This would not only give them attention, but encourage team work, and some of the gifts could be done in advance. 5. Accept less than perfect. Let your husband and family help with whatever they’ll help with. If every present isn’t wrapped perfectly and every chore not done up to your standards, think of it as done with love, not perfection. 6. Play some of your favorite music as you work; this will make or keep you—and those around you—joyful. 7. Bake and freeze cookies ahead of time. Ask friends who are baking cookies, too, if they will swap with you so you have a variety. It is also fine just to buy baked goods. 8. Simplify your menus. For example, some families have a tradition of a favorite soup prepared ahead of time for Christmas Eve. Ask guests to bring something to supplement what you are preparing. 9. Don’t turn down offers of help; it’s probably not in your nature to ask. Maybe guests offer to help and you say you have it under control, but do you? Keep this mantra in mind: “Never turn down help.” 10. Focus on providing attention to each guest and family member. Ask yourself if you have given attention to each one. 11. Keep your sense of humor and loving kindness. If the critical, unhappy, martyr you or the you who expects perfection starts to come out, kindly close the door on her and think up something joyful to say or do. By doing things ahead of time, simplifying, controlling your attitude and letting others help you, there will be more time to spend on your guests and family, so no one will feel that you are too frantic to give them each a little individual attention. As one of the best mothers I know says, “People are more important than pies and cookies.” May you and all our readers have many special moments with the important people in your lives during the holidays. 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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2014Young
Writers ContestWINNERS “What I’m Good at and Why”
4th Grade winner
4th Grade runner-up
What am I good at? Hmm… let me see. I’m good at oh! So many things! But writing is my favorite. Through my writing, I can express my feelings to people without having to say it out loud. I can create stories and adventures for myself with other characters. Writing to me is like tea to my mother. It helps me unwind after a long day at school. The things I like to write most about are adventures. I love the idea that they can go to different places at different times in the world. They can do many things, these characters of mine. They hold a special talent of theirs that hasn’t broken through yet, and it’s my job to help them. When I write, it feels as if the world has become a new world, with new things. New ideas come through writing for me.
Pulling a sheet of paper from under the printer, I begin putting my thoughts to paper. Cats, horses, flowers, and people fill the page. My story is made of pictures, not words. It was my best friend, Adah who inspired me to draw. I wanted to draw as well as her, so I started to practice - and art is more fun that a thought!
Alyssa Harmony School of Innovation “What I’m Good at and Why”
Writing helps me solve hard problems. For instance, a boy was bullying me at school; I used my writing to let the teachers know what was happening. The teachers helped me and tried to prevent it from happening again. Writing has always been a part of my family. When I was little, my mother would buy me cute journals and I’d use it to write little things inside. It helped me express my emotions. Afterwards, I’d feel better. What I’m good at is writing. It is a special talent of mine, and someday I’d like to share it with everyone.
Spring Serene Hills Elementery “Art Story”
The faint scrap of pencil on paper is my favorite sound. One day Adah and I worked with perseverance to create a lion. I remember the peaceful, glittering black eyes, and smooth mane, and the nose with it’s smallness. The fantastic, strong feet looked like they could run off the page. I knew I wanted to draw even more, and I realized I have many opportunities to make art. My Mom also teaches me art, and I get to draw and paint a variety of things. I’ve done a painting looking at the sea. As well as using charkle. I enjoy drawing because it is worth my time, and also because I practice a lot. Anyone can be good at all kinds of art if they try. I think my sister likes art too because she is always making drawings to give as gifts. I always enjoy art especially with other people.
5th Grade winner
5th Grade runner-up
Aanyah Live Oak Elementary “What are you good at and why?”
Emma Kathy Caraway Elementary “How I’m good at Athleticism”
I did not realize that I was drawn to kids with physical and mental disabilities until I met Suhana. Without communicating verbally with me, she showed me my unique ability to bond with disabled children.
Have you ever felt that glorious sensation of when you make a goal at a huge soccer game, or scored a point in volleyball, or even succeed at a flip or stunt you never thought you were capable of doing? Well, all of those things have something in common: athleticism.
When I was 8, I started helping out at a special needs class at my church. There I met Suhana who had Cerebral Palsy and cannot walk, talk, or complete everyday tasks. She is just a year younger than me. I sat down next to her and started playing with her. She got happy and just like that we became friends. As I walked around the room and got to know the other children, I became fond of all of them. I believe I am good at handling kids with various disabilities because somehow I can figure out their likes and dislikes. For example when I was in kindergarten, I had two friends who were hearing impaired, and I learned to communicate with them through sign language. I also helped another friend overcome her anxiety through art. Later, I wanted a way to communicate with Suhana, so I did research for a school project on communication devices with adaptations that pertained to Suhana’s needs and abilities. Around the time I was in second grade, I wrote an essay called “My Friend Suhana” about our special friendship. My mother felt that my message needed to be told to a larger audience. She started adding more words to my essay and even created illustrations for the story with my input. Now My Friend Suhana is a published book!
To me, athleticism is made up of seven different parts: strength, power, skill, flexibility, strategy, quickness, and most importantly, effort. My athleticism comes from all the sports I play. Soccer gives me power, quickness, strategy, and skill. Volleyball gives me quickness, strategy, and skill, and gymnastics gives me skill, flexibility, and power. But I think if you don’t put effort into every sport you play, then you are not playing that sport correctly. Why bother playing any sport if you are not going to try your very best at it? That is the number one reason why I feel I’m a great athlete - because I dedicate the time and effort to train, get better, and succeed, and it feels amazing. I work hard to get to practices (with the help of mom and dad), to learn new skills, and to play hard in tournaments and games. Plus, I have to practice at home and do my schoolwork, which can take up a lot of time. But it is all worth every second of it, because now I feel like a star player on my team even when I have bad moments in a game. I’m confident I give my best at every meet, game, practice, tournament, and even when playing with friends. Now that feels good. So next time you are playing a sport, practicing, or even thinking about joining a team, remember to give it all you’ve got, and never ever give up.
One of my goals for the future is to open a school for kids with disabilities where they will be able to learn, grow, and play according to their abilities.
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austinfamily.com | December 2014 | 15
Rechace el Estar “Ocupadísima”
Haga Que la Gente Sea Su Enfoque Durante Ésta Temporada de Fiesta.
P
Amo a mis tres hijos, y quiero que esta temporada de fiesta – junto con mi marido y su familia, quienes nos acompañan, sea memorable. Tiendo a estresarme por todo lo que que tengo que hacer como hornear, cocinar, mandar tarjetas, comprar y envolver regalos, etc. Recuerdo las fiestas hace años cuando mi madre estaba tan frenética con los preparativos. Cuando estaba “ocupadísima,” eso significaba que no tenía tiempo para dedicarlo a mí o a cualquier otro miembro de la familia. Yo no quiero ser como mi madre, estresada, quejándome y no pudiendo pasar momentos inolvidables con mi familia e invitados. ¿Qué me sugiere hacer?
Es un reto para una madre mantener la calma y el poder reservar tiempo especial e individual con los miembros de su familia y amigos durante la temporada de fiestas, pero tengo fe que pueda llevar a cabo este reto. Tener fe en uno mismo es el primer paso hacia el éxito. Voy a proponer algunas ideas; usted pude elegir los que trabajan para usted, y también estoy seguro de que le surgirán ideas adicionales.
1. Consiga un calendario y escriba las tareas que puede llevar a cabo todos los días antes de los días de fiesta. No posponer las cosas; el postergar crea estrés. A medida que se realizan las tareas, se sentirá llena de energía y tendrá menos que hacer cuando los niños están en casa y los invitados suenen el timbre de la puerta. 2. También puede liberar algo de tiempo asignando algunas tareas
a los niños. Haga una lista de la cual ellos puedan elegir. Cuando estén de acuerdo en ciertas tareas, escríbalas con lápiz en sus propios calendarios.
3.
Tenga una sesión familiar para hacer y mandar las tarjetas de
Navidad. Cada uno de los niños puede crear dibujos y escribir pequeñas notas—cosas como sus edades, cumpleaños, etc. Haga copias y que los niños peguen las notas detrás de sus fotos, después pegue las fotos en las tarjetas.
4. Involucre a todos los niños en una línea de ensamblaje, juntando los ingredientes secos para chocolate caliente o galletas en frascos para regalos. Podían atar trozos de tela con cordel sobre la tapa y atar una hoja de instrucciones. Esto no sólo les prestaría atención, sino fomentaría el trabajo en equipo, y algunos de los regalos podrían hacerse por adelantado. 5. Acepte menos que perfecto. Deje que su marido y la familia ayuden con lo que puedan ayudar. Si cada regalo no se envuelve perfectamente y cada tarea no está hecha a sus estándares, piense en ello como hechos con amor, no perfección. 6. Toque un poco de su música favorita mientras trabaja; esto la hará o mantendrá a usted—y los que le rodean—alegres.
7.
Hornee y congele galletas por adelantado. Pregúntele a sus amigas que también hornean galletas, si intercambian con usted algunas así tiene una variedad. También está bien sólo comprar productos horneados.
8. Simplifique sus menús. Por ejemplo, algunas familias tienen la tradición de una sopa favorita preparada por adelantado para la Nochebuena. Pida que sus invitados traigan algo para complementar lo que usted va a preparar.
9. No rechace ofertas de ayuda; es probable que no está en su
naturaleza preguntar. Quizás los invitados se ofrecen ayudar y usted dice que tienen todo bajo control, ¿pero lo tiene? Mantenga esta mantra en mente: “Nunca rechace la ayuda”.
10. Enfóquese en dar atención a cada invitado y miembro de la familia. Pregúntese si usted ha prestado atención a cada uno de ellos.. 11. Mantenga su sentido del humor y su bondad amorosa. Si la
crítica, infeliz, mártir, o la que espera la perfección comienza a salir, ciérrele la puerta amablemente a ella y piense en algo alegre que decir o hacer. Al hacer las cosas con anticipación, simplificando, controlando su actitud y dejar que los demás ayuden, habrá más tiempo para pasar con su familia e invitados, para que nadie sienta que usted está demasiado frenética para dar a cada uno un poco de atención individual. Como una de las mejores madres que conozco dice: “Las personas son más importantes que las empanada y galletas.” Que usted y todos nuestros lectores tengan muchos momentos especiales con las personas importantes en su vida durante los días festivos. Betty Richardson, Ph.D., R.N.C., L.P.C., L.M.F.T., es una psicoterapeuta situada en Austin que se especializa en el tratamiento de los problemas de los niños, adolescentes y padres.
16 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
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austinfamily.com | December 2014 | 17
Ebola Scare Lessons in Risk Assessment and Anxiety Control by Dr. Mike Brooks
It seems like everywhere we look, we see or hear a headline story about Ebola. Fears about it have spread throughout the U.S. In fact, anxiety over Ebola is much more contagious than the disease itself. Why is there such a widespread fear about Ebola, and what can we do about it? Let’s roll up our sleeves and take a look—no latex gloves required!
Assessing real threat
In a sense, there does need to be a healthy level of concern about Ebola. It can be a deadly disease, and certain parts of West Africa have been greatly affected by the recent outbreak. As of this writing, there were 13,703 suspected cases with 4,920 deaths and a mortality rate averaging around 50 percent in West Africa. However, it is important that our level of concern be proportionate to the level of threat. Compared to West Africa, the U.S. has cleaner basic living conditions and access to better health care. Fortunately, Ebola is harder to contract than many other infectious diseases, such as the flu. As of this writing, there have been only four cases in the U.S., and not a single bystander in the U.S. has contracted Ebola or died 18 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
from it. By comparison, each year around 30,000 Americans die from influenza, and a whopping 600,000 die from heart disease. Historically, it’s not just Ebola that has caused widespread anxiety. In recent years we have witnessed nationwide fears over Y2K, swine flu, avian flu, SARS, and the West Nile virus just to name a few. Why do we keep succumbing to distorted levels of anxiety? For starters, humans are hard-wired to have what is known as a negativity bias. That is, we tend to pay more attention to negative events (or potentially negative events) than positive ones because it has a survival value. Paying close attention to threat helps us to avoid danger and thus continue to survive. The media knows that we pay keen attention to negative events and capitalizes on our predisposition. That’s why we have the saying, “If it bleeds, it leads” with regard to the news. Unfortunately, our brains didn’t evolve to
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be able to distinguish information about real threats on our doorstep from remote threats that are thousands of miles away. Thus, the “panic button” in our brains often gets activated when it shouldn’t. Exposing our children to such news stories, and to our own anxiety, tends to cause them unnecessary anxiety. Children can detect when we, as parents, are stressed or anxious. Researchers have found that high levels of parental stress have a significant negative impact on their children’s well-being. Thus, if we want our children to be less stressed and happier, it is critical that we manage our own levels of anxiety. In a spin on the Gandhi quote, “Be the change you want to see…in your children.”
information, which simply fans the flames more. There are certainly threats in this world to our safety and well-being. Thankfully, for most Americans, Ebola is not one of them. While we do need to identify and take action against legitimate threats, the irony is that being on constant high alert and dwelling upon perceived threats serves to create some of the
very suffering that we are trying to avoid. Acknowledging this reality can, hopefully, help us quarantine our anxiety and enjoy the lives we have. _______________ Dr. Mike Brooks is a licensed psychologist in Austin. He specializes in positive psychology and well-being, the needs of children and teens, effective parenting and the impact of technology on our daily lives.
Easing off the panic button
One of my favorite pieces of sage advice— often credited to Mark Twain—is, “I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.” The great irony is that much of our suffering in life comes from anticipating that we might suffer. With that in mind, here are several strategies that can help you and your family calm fears when the negativity bias kicks in: Recognize the feelings of anxiety that do arise. Identifying negative feelings and acknowledging them is the necessary first step to taming them. The more quickly we become aware of the negative emotions that we are experiencing, the more promptly we can work to address them. Assess the threat realistically. Educate yourself on the facts, not the hype. Frame the threat in terms comparative to everyday risks and rewards. We accept a certain amount of risk by simply living our lives. Act your way into a different way of thinking. Find diversions to occupy your mind and attention. Our minds are drawn like a magnet to negative information— it’s almost impossible to continuously think our way out of anxiety. We must engage in activities with family and friends: go to work, exercise and live your life. Avoid watching and listening to all the latest media stories about the threat. The media’s constant barrage of stories and minutiae tend to fan the flames of anxiety, leading us into the trap of trying to get more Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
austinfamily.com | December 2014 | 19
family connections by Richard Singleton
Online Giving Connects you with a World of Need I’m not sure how it happened, but somewhat like Rip Van Winkle, I think I nodded off for most of the year and woke up in the wonderland of glowing Christmas crèches and merry music filling the air with good cheer. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, the season when many of us feel motivated to take stock of our world and dream about what we can do to make it better. For many, this vision of a better tomorrow means connecting with likeminded benefactors and finding ways to invest in the lives of others, giving to meet needs and serving to provide inspiration. Like no other time, opportunities abound. Excitingly, research—such as that published by the Chronicle of Philanthropy—indicates that there is a “big boom in online giving” for charities and non-profits. In fact, in recent years, doubledigit gains have been recorded in the percentage of online giving. Increasingly, the young and young at heart are using their bandwidth and bank accounts to explore and empower causes that have proven track records for benefiting humanity.
So, where might one turn to look more closely into online altruism? Bricks, mortar and more. Many of the places that you already love and support have ways for you to engage online. Whether it’s finding ways to volunteer, locating a needs list or finding ways to meet financial shortfalls, it behooves modern-minded non-profits and charities to give us an easily navigable online giving process. If you already have a charity that you passionately support, explore their online presence and see if you might find a special way to engage at this crucial time of year. They need it! Out of the box options. Exciting ways to connect and give seem to be emerging by the day. If you have a cause—or even if you don’t—you’ll be able to find an online need that connects with your values, your vision and your voice. Fundly.com, for example, provides one of the most successful online social fundraising platforms available. Fundly has helped connect over 10,000 organizations and their needs with millions of social philanthropists who’ve collaborated to raise over $330 million. With a well-crafted online and mobile presence, Fundly allows just about anyone to “tell their story and connect with donors.” Rally.org is another online option for exploring non-traditional ways to support needs and causes that resonate with your interests, goals and vision. Rally encourages their users to “create their page, share their story and raise money.” But, does all of this online action make a difference? Dana Klisanin, Ph.D., is a psychologist who has made researching “digital altruism” a key component of her career. In a recent interview with the American Psychological Association, Klisanin explored the fascinating upswing of “cyberheroes” and “collaborative heroism.” Her research indicates that the pejorative idea of “slacktivists” lazily engaging online is actually not supported by the data. Rather, Klisanin notes that “research has found that people who take action online are up to five times more likely to take action offline and to recruit other people to take action.” So, as this year winds down and as you explore the many needs of our community, state, country and world, consider going online and finding a way to be a blessing to a non-profit, a charity or an individual who has a compelling need and captivating story. It’s very possible that you’ll be the person who not only changes a life, but also empowers others to join you in changing a destiny. Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a very happy New Year to you and your family!
Richard Singleton, MACE, MAMFC, LPC, is the executive director at STARRY in Round Rock.
20 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
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austinfamily.com | December 2014 | 21
the learning curve by Jennifer VanBuren
n o i t a c u d E Special , e c i v r e is a S e c a l P a Not
W
hy do people who don’t have a child “in” special education need to know about special education? First things first: there is no such thing as being “in” special education, because special education is a service, not a place. In days past, children with disabilities were tucked away in a room labeled “Sp.Ed.” or placed in alternative settings. Other students may have never come in contact with this group of peers. Fortunately today, it would be hard to find a non-disabled child in public school that does not spend part of his or her day interacting and learning with a child who has a disability. It is a good idea for everyone to know at least the basic facts about special education, so we can answer questions our children may ask,
22 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
provide support and understanding to families and be informed advocates for children in our community.
the acronyms IDEIA and IDEA are used interchangeably.
Staying legal
When we hear the word “restrictive,” we may think of physical restraint, but by definition, to restrict is to confine or keep within limits. In these terms, providing a Least Restrictive Environment, or LRE, pertains to a child’s educational placement. IDEA states that “to the maximum extent appropriate, school districts must educate students with disabilities in the regular classroom with appropriate aids and supports along with their nondisabled peers in the school they would attend if not disabled.”
In 1975, school-aged children with disabilities were first legally guaranteed a “free and appropriate public education,” generally abbreviated FAPE. Over the years, Congress expanded the law to include pre-school children aged three to five. In 1990, the law was amended and re-named the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA. In order to receive federal education funds, states and school districts must meet the minimum requirements of IDEA. Note: While the name of the act is now the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act,
Least restrictive environment
Every intervention adds a level of restriction. For example, leaving reading
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class to go to the Resource Room is an increase in restriction, as is a child being pulled into the hallway to do catch-up work or sent to an Adaptive Physical Education class or speech therapy. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to find the backward thinking of putting a child in a self-contained classroom and allowing him to “earn” his way into general education. By law, all children should start with as little restriction as possible; more restrictive placement is considered only after all supports and aids have been exhausted. At that time, school officials and parents would need to agree and sign a legally binding document, the Individualized Education Program, or IEP.
a Behavior Intervention Plan, or BIP, to teach and reinforce appropriate alternatives to the behavior. If all goes as planned, the student may not need to be placed in a more restrictive environment. There does not need to be a mystery surrounding the world of special education. Most policies and procedures stem from basic laws and policies
meant to give all children access to a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment possible. For more information, visit the Texas Parent Resource Network at http://www. partnerstx.org or Wrights Law at http:// www.wrightslaw.com. _______________ Jennifer VanBuren is an educator and mother of three children who are all “exceptional” in their own special ways.
The IEP
You have probably heard the term Individualized Education Program (IEP), but what exactly is it? Who writes it? Get ready for more acronyms. The Annual Review and Dismissal, or ARD, committee consists of parents, special educators, general educators and administrators. Together, they create a document that outlines the child’s current level of academic achievement, functional performance, annual goals and how they are measured, accommodations, modifications, adaptations and supplemental services, such as speech and occupational therapy. Placement is also written into the IEP, designating where the child will receive his or her educational services. This document is reviewed yearly.
What about behavior?
Certain disabilities, including those that involve impaired communication, may create difficulties that are manifested with less than desirable behaviors. If the behavior creates disturbances in learning, the child cannot simply be removed from the class; a process must be followed. Within the classroom, effective teachers have clear and consistent expectations and consequences for all students, including positive reinforcement for good behavior. Additional supports may be introduced when a child with a disability is still struggling with behavioral issues. If the problem persists, parents or school personnel may request a Functional Behavior Assessment, or FBA. The FBA includes data collection that helps determine the motivation for a child’s behavior. Patterns that were previously overlooked may be discovered. The ARD committee may meet to develop Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
austinfamily.com | December 2014 | 23
la etiqueta de “Educación Especial” o colocados en lugares alternativos. Los otros estudiantes pueden nunca tener contacto con este grupo de compañeros. Afortunadamente hoy en día, sería difícil encontrar a un niño sin discapacidad en la escuela pública que no pasa parte de su día interactuando y aprendiendo con un niño que tiene una discapacidad. Es una buena idea para que todos sepan por lo menos los hechos básicos acerca de la educación especial, para poder responder a las preguntas que nuestros hijos pudieran hacer, ofrecer apoyo y comprensión a las familias y ser defensores informados de los niños en nuestra comunidad.
Mantenerse legal
¿Por qué necesitan saber las personas que no tienen hijos “en” educación especial sobre la educación especial? En primer lugar, no hay tal cosa como estar “en” educación especial, ya que la educación especial es un servicio, no un lugar. En el pasado, los niños con discapacidades eran escondidos en una habitación con
En 1975, los niños en edad escolar con discapacidad fueron los primeros legalmente garantizados a una “Educación Pública Gratuita Apropiada”, generalmente abreviada como FAPE, por sus siglas en inglés. Con los años, el Congreso amplió la ley para incluir a los niños de preescolar de tres a cinco años de edad. En 1990, se modificó la ley, y cambio su nombre a la Ley de Educación para Individuos con Discapacidades, o IDEA, por sus siglas en inglés. Con el fin de recibir fondos federales para la educación, los estados y los distritos escolares deben cumplir con los requisitos mínimos de IDEA. Nota: Mientras que el nombre de la ley es ahora la Ley de Mejoramiento de Educación para Individuos con Discapacidades, las siglas en inglés IDEIA y la de IDEA se usan de modo intercambiable.
Ambiente menos restrictivo
Cuando escuchamos la palabra “restrictivo”, podemos pensar en la restricción física, pero por definición, para restringir es confinar o mantener dentro de unos límites. En estos términos, proporcionando un Ambiente Menos Restrictivo o LRE por sus siglas en inglés, se refiere a la colocación educativa de un niño/a. IDEA declara que “en la mayor medida posible, los distritos escolares deben educar a los estudiantes con discapacidades en el salón de clase regular con recursos apropiados y apoyo, junto a sus compañeros sin discapacidades en la escuela que asistirían si no estuvieran discapacitados.” Cada intervención añade un nivel de restricción. Por ejemplo, salir de la clase de lectura para ir al Salón de Recurso es un aumento en la restricción, como es un niño que se lleva por el pasillo para ir hacer el trabajo atrasado o enviado a una clase de Educación Física Adaptada o terapia del lenguaje. Lamentablemente, no es raro encontrar la forma atrasada de pensar en colocar a un niño en un salón autónomo y que le permite “ganar” su camino a la educación general. Por ley, todos los niños deben comenzar con la menor restricción posible; continúa en la página 29
24 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
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Holiday Camps 4 1 0 2
Art & Soul Frozen Art Camps 3801 Berkman Drive Suite A, Austin 512-820-1449 www.artandsoulclasses.com Art Sampler: Creativity, Inspiration, and Me! December 22, 23, 24, and 26 Ages 3 to 10 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Half day options
Ballet Austin Camp Enroll at www.balletaustin.org/kidszone NOTE: Parents are welcome to join this class Ballet Austin’s Stories & Music in Motion: The Nutcracker Ages 3 to 5 Dec. 10, 11 to 11:45 a.m. Winter Wonderland Camp Ages 5 to 8 Jan. 3, 2015, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Camp Doublecreek Winter Blast Camp 800 Doublecreek Dr., Round Rock 512-255-3661 campdoublecreek.com December 29 to 31
Capital Gymnastics Pflugerville, N. Austin, Cedar Park 512-251-2439, 512-219-9930, 512-259-9995 Winter Break Fun www.capgym.com Ages 3 and up Full day and Half day Dance Discovery Nutcracker Camp Central Studio December 22-23 Ages 3 to 10 9:30a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register online: http://austin-dance.org/ camps.html Promo Code for Both Days discount: “TWOdays” 512-419-7611 Registration is required - no drop ins. Deadline Friday, December 19 Nutcracker Storytime Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Creative Movement, Theatre Arts, Gymnastics, Winter Craft Centers, Outdoor Play. Bring a healthy snack, sack lunch, painting smock and water bottle.
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Frozen! Winter Break Camps at kidsActing Studio Center Stage Texas, 2826 Real St., Austin Register at www.kidsActingstudio.com Ages 5 to 11 Dec. 22-26 (No class on Dec. 25) and Dec. 29-Jan. 2 (No class on Jan. 1) 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Act, sing, dance, play comedy games, do face painting and theatre arts and crafts.
Maximum Taekwondo & Yoga Holiday Camp 6929 Airport Blvd. Suite 146, Austin 512-371-8989 maxtkdyoga.com December 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 29, 30, 31, and Jan. 2 Indoor fun divided into a variety of martial arts/yoga-inspried activities. Anti-bully talk and role play included. Sugar & Spice Ranch Mother/Daughter Christmas Break Bandera 803-460-8487 texashorsecamps.com Dec. 27 through Jan. 2
Tex-Arts Winter Break Camp 2300 Lohman’s Spur, Austin www.tex-arts.org or 512-852-9079 x104 Extended care available. Best of “Frozen” Dec. 29, 30, 31, Jan. 2 Ages 5 to 14 Full Day 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Half Day 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. YMCA Austin Winter Holiday Camps 2014 512-322-9622 austinymca.org/programs/holiday-camps-1 Check out website for various locations and activities. Dec 22, 23, 26 Dec. 29, 30, and Jan. 2 YMCA Williamson County Holiday Camp at Y 512-615-5563 ymcagwc.org Dec. 22-23, 26, 29-30, Jan 2 Camp Twin Lakes, CHASCO, Hutto and Highland Lakes Come for one day or entire time. Various activities and lots of fun.
austinfamily.com | December 2014 | 25
C-1 Spider Glove Come in and see top 10 toys for holidays. Terra Toys 2438 W. Anderson Lane 512-445-4498 terratoys.com
Give the gift of a Membership to the Austin Aquarium. Currently 50% off. https://store. austinaquarium.com/Memberships-s/1818.htm 13530 N. Hwy 183 512-222-5586 facebook.com/austinaquarium
2014 Holiday Meal kits Gourmet by Numbers 512-270-9738 info@gourmetbynumbers.com twitter @gourmetbynumbers facebook /gourmetbynumbers
Westlake Lessons Holiday Sale: www.westlakelessons.com
Holiday Performances TexARTS 512-852-9097 tex-arts.org Holiday Centerpiece Cookies by Design 13343 Hwy 183 512-257-8400 cookiesbydesign.com
26 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
Thinkery Every gift membership purchased in December receives a special commemorative Thinkery flying pig ornament. 1830 Simond Ave, 512-469-6225 thinkeryaustin.org
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y Gift Guide DIY Art Studio Ceramics Bayou 3620 Bee Caves Rd. 512-328-1168 ceramicsbayou.com
Dragonsnaps 2438 W. Anderson Lane Inside Terra Toys 512-445-4497 dragonsnaps.com
Camp Champions
Paint your own pottery studio Cafe Monet Westgate 512-892-3200 Triangle 512-906-2200 San Marcos 512-805-2800 cafemonet.org
Huge selection of camera and video gift ideas Precision Camera & Video 2438 W. Anderson Ln. B-4 512-467-7676 www.precision-camera.com
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austinfamily.com | December 2014 | 27
28 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
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viene de la página 24
la colocación más restrictiva sólo se considera después de que todos los apoyos y los recursos se han agotado. En ese momento, las autoridades escolares y los padres tendrían que estar de acuerdo y firmar un documento legalmente obligatorio, el Programa Educativo Individualizado, o IEP, por sus siglas en inglés.
las alternativas apropiadas para el comportamiento. Si todo va según lo previsto, el estudiante no necesitaría ser colocado en un ambiente más restrictivo. No necesita ser un misterio que rodea el mundo de la educación especial. La mayoría de las políticas y procedimientos se derivan de las políticas y leyes básicas destinadas para
dar a todos los niños el acceso a una educación gratuita y apropiada en el ambiente menos restrictivo posible. Para obtener más información, visite el Texas Parent Resource Network en http://www. partnerstx.org o Wrights Law en http:// www.wrightslaw.com. _______________ Jennifer VanBuren es educadora y madre de tres hijos que son todos “excepcionales” cada uno en su propia manera.
El IEP
Usted probablemente ha escuchado el término IEP, pero ¿qué es exactamente? ¿Quién lo escribe? ¡Prepárese para más siglas en inglés! El comité de Admisión, Revisión y Retiro, o ARD, por sus siglas en inglés, está formado por padres, educadores especiales, educadores generales y administradores. Juntos, crean un documento que describe el nivel actual del niño/a en cuanto a su logro académico, desempeño funcional, metas anuales y la forma en que se miden, acomodamiento, modificaciones, adaptaciones y servicios suplementarios, como terapia ocupacional y del habla. La colocación también está escrito en el IEP, designando donde recibirá sus servicios educativos el niño/a. Este documento se revisa anualmente.
¿Y el comportamiento?
Ciertas discapacidades, incluyendo aquellas que implican comunicación deteriorada, pueden crear dificultades que se manifiestan con comportamientos menos que deseables. Si el comportamiento crea perturbaciones en el aprendizaje, el niño/a no se puede simplemente retirar de la clase; se debe seguir un proceso. Dentro del salón de clases, los maestros eficaces tienen expectativas y consecuencias claras y consistentes para todos los estudiantes, incluso el refuerzo positivo del buen comportamiento. El apoyo adicional se puede introducir cuando un niño/a con una discapacidad aun está luchando con problemas de comportamiento. Si el problema persiste, los padres o el personal escolar puede solicitar una Evaluación de Comportamiento Funcional, o FBA, por sus siglas en inglés. El FBA incluye la recopilación de datos que ayuda a determinar la motivación para el comportamiento de un niño/a. Se pueden descubrir los patrones que se pasaron por alto anteriormente. El comité ARD puede reunirse para desarrollar un Plan de Intervención del Comportamiento, o BIP, por sus siglas en inglés, para enseñar y reforzar Pick us up at HEB, Whole Foods and Central Market
austinfamily.com | December 2014 | 29
Helping Kids Understand
There was a time when most people didn’t give a second thought to where their morning coffee originated. They didn’t wonder who tended the plants, how much that person was paid or if they worked under fair conditions. They happily sipped, unaware of the working conditions that brought them that delightful brew each day. That isn’t the case anymore. From coffee and chocolate to handbags and children’s toys, people care about the origin of the products they purchase. They look for the “Fair Trade” label and are willing to spend extra to ensure that workers are paid and treated fairly. Topics like global poverty, justice, women’s rights and inequitable relationships can sound abstract and difficult to explain on a child’s level. So how can parents pass on their values and help their children understand Fair Trade? Actually, fairness is not hard for kids to grasp. (Most kids are quick to point out, “That’s not fair!” whenever they believe an injustice has been done against them.)
1
Food is a great way to introduce the idea of Fair Trade. Even very young children can be taught to recognize the Fair Trade label on food packaging. At the grocery store, ask them to help you find products with that label on it. Make it into a game – try to find three, five or more Fair Trade items in a shopping trip. Young kids also can learn to make choices. What are their favorite foods? If there is a Fair Trade option for it, find and discuss it. Chocolate is a good example because most kids love it, and Fair Trade chocolate is readily available in many stores.
by April Karli
2
For older children, introduce or expand their knowledge of world geography. Where does the food they eat come from? Much of the food eaten in the U.S. comes from around the world. Sugar comes from Malawi, raisins from Chile, tomatoes from Mexico and rice from India. Help older kids discover where their favorite foods originate. Locate the countries on a map or globe and use the library or internet to research the people and culture of that country. Seeing the faces of the people who produced their food will help foster compassion and a desire for those people to experience fair and safe working conditions.
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Middle school-aged children can begin to grasp the abstract complexities of justice, and parents can ask questions to encourage their kids to think deeply about issues of fairness. Children this age start to take on small jobs like babysitting or lawn care. Parents can negotiate a “fair wage” with their kids for jobs done around the house. For jobs done outside the home, parents can ask questions to help their children understand why getting paid a fair wage is important. Would it be fair to mow the lawn for only 50 cents? What about five dollars? Why? Would it be fair to be paid the same amount to babysit five kids as opposed to only one? Why? High school students about to enter adulthood often are spending and budgeting their own money on clothes, food and electronics. Parents can continue to guide
30 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
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them to make responsible choices and to learn about where the products they purchase come from and who makes them. High school-aged kids are capable of thinking logically and of drawing conclusions based on what they have learned throughout their childhood. A high schooler might enjoy choosing a product or country to increase awareness among his peers. Some might even get the entrepreneurial bug and develop a small business to help laborers in other parts of the world. Fair Trade doesn’t have to be an overwhelming concept for parents to teach their children. There are lots of great resources—many online—to help guide you and your family’s choices. Start with one product—coffee or chocolate, for example—and build from there. Fair Trade is about creating a better life for those who grew, sewed, built, manufactured, and supplied the products in our stores and homes. Valuing Fair Trade products is really about valuing people, which is one of the most important things our children can learn. _______________ April Karli is an Austin-based freelance writer and mother of two girls. She writes Sunday school curricula and articles about faith, children and parenting.
Smart Screen Time Holiday season is upon us, and that means changes to screen usage: special programs, a bump in screen time and increased ads directed at kids. Here are a couple of “smart screen” tips: Screens today have a brighter, whiter light than in the past. This “new” light is essentially midday light, and using it at night confuses the brain, sending a message to wake up when you should be winding down. Researchers estimate that the brain needs about 90 minutes to adjust from screens to the natural day/ night cycle. That means screens should go off 90 minutes before bedtime. If you relaxed the rules during the holidays, be prepared for your kids to wake up at their normal times even after later night viewing and to get a little cranky after several days of this. Instead, try reading or playing a board game before bed. Make those holiday specials interactive! If they’re the classics you love from your own youth, teach your children the songs, dance moves and key lines. If they’re new to you, help kids make comparisons among the programs and identify key messages. And if one of the key messages is, “Buy this toy!” then point it out. Teach your kids to distinguish messages of cheer and goodwill from messages of holiday sales. A full lineup of our holiday programming can be found at klru.org/holidays. Benjamin Kramer, Ph.D., is the director of education for KLRU-TV, Austin PBS. He has come to embrace the role of “student” in play with his five-year-old son.
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austinfamily.com | December 2014 | 31
lifelines by Dr. Lamia Kadir
Modest Mealtimes
Bestow the Gift of Healthy Eating
Hefty consequences
Childhood obesity has both immediate and long-term effects on health and well being. In the short term, obese youth are more likely to have pre-diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self esteem. In the long run, these children are statistically more likely to grow up to become obese adults at risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer.
Table tips
H
oliday season is in full swing, with all the indulgences it entails: cookies and candy exchanged among neighbors, big meals with family and parties with friends. While it may be tempting to forget about weight and dietary issues for a few weeks, you might see this time of family togetherness as the best moment to assess your family’s lifestyle and double down on your commitment to helping your children find and maintain a healthy weight. The prevalence of childhood obesity in the U.S. has risen dramatically in the past several decades. In 2012, over one-third of American children and adolescents were overweight or obese. Unfortunately, obesity tends to “track” throughout life, meaning that its presence at any age will increase the risk of persistence at subsequent ages.
A simple equation
This plain truth holds for children and 32 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
adults alike: a person gains weight when their energy input—food intake—exceeds their energy output. What’s interesting is that research shows on average, obese children do not consume significantly more calories than their thinner peers. In fact, most obese children demonstrate a slow but steady weight gain over several years. The culprit seems to be a consistent, minor excess intake of only 50 to 100 calories a day (the equivalent of a half to a whole banana), which can lead to a five to 10 pound weight gain over a year’s time. On the other side of the equation, energy output consists of your child’s basal metabolic rate (that is, the amount of energy you use at rest), the thermal effect of food (that is, the energy required to absorb and digest meals) and your child’s level of activity. Of these variables, activity is the one least influenced by genetic inheritance and therefore the one most easily controlled.
The best way to significantly affect the prevalence of obesity is to prevent it. You and your family doctor should discuss your child’s weight at every well child exam. If your child is overweight or obese, treatment plans should include reasonable weight goals, dietary and physical activity management, behavior modification and family involvement, which may even include weight loss for the parents. Here are some tips offered by the American Academy of Family Physicians: • Breastfeed and delay introducing solid foods to reduce the risk of future weight problems. • Respect your child’s appetite; children do not need to finish every bottle or meal. • Avoid pre-prepared and sugary foods when possible. • Limit the amount of high calorie foods kept in the home. • Provide a healthy diet, with 30 percent or fewer calories derived from fats. • Provide ample fiber in your child’s diet. • After age 2, serve skim milk instead of whole milk.
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• Don’t provide food for comfort or as a reward; instead, consider physical activities such as a trip to the park. • Don’t offer sweets in exchange for a finished meal. • Limit the amount of sedentary pursuits, such as watching television. • Encourage active play; a reasonable daily goal is 20-30 minutes of moderate activity on top of any exercise your child gets during the school day. Additional mealtime techniques include: • Eat all meals at the dinner table at designated times. • Serve food only once before putting it away (no second helpings). • Take smaller bites, chew food longer and put the fork down between bites. If your child or family member is overweight or obese, ask your family doctor what you can do about it. Start by following the simple advice presented above and make the coming year the healthiest for your family.
Dr. Lamia Kadir is a board certified family physician in private practice in Austin, a mother of three and runs an anti-obesity campaign at home and at the of fice.
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austinfamily.com | December 2014 | 33
calendar
family events A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical throughout December see Wednesday 3 for details
Austin Ballet’s The Nutcracker throughout December see Saturday 6 for details
Photo by Tony Speilberg
Shen Yun Dec. 26 through 29
Austin’s New Year Dec. 31
family events page 34 parenting events page 38 storytimes page 40 exhibits: visit www.austinfamily.com 34 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
12/14
Monday 1 Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays; 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday 18 through Wednesday 24; 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday 25 through Tuesday 30. Drive through light show. Old Settlers Park, 4111 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock. Family vehicles $15. roundrocktexas.gov. 2014 Trail of Lights Wimberley 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. EmilyAnn Gardens, 1101 FM 2325, Wimberley. emilyann.org or 512-847-6969. Holiday Puppet Show 6:30 p.m. Monday; 10:30 a.m. Tuesday; 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Round Rock Public Library, 216 East Main St., Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas. gov or 512-218-3275. Tuesday 2 CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; 2014 Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; Holiday Puppet Show see Monday 1. Wednesday 3 Let it Go! Movie Sing-along 2:30 p.m. Kids and tweens. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011. Community Nights 5 to 8 p.m. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Admission is by donation, suggested $1. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6200. Arts and Crafts 6 p.m. 8 years and older with adult. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. FREE. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. Wednesday Night Contra Dancing 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. Everyone welcome. Hancock Recreation Center, 811 E. 41st St. FREE. austinbarndancers.org or 512-453-4225. A Year with Frog and Toad 8 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Ages 3 and up. Zach Theatre, 1510 Toomey Rd. zachtheatre.org or 512-476-0541. A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical 8 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Zach Theatre, Kleberg Stage, 1510 Toomey Rd. zachtheatre.org or 512-476-0541 x 1. Sprouts 9:30 to 11 a.m. 2 to 6 years old. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. $3. wildflowercenter.org or 512-232-0100. This Wonderful Life Check web or call for times. Zach Theatre, 202 S. Lamar. zachtheatre.org or 512-476-0541 x 1. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; 2014 Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; Holiday Puppet Show see Monday 1.
Thursday 4 First Thursday All day to 10 p.m. South Congress Ave. from Barton Springs Rd. to Elizabeth St. firstthursday.info. Thursday Noon Concerts 12 p.m. Central Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Eighth St. Concert. FREE. cpcaustin.org or 512-472-2445. Meet and Greet With Santa 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 12 to 8 p.m.
COMPILED BY BETTY KEMPER
Saturdays; 12 to 6 p.m. Sundays. All ages, pets welcome. Bring your camera. Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd. FREE. hillcountrygalleria. com. First Thursdays Downtown Buda 5 to 9 p.m. Downtown Buda. budachamber.com. Starry Nights at Girlstart 5:30 to 7 p.m. All ages. Girlstart, 1400 Anderson Square. FREE, but RSVP required. girlstart.org. Art Teen Event 6 to 8 p.m. Jones Center, 700 Congress Ave. thecontemporaryaustin.org or 512-453-5312. “A Miracle on 34th Street” Classic Radiocast 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays; matinee performance 3 p.m. Saturday 20. Old Settler’s Hall, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock. penfoldtheatre.org. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; 2014 Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; A Year with Frog and Toad see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3.
Friday 5 Dickens on the Strand All day, rain or shine. Galveston. $14. galvestonhistory.org. 34th Annual Christmas Stroll 10 a.m. parade, 5 to 9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Numerous events. Downtown Square, Georgetown. FREE. thegeorgetownsquare.com/ Christmas-Stroll or 512-639-8719. Lights of Love 5K 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mueller Hanger. rmhc-austin.org/ LOL-5k. Main Street Bethlehem 6 to 9 p.m. First Baptist Church Burnet, two blocks east of the town square. FREE admission, cookies, hot chocolate and coffee. Donations accepted. fbcburnet.org/mainstreetbethlehem. Barton Creek Elementary School Choir Performance 6:30 to 7 p.m. Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd. FREE. hillcountrygalleria.com or 512263-0001. Christmas Family Night 6:30 p.m. Rain or shine. Main Street in Downtown Round Rock. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov/ christmasfamilynight. Tree Lighting and Santa’s Workshop 6:30 to 9 p.m. Heritage Oak Park, Cedar Park. FREE. cedarparktexas.gov. Ebenezer’s Journey: A Dickens’ Christmas Story 7 to 10 p.m. Rain or shine. Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr. $12 per person, reservations recommended. pioneerfarms.org or 512-837-1215. Holiday Puppet Show 7, 7:45, and 8:30 p.m. 18 months and up. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main. roundrocktexas. gov/library or 512-218-7011. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; A Year with Frog and Toad see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3; A Miracle on 34th Street Classic Radiocast see Thursday 4; Meet and Greet With Santa see Thursday 4. Saturday 6 Madrone Canyon Hike 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Back of the Laura’s Library parking
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 10th 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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lot, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. FREE. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Breakfast with Santa 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Domain, 11410 Century Oaks Terrace. thedomainaustin.com. Holiday by the Tracks 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Downtown Elgin. elgintx.com/ holiday. Wild Ideas 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. FREE. wildflower.org or 512-2320100. Holiday Shopping Event 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Texas Memorial Museum, 2400 Trinity St. tmm.utexas.edu or 512-471-1604. Nature Play Hour 10 to 11 a.m. Family Nature Garden, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave. wildflower.org or 512-232-0100. 19th Annual Christmas Market 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. German Free School, 507 E. 10th St. germantexans.org/festivals/Christmas-market or 512-546-4569. 34th Annual Budafest 10 a.m. to dusk. Parade, carnival and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. City Park, Buda. FREE. Free parking. budafest. org. Annual Violet Crown Arts Fest 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brentwood Elementary, 6700 Yates, west parking lot. FREE. violetcrowncommunity.org. Family Program 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Blanton Museum of Art, 23rd St. and San Jacinto St. Children under 12 FREE; adults included with museum admission. blantonmuseum. org or 512-471-5482. 22nd Annual Art from the Streets 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez St. artfromthestreets.com. Snow Day Noon to 4 p.m. Hill Country Galleria, Street between the Amphitheater and Bee Cave Library. Take family fun photos. FREE. hillcountrygalleria.com or 512263-0001. Giant Chess 12:30 to 3 p.m. Wooldridge Square Park, 900 Guadalupe St. FREE. giantchess.org. Family Movie Matinee 2 p.m. Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9840. Spot the Monster 2 p.m. Cepeda Branch, 651 N. Pleasant Valley Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9840. The Nutcracker 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Gloria Delgado Theatre, St. Michaels Catholic Academy. $15. tex-arts. org or 512-852-9079 x 101. Christmas Towne 6 p.m. to 15 minutes after the last car exits Rock’N Lights. Old Settlers and Dell Diamond parking lot, 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd. FREE. roundrocktexas.gov. Holiday Sing-along and Downtown Stroll 6 p.m. sing-along; 7 p.m. tree lighting. Capitol grounds and Congress Ave. All events are FREE and open to the public. downtownaustin.com. Friday Night Live 6 to 9 p.m. For 6th to 8th graders. Hutto Family YMCA, 200 Alliance Blvd., Hutto. $10 per student. huttotx. gov or 512-759-4030. Photo with Santa 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Bluebonnet School at Cedar Creek, 10321 Boulder Ln., FREE 512-219-5100 orbluebonnetschool.com54th Annual Production— The Nutcracker 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20; 2 p.m. Dec. 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22 and 23. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. balletaustin.org or 512-501-8703. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1;
A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; A Year with Frog and Toad see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3; A Miracle on 34th Street Classic Radiocast see Thursday 4; Meet and Greet With Santa see Thursday 4; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 5; Dickens on the Strand see Friday 5; 34th Annual Christmas Stroll see Friday 5; Ebenezer’s Journey: A Dickens’ Christmas Story see Friday 5.
Sunday 7 National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day First Sundays Free 12 to 3 p.m. Bob Bullock State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. thestoryoftexas.com or 512-936-8746. First Sunday Family Day 12 to 4 p.m. Families with children age four to 14. FREE. Umlauf Sculpture Garden, 605 Robert E. Lee Rd. umlaufsculpture.org. or 512-445-5582. First Sunday Free Admission 1 to 4 p.m. Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel St. nchmuseum.org. Wizard School Improv 2 p.m. Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress Ave. $5. Hideouttheatre.org or 512-443-3688. Expreso Pony de Boriken 3 p.m. Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance. Davis Auditorium, Texas School For the Deaf, 1102 S. Congress. Children 2 and under FREE; ages 3 to 12 $5; adults $12 advance, $15 at the door. prfdance. org or 512-251-8122. Children’s Christmas Fair 4 p.m. First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity St. fbcaustin.org/Christmas. Trail of Lights Zilker 6 p.m. to midnight. Zilker Park. Mondays to Thursdays FREE; Fridays to Sundays $3 per person. austintrailoflights.org. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; A Year with Frog and Toad see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3; Meet and Greet With Santa see Thursday 4; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 5; Dickens on the Strand see Friday 5; Christmas Towne see Saturday 6; Annual Violet Crown Arts Fest see Saturday 6; 22nd Annual Art from the Streets see Saturday 6; Nature Play Hour see Saturday 6; Wild Ideas see Friday 6; 54th Annual Production-The Nutcracker see Saturday 6; Sixth Annual The Nutcracker see Saturday 6. Monday 8 Conspirare Christmas (with Ruthie Foster) 8 p.m. Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. $12. thelongcenter.org or 512-457-5115. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Wild Ideas see Friday 6; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Zilker see Sunday 7. Tuesday 9 Spot the Monster 11 a.m. Hampton Branch, 5125 Convict Hill Rd. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9840. Family Movie Night: How to Train Your Dragon 2 7 p.m. Twin Oaks Branch, 1800 S. Fifth St. library. austintexas.gov or 512-974-9980. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Zilker see Sunday 7. Wednesday 10 Spot the Monster 11 a.m. Old Quarry Branch, 7051 Village Center Dr. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9840.
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Teen Craft Night 5 p.m. University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola Ln. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9940. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; Sprouts see Wednesday 3; Community Nights see Wednesday 3; Wednesday Night Contra Dancing see Wednesday 3; A Year with Frog and Toad see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3; Arts and Crafts see Wednesday 3; Trail of Lights Zilker see Sunday 7.
Thursday 11 CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; A Year with Frog and Toad see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3; Meet and Greet With Santa see Thursday 4; A Miracle on 34th Street Classic Radiocast see Thursday 4; Reckless see Thursday 4; Thursday Noon Concerts see Thursday 4; Trail of Lights Zilker see Sunday 7. Friday 12 Spot the Monster 11 a.m. North Village Branch, 2505 Steck Ave. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9840. Living Nativity 7 p.m. Park Hills Baptist Church, Hillside Theatre, 900 S. Mopac Expy. FREE. parkwayhillsbaptist.org or 512-327-2500. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; A Year with Frog and Toad see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday
36 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
3; A Miracle on 34th Street Classic Radiocast see Thursday 4; Reckless see Thursday 4; Meet and Greet With Santa see Thursday 4; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 5; Christmas Towne see Saturday 6; 54th Annual Production-The Nutcracker see Saturday 6; Trail of Lights Zilker see Sunday 7.
Saturday 13 Bright Leaf Hikes 9 to 11:30 a.m. Bright Leaf Preserve, Creek Mountain Rd. brightleaf.org or 512-459-7269. Photo with Santa 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Bluebonnet School at Cedar Park, FREE 512-331-9009 or bluebonnetschool. com Hands-on History 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Williamson Museum, 716 S. Austin, Georgetown. FREE for children of all ages. williamsonmuseum.org or 512-943-1670. Cherrywood Art Fair 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Maplewood Elementary, E. 38 ½ St. and Maplewood Ave. FREE. cherrywoodfair.org. Old Town Christmas: Downtown Christmas Fair 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 100 East St., Hutto. FREE. huttotx. gov or 512-759-4029. Second Saturdays Are For Families 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Recommended for ages 2 to 11. Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th St. General per family $10; member families $5. thecontemporaryaustin. org or 512-458-8191. Holiday Extravaganza 2 and 6 p.m. Kam and James Morris Theatre, 2300 Lohman’s Spur. $15. tex-arts.org or 512-852-9079 x 101. Jesus’ Very Merry Birthday Party 6:30 p.m. First Baptist Church of Oak Hill, 6907 Convict Hill Rd. FREE. fbcoakhill.org or 512-288-7570. Luminations 6 to 9 p.m. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center,
4801 La Crosse Ave. FREE with two canned food items. wildflower.org or 512-232-0100. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3; A Miracle on 34th Street Classic Radiocast see Thursday 4; Reckless see Thursday 4; Meet and Greet With Santa see Thursday 4; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 5; Ebenezer’s Journey: A Dickens’ Christmas Story see Friday 5; Christmas Towne see Friday 6; Nature Play Hour see Friday 6; Family Program see Friday 6; 54th Annual Production-The Nutcracker see Saturday 6; Snow Day see Saturday 6; Trail of Lights Zilker see Sunday 7; Living Nativity see Friday 12; Jesus’ Very Merry Birthday Party see Saturday 13.
Sunday 14 CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3; Meet and Greet With Santa see Thursday 4; Main Street Bethlehem see Friday 5; Ebenezer’s Journey: A Dickens’ Christmas Story see Friday 5; Nature Play Hour see Friday 6; 54th Annual Production-The Nutcracker see Saturday 6; Trail of Lights Zilker see Sunday 7; Wizard School Improv see Sunday 7; Living Nativity see Friday 12; Cherrywood Art Fair see Saturday 13; Luminations see Saturday 13; Bright Leaf Hikes see Saturday 13; Holiday Extravaganza see Saturday 13. Monday 15 Family Movie Matinee: Arthur Christmas 4 p.m. Cepeda Branch, 651 N. Pleasant Valley Rd. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-7372. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1;
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Meet and Greet With Santa see Thursday 4; Trail of Lights Zilker see Sunday 7.
Tuesday 16 39th Season-Armadillo Christmas Bazaar 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd. Kids 12 and under FREE; admission $7. armadillobazaar.com. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; Meet and Greet With Santa see Thursday 4; Trail of Lights Zilker see Sunday 7. Wednesday 17 Hanukkah Begins; Wright Brothers Day Spot the Monster 11 a.m. Terrazas Branch, 1105 E. Cesar Chavez St. FREE. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9840. Anime Club 3:30 p.m. Southeast Branch, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd. FREE. libraryaustintexas.gov or 512-974-8840. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; Sprouts see Wednesday 3; Community Nights see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3; Wednesday Night Contra Dancing see Wednesday 3; Arts and Crafts see Wednesday 3; Meet and Greet With Santa see Thursday 4; Trail of Lights Zilker see Sunday 7; 39th Season-Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 16. Thursday 18 Third Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Blanton Museum of Art, 23rd St. and San Jacinto St. FREE. blantonmuseum.org or 512-471-7324. Music at the Blanton 5:30 p.m. Blanton Museum of Art, 23rd St. and San Jacinto St. blantonmuseum.org or 512-471-7324. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3; Meet and Greet With Santa see Thursday 4; A Miracle on 34th Street Classic Radiocast see Thursday 4; Reckless see Thursday 4; Thursday Noon Concerts see Thursday 4; Christmas Towne see Friday 6; 54th Annual Production-The Nutcracker see Saturday 6; Trail of Lights Zilker see Sunday 7; 39th Season-Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 16. Friday 19 CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3; Meet and Greet With Santa see Thursday 4; Christmas Towne see Friday 6; 54th Annual Production-The Nutcracker see Saturday 6; Trail of Lights Zilker see Sunday 7; 39th SeasonArmadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 16. Saturday 20 CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3; A Miracle on 34th Street Classic Radiocast see Thursday 4; Reckless see Thursday 4; Meet and Greet With Santa see Thursday 4; Christmas Towne see Friday 6; Austin Ballroom Dances see Saturday 6; Snow Day see Saturday 6; Nature Play Hour see Friday 6; 54th Annual Production-The Nutcracker see Saturday 6; Trail of Lights Zilker see Sunday 7; 39th Season-Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 16.
Sunday 21 Forefathers’ Day; First Day of Winter CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3; Meet and Greet With Santa see Thursday 4; Christmas Towne see Friday 6; Nature Play Hour see Friday 6; 54th Annual ProductionThe Nutcracker see Saturday 6; Trail of Lights Zilker see Sunday 7; Wizard School Improv see Sunday 7; 39th Season-Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 16. Monday 22 CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; Meet and Greet With Santa see Thursday 4; Christmas Towne see Friday 6; 54th Annual Production-The Nutcracker see Saturday 6; 39th Season-Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 16. Tuesday 23 Holiday Movie Marathon 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Go to website for information on movies, ratings, locations and other info. library. austintexas.gov. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; Meet and Greet With Santa see Thursday 4; Christmas Towne see Friday 6; 54th Annual Production-The Nutcracker see Saturday 6; 39th Season-Armadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 16. Wednesday 24 Christmas Eve Concert 5 p.m. First Austin, 901 Trinity St., fbcaustin.org/christmas. Culture Nights 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. AGE Cafeteria, 3710 Cedar St. austinpowwow.net. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; Sprouts see Wednesday 3; Community Nights see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3; Wednesday Night Contra Dancing see Wednesday 3; Meet and Greet With Santa see Thursday 4; Christmas Towne see Friday 6; 39th SeasonArmadillo Christmas Bazaar see Tuesday 16. Thursday 25 Christmas Day CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3; Christmas Towne see Friday 6. Friday 26 Boxing Day Shen Yun 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday and Monday. The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. thelongcenter.org or 512-457-5664. CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3; A Miracle on 34th Street Classic Radiocast see Thursday 4.
Ten Things... for Winter Break! 1
Stay home and make a batch of homemade play dough.
2
Set up a tent indoors and pretend to camp.
3
Take a hike at a park or the Wildflower Center.
4
Get artsy and visit the Umlauf Sculpture Garden.
5 Get festive and visit the Elgin Christmas tree farm. 6
Embrace the cold—go ice skating or watch a hockey match.
7
Visit a cavern. The temperature is always about 72 degrees.
8
Visit the State Capitol Building.
9
Take an Austin Steam Train ride.
10 Tour the Blue Bell Ice Cream factory in Brenham.
Saturday 27 CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday
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continued on page 38
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continued from page 37
1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3; A Miracle on 34th Street Classic Radiocast see Thursday 4; Nature Play Hour see Friday 6; Snow Day see Saturday 6; Shen Yun see Friday 26. Sunday 28 CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; A Christmas Carol: A Rockin’ New Family Musical see Wednesday 3; This Wonderful Life see Wednesday 3; Nature Play Hour see Friday 6; Wizard School Improv see Sunday 7; Shen Yun see Friday 26.
Monday 29 CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; Shen Yun see Friday 26. Tuesday 30 CONTINUING: Rock’N Lights Holiday Light Tour see Monday 1; Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1. Wednesday 31 New Year’s Eve Annual Austin’s New Year (ANY) 5 to 10 p.m. Auditorium Shores. Family-friendly, downtown, non-alcohol event. Fireworks after 10 p.m. austintexas.gov/department/austins-new-year. CONTINUING: Trail of Lights Wimberley see Monday 1; Sprouts see Wednesday 3; Community Nights see Wednesday 3; Wednesday Night Contra Dancing see Wednesday 3.
38 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
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parenting events
Saturdays Parenting Class and Clase de Crianza con Cariño en Español 3 to 5 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. anybabycan.org or 512-454-3743.
Tuesdays Little Texas Homeschoolers 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. Parenting Class 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. anybabycan.org or 512-454-3743. Calm and Confident Birthing 6:30 to 8 p.m. Bridges to Growth, 805 W. University Ave. georgetownproject.org or 512864-3008.
Tuesday 2 Open House 7a.m. to 6 p.m. all locationsStepping Stone School, steppingstoneschool.com or 512-459-0258. La Leche League 10 a.m. Christ’s Workshop, 212 E. Monroe. Texaslll.org or 512-272-8042.
Wednesdays Baby Time: Discipline 10 to 11 a.m. Bridges to Growth, 805 W. University Ave. georgetownproject.org or 512864-3008.
Thursday 4 La Leche League 7 p.m. North Austin Medical Center, Room 2B, 12221 N. Mopac Expy. Texaslll.org or 512-2728042. Monthly Moms Meeting 7 to 9 p.m. Northwest Austin (send email for exact address) info@northaustinmothersclub.org.
Mondays and Tuesdays Clase de Crianza con Cariño en Español 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. anybabycan.org or 512-454-3743.
Thursdays Clase de Crianza con Cariño en Español 9 to 11 a.m. No meeting Dec. 25. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. anybabycan.org or 512-454-3743. Postpartum Support Group 10 to 11:30 a.m. No meeting Dec. 25. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. anybabycan.org or 512-454-3743. Parenting Class 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Any Baby Can, 1121 E. 7th St. anybabycan.org or 512-454-3743.
Wednesday 3 La Leche League 10 a.m. North Village Branch Library, 2505 Steck. Texaslll.org or 512-272-8042.
Wednesday 10 La Leche League 10:15 a.m. Will Hampton Branch Library, 5125 Convict Hill Rd. Texaslll.org or 512-272-8042.
storytimes
Public library storytime events listed here are free unless otherwise noted. Programs subject to change. Please contact before attending. continued on page 40
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austinfamily.com | December 2014 | 39
continued from page 39
Austin Public Library storytimes are too numerous for our calendar, but include storytimes for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and all ages. In addition, there are dual language and Spanish language storytimes. Visit the Austin Public Library website for dates, locations, age groups and times. library.austintexas. gov or 512-974-7400.
Mondays Musical Storytime 9:30 a.m. Ages 3 to 5 years. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd. leander.lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259. Baby Time 10 a.m. Ages 3 to 18 months. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375.
Infant Storytime 10:30 a.m. Birth to 1 year. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Preschool Story Time 10:30 a.m. Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohman’s Crossing. laketravislibrary.org or 512263-2885 Bookworms 10:30 a.m. Ages 0 to 18 months. 11:15 a.m. Ages 3 to 6. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. English/Spanish Bilingual Storytime 11 a.m. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375. Storytime at the Story Nook 11 a.m.; 1 and 3 p.m. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Included in museum admission. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6200. All Ages Storytime 12:30 p.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Paws and Read 6 p.m. Grades K through 2. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375. Evening Storytime at the Library 6:30 p.m. Ages 3 and up. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011.
Tuesdays Baby and Me Storytime 9:30 a.m. Ages 0 to 12 months. Georgetown Public Library, 420 W. 8th St. library-georgetown.org or 512-930-3623. Baby and Me 9:30 a.m. Ages 24 months and under with parent. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd. leander. lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259.
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Storytime 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-9906375. Toddler Storytime 10:30 a.m. Toddlers ages 2 and 3 years. Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohman’s Crossing. laketravislibrary.org or 512-263-2885. Reading Dog R.E.A.D. Program 11 a.m. Pre-readers and readers welcome. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Storytime at the Story Nook 11 a.m.; 1 and 3 p.m. Thinkery, 1831 Simond Ave. Included in museum admission. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6200. Storytime and Craft 6 and 7 p.m. Families with kids of all ages. Tickets required. Limit of 24 kids per class. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. Pajama Storytime 7 p.m. Willie Mae Kirk Branch, 3101 Oak Springs Dr. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-9920.
Wednesdays No programs Dec. 24 and 31, except at Thinkery and Barnes & Noble Wobbles Storytime 9:30 a.m. Ages 1 to 2 years. Georgetown Public Library, 420 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or 512-930-3623. Babytime 9:30 a.m. 12 to 18 months. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011. Toddlertime 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. 18 to 36 months. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas. gov/library or 512-218-7011.
Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m. 3 years and older. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011. Pre-K Storytime 10:30 a.m. Leander Public Library, 1011 Bagdad Rd. leander.lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259. Tot Time Storytime 10:30 a.m. 3 years and older. Westbank Library, 1309 Westbank Dr. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Baby Storytime 10:30 a.m. 3 to 24 months. Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohman’s Crossing. laketravislibrary. org or 512-263-2885. Story Pals Storytime 10:30 a.m. Ages 3 years and older. Georgetown Public Library, 420 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or 512-930-3626. Storytime 10:30 a.m. Barnes & Noble. 12701 Hill Country Blvd. barnesandnoble.com or 512-263-7402. Storytime at the Story Nook 11 a.m.; 1 and 3 p.m. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Included in museum admission. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6200. Storytime 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble. 10000 Research Blvd. barnesandnoble.com or 512-418-8985. Storytime 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble. 14010 US Hwy. 183. barnesandnoble.com or 512-249-5644. Storytime 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble. 5601 Brodie Ln. barnesandnoble.com or 512-892-3493.
Thursdays No programs Dec. 25 Wobbles Storytime 9:30 a.m. Ages 1 to 2 years. Georgetown Public continued on page 42
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austinfamily.com | December 2014 | 41
continued from page 41
Library, 420 E. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or 512930-3623. Babytime 9:30 a.m. 12 to 18 months. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-3179. Preschool Storytime 9:30 a.m. 3 years and up. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512218-7012. Vamos a Leer: Spanish Storytime 10 a.m. All ages. Leander Public Library, 1011 Bagdad Rd. leander.lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259. Storytime 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-990-6375. Infant Storytime 10:30 a.m. Birth to 1 year. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklbrary.com or 512-327-3045. Spanish Storytime 10:30 a.m. All ages. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd., westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045. Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m. 3 years and up. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7012. Toddlertime 10:30 a.m. 18 months to 3 years. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011. Story Pals Storytime 10:30 a.m. Ages 3 years and older. Georgetown Public Library, 420 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or 512930-3623.
42 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
Storytime at the Story Nook 11 a.m. 1 and 3 p.m. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Included in museum admission. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6200. Kids Club 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Grades K to 5. Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W. Pfluger St. pflugervilletx.gov or 512-9900-6375. Fridays No programs Dec. 26, except at Thinkery Babytime 9:30 a.m. 12 to 18 months. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011. Baby and Me 10 a.m. Up to 24 months. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd. leander.lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259. Briarcliff Storytime 10 a.m. All ages. Briarcliff Community Center, 22801 Briarcliff Dr. laketravislibrary.org or 512-263-2885. Toddler Time 10:30 a.m. Ages 18 to 36 months. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Rd. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. Toddlertime 10:30 a.m. 18 months to 3 years. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas. gov/library. Children’s Storytime 10:30 a.m. Ages 0 to 5 years. No program December 26. Georgetown Public Library, 402 W. 8th St. library.georgetown.org or 512-930-3551. Storytime at the Story Nook 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Included in museum admission. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6200.
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Preschool Storytime 11:15 a.m. Ages 3 to 6 years. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-9893188. All Ages Storytime 12:30 p.m. Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd. westbanklibrary.com or 512-327-3045.
Saturdays No programs Dec. 27, except at Thinkery Baby Bloomers 9 to 10 a.m. Ages 0 to 3 and their caregivers. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Included with museum admission. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6200. Family Storytime 11 a.m. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main St. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011. Storytime at the Story Nook 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave. Included in museum admission. thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6200. Story Time 11 a.m. All ages. Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. Bow-Wow Read to a Dog 12 p.m. Wells Branch Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr. wblibrary.org or 512-989-3188. READ to Dogs 12 to 2 p.m. No program December 20. Georgetown Library, 402 W. 8th St. library. georgetown.org or 512-931-7716. Monday 1 and 15 Rocking Kid’s Club Day 4:30 p.m. Grades K-5. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512218-3279. continued on page 45
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austinfamily.com | December 2014 | 43
PIENSAPOSITIVO Deseo
Jamás podrá pasar por desapercibida la persona que alcanza las metas que se propone para estudiar. Algunas veces nos preguntamos, ¿cómo es que lo logró a pesar de sus circunstancias? Ejemplo: ¿cómo logró conseguir ese trabajo si casi no habla inglés? ó ¿cómo logró graduarse de la universidad si casi no tenía tiempo? La respuesta a estas preguntas es “deseo ferviente.” Deseo como el que tuvo el hombre que desarrollo el primer auto comercial, Henry Ford, y quién solo cursó hasta el 6to grado de primaria. Si tienen un sueño luchen por él, no se den por vencido en el primer obstáculo. ¡Recuerda que el que persevera alcanza! Piensa Positivo.
Desire
People who seem to always meet their goals in life will never go unnoticed. Sometimes we ask ourselves, how did he/she do it in spite of his/her circumstances? Examples: How did he get that job if he barely speaks English? How was she able to graduate if she barely had time to study? The answer to these questions is “burning desire,” the same burning desire that Henry Ford had when he created the first mass produced automobile and who only completed up to 6th grade. Never give up your dreams to any obstacle; remember that only those who really persevere have the great fortune of seeing their dreams come true. Think Positive.
by Leslie Montoya Host of Despierta Austin
44 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
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continued from page 43
Tuesday 2 Children’s Storytime 10 to 10:30 a.m. French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos St. frenchlegationmuseum.org or 512-472-8180. Chinese Bilingual Storytime 10:30 a.m. Ages 3 and up. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011. Thursday 4 Pajama Storytime 7 p.m. Manchaca Rd. Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd. library.austintexas.gov or 512-974-8700. Saturday 6 Winter Wonderland 10 a.m. All ages. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd. leander.lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259. Hola! Hola! Storytime 10:30 a.m. Lake Travis Library, 1938 Lohman’s Crossing. laketravislibrary.org or 512-263-2885. Bow-Wow Read to a Dog 10:30 a.m. Round Rock Library, 216 E. Main. roundrocktexas.gov/library or 512-218-7011. Saturday 13 Reading Fairy 11 a.m. K through 5th grade. Leander Public Library, 1011 S. Bagdad Rd. leander. lib.tx.us or 512-259-5259. Tuesday 16 American Sign Language Bilingual Storytime 10:30 a.m. Ages 3 and up. Round Rock Public Library, 216 E. Main. roundrocktexas. gov/library or 512-218-7011. Saturday 20 Bow-Wow Read to a Dog Lake Travis Library, 1938 Lohman’s Crossing. laketravislibrary.org or 512-263-2885.
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austinfamily.com | December 2014 | 45
46 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
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Ki d e n o Z Make a Hovercraft Hovercrafts may seem like an impossible concept from the future, but you can recreate one at home. Learn more about air pressure with this simple activity. Supplies: 1. One disposable CD 2. One empty tape holder spool or empty thread spool 3. Hot glue gun 4. A pen 5. One balloon (about 12� works best) Steps: 1. Glue the empty spool to the CD, so the holes line up in the center. Make sure you create a good seal to keep air from escaping. 2. Next, blow up the balloon and pinch the neck of it. 3. Place the CD on a flat surface and stretch the balloon opening over the spool. This step is easier with two people. 4. Finally, let your balloon go and watch your hovercraft fly! What’s happening? The airflow from the balloon causes a cushion of moving air between the CD and the surface beneath it. The airflow lifts the CD and reduces friction, which allows the disc to hover freely. You can experiment by changing the size of the balloon, using a different size disc or filling the balloon with helium instead. How do these changes affect how well the hovercraft flies?
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austinfamily.com | December 2014 | 47
48 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
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films by Jack Kyser
Interstellar
Rated PG-13 Starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, Casey Affleck, Wes Bentley, John Lithgow, Ellen Burstyn, Topher Grace Austin Family critical rating: HHHHH of HHHHH Austin Family Family-Friendly rating: HHHHH of HHHHH The quiet of outer space is astonishing in Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar. It was a joy to sit in the cinema and experience the vastness of the surrounding planets, wormholes and galaxies, hearing only the beautiful sound of the film projector running. This is a positively gigantic movie. It’s Nolan’s most ambitious film to date, tackling huge themes and intercutting between stories set in outer space and on Earth. How many films consider whether we’re ruled by emotion or logic—and which benefits our survival? Interstellar is also Nolan’s most life-affirming and emotional movie to date, trading in the darkness of Inception and The Dark Knight for a tale of resilience. The Earth is dying, and while most of the human race is scrambling to farm their way to survival on this planet, former pilot and engineer Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) is not content to wither away and watch his children die. He stumbles upon the remaining scientists and physicists who comprise NASA, none of whom possess Cooper’s experience
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and training as a pilot. With no hope for Earth’s future in sight, Professor Brand (Michael Caine) asks Cooper to pilot a mission to find an inhabitable planet for the human race. Nolan’s dense, layered dialogue has developed into its own language. Hearing McConaughey deliver these lines is immensely satisfying—I can’t think of a better actor to ground a film of this scope and magnitude. McConaughey himself is a bit larger-than-life, and we believe him for every second as he embodies the pioneering spirit that created America’s great space program. Nolan is one of the best emotional directors working. Interstellar is meant to be felt and experienced more than understood, and nobody can better grip you in a film’s momentum, excitement and emotional power. This is exactly the kind of non-ironic, large-canvas epic that used to soar— closer in feeling to the Hollywood pictures from the 1980s. With a first act that vividly shows life on Earth, a second act of amazing space exploration and a deeply moving third act, Interstellar is one of the best-paced big-studio dramas in years. And the film doesn’t stop there. Even during its resolution, Cooper keeps going—he’s only interested in moving forward, pioneering the next wave. With each film, Nolan keeps doing the same. See Interstellar in glorious 35mm or 70mm film rather than digital projection, as Nolan would prefer. It’s far too rare these days that any thought or care is taken as to how a movie is projected, and it’s gratifying to see Nolan shoot his film a specific way and insist that many theaters show it that way. Jack Kyser is a graduate of Austin High School and 2013 graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
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humor
by Carrie Taylor
Bottom Line: I’m Pooped As a new mom, I read lots of books and neat parenting blogs that promised to prepare me for keeping my precious cherub alive and happy, but nothing warned me about what hid inside the diaper. That’s right; I’m talking about newborn poo, in all its raging, explosive glory. Here are five types I heretofore had no idea existed, but have since witnessed so frequently as to name them. . . The Hiccup-Poo: Sometimes my sweet angel baby gets the hiccups, and it’s adorable. The hiccup-poo occurs when the force of said spasm is so strong that it pushes out a fart…and some bubbly ooze. It sounds something like: hicc-pffff, hicc-pffff. The Gotcha! Poo: Changing a diaper is an adrenaline-filled race between parent and baby. Occasionally, my little one releases what my husband fondly calls “Cheeto dust” just as we are slipping the diaper underneath him. The Gotcha! Poo comes in all sizes, and it often ends up on undesired surfaces, like my hand.
52 | December 2014 | austinfamily.com
The Not-So-Silent and Deadly Poo: One somber morning in church, all was silent—except for my baby’s bowels. My offspring let out a loud series of farts, and it seemed his position in the car seat served to amplify the noise. The poor people behind us never saw it coming. The Escape Artist: This one takes the prize for being equal parts impressive and disgusting. This poo somehow completely evades the diaper, delivering itself up my son’s entire back and even—prepare yourself—the neck. The Pretender: Sometimes my infant will make gaseous noises equivalent to those of a grown, and probably elderly, man. I mentally prepare myself for a monster poo while walking my bundle of joy to his changing table, but am pleasantly surprised to find a small drop instead. I guess you could say this is my favorite poo. Carrie Taylor is a native Texan, freelance writer and mother of one precious baby boy.
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